Introduction

Do you recall the vivid NASA photos detailing planet Mars captured by an unmanned rover? If so, you saw the results of computer vision. Cameras mounted on the robotic vehicle captured the planet’s landscape and computer vision translated it into detailed imaging. In addition, computer vision enabled the rover to navigate around the planet’s floor.

From medical imaging to industrial quality control, computer vision is the go-to technology for solving complex problems or tasks. And we’ve only just begun to tap the potential of computer vision. While it encompasses a vast area, computer vision is simply the replicating of human vision using computer hardware and software. In short, computer vision are machines that “see.” They uses principles of mathematics, biology, electrical engineering, cognitive science and computer science to interpret properties and structure of image data in order to reconstruct a more complex and detailed 3D image to better understand a view or solve a particular task.

Further In-depth Topics & External Sites for Businesses

- Computer Vision Enhances Electronic Products
- Advancements in Computer Vision Systems
- Offshoots of Computer Vision Making Headway
- OnlineFaxService.com
- Internet Fax Service

Computer Vision In Action

If you’ve ever had a CAT scan, MRI or ultrasound, you have witnessed computer vision in action. For example, computer vision enables physicians to not only see the presence of a tumor, but to know the exact dimensions and depth of it. Besides the medical field, the military is probably one of the other major users of computer vision. Missile guidance systems, surveillance and enemy detection are some of the areas that employ computer vision. Some of the other industries that apply computer vision are:

- Video games that use machine vision, a type of computer vision, in computer game systems to make the action more realistic.

- Construction, where computer vision guided equipment, such as welding machines, are used on worksites.

- Entertainment for camera tracking and supporting visual effects when making movies or covering live sporting events.

- Food manufacturing and processing for inspection, sorting, barcode label reading and assembly.

- Law enforcement for scene reconstruction, surveillance and security, such as biometrics like face, iris, or fingerprint recognition.

Scientists and other experts continue to discover new applications for computer vision and the possibilities appear to be endless. Computer vision systems, which can be stand-alone applications for use in a specific area, or sub-systems within a larger design to handle multiple functions, continue to be developed.

Computer Vision Events

Because the field of computer vision is rapidly developing, both in its understanding and applications, many organizations and associations hold conferences, seminars and other events to discuss the scientific, medical, industrial, technological and other potential disciplines of computer vision. Here is the schedule of some of the main events planned through the remainder of 2011 that focus on various aspects of computer vision:

 

More Reading

- Computer Vision and its Related Fields
- Research Delves Deeper into Computer Vision Potential
- Common Tasks Performed by Computer Vision