What are the pre-requisites for learning computer vision?

To learn computer vision effectively, you need a foundation in programming, mathematics, and basic machine learning concepts. Programming skills are essential because computer vision involves writing code to process images, implement algorithms, and train models. Python is the most common language due to its simplicity and libraries like OpenCV, NumPy, and scikit-learn. Familiarity with data structures (arrays, matrices) and algorithms (for image manipulation) is also important. For example, you’ll work with pixel data stored as multidimensional arrays, which requires understanding how to manipulate them efficiently using tools like NumPy. If you plan to work on performance-critical applications (e.g., real-time video processing), learning C++ alongside Python can be helpful.

A solid grasp of linear algebra and calculus is crucial. Linear algebra underpins operations like matrix transformations (e.g., rotations, scaling) and techniques such as convolutional filters in neural networks. For instance, applying a Sobel filter to detect edges in an image involves matrix multiplication. Calculus concepts like derivatives and gradients are used in optimizing machine learning models, such as adjusting weights during backpropagation in neural networks. Probability and statistics help in handling uncertainties, like dealing with noisy image data or evaluating model accuracy. You don’t need to be a math expert, but understanding these concepts will make it easier to debug algorithms or adapt existing solutions.

Finally, familiarity with machine learning basics is key. Many computer vision tasks, like object detection or image classification, rely on machine learning models. Start with supervised learning concepts (e.g., training a model on labeled data) and explore neural networks, especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are designed for image data. Tools like PyTorch or TensorFlow simplify implementing CNNs. For example, using PyTorch to build a simple CNN for classifying handwritten digits (MNIST dataset) is a common starting point. You should also learn to preprocess data (resizing images, normalization) and evaluate models using metrics like precision or F1-score. Hands-on projects, such as training a model to detect faces in photos, will solidify these concepts.