Interactive image retrieval by color distribution content

An interactive system for content-based retrieval in a pictorial database u sing color distribution features is discussed. Images are internally repres ented and indexed by a set of histograms reflecting homogeneous chromatic p roperties of image structure and also including color-induced geometric fea tures. User query images are interactively composed through a graphic envir onment featuring color sketching, image sampling and relevance feedback. Qu eries are first translated into the internal representation and then matche d against the database index using a modified multi-feature histogram inter section operator. Examples of system operation are provided, and experiment al results are reported indicating that using multiple distributions instea d of global color histogramming allows for a system output in better accord ance to human expectation.