Object Detection vs. Image Classification vs. Keypoint Detection

Computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence, involves technologies like object detection, image classification, and keypoint detection, each serving unique functions in analyzing images and videos. Object detection identifies and locates objects within a digital image or video, often utilizing algorithms like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) or YOLO, and is widely applied in agriculture, security, and medical fields. Image classification categorizes images by analyzing pixel patterns, with models ranging from unsupervised to AI-based deep learning systems, and finds applications in areas like medical imaging and satellite imagery. Keypoint detection, meanwhile, identifies specific spatial points in images, aiding in tasks like human pose estimation and facial recognition, and is known for its capability to extract 3D features. These technologies are crucial in various industries, helping in tasks from crop counting to safety inspections, and are supported by numerous open-source datasets available for innovation and development.