This dissertation proposes a novel theoretical framework for the data partitioning problem in computer vision and machine learning. The framework is based on level set methods that are derived from variational calculus and involve a curve-based objective function which integrates both boundary and region based information in a generic form. The proposed approaches within the framework provide original solutions to two important problems in variational methods, namely parameter tuning and information fusion, collectively termed Learning Level Sets in this thesis. Moreover, a novel pattern classification algorithm, namely Level Learning Sets, is proposed to classify any general dataset, including sparse and non sparse data. It is based on the same optimisation process of the objective function directly related to the curve propagation theory used in level set theory.The proposed approach learns the knowledge required for parameter tuning and information fusion in level set methods using machine learning techniques. It uses acquired knowledge to automatically perform parameter tuning and information fusion in level set methods. In the case of pattern classification, variational methods using level set theory optimise decision boundary construction in feature space. Consequently, the optimised values of the objective level set function over the feature space represent the model for pattern classification.The proposed automatic parameter tuning and information fusion method embedded in the level set method framework has been employed to provide original solutions to image segmentation and object extraction in computer vision. On the other hand, the Level Learning Set has been extended and applied to a variety of pattern classification problems".Several experimental results for each of the above methods are provided, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed solutions and indicating the potential of the automatic and dynamic tuning and fusion approaches as well as the Level Learning Set model.
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