Apparatus and method for detecting vehicle rollover using enhanced sensor inputs and processing architecture

1. An apparatus for detecting a vehicle rollover event comprising:

an enhanced sensor input architecture for detecting a vehicle rollover event; and

a controller responsive to the enhanced sensor input architecture for controlling an occupant restraining device,

wherein the enhanced sensor input architecture includes electronic stability control sensors and vehicle roll-over sensors, the vehicle rollover sensors monitoring roll rate value, said controller determining roll angle from the monitored roll rate value and determining if a roll rate value as a function of the determined roll angle is greater than a threshold value, said controller controlling an actuatable restraining device in response to the determination of the roll rate value as a function of roll angle value against the threshold and in response to the electronic stability control sensors.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic stability control sensors include at least one of a vehicle velocity sensor, a steer angle sensor, a side slip angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle rollover sensors include a vehicle rollover sensor, a Y-axis sideways accelerometer, and a Z-axis accelerometer.

4. A method for detecting a vehicle rollover event comprising the steps of:

monitoring vehicle roll rate value;

determining roll angle from the monitored roll rate value;

monitoring lateral acceleration of the vehicle;

determining if the lateral acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a value;

determining if a rollover condition is likely in response to the monitored lateral acceleration and a comparison of the roll rate value as a function of roll angle against a threshold value and outputting a first determination signal in response thereto;

monitoring an electronic stability control system of the vehicle;

determining if the electronic stability control system indicates a vehicle rollover condition and output a second determination signal; and

controlling an actuatable restraining device in response to the first and second determination signals.