Computer Vision is a field of artificial intelligence that enables computers to interpret and make decisions based on visual data. Essentially, computer vision gives machines the ability to “see” by processing images and videos to extract useful information.
Do you know that some computer vision devices are capable of extracting information from multiple objects concurrently? Super high-resolution cameras are also capable of focusing on far away objects. In these respects, computer vision is superior to human vision.
Computer vision is actually a technology that is very common in modern urban life. In fact, it is very likely that you will find the technology integrated into home-use smart security devices.
Are you curious to find out more about the other capabilities of computer vision? If so, let’s explore how this transforming technology can affect your daily life.
How Does Computer Vision Work?
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Computer vision works by analyzing visual data using algorithms and mathematical models. Getting into details of the analytical processes will be too technical for the layman to understand. So, here is just a simple breakdown of how the technology works:
- Image Capture: The process begins with capturing an image or video using a camera. CCTV cameras, home security cameras, smartphone cameras, drone cameras, webcams may all have computer vision tech in them.
- Processing: The captured image is then processed by software that breaks it down into pixels. Pixels are basically very tiny dots that make up the image. A high number of pixels can generate clear and sharp images, even from far away objects.
- Analysis: The software then analyzes these pixels to detect patterns, shapes, colors, and other features. Love the tech or hate it, computer vision is increasingly getting better at object detection and recognition.
- Recognition: Once the analysis is done, the software can recognize different objects. Even your home use smart camera may be capable of differentiating people, animals or actions within the image. High-end security cameras deployed in public spaces may even be capable of detecting different emotions like stress, nervousness, sadness, etc.
- Decision-Making: Based on this recognition, the computer can be programmed to make autonomous decision. For example, the tech can be used to identify a person or count the number of cars on a road. If human intervention is deemed necessary, the system can trigger alarms to alert the user to take further action.
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