
Background/Motivation: Models that can recognise human skin, body parts, or scenes are often used to detect erotic and pornographic material. With the help of appropriate datasets [1], classification and object detection models can be trained. However, there are also images that are obviously erotic or pornographic, but cannot be recognised by conventional methods. This applies, for example, to people in skin-tight latex or leather clothing. Existing approaches in the field of "Human Parsing" can already segment people and their clothing well. Additionally, datasets like Fashionpedia [2] exist, which include segmentation masks and labels for clothing items.
Objective: The aim of this master's thesis is to investigate whether and to what extent clothing items can be used for the recognition of erotic and pornographic imagery. First, it should be researched which existing approaches are suitable for addressing the question. Gaps in existing datasets and models should be described and filled with our own data and models. Based on the developed methods, it should then be evaluated whether (1) reliable detection of erotic clothing is possible and (2) whether erotic and pornographic images can be distinguished from other categories based on the recognised clothing. In this context, different counter classes should be evaluated, such as everyday, sports, or beach images.
Results: As part of this master's thesis, the following results are to be achieved:
Be part of change
What you contribute
What we offer
Related works: [1] Phan, D. D. et al., LSPD: A Large-Scale Pornographic Dataset for Detection and Classification — https://inass.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2022022819.pdf
[2] Jia, M. et al., Fashionpedia: Ontology, Segmentation, and an Attribute Localization Dataset — https://arxiv.org/pdf/2004.12276
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.
Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT
Requisition Number: 82692 Application Deadline:

Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ist eine der führenden Organisationen für anwendungsorientierte Forschung: Seit der Gründung 1949 stärken Fraunhofer-Institute die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Wirtschaft und den Innovationsraum in Deutschland und Europa. Mit ganzheitlichen Angeboten für Wirtschaft und Politik liefert Fraunhofer Lösungen für branchenübergreifenden Impact. Darüber hinaus ist die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ein bedeutender Standortfaktor für das Innovationsland Deutschland: Durch die Aktivitäten erhöhen sich Investitionseffekte in der Wirtschaft, erlangen Unternehmen innovationsbasierte Wettbewerbsvorteile, entstehen Arbeitsplätze, Fachkräfte werden qualifiziert und es steigt die gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz moderner Technik.