63 OpenCV interview questions - Adaface

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September 9, 2024

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

63 OpenCV interview questions to assess developer skills

Table of contents
10 basic OpenCV interview questions and answers to assess applicants

20 OpenCV interview questions to ask junior developers

9 OpenCV interview questions and answers related to image processing

14 OpenCV questions related to computer vision algorithms

10 situational OpenCV interview questions for hiring top developers

Which OpenCV skills should you evaluate during the interview phase?

3 Best Practices for Conducting OpenCV Interviews

Use OpenCV interview questions and skills tests to hire talented developers

Download OpenCV interview questions template in multiple formats

10 basic OpenCV interview questions and answers to assess

applicants

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Ready to assess your OpenCV candidates? These 10 basic questions will help you gauge
applicants' understanding of computer vision fundamentals. Use them to kickstart your
interviews and get a sense of candidates' practical knowledge. Remember, the goal is to
spark conversation, not to stump them!

1. What is OpenCV and why is it used?

OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library) is an open-source library of programming

functions mainly aimed at real-time computer vision. It's used for image processing, video
capture and analysis, including features like face detection and object recognition.

A strong candidate should mention that OpenCV is cross-platform and can be used with
multiple programming languages. They might also touch on its efficiency for real-time
applications and its extensive function library.

Look for answers that demonstrate an understanding of OpenCV's practical applications in

fields like robotics, security, or augmented reality. This shows they grasp the library's real-
world relevance.

2. Can you explain the difference between RGB and BGR color spaces in
OpenCV?
In OpenCV, images are typically stored in BGR (Blue-Green-Red) format, while most other
libraries and display methods use RGB (Red-Green-Blue). This is a historical quirk in
OpenCV's development.

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Candidates should explain that when reading or displaying an image with OpenCV, the color
channels are in BGR order. This means if you want to use the image with other libraries or
display it correctly, you often need to convert between BGR and RGB.

Look for answers that demonstrate awareness of this OpenCV peculiarity and its implications
for image processing. A strong candidate might mention methods to convert between color
spaces or discuss potential pitfalls of forgetting this difference.

3. How would you load and display an image using OpenCV?

To load and display an image using OpenCV, you typically use the imread() function to read
the image file, and the imshow() function to display it. You also need to use waitKey() to keep
the window open and destroyAllWindows() to close it properly.

A good answer should mention error handling, such as checking if the image was
successfully loaded. They might also discuss different flags for imread() that affect how the
image is interpreted (e.g., color, grayscale).

Look for candidates who can explain this process clearly and demonstrate understanding of
basic OpenCV functions. Bonus points if they mention best practices or potential issues, like
filepath handling or window naming conventions.

4. What is image thresholding and when would you use it?

Image thresholding is a simple method of image segmentation. It's used to create binary
images from grayscale images. The process replaces each pixel in an image with a black
pixel if the image intensity is less than a fixed constant (threshold value), or a white pixel if
the intensity is greater than that constant.

Thresholding is commonly used for tasks like separating foreground from background, or
isolating objects of interest in an image. It's particularly useful in scenarios with high contrast
between the object and the background.

Look for answers that demonstrate understanding of different thresholding techniques (e.g.,
simple thresholding, adaptive thresholding) and when each might be appropriate. A strong
candidate might discuss the challenges of choosing an appropriate threshold value and
methods to address this.

5. How would you detect edges in an image using OpenCV?

Edge detection in OpenCV is typically done using gradient-based methods like the Sobel,
Laplacian, or Canny edge detectors. The Canny edge detector is often preferred due to its
ability to detect strong and weak edges, and its lower susceptibility to noise.

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A good answer should outline the basic steps: converting the image to grayscale, reducing
noise (e.g., with Gaussian blur), applying the edge detection algorithm, and potentially
applying thresholding to obtain binary edges.

Look for candidates who can explain the concept of edge detection and its applications. They
should be able to discuss the trade-offs between different methods and parameters that
affect the result, such as thresholds in the Canny detector.

6. What is image blurring and why is it useful in image processing?

Image blurring, also known as image smoothing, is a technique used to reduce noise and
detail in an image. It's achieved by convolving the image with a low-pass filter kernel.
Common blurring techniques in OpenCV include Gaussian blur, median blur, and bilateral
filtering.

Blurring is useful as a preprocessing step in many computer vision tasks. It can help reduce
noise, smooth out minor variations, and reduce the impact of small details that might
interfere with larger-scale analysis. It's often used before edge detection, thresholding, or
feature detection to improve results.

Look for answers that demonstrate understanding of different blurring methods and their
effects. A strong candidate might discuss how the choice of kernel size affects the result, or
mention the trade-off between noise reduction and loss of detail.

7. Can you explain what image moments are and how they're used in
OpenCV?

Image moments are scalar quantities used to characterize an image's content or a shape
within an image. They capture basic properties like the area, centroid, and orientation of a
shape or region of interest.

In OpenCV, moments can be calculated using the moments() function. They're often used for
tasks like finding the center of an object, determining its orientation, or as features for shape
matching and recognition.

Look for answers that demonstrate understanding of different types of moments (spatial
moments, central moments, Hu moments) and their applications. A strong candidate might
discuss how moments can be used for simple object tracking or shape analysis in computer
vision applications.

8. What is template matching in OpenCV and when would you use it?

Template matching is a technique for finding areas of an image that match (or are similar to)
a template image. In OpenCV, this is typically done using the matchTemplate() function,
which slides the template image over the input image and compares the template and patch

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of input image under the template image.

This technique is useful for tasks like object detection, especially when you're looking for a
specific object with a known appearance. It's particularly effective for rigid objects that don't
change shape or orientation.

Look for answers that discuss different matching methods (e.g., correlation, squared
difference) and their trade-offs. A strong candidate might mention limitations of template
matching, such as sensitivity to scale and rotation, and suggest potential workarounds or
alternative approaches for more complex scenarios.

9. How would you perform basic drawing operations in OpenCV?

OpenCV provides several functions for drawing shapes and text on images. Common
drawing operations include drawing lines (line()), rectangles (rectangle()), circles (circle()),
and text (putText()). These functions typically take parameters specifying the image to draw
on, the coordinates, color, thickness, and any shape-specific parameters.

A good answer should demonstrate familiarity with these basic drawing functions and their
parameters. Candidates might mention that drawing operations modify the image in-place,
and discuss strategies for working with copies of images to preserve the original.

Look for answers that show understanding of the coordinate system in OpenCV images
(origin at top-left) and color representation (BGR in OpenCV). Bonus points for mentioning
more advanced drawing functions or discussing how drawing can be used in practical
applications like annotating detected objects.

10. What is histogram equalization and why is it useful?

Histogram equalization is a method to adjust image contrast by effectively spreading out the
most frequent intensity values. It works by computing the histogram of pixel intensities in the
image, then transforming the image so that the histogram of the output image is roughly
uniform.

This technique is useful for enhancing the contrast of images, especially when the usable
data of the image is represented by close contrast values. It can help to better distribute the
intensities across the histogram, potentially making features more distinguishable.

Look for answers that demonstrate understanding of image histograms and how equalization
affects them. A strong candidate might discuss limitations of histogram equalization (like
potential over-enhancement of noise) and mention variations like adaptive histogram
equalization. They might also touch on when this technique is particularly useful in image
processing pipelines.

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20 OpenCV interview questions to ask junior developers

To assess a junior developer's practical understanding of OpenCV, consider using these 20

interview questions. They are designed to evaluate basic computer vision skills and OpenCV
proficiency, helping you identify candidates who can hit the ground running in your projects.

1. How would you resize an image in OpenCV while maintaining its aspect ratio?
2. Can you explain the difference between cv2.imread() and cv2.imshow() functions?
3. What is the purpose of cv2.waitKey() in OpenCV applications?
4. How would you convert a color image to grayscale using OpenCV?
5. Can you describe the process of applying a Gaussian blur to an image?
6. What is the difference between erosion and dilation in image processing?
7. How would you detect circles in an image using OpenCV?
8. Can you explain what a kernel is in the context of image convolution?
9. How would you draw a rectangle on an image using OpenCV?
10. What is the purpose of cv2.findContours() and when would you use it?
11. How can you access and modify individual pixel values in an image using OpenCV?
12. Can you explain the difference between cv2.bitwise_and() and cv2.add() operations?
13. How would you rotate an image by a specific angle in OpenCV?
14. What is the purpose of cv2.inRange() function and how is it commonly used?
15. Can you describe how to perform basic color filtering in OpenCV?
16. How would you save a processed image to disk using OpenCV?
17. What is the difference between cv2.THRESH_BINARY and cv2.THRESH_OTSU in
thresholding?
18. How can you detect and draw lines in an image using Hough Line Transform?

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 19. Can you explain what a mask is in image processing and how it's used in OpenCV?
20. How would you implement a simple motion detection system using OpenCV?

9 OpenCV interview questions and answers related to image

processing

To ensure your candidates have a solid grasp on image processing with OpenCV, dive into
these practical interview questions. They are crafted to give you insight into the candidate's
understanding of essential concepts and their ability to apply them effectively.

1. Can you explain what image segmentation is and why it is used in

OpenCV?
Image segmentation is a process used to partition an image into multiple segments, or
pixels, to simplify or change the representation of an image. This makes the image more
meaningful and easier to analyze.

It's commonly used in scenarios like medical imaging to identify and isolate different
structures, in object detection to separate the object of interest from the background, or in
facial recognition to segment facial features.

Look for candidates who understand the purpose of image segmentation and can provide
examples of its practical applications. You may want to follow up with a question on specific
segmentation techniques they are familiar with.

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2. How do you perform image rotation in OpenCV without losing vital parts
of the image?

Image rotation in OpenCV can be achieved while maintaining the image's aspect ratio and
preventing the loss of crucial parts by applying an affine transformation. This involves
translating the image before rotation, and then re-translating it back.

Candidates should mention the importance of calculating the center of the image and using it
as the anchor point for the rotation to ensure the image's integrity is maintained.

A suitable response will highlight their understanding of affine transformations and their
practical application in image processing tasks. You can also ask about their experience with
solving similar challenges in past projects.

3. What is contour detection and how is it used in OpenCV?

Contour detection is the technique of finding the contours or outlines of objects within an
image. Contours are useful for shape analysis, object detection, and recognition tasks.

In OpenCV, contour detection is typically performed after a binary image is created, such as
through thresholding or edge detection. The contours can be used to compute properties like
area, perimeter, and moments.

Candidates who can explain how contour detection works and its applications in real-world
scenarios, such as in object tracking or shape analysis, demonstrate a solid understanding of
its utility in image processing.

4. Can you describe the process of histogram analysis in image processing?

Histogram analysis involves examining the distribution of pixel intensities within an image. A
histogram plots the number of pixels for each intensity value, providing insight into the
image's contrast, brightness, and intensity distribution.

In OpenCV, histograms are used for tasks like image enhancement, thresholding, and
equalization. They can help in identifying the range of pixel values that are most frequent in
an image.

Candidates should be able to discuss the significance of histogram analysis and provide
examples of how they have used histograms to solve image processing problems. You might
explore their familiarity with different types of histograms, such as color histograms.

5. What is morphological image processing and where is it applied?

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Morphological image processing deals with the structure or morphology of features in an
image. It involves operations like dilation, erosion, opening, and closing to remove noise,
separate touching objects, and find specific shapes.

These operations are particularly useful in preprocessing steps for object detection and
image segmentation, where the goal is to improve the structure of the image for better
analysis.

A strong candidate will be able to explain the different morphological operations and provide
practical examples of their use. They should also mention the significance of selecting
appropriate structuring elements for different tasks.

6. How is feature matching performed using OpenCV?

Feature matching in OpenCV involves finding corresponding features between two images.
Common techniques include the use of descriptors like SIFT, SURF, or ORB, followed by
matching algorithms such as BFMatcher or FLANN based matcher.

This process is widely used in applications like object recognition, image stitching, and 3D
reconstruction, where identifying matching points between images is crucial.

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of different feature detection and matching

techniques and discuss their experience with these methods in real projects. Ideal responses
will include insights into challenges faced and how they were addressed.

7. What is the role of image pyramids in OpenCV?

Image pyramids are used to create a series of images with progressively reduced
resolutions. They are useful for multi-scale image processing tasks, such as image blending,
compression, and object detection.

In OpenCV, image pyramids help in analyzing images at different scales, which is particularly
beneficial in detecting objects of varying sizes and in coarse-to-fine processing approaches.

Look for candidates who understand the practical applications of image pyramids and can
explain how they have utilized this technique in their projects. Follow-up questions could
explore specific use cases and challenges encountered.

8. Can you explain the concept of optical flow in image processing?

Optical flow refers to the apparent motion of objects, surfaces, and edges in a visual scene
caused by the relative motion between the observer and the scene. It is used to track the
movement of objects or camera motion across a sequence of images.

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In OpenCV, techniques like the Lucas-Kanade method or the Farneback algorithm are used
for calculating optical flow, which is essential in applications like video stabilization, motion-
based object tracking, and activity recognition.

Candidates should illustrate their understanding of optical flow concepts and discuss how
they have applied these techniques in practical scenarios. You might follow up with questions
on specific algorithms and their implementation challenges.

9. What is the difference between global and local thresholding in image

processing?
Global thresholding applies a single threshold value to the entire image, converting it to a
binary image. This method works well when the lighting conditions are uniform throughout
the image.

Local thresholding, on the other hand, calculates different threshold values for different
regions of the image based on local characteristics. This approach is useful in situations
where the lighting varies across the image.

An ideal candidate should be able to explain the scenarios where each method is
appropriate and share examples from their experience where they chose one method over
the other. Consider asking about specific challenges they faced and how they overcame
them.

14 OpenCV questions related to computer vision algorithms

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To assess a candidate's proficiency in advanced computer vision algorithms using OpenCV,
consider asking some of these 14 in-depth questions. These inquiries are designed to
evaluate a software engineer's understanding of complex image processing techniques and
their practical applications in real-world scenarios.

1. Can you explain the concept of image pyramids and their applications in OpenCV?
2. How would you implement a feature matching algorithm using SIFT or SURF in
OpenCV?
3. Describe the process of image segmentation using the watershed algorithm in
OpenCV.
4. How can you use OpenCV for real-time object tracking in video streams?
5. Explain the concept of camera calibration and how it's performed using OpenCV.
6. How would you implement a basic facial recognition system using OpenCV?
7. Can you describe the process of image stitching to create panoramas using OpenCV?
8. How would you use OpenCV for text detection and recognition in natural images?
9. Explain the concept of non-maximum suppression in the context of object detection.
10. How can you implement a simple augmented reality application using OpenCV?
11. Describe the process of image inpainting for object removal in OpenCV.
12. How would you use OpenCV for gesture recognition in a video stream?
13. Can you explain the concept of optical flow and its implementation in OpenCV?
14. How would you approach the task of 3D reconstruction from multiple 2D images using
OpenCV?

10 situational OpenCV interview questions for hiring top developers

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To identify candidates who possess advanced skills in OpenCV and can handle real-world
challenges, consider asking these situational questions during interviews. These questions
will help you gauge their problem-solving abilities and practical knowledge in computer vision
tasks, which are essential for roles like a software engineer.

1. How would you approach improving the performance of an existing OpenCV

application that is running slowly?
2. Imagine you're tasked with creating a real-time face detection system. What steps
would you take to ensure it runs efficiently on limited hardware?
3. Suppose you encounter a situation where the image quality is poor due to low lighting.
What techniques would you use to enhance the image for better analysis?
4. If you were required to detect and track multiple objects in a video stream, how would
you organize your workflow using OpenCV?
5. Imagine a scenario where you have to extract features from a series of images taken
from different angles. How would you ensure consistency in feature extraction?
6. If an application fails to detect objects in a crowded scene, what methods would you
apply to improve detection accuracy?
7. How would you implement a system that can automatically adjust parameters based on
feedback from previous processing results?
8. If you find that your image segmentation results are not satisfactory, what strategies
would you use to troubleshoot and refine your approach?

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 9. How would you approach integrating OpenCV with other machine learning frameworks
for a comprehensive project?
10. Suppose you need to create a custom filter to enhance specific features of an image.
How would you go about designing and implementing that filter?

Which OpenCV skills should you evaluate during the interview

phase?
While it's impossible to assess every aspect of a candidate's OpenCV expertise in a single
interview, focusing on core skills is crucial. By evaluating these key areas, you can gain
valuable insights into a candidate's proficiency and potential fit for your team.

Image Processing
Image processing is a fundamental aspect of OpenCV. It involves manipulating and
analyzing digital images, which is at the core of many computer vision applications.

To evaluate this skill, consider using an assessment test with relevant MCQs. This can help
filter candidates based on their understanding of image processing concepts.

During the interview, you can ask targeted questions to gauge the candidate's practical
knowledge of image processing techniques. Here's an example question:

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Can you explain the difference between image filtering and image thresholding in OpenCV,
and provide an example use case for each?

Look for answers that demonstrate understanding of both techniques. The candidate should
explain that filtering modifies pixel values based on neighboring pixels, while thresholding
separates an image into foreground and background based on pixel intensity.

Feature Detection and Matching

Feature detection and matching are essential for tasks like object recognition and tracking.
These skills are valuable for developers working on advanced computer vision projects.

Consider using an assessment test with questions focusing on various feature detection
algorithms and matching techniques to evaluate candidates' theoretical knowledge.

To assess practical understanding, you can ask a question like:

Describe the SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform) algorithm and its advantages in
feature detection. How would you implement it using OpenCV?

Look for answers that explain SIFT's scale and rotation invariance, its use of keypoints and
descriptors, and mention OpenCV's SIFT implementation or alternative methods like ORB for
faster processing.

OpenCV API Familiarity

Proficiency with OpenCV's API is crucial for efficient development. Candidates should be
familiar with core functions and data structures used in OpenCV.

An OpenCV-specific test can help assess candidates' knowledge of the library's functions
and usage.

To evaluate hands-on experience, consider asking:

How would you load an image, convert it to grayscale, and apply Gaussian blur using
OpenCV? What are the key parameters for these operations?

Look for answers that demonstrate familiarity with functions like cv2.imread(), cv2.cvtColor(),
and cv2.GaussianBlur(). The candidate should mention key parameters like color conversion
codes and kernel size for blurring.

3 Best Practices for Conducting OpenCV Interviews

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Before you start putting your newfound knowledge to use, here are some tips to enhance
your OpenCV interview process. These practices will help you effectively evaluate
candidates and make informed hiring decisions.

1. Incorporate Skills Tests in Your Screening Process

Skills tests provide an objective measure of a candidate's OpenCV proficiency before the
interview stage. They help you focus on candidates who have the technical skills required for
the role.

For OpenCV roles, consider using a Computer Vision test to evaluate core concepts.
Additionally, a Python Pandas test can assess data manipulation skills often used in OpenCV
projects.

Implement these tests after initial resume screening but before interviews. This approach
saves time by ensuring you only interview candidates with the necessary technical skills.

2. Prepare a Balanced Set of Interview Questions

Time is limited during interviews, so it's crucial to ask the right questions. Balance your
OpenCV questions with other relevant topics to get a comprehensive view of the candidate.

Include questions about machine learning and data science, as these often intersect with
OpenCV work. Also, consider adding questions about Python to assess their programming
skills.

Don't forget to evaluate soft skills. Include questions about problem-solving and
communication to ensure the candidate can work effectively in your team.

3. Ask Insightful Follow-up Questions

Prepared questions are a good start, but follow-up questions reveal a candidate's true depth
of knowledge. They help you distinguish between candidates who have memorized answers
and those with genuine understanding and experience.

For example, if you ask about image filtering in OpenCV, a follow-up could be, "Can you
explain a situation where you'd choose Gaussian blur over median blur?" This probes their
practical knowledge and decision-making skills in real-world scenarios.

Use OpenCV interview questions and skills tests to hire talented

developers
If you're looking to hire someone with OpenCV skills, you need to ensure they have those
skills accurately. The best way to do this is to use skill tests. Check out our OpenCV Online
Test or Computer Vision Test to evaluate candidates.

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Once you use these tests, you can shortlist the best applicants and call them for interviews.
Head over to our signup page to get started or visit our online assessment platform for more
information.

OpenCV Test

40 mins | 15 MCQs

The OpenCV Test evaluates a candidate's knowledge and understanding of image

processing and computer vision concepts. It includes multiple-choice questions to assess
knowledge of topics such as image filtering, feature detection, object recognition, and image
enhancement.

Try OpenCV Test

Download OpenCV interview questions template in multiple formats

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OpenCV Interview Questions FAQs

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In an OpenCV interview, assess skills in image processing, computer vision algorithms,
practical problem-solving, and familiarity with OpenCV library functions.

Use situational questions and coding challenges to evaluate a candidate's ability to apply
OpenCV concepts to real-world problems.

Key concepts include image filtering, feature detection, object recognition, and
understanding of computer vision algorithms like SIFT and SURF.

Adjust the complexity of questions based on the role. Use basic concepts for juniors and
more advanced topics for experienced developers.

Yes, including coding exercises can help assess a candidate's ability to implement OpenCV
functions and solve practical problems.

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