Framework for Posture and Face Recognition Using Kinect an Ambient-intelligence Method

This electronic document describes one of the first full open-source frameworks for posture and face detection and classification using Kinect sensors, based entirely on an open-sourced software platform. It has been designed with the possibility of automatic monitoring of either an elderly person who is situated in a closed space (a room with furniture, appliances, and other rigid objects), or a patient who suffers from a physiological disorder. It is also based on an original hardware platform (the AmI-Platform), which includes more Kinect sensors, data acquisition stations, and crunches (data servers). The articles tackle two of the most important issues for ambient intelligence: accurate determination of the person and his or her facial landmarks (to understand emotions) and fast and reliable posture determination (to take appropriate measures in case of an accident).