Abstract: "We study the problem of learning parameters of a Markov Random Field (MRF) from observations and propose two new approaches suitable for use with Highest Confidence First (HCF) estimation. Both approaches involve estimating local joint probabilities from experience. In one approach the joint probabilities are converted to clique parameters of the Gibbs distribution so that the traditional HCF algorithm can be used. In the other approach the HCF algorithm is modified to run directly with the local probabilities of the MRF instead of the Gibbs distribution."
This book presents an exciting new synthesis of directed and undirected, discrete and continuous graphical models. Combining elements of Bayesian networks and Markov random fields, the newly introduced hybrid random fields are an interesting approach to get the best of both these worlds, with an added promise of modularity and scalability. The authors have written an enjoyable book---rigorous in the treatment of the mathematical background, but also enlivened by interesting and original historical and philosophical perspectives. -- Manfred Jaeger, Aalborg Universitet The book not only marks an effective direction of investigation with significant experimental advances, but it is also---and perhaps primarily---a guide for the reader through an original trip in the space of probabilistic modeling. While digesting the book, one is enriched with a very open view of the field, with full of stimulating connections. [...] Everyone specifically interested in Bayesian networks and Markov random fields should not miss it. -- Marco Gori, Università degli Studi di Siena Graphical models are sometimes regarded---incorrectly---as an impractical approach to machine learning, assuming that they only work well for low-dimensional applications and discrete-valued domains. While guiding the reader through the major achievements of this research area in a technically detailed yet accessible way, the book is concerned with the presentation and thorough (mathematical and experimental) investigation of a novel paradigm for probabilistic graphical modeling, the hybrid random field. This model subsumes and extends both Bayesian networks and Markov random fields. Moreover, it comes with well-defined learning algorithms, both for discrete and continuous-valued domains, which fit the needs of real-world applications involving large-scale, high-dimensional data.
This book presents reports by well-known experts on the most recent research results in image coding, analysis and understanding, and promising applications for solving real problems in manufacturing, remote sensing and biomedicine. The topics covered include shape analysis and computer vision, pattern recognition methods and applications, parallel computer architectures for image processing and analysis, human perception and use of artificial intelligence techniques for image understanding, languages for image abstraction, processing and retrieval, vision modules and neural computation.
Markov random field (MRF) theory provides a basis for modeling contextual constraints in visual processing and interpretation. It enables us to develop optimal vision algorithms systematically when used with optimization principles. This book presents a comprehensive study on the use of MRFs for solving computer vision problems. The book covers the following parts essential to the subject: introduction to fundamental theories, formulations of MRF vision models, MRF parameter estimation, and optimization algorithms. Various vision models are presented in a unified framework, including image restoration and reconstruction, edge and region segmentation, texture, stereo and motion, object matching and recognition, and pose estimation. This second edition includes the most important progress in Markov modeling in image analysis in recent years such as Markov modeling of images with "macro" patterns (e.g. the FRAME model), Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, reversible jump MCMC. This book is an excellent reference for researchers working in computer vision, image processing, statistical pattern recognition and applications of MRFs. It is also suitable as a text for advanced courses in these areas.
Gaussian Markov Random Field (GMRF) models are most widely used in spatial statistics - a very active area of research in which few up-to-date reference works are available. This is the first book on the subject that provides a unified framework of GMRFs with particular emphasis on the computational aspects. This book includes extensive case-studie
Introduces the theory and application of Markov random fields in image processing/computer vision. Modelling images through the local interaction of Markov models produces algorithms for use in texture analysis, image synthesis, restoration, segmentation and surface reconstruction.
Markov random field (MRF) theory provides a basis for modeling contextual constraints in visual processing and interpretation. It enables us to develop optimal vision algorithms systematically when used with optimization principles. This book presents a comprehensive study on the use of MRFs for solving computer vision problems. Various vision models are presented in a unified framework, including image restoration and reconstruction, edge and region segmentation, texture, stereo and motion, object matching and recognition, and pose estimation. This third edition includes the most recent advances and has new and expanded sections on topics such as: Bayesian Network; Discriminative Random Fields; Strong Random Fields; Spatial-Temporal Models; Learning MRF for Classification. This book is an excellent reference for researchers working in computer vision, image processing, statistical pattern recognition and applications of MRFs. It is also suitable as a text for advanced courses in these areas.
