Multimedia information technologies, which provide comprehensive and intuitive information for a broad range of applications, have a strong impact on modem life, and have changed our way of learning and thinking. Over the past two decades, there has been an explosive growth in the use of digital multimedia (including audio, video, images and graphics) over the Internet and wireless communication. As the use of digital multimedia increases, effective data storage and management become increasingly important. In fields which use large quantities of data (e. g. audio, video, image and digital libraries; geographical and medical image databases; etc), we need to minimize the volume of data stored while meeting the often conflicting demand for accurate data representation. In addition, the data need to be managed such that it facilitates efficient searching, browsing and cooperative work. This area has been a very active research area in recent years. This book will provide readers with an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of cutting edge technologies in multimedia information retrieval and management, which directly affect our industry, economy and social life The book is divided into two major parts: Technological Fundamentals which covers the core theories of the area; and Applications which describes the broad range of practical uses for this technology.
