[IxDA Discuss] A MS Photosynth possibility

[Will Parker]

On Jun 7, 2007, at 9:08 AM, Manish Pillewar wrote:

> http://labs.live.com/photosynth/
>
> A lot of WOW factor for sure!
> <snip>
> If there is an algorithm that can analyze photographs
> for its similarities and display them, how far we from
> seeing a search engine for images - by images?

I'd like to know what criteria -- what dimensions of similarity --  
are currently available in PhotoSynth, and which are in the works for  
near-term delivery.

> Paste an image in a box and search for similar images
> (instead of a typical text based search for images?).
> Wouldn't that make things a lot easier?

I do have to ask the question -- how would you specify the aspects of  
the picture which are important _to you_? If you paste in a Monet,  
did you want impressionist imagery, works by Impressionists,  
predominantly blue, landscapes, or water lilies?

Any sufficiently advanced visual search engine will resemble magic,  
but with less refinement in the result sets?

- Will

Will Parker
wparker at ChannelingDesign.com

“I wish developing great products was as easy as writing a check. If  
that were the case, then Microsoft would have great products.” -  
Steve Jobs