Thanos Athanasiadis

Semantic Image Segmentation and Object Labeling

In this paper, we present a framework for simultaneous image segmentation and object labeling leading to automatic image annotation. Focusing on semantic analysis of images, it contributes to knowledge-assisted multimedia analysis and bridging the gap between semantics and low level visual features. The proposed framework operates at semantic level using possible semantic labels, formally represented as fuzzy sets, to make decisions on handling image regions instead of visual features used traditionally. In order to stress its independence of a specific image segmentation approach we have modified two well known region growing algorithms, i.e., watershed and recursive shortest spanning tree, and compared them to their traditional counterparts. Additionally, a visual context representation and analysis approach is presented, blending global knowledge in interpreting each object locally. Contextual information is based on a novel semantic processing methodology, employing fuzzy algebra and ontological taxonomic knowledge representation. In this process, utilization of contextual knowledge re-adjusts labeling results of semantic region growing, by means of fine-tuning membership degrees of detected concepts. The performance of the overall methodology is evaluated on a real-life still image dataset from two popular domains

Image indexing and retrieval using expressive fuzzy description logics

The effective management and exploitation of multimedia documents requires the extraction of the underlying semantics. Multimedia analysis algorithms can produce fairly rich, though imprecise information about a multimedia document which most of the times remains unexploited. In this paper we propose a methodology for semantic indexing and retrieval of images, based on techniques of image segmentation and classification combined with fuzzy reasoning. In the proposed knowledge-assisted analysis architecture a segmentation algorithm firstly generates a set of over-segmented regions. After that, a region classification process is employed to assign semantic labels using a confidence degree and simultaneously merge regions based on their semantic similarity. This information comprises the assertional component of a fuzzy knowledge base which is used for the refinement of mistakenly classified regions and also for the extraction of rich implicit knowledge used for global image classification. This knowledge about images is stored in a semantic repository permitting image retrieval and ranking.

Multimedia Reasoning with f-SHIN

Effective management and exploitation of multimedia documents requires extraction of the underlying semantics. Multimedia analysis algorithms can produce fairly rich but imprecise information about a multimedia document. In this paper, a multimedia reasoning architecture is presented using the fuzzy extension of expressive SHIN, f-SHIN. First a segmentation algorithm generates a set of over-segmented regions and a classification process is employed to assign those regions with semantic labels. A semantic-based refinement of the segmentation is follows and this information initializes the ABox of a fuzzy-knowledge that is used for multimedia reasoning. The proposed approach was tested on outdoor domain and shows promising results.

Integrating Image Segmentation and Classification for Fuzzy Knowledge-Based Multimedia Indexing

In this paper we propose a methodology for semantic indexing of images, based on techniques of image segmentation, classification and fuzzy reasoning. The proposed knowledge-assisted analysis architecture integrates algorithms applied on three overlapping levels of semantic information: i) no semantics, i.e. segmentation based on low-level features such as color and shape, ii) mid-level semantics, such as concurrent image segmentation and object detection, region-based classification and, iii) rich semantics, i.e. fuzzy reasoning for extraction of implicit knowledge. In that way, we extract semantic description of raw multimedia content and use it for indexing and retrieval purposes, backed up by a fuzzy knowledge repository. We conducted several experiments to evaluate each technique, as well as the whole methodology in overall and, results show the potential of our approach.

Spatiotemporal semantic video segmentation

In this paper, we propose a framework to extend semantic labeling of images to video shot sequences and achieve efficient and semantic-aware spatiotemporal video segmentation. This task faces two major challenges, namely the temporal variations within a video sequence which affect image segmentation and labeling, and the computational cost of region labeling. Guided by these limitations, we design a method where spatiotemporal segmentation and object labeling are coupled to achieve semantic annotation of video shots. An internal graph structure that describes both visual and semantic properties of image and video regions is adopted. The process of spatiotemporal semantic segmentation is subdivided in two stages: Firstly, the video shot is split into small block of frames. Spatiotemporal regions (volumes) are extracted and labeled individually within each block. Then, we iteratively merge consecutive blocks by a matching procedure which considers both semantic and visual properties. Results on real video sequences show the potential of our approach.

Semantic representation of multimedia content: Knowledge representation and semantic indexing

In this paper we present a framework for unified, personalized access to heterogeneous multimedia content in distributed repositories. Focusing on semantic analysis of multimedia documents, metadata, user queries and user profiles, it contributes to the bridging of the gap between the semantic nature of user queries and raw multimedia documents. The proposed approach utilizes as input visual content analysis results, as well as analyzes and exploits associated textual annotation, in order to extract the underlying semantics, construct a semantic index and classify documents to topics, based on a unified knowledge and semantics representation model. It may then accept user queries, and, carrying out semantic interpretation and expansion, retrieve documents from the index and rank them according to user preferences, similarly to text retrieval. All processes are based on a novel semantic processing methodology, employing fuzzy algebra and principles of taxonomic knowledge representation. The first part of this work presented in this paper deals with data and knowledge models, manipulation of multimedia content annotations and semantic indexing, while the second part will continue on the use of the extracted semantic information for personalized retrieval.

Integrating multimedia archives: the architecture and the content layer

In the last few years, numerous multimedia archives have made extensive use of digitized storage and annotation technologies. Still, the development of single points of access, providing common and uniform access to their data, despite the efforts and accomplishments of standardization organizations, has remained an open issue as it involves the integration of various large-scale heterogeneous and heterolingual systems. This paper describes a mediator system that achieves architectural integration through an extended three-tier architecture and content integration through semantic modeling. The described system has successfully integrated five multimedia archives, quite different in nature and content from each other, while also providing easy and scalable inclusion of more archives in the future.

Adding Semantics to Audiovisual Content: The FAETHON Project

This paper presents FAETHON, a distributed information system that offers enhanced search and retrieval capabilities to users interacting with digital audiovisual (a/v) archives. Its novelty primarily originates in the unified intelligent access to heterogeneous a/v content. The paper emphasizes the features that provide enhanced search and retrieval capabilities to users, as well as intelligent management of the a/v content by content creators / distributors. It describes the system’s main components, the intelligent metadata creation package, the a/v search engine & portal, and the MPEG-7 compliant a/v archive interfaces. Finally, it provides ideas on the positioning of FAETHON in the market of a/v archives and video indexing and retrieval.

Semantic Adaptation of Neural Network Classifiers in Image Segmentation

Semantic analysis of multimedia content is an on going research area that has gained a lot of attention over the last few years. Additionally, machine learning techniques are widely used for multimedia analysis with great success. This work presents a combined approach to semantic adaptation of neural network classifiers in multimedia framework. It is based on a fuzzy reasoning engine which is able to evaluate the outputs and the confidence levels of the neural network classifier, using a knowledge base. Improved image segmentation results are obtained, which are used for adaptation of the network classifier, further increasing its ability to provide accurate classification of the specific content.

Knowledge Assisted Analysis and Categorization for Semantic Video Retrieval

In this paper we discuss the use of knowledge for the analysis and semantic retrieval of video. We follow a fuzzy relational approach to knowledge representation, based on which we define and extract the context of either a multimedia document or a user query. During indexing, the context of the document is utilized for the detection of objects and for automatic thematic categorization. During retrieval, the context of the query is used to clarify the exact meaning of the query terms and to meaningfully guide the process of query expansion and index matching. Indexing and retrieval tools have been implemented to demonstrate the proposed techniques and results are presented using video from audiovisual archives.