Introduction to the special issue on machine learning methods for text and images
The amount of unstructured and semi-structured data available in the form of text documents, images, audio, and video files by far exceeds the volume of data stored in relational databases. Yet, in order to optimally utilize this data, it is necessary to devise methods and tools that extract relevant information and support efficient, content-oriented access to it. There is considerable interest, commercial as well as academic, in this domain which has sparked research in machine learning methods for information access. Some of the devised techniques have already led to improved tools that are incorporated in today’s information retrieval and knowledge management systems.