Method and apparatus for producing classifier training images via construction and manipulation of a three-dimensional image model

An occupant classifier training method for use in vehicle restraining systems comprising the steps of:

• at least one processor performing the steps of:
• producing an image model in a vehicle coordinate domain;
• transforming the image model to simulate at least one desired property associated with a vehicle occupant, wherein transforming the image model comprises applying a transformation matrix, comprising a plurality of randomly selected coefficients, to the image model, the plurality of coefficients being selected according to associated probability density functions;
• mapping the transformed image model to a camera coordinate domain associated with the run-time operation of the classifier;
• merging data associated with the transformed image model with a desired background image to create a training image;
• and training a pattern recognition classifier using the training image.