How to understand the term "subject area"?

Question

Neural networks

I am at the initial stage of work on my graduation project: "Development of algorithms for group solutions in pattern recognition problems." Faced with the fact that you need to describe the subject area. The meaning of this term is not entirely clear. In some works, for example, recognition of handwritten digits is indicated as a subject area, which is a specific area of ​​application. In other works on recognition, neural networks are indicated as a subject area, which in fact is only a method for solving a problem. So what exactly is the term "subject area"?

Answer 1

In other works on recognition, neural networks are indicated as a subject area, which in fact is only a method for solving a problem.

So it's incorrect. The solution method is not related to the subject area.
Neural networks are a technology used in many (soon in all) subject areas.
Describe there how important this task is in the modern world, how long it has been standing (from the middle of the 20th century, you can begin to trace history). Write down the entire mathematical apparatus for solving the problem. This will be the description of the subject area.

Answer 2

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D...
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