Image search using images in query

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 . A system for conducting search and retrieval of images of a circuit board, the system comprising:
 an input interface configured to receive information indicative of a selection of two or more images of a circuit board;   an output interface; and   an image processing system coupled with the input interface and the output interface, the image processing system configured to:
 process the two or more images to produce a subset of information to use in the search query; 
 compare the subset of information against a plurality of target images to determine a subset of the plurality of target images; and 
 provide an indication of the subset to the output interface. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images of a circuit board as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image processing system is configured to limit the subset to one from the plurality of target images. 
     
     
         3 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images of a circuit board as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image processing system is configured to create a condensed query image used in the search query by using common characteristics from the two or more images. 
     
     
         4 . A method for search and retrieval of images, the method comprising:
 receiving selection of a two or more images for use in a search query;   processing the two or more images to produce a subset of information to use in the search query;   retrieving a plurality of target images;   comparing the subset of information against the plurality of target images to determine a subset of the target images; and   presenting the subset as a result from the search query.   
     
     
         5 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the two or more images are of bad connection points for a circuit board. 
     
     
         6 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the subset is limited to one from the plurality of target images. 
     
     
         7 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , the processing comprises combining the two or more images into the subset of information. 
     
     
         8 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the processing comprises:
 receiving selection of a region from the two or more images, and   emphasizing the region in the search query.   
     
     
         9 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , wherein common characteristics from the two or more images are used to create a condensed query image used in the search query. 
     
     
         10 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the presenting includes presenting images corresponding to the subset. 
     
     
         11 . The method for search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising:
 analyzing the subset to determine if the subset meets a criteria; and   presenting a result from the analyzing to a user.   
     
     
         12 . A system for conducting search and retrieval of images, the system comprising:
 an input system configured to provide a selection of two or more images;   an image database configured to provide a plurality of target images;   an output system; and   an image processing system coupled with the input system, the image database, and the output system, the image processing system configured to:
 process the two or more images to produce a subset of information to use in the search query; 
 receive the plurality of target images from the image database; 
 compare the subset of information against the plurality of target images to determine a subset of the plurality of target images; and 
 provide an indication of the subset to the output system. 
   
     
     
         13 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising at least one plug-in module configured to provide information used by the image processing system for at least one application. 
     
     
         14 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the at least one plug-in module provides information used by the image processing system to process images having at least one item from the group of items consisting of:
 a printed circuit board,   a face,   a scene,   a fabric, and   a trademark.   
     
     
         15 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the image processing system is configured to limit the subset to one from the plurality of target images. 
     
     
         16 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the image processing system is configured to combine the two or more images into the subset of information 
     
     
         17 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the image processing system is configured to process the two or more images by:
 receiving selection of a region from the two or more images, and   emphasizing the region in the search query.   
     
     
         18 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the image processing system is configured to create a condensed query image used in the search query by using common characteristics from the two or more images. 
     
     
         19 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the output system is configured to present images corresponding to the subset. 
     
     
         20 . The system for conducting search and retrieval of images as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the image processing system is configured to:
 analyze the subset to determine if the subset meets a criteria; and   provide a result from the analyzing to the output system.