An image-based system for electronic retailing

The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology for enhancing search and retrieval of product information using content-based image retrieval in an electronic retailing application. Content-based image retrieval techniques have been applied to various applications such as medical information systems, environmental modeling, and satellite image analysis. Such techniques, however, can also be useful in electronic commerce applications such as electronic retailing, by enhancing product search and computer-assisted sales. In this paper, we describe an application of CBIR in electronic retailing using color and texture matching techniques. We describe a prototype system in the context of the apparel industry. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.