Human Presence Detection by Smart Devices

This paper discusses a computer vision based approach for enhancing a common device (display) with machine perception capabilities. Using techniques for assessing the distance and orientation of a target from the camera, a “smart device” becomes aware about user’s presence and his interaction intentions. In other words, the “smart device” is aware when it becomes the user’s focus of attention and it knows to respond accordingly. Our solution uses low-cost cameras adapted with infrared technology and is designed to be robust to lighting variations typical of home and work environments.