Content-Based Image Retrieval using SIFT for binary and greyscale images

This paper presents an alternative approach for Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) using Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm for binary and gray scale images. The motivation to use SIFT algorithm for CBIR is due to the fact that SIFT is invariant to scale, rotation and translation as well as partially invariant to affine distortion and illumination changes. Inspired by these facts, this paper investigates the fundamental properties of SIFT for robust CBIR by using MPEG-7, COIL-20 and ZuBuD image databases. Our approach uses detected keypoints and its descriptors to match between the query images and images from the database. Our experimental results show that the proposed CBIR using SIFT algorithm producing excellent retrieval result for images with many corners as compared to retrieving image with less corners.