Pattern recognition is a branch of science that helps develop "classifiers" that can recognize unknown instances of objects. In this context, to recognize an object means to classify it, or to assign it to one of a set of possible classes or labels. This class assignment of objects is based on an analysis of the values of one or more features of the object. Pattern recognition techniques are used in a wide variety of commercial applications. Common examples include character recognition, such as the scanning of a printed page of text into a word processor; natural language recognition, such as using voice commands to relay a set of possible responses to a computer system over the phone; analysis of fingerprint, face, or eye images in order to verify a person's identity; analysis of images taken from airplanes or satellites, perhaps in order to detect...