What is pattern recognition?

We, as humans, are evolutionarily wired to recognize patterns and match them to our stored
memories. In its broader definition, pattern recognition is one’s ability to memorize and
retrieve patterns upon constant exposure to its repetition. In machine learning, pattern
recognition is referred to matching the database information with the incoming data. In other
words, models rely on what they’ve been introduced to effectively identify commonalities.
Despite subtle intersections such as image classification for pattern recognition, computer
vision and pattern recognition are different by and large. Pattern recognition treats various
data sorts and relates to automated pattern discovery while computer vision focuses on image
processing, object detection, image classification, and segmentation, without utterly relying on
pattern recognition.

Understanding pattern recognition in machine learning

As one of the building blocks of computer vision, pattern recognition aims to imitate the
capabilities of the human brain. Think about it this way: predictions on unseen data are feasible
because of a models’ ability to identify recurring patterns. In the meantime, that may happen
with any data format, be it an image, video, text, audio, etc.
While inherently complex, pattern recognition involves analyzing the input data, extracting
patterns, and comparing them against the stored data. The procedure can be broken down into
two phases: explorative, when the algorithms explore patterns, and descriptive, when
algorithms group and attribute the found patterns to the initial data. If we break this further,
pattern recognition in machine learning encompasses the following path:

Data collection

Thoroughly designed high-quality ground-truth datasets are a must to achieve the desired level
of accuracy in recognition. Here, using open-source datasets may cut off a great deal of time, as
opposed to the tedious manual data collection. Nonetheless, data quality control should still be
your priority. An alternative scenario is when your data is impossible to collect manually and
the only way to go is to generate or design artificial sets on your own, i.e., synthetic datasets.

Pre-processing
Pre-processing is all about fixing impurities to produce more comprehensive sets of data and
increase the chances of top-notch predictions. Smoothing and normalization to correct the
image from strong variations in lighting direction and intensity are also key considerations for
this step. This way, you’ll create meaningful and easily interpretable data for models.

Feature extraction

At this stage, the input data is transformed into a feature vector, a reduced representation of a
set of features. That is to solve the issue of the high-dimensionality of the input set, which
means that only relevant information, namely selected features should be extracted, as
opposed to a full-size input. You have to make sure the features are insensitive towards
distortions or manipulation of any kind. Out of these features, you should select the inputs with
the highest potential in results accuracy. Once all is done, these features are sent for
classification.

Classification

Extracted features are used to compare them against similar patterns, associating each one to
the relevant class. The learning procedure, as we know, can take place in two ways:
With supervised learning, the classifiers will have prior knowledge of each pattern category on
top of the metrics and relevant parameters to distinguish among different patterns. With
regard to unsupervised learning, the parameters are defined or updated upon the introduction
of the input data. The model here relies on the inherent patterns in data it is capable of
determining to generate the desired output. Final heads-up: pattern recognition doesn’t end
with the raw output. It is usually followed by post-processing, which involves further decision-
making on how to use those results to properly guide the system.

Types of pattern recognition algorithms

One of the more challenging parts of pattern recognition is deciding on the algorithms you’re
planning to stick with. We’ll briefly mention six common algorithms in recognition:

Statistical

The methodology itself is massive. The outputs are reliant on probability, yet by and large, it
uses statistical techniques to learn from examples. This way the model gathers observations to
study and come up with working rules that are can potentially be implemented for future
observations.

Structural

The statistical method is not best suited for complex pattern recognition. This is where
structural recognition comes in with its hierarchical approach and categorization into
subclasses. The model describes complex relationships between multiple elements and serves
purposes such as image and shape analyses, where measurable structures are confirmed.
Neural network

As expected, this method utilizes artificial neural networks and is more flexible in comparison
with traditional algorithms. Neural networks are efficient in classification, deploying biological
concepts to recognize patterns. When it comes to pattern recognition, the most effective
method is feed-forward networks, where learning takes place by giving feedback to the input
patterns.

Template matching

Template matching is used when dealing with two entities of the same type. Here, the target
pattern is matched with a stored template, where the similarity is determined between entities
such as curves, shapes, etc. The method, however, requires an excessive number of templates
and is rather rigid when measured up against the existing alternatives.

Fuzzy-based

In real-world recognition problems, fuzziness (many-valued logic, where the truth value of
variables can be any real number between 0 and 1) is pervasive, which is greatly attributed to
our cognitive system. More often than less, we are faced with uncertain components when
scanning objects for recognition through our visual system. That holds just as true in a digital
world, which explains the vast applicability of the algorithm.

Hybrid

A hybrid model typically describes a combination of different types of algorithms to deploy the
advantages of all the methods used. It recognizes patterns through multiple classifiers, where
each is trained based on feature spaces. A conclusion is drawn based on the accumulation of
classifier sets, whose accuracy is detected through a decision function.

Where can pattern recognition be implemented?

When there’s a similar variety of algorithms out there, the bar for what’s expected to be on the
pattern recognition applications list lifts up automatically. Still, examples are limitless. Below
we’ll mention several areas incorporating pattern recognition one way or another.
  NLP: Recognition algorithms help draw insights based on the patterns in data for
applications such as plagiarism detection, text generation, translation, grammar
correction, etc.
 Fingerprint scanning: We stumble across biometric scanning within arm’s reach.
Modern smartphones and laptops have a fingerprint identification feature that provides
an added layer of protection. That is happening all because the device has learned the
features of your fingerprint through pattern analysis.
 Seismic activity analysis: This one is all about observing how earthquakes and
analogous natural events affect the earth’s crust: soil, rocks, and buildings. By using
recurring patterns in seismic records, scientists can build disaster resilience models to
mitigate the effects of seismic activity on time.
 Audio and voice recognition: Speech-to-text converters and personal assistants are all
examples of audio and voice recognition systems operating based on pattern
recognition. Let’s not go too far—Siri, Alexa, Shazam—these titans perceive and analyze
audio and voice signals to derive meaning by encoding words and phrases.
 Computer vision: Pattern recognition has various applications in computer vision,
ranging from biological to medical imaging. It can be applied in damaged leaf, infected
cell detection and much more.

Wrapping up
Rapid advances in pattern recognition algorithms continue to offer more intuitive solutions to
real-world problems. Today, the recognition system has the potential to evolve into a more
agile process that continuously underpins the development of AI. We hope this article provides
you with more context and insight into the difference between pattern recognition, machine
learning, and computer vision, how machines recognize patterns, along with an overview of
relevant algorithms. Odds are you’ll need help with training data for a recognition model.
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