A three layered approach for general image retrieval

Several approaches are proposed for retrieving images. Each of them describes image according to application domain requirements. No global approach exists to resolve retrieving image in complex domains (as medical one), in which content is multifaceted. A framework to retrieve medical images is presented. In this paper, we expose our three-dimensional approach applied to medical domain, and required elements for both knowledge base and retrieval process. The proposed approach, built on multifaceted aspect, offers all possibilities to describe image within multifaceted content (context, physical and semantic). Conceptual relations are presented for designing knowledge base for coherent and efficient indexing and retrieval processes. Required spatial relations of processes are also exposed.