Image mining: current trends in theory and applications

Image mining is the most promising and complex scientific direction of image analysis, dedicated to extracting knowledge and information from images, necessary for interpreting and understanding images and making intelligent decisions regarding objects, processes, events and phenomena presented in the image. Image-mining is based on the methods of the mathematical theory of image analysis, the mathematical theory of pattern recognition and mathematical linguistics. Usually, the interpretation and understanding of images are attributed to the main function of image analysis, but the latter is often associated only with scene analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of images become the tasks of image-mining. Automation of image mining is one of the most important strategic goals in image analysis, recognition and understanding both in scientific and technological aspects. The main subgoals are developing and applying of mathematical theory for constructing image models and representations allowable by efficient pattern recognition algorithms and for constructing standardized representations and selection of image analysis transforms. Automation of image mining is possible by combined application of mathematical theory of image analysis/understanding/recognition and mathematical theory of pattern recognition. Our analysis showed that the main directions of current fundamental and applied research in the field of image-mining are the following: (1) research of the image formalization space; (2) development, research and application of mathematical and heuristic methods for constructing formal models and representations of images; (3) development, research and application of mathematical and heuristic methods for constructing transformations of formal models and representations of images; (4) study of the information nature of the image; (5) study of the image as a new class of mathematical objects. The publication presents an introductory paper to the Special issue of the international journal Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The main scientific results of the 9th International Workshop "Image Mining: Theory and Applications," held on December 1, 2024, Kolkata, India, are presented. Historical information is given on this series of international workshops, and their significant role in the development of the theory and practice of automation of image analysis, pattern recognition, and artificial intelligence is emphasized.