Query by Image Content Using Mobile Information Device Profile (midp)

The way people communicate is changing very fast. Few years ago, mobile phones were used exclusively for voice calls. Today the mobile terminal usage is no longer restricted to voice communication only. In Finland, it is widely accepted among youngsters to use a GSM phone for sending SMS messages, to chat with friends or to play games. Adults may be more interested in checking their stocks or paying a bill using their wireless terminal and the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). In Japan a phenomenal change in the use of mobile phones happened by the introduction of the “iMode” [1] system. The number of users since its introduction two years ago has risen to 20 millions. The third generation, or 3G [2], phones will create new opportunities for content providers, by providing a way of transmitting text, voice, images, and streamed video. Moreover, their ability to be connected to Internet all the time will provide users with an overwhelming access to a huge amount of information. Users will then face the problem of how to retrieve the information of interest to them in an efficient manner. The goal is to allow for searching and navigation in this wealth of data without the need to make text-based queries for three obvious reasons: • The user may be unable to type in commands,