TL;DR:
- Researchers from the University of Surrey have developed an AI system that utilizes sketches to detect objects within images with remarkable accuracy.
- The sketch-based object detection tool will be presented at the Computer Vision, Pattern, and Recognition Conference (CVPR) 2023.
- By sketching an object, users can instruct the AI to search within an image and find an exact match while disregarding general options.
- This technology has significant implications for cancer detection, enabling the identification of aggressive tumors.
- It also has the potential to aid in wildlife conservation by detecting rare animal species.
- The University of Surrey’s research showcases the fusion of human creativity and AI in the field of Computer Vision.
- The University of Surrey is renowned for its research excellence and commitment to transforming lives through innovation.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the prestigious University of Surrey have unveiled an innovative AI system that employs sketches to identify objects within images with astounding accuracy. This pioneering technology is poised to revolutionize the field of cancer detection while aiding in the search for elusive bird species, marking a major leap forward in the realm of artificial intelligence.
The University of Surrey is set to showcase its one-of-a-kind sketch-based object detection tool at the highly anticipated Computer Vision, Pattern, and Recognition Conference (CVPR) this year. Unlike conventional methods, this tool allows users to sketch an object, which is then utilized by the AI to conduct a targeted search within an image, precisely matching the sketch while disregarding more general options.
Professor Yi-Zhe Song, the driving force behind this cutting-edge research at the University of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI, remarked, “An artist’s sketch encapsulates a wealth of individual cues that words simply cannot convey concisely, underscoring the adage that ‘a picture paints a thousand words.’ While contemporary AI systems rely on textual descriptions to generate images, they fail to capture the true essence of the user’s vision or the exact match they seek.”
This is precisely where the sketch-based tool developed by the University of Surrey shines. By instructing the AI through sketches, users can pinpoint specific objects while dismissing irrelevant alternatives. The implications for fields like medicine are immense, as this technology can aid in the identification of aggressive tumors. Furthermore, it has the potential to contribute significantly to wildlife conservation efforts by detecting rare and endangered animal species.
A compelling example showcased in the researchers’ paper involves the tool being employed to search a picture teeming with zebras, with only a sketch of a single zebra grazing serving as guidance. The AI tool takes various visual cues into account, including pose and structure, while adhering faithfully to the precise requirements laid out by the amateur artist.
“The capacity for AI to discern objects based on individual amateur sketches represents a monumental stride in harnessing human creativity within the realm of Computer Vision,” asserted Professor Song. “It empowers humans to interact with AI from an entirely different perspective, no longer allowing AI to dictate decisions but instead instructing it to act in strict accordance with our intentions, ensuring essential human intervention.“
The groundbreaking research will be presented at CVPR 2023, the esteemed conference that serves as a global stage for showcasing world-leading AI advancements. The University of Surrey has garnered exceptional recognition in this domain, with a remarkable number of 18 accepted papers and one nomination for the prestigious Best Paper Award, far surpassing other educational institutions.
Renowned for its research excellence and commitment to transformative teaching, the University of Surrey has emerged as a research-intensive institution dedicated to shaping the future through innovation. The university’s Institute for People-Centred AI combines three decades of technical expertise in machine learning with multidisciplinary research, tackling critical questions related to the technical, ethical, and governance aspects of AI. By focusing on research that drives positive change in the world, the University of Surrey has achieved an impressive global ranking of 55th in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2022, which evaluates the performance of over 1,400 universities based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conclusion:
The development of the sketch-based object detection tool by the University of Surrey represents a significant breakthrough in the field of AI. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize tumor detection and wildlife conservation efforts by allowing users to interact with AI through sketches, providing precise instructions for object recognition. The fusion of human creativity and AI opens up new possibilities in Computer Vision, paving the way for advancements in various industries. The University of Surrey’s research excellence positions them at the forefront of AI advancements, driving positive change in the market and beyond.
