GB2389927A - Method for searching a data source by building an abstract composite image - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of searching for a data record wherein the user composes a composite image comprising a number selectable areas (1, figure 1). For each selectable area the user can select a component image (2, figure 2) from an appropriate list of options to create a visual description of the target item. The data source is then searched to locate records containing the selected components and the system will contain relevant reference material on the chosen subject. The method may be implemented on suitable computing apparatus with a graphical output. The images used may be supplemented by descriptive text (perhaps describing non visual attributes of the component) to ease the recognition process. Any areas of the composite image left blank with no component selected are excluded from the search process.

Description

1 238gg27 METHOD FOR SEARCHING A DATA SOURCE BY BUILDING AN ABSTRACT

COMPOSITE IMAGE

The invention relates to a method of implementing a search interface to a data store which allows records to be located by building an abstract visual representation of the item to be searched for using pre-defined component images.

The method is aimed at overcoming difficulties of locating data within a database where the item is being searched using visual appearance. The method is targeted at scenarios where the user may not have knowledge of the classification of the subject matter. Image recognition is performed by the user, not the system, by selecting component images matching the item being searched for. These are taken from domains defined in the database structure and relevant to the information being stored. Such a system does not require powerful computer resources and hence is suited to handheld computer systems.

This method provides a fast search method requiring no knowledge ofthe subject matter, merely a clear view of the item being identified.

The system uses a search screen with an abstract arrangement of selectable areas into which selected component images are selected by the user. The system uses these selections to query an underlying data source to select matching records.

The system requires a computer system with some form of visual output device and a method of allowing the user to select items from the display.

A detailed description of the method will follow using a particular example scenario

and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE I shows a typical search screen; FIGURE 2 shows a typical display of component images; FIGURE 3 shows a typical search screen after several selections are made by the user, As shown in Figure 1, the search screen uses an arrangement of selectable areas (1) each corresponding to a particular domain of components. These may be arranged in any layout most suitable to the data type. These need not adhere to strict scale or accuracy such that the composite image is a lifelike representation; merely that it describes the key features of the subject in a graphical form. In this example the system will be a database of bird species. Therefore the selectable arm will include: tail, wing, leg, bill etc. The size and positioning is designed to roughly produce a view of a bird although it need not reflect exact scale and layout.

The user selects one particular area, for example body shape, and is presented with the available domain of components (2), as shown in Figure 2, Bom which the most applicable image is selected. This domain may be represented either using pictures only or additional text (3) to help describe the object. The user should also have the option of returning to the search process without making a selection if it is unclear

and to avoid over-restricting the search. The appropriate image is placed into that area on the composite (4) and the user may continue to define other section. The database will be searched for records containing those selected components and the user may view a list of matches or an individual record The user may at any time restart the search process which will return all areas of the composite image back to their defaults and remove any search restrictions implied by previous choices.

Claims (3)

l CLAIMS

1. A method of searching for records in a data store by constructing an abstract composite image of the required record using component images from relevant domains.

2. Data store as claimed in Claim I using technique to define a relationship

between a component item and all records containing this item when represented visually.

3. A search method substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.