PROTOTYPING AND DESIGN AN IMAGE SEARCH APPLICATION

Abstract

In this project, I have designed and implemented the ImageJug web based image search utility.

ImageJug can be used to store and organize image files in the database with categories and groups and aims to expand the utilization of php, GD library, jQuery plugin, imgAreaSelect, mySql etc. Combining these features provides adequate means to store large number of image files, and their fast and accurate retrieval.

Conventional image search only uses keywords as search criteria to retrieve information from the database and display the results to the users. ImageJug did it differently by exploring several methods of image searching and retrieval. Here are some of the ways users can search for images.

• Reverse Image Search – Searching is done based on taking random spots on the uploaded image as criteria and comparing with the existing images in the database with the same sample spots. By comparing the color pixels between the sample spots region, those images with similar spot regions as compared to the search image criteria will be displayed to the user as the search results.

• In Picture Tagging Search – Conventional image search application might return results to the user which is meaningless to them. However if the in-image’s area are being marked out with names, places, description etc. The result will be much more meaningful to the user. Moreover, the tags in the photo are still searchable for other images with the similar tags, user can also add in their own tags after searching, adding fun to the search!

• Category Search and Filtering – Images are group into categories, thus refining the results. Filtering the results to image file size or resolution making the image retrieval more accurate.

• Text-Based Search – Conventional method of searching using user’s keywords and filenames.

• Sharing Images – ImageJug comes with photo upload function which users can share their images with other people. They can also use ImageJug as a personal photo album, archiving and storing photographs.