Method and system for detecting a fallen person using a range imaging device

A system for detecting a fallen person, comprising:

• a data acquisition system that generates an initial range image corresponding to a field of view of the data acquisition system;
• and
• a processing subsystem, communicatively coupled to the data acquisition system, wherein the processing subsystem:
• identifies a reference plane disposed in the field of view of the data acquisition system;
• determines one or more regions in the initial range image indicative of one or more objects disposed above the reference plane in the field of view of the data acquisition system;
• regenerates a range image corresponding to the field of view of the data acquisition system after a determined time period;
• compares the regenerated range image with the initial range image to determine if the regenerated range image comprises a new object disposed above the reference plane;
• and
• determines whether the new object disposed above the reference plane is the fallen person if a height of the new object is less than a determined height and at least one of a volume and a surface area of the new object is greater than a determined value.