Patent ID: 7702681
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for searching a database through an image query, comprising the steps of: inputting a digital image stored in a file to a first workstation having a data entry device, wherein implicit data associated with the image is stored in the same file as the image, and wherein the implicit data is permanent, non-modifiable information that is attached into the image as electronic pixels selected in a pattern that displays the implicit data in a manner that contrasts with the image; annotating explicitly said image with explicit data using the data entry device to thereby produce an annotated image wherein explicit data is at least a factual description of the image; searching the database of candidate images with the annotated image, wherein searching the database comprises comparing the image to candidate images in the database using photomatching technology, comparing implicit data associated with the image to implicit data associated with the candidate images in the database, and comparing explicit data associated with the image to explicit data associated with the candidate images in the database; searching one or more online encyclopedias and one or more mapping services with the implicit and explicit data stored in the file with the annotated image; and generating a result set including one or more records wherein the one or more records are ranked according to a ranking criteria.