Pathfinder networks for content based image retrieval based on automated shape feature discovery

In this paper, we present a computer-assisted image browsing system based on pathfinder networks. Similarity of images to one another is determined through a proposed method of automatic shape feature discovery. Local features are generated by clustering small (on the order of 10 by 10 pixels) binary image blocks culled from the edge analysis of images in the database and using the cluster means as the local feature detectors. The clustering method for the binary image blocks is based on the Hausdorff metric of distance between sets of points. Relationships between local features then determine the similarity between images. Pathfinder networks are then used to visually represent similarity between images. The results are presented on a database containing three categories of images.