Multi-Task Learning for Affect Analysis

TL;DR

This research explores multi-task learning approaches for emotion recognition in images, comparing uni-task and multi-task models to improve accuracy and efficiency in affective computing applications.

Contribution

It systematically evaluates various multi-task learning configurations, including loss functions and initialization strategies, for emotion recognition tasks.

Findings

Multi-task models outperform uni-task models in certain configurations.

Pre-training and initialization strategies significantly affect model convergence.

Different loss functions impact the accuracy of emotion recognition tasks.

Abstract

This Project was my Undergraduate Final Year dissertation, supervised by Dimitrios Kollias This research delves into the realm of affective computing for image analysis, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of multi-task learning in the context of emotion recognition. This project investigates two primary approaches: uni-task solutions and a multi-task approach to the same problems. Each approach undergoes testing, exploring various formulations, variations, and initialization strategies to come up with the best configuration. The project utilizes existing a neural network architecture, adapting it for multi-task learning by modifying output layers and loss functions. Tasks encompass 7 basic emotion recognition, action unit detection, and valence-arousal estimation. Comparative analyses involve uni-task models for each individual task, facilitating the assessment of multi-task model performance. Variations within each approach, including, loss functions, and hyperparameter tuning, undergo evaluation. The impact of different initialization strategies and pre-training techniques on model convergence and accuracy is explored. The research aspires to contribute to the burgeoning field of affective computing, with applications spanning healthcare, marketing, and human-computer interaction. By systematically exploring multi-task learning formulations, this research aims to contribute to the development of more accurate and efficient models for recognizing and understanding emotions in images. The findings hold promise for applications in diverse industries, paving the way for advancements in affective computing