Searching with Images instead of Words

johnsee writes "A computer vision researcher by the name of Hartmut Neven is developing ingenious new technology that allows the searching of a database by submitting an image, for example, off a mobile phone camera. Imagine taking a photo of a street corner to find out where you are, or the photo of a city building to see its history"

Comments

Is A Picture Worth A Thousand Words?

[fembots]

Tell me, which is easier? Upload this image and try to find out where you are via this Visual Google, or enter the street name (street sign in the photo says "Queen Street") in Text Google?

The article also mentioned this thing should start small, like a movie guide, so is it easier to upload a 2K "I,Robot" billboard photo, or just enter "I,Robot" in Google on your cell phone?

As long as human input is still required (i.e. you need to submit something), I don't think this is going to be popular. However, if you have a Oakley that automatically takes photos of what you see and feeds you the location details, that'll be something.

iDating

[El_Smack]

Or taking a picture of someone and finding out their history.
click
"Whoa Dude!, she's been on 4 amature Pr0n sites!"

Yes, Imagine taking a picture

[Nom du Keyboard]

Imagine taking a photo of a street corner to find out where you are,

Yes, imagine that.

1: Take picture with ultra-modern all-features camera phone of building while lost in city.
2: Submit to search system.
3: Search system queries phone's built-in GPS for position information.
4: Search system sends back retrieved GPS location.
5: Customer is absolutely blown away and immediately sends back picture of self signing virtual 10-year contract at Early Adopter prices.
6: Profit!