Patent ID: 7140637
Filing Date: 2006-11-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A method for triggering a restraining device in a motor vehicle, comprising: detecting a crash as a function of at least one first sensor signal from at least one first vehicle sensor; implementing a categorization of a vehicle occupant on the basis of at least one second sensor signal from at least one second vehicle sensor; determining a crash severity on the basis of at least one triggering event corresponding to at least one of a frontal impact, a side impact, a rear impact, and a vehicle roll-over detected in accordance with the at least one first sensor signal; linking the categorization of the vehicle occupant and the crash severity in order to trigger the restraining device required for the vehicle occupant; additionally determining the crash severity as a function of a crash type, which is ascertained on the basis of a feature extracted from the at least one first sensor signal, in that a difference is formed between the extracted feature and a stored feature; and comparing the difference to a predefined threshold value.