April 2019 Summaries

OpenTable, a leading restaurant booking platform, faced challenges in moderating the vast amount of user-generated content, including reviews and photos, uploaded by diners each month. With only one employee to manage this task, they could only review 300 images daily, which was insufficient given the increasing volume of content driven by social media. To address this, OpenTable implemented Clarifai's computer vision technology, which allowed them to filter explicit content and accurately categorize images into relevant categories, such as restaurant interiors or food items, thereby enhancing the user experience. By training a custom model with Clarifai, OpenTable significantly increased its operational efficiency, enabling them to review 5,000 photos daily and ensuring that all content aligns with the company's standards and objectives.

Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), involves algorithms that learn patterns from existing data to make predictions or decisions with new data, distinguishing it from traditional programming where explicit parameters must be manually set. Unlike traditional programming, which requires specific filters for each scenario, ML algorithms can adapt by learning from data, such as email patterns, to create efficient filtering systems that improve over time with user interactions. This adaptability is likened to training a border collie to herd sheep, reducing manual effort for repetitive tasks. Machine learning finds applications in technologies like computer vision, where it enables computers to not only recognize visual inputs but also analyze and learn relevant concepts, allowing them to identify and categorize new images based on learned patterns, such as distinguishing between different types of horses. Engaging with ML is an essential step in exploring the broader field of AI, offering significant potential to automate complex tasks and enhance efficiency.

Clarity is an open-source demo app available for Android and iOS devices, designed to showcase the visual recognition capabilities of Clarifai's technology. Users can download Clarity from the Apple App Store and Google Play, and it allows them to experience real-time computer vision by simply pointing their device's camera at various objects to receive instant predictions. The app serves as a practical example of integrating Clarifai SDKs into mobile applications, providing source code that developers can use to incorporate computer vision into their own projects. Upon installation, users need to enter an API Key, with detailed instructions available for creating one. Clarity's open-source nature allows users to explore how it is built and learn how to apply similar integrations in their own apps, with source code accessible on GitHub for both Android and iOS versions.

Since the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses in Europe, including both online and brick-and-mortar establishments, must comply with regulations to protect the personal data of EU residents, potentially facing significant penalties for non-compliance. The use of video surveillance, such as CCTV, is not prohibited by GDPR but comes with strict stipulations, including obtaining clear consent and having a lawful purpose for data collection. Computer vision (CV) technologies like face redaction and facial recognition offer businesses potential solutions to balance surveillance needs with privacy rights. Face redaction can obscure faces captured on video, helping to protect individuals' privacy, while facial recognition can efficiently process surveillance footage to identify and provide access to relevant individuals. These technologies may assist businesses in maintaining necessary surveillance operations while adhering to GDPR requirements, ensuring the privacy of customers and employees is respected.