ST’s FlightSense ToF sensor, hidden behind a cover glass in the bezel of a laptop, monitors the user’s presence in front of their PC.

When the user leaves, the sensor detects their absence and locks the system, directing it into the Windows Modern-Stand-by low-power state, improving security and reducing power consumption.

The ToF sensor then enters a low-power autonomous mode, scanning the scene for the user returning while keeping the PC asleep to save power.

When the user returns, the ToF sensor wakes the PC and automatically enables facial recognition to log in without waiting for a key press or mouse movement.

The ST algorithm used in the system can distinguish an immobile person sitting in front of a PC from an inanimate object, such as a chair, without relying on video analytics from the power-hungry and potentially intrusive webcam.