title: Improving face gender classification by adding deliberately misaligned faces to the training data

authors: Mayo, Michael

subjects: computer science

abstract: A novel method of face gender classifier construction is proposed and evaluated. Previously, researchers have assumed that a computationally expensive face alignment step (in which the face image is transformed so that facial landmarks such as the eyes, nose, chin, etc, are in uniform locations in the image) is required in order to maximize the accuracy of predictions on new face images. We, however, argue that this step is not necessary, and that machine learning classifiers can be made robust to face misalignments by automatically expanding the training data with examples of faces that have been deliberately misaligned (for example, translated or rotated). To test our hypothesis, we evaluate this automatic training dataset expansion method with two types of image classifier, the first based on weak features such as Local Binary Pattern histograms, and the second based on SIFT keypoints. Using a benchmark face gender classification dataset recently proposed in the literature, we obtain a state-of-the-art accuracy of 92.5%, thus validating our approach.

text: Improving face gender classification by adding deliberately misaligned faces to the training data A novel method of face gender classifier construction is proposed and evaluated. Previously, researchers have assumed that a computationally expensive face alignment step (in which the face image is transformed so that facial landmarks such as the eyes, nose, chin, etc, are in uniform locations in the image) is required in order to maximize the accuracy of predictions on new face images. We, however, argue that this step is not necessary, and that machine learning classifiers can be made robust to face misalignments by automatically expanding the training data with examples of faces that have been deliberately misaligned (for example, translated or rotated). To test our hypothesis, we evaluate this automatic training dataset expansion method with two types of image classifier, the first based on weak features such as Local Binary Pattern histograms, and the second based on SIFT keypoints. Using a benchmark face gender classification dataset recently proposed in the literature, we obtain a state-of-the-art accuracy of 92.5%, thus validating our approach.

year: 2008

title: Gathering a corpus of multimodal computer-mediated meetings with focus on text and audio interaction

authors: Saturnion, Luz

subjects: computer science

abstract: In this paper we describe the gathering of a corpus of synchronised speech and text interaction over the network. The data collection scenarios characterise audio meetings with a significant textual component. Unlike existing meeting corpora, the corpus described in this paper emphasises temporal relationships between speech and text media streams. This is achieved through detailed logging and time stamping of text editing operations, actions on shared user interface widgets and gesturing, as well as generation of speech activity profiles. A set of tools has been developed specifically for these purposes which can be used as a data collection platform for the development of meeting browsers. The data gathered to data consists of nearly 30 hours of recorded audio and time stamped editing operations and gestures.

text: Gathering a corpus of multimodal computer-mediated meetings with focus on text and audio interaction In this paper we describe the gathering of a corpus of synchronised speech and text interaction over the network. The data collection scenarios characterise audio meetings with a significant textual component. Unlike existing meeting corpora, the corpus described in this paper emphasises temporal relationships between speech and text media streams. This is achieved through detailed logging and time stamping of text editing operations, actions on shared user interface widgets and gesturing, as well as generation of speech activity profiles. A set of tools has been developed specifically for these purposes which can be used as a data collection platform for the development of meeting browsers. The data gathered to data consists of nearly 30 hours of recorded audio and time stamped editing operations and gestures.

year: 2006

title: Issues in Maori Language Planning and Revitalisation

authors: Harlow, Ray

subjects: Te reo Māori

abstract: All languages which have undergone changes of status in the course of their histories have been the subject of language planning, be this consistent or piecemeal, officially driven or diffuse. In some cases, the processes have been and are still relatively ‘painless’ or even subliminal, at least as far as much of the population speaking the language is concerned. English is an extreme case in this respect, so that Ayto (1983) is able to speak of the ‘failure of language reform’ as a striking characteristic of its history. Many of the issues which could potentially be associated with its position in both the world and in particular countries do not, to all intents and purposes, arise. They have been dealt with by history; the way English works as a lingua franca, as an official language, as an international language in a variety of domains and regions, its spelling systems, its vocabulary, just ‘growed’, with only sporadic help from conscious planning.

text: Issues in Maori Language Planning and Revitalisation All languages which have undergone changes of status in the course of their histories have been the subject of language planning, be this consistent or piecemeal, officially driven or diffuse. In some cases, the processes have been and are still relatively ‘painless’ or even subliminal, at least as far as much of the population speaking the language is concerned. English is an extreme case in this respect, so that Ayto (1983) is able to speak of the ‘failure of language reform’ as a striking characteristic of its history. Many of the issues which could potentially be associated with its position in both the world and in particular countries do not, to all intents and purposes, arise. They have been dealt with by history; the way English works as a lingua franca, as an official language, as an international language in a variety of domains and regions, its spelling systems, its vocabulary, just ‘growed’, with only sporadic help from conscious planning.

year: 2003-02