Non-wearable human identification sensors for smart home environment: a review

Purpose This paper aims to provide a review of different types of non-wearable human identification sensors which can be applied for smart home environment. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a systematic review to assess and compare different types of non-wearable and non-intrusive human identification sensors used in smart home environment. The literature research adds up to 5,567 records from 2000 to 2016, out of which 40 articles were screened and selected for this review. Findings In this review, the authors classified non-wearable human identification technologies into four main groups, namely, object-based, footstep-based, body shape-based and gait-based identification technologies. Assessing these four group of identification technologies showed that the maturity of non-wearable identification is not high and most of these technologies are verified in a lab environment. Additionally, footstep-based identification is the most popular identification approach listed in the literature. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on human identification technologies in several ways. This paper identifies the state-of-the-art regarding non-wearable technologies which can be used in smart home environment. Moreover, the results of this paper can provide a better understanding of advantages and disadvantages of the non-wearable identification technologies.