Computer vision is a field of computer science that enables machines to extract information from visual data (images or videos) in an attempt to replicate the speed and accuracy of the human visual cortex.
Today computer vision is no longer limited to static photographs and scenes. It can analyze video with astonishing accuracy, while real-time facial recognition is built into the majority of smartphones and other security systems.
Computer vision enables machines to recognise objects in much the same way as the human brain. Today, even a smartphone or a laptop computer can run AI-powered software that makes millions of calculations every second. This ‘democratization’ of computer vision means that nearly any business, whatever its size or industry, can benefit commercially from the technology.
The latest computer vision solutions are far more streamlined, squeezing immense processing power into common ‘edge’ devices including smartphones, laptops and devices connected to the internet of things.
Instead of uploading huge volumes of training data to the cloud, much of the heavy lifting can be undertaken on-premise to adapt the technology to the precise needs of your business.
In addition, much of the configuration can now be achieved by non-technical users and with less data availability.
Since the earliest days of facial recognition, questions have been asked about the impact of computer vision on citizen privacy.
Recent advances in computer vision have helped allay many of these concerns as the processing power of the so-called edge devices (on-premise hardware and devices) advances at rapid speed.
This means that organizations can retain complete control over their visual archives using in-house solutions instead of relying on a third party platform.
Formerly the preserve of data scientists and software engineers, computer vision tools are increasingly available to business users who can customise the software in a way that specifically meets the needs of their team.
Today, computer vision is putting the latest machine learning technology tools at the fingertips of the workforce. The technology automates time-consuming manual processes, using aesthetic filters to pick out high quality content while automatically keywording images and videos.
Professionals from marketeers to medics can thereby refocus their attention on the core skills that add genuine value to the business. This ‘democratization’ of computer vision means that nearly any business, whatever its size or industry, can benefit commercially from the technology.
Computer vision is redefining the way in which journalists and broadcasters work with visual media. By taking over the cumbersome processes of sifting through tons of visual data, computer vision helps them focus on the human side of stories and supports the delivery of more relevant journalistic content.
Empower journalists
Reduce time searching for photography, enabling journalists to focus on reporting.
Publish in minutes
Automatically tag and edit photography from the field, bringing current affairs and sports to consumers round the clock.
Filter out fake content
Analyze massive amounts of disinformation to uncover authentic photographs and video while filtering out deep fakes.
Computer vision is redefining the way in which journalists and broadcasters work with visual media. By taking over the cumbersome processes of sifting through tons of visual data, computer vision helps them focus on the human side of stories and supports the delivery of more relevant journalistic content.
Empower journalists
Reduce time searching for photography, enabling journalists to focus on reporting.
Publish in minutes
Automatically tag and edit photography from the field, bringing current affairs and sports to consumers round the clock.
Filter out fake content
Analyze massive amounts of disinformation to uncover authentic photographs and video while filtering out deep fakes.
Gone are the days of thousand-dollar invoices for exclusive rights to a photograph. Agencies are now moving to a high-volume, low-margin, royalty-free model. For this to be viable, many are adopting computer vision technology to maximize the commercial potential of their libraries.
Make it easier to find images
Tag millions of images with their contents, including emotional context. Maximize visibility of library to customers.
Uncover valuable content
Revisit image archives using aesthetic filters to uncover valuable content missed by human curators.
Expand commercial possibilities
Use facial recognition to identify historical figures or celebrities and expand commercial potential of your archives.