OpenGM: A C++ Library for Discrete Graphical Models

TL;DR

OpenGM is a flexible C++ library that enables efficient definition and inference on complex discrete graphical models with various algorithms and customizable components.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, extendible C++ library supporting higher-order factors, arbitrary structures, and efficient handling of large models with repetitive patterns.

Findings

Supports a wide range of inference algorithms.

Handles large models with repetitive structures efficiently.

Provides a modular, extendible framework for graphical models.

Abstract

OpenGM is a C++ template library for defining discrete graphical models and performing inference on these models, using a wide range of state-of-the-art algorithms. No restrictions are imposed on the factor graph to allow for higher-order factors and arbitrary neighborhood structures. Large models with repetitive structure are handled efficiently because (i) functions that occur repeatedly need to be stored only once, and (ii) distinct functions can be implemented differently, using different encodings alongside each other in the same model. Several parametric functions (e.g. metrics), sparse and dense value tables are provided and so is an interface for custom C++ code. Algorithms are separated by design from the representation of graphical models and are easily exchangeable. OpenGM, its algorithms, HDF5 file format and command line tools are modular and extendible.