DE102009000905A1 - Passenger protection unit activating method for use by airbag controller of vehicle, involves providing additional activation signal for activating additional passenger protection unit based on additional comparison results - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves comparing a set of sensor information with two threshold values in order to determine a comparison result (61) and an additional comparison result (62). Another set of sensor information is compared with two threshold values in order to determine a comparison result (71) and an additional comparison result (72). An activation signal (41) for activating a passenger protection unit is provided based on the comparison results. An additional activation signal (42) for activating an additional passenger protection unit is provided based on the additional comparison results. An independent claim is also included for a computer program product comprising program code stored on a machine readable medium for performing a method for activating a passenger protection unit of a vehicle.

Description

State of the art

The The present invention relates to a method according to claim 1, a control device according to claim 13, and a computer program product according to claim 14th

In Current airbag control units (ECUS) are the ones of the algorithm Tripping decisions taken on the microprocessor plausibility through an independent hardware path. This is considered a countermeasure against a "madman Microcontroller "(" Crazy Microcontroller "), the arbitrary and without any logical basis fire decisions meets. The independent hardware path can be controlled by a safety controller SCON (SafetyCONtroller) implemented in the form of a hardware block be. Any triggering decision of the airbag control unit must be confirmed by this safety control.

Accident situations often have a critical driving history. The WO 2008 086 925 A1 therefore proposes to exploit states from the ESP control unit and to make these available to the safety controller SCON on the airbag control unit in the form of binary information. A so-called DIS_SFL line of the safety controller SCON can then be set on the basis of the external control device information.

The DE 100 57916 A1 deals with a control system for a restraint system in a motor vehicle. A safety switch monitors the sensor signals that are transmitted to the processor of the control unit for plausibility.

If the safety switch itself detects a trip case the safety switch gives appropriate restraint means free for a given time.

The Functionality of the safety controller SCON is so far tailored to the plausibility of accident situations. The Adjustable smolders are set so that in normal driving situations no SCON release takes place, but that the safety control SCON only in the accident plausibility.

In Future need restraint before one actual accident ignited. When leaving the Lane (off-road situation) moves the vehicle occupant z. B. very strong in the passenger compartment. Ends the off-road trip in one Collision with a tree or pole, so the occupant sits in a wrong position ("Out of position") and the retention means (RHM) can no longer develop its full protective effect and in the worst case, do more harm than good cause. For this reason, it is beneficial to start a To recognize off-road situation and appropriate restraining means too ignite, z. B. reversible retention agent or a pyrotechnic belt tensioner. The belt tensioner stops the inmates then in position for successor events.

With the current SCON approach would require set the corresponding thresholds for plausibility checking so low that the safety controller SCON would be very often active. He could then defend against a "crazy Microcontroller "no longer comply.

Disclosure of the invention

In front In this background, the present invention provides a method for unlocking occupant protection means of a vehicle, further a controller that uses this method and finally a corresponding computer program product according to independent claims presented. advantageous Embodiments emerge from the respective subclaims and the following description.

The Invention is based on the recognition that trigger decisions for occupant protection and in particular for Be sure to check the means of restraint if for the plausibility check has different thresholds stand. The core of the invention is the provision of several Thresholds per Safety Control Input ("Safety ID") a safety control, for example in the form of a SafetyCONtrollers SCON.

With the present invention can be remedied the defect, that the safety control SCON is either only for accident situations is fit for purpose and thus does not make plausibility the off-road tripping can or can make plausibility checks for off-road tripping, but then their protective function against the ignition more expensive and possibly injurious restraint means no longer comply can. Advantageously, both requirements can be solved by the present Fulfill invention.

The approach of the present invention provides the functional advantage of maintaining SCON robustness for airbag-related crash tripping thresholds. This is z. B. associated with an avoidance of Crashrecordereinträge and sinvoll with regard to product liability. In addition, there is a hardware-based protection of off-road scenarios or other accident situations in which reversible or irreversible restraint means are to be detonated, although there is no classic accident. In addition, the hardware costs can be reduced. This is possible by a simple implementation of the approach according to the invention in the form of a "multiple threshold".

The present invention provides a method for unlocking occupant protection means of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: receiving first sensor information and second sensor information via an interface;
Comparing the first sensor information with a first threshold value to determine a first comparison result and comparing the first sensor information with at least one further threshold value to determine at least one further comparison result;
Comparing the second sensor information with a second first threshold value to determine a second first comparison result and comparing the second sensor information with at least one second further threshold value to determine at least a second further comparison result;
Providing a first enable signal for enabling a first occupant protection means, dependent on the first comparison result and the second first comparison result; and
Providing at least one further activation signal for enabling at least one further occupant protection means, depending on the at least one further comparison result and the at least one second further comparison result.

Under Occupant protection means fall, for example, means of restraint like airbags or belt tensioners. Unlocking can mean that triggering the occupant protection means in response to an additional trigger signal possible is. The sensor information may be signals or data represented by one or more sensors be determined from such signals or data. The sensors may be, for example, acceleration sensors or Distance sensors act. The interface may be a hardware or software interface act, depending on whether the inventive Process is implemented in hardware or in software. The comparison results can indicate whether the respective sensor information the corresponding Threshold exceeds or falls below. For example the comparison results can have a first value, if the sensor information exceeds the threshold and have a second value if the sensor information is the threshold value below. The thresholds compared to the first sensor information and the corresponding further thresholds with which the second sensor information is compared, depending on Embodiment be the same or different. The activation signals become dependent on the associated comparison results provided. This can mean that a release signal one first value, if at least one of the assigned Comparison results an activation of an associated restraint means is permissible. If none of the associated comparison results an activation of the associated restraining means permissible indicates that the enabling signal may have a second value, which prevents a release of the occupant protection device. The enable signals can thus cause respective ones Tripping paths of occupant protection devices are released.

To the Providing the first enable signal can be an OR operation between the first comparison result and the second first comparison result be performed and to provide the at least Another enable signal can be an OR operation between the at least one further comparison result and the performed at least a second further comparison result become. Thus, a release signal already appealing provided a single valid comparison result become. An OR operation is simple and inexpensive to realize.

For example the first enable signal may be configured to be a first Unlock group of occupant protection and that at least An additional release signal can be designed to be at least to unlock another group of occupants. Consequently Several occupant protection devices can be combined and be assigned to a release signal. The groups can assigned the same or different occupant protection be.

According to one Embodiment, the first group and the at least one other Group of occupant protection devices at least one common occupant protection device on. Is an occupant protection device assigned to different groups, so can this occupant protection based on different Thresholds are unlocked.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention may comprise a step of receiving a first triggering decision and at least one further triggering decision via a further interface and a step of providing a first triggering signal depending on the first triggering decision and the first enabling signal and providing at least one further triggering signal depending on the at least one triggering signal have further trigger decision and the at least one further enable signal. In this way, a plausibility of a trigger decision be carried out and, in response, initiation or prevention of occupant protection.

According to one Another embodiment, the steps of comparing depending on a setting signal performed become. The adjustment signal can be part of the invention Be determined or provided externally and over an interface can be supplied. The adjustment signal can be designed to define special thresholds or to select special thresholds to select the sensor information is used. That way you can the thresholds are set depending on the situation. For example, the adjustment signal may be configured to adjust, that the comparison of a sensor information either only with the respective first threshold or only with one of the respective further thresholds is compared. Thus it can be avoided that the sensor information is constantly available to all standing thresholds must be compared to the Perform plausibility check.

The Adjustment signal may represent a signal generated by a triggering algorithm for driving the occupant protection means provided. Thus, those of the triggering algorithm ascertained information for the inventive Procedures are used.

The Comparing the first sensor information with the first threshold and comparing the second sensor information with the second one first threshold may occur when the adjustment signal a first value and comparing the first sensor information with the at least one further threshold and the comparison the second sensor information with the at least one second further Threshold can occur when the adjustment signal a second Value. Thus, the comparisons may be dependent from the adjustment signal either with the respective first threshold value or with the respective further threshold value become. The first thresholds and the further thresholds can be used be adapted to different driving situations.

there the method according to the invention can be a step of setting the adjustment signal to the second value, depending from the further comparison result and the second further comparison result exhibit. In this way, the adjustment signal can be determined from values be that of the inventive method to be provided. This increases the security of the plausibility check of triggering decisions.

One Resetting the setting signal to the first value can timed. Thus, for example, a predetermined Duration after a Predetermined event of a currently set further threshold value to a previous or the first threshold value be switched back.

Further the adjustment signal can be dependent on a third comparison result and a second third comparison result of the second value be set to a third value and the first sensor information can with a third threshold and the second sensor information are compared with a second third threshold when the set signal has the third value.

method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of receiving at least a third sensor information about the interface is received, with a step of comparing the third sensor information having a third first threshold, to determine a third first comparison result and comparing the at least one third sensor information with at least one third further threshold, at least a third further Determine the comparison result and in the provision of the first enable signal further dependent on the third first Comparison result and providing the at least one other Enable signal further depends on the at least one third additional comparison result. Thus can can more than two thresholds for comparing sensor information be used. In this case, a respective suitable threshold be activated depending on the situation.

The The present invention further provides a control device for Performing the method according to the invention. Also by this embodiment of the invention in the form a control unit, the underlying of the invention Task to be solved quickly and efficiently.

In the present case, a control device can be understood as meaning an electrical device which processes sensor signals and outputs control signals in dependence thereon. The control unit may have an interface, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based design, the interfaces can be part of a so-called system ASIC, for example, which contains various functions of the control unit. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules, for example, on a microcontroller and other soft Waremodulen are present.

From Advantage is also a computer program product with program code, the on a machine-readable medium such as a semiconductor memory, stored in a hard disk memory or an optical memory is and to carry out the method according to one of used in the above-described embodiments, if the program is running on a controller becomes.

The The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings exemplified in more detail. Show it:

1 a block diagram of a system for hardware plausibility of trigger decisions;

2 a block diagram of a safety controller according to the invention for the selective activation of restraint means;

3 a block diagram of a tripping logic according to the invention for the selective activation of restraint means;

4 a block diagram of a particular first embodiment of the safety controller according to the invention for the selective activation of restraint means;

5 a block diagram of a particular second embodiment of the safety controller according to the invention for the selective activation of restraint means; and

6 Block diagram of a special third embodiment of the safety controller according to the invention for the selective activation of restraint means.

Same or similar elements can be found in the following Figures provided by the same or similar reference numerals be. Further included in the figures of the drawings, their description and the claims numerous features in combination. a It is clear to a person skilled in the art that these features are also considered individually or they become further combinations not explicitly described here can be summarized.

1 shows a block diagram of a system for hardware plausibility of tripping decisions for occupant protection means of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Shown is a sensor interface 10 , a microcontroller 20 (μC) with a triggering algorithm 50 , a selector 30 , a device 40 for unlocking occupant protection means of a vehicle in the form of a safety controller SCON with comparison devices 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 and a merger 100 , a first logic 110 , a second logic 120 , an Nth logic 130 , a firing selector 140 and ignition devices 150 in the form of squibs. The device 40 is designed to carry out the inventive method for unlocking occupant protection means.

The sensor interface 10 is designed to receive sensor signals 1 to receive and to the microcontroller 20 as well as to the selector 30 provide. The selector 30 is designed to receive selected sensor information 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 to the comparison facilities 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 provide. According to this embodiment, the selector 30 designed to provide first sensor information 31 to a first comparison device 60 , a second sensor information 32 to a second comparison device 70 , a third sensor information 33 to a third comparator 80 and fourth sensor information 34 to a fourth comparator 90 provide. The first comparison device 60 is designed to receive the first sensor information 31 to compare with a first threshold to a first comparison result 61 to determine to compare with a second threshold to a second comparison result 62 to be determined and compared with a third threshold to a third comparison result 63 to determine and each to the merger 100 provide. The second comparison device 70 is adapted to the second sensor information 32 compare with another first threshold to another first comparison result 71 to be compared with another second threshold to another second comparison result 72 to be determined and compared with another third threshold to another third comparison result 73 to determine and each to the merger 100 provide. The third comparator 80 is designed to receive the third sensor information 33 compare with another first threshold to another first comparison result 81 to be compared with another second threshold to another second comparison result 82 to be determined and compared with another third threshold to another third comparison result 83 to determine and each to the merger 100 provide. In a corresponding manner, the fourth comparison device 90 trained to the fourth sensor information 34 compare with another first threshold to another first comparison result 91 to be compared with another second threshold to another second comparison result 92 to determine and compare with another third threshold to another third comparison result 93 to determine and each to the merger 100 provide. The same applies to any existing comparison devices. The merger 100 is designed to be based on the first comparison results 61 . 71 . 81 . 91 a first release signal 41 , based on the second comparison results 62 . 72 . 82 . 92 a second unlock signal 42 and based on the third comparison results 63 . 73 . 83 . 93 a third release signal 43 provide. So that's the first logic 110 associated with the first thresholds based on which the first comparison results 61 . 71 . 81 . 91 be determined, the second logic 120 associated with the second thresholds based on which the second comparison results 62 . 72 . 82 . 92 be determined and the third logic 130 assigned to the third thresholds based on which the third comparison results 63 . 73 . 83 . 93 be determined

The microcontroller 20 is designed to be the triggering algorithm 50 and based on further sensor information 12 . 13 . 14 a trigger decision 51 to the firing selector 140 provide. According to this embodiment, the microcontroller is 20 further configured to receive a tuning signal 52 to determine and to the device 40 to provide for unlocking occupant protection means of a vehicle. The adjustment signal 52 may be formed to the thresholds of the comparison devices 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 set or comparisons with single or multiple thresholds within the comparators 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 to activate or deactivate.

The first logic 110 is designed to be the first enabling signal 41 and a first trigger decision 141 from the firing selector 140 to receive and trigger signals 115 . 116 . 117 to the ignition devices 150 provide. The second logic 120 is designed to the second enable signal 42 and a second triggering decision 142 from the firing selector 140 to receive and trigger signals 125 . 126 . 127 to the ignition devices 150 provide. The Nth logic 130 is trained to the third enable signal 43 and a third trigger decision 143 from the firing selector 140 to receive and trigger signals 135 . 136 . 137 to the ignition devices 150 provide. The ignition devices 150 are trained to receive an ignition signal 151 to provide occupant protection.

Below is the structure and function of the in 1 shown system described in detail with reference to an embodiment.

The peripheral and internal sensor data 1 of an airbag system are from the sensor interface 10 detected. The amount of sensor data 11 becomes the microcontroller 20 as signals 12 . 13 . 14 made available. From the amount of sensor data 11 from the sensor interface 10 selects a selector block 30 all safety-relevant signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 and forms them on safety inputs (Safety IOs) of the device 40 from. The device 40 can be executed as SCON ASICs. The data 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 can separately advise lines in the blocks 20 . 30 . 40 flow or may for example lie on a serial bus such as the SPI and be selected from there via an identification ID. Within the SCON ASIC 40 become the sensor signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 the different Safety IOs in the threshold blocks 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 subjected to a threshold comparison. It is a comparison of the signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 each with multiple thresholds, as for example in 2 is shown.

For example, for the threshold block 60 apply, depending on which threshold has been exceeded, the output signals 61 . 62 . 63 set to "0" or "1". This applies accordingly to the signals 71 . 72 . 73 . 81 . 82 . 83 . 91 . 92 . 93 , In the merger block 100 The individual status flags are over the signals 61 . 62 . 63 . 71 . 72 . 73 . 81 . 82 . 83 . 91 . 92 . 93 were transmitted summarized and over the lines 41 . 42 . 43 passed.

The control of threshold processing in the block 40 can over the line 52 done, as for example, by hand 4 is described.

The on the microcontroller 20 running algorithm 50 provides fire decisions in an accident situation, which the microcontroller 20 in the signal 51 can pass on. Again, that is the date 51 can be passed through one or more electrical lines with a defined voltage level or via a bus (for example, SPI).

In the firing circle selector 140 is selected, which ignition circuit over which of the lines 41 . 42 . 43 should be activated. The respective ignition circuit information is via the signals 141 . 142 . 143 made available. The ignition circuit information 141 For example, it flows into the first logic block 110 , the ignition circuit information 142 in the second logic block 120 and the third ignition circuit information 143 in the Nth logic block 130 ,

In the logic blocks 110 . 120 . 130 become the triggering decisions 141 . 142 and 143 through the respective hardware plausibility signals 41 . 42 . 43 unlocked. The first logic block 110 can do this via the signals 115 . 116 . 117 activate the associated retention means. The second Lo gikblock 120 can over the signals 125 . 126 . 127 activate the associated retention means. The third logic block 130 can over the signals 135 . 136 . 137 control the associated with him retention means. The activation and ignition of the retention means 151 takes place in squibs block 150 ,

The following is the function of in 1 shown embodiment based on a specific driving situation explained. In this case, the triggering algorithm detects 50 a driving situation in which a vehicle arrives from the roadway. In this driving situation a belt tensioner should be ignited.

The over the signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 provided signal height is sufficient to at least one sensor signal 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 a second threshold in the blocks 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 To exceed. This will cause the signal in this case 42 activated and the ignition 142 in the second logic 120 driven. None of the signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 exceeds one of the first thresholds in the blocks 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 , That means the ignition means 141 through the first logic 110 can not be activated even if the microcontroller 20 "Crazy" plays and the ignition circuits over the line 51 wants to drive.

For the ignition 141 Thus, the previous SCON robustness remains, on the other hand, the ignition means 142 triggered. The same applies if the third threshold for the restraint means, which is not exceeded by the Nth logic block, is exceeded 130 be controlled.

2 shows a block diagram of a safety controller according to the invention 40 for the selective release of restraint means. According to this embodiment, the control channel 52 not needed for threshold processing.

The implementation of the approach according to the invention is functionally simple via multiple threshold evaluation. The signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 get into the block 40 , The functionality of the block 40 is based on the blocks 60 and 70 explained in more detail. Exceeds the sensor signal 31 in the block 60 the threshold 67 (Thd1,1), so sets the threshold value comparison block 64 an activation signal at the output 61 ready. Exceeds the sensor signal 31 another threshold 68 (Thd1,2), so sets the responsible threshold value comparison block 65 an activation signal 62 ready. For all further thresholds 3 .. N, an activation signal is output in the corresponding threshold comparison block 63 generated as soon as a threshold value has been exceeded (Thd1, N). The same logic applies to Block 70 , The signal 32 is in the threshold comparison blocks 74 . 75 . 76 with each of the N thresholds 77 . 78 . 79 (Thd2,1, Thd2,2, Thd2, N) and for each threshold overflow the corresponding threshold signal 71 . 72 . 73 activated.

In the merger block 100 become the different threshold activation signals 61 . 62 . 63 . 71 . 72 . 73 . 81 . 82 . 83 . 91 . 92 . 93 of the blocks 60 . 70 . 80 and 90 compared. This is indicated by the merger block 100 according to this embodiment means 101 . 102 . 103 to perform OR links between the first comparison results 61 . 71 . 81 . 91 , the second comparison results 62 . 72 . 82 . 92 and between the third comparison results 63 . 73 . 83 . 93 on.

Accordingly, the signals become 61 . 71 . 81 . 91 in the OR block 101 connected. Exceeds one of the signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 the threshold Thdx, 1, where in the in 1 shown embodiment x = {1, 2, ..., 4}, then the signal 41 activated. The signals 62 . 72 . 82 . 92 are in the OR block 102 connected. Exceeds one of the signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 the threshold Thdx, 2, with x = {1, 2, ..., 4), then the signal becomes 42 activated. The signals 63 . 73 . 83 . 93 are in the OR block 103 connected. Exceeds one of the signals 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 the threshold Thdx, N, with x = {1, 2, ..., 4}, the signal becomes 43 activated.

3 shows a block diagram of a tripping logic according to the invention for the selective activation of restraint means, according to an embodiment of the invention. Shown is a structure and an interconnection of in 1 shown logic blocks 110 . 120 . 130 , The logic blocks 110 . 120 . 130 have a plurality of AND blocks 112 . 113 . 114 . 122 . 123 . 124 . 132 . 133 . 134 on, of which per logic block in each case three AND blocks are shown. The by the Zündkreisselektor 140 (shown in 1 ) selected signals 141 are demultiplexed and as signals 141,1, 141,2, 141, K1 to the first logic block 110 , as signals 142,1, 142,2, 142, K2 to the second logic block 120 and as signals 143,1, 143,2, 143, K3 to the third logic block 130 provided. The signals 141,1, 141,2, 141, K1, 142,1, 142,2, 142, K2, 143,1, 143,2, 143, K3 can be assigned to different ignition circuits. According to this embodiment, the signals 141,1, 142,1, 143,1 are a first ignition circuit ZK1, the signal 141,2 is a second ignition circuit ZK2, the signal 141,2 is a third ignition circuit ZK3, the signal 142, k2 is a fourth ignition circuit ZK4, the signal 141, k1 an eighth ignition ZK8, the signal 143,2 a twelfth ignition circuit ZK12 and the signal 143, k3 be assigned to a fourteenth ignition circuit ZK14. Thus, by means of the logic blocks 110 . 120 . 130 different groups of ignition circuits, which may be associated with occupant protection means, are unlocked. The individual groups can also have common ignition circuits.

Thus, those by the Zündkreisselektor 140 selected signals 141 demultiplexed and as signals 141,1, 141,2, 141, K1 the first logic block 110 fed. In the logic block 110 the signal 141, 1 associated with the ignition circuit ZK1 is in the logical AND block 112 with the signal 41 connected. The result of the link is called a signal 115 output. In the block 110 Further, the signal 141,2 associated with the ignition circuit ZK3 is placed in the logical AND block 113 with the signal 41 connected. The result of the link is called a signal 116 output. In the block 110 Furthermore, the signal 141, K1, which is associated with the ignition circuit ZK8, in the logical AND block 114 with the signal 41 connected. The result of the link is called a signal 117 output.

Accordingly, in the block 120 the selected firing signals 142,1, 142,2, 142, K2 in the logical AND blocks 122 . 123 . 124 with the signal 42 linked and the result is called a signal 125 and 126 and 127 output. Accordingly, in the block 130 the selected firing signals 143,1, 143,2, 143, K3 in the logical AND blocks 132 . 133 and 134 with the signal 43 linked and the result is called a signal 135 . 136 . 137 output.

The 4 to 6 each show embodiments of the present invention, in which the steps of comparing in the blocks 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 through the adjustment signal 52 to be controlled.

4 shows a block diagram of a safety controller according to the invention 40 for releasing retaining means, according to an embodiment of the invention. 4 limited to the representation of the blocks 60 . 70 , In principle, any number of blocks according to 60 . 70 be implemented. The difference to the in 2 shown system is that by means of the control channel 52 can be switched between two sets of thresholds. There is a switch for this 160 provided by the adjustment signal 52 is controlled, and two adjustment signals 161 . 162 to the blocks 60 . 70 can provide. Is the switch 160 in a first position (in 4 shown as the left position), so are the signal 161 for the threshold comparison in the blocks 60 . 70 the thresholds Thdx, 1 activated. It applies to the in 1 illustrated embodiment x = {1, 2, ..., 4}. Is the switch 160 whereas in a second position (in 4 shown as the right position), so are on the signal 162 for the threshold comparison, the thresholds Thdx, 2, with x = {1, 2, ..., 4} activated. Such functionality can be easily and inexpensively implemented, for example, via an additional or already existing in an ASIC connection.

With the in 4 The logic shown can be the threshold value set of the safety controller SCON 40 Depending on the driving situation, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment with respect to two thresholds Thdx, 1, Thdx, 2.

According to this embodiment, the setting signal 52 for example, by the microcontroller 20 (shown in 1 ) to be provided. Writes the microcontroller 20 It must be ensured on the SCON that no unwanted threshold switching takes place. Otherwise, "crazy micro-controls" could cause unwanted threshold switching.

This in 5 embodiment shown differs from that in 4 shown embodiment in that the control channel 52 not from the microcontroller 20 but from the ASIC 40 self-directed. For example, the adjustment signal may be from the second comparison results 62 . 72 . 82 . 92 depend. This can be done by the output of the OR gate 102 that is the second unlock signal 42 providing with the input of the switch 160 be connected. Thus, the second enable signal corresponds 42 the adjustment signal 52 ,

The switching of threshold sets can thus by evaluation of the line 42 respectively. If one of the lower thresholds (Thdx, 1) is exceeded, the system switches to the upper threshold (Thdx, 2). By means of the upper threshold, the signals become 62 . 72 . 82 . 92 generated. Back from the upper threshold to the lower threshold, for example, can be reached via a time-out. If, for example, no upper threshold is exceeded for a certain time, the evaluation of the lower threshold set can then take place again. This embodiment has the advantage that the microcontroller 20 not on the SCON 40 must write.

According to a further embodiment, the adjustment signal 52 depending on the third comparison results 63 . 73 . 83 . 93 be set to a third value. In response to the third value of the adjustment signal 52 can in the blocks 60 . 70 a third threshold value set. This procedure can be extended to other threshold sets.

6 shows a further embodiment, according to which the adjustment signal 52 from a state machine 160 provided. The state machine 160 is trained to receive the signals 41 . 42 . 43 to receive and to spend again. By means of the state machine 160 provided signal can be distinguished between several sets of thresholds. This provides an extension to the hand of 4 shown Ausfüh example.

In the state machine 160 become the signals 41 . 42 . 43 evaluated. Whenever one of these activation signals 41 . 42 . 43 is first activated, switching to the next threshold value set by means of the control signal 52 , This can be done in all blocks 60 . 70 . 80 . 90 be switched to the evaluation of the next threshold.

Back from the evaluation of the upper to the lower threshold can be over for example get a timeout. Will not be for a while upper threshold exceeded more, so after that again the evaluation of the lower threshold set done. So that can be considered in the hardware plausibility check, that an accident situation is always the chaining unhappy States is and that both the dynamics and the danger a driving situation in the course of the accident increases.

The described embodiments are only exemplary chosen and can be combined with each other. Also, the number of blocks and thresholds described are by way of example and can be adapted to the requirements. Instead of the logic links shown can Also alternative links are used to the described evaluations and further processing of the signals to enable.

Of the inventive approach can, for example, in Airbag controls or other control devices used be in off-road situations or non-accident situations Activate belt tensioners or reversible restraints should.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - WO 2008086925 A1 [0003]
• DE 10057916 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Method for unlocking occupant protection means of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: receiving first sensor information ( 31 ) and a second sensor information ( 32 ) via an interface; Comparing the first sensor information with a first threshold value to obtain a first comparison result ( 61 ) and comparing the first sensor information with at least one further threshold value in order to obtain at least one further comparison result ( 62 ) to determine; Comparing the second sensor information with a second first threshold value to obtain a second first comparison result ( 71 ) and comparing the second sensor information with at least one second further threshold value to at least a second further comparison result ( 72 ) to determine; Providing a first release signal ( 41 ) for releasing a first occupant protection means, depending on the first comparison result and the second first comparison result; and providing at least one further enabling signal ( 42 ) for releasing at least one further occupant protection means, depending on the at least one further comparison result and the at least one second further comparison result. Method according to Claim 1, in which for providing the first enabling signal ( 41 ) an OR operation ( 101 ) between the first comparison result ( 61 ) and the second first comparison result ( 71 ) and to provide the at least one further release gate ( 42 ) an OR operation ( 102 ) between the at least one further comparison result ( 62 ) and the at least one second further comparison result ( 72 ) is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first enable signal ( 41 ) is designed to enable a first group of occupant protection means and in which the at least one further release signal ( 42 ) is configured to unlock at least one further group of occupant protection means. A method according to claim 3, wherein the first group and the at least one other group of Occupant protection means at least a common occupant protection exhibit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of receiving a first triggering decision ( 141 ) and at least one further triggering decision ( 142 ) via a further interface and with a step of providing a first triggering signal ( 115 . 116 . 117 ) depending on the first trigger decision and the first enable signal and the provision of at least one further trigger signal ( 125 . 126 . 127 ) depending on the at least one further trigger decision and the at least one further enable signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the steps of comparing are dependent on a setting signal ( 52 ) be performed. Method according to Claim 6, in which the setting signal ( 52 ) represents a signal generated by a triggering algorithm ( 50 ) is provided for driving the occupant protection means. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the comparison of the first sensor information ( 31 ) with the first threshold and comparing the second sensor information ( 32 ) takes place with the second first threshold value when the setting signal ( 52 ) has a first value and the comparison of the first sensor information with the at least one further threshold value and the comparison of the second sensor information with the at least one second further threshold value occurs when the adjustment signal has a second value. Method according to claim 8, comprising a step of setting the setting signal to the second value, depending on the further comparison result ( 62 ) and the second further comparison result ( 72 ). Method according to Claim 10, in which a reset of the setting signal ( 52 ) is timed to the first value. Method according to one of Claims 9 or 10, in which the setting signal is dependent on a third comparison result ( 63 ) and a second third comparison result ( 73 ) is set from the second value to a third value and wherein the first sensor information is compared with a third threshold value and the second sensor information is compared with a second third threshold value when the adjustment signal has the third value. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of receiving at least a third sensor information ( 33 ) is received via the interface, with a step of comparing the third sensor information with a third first threshold, to obtain a third first comparison result ( 63 ) and comparing the at least one third sensor information with at least one third further one Threshold to at least a third further comparison result ( 73 ) and in which the provision of the first enabling signal ( 41 ) further dependent on the third first comparison result and providing the at least one further enable signal ( 42 ) Furthermore, depending on the at least one third further comparison result. Control unit to the steps of a method according to a of claims 1 to 12 perform. Computer program product with program code based on a machine-readable carrier is stored for execution The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, when the program is executed on a control unit becomes.