Retrieval and indexing methodology for multimedia content descriptions

Description methodologies for multimedia content are gaining in interest. MPEG-7, which has been authorized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is specifically targeted for such content [1], [2]. We developed an effective index structure for multimedia content descriptions such as MPEG-7. We developed a useful indexing method, called the position locator index that searches for the location of the description part in the description. Still image and full text search engines and most suitable feature indexes can be used without modification. Since these indexes are optimized for each requirement, they provide high retrieval performance. We developed an experimental retrieval system that combined these feature indexes and the position locator index. We evaluated the performance of the retrieval by using a linear-tracing search and the position index for the content descriptions. The result was satisfactory and retrieval speed was 200 times faster than linear tracing the descriptions, and the index size could be kept at a minimum.