Multiple classifier combination for face-based identity verification

When combining outputs from multiple classifiers, many combination rules are available. Although easy to implement, fixed combination rules are optimal only in restrictive conditions. We discuss and evaluate their performance when the optimality conditions are not fulfilled. Fixed combination rules are then compared with trainable combination rules on real data in the context of face-based identity verification. The face images are classified by combining the outputs of five different face verification experts. It is demonstrated that a reduction in the error rates of up to 50% over the best single expert is achieved on the XM2VTS database, using either fixed or trainable combination rules.     

A formal definition of the Hough transform: Properties and relationships

Shape, in both 2D and 3D, provides a primary cue for object recognition and the Hough transform (P.V.C. Hough, U.S. Patent 3,069,654, 1962) is a heuristic procedure that has received considerable attention as a shape-analysis technique. The literature that covers application of the Hough transform is vast; however, there have been few analyses of its behavior. We believe that one of the reasons for this is the lack of a formal mathematical definition. This paper presents a formal definition of the Hough transform that encompasses a wide variety of algorithms that have been suggested in the literature. It is shown that the Hough transform can be represented as the integral of a function that represents the data points with respect to a kernel function that is definedimplicitly through the selection of a shape parameterization and a parameter-space quantization. The kernel function has dual interpretations as a template in the feature space and as a point-spread function in the parameter space. A novel and powerful result that defines the relationship between parameterspace quantization and template shapes is provided. A number of interesting implications of the formal definition are discussed. It is shown that the Radon transform is an incomplete formalism for the Hough transform. We also illustrate that the Hough transform has the general form of a generalized maximum-likelihood estimator, although the kernel functions used in estimators tend to be smoother. These observations suggest novel ways of implementing Hough-like algorithms, and the formal definition forms the basis of work for optimizing aspects of Hough transform performance (see J. Princen et. al.,Proc. IEEE 3rd Internat. Conf. Comput. Vis., 1990, pp. 427–435).This work was supported by the Ministry of Defence, Royal Aerospace Establishment, U.K.     

An analytical algorithm for determining the generalized optimal set of discriminant vectors

Generalized linear discriminant analysis has been successfully used as a dimensionality reduction technique in many classification tasks. An analytical method for finding the optimal set of generalized discriminant vectors is proposed in this paper. Compared with other methods, the proposed method has the advantage of requiring less computational time and achieving higher recognition rates. The results of experiments conducted on the Olivetti Research Lab facial database show the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Histogram-based segmentation in a perceptually uniform color space

In this work, we present a segmentation algorithm for color images that uses the watershed algorithm to segment either the two-dimensional (2-D) or the three-dimensional (3-D) color histogram of an image. For compliance with the way humans perceive color, this segmentation has to take place in a perceptually uniform color space like the Luv space. To avoid oversegmentation, the watershed algorithm has to be applied to a smoothed histogram.     

Automatic inspection by lots in the presence of classification errors

The paper is concerned with the application of pattern recognition to the problem of automatic inspection of products by lots. It is shown that in the presence of classification errors, the classical approach to the design of acceptance sampling plans cannot be used. An alternative quality control procedure is proposed for the model assuming an arbitrary distribution of patterns in the lot.     

A universal calculation method for simple predetermination of natural radiation on building surfaces and solar collectors

This article is concerned with the need for an instructive and simple but universal and general set of relations (formulae) defining the direct solar, diffuse sky and ground reflected components of total (global) natural radiation. By their help, the irradiance (in W/m²) on exterior building surfaces or solar collectors of arbitrary slope in various localities on the Earth can be predetermined. This mathematical model is immediately applicable in design offices equipped with the simplest pocket or table programmable calculators. Based on a review of present problems of calculation when computing solar positions, an international standardization draft is recommended in an Appendix.     

Rectified Wing Loss for Efficient and Robust Facial Landmark Localisation with Convolutional Neural Networks

International Journal of Computer Vision - Efficient and robust facial landmark localisation is crucial for the deployment of real-time face analysis systems. This paper presents a new loss...     

Verluste unter Saatg?nsen (Anser fabalis [Lath.]) bei einem Wintergewitter

Zusammenfassung Zur Diskussion gestellt wird der Untersuchungsbefund aus dem Kreisveterinäramt Kleve, der sich mit Gänseverlusten am Niederrhein in Nordrhein-Westfalen in Zusammenhang mit einem Wintergewitter befaßt. Erörtert werden als mögliche Ursachen in der vorliegenden Mitteilung Blitzschlag, Hagelschlag, Zusammenstoß mit Flugzeugen (Vogelschlag) und die Auswirkung von Druckunterschieden bei sturzflugartigem Verlassen großer Flughöhen.

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Summary The paper presents the findings of a study by the district veterinary office in Kleve, which deals with geese losses on the Lower Rhine in N. Rhine Westphalia in connection with a winter thunderstorm. The report suggests lightning strikes, damage by hail, collision with aircraft (bird strikes), and the effects of pressure differences in nose diving from flying at high altitudes as possible causes of death.

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Résumé Les pertes observées dans le Bas-Rhin (Rhénanie-Westphalie) par les services vétérinaires de Kleve en liaison avec une perturbation atmosphérique au cours de l'hiver font l'objet d'une discussion.Dans la présente communication, on fait état des causes possibles suivantes: foudre, grèle, collision avec des avions de même que l'effet de variations de pressions atmosphériques lorsque les oiseaux quittent brusquement les hautes altitudes.