Introduction to Computer Vision

• Computer vision is a field of artificial

intelligence that enables computers and
systems to extract meaningful information
from digital images, videos, and other visual
inputs. It aims to automate tasks that require
human vision, such as image recognition,
object detection, and scene understanding.
With the rapid advancements in AI, deep
learning, and hardware capabilities, computer
vision is becoming an integral part of
 History and Evolution
• The roots of computer vision trace back to the
1960s when early image processing
techniques were developed for object
recognition. In the 1980s and 1990s,
advancements in machine learning improved
feature extraction and classification. The
2010s saw a revolution with deep learning,
particularly convolutional neural networks
(CNNs), enabling highly accurate image
recognition. Today, with increased
 How Computer Vision Works
• Computer vision involves several key steps:
image acquisition, preprocessing, feature
extraction, and interpretation. First, digital
images or videos are captured using cameras.
Then, preprocessing techniques like noise
reduction and contrast enhancement are
applied. Feature extraction identifies key
elements like edges, colors, and textures.
Finally, machine learning models, including
deep neural networks, analyze the extracted
 Key Applications
• Computer vision is widely used across
industries. In healthcare, it helps in diagnosing
diseases from medical scans. In security, facial
recognition systems enhance authentication.
In retail, computer vision is used for customer
analytics and automated checkout systems.
Autonomous vehicles rely on computer vision
for detecting lanes, obstacles, and
pedestrians. Additionally, it is used in
agriculture for crop monitoring, in
 Image Processing vs. Computer
Vision
• Image processing and computer vision are
closely related but different fields. Image
processing involves techniques like filtering,
noise reduction, and color enhancement to
modify an image without interpreting its
content. On the other hand, computer vision
focuses on understanding and interpreting
visual information from images or videos.
While image processing improves image
quality, computer vision extracts meaningful
 Machine Learning in Computer
Vision
• Machine learning plays a crucial role in
computer vision by enabling computers to
learn from data and improve accuracy.
Traditional machine learning algorithms like
support vector machines (SVMs), decision
trees, and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) were
initially used for image classification and
pattern recognition. However, deep learning,
especially convolutional neural networks
(CNNs), has surpassed traditional methods by
 Deep Learning and Neural
Networks
• Deep learning, a subset of machine learning,
has revolutionized computer vision.
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are
widely used for tasks like image classification,
object detection, and segmentation. CNNs
consist of multiple layers that automatically
detect features such as edges, textures, and
patterns. Other deep learning models like
Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and
Transformers are used for video analysis.
Popular Computer Vision Libraries
• Several open-source libraries make computer
vision more accessible. OpenCV (Open Source
Computer Vision Library) is widely used for
image processing, face detection, and object
tracking. TensorFlow and PyTorch provide
deep learning frameworks for building
complex neural networks. Keras simplifies
deep learning model development. Dlib is
useful for face recognition and alignment.
Google’s MediaPipe offers real-time solutions
 Face Recognition Technology
• Face recognition technology identifies
individuals by analyzing facial features. It is
used in security systems, smartphone
authentication, and social media applications.
The process involves face detection, feature
extraction, and classification using machine
learning or deep learning models like FaceNet
and DeepFace. While face recognition
enhances security, it raises ethical concerns
about privacy and surveillance. Researchers
 Object Detection and Tracking
• Object detection identifies and locates objects
in images or videos, while tracking monitors
their movement over time. Techniques like
YOLO (You Only Look Once), SSD (Single Shot
Multibox Detector), and Faster R-CNN are
widely used for real-time detection. Object
tracking methods, such as Kalman filters and
optical flow, help follow moving objects in
surveillance, sports analytics, and
autonomous driving. These technologies
 Medical Imaging and Healthcare
• Computer vision is revolutionizing healthcare
by improving disease diagnosis, medical
imaging analysis, and patient monitoring. AI-
powered systems can analyze X-rays, MRIs,
and CT scans to detect abnormalities like
tumors, fractures, and infections with high
accuracy. Applications include retinal image
analysis for detecting diabetic retinopathy,
skin cancer detection, and robotic-assisted
surgeries. AI-driven medical imaging enhances
 Autonomous Vehicles and
Computer Vision
• Self-driving cars rely heavily on computer
vision to perceive their surroundings.
Cameras, LiDAR, and radar sensors capture
real-time data, which is processed using AI
algorithms to detect objects, recognize traffic
signals, and identify pedestrians. Techniques
like semantic segmentation help distinguish
between road elements, while depth
estimation aids in distance measurement.
Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and NVIDIA use
 Challenges in Computer Vision
• Despite advancements, computer vision faces
several challenges. Variations in lighting,
occlusion, and image noise affect accuracy.
Bias in training data can lead to unfair AI
models, especially in facial recognition. High
computational costs make real-time
processing challenging. Adversarial attacks can
manipulate AI models by altering images
subtly. Ethical concerns, such as privacy
violations and deepfake misuse, require
 Future Trends
• The future of computer vision includes
innovations like AI-powered edge computing,
which processes visual data on devices instead
of cloud servers. Generative AI models like
GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) will
enhance synthetic image creation. Augmented
reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will
integrate more deeply with vision-based
applications. AI ethics and bias mitigation will
become priorities. As research advances,
 Conclusion and Q&A
• Computer vision is a transformative
technology that allows machines to interpret
and understand the visual world. From
medical diagnostics to autonomous driving, its
applications are vast and continuously
evolving. While challenges such as data biases,
privacy concerns, and computational
complexity remain, ongoing research and
innovation will address these issues. As AI-
powered vision systems improve, they will