Google software can now identify ramen by shop

admin 2018年7月24日

Vocabulary:

image recognition /IM-ij rek-uhg-NISH-uhn/

[noun] the ability of a machine’s software to identify objects, places, people, writing and actions in images
Facebook’s image recognition automatically tags photos to users.

artificial intelligence /ahr-tuh-FISH-uhl in-TEL-i-juhns/

[noun] the intelligence demonstrated by machines as opposed to natural intelligence
Modern technology is constantly improving machines’ artificial intelligence.

indiscernible /in-di-SUR-nuh-buhl/

[adjective] cannot be seen clearly or easily
There are indiscernible differences between the twins’ facial features.

naked eye /NEY-kid ahy/

[noun] unassisted vision, without a telescope, microscope, or other device
The bacteria are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

plating /PLEY-ting/

[noun] the arrangement and overall styling of food upon bringing it to the plate
Good plating makes food look good in pictures.

A software by Google can now recognize the different menu items of ramen chain Ramen Jiro. This is after data scientist Kenji Doi uploaded over 48,000 photos of ramen that he collected online to the machine software AutoML Vision. Google’s AutoML is an image recognition tool which uses patterns on pictures to classify and analyze data. It uses artificial intelligence in making its predictions, which are 94.5% accurate.

What may be indiscernible details to the naked eye are essential for the software. Doi initially thought that it identified the ramen based on the bowl’s appearance. However, the software was still able to accurately identify the items even with different bowls and table designs. Doi concluded that the software must be basing its predictions on the cuts of meat used as well as the plating.

True or False:

AutoML Vision was created by Kenji Doi.
The software utilizes artificial intelligence in recognizing the object in a picture.
Kenji Doi used photos of the dishes of Ramen Jiro ramen joints.
AutoML Vision’s predictions are accurate approximately 95% of the time.
The software bases its image recognition on the ramens’ plating.

Discussion Questions:

What do you think makes a good bowl of ramen?
Do you share photos of your food online? Why or why not?
Does food play a massive role in Japan’s culture and heritage? Please elaborate.
In your opinion, are technologies like image recognition helpful? If yes, how? If no, why not?
Do you think that products made by robots surpass those made by humans? Discuss.

Express Your Opinion:

“There is no reason and no way that a human mind can keep up with an artificial intelligence machine by 2035.” – Gray Scott
“Eating good food is my favourite thing in the whole world. Nothing is more blissful.” – Justine Larbalestier
“I believe this artificial intelligence is going to be our partner. If we misuse it, it will be a risk. If we use it right, it can be our partner.” – Masayoshi Son