Content-based image retrieval in picture archiving and communications systems

We propose the concept of content-based image retrieval (CBIR) and demonstr ate its potential use in picture archival and communication system (PACS). We address the importance of image retrieval in PACS and highlight the draw backs existing in traditional textual-based retrieval. We use a digital mam mogram database as our testing data to illustrate the idea of CBIR, where r etrieval is carried out based on object shape, size, and brightness histogr am. With a user-supplied query image, the system can find images with simil ar characteristics from the archive, and return them along with the corresp onding ancillary data, which may provide a valuable reference for radiologi sts in a new case study. Furthermore, CBIR can perform like a consultant in emergencies when radiologists are not available. We also show that content -based retrieval is a more natural approach to man-machine communication. C opyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.