What are some of the ways that computer vision differs from human vision?
While humans use their eyes and brains to interpret the information about the scenes they see, computer vision utilizes cameras and algorithms to analyze images. Computers can’t understand images or videos without specific algorithms that assign meaning to the pixels.
What are some techniques we can use to help the computer see/track what we’re interested in?
- Frame differencing: Motion is detected by comparing consecutive video frames. This works well when objects or people are in motion.
- Brightness thresholding: This separates foreground and background based on the light/dark values. This helps in environments where there is a strong visual contrast.
- Simple object tracking: This finds the brightest/darkest pixels in an image/scene and follows the object’s position.
How do you think computer vision’s capacity for tracking and surveillance affects its use in interactive art?
You can create responsive interaction artworks, as there is opportunity to track objects/bodies/faces/gestures etc. Additionally, some artworks use surveillance techniques to comment on power and monitoring in a social perspective. This gives room for critique and opinion, something that is crucial in any form of art.