The study focuses on the geometry of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Precision-Recall (PR) curves in binary classification problems.
Many commonly used binary classification metrics are found to be functions of a composition function G := F_p ∘ F_n⁻¹.
G is defined by the class-conditional cumulative distribution functions of classifier scores in positive (F_p(·)) and negative (F_n(·)) classes.
The geometric perspective aids in selecting operating points, understanding decision thresholds, and comparing classifiers.
It explains how the shapes and geometry of ROC/PR curves reflect classifier behavior, aiding in building optimized classifiers for specific applications with constraints.
The study explores conditions for classifier dominance and provides examples showing the impact of class separability and variance on ROC and PR curves.
A link is derived between the positive-to-negative class leakage function G(·) and the Kullback--Leibler divergence.
Practical considerations like model calibration, cost-sensitive optimization, and operating point selection under real-world constraints are emphasized.
This framework enables more informed approaches to classifier deployment and decision-making.
The study provides objective tools for building classifiers optimized for specific contexts and constraints.
Analytical and numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effects of class separability and variance on ROC and PR geometries.
The study enhances understanding of how ROC/PR curves reflect classifier behavior.
The insights can help in selecting appropriate decision thresholds for different classifiers.
The framework aids in comparing classifiers and selecting optimal operating points.
Explanation is provided on how the geometry of ROC and PR curves influences classifier performance.
The study bridges the positive-to-negative class leakage function and the Kullback--Leibler divergence, shedding light on classifier behavior.
The research contributes to enhancing classifier performance for specific applications through a better understanding of the ROC and PR curve geometries.