  Sparse representation has attracted much attention from researchers in fields
of signal processing, image processing, computer vision and pattern
recognition. Sparse representation also has a good reputation in both
theoretical research and practical applications. Many different algorithms have
been proposed for sparse representation. The main purpose of this article is to
provide a comprehensive study and an updated review on sparse representation
and to supply a guidance for researchers. The taxonomy of sparse representation
methods can be studied from various viewpoints. For example, in terms of
different norm minimizations used in sparsity constraints, the methods can be
roughly categorized into five groups: sparse representation with $l_0$-norm
minimization, sparse representation with $l_p$-norm (0$<$p$<$1) minimization,
sparse representation with $l_1$-norm minimization and sparse representation
with $l_{2,1}$-norm minimization. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of
sparse representation is provided. The available sparse representation
algorithms can also be empirically categorized into four groups: greedy
strategy approximation, constrained optimization, proximity algorithm-based
optimization, and homotopy algorithm-based sparse representation. The
rationales of different algorithms in each category are analyzed and a wide
range of sparse representation applications are summarized, which could
sufficiently reveal the potential nature of the sparse representation theory.
Specifically, an experimentally comparative study of these sparse
representation algorithms was presented. The Matlab code used in this paper can
be available at: http://www.yongxu.org/lunwen.html.
