SimpleShot: Revisiting Nearest-Neighbor Classification for Few-Shot Learning (1911.04623v2)

Abstract: Few-shot learners aim to recognize new object classes based on a small number of labeled training examples. To prevent overfitting, state-of-the-art few-shot learners use meta-learning on convolutional-network features and perform classification using a nearest-neighbor classifier. This paper studies the accuracy of nearest-neighbor baselines without meta-learning. Surprisingly, we find simple feature transformations suffice to obtain competitive few-shot learning accuracies. For example, we find that a nearest-neighbor classifier used in combination with mean-subtraction and L2-normalization outperforms prior results in three out of five settings on the miniImageNet dataset.

An Expert Overview of ICCV Proceedings Formatting Guidelines

The paper under discussion provides detailed author guidelines for preparing submissions to the International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV) proceedings, specifically using the \LaTeX\ document preparation system. The importance of adhering to these guidelines is underscored by the precision needed in formatting and presentation, adhering to a structured template that ensures consistency across all submissions.

Abstract and Introduction

The document begins by outlining the construction of the abstract and introduction sections. The abstract requires a concise yet comprehensive summary encapsulated in italicized text. Its placement follows the author and affiliation details, a universal requirement to enable immediate understanding of the paper's core contributions. The introduction section elaborates on the necessity of following these newly updated guidelines, as even minor deviations can result in submission inconsistency.

Key Guidelines

Among the key points addressed are:

• Language and Submission: Manuscripts must be in English, and the policies on dual submission adhere to protecting the integrity and originality of each submission. Authors are urged to consult conference-specific guidelines for nuanced cases like concurrent submissions.
• Paper Length and Structure: A strict page limit is imposed (eight pages, excluding references), with overlength submissions rejected outright. This policy ensures equitable review conditions across submissions.
• Blind Review Protocol: The blind review process is critically reviewed, placing emphasis on anonymizing submissions without the removal of citations to one's prior work. This balance is crucial for a fair and unbiased peer review process.
• Mathematics and Figures: Proper numbering of sections and equations is mandatory to facilitate ease of reference. Guidelines for figures and tables highlight the necessity for clarity, ensuring they are discernible when printed.

Formatting and Typeface

Specific instructions are given for formatting text, employing Times or Times Roman fonts, with explicit size and positioning details for titles and body text. This uniformity in typeface and structure aids in the professional presentation of research work.

Formatting Specifics

The paper lists comprehensive formatting instructions:

• Two-Column Layout: Essential for aligning text within specified margins, enhancing the readability of the document.
• Section Headings: Clearly defined hierarchy and style are prescribed for headings, maintaining an organized and reader-friendly structure.
• References and Citations: A numerical citation format is recommended, aiding in maintaining a standardized referencing system across the ICCV proceedings.

Visual Elements and Color

Visual elements, such as illustrations and graphs, require centering and scaling to match text for visual harmony. The use of color must align with conference-specific guidelines to preserve the visual efficacy and coherence in both print and digital formats.

Legal and Administrative Considerations

The final section addresses necessary administrative aspects, such as the submission of the IEEE copyright release form, which is a prerequisite for publication. This ensures that all published papers are legally compliant and properly attributed.

Implications and Future Directions

The implications of adhering to these guidelines are substantial. Ensuring uniform presentation of papers not only enhances the accessibility and publication efficiency but also upholds the academic rigor of the conference. Looking forward, as digital formatting and publication methods evolve, these guidelines may adapt to incorporate dynamic elements while maintaining stringent standards for consistency and quality in academic contributions.

In conclusion, while this paper serves as a template guide rather than a source of technical research innovations or novel algorithms, its role in standardizing paper submissions is indispensable in maintaining the quality and organization of ICCV proceedings. As such, these guidelines reflect a cornerstone in academic publishing within the computer vision community.