Computer vision: the line between humans and computers is blurring

We’re 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 help a computer distinguish a dog from a person. The computer has to learn this, just as we did. It is shown a large collection of photos featuring both people and dogs. By analysing the images, it begins to notice patterns and characteristics typical of each. These might include shapes, colours and textures, as well as other visual features.

Once the computer has seen enough images and recognised patterns, it can analyse new images. If the visual features of a new image match patterns the computer 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 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 exclusive domain of people. This saves time and improves efficiency, but it also opens the door to innovative solutions to challenges in various sectors.

How can you use computer vision in everyday life?
It might seem far removed from your daily routine, 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 & MRI scans. Conditions can be diagnosed quickly, which may be vital. It also gives doctors a second opinion.

Autonomous Vehicles

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

Smart Cameras

Keeping You Safe
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, efficient farming. Computer vision is also used in food production for tasks such as quality control and sorting products, helping us enjoy even fresher food.

Generative AI

Artificial Creativity
Generative AI/ Generative AI showed us in 2023 that it can create new, original content rather than just analyse or respond to existing data. Tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E are used to turn text into beautiful photos and works of art. It 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 of the reasons why the big tech companies are investing so much: they want to play a role in our everyday lives. The boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. What do you think? Where is this revolution heading? Would you like to know 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.