Information search and retrieval system

Abstract

Method and systems for search and retrieval of images with an image processing system is disclosed. With an input interface, selection of a plurality of images to use in a search query is accepted. The plurality of images of the search query are processed with the image processing system. A subset of the plurality of target images that are similar to the plurality of images is determined. With an output interface, the subset of the plurality of target images as a result from the search query is output.

1 . An image processing engine for search and retrieval of images, the image processing engine comprising:
 an output interface;   an input interface, wherein the input interface accepts selection of a plurality of images to use in a search query;   a plurality of target images; and   an image processing system, wherein:
 the image processing system, wherein:
 the image processing system uses the plurality of images in the search query, and 
 the image processing system determines a subset of the plurality of target images that are similar to the plurality of images. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of images are of bad connection points for a circuit card. 
     
     
         3 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image processing system combines the plurality of images into a composite image used in the search query. 
     
     
         4 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the input interface receives selection of a region to be emphasized in the search query. 
     
     
         5 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of images include at least one positive example image that typifies what should be found with the search query. 
     
     
         6 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of images include at least one negative example image that typifies what should not be found with the search query. 
     
     
         7 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image processing system learns over time parameters for best determining the subset. 
     
     
         8 . The image processing engine for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image processing system scales at least a portion of one of the plurality of images and the plurality of target images to a similar scale. 
     
     
         9 . A method for search and retrieval of images with an image processing system, the method comprising:
 accepting, with an input interface, selection of a plurality of images to use in a search query;   processing the plurality of images of the search query with the image processing system;   determining a subset of the plurality of target images that are similar to the plurality of images; and   outputting, with an output interface, the subset of the plurality of target images as a result from the search query.   
     
     
         10 . The method for search and retrieval of images with the image processing system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising combining, using the image processing system, the plurality of images into a composite image used in the search query. 
     
     
         11 . The method for search and retrieval of images with the image processing system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising receiving, with the input interface, selection of a region to be emphasized in the search query. 
     
     
         12 . The method for search and retrieval of images with the image processing system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of images include at least one positive example image that typifies what should be found with the search query. 
     
     
         13 . The method for search and retrieval of images with the image processing system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of images include at least one negative example image that typifies what should not be found with the search query. 
     
     
         14 . The method for search and retrieval of images with the image processing system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising determining, over time with the image processing system, parameters for best determining the subset. 
     
     
         15 . The method for search and retrieval of images with the image processing system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising scaling, with the image processing system, at least a portion of one of the plurality of images and the plurality of target images to a similar scale. 
     
     
         16 . A storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on a processor, comprising code for:
 accepting, with an input interface, selection of a plurality of images to use in a search query;   processing the plurality of images of the search query with the image processing system;   determining a subset of the plurality of target images that are similar to the plurality of images; and   outputting, with an output interface, the subset of the plurality of target images as a result from the search query.   
     
     
         17 . The storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on the processor as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising code for combining, using the image processing system, the plurality of images into a composite image used in the search query. 
     
     
         18 . The storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on the processor as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising code for receiving, with the input interface, selection of a region to be emphasized in the search query. 
     
     
         19 . The storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on the processor as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of images include at least one positive example image that typifies what should be found with the search query. 
     
     
         20 . The storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on the processor as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of images include at least one negative example image that typifies what should not be found with the search query. 
     
     
         21 . The storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on the processor as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising code for determining, over time with the image processing system, parameters for best determining the subset. 
     
     
         22 . The storage medium with computer-readable instructions for execution on the processor as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising code for scaling, with the image processing system, at least a portion of one of the plurality of images and the plurality of target images to a similar scale. 
     
     
         23 .- 72 . (canceled)