| 摘要 |
This invention relates to a pedestrian protection method and apparatus for use with a motor vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: receiving one of more impact signals 12 from one or more impact sensors 14; receiving one or more vehicle parameter signals 18 from one or more vehicle parameter sensors 16; calculating impact parameters from the received signals 12 and 18 using reference data stored in a memory, determining if the impact parameters are indicative of a pedestrian impact; and if so, issuing control instructions 24 for activating an impact protection device 26, characterised in that the control instructions 24 are a function of the calculated impact parameters. This allows the air bag to be activated in accordance with the type of impact that has occurred, for e.g. inflated at different rates or to a different final pressure, thereby affording improved protection to the pedestrian. |
