Abstract: A method to determine at least one triggering parameter of personal protection device of a vehicle using pattern signal curves of a possible signal of a sensor for a physical variable. The pattern signal curves replicating a curve over time of the physical variable upon impact of an object on the vehicle at a different location on the vehicle and/or upon impact of the object on the vehicle at a different angle. A sensor signal is read which represents the physical variable measured by a sensor. Values of a curve over time of the sensor signal are compared to values of the at least two pattern signal curves, that pattern signal curve being selected which, in at least one time segment of the pattern signal curve or one scaled form of the pattern signal curve has a lower deviation from the curve over time of the sensor signal.