Many parents struggle with managing their children's screen time habits, particularly when kids sit too close to the TV, which can lead to eye strain and potential vision problems. While solutions like floor markers or verbal reminders exist, they often require constant supervision. An automated system built into smart TVs could help enforce healthy viewing distances without needing parents to constantly intervene.

How It Would Work

One approach would be to use a smart TV's built-in camera and computer vision to detect when viewers are too close. The system could first issue a warning, then pause or dim the content if the child doesn't move back. It might differentiate children from adults through facial recognition or size estimation, allowing adults to override when needed. The technology could be implemented as:

• A premium feature in new TVs
• A software update for existing smart TVs with cameras
• A standalone camera accessory for older TVs

Benefits Over Existing Solutions

Current options like mobile apps or physical markers have limitations. Mobile apps require separate devices, while stickers on the floor don't actively enforce distance. This integrated approach would work automatically without extra hardware. For TV manufacturers, it could serve as a differentiating family-friendly feature, while giving parents peace of mind about their children's eye health.

Implementation Considerations

An initial version might start with basic distance detection and warnings, then evolve to include features like customizable thresholds and parental controls. Privacy concerns could be addressed through local-only image processing and physical camera covers. Testing would be important to ensure the system works reliably in real homes and that children don't find simple workarounds.

This concept could fill an important gap in helping children develop healthier TV viewing habits, while reducing the supervision burden on parents. The technology builds on existing smart TV capabilities, focusing them on a specific health concern that currently lacks good automated solutions.