Patent ID: 8306332

Claim:
An image search method implemented using an image searching apparatus having a processor, comprising: a normalization step of extracting a plurality of regions from one or more model images and normalizing the regions as extracted regions; a classification step of setting, using the image searching apparatus, a first specific region within each normalized extracted region and classifying the plurality of extracted regions under two or more first subsets on the basis of a feature of the first specific region; a recursive classification step of iteratively performing, using the image searching apparatus, an operation of setting a second specific region different from that of said first specific region in each extracted region classified in each first subset and classifying the plurality of extracted regions under second subsets on the basis of a feature of the second specific region, the second subsets having a hierarchical relationship to the first subsets, each first specific region encompassing a first portion of a respective one of the extracted regions and each second specific region encompassing a second portion of the respective one of the extracted regions, the first portion including an area not included in the second portion, and the second portion including an area not included in the first portion; and an output step of outputting the locations of the first and second specific regions in the extracted regions in the respective classifications and the features of the first and second specific regions in the respective classifications.