Efficient query by image content for very large image databases

The QBIC (query by image content) project in the IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA, is conducting a theoretical, experimental, and prototyping study of the problem of querying large still image databases efficiently based on image content. Since the problem is difficult, the aim is to discover general principles, but at the same time to identify target application(s) for which concrete pilot systems will be prototyped. A number of algorithms have been developed that allow the user to search based on color, texture, and shape. The search can be focused on either image objects (areas previously outlined by the user) or on the whole images. The search argument can be all or part of a particular image, or user-selected patterns of color, texture, or shape selected from 'pickers', or any weighted combination of these patterns. An example of a search by shape and color, and associated result is given. The results of initial experimentation are encouraging.>