Multi-object multi-feature content-based search using MPEG-7

In this paper we describe methods for content-based searching of images using MPEG-7 descriptions. The search problems range from matching of images based on global features to matching based on multiple objects, multiple features, and structural or semantic constraints and relationships. We provide a taxonomy of the different searching and matching problems and present query methods for each type. Furthermore, we examine methods for computing approximate answers for some of the searching problems in order to allow trade-off of query response time and precision.