FAILURE-PROOF SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLE OPERATION IN THE EVENT OF DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM (ADAS) FAILURES

Abstract

A fail-safe System 100 is provided for vehicle operation in the event of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) failures. System 100 comprises a transceiver 110 and a control unit 104. The transceiver 110 is configured to transmit and receive infrasound signals. The control unit 104 is configured to activate the transceiver 110 to receive infrasound signals associated with tasks or vehicles in the vicinity of a corresponding vehicle in the event of an ADAS sensor failure. From the received infrasound signals, it determines obstacle information and, based on this information, determines appropriate driving actions. System 100 increases the vehicle's safety and reliability under challenging conditions when conventional sensors fail.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to autonomous driving systems and in particular to an infrasound-based communication system and method for increasing vehicle safety in the event of failures of driver assistance systems (ADAS). BACKGROUND

[0002] Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become an integral part of modern vehicles, enhancing safety and the driving experience. These systems utilize various sensors, including Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), cameras, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), to perceive and react to the vehicle's surroundings. ADAS technologies encompass features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision avoidance systems. As the automotive industry moves toward fully automated driving, the reliability and continuous operation of ADAS are becoming increasingly critical.

[0003] However, advanced driver assistance systems face significant challenges in extreme weather conditions, which can have serious consequences, especially in fully automated driving scenarios. In adverse weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, rain, or dense fog, the performance of existing ADAS sensors can be significantly reduced or even fail completely. This impairment of the ADAS sensors is due to the attenuation of the high-frequency waves on which they rely, thus impairing their ability to accurately detect and interpret the environment.

[0004] ADAS can fail not only in extreme weather conditions, but also due to various other factors, such as sensor malfunctions or physical damage from debris or accidents, software problems such as glitches or system crashes, external electromagnetic interference, sensor misalignment due to vehicle vibrations or impacts, cyberattacks that compromise system integrity, power supply problems or battery failures, overheating of electronic components, and sensor blockage by dirt, insects, or other debris.

[0005] The consequences of advanced driver assistance systems failing are particularly concerning in fully automated driving situations. If these systems stop functioning, it can increase the risk of accidents, as automatic braking and collision warnings will be absent. Furthermore, the driver may suddenly have to take control of the vehicle, which can lead to stress and potential errors, especially if the driver is unprepared or distracted. Without traction and stability aids, the risk of skidding or losing control increases. Additionally, the potential loss of real-time traffic information and the slower driver reaction time when manual tasks are replaced by automated ones can significantly compromise road safety.

[0006] If the ADAS system malfunctions, the entire autonomous driving function is impaired, potentially leaving the vehicle without safe navigation or control. Such a situation poses a significant risk to the vehicle's occupants and other road users, as the vehicle may be unable to react appropriately to its surroundings or potential hazards.

[0007] Currently, there is no comprehensive solution for situations where all ADAS sensors are simultaneously impaired or fail. Existing systems rely heavily on the proper functioning of at least some sensors, leaving a critical gap in vehicle safety and functionality when scenarios occur that affect the entire sensor array. This limitation poses a significant challenge to the reliability and safety of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, particularly under adverse conditions where multiple sensor modalities are affected concurrently.

[0008] A prior art document, US10365089B1, discloses an infrasound sensor system for aircraft to detect weather-related and other phenomena in the air. However, the prior art approach is limited to the detection of atmospheric phenomena in aircraft and lacks important features relevant to motor vehicle safety, such as ground vehicle-specific functions.

[0009] Another prior art document, DE102015222140A1, discloses a method for determining the relative position between a motor vehicle and a stationary position using electromagnetic control signals and acoustic localization signals. However, this prior art does not offer a solution for operating vehicles in the event of a complete failure of the ADAS sensors.

[0010] Therefore, the aforementioned problems with autonomous driving systems must be overcome. TASKS

[0011] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a fail-safe system for vehicle operation in the event of failures of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which increases safety under critical conditions.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is the use of low-frequency signals for communication between vehicles and obstacle detection when conventional sensors fail, thereby improving the reliability in autonomous driving systems.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to enable vehicles to navigate safely to a safe location in the event of sensor failures. SUMMARY

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fail-safe system is provided for vehicle operation during the failure of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The fail-safe system comprises a transceiver configured to transmit and receive infrasound signals and a control unit operationally connected to the transceiver. The control unit is configured to activate the transceiver to receive infrasound signals associated with one or more tasks or vehicles in the vicinity of a first vehicle when a failure of one or more sensors of the ADAS system is detected. The control unit further determines obstacle information based on the received infrasound signals and determines one or more driving actions based on this determined obstacle information.

[0015] The control unit determines obstacle information by decoding contextual information embedded in the received infrasound signals. This contextual information includes data relating to one or more tasks or vehicles in the vicinity. The infrasound signals received by the transceiver may be signals transmitted by one or more secondary vehicles in the vicinity of the first vehicle. These secondary vehicles are configured to generate and transmit infrasound signals encoded with contextual information, enabling communication between vehicles when conventional methods fail.

[0016] For tasks without infrasound functions, the fail-safe system uses echo-based communication. The infrasound signals received by the transmitter-receiver can be reflected infrasound signals from tasks in the vehicle's vicinity.

[0017] The fail-safe system further includes an infrasound generation unit configured to generate infrasound signals using mechanical oscillators, electromagnetic devices, fluid dynamics, or combinations thereof. The control unit is also configured to encode a context related to the first vehicle within the transmitted infrasound signals. This allows the vehicle to relay its own information to other vehicles or systems equipped with infrasound receivers.

[0018] When identifying safe locations, the control unit is configured to identify a safe location based on a real-time analysis of received infrasound signals, guide the first vehicle to the identified safe location while continuously monitoring for changes in the environment using the received infrasound signals, and then cause the vehicle to stop at the identified safe location. The safe location is characterized by a continuous open space larger than the vehicle's dimensions, the absence of moving objects within a predetermined radius, or a decreasing signal intensity indicating an increasing distance from other vehicles or obstacles.

[0019] The driving actions determined by the control unit can include reducing vehicle speed, steering towards the identified safe location, maintaining safe distances from detected tasks, stopping the vehicle if the safe location is not detected, activating warning devices, or parking at the identified safe location. These defined driving actions ensure that the vehicle reacts appropriately to its environment based on the infrasound signals.

[0020] The transceiver is configured to transmit pulsed infrasound signals or continuous infrasound signals, enabling a flexible communication method depending on the specific requirements of a situation.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a fail-safe method for vehicle operation during the failure of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is provided. The method comprises the steps of detecting the failure of one or more sensors of the ADAS system associated with a first vehicle, activating a transceiver to receive infrasound signals associated with one or more objects or vehicles in the vicinity of a first vehicle, determining obstacle information based on the received infrasound signals, and determining one or more driving actions based on the determined obstacle information.

[0022] The fail-safe system utilizes the unique properties of infrasound waves, which have longer wavelengths and low frequencies below the lower limit of human hearing (20 Hz). These low-frequency acoustic waves are less attenuated over long distances and can penetrate various materials, making them suitable for communication in adverse weather conditions.

[0023] The preceding sections were given as a general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, along with further advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an exemplary block diagram showing a fail-safe system for vehicle operation in the event of ADAS failures according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is an example block diagram showing one or more modules of a control unit. Fig. 1 in accordance with the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a fail-safe procedure for vehicle operation in the event of ADAS failures according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method for generating and transmitting infrasound signals according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Aspects of the present invention are best understood by reference to the description contained herein. All aspects described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following descriptions. However, it should be understood that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred aspects and numerous specific details thereof, are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be treated as limitations. Changes and modifications may be made within the scope described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

[0025] The present invention provides a fail-safe system for vehicle operation during the failure of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The fail-safe system utilizes infrasound signals, i.e., low-frequency acoustic waves with longer wavelengths and low frequencies below the human hearing threshold (20 Hz). Infrasound signals are suitable for communication under adverse conditions. Infrasound signals can propagate as longitudinal waves in various media such as air, water, and solid ground, where particle displacement is parallel to the wave propagation direction. The fail-safe system is activated when conventional ADAS sensors fail. For example, ADAS sensors can be affected by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, dense fog, or blizzards.Such extreme weather conditions significantly reduce visibility and impair the functionality of ADAS sensors such as RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging), cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), etc. The infrasound-based system serves as a backup by utilizing the ability of low-frequency waves to penetrate adverse weather conditions.

[0026] Upon activation, the system begins receiving infrasound signals from the environment. These signals may originate from other vehicles equipped with similar systems or be reflections of signals emitted by the vehicle itself from nearby objects. The received signals contain coded information about the position, speed, and type of vehicles or obstacles in the vicinity. The system then extracts obstacle information, identifying the presence, location, and characteristics of objects in the vehicle's vicinity. The fail-safe system uses this obstacle information to make decisions regarding driving actions. These actions may include adjusting the vehicle's speed, changing direction, initiating braking, or even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary.The decision-making process takes into account factors such as the current speed of the vehicle, the direction of travel, and the relative positions and movements of the detected obstacles.

[0027] The use of infrasound signals by the fail-safe system offers several advantages over conventional sensor systems. Infrasound waves are attenuated less over long distances than higher-frequency sound waves, enabling communication and detection over greater distances. They can also penetrate various materials and travel long distances, allowing them to detect obstacles even under adverse conditions where conventional sensors fail, thus significantly increasing the safety and reliability of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1 is Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a fail-safe system 100 for vehicle operation during the failure of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) in accordance with the present invention. The fail-safe system 100 comprises an infrasound generation unit 102, a control unit 104, and a transceiver 110. The control unit 104 is operationally connected to the infrasound generation unit 102 and the transceiver 110. The control unit 104 comprises a processor 106 and a memory 108. The memory 108 is a digital storage device that stores the instructions and data required for the operation of the system. The memory 108 can contain both volatile (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, SSD).The processor 106 is a central processing unit and can comprise one or more microprocessors or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) capable of executing the instructions stored in memory 108. It should be noted that the system 100 includes a communication interface for communicating with external and / or internal vehicle systems to receive and send data.

[0029] The infrasound generation unit 102 is configured to continuously generate infrasound signals, enabling ongoing communication and environmental awareness for other vehicles in the vicinity. This continuous infrasound signal generation allows for uninterrupted, real-time monitoring of the surroundings, ensuring that other similarly equipped vehicles can always obtain information about the vehicle's presence and status. The fail-safe system 100, which immediately serves as a backup system in the event of an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) sensor failure, enables a rapid response to sudden environmental changes or new obstacles, ensuring up-to-date situational awareness.Due to its continuous operation, the fail-safe system 100 is always ready to provide critical information when needed, significantly improving the overall safety and reliability of the vehicle in various operating scenarios. It should be noted that infrasound signals are low-frequency acoustic waves with long wavelengths and low frequencies. For example, a 10 Hz infrasound wave in air has a wavelength of approximately 34 meters. In some embodiments, the infrasound generation unit 102 generates the infrasound signals using mechanical oscillators, electromagnetic devices, fluid dynamics, or a combination thereof. The mechanical oscillators are devices that generate low-frequency vibrations through mechanical oscillations, which in turn produce infrasound signals. The mechanical oscillators can be driven by motors or other mechanical means.The electromagnetic devices utilize electromagnetic fields to generate vibrations in a membrane or other structure, producing infrasound signals. In the context of fluid dynamics, air or liquid flows under high pressure through specially designed nozzles or tubes, which subsequently generate infrasound signals. In an alternative embodiment, the infrasound generation unit 102 can be replaced by a different type of low-frequency sound wave generator.

[0030] The generated infrasound signals can be either pulsed or continuous. The propagation of infrasound signals associated with the fail-safe System 100 is influenced by various factors, including the characteristics of the source, the transmission medium, and the environmental conditions. These low-frequency waves can reach the receiver via multiple paths. Under ideal conditions, infrasound signals follow a direct path from the source to the receiver when no significant obstacles are present. However, System 100 also utilizes the reflective properties of infrasound, which can bounce off surfaces such as the ground, buildings, or other vehicles, thus creating multiple signal paths to the receiver. This multipath propagation can improve signal reception and provide additional information about the surroundings.Furthermore, infrasound waves, due to their long wavelength, exhibit strong diffraction properties, enabling them to circumvent obstacles and propagate even when the direct line of sight is obstructed. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in complex urban environments or situations with numerous obstacles, as it ensures consistent communication and obstacle detection by the fail-safe System 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, the infrasound signals are weatherproof and safe for humans. It should be noted that weatherproof and safe for humans infrasound refers to infrasound waves that maintain their integrity and effectiveness under various adverse weather conditions and resist attenuation or distortion by factors such as heavy rain, dense fog, or strong winds, and operate at frequencies (typically below 20 Hz) and intensities that pose no known health risks to humans or animals, thus ensuring that the operation of the system has no adverse effects on the well-being of vehicle occupants or pedestrians.

[0032] The control unit 104 is configured to perform the following functions: activating the transceiver 110 to receive and transmit infrasound signals, encoding the infrasound signals, detecting obstacle information based on the received infrasound signals, determining one or more driving functions, and identifying a safe place to park the vehicle.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 104 comprises an ADAS failure detection module 202, a decoding module 204, a coding module 206, an obstacle detection module 208, a driving function determination module 210, and a safe location determination module 212. The modules work together under the direction of the control unit 104 to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle even under difficult conditions. It should be noted that the one or more modules described are for illustrative purposes only and that in various implementations, one or more of these modules may be combined into a single module or subdivided into additional submodules based on specific design requirements, processing capabilities, or operational efficiencies.

[0034] The coding module 206 is configured to encode at least one piece of contextual information into the infrasound signals. The contextual information used here refers to a series of data points that provide comprehensive details about the tasks or vehicles in the vicinity. This can include, among other things, location coordinates, object or vehicle type, dimensions, speed, direction of travel, acceleration or deceleration rates, operational status, and other relevant attributes that contribute to understanding the presence of the object or vehicle, its behavior, and its potential impact on navigation and safety. The control unit 104 encodes the location information using GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates with meter-level accuracy, while the vehicle type data is represented by specific signal characteristics such as amplitude or frequency modulation.Other coded information can include the vehicle's speed, direction of travel, dimensions, and operational status. This coding scheme enables communication between vehicles with contextual information for navigation and decision-making under challenging conditions. The coded infrasound signals serve as robust, low-frequency data that remains effective even when conventional sensors and communication systems are affected by adverse weather conditions or other environmental factors.

[0035] After the context information is encoded, the coding module 206 is configured to transmit the encoded infrasound signals to the transceiver 110. The transceiver 110 is a hardware component capable of both transmitting and receiving infrasound signals. It is configured to operate efficiently within an infrasound frequency range, typically below 20 Hertz (Hz), and is optimized for vehicle applications. In some embodiments, the transmission of the encoded infrasound signals can be pulsed or continuous, depending on the operating mode and environmental conditions. For example, in dense urban environments with numerous vehicles, the transceiver 110 can transmit pulsed signals to reduce signal congestion. The transceiver 110 might, for instance, transmit a 2-second infrasound pulse every 5 seconds.Each pulsed infrasound signal contains coded information about the vehicle's location, speed, vehicle type, and similar data. The pulsed approach helps minimize interference between signals from multiple vehicles and conserves energy, which is particularly useful in slow-moving traffic where rapid updates are less critical. In another scenario, on a high-speed highway under adverse weather conditions, such as heavy fog, the Transceiver 110 could switch to continuous signal transmission. In such a scenario, the Transceiver 110 continuously emits coded infrasound signals. This continuous data stream enables real-time tracking and prediction of vehicle movement, which is crucial for maintaining safe distances and avoiding collisions in poor visibility conditions where conventional sensors are impaired.Continuous mode provides the most up-to-date information and allows for a faster response to sudden changes in the vehicle's environment.

[0036] The Transceiver 110 is configured to transmit the coded infrasound signals omnidirectionally, ensuring coverage in all directions around the vehicle. The transmission power is optimized to achieve a balance between effective range and energy efficiency, enabling communication over distances of up to several hundred meters under ideal conditions. The system utilizes signal processing techniques to minimize interference with transmissions from other vehicles and improve signal clarity in noisy environments. Furthermore, the Control Unit 104 can dynamically adjust transmission parameters, such as frequency and amplitude, based on current driving conditions and the detected presence of other infrasound-equipped vehicles nearby.The adaptive transmission strategy helps to maintain reliable communication while optimizing system performance and reducing potential signal congestion in areas with high vehicle density.

[0037] The ADAS Failure Detection Module 202 is configured to continuously monitor and detect ADAS system failures when one or more ADAS sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and radar, become ineffective due to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, dense fog, blizzards, or other severe atmospheric conditions. The ADAS Failure Detection Module 202 monitors the quality, consistency, and reliability of sensor data using various methods, such as signal strength analysis, data consistency checks, self-diagnostic routines, environmental condition assessment, and failure rate monitoring, to detect ADAS system failures.The ADAS Failure Detection Module 202 assesses the strength and clarity of signals from each sensor, compares data from multiple sensors to detect discrepancies, performs regular automatic tests of sensor functionality, evaluates external factors such as weather that could affect sensor performance, and tracks the frequency and type of faults reported by each sensor.

[0038] If significant degradation or complete failure of the ADAS sensors is detected, the ADAS failure detection module 202 immediately activates the transceiver 110 to receive infrasound signals and maintain vehicle safety and operational capability. In some embodiments, the infrasound signals received by the transceiver 110 are infrasound signals transmitted by one or more secondary vehicles in the vicinity of a primary vehicle (i.e., the relevant vehicle). These secondary vehicles are equipped with the fail-safe system 100 and configured to generate and transmit infrasound signals encoded with location, vehicle type information, and other contextual information.In some embodiments, the infrasound signals received by the transceiver 110 are reflected infrasound signals from one or more objects in the vicinity of the corresponding vehicle and / or the first vehicle. In this context, the one or more objects can be any stationary objects or vehicles not equipped with infrasound-generating, transmitting, and receiving capabilities. It should be noted that the first vehicle and the second vehicle are provided to distinguish between the vehicle equipped with the fail-safe system 100, which receives and processes infrasound signals (referred to as the first vehicle), and other vehicles in the vicinity that may be transmitting infrasound signals (referred to as the second vehicles).When infrasound is reflected from a surface, the interaction depends primarily on the size and material of the object relative to the wavelength of the infrasound. When infrasound waves strike the ground or a solid surface, they are reflected back into the air. The angle of incidence (the angle at which the wave hits the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection. Infrasound waves can penetrate various materials and travel long distances, making them useful for obstacle detection in fog and heavy rain. In some cases, some of the energy may be absorbed by the surface or scattered in various directions, depending on the material and structure of the surface.

[0039] The decoding module 204 is configured to decode the received infrasound signals in order to determine obstacle information. In some embodiments, the received infrasound signals may be infrasound signals from other vehicles, infrasound signals reflected by the tasks, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the decoding module 204 employs signal processing techniques to extract contextual information embedded in the received infrasound signals, such as location and vehicle type. It should be noted that the specific signal processing techniques used to decode the infrasound signals may vary and can be selected by a person skilled in the art based on the specific requirements of the system, the nature of the encoded information, and the prevailing environmental conditions.Signal processing techniques can include various filtering methods, spectral analysis, and advanced pattern recognition and data extraction algorithms. If the received infrasound signals are reflected, the 204 decoding module calculates the time delay between transmission and reception to determine the distance and analyzes the frequency shifts to estimate the relative velocity using the Doppler effect. Machine learning algorithms can be used to classify complex signal patterns and improve obstacle detection accuracy over time. The decoded information is then synthesized to create a comprehensive representation of the environment, including the location, type, speed, and trajectory of detected obstacles or vehicles.It should be noted that the term "object information" is used in the broadest sense to refer to the information decoded from the received infrasound signals, which may include, but is not limited to, data about other vehicles, stationary obstacles, road conditions, and environmental features. The present invention comprises the use of current and future digital signal processing techniques that can effectively embed and extract information from infrasound signals for the purpose of vehicle communication and obstacle detection in challenging environments.

[0040] The obstacle detection module 208 is configured to detect obstacles based on the position, size, speed, direction of movement, and type of detected objects or vehicles. In some embodiments, the obstacle detection module 208 processes the decoded information from the infrasound signals to classify objects as static (e.g., parked cars, buildings) or dynamic (e.g., moving vehicles, pedestrians) and to estimate their trajectories. The obstacle detection module 208 can also infer potential obstacles by analyzing patterns in the received signals, such as sudden changes in signal strength or frequency, which might indicate the presence of an object.In addition, the obstacle detection module 208 correlates data over time to track moving tasks and predict their future positions, improving the system's ability to anticipate and avoid potential collisions.

[0041] After detecting an obstacle, the Driving Function Determination Module 210 determines one or more driving actions to be performed by the vehicle. Depending on the interpreted environmental conditions and potential hazards, these driving actions may include reducing vehicle speed, steering to a safe location, maintaining a safe distance from detected objects or vehicles, stopping the vehicle if no safe location is detected, activating warning devices, or parking at the safe location. The decision-making process considers decoded location information, the presence and type of other vehicles, and detected obstacles or road conditions. The system's ability to make informed decisions based on infrasound signal data enables the vehicle to navigate safely even when conventional sensors have failed.This means that the fail-safe System 100 significantly increases the resilience and reliability of autonomous vehicles under difficult conditions, such as bad weather.

[0042] In some embodiments, the safe location identification module 212 is configured to identify the safe location based on a real-time analysis of the received infrasound signals, guide the vehicle to the identified safe location while continuously monitoring for changes in the environment using the received infrasound signals, and cause the vehicle to stop at the identified safe location. The safe location is characterized by a continuous open space larger than the vehicle's dimensions, the absence of moving objects within a predetermined radius, or a decreasing signal intensity indicating an increasing distance from other vehicles or obstacles, or a combination thereof.

[0043] In some embodiments, infrasound communication can be implemented as a half-duplex system, enabling bidirectional communication between vehicles and improving situational awareness and coordination under adverse conditions.

[0044] The control unit 104 and its associated modules form a robust, fail-safe System 100 that can effectively manage sensor failures in ADAS systems. By utilizing the unique properties of infrasound waves and implementing a half-duplex communication system, System 100 ensures the safe operation of the vehicle even under extreme weather conditions.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 1-2 shows Fig. 3. A fail-safe method for vehicle operation in the event of ADAS failures according to the present invention. The Fig. The 3 described procedures can be used in the system 100 of Fig. 1. For the sake of brevity and to avoid redundancy, the individual components of System 100 will not be explained again here, as they are already described in the description of the Fig. 1-2 were detailed. It goes without saying that the in Fig. The 3 outlined steps are carried out by the corresponding modules and components of System 100, using the hardware and software infrastructure described above.

[0046] Step 302 of the procedure involves the continuous monitoring and determination of ADAS system failure based on signal strength analyses, data consistency checks, self-diagnostic routines, environmental condition assessments, and failure rate monitoring. ADAS system failure can be caused by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, dense fog, or blizzards, which significantly reduce visibility and impair the functionality of conventional sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and radar.

[0047] In step 304, the procedure initiates a decision process to determine whether the ADAS system failure was detected in step 302. If so, the procedure proceeds to step 306. Otherwise, the procedure loops back to step 302.

[0048] In step 306, the procedure includes activating the transceiver 110 to receive the infrasound signals. After activation of the transceiver 110, the procedure in step 308 includes decoding the received infrasound signals to extract contextual information encoded in the infrasound signals if the received infrasound signals originate from one or more other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle in question. This contextual information includes, but is not limited to, location, vehicle type, vehicle speed, and other relevant information. If the received infrasound signals are reflected infrasound signals from one or more objects in the vicinity of the vehicle in question, the procedure in step 308 includes analyzing the reflected infrasound signals to determine the presence, location, and properties of the objects in the vicinity.The analysis of reflected infrasound signals includes measuring the time delay between signal transmission and reception to calculate distances to objects, evaluating frequency shifts to estimate relative velocities, and assessing signal strength fluctuations to infer the size and composition of objects. The method can also compare the reflected signal patterns with known profiles to identify specific types of objects or obstacles. A person skilled in the art can determine a suitable signal processing method for decoding the infrasound signals without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] In step 310, the procedure includes obstacle detection by processing the decoded information from the infrasound signals or the information from the reflected infrasound signals. In step 312, the procedure includes determining one or more driving actions based on the obstacle information. Depending on the interpreted environmental conditions and potential hazards, the driving actions may include reducing vehicle speed, steering toward a safe location, maintaining safe distances from detected tasks or vehicles, stopping the vehicle if the safe location is not detected, activating alarm units, or parking at the safe location.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method also includes identifying the safe location based on a real-time analysis of the received infrasound signals, steering the vehicle to the identified safe location while continuously monitoring changes in the environment based on the received infrasound signals, and stopping the vehicle at the identified safe location. The safe location is characterized by a continuous open space larger than the vehicle's dimensions, by the absence of moving objects within a predetermined radius, or by a decreasing signal intensity indicating an increasing distance from other vehicles or obstacles, or a combination thereof.

[0051] Because the system is able to make informed decisions based on infrasound data, the vehicle can navigate safely even when conventional sensors are malfunctioning. This capability significantly increases the resilience and reliability of autonomous vehicles in adverse weather conditions.

[0052] With reference to the Fig. 1-3 shows Fig. 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for generating and transmitting infrasound signals according to the present invention. The Fig. The 4 described procedures can be used in the system 100 of Fig. 1. For the sake of brevity and to avoid redundancy, the individual components of System 100 will not be explained again here, as they are already described in the description of the Fig. 1-2 were detailed. It goes without saying that the in Fig.The four outlined steps are carried out by the relevant modules and components of System 100, using the hardware and software infrastructure described above.

[0053] Step 402 of the process involves the continuous generation of infrasound signals to enable other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle in question to maintain constant communication and environmental awareness. Mechanical oscillators, electromagnetic devices, or fluid dynamics can be used in this process.

[0054] Once the infrasound signals have been generated, the method proceeds to step 404, in which location, vehicle type information, and other context-related data are encoded into the infrasound signals. The method comprises embedding the infrasound signals with data about position, speed, vehicle type, and other relevant data using signal processing techniques. A person skilled in the art can determine a suitable signal processing method for encoding the infrasound signals without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0055] After the infrasound signals have been encoded, the procedure proceeds to step 406, in which the encoded infrasound signals are transmitted to other vehicles or tasks in the vicinity using the transceiver 110. The transmission of infrasound signals can be implemented as a half-duplex system, enabling bidirectional communication between vehicles.

[0056] The system's ability to function under adverse conditions where conventional sensors fail represents a significant improvement in the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. By providing a redundant sensor modality largely unaffected by atmospheric conditions, the fail-safe System 100 reduces the likelihood of accidents or operational disruptions due to sensor failures. This capability could potentially extend the operational range of autonomous vehicles to weather conditions that currently require human intervention.

[0057] The introduction of this fail-safe system could have far-reaching applications across various transportation sectors. Besides private vehicles, the technology could also be used in commercial trucking, public transport, and emergency vehicles. The system's ability to maintain safe operation in poor visibility conditions could be particularly valuable for first responders who need to navigate through smoke, dust, or inclement weather to reach emergency scenes.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible, and modifications to the embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, these embodiments are merely an illustration of the inventive concepts contained herein. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10365089B1

[0008] DE 102015222140A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Fail-safe system (100) for vehicle operation in the event of failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), comprising the following: a transceiver (110) configured to transmit and receive infrasound signals; and a controller (104) which is operationally connected to the transceiver (110) and configured to: to activate the transceiver (110) to receive infrasound signals associated with one or more tasks and / or vehicles in the vicinity of a first vehicle when a failure of one or more sensors of the ADAS system is detected; Determination of obstacle information based on received infrasound signals; and to determine one or more driving actions based on the obstacle information obtained. [2] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (104) determines the obstacle information by decoding context information embedded in the received infrasound signals, the context information comprising data relating to one or more tasks or vehicles in the environment. [3] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the infrasound signals received by the transceiver (110) are infrasound signals transmitted by one or more second vehicles in the vicinity of the first vehicle, wherein the one or more second vehicles are configured to generate and transmit the infrasound signals embedded with context information. [4] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the infrasound signals received by the transmitter receiver (110) are reflected infrasound signals from one or more objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. [5] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1 further comprises an infrasound generation unit (102) configured to generate the infrasound signals using mechanical oscillators, electromagnetic devices, fluid dynamics or combinations thereof. [6] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to encode context information associated with the first vehicle in the transmitted infrasound signals. [7] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured such that it: to determine a safe location based on real-time analysis of the received infrasound signals, to guide the first vehicle towards the identified safe location while continuously monitoring for changes in the environment using the received infrasound signals; and which brings the vehicle to a stop at the specified safe location, where a safe place is characterized by: a continuous free space larger than the dimensions of the vehicle; the absence of moving objects within a predetermined radius; or a decreasing signal intensity indicating an increasing distance from other vehicles or obstacles. [8] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drive operations comprise at least one of the following: Reduction of vehicle speed; Direction towards a specific safe place; Maintaining safe distances from identified tasks; to stop the vehicle if no safe position is detected; Activation of alarm units; or Parking in the designated safe location. [9] Fail-safe system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver (110) is configured to transmit pulsed infrasound signals or continuous infrasound signals. [10] Fail-safe system for vehicle operation during the failure of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), comprising the following steps: Detection of the failure of one or more sensors of the ADAS system connected to a first vehicle; Activating a transceiver (110) to receive infrasound signals associated with one or more tasks or vehicles in the vicinity of the first vehicle; Determination of obstacle information based on received infrasound signals; and Determination of one or more driving actions based on the obstacle information obtained.

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