1. An image processing system for use with an airbag deployment system having a seat, an occupant in the seat, a sensor for generating sensor readings, an airbag, and an airbag controller, said image processing system comprising: a tracking and predicting subsystem, including a sensor reading and an occupant characteristic, said tracking and predicting subsystem generating said occupant characteristic from said sensor reading; and an impact assessment subsystem, including a impact metric, said impact assessment subsystem generating said impact metric from said occupant characteristic.