An apparatus (20) for determining a location of a person's head (90)
includes stereo vision system (60) for imaging an area of interest such
as the interior of a vehicle (26). The vision system provides an image
signal of the area of interest. An analyzer (80) analyzes the image
signal to identify head candidates (90', 210, 212, 214, 216) in the area
of interest and provides data regarding any identified head candidates in
the area of interest. A processor (80) processes the provided data
regarding identified head candidates to locate the person's head. In an
air bag restraining system (22), a controller (50) monitors the location
of the person's head and controls an air bag (34) in response to a sensed
crash condition (52) and the location of the person's head.