Computer vision: the line between humans and computers has blurred

We are seeing the boundaries between people and machines blur at a rapid pace. Computer vision plays an important role in this. But what is computer vision? Why is it so valuable for the future? And why are major tech organisations investing so heavily in it?

What is computer vision?
Computer vision is a branch of AI that helps computers understand visual information, much like the human brain does. Computers can analyse images and videos, recognise patterns and detect objects.

For example, computer vision can enable a computer to tell a dog from a person. The computer has had to learn this, just as we humans have. It has seen a large collection of photos showing both people and dogs. By analysing the images, the computer begins to notice patterns and features typical of a person or a dog. These might include shapes, colours and textures, as well as other visual characteristics.

Once the computer has seen enough images and recognised patterns, it can analyse new images. When the visual features of a new image match patterns the computer has learned from earlier photos, it detects a dog or a person (see image).

The computer’s ability to detect a person and a dog is an example of  computer vision. It can understand visual information and respond to it, much as our own eyes and brains help us understand the world around us.

Applications of computer vision
What makes computer vision revolutionary is that computers can now perform complex visual tasks that were once the preserve of humans. This not only saves time and improves efficiency but also opens the door to innovative solutions to challenges across different sectors.

How can you use computer vision in everyday life?
It might seem far removed from your daily life, but there’s a good chance you already encounter computer vision every day. Do you still unlock your phone with a password?

Facial RecognitionForget Passwords, Say Hello to Facial Recognition!
FaceID is a clear example of computer vision. Your phone can recognise your face and give you immediate access to your smartphone. It is just a glimpse of what this technology can do.Medical Diagnosis

Could This Be a Life-Saving Revolution?
In medicine, computer vision can help doctors identify diseases and abnormalities in medical images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. Conditions can be detected quickly, which can be vital. It also means doctors always have a second opinion available.

Autonomous Vehicles

The Future of Mobility
Perhaps 2024 will be the year self-driving cars navigate roads safely and efficiently. This is possible thanks to computer vision. The computer can scan the road and identify obstacles. This technology has the potential to change the future of mobility dramatically. The prediction is that traffic will become much more predictable and therefore safer.

Smart Cameras

Looking Out for Your Safety
Security systems and surveillance cameras use computer vision to detect suspicious activity or objects and generate immediate alerts. Weapon detection is one example.

Agriculture and Food Production

A Green Revolution?
In agriculture, computer vision is used to monitor crops, pests and irrigation needs. This contributes to sustainable and efficient farming. Computer vision is also used in food production, for example to check quality and sort products, helping us enjoy even fresher food.

Generative AI

Artificial Creativity
In 2023, generative AI/ Generative AI showed us that it can create new and original content, rather than merely analyse or respond to existing data. Tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E are used to turn text into striking photos and works of art. This is certainly an example of computer vision that will continue to surprise us.

The boundaries are blurring
By investing in this technological revolution, we can contribute to new developments and discover applications that will change our daily lives even further. That is also one reason why the tech giants are investing so much: they want to play a role in our daily lives. The boundaries are blurring more and more. What do you think? Where is this revolution heading? Would you like to learn more about computer vision? Or explore what computer vision could mean for your organisation? Get in touch with us. Our computer vision team would be happy to tell you more.