System and method for searching a multimedia database using a pictorial language
AssigneeD&S Consultants, Inc.
InventorChristine Podilchuk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for searching multimedia databases using a pictorial language, input via an iconic interface and making use of trained ontologies, i.e., trained data models. An iconic graphic user interface (GUI) allows a user to specify a pictorial query that may include one or more one or more key-images and optional text input. Similarities between the query key-images and images in a multimedia database based on a pictorial edit distance are used to select the images that are the closest match to the query. The result images are returned to the user in order of their relevance to the query.
Claims12
A system for searching a multimedia database, comprising:
- a computer;
- a computer-readable medium having software stored thereon that, when executed by said computer, performs a method including the steps of:
- allowing a user to specify a pictorial query, said pictorial query consisting of one or more key-images moved into a query area defined in a graphical user interface;
- determining a pictorial edit distance between said one or more key-images and a database image;
- and
- using said pictorial edit distance to select a closest match image from said multimedia database.
The system of 2 wherein an OR relationship between two or more key-images is indicated by placing said two or more key-images in said query area such that said key-images do not overlap.
The system of 2 wherein an AND NOT relationship between two or more key-images is indicated by modifying an attribute of one or more of said key-images and placing said two or more key images in said query area such that said key-images overlap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.