System and method for control using face detection or hand gesture detection algorithms in a captured image. Based on the existence of a detected human face or a hand gesture in an image captured by a digital camera, a control signal is generated and provided to a device. The control may provide power or disconnect power supply to the device (or part of the device circuits). The location of the detected face in the image may be used to rotate a display screen to achieve a better line of sight with a viewing person. The difference between the location of the detected face and an optimum is the error to be corrected by rotating the display to the required angular position. A hand gesture detection can be used as a replacement to a remote control for the controlled unit, such as a television set.