Apparatus and method for controlling passenger airbag of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling a passenger airbag (146) of a vehicle (102) using at least one camera (134) of the vehicle (102), the camera detects at least one image (200, 300) containing a region depicting at least a part of a passenger seat (202) of a vehicle interior and generates image data corresponding to the image (200, 300). The image data is processed by means of at least one processing unit (132), from which an object located on the passenger seat (202) is classified, and a classification result is determined. A control parameter of an airbag control unit (142) for triggering the passenger airbag (146) is determined based on a classification result determined during classification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a passenger airbag of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Document DE102017000734A1 discloses identifying an object on a passenger seat of a vehicle and controlling the passenger airbag according to the identified object. When a forward-facing child seat or a normal occupant is detected, the airbag is activated. When a rear-facing child seat is identified, the airbag is deactivated.

[0003] Document DE69431667T2 discloses deactivating the passenger airbag when a child seat without a child and a rear-facing child seat are identified. The identification is performed by means of a distance sensor.

[0004] Document US6608910Bl discloses classifying an object on a passenger seat as "adult", "forward-facing child seat", and "rear-facing child seat". Document US20060030988Al discloses a camera for a vehicle for identifying a child in the interior space.

[0005] There is a general requirement for activating and deactivating a passenger airbag for use by a child in order to eliminate the risk during deployment in a so-called out-of-position situation. For example, the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Standard FMVSS208 provides the possibility of deactivating the passenger airbag when a child on the passenger seat is identified.

[0006] In known solutions, the classification of a child on the passenger seat is performed in particular by determining the weight by means of a capacitive or pressure-sensitive sensor pad in the passenger seat. In camera-based seat occupancy recognition, it is possible to distinguish between an "empty seat", a "child in a child seat", and an "adult" (greater than or equal to the 5th percentile female).

[0007] The purely weight-based differentiation between an empty seat, an empty child seat, a child in a child seat, an infant in an infant seat, and an adult is becoming increasingly inaccurate due to the fact that child seat systems have always been heavy and diverse. Increasing flexibility (forward / backward, child seat safety fixing device (isofix) / vehicle seat belt) and the fact that child seats are allowed for a very large weight range have exacerbated this problem. The present invention is based on the recognition that the risk of injury in a severe collision can be reduced by reactivating the airbag for a larger forward-facing child. Unfortunately, the orientation of the child seat and the accurate differentiation of the child's body size are difficult to reliably determine by means of a simple seat sensing device. Due to this uncertainty, the possible reactivation of the airbag cannot be achieved in a severe collision. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, starting from the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling the co-driver airbag of a vehicle, which improve the recognition accuracy of the object on the co-driver seat.

[0009] This object is solved by a device having the features of claim 1 and claim 2 and by a method having the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous refinements are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The device for controlling the co-driver airbag of a vehicle according to claim 1 uses a two-stage recognition principle and, according to claim 3, a dual recognition principle using image processing with a sensor unit and a camera image in the co-driver seat. Thereby, the accurate and correct classification of a child, especially in a child seat, is improved, so that, starting therefrom, for example, in a severe collision and when a child over 6 years old or over 10 years old is in a forward-facing child seat, the co-driver airbag can be reactivated even if the co-driver airbag is deactivated in the case of recognizing a child in the co-driver seat. Thereby, the risk of serious injury to a child on the co-driver seat in a severe collision is reduced. Control parameters are generated starting from the correct classification of the object on the co-driver seat, and these control parameters are preferably transmitted to the airbag control unit. The airbag control unit can then reactivate the co-driver airbag based on the control parameters and preferably based on additional parameters, especially starting from the measured values of the collision sensors, even if a child is recognized on the co-driver seat. Therefore, a reliable classification of a child on the co-driver seat can also be achieved when it cannot be clearly classified by the sensor unit for determining weight in the co-driver seat in the case of normal use of the sensor unit.

[0011] The device for controlling the co - driver airbag of a vehicle according to claim 2 classifies an object on the co - driver seat of the vehicle by image processing of the camera image of an internal camera. Thereby, the accurate and correct classification of children, especially in child seats, is improved, so that, for example, starting from this, in the event of a severe collision and when a child over 6 years old or over 10 years old is in a forward - facing child seat, the co - driver airbag is re - activated, even if the co - driver airbag has been de - activated when a child is recognized in the co - driver seat. Thereby, the risk of serious injury to a child on the co - driver seat in the event of a severe collision is reduced. Control parameters are generated starting from the correct classification of the object on the co - driver seat, and this control parameter is preferably transmitted to the airbag control unit. The airbag control unit can then re - activate the co - driver airbag based on the control parameter and preferably based on additional parameters, especially starting from the measured values of the collision sensors, even if a child is recognized on the co - driver seat.

[0012] The sensor unit integrated into the co - driver seat is in particular a capacitive or pressure - sensitive sensor mat, which is preferably integrated into the seat cushion of the co - driver seat.

[0013] In an advantageous expansion scheme, the processing unit is configured to transmit the control parameter to the airbag control unit. In addition, the airbag control unit is configured to activate, de - activate or re - activate the co - driver airbag based on additional parameters. The additional parameters can in particular be the expected collision intensity, the collision intensity measured by means of sensors such as acceleration sensors and / or the collision speed between the vehicle and the collision object.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous that during classification, additional classification or overall classification, the following are classified as classification results, first classification results, second classification results, additional classification results and / or overall classification results: "empty co - driver seat", "empty child seat on the co - driver seat", "empty infant seat on the co - driver seat", "child in a forward - facing child seat on the co - driver seat", "child in a rear - facing infant seat on the co - driver seat", "child in a forward - facing infant seat on the co - driver seat" and "adult on the co - driver seat" (at least the 5th percentile of women and above). Preferably, "person up to 1 year old", "person from 1 year old to 3 years old", "person from 3 years old to 6 years old" and / or "person from 6 years old to 10 years old" are classified as sub - classification results. The processing unit preferably determines the control parameter based on the classification results and the sub - classification results.

[0015] Particularly advantageously, the processing unit performs the classification and / or the second classification and / or the sub-classification on the basis of the image data by means of a human body pose estimation method, a pattern recognition method, and / or a machine learning method. By means of a human body pose estimation method, in particular, the dimensions of limbs can be determined from a two-dimensional image, and these limbs can then be used for object recognition, in particular for determining the age of a child.

[0016] Furthermore advantageously, the airbag control unit is configured to deactivate the airbag on the basis of a control parameter depending on the classification result and / or the sub-classification result, and the airbag control unit is configured to reactivate the airbag on the basis of the control parameter and on the basis of a sensor signal of at least one airbag triggering sensor unit. Thereby, in particular in the event of a severe collision, reactivation of the front passenger airbag can be simply achieved.

[0017] Particularly advantageously, the airbag control unit reactivates the airbag in the event of a detected collision if the collision speed with the collision object is greater than or equal to a preset stored speed threshold or if the airbag control unit determines, on the basis of sensor signals, an average or high expected severity of an expected or occurring collision and on the basis of a control parameter resulting from the classification of a child in a forward-facing child seat and / or the sub-classification of a child between 6 and 10 years of age. For example, there is a high severity in the event of a collision at a collision speed of 56 km / h.

[0018] Furthermore advantageously, the camera is an interior space camera of the vehicle, wherein the field of view of the camera in particular has a detection angle in the range from 100° to 150°, and wherein the camera is preferably a monocular camera and / or an RGB camera and / or an RGB-IR camera.

[0019] In summary, the images taken by means of the camera can be combined with a sensor unit, in particular a sensor mat, integrated into the front passenger seat for classifying an object on the front passenger seat. A trigger logic circuit of the airbag control unit for deactivating the front passenger airbag or for reactivating the front passenger airbag is implemented on the basis of the severity of the collision.

[0020] A method having the features of the method claims in parallel has the same advantages as the claimed device. In particular, the features of the dependent claims for the device can be used to further expand the method. Description of the Drawings

[0021] In the following, embodiments of the invention are further described with the aid of the drawings. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the cockpit of a vehicle is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A first image of the interior space of a vehicle captured by a camera is shown schematically; and

[0024] Figure 3 A second image of the interior space of a vehicle captured by a camera is shown schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the cockpit 100 of a vehicle 102 is shown. A vehicle driver 104 is sitting on the driver's seat 106 of the vehicle 102. A display 108 for displaying information in the event of deactivation of the front passenger airbag 146 of the vehicle 102 is arranged, for example, in the area of the center console 110 of the cockpit 100. The cockpit 100 includes a central information display (CID) 112, a head-up display 114, and a graphic combination instrument 116, which are arranged in the instrument panel 118 of the vehicle 102. The instrument panel 118 also includes air outlet nozzles 120 of the air-conditioning equipment of the vehicle 102. Exemplarily shown in Figure 1 is the area of the center console 110 and the air outlet nozzle 120 on the front passenger side. The cockpit 100 also includes a steering wheel 122 having operating elements 124, a gear selector 126, pedals 128, and an input unit 130 having a rotary wheel and button functions and / or a touch input area. The input unit 130 is also referred to as an Ergo Commander.

[0026] A camera 134 is arranged in the upper area of the front windshield 132 of the vehicle 102. The camera 134 is arranged and oriented such that it detects images 200, 300 that include an area that depicts at least a part of the interior space of the vehicle 102 that surrounds the front passenger seat 202. Specifically, the field of view of the camera 134 is directed towards the driver's seat 106 and the front passenger seat 202 of the vehicle 102. Shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 are exemplary images 200, 300 of the camera 134. The camera 134 is particularly configured to detect a plurality of temporally consecutive images, generate image data corresponding to the images 200, 300, and transmit this image data to a control unit 136. The camera 134 has a field of view of 120 degrees. In further embodiments, the camera 134 may also have a field of view in the range of 150 degrees or greater.

[0027] The control unit 136 has a data output 138 and a data input 140, which are used to connect to other units of the vehicle 102, such as other sensors, input and output units, and the control units of auxiliary systems. The control unit 136 is in particular connected to the airbag control unit 142, which is configured to trigger the airbags of the vehicle 102 in the event of an accident, i.e., during a collision, and in particular to control the triggering of the front passenger airbag 146.

[0028] The control unit 136 further includes a communication module 144, which is configured to establish a connection to a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile radio network.

[0029] A sensor mat integrated in the front passenger seat 202 detects the weight of an object located on the front passenger seat 202. Such a sensor mat can be a capacitive or pressure-sensitive sensor mat. Depending on the determined weight, a possible object located on the front passenger seat 202 is classified as "no object or empty front passenger seat", "empty child seat on the front passenger seat", "empty infant seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a forward-facing child seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a rear-facing infant seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a forward-facing infant seat on the front passenger seat", and "adult on the front passenger seat". In addition, starting from the determined weight, in addition to the classification of "child in a forward-facing child seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a rear-facing infant seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a forward-facing infant seat on the front passenger seat", preferably "person up to 1 year old", "person between 1 and 3 years old", "person between 3 and 6 years old", and / or "person between 6 and 10 years old" can be classified as sub-classification results. The control unit 136 determines the control parameters to be transmitted to the airbag control unit 142 based on the classification results and the sub-classification results. Advantageously, the sensor mat integrated in the front passenger seat 202 determines the weight of the child 302 together with the child seat 310. Previously, for example when the vehicle 102 is closed, the weight of the empty child seat 310 is determined by means of the sensor mat and stored in the control unit 136. Thus, the weight of the child 302 can be determined relatively accurately and used to determine the age of the child 302.

[0030] When the co-pilot seat 202 is empty or there is an empty child seat 310 or infant seat 204 on the co-pilot seat 202, the airbag controller 142 deactivates the co-pilot airbag 146 persistently according to the control parameter. In the case of a child 206 up to 6 years old, the airbag control unit 142 can also deactivate the co-pilot airbag 146 persistently. In the case of a child 302 between 6 and 14 years old, the airbag control unit 142 can reactivate the co-pilot airbag 146 only in the case of moderate and severe collisions and deactivate it in the case of minor collisions. In the case of children over 14 years old and adults, the airbag control unit 142 activates the co-pilot airbag 146 persistently.

[0031] However, the weight-based classification of child restraint systems and children 206, 302 as well as adults becomes increasingly inaccurate due to the increasingly heavy and diverse child seat systems 204, 310. The increasingly flexible (forward / backward, isofix / vehicle seat belt) and child seats 204, 310 that are allowed for a very large weight range also exacerbate this problem.

[0032] According to the first embodiment, the first classification of the object on the co-pilot seat 202 implemented by means of the determined weight is verified by a second classification of at least one image captured by the camera 134. For this purpose, the camera 134 detects an image including a region surrounding at least a part of the co-pilot seat 202 depicting the interior space of the vehicle and generates image data corresponding to this image, and the control unit 136 processes these image data. Here, the control unit 136 performs a second classification of the object located on the co-pilot seat 202 based on the image data and determines a second classification result. When there is a deviation between the first classification result based on weight and the second classification result based on the image, the control unit 136 adjusts at least one threshold for the first classification such that the first classification result is consistent with the second classification result after the adjustment. Thereby, the first classification is persistently improved, so that the first classification is performed at each driving or before each driving, and the second classification only needs to be performed at relatively long time intervals. However, in order to check the first classification result, the second classification can also be performed at each driving or before each driving.

[0033] The control unit 136 determines a control parameter for controlling the airbag control unit 142 based on the adjusted first classification result determined during classification after the adjustment and transmits it to the airbag control unit 142.

[0034] According to a second embodiment for controlling the co - driver airbag 146 of the vehicle 102, at least one camera 134 of the vehicle 102 is provided, which camera detects at least one image of a region encompassing at least a part of the co - driver seat 202 depicting the interior space of the vehicle and generates image data corresponding to the image. The control unit 136 then processes this image data. The control unit 136 classifies the object located on the co - driver seat 202 based on the image data and determines the classification result. Starting from the classification result determined during classification, the control unit 136 determines the control parameter for the airbag control unit 142 in order to trigger the co - driver airbag 146. Thereby, precise classification and also correct sub - classification of the object can be simply and reliably achieved. False classification is avoided.

[0035] Furthermore, a sensor pad integrated into the co - driver seat 202 can determine at least one measurement value of the weight of the object located on the co - driver seat 202. The control unit 136 processes the measurement value transmitted from the sensor pad to the control unit 136 and performs classification of the object starting from this measurement value and at least one threshold value stored in the control unit 136 in order to determine an additional classification result. The control unit 136 determines the overall classification result starting from the classification and the determined classification results of the additional classification. Starting from the overall classification result, the control unit 136 determines the control parameter for the airbag control unit 142. Thereby, a particularly reliable classification and preferably also correct sub - classification of the object on the co - driver seat 202 can be achieved.

[0036] As the classification result, first classification result, second classification result, additional classification result and / or overall classification result, in particular, the following are set:

[0037] - - "Empty co - driver seat",

[0038] - - "Empty child seat on the co - driver seat",

[0039] - - "Empty infant seat on the co - driver seat",

[0040] - - "Child in a forward - facing child seat on the co - driver seat",

[0041] - - "Child in a rear - facing infant seat on the co - driver seat",

[0042] - - "Child in a forward - facing infant seat on the co - driver seat" and / or - - "Adult on the co - driver seat".

[0043] As the sub - classification result, in particular, the following is set

[0044] - - "Person up to 1 year old",

[0045] —— "persons aged 1 to 3 years"

[0046] —— "persons aged 3 to 6 years" and / or

[0047] —— "persons aged 6 to 10 years".

[0048] To determine the sub-classification result, the control unit 136 implements a human body posture estimation method to determine the size of at least one limb of the child and thereby determine the age of the child. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 136 can also use a pattern recognition method and / or a machine learning method to determine the age of the child.

[0049] The control unit 136 determines different control parameters for each classification result. Similarly, the control unit 136 determines additional and respectively different control parameters for each combination of the classification result and the sub-classification result.

[0050] When the co-pilot seat 202 is empty or there is an empty child seat 310 or infant seat 204 on the co-pilot seat 202, the airbag controller 142 deactivates the co-pilot airbag 146 permanently according to the control parameters. In the case of a child 206 up to 6 years old, the airbag control unit 142 can also deactivate the co-pilot airbag 146 permanently. In the case of a child 302 aged 6 to 14 years, the airbag control unit 142 can reactivate the co-pilot airbag 146 only in the case of moderate and severe collisions and deactivate it in the case of minor collisions. In the case of children over 14 years old and adults, the airbag control unit 142 activates the co-pilot airbag 146 permanently.

[0051] Particularly advantageously, the camera 134 is an RGB-IR interior space camera. The captured images are combined with a seat sensing device, in particular a sensor pad, for classifying the object on the co-pilot seat 202. The trigger logic circuit of the airbag control unit 142 for deactivating or reactivating the co-pilot airbag 146 is implemented according to the severity of the collision.

[0052] Figure 2 An image 200 of the interior space of the vehicle 102 captured by the camera 134 is shown schematically. The infant seat 204 is arranged on the co-pilot seat 202 of the vehicle 102, and the child 206 is sitting in the infant seat. To determine the age of the child 206 from the image data, the control unit 136 executes a human body posture estimation method and in particular determines the length of the limbs of the child 206.

[0053] Figure 3Another image 300 of the interior space of the vehicle, taken by the camera 134, is shown schematically. In Figure 3 In the case shown, a relatively large child 302, approximately 10 years old, is sitting on the passenger seat 202 of the vehicle 102. To determine the age of the child 302, the control unit 136 executes a human body posture estimation method and determines the length of at least one limb of the child 302. In additional embodiments, the age of the child 302 can also be determined by other methods.

[0054] In the embodiment described according to Figures 1 to 3 , the camera 134 and the control unit 136 form a device for controlling the passenger airbag 146 of the vehicle 102. The additional elements and features shown in Figures 1 to 3 and mentioned in the previous description can be part of this device. Instead of a sensor mat, a sensor unit for determining at least one measured value of the weight of an object located on the passenger seat 202 can generally also be provided. The control unit 136 is also referred to as a processing unit.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 100 Cockpit

[0057] 102 Vehicle

[0058] 104 Vehicle driver

[0059] 106 Driver's seat

[0060] 108 Display

[0061] 110 Center console

[0062] 112, 114, 116 Display elements

[0063] 118 Instrument panel

[0064] 120 Air outlet nozzle

[0065] 122 Steering wheel

[0066] 124 Operating element

[0067] 126 Gear selector

[0068] 128 Pedal

[0069] 130 Input unit

[0070] 132 Front windshield

[0071] 134 Camera

[0072] 136 Control unit

[0073] 138 Data output terminal

[0074] 140 Data input terminal

[0075] 142 Airbag control unit

[0076] 144 Communication module

[0077] 146 Co-driver airbag

[0078] 200, 300 Images

[0079] 202 Co-driver seat

[0080] 204 Infant seat

[0081] 206 Child

[0082] 302 Child

[0083] 310 Child seat

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling an airbag for a vehicle occupant, the apparatus comprising: a sensor unit integrated into the passenger seat (202), the sensor unit configured to determine at least one measurement of the weight of an object located on the passenger seat (202); at least one processing unit (136), the processing unit at least configured to process the measurements transmitted by the sensor unit to the processing unit (136), classify the object starting from the measurements and at least one threshold stored in the processing unit (136), and determine a first classification result; at least one camera (134) of the vehicle (102), the camera configured to detect at least one image (200, 300) of an area including at least a portion of the interior space of the vehicle surrounding the passenger seat (202) and generate image data corresponding to the image (200, 300), wherein, the processing unit (132) is further configured to process the image data, wherein the processing unit (132) is further configured to classify the object located on the passenger seat (202) starting from the image data and determine a second classification result, wherein the processing unit (136) is further configured to adjust the threshold in the case of a deviation between the first classification result and the second classification result such that the first classification result and the second classification result are consistent, and wherein the processing unit (132) is further configured to determine a control parameter for an airbag control unit (142) for triggering an airbag for a vehicle occupant (146) starting from the adjusted first classification result determined during classification after the adjustment.

2. An apparatus for controlling an airbag for a vehicle occupant, the apparatus comprising: at least one camera (134) of the vehicle (102), the camera configured to detect at least one image (200, 300) of an area including at least a portion of the interior space of the vehicle surrounding the passenger seat (202) and generate image data corresponding to the image (200, 300); at least one processing unit (132), the processing unit at least configured to process the image data, wherein, the processing unit (132) is further configured to classify the object located on the passenger seat (202) starting from the image data and determine a result classification, and wherein the processing unit (132) is further configured to determine a control parameter for an airbag control unit (142) for triggering an airbag for a vehicle occupant (146) starting from the classification result determined during classification.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a sensor unit integrated into the passenger seat (202) is provided, the sensor unit configured to determine at least one measurement of the weight of an object located on the passenger seat (202), The processing unit (132) is further configured to process the measured values transmitted by the sensor unit to the processing unit (132), perform classification of the object starting from the measured values and at least one threshold value stored in the processing unit (132), and determine additional classification results, and the processing unit (132) is further configured to determine a total classification result starting from the determined classification results of the classification and the additional classification results, and determine control parameters for the airbag control unit (142) starting from the total classification result.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit (132) is configured to transmit the control parameters to the airbag control unit (142), and the airbag control unit (142) is configured to activate, deactivate or reactivate the front passenger airbag (146) according to additional parameters.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during classification, additional classification or total classification, "empty front passenger seat", "empty child seat on the front passenger seat", "empty infant seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a forward-facing child seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a rear-facing infant seat on the front passenger seat", "child in a forward-facing infant seat on the front passenger seat" and "adult on the front passenger seat" are classified as classification results, first classification results, second classification results, additional classification results and / or total classification results, wherein preferably "person up to 1 year old", "person from 1 year old to 3 years old", "person from 3 years old to 6 years old" and / or "person from 6 years old to 10 years old" are classified as sub-classification results, and wherein the processing unit preferably determines the control parameters according to the classification results and the sub-classification results.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit (132) performs the classification and / or second classification and / or sub-classification starting from the image data by means of a human body pose estimation method, a pattern recognition method and / or a machine learning method.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag control unit (142) is configured to deactivate the front passenger airbag (146) according to control parameters depending on the classification results and / or the sub-classification results, and the airbag control unit (142) is configured to reactivate the front passenger airbag (146) according to the control parameters and according to the sensor signals of at least one airbag triggering sensor unit.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The airbag control unit (142) reactivates the front passenger airbag (146) in the event of a detected collision if the collision speed with the obstacle object is greater than or equal to a preset stored speed threshold, or if the airbag control unit (142) determines, based on sensor signals, the average or high expected severity of an expected or occurring collision, and based on control parameters derived from the classification of a child (206, 302) in a forward-facing child seat (310) and / or the sub-classification of a child (302) aged 6 to 10 years.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the field of view of the camera (134) has a detection angle in the range from 100° to 150°, where the camera (134) is preferably a monocular camera and / or an RGB camera.

10. A method for controlling a front passenger airbag of a vehicle, wherein at least one measured value of the weight of an object located on the front passenger seat (202) is determined by means of a sensor unit integrated into the front passenger seat (202), the measured value is processed by means of at least one processing unit (132), and the object is classified starting from the measured value and at least one threshold value stored in the processing unit (132), and a first classification result is determined, at least one image (200, 300) of a region encompassing at least a part of the front passenger seat (202) depicting the interior space of the vehicle is detected by means of at least one camera (134) of the vehicle (102), and image data corresponding to the image (200, 300) is generated, the image data is processed by means of the processing unit (132), where the object located on the front passenger seat (202) is classified starting from the image data, and a second classification result is determined, the threshold value is adjusted by means of the processing unit (132) in the case of a deviation between the first classification result and the second classification result such that the first classification result coincides with the second classification result, and after the adjustment, the control parameter of the airbag control unit (142) for triggering the front passenger airbag (146) is determined by means of the processing unit (132) starting from the adjusted first classification result determined during the classification.

11. A method for controlling a front passenger airbag of a vehicle, wherein at least one image (200, 300) of a region encompassing at least a part of the front passenger seat (202) depicting the interior space of the vehicle is detected by means of at least one camera (134) of the vehicle (102), and image data corresponding to the image (200, 300) is generated; the image data is processed by means of at least one processing unit (132), where the object located on the front passenger seat (202) is classified starting from the image data, and a result classification is determined, and, Based on the classification result determined during classification, control parameters for an airbag control unit (142) for triggering a co-pilot airbag (146) are determined.

Images