Driving School for Computers

Image recognition and adjustment to goals.  Interesting process included.

Driving School for Computers
Ruhr-University Bochum
By Meike Drießen

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB)'s Neural Computation Institute in Germany have devised a technique to automatically generate traffic signs that computers can employ to practice vision. The method involves two algorithms: one is fed simple pictograms of road signs, then is tasked with rendering them into photo-like images. The second algorithm must decide if the rendered image is an actual or created photo. RUB's Sebastian Houben said, "Moreover, the second algorithm indicates to the first one in what way the selection process could be made even more difficult." After several days of this algorithmic sparring, the researchers check the resulting signs' realism, and refine the software if necessary. Both algorithms were able to outperform humans in recognizing images.  ... "