Introduction
Computer vision has become an essential part of a software application. Computer vision is used in different fields like robotics, mobile apps, social networking applications, etc. Moreover, it has emerged as an integral part of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology used for video games. But what is computer vision, and how is it used in business?
Computer Vision Explained
Computer vision is the science of using computers to understand and analyze images.
It’s a field that goes back to the 1950s, but it has only recently become practical for industrial applications.
For decades, the image recognition technology behind self-driving cars and facial recognition software has been around. But it wasn’t until recently that we could build systems that were fast enough, cheap enough, and accurate enough for commercial use.
Now, computer vision is starting to change how we do everything, from driving our cars to designing buildings to managing inventory. Here are some examples:
Facial recognition software helps security agencies identify terrorists at airports and concerts. It can also be used in retail stores to identify shoppers who return too many items without paying for them.
Voice recognition systems allow us to talk instead of type on our phones or computers. They can also transcribe speech into text or translate between languages while we speak — no typing required!
Humanoid robots use computer vision software, so they don’t run into things when they walk around our homes and offices (or even outside).
Drones use camera sensors and software to see obstacles, so they don’t crash into them while flying autonomously.
How Computer Vision Used in AI
Computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) are two of the most exciting fields in technology, and both are set to have a profound impact on the future.
The combination of computer vision with AI is known as “deep learning” or “machine learning.” Some experts have called this new generation of computing “the next industrial revolution” because it can transform almost every industry.
So what exactly is deep learning? To put it simply, it’s a type of AI that allows computers to recognize images and understand language.
Both rely on machine learning and deep learning, which use algorithms to process data and learn from it. AI is a broader term that encompasses computer vision, but in general, AI refers to any system that uses sophisticated algorithms and software to perform tasks usually requiring human intelligence. For example, computer vision is a subset of AI that uses cameras to identify objects, people, and other elements in images or video feed.
Today’s most common applications of artificial intelligence include self-driving cars, chatbots, virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, predictive analytics tools, fraud detection systems, and natural language processing platforms that help computers understand speech more accurately.
Computer vision VS image processing
Computer vision is becoming the norm, while image processing is still preferred by many. They are two essential fields in artificial intelligence.
The two fields share many similarities, but they also have some key differences.
The premise of computer vision is to recognize information through visual content.
Image processing
- It involves manipulating images based on an image’s physical traits.
- It involves taking an image and performing some operation on it
This can include editing the color or adding effects to make an image look more vibrant or realistic. Some examples of image processing include:
Color correction: This is used to correct color issues with images or videos
Stitching is used when taking multiple photos from different angles and stitching them together into one larger picture.
Image processing can be used anywhere there’s an image, including but not limited to images from cameras (both still and video), cell phones, tablets, laptops, and even some TVs.
Computer vision, however, is a more specific term that refers to the ability of computers to understand what they see in an image or video.
We will talk about it more in the next section.
Computer Vision: Where to Use It?
It can be used anywhere there’s video – including security cameras, drones, and self-driving cars (though these will also likely use other sensors).
Computer vision is used in many industries, such as
- Automotive Industry
Computer Vision could make a difference in the automotive industry by adding safety features to our vehicles. It is already used in driver assistance systems to detect simple objects such as road lanes. All autopilots include these functions but are only usable in monotonous conditions, with slight variation.
- Public Security – Facial Recognition
Facial recognition, the Computer vision tech, has been the subject of fierce debate in the last couple of years, using policing and surveillance under intense scrutiny.
- Retail – Customer Experience, Inventory Management
Computer Vision has become an essential part of the retail industry because it helps in improving the customer experience by providing relevant product recommendations. In addition, retailers can easily manage their inventory with the help of computer vision technology. It also helps them improve the quality assurance process by analyzing products and finding defects before reaching customers’ hands.
- Healthcare Industry
Automating diagnosis processes such as diagnosing diseases or identifying patients who require further treatment based on their facial recognition system uses Deep Learning Algorithms (DLA). It also helps doctors predict patient outcomes following surgery by analyzing images taken during surgery using DLA algorithms that are more accurate than human doctors.
- Education – Attendance And Engagement Monitoring
Computer vision is essential for schools to provide students with the best possible education. It is also necessary for teachers and administrators to keep track of student performance. This requires an accurate method for recording attendance data such as the total number of students in class, the total number of types attended, average class size, and the total number of absences.
- Fitness And Sports – Tracking Systems
First, it can be used to track the speed and distance of an athlete. This is done by analyzing images of the athlete captured at high rates. The technology can also identify when the athlete crosses the finish line.
The technology can also analyze an athlete’s performance during training sessions or games. It can assess their skill level, reaction time, and more. It can even be used to identify injuries or other problems that may affect an athlete’s ability to perform well.
- Precision Agriculture:
The precision agriculture industry has been a prime example of how computer vision can be used in agriculture to improve productivity, quality, and yield. By using cameras and computer vision technology, farmers can identify plant health issues and make informed decisions about how to respond.
Agricultural drones are being used to collect data from fields in real-time. This data is then analyzed using computer vision algorithms to identify each crop’s health. Farmers then use this information to make targeted decisions about the type of treatment they should apply to each plant.
- Media & Entertainment – Interactive Media, Smart glasses
The Interactive Media industry uses computer vision to create engaging content that can detect users and respond accordingly. For example, interactive media can be used in advertising by detecting where a user is looking on a billboard or web page and triggering an advertisement or video clip based on their gaze. This allows advertisers to target ads more effectively and provide a more engaging experience for consumers.
- Manufacturing – Product Assembly, Defect Detection
Manufacturing companies have used computer vision for many years. The most common way it’s used is to inspect products as they pass along conveyor belts and inspection stations. This can be done using cameras or laser scanners that capture the product’s images and then analyze them for defects such as scratches, cracks, or dents.
Defect detection is another area where computer vision applications are used extensively. In this case, the application is typically installed on drones that fly over fields and scan crops for signs of disease or damage caused by pests such as insects or worms. The drones then transmit their findings back to a central processing unit (CPU) which analyzes the data using machine learning algorithms to determine whether an infestation is present or not.
Conclusion:
Computer vision is still a young technology, but it is a growing industry that is going to be staying for the long term. Computer vision can help many businesses and change their working for the better. It has many benefits, it’s relatively cheap and easy to implement, and it doesn’t require lengthy training or expensive equipment. If you need to upgrade your business with computer vision, contact us, and you can check these companies too.
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