Optimization of Convolutional Neural Networks for Enhanced Compression Techniques and Computer Vision Applications

Date of Award

2022

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Advisor/Chair

Bradley Ratliff

Abstract

Image compression algorithms are the basis of media transmission and compression in the field of image processing. Decades after their inception, algorithms such as the JPEG image codec continue to be the industry standard. A notable research topic gathering momentum in the field of compression is deep learning (DL). This paper explores the opti- mization of DL models for ideal image compression and object detection (OD) applications. The DL model to be optimized is based upon an existing compression framework known as the CONNECT model. This framework wraps the traditional JPEG image codec within two convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The first network, ComCNN, focuses on com- pressing an input image into a compact representation to be fed into the image codec. The second network, RecCNN, focuses on reconstructing the output image from the codec as similarly as possible to the original image. To enhance the performance of the CONNECT model, an optimization software called Optuna wraps the framework. Hyperparameters are selected from each CNN to be evaluated and optimized by Optuna. Once the CONNECT model produces ideal results, the output images are applied to the YOLOv5 OD network. This paper explores the impact of DL hyperparameters on image quality and compres- sion metrics. In addition, a detection network will provide context to the effect of image compression on computer vision applications.

Keywords

Electrical Engineering, deep learning, computer vision, image codec, optimization, neural networks, convolutional neural networks, image compression, YOLOv5, Optuna, machine learning, framework, IR, object detection.

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2022, author.

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