What is Pattern Recognition?

Pattern recognition is the process of recognizing patterns by using a machine learning

algorithm. Pattern recognition can be defined as the classification of data based on knowledge
already gained or on statistical information extracted from patterns and/or their representation.
One of the important aspects of pattern recognition is its application potential.

Examples: Speech recognition, speaker identification, multimedia document recognition

(MDR), automatic medical diagnosis.
In a typical pattern recognition application, the raw data is processed and converted into a form
that is amenable for a machine to use. Pattern recognition involves the classification and cluster
of patterns.

● In classification, an appropriate class label is assigned to a pattern based on an

abstraction that is generated using a set of training patterns or domain knowledge.
Classification is used in supervised learning.
● Clustering generated a partition of the data which helps decision making, the specific
decision-making activity of interest to us. Clustering is used in unsupervised learning.

Applications:

● Image processing, segmentation, and analysis

Pattern recognition is used to give human recognition intelligence to machines that are
required in image processing.
● Computer vision
Pattern recognition is used to extract meaningful features from given image/video
samples and is used in computer vision for various applications like biological and
biomedical imaging.
● Radar signal classification/analysis
Pattern recognition and signal processing methods are used in various applications of
radar signal classifications like AP mine detection and identification.
● Speech recognition
The greatest success in speech recognition has been obtained using pattern recognition
paradigms. It is used in various algorithms of speech recognition which tries to avoid the
problems of using a phoneme level of description and treats larger units such as words as
pattern
● Fingerprint identification
Fingerprint recognition technology is a dominant technology in the biometric market. A
number of recognition methods have been used to perform fingerprint matching out of
which pattern recognition approaches are widely used.
How Pattern Recognition Works:
Approaches for Pattern Recognition Systems can be represented by distinct phases, as Pattern
Recognition Systems can be divided into the following components. In this article, we will cover
the Phases and the Activities in the Pattern Recognition System. Let us begin with the Phases
first.

Phases in Pattern Recognition System

● Phase 1: Convert images, sounds or other inputs into signal data.

● Phase 2: Isolate the sensed objects from the background.

● Phase 3: Measure the object’s properties that are useful for classification.

● Phase 4: Assign the sensed object to a category.

● Phase 5: Take other considerations to decide on appropriate action.

Problems Solved by these Phases

● Sensing: It deals with problem arises in the input such as its bandwidth, resolution,
sensitivity, distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, latency, etc.

● Segmentation and Grouping: Deepest problems in pattern recognition that deals with
the problem of recognizing or grouping together the various parts of an object.

● Feature Extraction: It deals with the characterization of an object so that it can be

recognized easily by measurements. Those objects whose values are very similar for the
objects are considered to be in the same category, while those whose values are quite
different for the objects are placed in different categories.

● Classification: It deals with assigning the object to their particular categories by using
the feature vector provided by the feature extractor and determining the values of all of
the features for a particular input.
 ● Post Processing: It deals with action decision-making by using the output of the
classifier. Action such as minimum-error-rate classification will minimize the total
expected cost.

Activities for Designing the Pattern Recognition Systems

There are various sequences of activities that are used for designing the Pattern Recognition
Systems. These activities are as follows:

● Data Collection

● Feature Choice

● Model Choice

● Training

● Evaluation
● Data Collection: This is the initial step where you gather the data that you’ll use to train
and test your pattern recognition system. The quality and quantity of data collected are
crucial factors in the success of your system.

● Feature Choice: Features are the characteristics or attributes of the data that are relevant
for pattern recognition. In this step, you decide which features or variables to use from
your data. Feature selection is essential to reduce dimensionality and focus on the most
informative aspects of your data.

● Model Choice: This step involves selecting the appropriate pattern recognition model or
algorithm. The choice of model depends on the nature of the data and the problem at
hand.

● Training: Once the model is chosen, it needs to be trained using a labeled dataset.
During training, the model learns to identify patterns in the data and make predictions
based on the features.

● Evaluation: After training, the performance of the pattern recognition system is assessed
using a separate dataset that the model has not seen before. This evaluation dataset is
used to measure the system’s ability to correctly recognize patterns and make predictions.

● There are typically four main phases in the pattern recognition process: preprocessing,
training, testing, and deployment. These phases involve a series of activities that are
designed to develop and evaluate a pattern recognition system.

● Preprocessing: Preprocessing is the process of preparing the data for analysis. This may
involve cleaning the data, scaling the data, or transforming the data in some way to make
it more suitable for analysis.

● Training: Training is the process of fitting a model to the data. This typically involves
selecting a model, choosing appropriate hyperparameters, and optimizing the model’s
parameters to minimize a loss function.

● Testing: Testing is the process of evaluating the performance of the model on a held-out
dataset. This allows us to estimate the generalization performance of the model and to
compare the performance of different models.

● Deployment: Deployment is the process of deploying the trained model in a production

environment. This may involve integrating the model into an existing system or building
a new system based on the model.
Pattern Learning Methods

Pattern recognition involves the classification and cluster of patterns.

● Classification is used in supervised learning.
● Clustering is used in unsupervised learning.
Question: supervised learning Vs. unsupervised learning in context of pattern recognition
Supervised and unsupervised learning are two main approaches in machine learning, and they are
used in the context of image pattern recognition as well.

Supervised Learning:

Definition:

Supervised learning involves training a model on a labeled dataset, where each input image is
associated with a corresponding output label or class. The model learns to map input patterns to
predefined output labels.

Examples:

1. Image Classification: Given a dataset of labeled images (e.g., cats and dogs), the model
learns to classify new, unseen images into one of the predefined categories.
2. Object Detection: In this case, the model not only classifies objects but also identifies
their locations within the image.
3. Facial Recognition: Identifying individuals in images based on a labeled dataset of
faces.

Suitable Scenarios:

● When a sufficient amount of labeled data is available.

● When the goal is to make predictions on new, unseen data.
● Tasks that involve categorization or identification of specific patterns.
Unsupervised Learning:

Definition:

Unsupervised learning deals with unlabeled data. The algorithm tries to find patterns or structure
in the data without explicit guidance on what to look for.

Examples:

1. Clustering: Grouping similar images together based on inherent patterns, without prior
knowledge of specific categories.
2. Dimensionality Reduction: Reducing the number of features in the data while
preserving important information.
3. Generative Models: Creating new, realistic images similar to the ones in the dataset.

Suitable Scenarios:

● When labeled data is scarce or expensive to obtain.

● Exploratory analysis to discover hidden patterns or structures in the data.
● Anomaly detection where the goal is to identify unusual patterns.

Comparison:

Data Requirements:

● Supervised Learning: Requires labeled training data.

● Unsupervised Learning: Works with unlabeled data, which is often easier to obtain.

Output:

● Supervised Learning: Produces a model that can make predictions on new, unseen data.
● Unsupervised Learning: Provides insights into the structure or patterns within the data.

Use Cases:

● Supervised Learning: Well-suited for tasks where the goal is to predict or classify
specific patterns.
● Unsupervised Learning: Effective in scenarios where the goal is to explore and
understand the inherent structure of the data.

Challenges:
 ● Supervised Learning: Relies heavily on the quality and quantity of labeled data.
● Unsupervised Learning: Interpretation of results can be more subjective, and evaluation
is often more challenging.

In practice, a combination of both approaches, known as semi-supervised learning, is also used

in certain scenarios where only partial labeling is available.

Pattern Recognition Methods/algorithms can be categorized as:

● Statistical Techniques
● Structural Techniques
● Neural Network Approach
● Template Matching
● Fuzzy Model
● Hybrid Model
Statistical Pattern Recognition:
Definition:
Statistical pattern recognition focuses on the statistical properties of patterns within data. It
involves the use of statistical models to describe and differentiate between different classes of
patterns.
Structural Pattern Recognition:
Definition:
Structural pattern recognition involves the analysis of the structure of patterns and the
relationships between different components within the patterns. It focuses on representing and
recognizing patterns based on their inherent structures.
Template matching algorithms
These algorithms are used to build a template matching model, which is a simple pattern
recognition model. The model uses two images to establish similarity and the matched pattern is
stored in the form of templates. The disadvantage of this model is that it is not efficient in the
recognition of distorted patterns.

Fuzzy-based algorithms
Fuzzy-based algorithms apply the concept of fuzzy logic, which utilizes truth values between 0
and 1. In a fuzzy model, some rules may be applied to match a given input with the
corresponding output. This model produces good results because it is suited for uncertain
domains.

Neural network-based algorithms

These algorithms form a model that consists of parallel structures (neurons). This model is more
competent than other pattern recognition models because of its superior learning abilities. A
good example of a neural network used in pattern recognition is the Feed-Forward
Backpropagation neural network
(FFBPNN).

Hybrid algorithms
Hybrid algorithms are used to build a hybrid model, which uses multiple classifiers to recognize
patterns. Every specific classifier undergoes training based on feature spaces. A set of combiners
and classifiers are used to derive the conclusion. A decision function is used to decide the
accuracy of classifiers.