Computer vision is a term that has been around for decades, but few people stop to think just how this technology is affecting our daily lives. Moreover, it’s interesting to think how it is changing businesses and revolutionizing entire industries.
Simply put, computer vision is a scientific field that uses artificial intelligence and smart systems in general to analyze and make sense of visual inputs, like images or videos. These smart systems can then be used to make smart decisions and analyses, take action or give data-driven recommendations to their human counterparts.
Needless to say, this technology has become an indispensable part of our modern lives, so let’s take a look at how computer vision is affecting various industries.
Computer vision in advanced driving systems
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in modern vehicles is one of the best examples and use cases for computer vision technology. As modern vehicles are becoming more and more AI-driven, boasting smart onboard systems and computers, manufacturers are increasingly implementing computer vision to help make driving safer for everyone on the road.
These systems complement the onboard software, and help manufacturers better integrate everything from messenger apps for Windows displays in the vehicle all the way to its navigation and other software. But the real application of computer vision comes with the aforementioned ADAS sensors, which are:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Anti-lock braking system
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane assist and steering correction
- Navigation systems
- Parking systems and 3D rendering
- Bling spot monitoring
- Collision avoidance system
- Driver drowsiness detection
- And many more
ADAS systems are not only making driving easier, they are saving lives. These systems are also enhancing your fuel economy on the road and are able to use advanced diagnostics to let you know that it’s time to take your car to a mechanic before it’s too late.
Computer vision in healthcare
Next to automotive, healthcare is probably the biggest adopter of AI-driven solutions and computer vision technology – and the reasons behind this rapid investment are numerous. For one, advanced systems like these help cut down manual labor and time waste, and alleviate the pressure off the overburdened medical staff.
This is done through AI-assisted analyses of x-ray scans, CT and MRI scans, patient data and images, and even via patient-submitted images and videos through telemedicine. The possibilities here are endless, and there’s no denying that introducing AI into your business if you’re in the healthcare sector is a worthwhile investment. While it might not replace the need for human staff, it will definitely reduce the overall workload, automate menial tasks, and even assist specialized medical professionals to make better decisions for their patients.
That said, the biggest advantage of computer vision is its ability to reduce the risk of error. If a medical professional misses something or makes an error in judgment when reviewing patient data, the system can correct them and propose a better course of action.
Computer vision in retail
While the online retail market is booming around the world, it’s important to note that offline retail is also booming in the new normal now that people are returning to the physical stores. In offline retail, computer vision solutions can assist in everything from security all the way to designing a better customer experience, store design and layout, and more.
While online security systems help businesses stop malicious emails and other nefarious activity, in-store computer vision solutions can help prevent theft and any unlawful behavior. Cameras that pick up suspicious activity can also help identify the persons involved, while the AI-driven systems can use the visual data to propose better security measures and protocols.
Combined with the online security systems, in-store computer vision solutions can create a better retail experience for all while ensuring security and comfort for shoppers and staff. That said, computer vision is enhancing security in all other industries and sectors, as well as our everyday life.
Computer vision in manufacturing
The manufacturing industry, much like construction and engineering, is rapidly investing in computer vision and other AI solutions to help drive efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness forward on all fronts. There are many reasons why manufacturing companies need these computer vision and why it makes long-term financial sense to invest in them now when they are becoming more advanced and refined every year.
Automated quality control is one of the main drivers behind these investments, as computer vision solutions can help pinpoint defects and errors in manufacturing throughout the process. Aside from quality control, computer vision can automate asset management and maintenance.
Manufacturing machinery and technology in general are expensive to maintain. Computer vision systems can automatically conduct quality and asset health checks, schedule maintenance, and prolong the service life of manufacturing technology and machinery.
Computer monitoring in health and fitness
Last but not least, computer vision is currently transforming the health and fitness industry. This industry has been undergoing digital and technological transformation for years, and computer vision can help companies and individuals achieve many great things.
For one, computer vision can help individuals keep their posture in check, but it can also help online trainers better manage their clients through a visual medium, like photos and training videos. Given the fact that AI systems can learn what the proper execution of exercises and movements should look like, they can then spot potentially harmful movements and spot errors in execution quickly.
Trainers and trainees can even do this in real time through dedicated mobile apps. Using their smartphone to film themselves during exercise, they can get real-time posture checks and early warning signs that they are not executing the movement properly, thus preventing injury.
Over to you
Computer vision is a revolutionary piece of tech that has become an integral part of the modern way of life. In fact, it is currently transforming entire industries and making the world a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective place to live.
