Teaching AI to Detect Objects: A Game-Changer in Cancer Detection
The University of Surrey researchers have developed a groundbreaking tool that uses machine learning to detect specific objects in images. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer detection and other fields of study.
How It Works
The tool, which will be presented at the Computer Vision, Pattern, and Recognition Conference (CVPR) 2023, allows users to sketch an object that the AI will search for within an image. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely on descriptive words, this tool takes visual cues from the sketch into account to find an exact match while discounting other options.
Significance in Medicine and Conservation
According to Professor Yi-Zhe Song from the University of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI, this sketch-based tool opens up new possibilities for AI systems to harness human creativity. In medicine, the tool can help detect more aggressive tumors, while in wildlife conservation, it can assist in identifying rare animals.
An example given by the researchers involves using the tool to search for a single zebra in a picture of multiple zebras. By sketching a zebra eating, the AI tool considers factors like pose and structure to find the exact object the artist is looking for.
Professor Song emphasizes that this technology allows humans to interact with AI from a different perspective. Instead of AI dictating decisions, users can instruct AI to behave exactly as instructed, incorporating necessary human intervention.
World-Leading Research at the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey has a strong presence in AI research and has an exceptional number of papers accepted at CVPR 2023. With over 18 papers accepted and one nominated for the Best Paper Award, the university continues to contribute to the advancement of AI technology.
By combining over 30 years of technical excellence in machine learning with multi-disciplinary research, the University of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI aims to ensure AI remains people-centred. The university’s focus on research that makes a tangible difference has led to its ranking as the 55th best university in the world in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2022, which measures performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.