Patent ID: 6751343
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for indexing and retrieving stored images based on image content, comprising the steps of:extracting a plurality of feature vectors from each of a plurality of digital images of in-process or completed semiconductors, said plurality of feature vectors corresponding to distinct descriptive characteristics of said semiconductor images; recording said plurality of feature vectors from said plurality of semiconductor images; indexing said plurality of feature vectors from said plurality of semiconductor images using an image clustering method to produce a hierarchical search tree, said clustering method mapping said plurality of images into a set of groups based on similar imaging content, said groups numbering less than a number of said plurality of images, said hierarchical search tree constituting a searchable library of said semiconductor images, wherein searching is based on said groups to achieve efficient retrieval times from said library; extracting a plurality of said feature vectors from a query image, retrieving at least one image from said library based on an image similarity criterion to said feature vectors of said query image, and displaying said at least one image.