The scope of artificial intelligence (AI) is far greater than most people can begin to realize. While even tech-averse individuals are increasingly aware of machine learning and natural language processing, many have yet to discover the exciting world of computer vision.

A high-level technology and area of interdisciplinary study, computer vision holds the potential to transform a variety of industries, as well as habits we currently take for granted. Keep reading to learn more about its development and its implications for the future of artificial intelligence:

What Is Computer Vision and How Does it Work?

The human vision system is surprisingly complicated, to the point that it’s taken considerable effort to create any semblance of it in computer form. However, we’ve finally accomplished what once seemed impossible: Computers can now view digital images or watch videos to glean high-level insights. This ability is known as computer vision.

The quest for computer vision spanned several decades. The concept began to gain traction in the 1950s when early experiments sought to determine whether it was a viable addition to the growing tech sector. It wasn’t long before devices with computer vision could tell the difference between text that was typed or written by hand.

Today, computer vision involves processing at the pixel level. Computers are exposed to a vast amount of visual data to facilitate pattern recognition. They then use algorithms to extract relevant information and determine how to move forward with such insights.

How Can Computer Vision Be Used in Everyday Life?

Computer vision is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Already, this exciting technology is being implemented in several areas of daily life. You may already take advantage of technologies powered by computer vision without even knowing it.

The following are a few of the most intriguing applications already present in several industries and around the house:

Organizing Photos

At one time, keeping digital photos organized was a hassle, with users forced to enter dozens of tags manually. Today, however, many photo storage solutions integrate computer vision and geotagging to help users keep track of images based not only on who is featured but also where – and under what circumstances – they were taken.

Of course, photo-oriented computer vision is valuable for individual users with thousands of photos. However, it’s even more helpful for businesses with a huge volume of image-based data and limited time to sort through visual media manually.

Shopping

In the world of eCommerce, computer vision can optimize digital marketing and user experience. For example, computer detection solutions can be deployed to identify objects within images. This, in turn, allows customers to easily shop for multiple products highlighted within a single picture. Likewise, computer vision allows for more accurate image classification in eCommerce listings. This is crucial for many online businesses that may rely on precise product categorization to ensure that customers find the right items.

Computer vision can also play a significant role in shopping at physical locations. For example, this technology powers Amazon’s checkout-free grocery store. This unique retailer aims for a “Just Walk Out” experience, in which visitors can simply grab what they need off the shelf and leave without waiting in line or fumbling with cash.

Retail Banking

Banks are always on the hunt for new ways to increase consumer security while also making everyday transactions more convenient. Computer vision lies behind many of these efforts. Select banks allow users to make ATM withdrawals with help from facial recognition technology. Likewise, computer vision can aid Know Your Customer (KYC) by linking digital images. For example, customers can submit both selfies and photo identification to verify their identity.

Internet of Things

The integration of computer vision with the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for the efficient gathering and analysis of huge volumes of data to make users’ lives more efficient and convenient. As such, computer vision can make a smart home that much more effective. Already, thermostat systems observe the patterns of building inhabitants to determine when certain features or settings may be required and when energy can be conserved.

Even more impressive? Samsung has developed an advanced system designed to identify items stored in refrigerators. This solution’s AI-powered View Inside camera lets users know if new items have been added or if existing products have been depleted. Integration with Smart Recipes allows for optimized shopping lists and recipes that take current ingredient availability into account.

NerdsToGo: Your Resource for All Things AI

If you’re ready to implement computer vision or other promising AI technologies into your business functions or daily life, look to the experts at NerdsToGo for help. Our certified Nerds are passionate about all things technology – and they make a point of remaining at the cutting-edge of the growing world of AI.

To learn more about your options for utilizing computer vision in AI or taking advantage of the many business IT services offered at NerdsToGo Richmond, reach out today.