Computer user detection apparatus and associated method
AssigneeSTMicroelectronics S.r.l.
InventorsJeffrey Raynor, Brian Stewart
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A detection apparatus is for a computer to detect the presence or absence of a computer user. The absence of a user can trigger a computer display to power down, while the detected presence of a user can trigger the display to power back up, and, optionally, require a log in. The detection apparatus may operate automatically and thus may provide a reliable way of saving power and/or ensuring security of computer data.
Claims32
1-28. (canceled)
An apparatus for detecting the presence or absence of a computer user adjacent a computer screen, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one array including a plurality of light sensing elements;
- a circuit generating output data representative of light incident on said at least one array;
- and
- a processor for detecting the presence or absence of the computer user adjacent the computer screen based on the output data from said circuit.
A computer comprising:
- a computer screen to receive a computer user adjacent thereto;
- a plurality of light sensing elements;
- and
- a processor for detecting the presence or absence of the computer user adjacent the computer screen based on said plurality of light sensing elements.
A method of detecting the presence or absence of a computer user adjacent a computer screen, the method comprising:
- providing at least one array including a plurality of light sensing elements;
- generating output data representative of light incident on the at least one array;
- and
- processing the output data via a processor to detect a presence or absence of the computer user adjacent the computer screen based on the output data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.