Data labeling is the process of identifying and tagging items in data samples. The process can be manual or through designated software. The labels tagged on the different class items must be unique, descriptive, and independent to provide a unique sequence, also called an algorithm.
In machine learning, data labeling adds meaningful labels to the identified raw data so that the machine learning model can learn from the data.
Image annotation tools are software that simplifies the process of data annotation and labeling through structured datasets that are used to train computer vision algorithms. You can use the tools on any form of raw data, such as texts, images, databases, and formats such as PowerPoint presentations or whiteboards.
How Does Data Labeling in Machine Learning Work?
Data labeling and annotation can be as simple as asking people to identify various objects and attaching labels to them or through complex AI-guided processes. In machine learning, the AI-guided processes start by collecting tag input from humans, and the machine learning model learns the underlying patterns in the model training process.
You can use a properly labeled dataset as a ground truth, the standard tool to train and assess a given machine learning model. The accuracy of the ground truth will determine the accuracy of the trained model and thus demands time and resources to avoid errors.
Data labeling requires big raw data batches to establish a strong foundation for predictable patterns. The data you use to lay the foundation for learning must be tagged and labeled around specific data features that help the learning model organize the data into patterns.
An accurately labeled dataset provides a reliable ground truth that the machine learning model utilizes to refine its annotation accuracy and check its prediction. The accuracy of the training set is affected by errors in data labeling.
To avoid mistakes, you can employ a Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) approach that involves retaining human labelers in training and testing machine learning data models.
Common Types of Data Labeling?
Machine learning applies different AI-powered data labeling and annotation processes depending on the nature of the data under analysis. The common types of data labeling include:
Computer Vision
Developing a computer version model requires you to label data key points, images, or pixels or encapsulate a single entity in a bounding box to create the training dataset. The labels assigned to each identified item should be categorically correct.
You can use the computer version you develop through this method to automatically identify key points in an image, categorize images, segment an image, or detect the location of objects.
Audio Processing
The audio processing version converts every detectable sound into a structured format for machine learning. These sounds include:
- Speech
- Leaves ruffling
- Wildlife noises (barks, purrs, whistles, or chirps)
- Building sounds (breaking glass, rocks colliding, scans, or alarms)
This process requires human intervention, and you first transcribe it manually into written text. You can further develop the data by categorizing the audio and adding tags. The categories and tags in this version become your training dataset for the subsequent raw data.
Natural Language Processing
Natural language processing is a data labeling process for text data in optical character recognition, entity name recognition, and sentiment analysis. The process has to start with manually identifying the different items in a text batch and assigning tags to create the ground truth. You may want to identify different parts of the data batch, including:
- Text blurb
- Parts of speech
- Proper nouns like places and people
- Identify text in images, PDFs, and other files
To identify these parts, you have to draw borders around the text blocks and later transcribe the text into your ground truth.
There are different techniques that you can apply to improve the accuracy and efficiency of each data labeling format available, including:
- Labeler consensus is achievable by sending the datasets to different labelers and consolidating the annotations or labels into a single label
- Reducing the cognitive load through intuitive streamlining task interfaces and switching context for human labelers
- Active learning to master the most valuable data labeled frequently by human labelers, thus making machine learning labeling more efficient
- Verify the labels’ accuracy through label auditing and regular label updates
Importance of Data Labeling
Data labeling is essential in machine learning, data processing, and supervised learning. Although manual data labeling is possible, using AI improves the efficiency, accuracy, and amount of data one can annotate at a go.
Input and output data are processed and labeled for future use. A system training to identify and label a specific data item can decipher a batch and assign labels appropriately.
One of the commonest applications of AI data labeling is constructing ML algorithms for self-driving vehicles. Autonomous need machine learning algorithms to identify various objects on their course to interact with the environment and drive safely.
It is through data labeling and annotation that the cars’ artificial intelligence can tell apart the different objects available in the environment and the action to take to avoid accidents.
