Have you ever thought about how your mobile device can unlock your face or why some applications like Pinterest allow you to search by picture? Isn’t that the beauty of computer vision in AI? But what is Computer Vision in AI, and why is this a big deal for marketers and business owners?

Computer vision is a process of training the computer to visualize images or video as we humans do. This incredible technology is revolutionizing how organizations operate and is widely being adopted by organizations with projections indicating a market size nearing $41.11 billion by 2030. 

What does Computer Vision in AI mean? Let’s Break It Down

Computer vision is a branch of one of the most popular Artificial Intelligence techniques, which enables machines to comprehend and interpret videos or images that may be in still images, animated images, or even streaming videos. Rather, think of it as empowering computers with vision or the ability to identify things, people and activities.

For example:

Recognizing faces in pictures, for instance in unlocking smartphones by scanning their face.

Used products in photographs (for example, finding the same shoes in the Internet shop).

Understanding the physical content of videos (such as being able to tell if a person is cheerful or angry).

This is not just some fancy gadget — it has many applications for firms. Computer vision brings value by allowing firms to know their customers better, enhance their delivery of services, and develop better marketing strategies.

Why Computer Vision is Important in Digital Marketing?

Let’s look at how what is computer vision in AI is helping businesses, especially in marketing:

Visual Search Made Simple

Think you get attracted by a beautiful dress when you are at a party. Rather than writing a whole lot of description, you snap a photo, and an application points you to the store! That’s visual search, powered by computer vision. Automated shopping makes shopping convenient and time-saving for customers.

Personalized Marketing Encounters

Computer vision can work through people’s emotions and interests by analyzing photos or videos of them. This information can be put to good use in the business world in the form of sending specific ads or something like that. For instance, if looking forward to a certain product, one’s emotions may lead to a campaign.

Safer, Smarter Ads

Advertisers want to put their ads in safe spaces. Computer vision assists them by examining images and videos and ensuring that the content is suitable. This is good for a brand’s image and guarantees its advertisements target the right people.

Fun, Interactive Campaigns

Ever used an Instagram filter or tried virtual makeup? That’s computer vision in action! It powers augmented reality (AR) campaigns that let people "try before they buy." These experiences are fun, engaging, and memorable.

The Benefits of Computer Vision for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Today, SMBs are always looking for ways to stay competitive. Computer vision is one cutting-edge technology that is definitely making waves. So why do SMBs should utilize computer vision technology? It’s because It’s no longer just for tech giants — it’s a powerful tool that can save businesses time, and money and improve the customer experience.

So What can Computer Vision do for SMBs?

Simplify Product Searches 

What if a customer walked into your store with a photo of a product they love? With computer vision, they can upload that image to your website and then get an instant list of similar products. This is a game changer for small retailers trying to compete with e-commerce giants.

Case Study: Slyce

A visual search platform, Slyce, helps small retailers implement image-based search capabilities. Slyce was being used by a boutique clothing store to allow customers to take a picture of any outfit and sell matching items from their catalog. Not only did this increase sales but also improved customer satisfaction.

Enhance Customer Experiences 

Computer vision can analyze how customers use your store — both online and offline. SMBs can tailor their offering to better meet customer needs by tracking foot traffic or analyzing product preferences.

Operational Efficiency Improving 

Inventory management and quality control tasks take hours. Computer vision takes these processes out of the human hands automatically recognizes patterns and detects problems in real time. For instance, it can spot low-stock items or alert of defective products saving both time and money.

Creating engaging marketing campaigns.

Augmented reality (AR) can be used by SMBs to allow customers to try products virtually. Customers try on glasses or makeup through their smartphones, this immersive experience can boost sales, but reduce returns.

Case Study: Warby Parker

A small eyewear company, Warby Parker used computer vision to create a virtual try-on tool. Through phones, customers could see how different frames would look on their faces. Setting an example for SMBs in retail, this innovation skyrocketed their sales and improved return rates.

Why Businesses Should Invest in Computer Vision Technology?

As businesses strive to stand out, investing in technologies like computer vision is no longer optional—it’s a must. Here’s why:

1. Stay Ahead of the Competition

In industries where customer expectations are rising fast, offering innovative solutions can give you an edge. Imagine competing with larger brands by providing customers with a seamless shopping experience, like visual search or AR-powered try-ons.

2. Boost Efficiency and Cut Costs

Manual processes, like stock-taking or quality inspections, eat up resources. Computer vision automates these tasks, allowing employees to focus on growth and innovation. This technology turns time-consuming processes into smooth, efficient workflows.

3. Make Smarter Decisions with Data

Computer vision doesn’t just collect data—it helps you understand it. For example, analyzing customer behavior in your store or online can reveal what products are popular and how customers engage with your brand. This insight can help refine your marketing strategies.

4. Scale Without Breaking the Bank

Many SMBs fear technology is too expensive. However, platforms and tools for computer vision are becoming more affordable. Cloud-based solutions and pay-as-you-go models mean SMBs can start small and expand as needed.

Real-World Inspiration: How Amazon Utilizes Computer Vision to Revolutionize Retail

Amazon, a global leader in e-commerce, has harnessed computer vision to transform the shopping experience through its innovative Amazon Go stores. These cashier-less stores employ a combination of computer vision, deep learning algorithms, and sensor fusion to enable a seamless shopping experience. Customers can walk in, pick up the items they want, and leave without stopping at a checkout counter. The technology automatically detects when products are taken from or returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual cart. Once the customer leaves the store, their Amazon account is charged, and a receipt is sent.

This application of computer vision not only enhances customer convenience by eliminating checkout lines but also provides Amazon with valuable data on shopping behaviors, allowing for better inventory management and personalized marketing strategies. The success of Amazon Go stores demonstrates the potential for computer vision to revolutionize retail operations and set new standards for customer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of computer vision?

Examples of computer vision include facial recognition (used in smartphones), visual search (like Google Lens), and self-driving cars (recognizing traffic signs and pedestrians). Other applications include augmented reality (Snapchat filters) and quality control in manufacturing (detecting defects).

What are two types of computer vision?

Image Classification: Identifying what an image contains, such as recognizing cats or dogs in photos.

Object Detection: Locating and labeling multiple objects within an image, like identifying cars and pedestrians in a street scene.

What is the goal of computer vision?

The primary goal of computer vision is to enable machines to "see" and interpret visual information as humans do. It focuses on understanding images and videos to automate tasks like recognition, detection, and analysis in various applications.

Can computer vision help with customer service?

Yes, computer vision can enhance customer service by tracking customer behavior, analyzing wait times, and personalizing interactions. For example, it can help identify peak hours and suggest staffing adjustments to improve service efficiency.

What industries can benefit the most from computer vision?

Computer vision is highly versatile and benefits industries such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. For instance, retail businesses can use it for visual search and augmented reality, while manufacturers can use it for quality control and automation.

Conclusion: The Future is Visual

So, what is computer vision in AI, and why does it matter? It’s a game-changing technology that helps businesses connect with customers in smarter and more meaningful ways. By embracing computer vision, companies can stay ahead, create better marketing strategies, and wow their audience.

Ready to bring your marketing to life with the power of AI? Let CentricDXB show you how computer vision can help your business grow. What’s stopping you from transforming your strategy?