Special lecture on

Application of invariant theory to automatic recognition problems

(guest lecture for MA108: Mathematics as a Profession and discipline, Fall 2011)

by Prof. Mimi Boutin.

Intro Song

A great song about a special type of groups (hilarious if you know some advanced math)

Three projects discussed

• Rosetta Phone: A portable device for reading and translating signs written in Arabic-like characters
• MERGE: A portable system for automatic recognition and interpretation of HAZMAT sign
• GARI: A portable system for automatic recognition and browsing of gang graffiti.

Groups and transformation groups

• To learn more about transformation groups
  • Modern Algebra page by D. Joyce, Clarck University]

Invariant theory

• Definition of "invariant" from Mathworld
• Definition of "invariant" from Planetmath