Abstract
The capability of distinguishing between small objects when manipulated with hand is essential in many fields, especially in video surveillance. To date, the recognition of such objects in images using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose improving robustness, accuracy and reliability of the detection of small objects handled similarly using binarization techniques. We propose improving their detection in videos using a two level methodology based on deep learning, called Object Detection with Binary Classifiers. The first level selects the candidate regions from the input frame and the second level applies a binarization technique based on a CNN-classifier with One-Versus-All or One-Versus-One. In particular, we focus on the video surveillance problem of detecting weapons and objects that can be confused with a handgun or a knife when manipulated with hand. We create a database considering six objects: pistol, knife, smartphone, bill, purse and card. The experimental study shows that the proposed methodology reduces the number of false positives with respect to the baseline multi-class detection model. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.