Abstract: A control device for a restraining system in a motor vehicle is proposed, a safety switch, which also includes a watchdog, performing the function of a safety switch in the control device. The safety switch monitors sensor signals which are transmitted to the processor of the control device for plausibility and triggers appropriate restraining systems via a time unit for a predefined time period only when the safety switch itself detects a trigger event. On the basis of supplementary data from the sensor signals, the safety switch infers how the sensor signals are to be processed. The safety switch is designed such that it triggers the restraining systems correspondingly assigned to the sensors. When the control device is switched on, the processor performs a test of the safety switch by generating a test signal using the sensors.

Abstract: A method for triggering at least one restraint means, triggering signals from peripheral acceleration sensors being released by signals from centrally situated acceleration sensors. In this context, a release threshold is raised in the case of a detected misuse behavior, or the release for the triggering signals is blocked.

Abstract: A method of triggering at least one airbag in a vehicle is described, in which two or more criteria are used in the decision to fire the second stage of a two-stage airbag. Variables derived from measurement signals of an acceleration sensor are used as criteria. If these variables exceed threshold values within pre-defined times a firing decision is brought about. The criteria are chosen depending on the type of vehicle. Characteristic curves are used as threshold values. These characteristic curves may be modified depending on the use of a belt.

Abstract: In a method for side impact sensing in a vehicle, a side impact is recognized using acceleration signals, the acceleration signals from the left and right sides of the vehicle being subtracted from one another, integrated or added up, and the triggering threshold is formed as a function of this differential acceleration signal. If the integrated differential acceleration signal exceeds this threshold, a side impact is recognized.

Abstract: In a method for side impact sensing in a vehicle, a side impact is recognized using acceleration signals, the acceleration signals from the left and right sides of the vehicle being subtracted from one another, integrated or added up, and the triggering threshold is formed as a function of this differential acceleration signal. If the integrated differential acceleration signal exceeds this threshold, a side impact is recognized.

Abstract: A control device for a restraining system in a motor vehicle is proposed, a safety switch, which also includes a watchdog, performing the function of a safety switch in the control device. The safety switch monitors sensor signals which are transmitted to the processor of the control device for plausibility and triggers appropriate restraining means via a time unit for a predefined time period only when the safety switch itself detects a trigger event. On the basis of supplementary data from the sensor signals, the safety switch infers how the sensor signals are to be processed. The safety switch is designed such that it triggers restraining means correspondingly assigned to the sensors. When the control device is switched on, the processor performs a test of the safety switch by generating a test signal using the sensors.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a restraint system is proposed, the acceleration in the direction of driving being increased as a function of the acceleration at right angles to the direction of driving and/or at a given angle relative to the direction of driving. This ensures that in particular crashes between 40 and 65 km/h can be detected more easily.

Abstract: Proposed is a method for triggering at least one restraint means, triggering signals from peripheral acceleration sensors being released by signals from centrally situated acceleration sensors. In this context, a release threshold is raised in the case of a detected misuse behavior, or the release for the triggering signals is blocked.

Abstract: A method of triggering at least one airbag in a vehicle is described, in which two or more criteria are used in the decision to fire the second stage of a two-stage airbag. Variables derived from measurement signals of an acceleration sensor are used as criteria. These variables must exceed threshold values within pre-defined times in order to bring about a firing decision. The criteria are chosen depending on the type of vehicle. Characteristic curves are used as threshold values. These characteristic curves may be modified depending on the use of a belt.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a restraint system is proposed, the acceleration in the direction of driving being increased as a function of the acceleration at right angles to the direction of driving and/or at a given angle relative to the direction of driving. This ensures that in particular crashes between 40 and 65 km/h can be detected more easily.