Real-Time Human Motion Detection with Distributed Smart Cameras

Many smart camera security systems employ a single camera model; this makes depth perception impossible and the occlusion of objects (either by fixtures or by other body parts of the subject) prevents meaningful task automation. Multi-camera systems have significant overhead in communication and three-dimensional modeling. We have developed a multi-camera system capable of overcoming this issue. Two cameras observing the same space from different vantage points provide depth perception of a subject so that the positions of the hands and face can be mapped in three dimensions. Unlike other three-dimensional modeling programs, we use an ultra-compression method and build on existing message passing interface (MPI) middleware for communication, allowing for real-time performance. Our application provides a framework for robust motion detection and gesture recognition.