×

Method and apparatus for multi-resolution image searching

  • US 5,933,546 A
  • Filed: 05/06/1996
  • Issued: 08/03/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/06/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A content-based image search method for determining whether a candidate image matches a pattern template, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) transforming the pattern template into a wavelet pattern;

    (b) transforming the candidate image into a wavelet candidate image at a first resolution;

    (c) correlating the wavelet candidate image with the wavelet pattern in the Fourier domain and at the first resolution to produce a first-resolution correlation comprising a plurality of values;

    (d) thresholding the first-resolution correlation by comparing each first-resolution correlation value to a predetermined first-resolution threshold value to determine whether any first-resolution correlation value meets or exceeds the first-resolution threshold value and, if so, proceeding with steps (e) through (f);

    (e) correlating the wavelet candidate image with the wavelet pattern at a second resolution, utilizing at least a portion of calculations performed in the first-resolution correlation of step (c), to produce a second-resolution correlation comprising a plurality of values, the second resolution being finer than the first resolution; and

    (f) thresholding the second-resolution correlation by comparing each second-resolution correlation value to a predetermined second-resolution threshold value to determine whether any second-resolution correlation value meets or exceeds the second-resolution threshold value.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×