Image search device and method

An image search method performed by instructions in an image search device which has a processor and a memory storing the instructions executable by the processor, the image search method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of images and a plurality of metadata from a plurality of camera devices;
• receiving an object search command from a user to specify a type of object to be searched;
• extracting objects corresponding to the object search command from the plurality of metadata, and extracting properties of the extracted objects;
• generating a search interface comprising a property search menu which displays a list of the extracted properties for selection through a property search command;
• displaying the generated search interface;
• and
• receiving the property search command according to a user input selecting at least one extracted property listed in the property search menu,
• wherein, when the type of object specified by the object search command is changed from a first object type to a second object type, the property search menu displayed in the generated search interface is updated to replace a first list of properties corresponding to the first object type with a second list of properties corresponding to the second object type, and
• wherein the first list of properties and the second list of properties differ from each other in at least one of a property category and a number of properties.

A video surveillance system comprising:

• a plurality of camera devices;
• and
• an image search device operatively connected to the plurality of camera devices through a network,
• wherein the image search device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions,
• wherein, by executing the instructions stored on the at least one memory, the at least one processor is configured to:
• receive a plurality of images and a plurality of metadata from the plurality of camera devices through a communication interface;
• receive an object search command according to a user input to specify a type of object to be searched;
• extract objects corresponding to the object search command based on the plurality of metadata, and extract properties of the extracted objects;
• display a search interface comprising a property search menu which lists the extracted properties through a property search command;
• and
• receive the property search command according to a user input selecting at least one extracted property listed in the property search menu,
• wherein, when the type of object specified by the object search command is changed from a first object type to a second object type, the property search menu displayed in the search interface is updated to replace a first list of properties corresponding to the first object type with a second list of properties corresponding to the second object type, and
• wherein the first list of properties and the second list of properties differ from each other in at least one of a property category and a number of properties.