Enhancing Image Classification with Super-Resolution Techniques: A Comparative Study of SRResNet and SRGAN

Abstract. This paper explores the use of super-resolution (SR) approaches to enhance the performance of image classification, with particular attention to the effects of various SR models on classification accuracy. Using the ImageNet Dogs dataset for assessment, the paper examines two SR techniques: Super Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks (SRGAN) and Super Resolution Residual Networks (SRResNet). The research demonstrates that deep learning-based SR methods can enhance classification accuracy. Notably, SRResNet is identified as the superior method for improving classification performance, despite generating less visually appealing images compared to SRGAN. These finding highlights that while Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and perceptual loss functions can enhance image quality, their impact on classification accuracy may not always be substantial. The study offers important new perspectives on the relative merits of different SR approaches, highlighting the necessity of choosing the right SR methods in accordance with the particular demands of picture classification tasks. The results suggest that SRResNet, with its focus on accuracy over visual appeal, is more effective for boosting classification model performance, offering guidance for optimizing SR methods in practical image classification applications.