Computer Vision: our complete guide for 2023

What is computer vision and how does it work?

Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that enables computers to derive meaningful information from digital images, videos and other visual inputs and take action or make recommendations based on this information.Just like artificial intelligence helps computers think, computer vision enables computers to see, observe and understand. It involves the development of algorithms that can process, analyze, and understand digital images and videos.

Computer vision works by using algorithms to analyze digital images or videos. These algorithms can detect patterns, identify objects, and track movement. The algorithms can also be used to recognize faces, classify objects, and detect anomalies. Computer vision can also be used to create 3D models from 2D images.

What are the top 5 computer vision techniques ?

1. Image Classification works by training a computer to recognize patterns in images. It uses supervised learning algorithms to learn from labeled data and classify the images into predefined classes.
2. Object Detection is a technique to detect and localize objects in an image. It uses algorithms to identify objects in an image, draw a bounding box around the object and classify it into a predefined class.
3. Image Segmentation is a technique that breaks down an image into smaller parts, or segments. It uses algorithms to identify the edges of objects in an image and assign each segment a label.
4. Image Super-Resolution is a technique to increase the resolution of an image. It uses algorithms to enlarge images without losing details or introducing artifacts.
5. Object Tracking is a technique used to track objects in videos. It uses algorithms to locate the object in each frame and then track it as it moves.

What are the most common use cases in computer vision ?

1. Object Detection – Identifying and locating objects in an image or video frame.
2. Image Classification – Classifying an image into a specific category such as animals, vehicles, plants, etc.
3. Image Segmentation – Dividing an image into distinct areas.
4. Face Recognition – Identifying and recognizing faces in an image.
5. Motion Detection – Detecting motion in an image or video.
6. Video Surveillance – Capturing and monitoring activity in an area through cameras.
7. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – Recognizing text in an image or video.
8. Autonomous Vehicle Navigation – Navigating autonomously through an environment.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) – Blending digital information with the physical world.
10. Medical Image Analysis – Extracting useful information from medical images.

What are the main sectors where computer vision is used?

Computer Applications in the retail industry

Computer vision enables retailers to build customer loyalty through improved in-store experience. It can speed up the buying process by analyzing the buying habits of customers. The data gotten by computer vision can be used to optimize the layout of store shelves in order to streamline purchases. It is also a solution of choice to improve self-service in stores and can help prevent fraud and theft. Automated visual inspection installed in the aisles and at checkout will detect shoplifters faster than current devices.

Computer Vision Applications in the automobile industry

Computer vision is used in the automobile industry for a variety of tasks, including object and lane detection for autonomous driving, traffic sign and light recognition, driver monitoring, and facial recognition. Computer vision and deep learning algorithms are used to detect objects and obstacles, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, in order to enable the car to make decisions and safely navigate the environment. Computer vision is also used to detect traffic signs and lights, and facial recognition can be used to identify drivers, or to detect drowsiness or distraction (Autonomous Driving, Driver Monitoring, Vehicle Diagnostics, traffic monitoring, Advanced Driver Assistance SystemsVehicle Security ..)

Computer Applications in the manufacturing industry

Industry 4.0 is modernizing manufacturing and enhancing the competitiveness of the western industrial sector. It is centered on advanced robotics and automation, new forms of human-machine interaction, vast troves of data, and increased connectivity. With the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) and highly effective, automated robotics, manufacturers will be able to gather, analyze, and take action on enormous stockpiles of data like never before

Computer Vision Applications in the health care industry

In the healthcare industry, computer vision is being used to analyze medical images, assist in surgery, diagnose and monitor medical conditions, and remotely monitor patients. Specifically, computer vision is being used to:

• Analyze medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to identify and diagnose medical conditions like tumors or lesions.
• Guide surgeons in real-time during procedures by tracking surgical instruments and providing feedback to the surgeon.
• Diagnose and monitor medical conditions by analyzing patient data such as videos, images, and sensor data, such as monitoring the movement patterns of patients with Parkinson's disease.
• Remotely monitor patients in their homes by using computer vision algorithms to monitor a patient's breathing or movements and alert healthcare providers if there are any abnormalities.

Overall, computer vision is becoming an increasingly important tool in the healthcare industry, improving patient outcomes, increasing efficiency, and reducing healthcare costs.

Computer Vision Applications in the agriculture

Computer vision is becoming an increasingly important tool in agriculture, helping farmers improve crop yields, optimize resource usage, and automate tasks.

Specifically, computer vision is being used to:

• Monitor crop health: By analyzing images of crops captured by drones or ground-based cameras, computer vision algorithms can detect early signs of stress or disease in crops, allowing farmers to take action to prevent crop losses.
• Count and identify plants: Computer vision algorithms can be used to count the number of plants in a field and identify different plant species, helping farmers optimize planting and harvesting schedules.
• Estimate crop yield: By analyzing images of crops and predicting the number of fruits or vegetables per plant, computer vision algorithms can help farmers estimate crop yield and plan for harvests.
• Automate tasks: Computer vision can be used to automate tasks such as weeding, pruning, and harvesting, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.

Computer Vision Applications for smartcities

AI opens up new possibilities by helping to create more sustainable cities, oversee urban infrastructure and improve public services for both residents and communities. This revolution is based on the ability to collect data from billions of sensors and other IoT devices. While the most obvious field of application of AI in Smart cities is security, it's far from the only one that can benefit from computer vision technology. Smart cities have been at the heart of a real debate and the movement is very real.

The future and possibilities.

Cities concentrate more than half of the world's population and more than two thirds by 2050, according to reports by international organizations. Smart technologies can help manage different resources such as environment, traffic, security and administration. In other words, an AI infrastructure makes it possible to make the smart city a sustainable solution for the inhabitants. AI resources and tools have an application in various fields such as the environment, energy, transport, or security.

What are the biggest challenges of computer vision ?

1. Real-time Processing: Computer vision algorithms are computationally intensive, and processing large amounts of data in real-time can be challenging.
2. Low-light Conditions: Algorithms must be able to accurately identify objects in low-light conditions, which is difficult due to the limited information available in these conditions.
3. Occlusion: Objects in a scene can be occluded by other objects, making it difficult for computer vision algorithms to accurately identify them.
4. Unstructured Environments: Computer vision algorithms must be able to function in unstructured environments with varying lighting, angles, and clutter.
5. Scalability: Algorithms must be able to scale to work with larger datasets and more complex tasks.
6. Deep Learning: Deep learning algorithms are becoming increasingly important for computer vision, but they require large datasets and a great deal of computational power.