SGLP: A Similarity Guided Fast Layer Partition Pruning for Compressing Large Deep Models

The deployment of Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based networks on resource-constrained devices remains a significant challenge due to their high computational and parameter requirements. To solve this problem, layer pruning has emerged as a potent approach to reduce network size and improve computational efficiency. However, existing layer pruning methods mostly overlook the intrinsic connections and inter-dependencies between different layers within complicated deep neural networks. This oversight can result in pruned models that do not preserve the essential characteristics of the pre-trained network as effectively as desired. To address this limitations, we propose a Similarity Guided fast Layer Partition pruning for compressing large deep models (SGLP), which focuses on pruning layers from network segments partitioned via representation similarity. Specifically, our presented method first leverages Centered Kernel Alignment (CKA) to indicate the internal representations among the layers of the pre-trained network, which provides us with a potent basis for layer pruning. Based on similarity matrix derived from CKA, we employ Fisher Optimal Segmentation to partition the network into multiple segments, which provides a basis for removing the layers in a segment-wise manner. In addition, our method innovatively adopts GradNorm for segment-wise layer importance evaluation, eliminating the need for extensive fine-tuning, and finally prunes the unimportant layers to obtain a compact network. Experimental results in image classification and for large language models (LLMs) demonstrate that our proposed SGLP outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in both accuracy and computational efficiency, presenting a more effective solution for deploying DNNs on resource-limited platforms. Our codes are available at https://github.com/itsnotacie/information-fusion-SGLP.

Few-Shot Domain Adaptation for Learned Image Compression

Learned image compression (LIC) has achieved state-of-the-art rate-distortion performance, deemed promising for next-generation image compression techniques. However, pre-trained LIC models usually suffer from significant performance degradation when applied to out-of-training-domain images, implying their poor generalization capabilities. To tackle this problem, we propose a few-shot domain adaptation method for LIC by integrating plug-and-play adapters into pre-trained models. Drawing inspiration from the analogy between latent channels and frequency components, we examine domain gaps in LIC and observe that out-of-training-domain images disrupt pre-trained channel-wise decomposition. Consequently, we introduce a method for channel-wise re-allocation using convolution-based adapters and low-rank adapters, which are lightweight and compatible to mainstream LIC schemes. Extensive experiments across multiple domains and multiple representative LIC schemes demonstrate that our method significantly enhances pre-trained models, achieving comparable performance to H.266/VVC intra coding with merely 25 target-domain samples. Additionally, our method matches the performance of full-model finetune while transmitting fewer than $2\%$ of the parameters.

USTC-TD: A Test Dataset and Benchmark for Image and Video Coding in 2020s

Image/video coding has been a remarkable research area for both academia and industry for many years. Testing datasets, especially high-quality image/video datasets are desirable for the justified evaluation of coding-related research, practical applications, and standardization activities. We put forward a test dataset namely USTC-TD, which has been successfully adopted in the practical end-to-end image/video coding challenge of the IEEE International Conference on Visual Communications and Image Processing in 2022 and 2023. USTC-TD contains 40 images at 4K spatial resolution and 10 video sequences at 1080p spatial resolution, featuring various content due to the diverse environmental factors (scene type, texture, motion, view) and the designed imaging factors (illumination, shadow, lens). We quantitatively evaluate USTC-TD on different image/video features (spatial, temporal, color, lightness), and compare it with the previous image/video test datasets, which verifies the wider coverage and more diversity of the proposed dataset. We also evaluate both classic standardized and recent learned image/video coding schemes on USTC-TD with PSNR and MS-SSIM, and provide an extensive benchmark for the evaluated schemes. Based on the characteristics and specific design of the proposed test dataset, we analyze the benchmark performance and shed light on the future research and development of image/video coding. All the data are released online: https://esakak.github.io/USTC-TD.

Prototype-Driven Multi-Feature Generation for Visible-Infrared Person Re-identification

The primary challenges in visible-infrared person re-identification arise from the differences between visible (vis) and infrared (ir) images, including inter-modal and intra-modal variations. These challenges are further complicated by varying viewpoints and irregular movements. Existing methods often rely on horizontal partitioning to align part-level features, which can introduce inaccuracies and have limited effectiveness in reducing modality discrepancies. In this paper, we propose a novel Prototype-Driven Multi-feature generation framework (PDM) aimed at mitigating cross-modal discrepancies by constructing diversified features and mining latent semantically similar features for modal alignment. PDM comprises two key components: Multi-Feature Generation Module (MFGM) and Prototype Learning Module (PLM). The MFGM generates diversity features closely distributed from modality-shared features to represent pedestrians. Additionally, the PLM utilizes learnable prototypes to excavate latent semantic similarities among local features between visible and infrared modalities, thereby facilitating cross-modal instance-level alignment. We introduce the cosine heterogeneity loss to enhance prototype diversity for extracting rich local features. Extensive experiments conducted on the SYSU-MM01 and LLCM datasets demonstrate that our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance. Our codes are available at https://github.com/mmunhappy/ICASSP2025-PDM.

A Generic Layer Pruning Method for Signal Modulation Recognition Deep Learning Models

With the successful application of deep learning in communications systems, deep neural networks are becoming the preferred method for signal classification. Although these models yield impressive results, they often come with high computational complexity and large model sizes, which hinders their practical deployment in communication systems. To address this challenge, we propose a novel layer pruning method. Specifically, we decompose the model into several consecutive blocks, each containing consecutive layers with similar semantics. Then, we identify layers that need to be preserved within each block based on their contribution. Finally, we reassemble the pruned blocks and fine-tune the compact model. Extensive experiments on five datasets demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our method over a variety of state-of-the-art baselines, including layer pruning and channel pruning methods.

BatteryML:An Open-source platform for Machine Learning on Battery Degradation

Battery degradation remains a pivotal concern in the energy storage domain, with machine learning emerging as a potent tool to drive forward insights and solutions. However, this intersection of electrochemical science and machine learning poses complex challenges. Machine learning experts often grapple with the intricacies of battery science, while battery researchers face hurdles in adapting intricate models tailored to specific datasets. Beyond this, a cohesive standard for battery degradation modeling, inclusive of data formats and evaluative benchmarks, is conspicuously absent. Recognizing these impediments, we present BatteryML - a one-step, all-encompass, and open-source platform designed to unify data preprocessing, feature extraction, and the implementation of both traditional and state-of-the-art models. This streamlined approach promises to enhance the practicality and efficiency of research applications. BatteryML seeks to fill this void, fostering an environment where experts from diverse specializations can collaboratively contribute, thus elevating the collective understanding and advancement of battery research.The code for our project is publicly available on GitHub at https://github.com/microsoft/BatteryML.

Learning Intra- and Inter-Cell Differences for Accurate Battery Lifespan Prediction across Diverse Conditions

Battery life prediction holds significant practical value for battery research and development. Currently, many data-driven models rely on early electrical signals from specific target batteries to predict their lifespan. A common shortfall is that most existing methods are developed based on specific aging conditions, which not only limits their model's capability but also diminishes their effectiveness in predicting degradation under varied conditions. As a result, these models often miss out on fully benefiting from the rich historical data available under other conditions. Here, to address above, we introduce an approach that explicitly captures differences between electrical signals of a target battery and a reference battery, irrespective of their materials and aging conditions, to forecast the target battery life. Through this inter-cell difference, we not only enhance the feature space but also pave the way for a universal battery life prediction framework. Remarkably, our model that combines the inter- and intra-cell differences shines across diverse conditions, standing out in its efficiency and accuracy using all accessible datasets. An essential application of our approach is its capability to leverage data from older batteries effectively, enabling newer batteries to capitalize on insights gained from past batteries. This work not only enriches the battery data utilization strategy but also sets the stage for smarter battery management system in the future.

Team AcieLee: Technical Report for EPIC-SOUNDS Audio-Based Interaction Recognition Challenge 2023

In this report, we describe the technical details of our submission to the EPIC-SOUNDS Audio-Based Interaction Recognition Challenge 2023, by Team "AcieLee" (username: Yuqi\_Li). The task is to classify the audio caused by interactions between objects, or from events of the camera wearer. We conducted exhaustive experiments and found learning rate step decay, backbone frozen, label smoothing and focal loss contribute most to the performance improvement. After training, we combined multiple models from different stages and integrated them into a single model by assigning fusion weights. This proposed method allowed us to achieve 3rd place in the CVPR 2023 workshop of EPIC-SOUNDS Audio-Based Interaction Recognition Challenge.

Yield Evaluation of Citrus Fruits based on the YoloV5 compressed by Knowledge Distillation

In the field of planting fruit trees, pre-harvest estimation of fruit yield is important for fruit storage and price evaluation. However, considering the cost, the yield of each tree cannot be assessed by directly picking the immature fruit. Therefore, the problem is a very difficult task. In this paper, a fruit counting and yield assessment method based on computer vision is proposed for citrus fruit trees as an example. Firstly, images of single fruit trees from different angles are acquired and the number of fruits is detected using a deep Convolutional Neural Network model YOLOv5, and the model is compressed using a knowledge distillation method. Then, a linear regression method is used to model yield-related features and evaluate yield. Experiments show that the proposed method can accurately count fruits and approximate the yield.

ISP-Agnostic Image Reconstruction for Under-Display Cameras

Under-display cameras have been proposed in recent years as a way to reduce the form factor of mobile devices while maximizing the screen area. Unfortunately, placing the camera behind the screen results in significant image distortions, including loss of contrast, blur, noise, color shift, scattering artifacts, and reduced light sensitivity. In this paper, we propose an image-restoration pipeline that is ISP-agnostic, i.e. it can be combined with any legacy ISP to produce a final image that matches the appearance of regular cameras using the same ISP. This is achieved with a deep learning approach that performs a RAW-to-RAW image restoration. To obtain large quantities of real under-display camera training data with sufficient contrast and scene diversity, we furthermore develop a data capture method utilizing an HDR monitor, as well as a data augmentation method to generate suitable HDR content. The monitor data is supplemented with real-world data that has less scene diversity but allows us to achieve fine detail recovery without being limited by the monitor resolution. Together, this approach successfully restores color and contrast as well as image detail.