What is Image Classification in Machine Learning?

Thu May 11 2023

Image classification is one of the most important applications of deep learning and artificial intelligence. This application refers to assigning labels to images based on their specific features. The algorithm identifies specific features, uses them to distinguish between different images and assign labels to them. In this blog, we will talk about image classification in machine learning.

What Is Image Classification?

Image classification is a very important computer task in modern technology and cannot be separated from modern technology. This application actually assigns a label to a generic image taken from a database by the training model. You might think that this is a simple process. Still, in reality, image classification involves analyzing each pixel of the image before determining the appropriate label, so it can be concluded that we can obtain a set of data for each image and continue to categorize and analyze the information from the labeling.

The important point is that the data labeling must be done accurately and correctly in the training phase so there is no discrepancy in the data. It is possible to guarantee this process through model training. Next, let us examine why image classification is important in machine learning and why people care about it. You should know that image classification is used in many industries, such as environment and agriculture, land and urban planning, surveillance, geographic mapping, disaster control, etc.

How Does Image Classification Work?

The computer analyzes the image in pixel format, treating the image as an array of matrices with matrix size dependent on resolution. Image classification in computer vision is actually the analysis of this statistical data using algorithms. In the process of digital image processing, image classification in machine learning performs the process of classes by automatically grouping pixels into specific groups. These algorithms separate the image into a set of its most salient features and reduce the workload of the final classification. Features give the classifier an idea of what the image represents and what class it may belong to. The feature extraction stage is the most important stage in classifying an image. This is important because the remaining steps depend on this step. The important point is that interpretation classification, especially supervised classification, depends on the data fed to the algorithm. A well-optimized and classified dataset is superior and performs better than an unbalanced dataset.

Image Classification Using Machine Learning

Image classification is a common task in computer vision that automatically classifies an image into one of several predefined classes. Machine learning is a powerful tool for performing image classification because it allows computers to learn from examples and make predictions on new, unseen data.

There are various processes involved in developing an image classification model using machine learning:

Data collection: Collect a large dataset of images representing the different classes you want to classify.
Data preprocessing: Prepare data by resizing images, normalizing pixel values, and splitting the dataset into training and test sets.
Model selection: Select an appropriate machine learning algorithm for image classification, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN).
Training the model: Use the training set to teach the model to recognize image patterns and make accurate predictions.
Model evaluation: Test the model using the test set to evaluate its performance and improve as needed.
Deployment: Once the model has been trained and tested, it can be deployed in a production environment to classify new images.

Common Techniques for Image Classification in Machine Learning

Image processing is a method of performing operations on an image to better extract information from it. Digital image processing has many applications, and each of these applications requires different techniques. In the following, we will describe some image classification techniques in machine learning.

Image Recovery

An image may be corrupted for some reason, mostly for old images taken with old technologies. Old images may become blurred or lose their original shape. In this situation, you can restore your image to its original state using the image recovery technique. A model is presented that can neutralize the effects of damage on the image. This model works as a convolution with an invariant linear displacement. In this process, we have an image before the destruction, called the real image, and we get an image after the destruction, called the observed image; then, it estimates the real image with its filters.

Linear Filtering

This technique involves a process in which the output pixel value is a linear combination of adjacent input pixels. The linear filtering process is performed by a technique called convolution. The complexity of this process is that the kernel weights the addition of each image element to its neighbors. This filter acts as a sliding window over the image. We multiply each pixel by the corresponding kernel and then get the sum. This sum becomes a new pixel in the output image.

Independent Component Analysis

This technique is used to separate the multivariate signal into its main component. The Independent Component Analysis technique helps extract the male subject component from a mixture of multiple components or signals.

Applications of Image Classification in Machine Learning

Image classification has a wide range of applications in machine learning, including:

Automatic inspection and quality control

Machine learning image classification can be used to automatically inspect products on an assembly line and identify those that do not meet quality standards.

Object detection in driverless cars

One of the capabilities that driverless cars should have is the ability to identify objects on the road to drive without problems. Image classification can help a lot.

Classification of skin cancer with artificial intelligence

Dermatologists examine many skin conditions and look for malignant tumor cells. It is a time-consuming process. But image classification makes this process automatic.

Face recognition in security issues

Image classification in machine learning technology can automatically identify people in security footage. For example, facial recognition online in airports and other public places.

Monitor traffic

This technology can verify the process of automatically counting the number of vehicles on the road and detecting traffic.

Customer grouping

Image classification can be used to classify customers into different groups based on their behavior automatically.

Land use mapping

This feature can be used for automatic mapping and identification of land, forest and agricultural areas. This technology can also be used to monitor environmental changes such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.

These are just a few examples of the many applications of image classification in machine learning. As computer vision and deep learning continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of this technology in the future.

Conclusion

Before technologies such as face recognition, object recognition, and image analysis appeared, these technologies were astonishing to us, and all of them seemed unreal and complicated. Today, these technologies are actively implemented in various organizations and companies worldwide.

Image recognition and image processing software have already changed many commercial industries, making them more innovative and intelligent. With the help of these technologies, companies can reduce human errors and labor costs and gain important insights. Today, it is possible to implement image classification in machine learning solutions in different companies and increase the capability.