Several Unobvious Examples of Using Computer Vision

Computer vision, a technology that is part of artificial intelligence, contains enormous potential for use. Computer vision helps computational machines analyze visual images in photographs and videos as humans do. As progress continues, the options for using computer vision become less obvious and more unexpected. In addition to classic uses such as facial recognition from surveillance camera footage and controlling unmanned vehicles, computer vision is used in entertainment, online shopping, and advertising.

One such example is the field of augmented reality. Augmented reality merges two worlds with the help of special computer elements that add new dimensions to existing objects, allowing the user to discover new objects on their smartphone or VR glasses. An example of this was the well-known phone game Pokémon Go, which involved finding pocket monsters in the streets of your city. Interesting technical innovations have been devised in online shopping.

For example, an application from the Swedish company Ikea, where thanks to augmented reality, a product that cannot be touched or its actual size assessed during online shopping can be visualized in the room and its space occupancy estimated.

Finally, computer vision is also used in visual marketing. For instance, Panasonic in 2017 demonstrated technology for projecting images onto flags. Using invisible infrared markers to the human eye and video stabilization, it became possible to project advertising on banners and even flags. The projection looks as if it is really printed on the banner and also moves along with the flag.

Lately, there has been a trend in using generative adversarial networks (GANs) that generate photos of people or objects that do not actually exist. This has led to the growth of deepfakes, which could turn into cases of fraud. The use of computer vision provides solutions to existing problems but can also create new challenges (such as deepfakes), posing a new challenge for humanity in the near future.