The theory of spatial models over lattices, or random fields as they are known, has developed significantly over recent years. This book provides a graduate-level introduction to the subject which assumes only a basic knowledge of probability and statistics, finite Markov chains, and the spectral theory of second-order processes. A particular strength of this book is its emphasis on examples - both to motivate the theory which is being developed, and to demonstrate the applications which range from statistical mechanics to image analysis and from statistics to stochastic algorithms.
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.
The book is concerned with the statistical theory for locating spatial sensors. It bridges the gap between spatial statistics and optimum design theory. After introductions to those two fields the topics of exploratory designs and designs for spatial trend and variogram estimation are treated. Special attention is devoted to describing new methodologies to cope with the problem of correlated observations.
Markov random field (MRF) modeling provides a basis for the characterization of contextual constraints on visual interpretation and enables us to develop optimal vision algorithms systematically based on sound principles. This book presents a comprehensive study on using MRFs to solve computer vision problems, covering the following parts essential to the subject: introduction to fundamental theories, formulations of various vision models in the MRF framework, MRF parameter estimation, and optimization algorithms. Various MRF vision models are presented in a unified form, including image restoration and reconstruction, edge and region segmentation, texture, stereo and motion, object matching and recognition, and pose estimation. This book is an excellent reference for researchers working in computer vision, image processing, pattern recognition and applications of MRFs. It is also suitable as a text for advanced courses in the subject.
An Introduction to Conditional Random Fields provides a comprehensive tutorial aimed at application-oriented practitioners seeking to apply CRFs. The monograph does not assume previous knowledge of graphical modeling, and so is intended to be useful to practitioners in a wide variety of fields.
This book provides an inter-disciplinary introduction to the theory of random fields and its applications. Spatial models and spatial data analysis are integral parts of many scientific and engineering disciplines. Random fields provide a general theoretical framework for the development of spatial models and their applications in data analysis. The contents of the book include topics from classical statistics and random field theory (regression models, Gaussian random fields, stationarity, correlation functions) spatial statistics (variogram estimation, model inference, kriging-based prediction) and statistical physics (fractals, Ising model, simulated annealing, maximum entropy, functional integral representations, perturbation and variational methods). The book also explores links between random fields, Gaussian processes and neural networks used in machine learning. Connections with applied mathematics are highlighted by means of models based on stochastic partial differential equations. An interlude on autoregressive time series provides useful lower-dimensional analogies and a connection with the classical linear harmonic oscillator. Other chapters focus on non-Gaussian random fields and stochastic simulation methods. The book also presents results based on the author’s research on Spartan random fields that were inspired by statistical field theories originating in physics. The equivalence of the one-dimensional Spartan random field model with the classical, linear, damped harmonic oscillator driven by white noise is highlighted. Ideas with potentially significant computational gains for the processing of big spatial data are presented and discussed. The final chapter concludes with a description of the Karhunen-Loève expansion of the Spartan model. The book will appeal to engineers, physicists, and geoscientists whose research involves spatial models or spatial data analysis. Anyone with background in probability and statistics can read at least parts of the book. Some chapters will be easier to understand by readers familiar with differential equations and Fourier transforms.
When is a random network (almost) connected? How much information can it carry? How can you find a particular destination within the network? And how do you approach these questions - and others - when the network is random? The analysis of communication networks requires a fascinating synthesis of random graph theory, stochastic geometry and percolation theory to provide models for both structure and information flow. This book is the first comprehensive introduction for graduate students and scientists to techniques and problems in the field of spatial random networks. The selection of material is driven by applications arising in engineering, and the treatment is both readable and mathematically rigorous. Though mainly concerned with information-flow-related questions motivated by wireless data networks, the models developed are also of interest in a broader context, ranging from engineering to social networks, biology, and physics.
The study of Markov random fields has brought exciting new problems to probability theory which are being developed in parallel with basic investigation in other disciplines, most notably physics. The mathematical and physical literature is often quite technical. This book aims at a more gentle introduction to these new areas of research.
Theory of Spatial Statistics: A Concise Introduction presents the most important models used in spatial statistics, including random fields and point processes, from a rigorous mathematical point of view and shows how to carry out statistical inference. It contains full proofs, real-life examples and theoretical exercises. Solutions to the latter are available in an appendix. Assuming maturity in probability and statistics, these concise lecture notes are self-contained and cover enough material for a semester course. They may also serve as a reference book for researchers. Features * Presents the mathematical foundations of spatial statistics. * Contains worked examples from mining, disease mapping, forestry, soil and environmental science, and criminology. * Gives pointers to the literature to facilitate further study. * Provides example code in R to encourage the student to experiment. * Offers exercises and their solutions to test and deepen understanding. The book is suitable for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students in mathematics and statistics.
