Computer vision

Computer vision is the subfield of Computer Science that studies how a computer processes visual information to have them interpret what they see. Unlike Computer Graphics which generates images using computers, Computer Vision takes visual information from the real world and uses algorithms to make predictions and explain what is in the image.

Applications

Computer Vision originally focused on computer systems understanding images well enough to describe what they see, but has grown to systems that give detailed environmental context with more advancements in Machine Learning. Improved Pattern Recognition and Convolutional Neural Networks methods have given way to new methods for processing images that has application in multiple fields.

Optical Character Recognition

Google Books used scanned images of pages of books to convert those pages to a text format. This allowed users to search the text in the book without needing to read it page by page.

Medical Imaging

Computer systems use the X-Ray and MRI imaging of hospital patients to make a diagnosis as to whether or not they have cancer. In some instances, the computers have outperformed the doctors who make diagnoses on the same patient.https://www.bbc.com/news/health-50857759^[1]

Self Driving Cars

Autonomous Cars use a combination of Computer Vision and LiDAR to detect pedestrians and Stop Signs when driving passengers.

Computer Vision Media

Object detection in a photograph
Learning 3D shapes has been a challenging task in computer vision. Recent advances in deep learning have enabled researchers to build models that are able to generate and reconstruct 3D shapes from single or multi-view depth maps or silhouettes seamlessly and efficiently.
DARPA's Visual Media Reasoning concept video
Artist's concept of Curiosity, an example of an uncrewed land-based vehicle. The stereo camera is mounted on top of the rover.
Rubber artificial skin layer with the flexible structure for the shape estimation of micro-undulation surfaces
Above is a silicon mold with a camera inside containing many different point markers. When this sensor is pressed against the surface the silicon deforms and the position of the point markers shifts.
Computer vision for people counter purposes in public places, malls, shopping centers
An 2020 model iPad Pro with a LiDAR sensor