Abstract: In a system having a control unit for triggering a restraint system for vehicles, and having a status acquisition device, such as a seat occupation device, from which a data record describing the presence or the non-presence of the condition is transmitted to the control device, upon a defined stimulation signal from the control unit to the status acquisition device the latter transmits a second data record to the control unit, which corresponds to the type characteristics and the type data. Thereby, type data are able to be recorded even in the case of a status acquisition device installed in an obstructed way in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a system having a control unit for triggering a restraint system for vehicles, and having a status acquisition device, such as a seat occupation device, from which a data record describing the presence or the non-presence of the condition is transmitted to the control device, upon a defined stimulation signal from the control unit to the status acquisition device the latter transmits a second data record to the control unit, which corresponds to the type characteristics and the type data. Thereby, type data are able to be recorded even in the case of a status acquisition device installed in an obstructed way in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for occupant classification in a vehicle is used to extract a plurality of features from a seat profile and to assign a weight estimate to each of these features. The occupant weight and a measure of quality are determined from the different weight estimates. The measure of quality determines whether the occupant weight continues to be used as the occupant classification. The weight estimation for the feature in question is carried out via a stored function. The occupant classification can be used for a restraint system. The ischial tuberosity distance and/or the seat profile size can be used as the features.

Abstract: A method and a device are for evaluating sensor signals from a seat mat in a vehicle seat, the signals functioning to characterize the sensors in the seat mat as active and inactive. In this manner, a linear evaluation method is performed to make possible a weight classification of passengers situated on the vehicle seat. For this purpose, a seat profile is generated using the active and inactive sensors.

Abstract: A watchdog circuit (WD) monitors the function of the processor (MC) in that the processor (MC) outputs a cyclically repeating test signal to the watchdog circuit (WD), and the watchdog circuit (WD) generates a reset signal (RST) for the processor (MC) if the test signal (WDS) does not appear in a time slot (S1, S2) specified by the watchdog circuit (WD). The width of the time slot (S1, S2) can be increased in the starting phase of a program sequence of the processor (MC).

Abstract: A watchdog circuit (WD) monitors the function of the processor (MC) in that the processor (MC) outputs a cyclically repeating test signal to the watchdog circuit (WD), and the watchdog circuit (WD) generates a reset signal (RST) for the processor (MC) if the test signal (WDS) does not appear in a time slot (S1, S2) specified by the watchdog circuit (WD). The width of the time slot (S1, S2) can be increased in the starting phase of a program sequence of the processor (MC).

Abstract: A method for occupant classification in a vehicle is used to extract a plurality of features from a seat profile and to assign a weight estimate to each of these features. The occupant weight and a measure of quality are determined from the different weight estimates. The measure of quality determines whether the occupant weight continues to be used as the occupant classification. The weight estimation for the feature in question is carried out via a stored function. The occupant classification can be used for a restraint system. The ischial tuberosity distance and/or the seat profile size can be used as the features.

Abstract: A method and a device are for evaluating sensor signals from a seat mat in a vehicle seat, the signals functioning to characterize the sensors in the seat mat as active and inactive. In this manner, a linear evaluation method is performed to make possible a weight classification of passengers situated on the vehicle seat. For this purpose, a seat profile is generated using the active and inactive sensors.

Abstract: The simplified signal-processing circuit arrangement for processing and evaluating signals indicative of the status of an FSR-foil pressure sensor utilized in a seat-occupancy detection device, makes use of the fact that an application-oriented, integrated circuit, present in a motor vehicle having digital open-loop and closed-loop control functions implemented in a microcontroller MCU, contains a highly precise, switchable test-voltage source. One end of a circuit containing the FSR-foil is connected to a switching output VTA of the ASIC carrying the highly precise test voltage. The other end of this circuit is connected to a port of the MCU. A measuring voltage, which is a function of the status-contingent current intensity through the FSR-foil, drops off across a reference resistor connected in series to the FSR-foil, is fed to an analog-digital converter input of the MCU, and is converted therein into a digital signal indicating the occupancy status of the FSR-foil.

Abstract: Arranged in a triggering circuit of an airbag system are two switching elements which enclose a firing pellet. The switching elements are driven by way of assemblies and logic elements, respectively, in such a way that two separate criteria must be fulfilled for the transfer of each switching element into its conductive state.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a sensor which detects acceleration values, and a control unit linked to the sensor. The control unit drives switching elements, which are disposed in a series circuit including at least one squib. When the switching elements are driven, the squib receives a current. This current flows at the same time through the also series-connected resistor, across which a voltage drop arises, which is analyzed by a comparator. The pulse duty factor of the current driving is modified as a function of the amperage of the current flowing through the squib.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling motor vehicle safety devices has a plurality of sensors, each coupled to a control unit. The control unit in turn activates inertial restraining devices based on the output signals generated by the sensors.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for electronically controlling an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The detecting unit is connected to a component determining the power of the engine such as a throttle flap or a control rod or an accelerator pedal and generates at least two position signals. The detecting unit is so configured that with a position change of the power-determining component, the two position signal variables change in opposition. A fault detection associated with this kind of measure permits detecting short circuits as well as shunt faults between the potentiometer wipers.

Abstract: In a method for evaluating the output signal (a) from a sensor (1), an average value (M) is formulated from a plurality of successively measured values (ai) of the output signal (a). Subsequently, the difference (D) between this measured value (M) and one succeeding measured value of the output signal (a) from the sensor (1) is determined, and finally the thus formulated differential value is compared to a specified threshold value to derive a criterion for activating a restraining device for protecting motor vehicle occupants.

Abstract: In an evaluation process for output signals of an acceleration-sensitive sensor in restraint systems for vehicle occupants, the output signals of the sensor are picked up and evaluated periodically. In a normal, uncritical operating state the evaluation occurs after relatively long intervals of time. If indications suggest a critical operating state, that is, an accident, however the evaluation of the output signals of the sensor occurs at shorter intervals of time.

Abstract: A safety device for a vehicle occupant comprising a restraint for the vehicle occupant, a sensing circuit for evaluating a vehicle condition, a control circuit for actuating the restraint in response to a predetermined vehicle condition, and two separate reserve energy storages for supplying electrical energy to the sensing and control circuits, respectively.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the release of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, an acceleration signal is measured and integrated with respect to time to obtain a velocity signal. A release threshold value for the velocity signal is determined. If the velocity signal then falls below the release threshold value, thus indicating a vehicle collision, the passenger restraint system is released. The release threshold value is controlled depending on the type of accident situation and upon the operating parameters of the vehicle to increase the release sensitivity of the passenger restraint system. For example, the release threshold value is adjusted based on the value of the velocity signal. If the velocity signal decreases in value, then the release threshold is lowered to a more sensitive value.

Abstract: A voltage supply circuit has an energy reserve, which is charged by a voltage transformer, and a comparator circuit, which controls switching circuit components. When the supply voltage is at its nominal value, a first switching circuit component is closed, with the result, that the energy reserve is operated in open circuit and is charged by the voltage transformer. When the supply voltage drops below a threshold, the comparator circuit opens the first switching circuit component and closes a second switching circuit component with the result that, at this point, the charged energy reserve is available for the voltage supply to the circuit configuration normally supplied with voltage from the supply voltage and the voltage transformer is disconnected from the supply voltage.

Abstract: To provide for continuous synchronized operation of a plurality of computer apparatus units (A, B, C) of a computer system, the respective units generate starting signals at predetermined stages in the programs. The starting signals are transmitted from any apparatus unit to any other apparatus unit, and in each apparatus unit, the time of reception of the starting signals is determined and the last-to-arrive starting signal is determined. Time marker signals are generated, and the time marker signals are transmitted from any apparatus to each other apparatus unit, to be compared in each other apparatus unit with locally generated time marker signals to thereby generate synchronizing signals.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the release of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle, an acceleration signal is measured and integrated with respect to time to obtain a velocity signal. A release threshold value for the velocity signal is determined. If the velocity signal then falls below the release threshold value, thus indicating a vehicle collision, the passenger restraint system is released. The release threshold value is controlled depending on the type of accident situation and upon the operating parameters of the vehicle to increase the release sensitivity of the passenger restraint system. For example, the release threshold value is adjusted based on the value of the velocity signal. If the velocity signal decreases in value, then the release threshold is lowered to a more sensitive value.