Investigating Bounding Boxes for Image Annotation in ML

Image annotations are carried out for various machine learning models. Bounding box is used in image annotation for computer vision tasks. For preparing machine learning training datasets, this box type annotation enables AI programs to learn and recognize objects in the physical world. In the bounding box image annotation, rectangular shapes are created around an image or video frame, marking the borders to ease out object detection learnings. While in video bounding box annotation, frame-wise annotations are performed.

Ensuring High-accuracy Bounding Box Image Annotation

In the past years, image annotation has been done majorly for Computer Vision tasks; basically to tell the machine what the image is all about. Image annotation requirements can be complex and simple, depending upon the business need. Image data can be 2-D and 3-D and textual or video based. Deep learning would require processing of more vivid data at faster the speed in comparison with machine learning models. Usage of bounding boxes for deep learning training, hence is nothing new.

Bounding box annotation has some best practices that ensure high-accuracy datasets.

1. Perfecting the outlines of an image makes the data classification accurate during annotation. The scope for any sort of gaps while making a bounding box can reduce the quality of learning.

2. Keep a close watch on box size variations for the objection. In case of large sized objects, polygon based image annotation delivers better results.

3. Overlapping of boxes should be avoided for accuracy of learning of the model.

4. Diagonal objects should be annotated using polygons, since the bounding box works for relatively smaller or medium-sized images in the dataset.

5. Utilize appropriate annotation tools for annotation. Prepare test sets and check with the model performance.

6. Defining classes during annotation is crucial. Ensure that the classes match the learning model before commencing.

Once the data is prepared and accumulated as per predefined classes, the learning stage commences wherein, ML engineer segregates the annotated datasets as per algorithmic requirements.

Defining Training Dataset Requirements

Before training the machine learning model, defining the training data classes for labeling is vital. Machine learning models are usually supervised, unsupervised and reinforced. For annotation using a bounding box, the supervision of learning data helps in detecting various objects which are in turn calculated through various ML algorithms. Learning from annotated datasets comprise the major part in supervised ML learning approaches.

Delineating which algorithm or machine learning model would be ideal for the business problem, an ML engineer decides on the data classifications labels or classes, basis which annotation can be used. The methodology of preparing learning data is easy yet the collation of the same should be precise. In terms of producing accurate and obtaining high-fidelity results, data accuracy plays a leading role during annotation. The entire performance of the ML model and its predictive results depends upon the training dataset prepared by the workforce.

Essentially, data annotation is performed by a human-in-the-loop workforce provider. The workforce is trained to develop a set of images by applying a bounding box around an image or video frames. Skilled individuals utilize annotation tools that capture the annotated data. There are several other ways to pool in data for ML and deep learning tasks such as crowdsourcing. But in cases of specific data requirements, selecting human-in-the-loop workforce providers works out in favour of data at scale requirements.

End note:

In the 21st century, every business must be ready to change at the drop-of-a-hat. There are disruptions, innovations and requirements which must be delivered at scale, without delays. Simultaneously, the outfield is competitive and it is a cut-throat situation for thriving with the best offerings. Thus, a business problem which requires classified data and a machine learning model to find a viable solution, should also be practised to perform quality checks to deliver high-quality training data, with confidence.

Adhering to above mentioned points in case of bounding box image annotation will ascertain the quality aspect and will help you create image data as benchmarks, in future to follow.