Computer vision is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables computers to “see” and understand images and videos—much like humans do. But instead of eyes and a brain, computers use cameras, data, and algorithms.
Computers don’t “see” colors or shapes; they see a massive grid of numbers calledpixels.When you upload a photo, computer vision systems first break the image into tiny pixels (small dots of color). They then analyze patterns such as edges, shapes, textures, and colors to detect objects. Using machine learning models trained on thousands or even millions of examples, the system learns to recognize what it is looking at. For instance, after studying many pictures of cats, it can identify a cat in a new image.
In videos, the process happens frame by frame, allowing computers to track movement and recognize actions.
Computer vision powers everyday tools like facial recognition, medical image analysis, self-driving cars, and even the feature that unlocks your phone when it sees your face.
