Computer vision (CV) is a set of technologies, methods, and algorithms that help computers process images and a video stream. The use of computer vision allows you to determine what is depicted, classify these images and analyze them.
The main areas of the app are the following: video surveillance and security, face recognition, agriculture, vision for robots, quality control in production, side traffic detection systems in the automotive industry, autonomous vehicles, medical image processing for diagnosis, filtering of unwanted content, identification of fake photos, updating and customization of advertising, applying filters to photos and videos.
Computer vision developers most often use Python or C++ languages, as well as specialized libraries. Datasets for training neural networks are regularly updated, and competitions are held to find the best solutions.
Let's look at some examples of computer vision apps:
Customer Tracking
Customer tracking in the manufacturing industry is one of the most useful apps for computer vision. Cameras are strategically hidden on shelves and other places around the physical retail store to track the movement of the customers. These cameras track the customers’ facial expressions as they pass by different shelves and note where and how much time they spend. Machine learning systems then parse all this data to understand what items are preferred by the customers and also to prevent stockouts.
Cameras
Computer vision is mainly used in cameras — this is how more and more intelligent cameras with new abilities that exceed human capabilities appear.
Face Recognition
Facial recognition and emotions are used in video analytics (collecting content from video cameras in real-time mode). This service is actively used in the field of security, not only at airports but also in private homes. Smart city systems use video analytics as a basic tool for analyzing the situation on the roads, improving the level of safety on the streets, and coordinating the work of emergency services.
AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality)
AR/VR (Augmented reality/ Virtual reality) is an augmented reality technology that have great potential among private users and large businesses. In addition to the entertainment industry, where these technologies are traditionally in high demand, shopping malls, construction companies, design studios, and store chains selling interior items and clothing are included in the race for the consumer.
Inspection of Packaging
In some manufacturing companies, it is important to count the number of manufactured products before packaging them. Performing this task manually can lead to a lot of errors, which becomes a serious problem, for example, in pharmaceuticals and retail.
The deployment of computer vision systems and AI during the packaging process to count the number of pieces allows you to verify compliance with packaging standards. A computer vision check can track whether an item has the desired color, length, and width, whether there are no edges, and whether the packaging is filled to the required level.
Digital Signage
Computer vision can change the way banners and advertisements look in stores, museums, stadiums, and amusement parks.
With the help of infrared markers invisible to the human eye and video stabilization, this technology can project ads on hanging banners and even on flags fluttering in the wind. Moreover, the image will look as if it is actually printed on them.
Factory Automation
At the factory, computer vision is used at the stage of assembly or work with raw materials. Cameras are installed to get images of details, and the software analyzes the situation. So, for example, they can check the assembly quality of automobile conveyors. Computer vision allows you to select defective goods or report the location of parts.
Preventive Maintenance
Some production processes occur at critical temperatures and environmental conditions, so material degradation or corrosion is common. Without proper maintenance, this leads to the deformation of the equipment, its failure, and the shutdown of the production process.
Computer vision systems allow you to monitor equipment based on various indicators. If any deviation from the indicators indicates corrosion, computer vision systems can warn the relevant managers about the need for preventive measures and maintenance.
To Draw The Line
The use of intelligent solutions using machine vision and video analytics allows companies to achieve advantages that positively affect the overall economic effect.
Saving time. A fully automated system not only works much faster but can also work around the clock and seven days a week if necessary.
Accuracy. Decision-making based on computer vision allows manufacturing companies to achieve a higher level of accuracy within the accepted tolerance. The combination of special equipment and advanced machine vision algorithms allows you to achieve an almost perfect level of accuracy in production and quality control.
Repeatability. When it comes to repetitive operations and monotonous tasks, computer vision-based solutions are more effective. A fully automated system speeds up production time and reduces costs on many levels.
Cost reduction. In addition to reducing labor costs (since fewer employees are required to manage the process), better product quality indicators are achieved with a reduction in waste by reducing the number of errors or deviations from standards.
