A mosaic-based query language for video databases

Content based video retrieval, CBVR, is an active research topic. To make this feasible, the development of a query language which is simple (i.e. intuitive), yet powerful, is essential. The authors propose a mosaic based visual language for CBVR. Mosaicing is a well known technique in computer vision and graphics for creating a comprehensive overview of a scene reproduced in a set of images. The language supports the specification of queries encompassing motion of objects and camera, as well as visual features, by arranging visual components on a mosaic image. The proposed language was then used to implement a graphical interface that allows users to specify and refine queries to a video database