Computers That See You and Keep Watch Over You
From: New York Times - 01/01/2011
By: Steve Lohr 

As computer-vision technology advances further, many scientists predict that
people will be surrounded by technologies that can understand what they see.
High-resolution, low-cost cameras have become more in common with devices
such as smartphones and laptop computers, and it is becoming easier and more
affordable to store images. Meanwhile, software for mining, matching, and
analyzing visual data is rapidly advancing. "Machines will definitely be able
to observe us and understand us better," says Google researcher Hartmut
Neven. Although some researchers are uneasy about invading the public's
privacy with computer-vision systems, the US Justice Department wants to use
the technology to spot terrorists, identify a lost child, or locate patients
with medical problems. Microsoft's Kinect uses digital cameras to recognize
users and their gestures, as well as voice commands. "It's a world where
technology more fundamentally understands you, so you don't have to
understand it," says Microsoft's Alex Kipman. Basset Medical Center uses
computer-vision technology to monitor doctors, making sure the caregivers
wash their hands before and after coming in contact with the patients. The
camera also watches the patients and can alert nurses if a patient is close
to falling out of bed.  

Read the entire article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/science/02see.html

Links:
Hartmut Neven
http://america.ecomm.ec/2010/speakers/HartmutNeven/

Mind's Eye
http://www.darpa.mil/i2o/programs/me/me.asp

GE Healthcare’s Smart Patient Room to Begin Data Collection
http://www.genewscenter.com/Press-Releases/GE-Healthcare-s-Smart-Patient-Room-to-Begin-Data-Collection-2ad9.aspx

Non-contact, automated cardiac pulse measurements using video imaging and blind source separation
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/view_article.cfm?gotourl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opticsinfobase.org%2FDirectPDFAccess%2F73FC9570-C5F3-064D-02CE3A4958C7C802_199381.pdf%3Fda%3D1%26id%3D199381%26seq%3D0%26mobile%3Dno&org=