The Virtual Boutique: Multimedia Retrieval and Data Mining for E-Commerce and E-Business in the Framework of a Virtual Environment

Abstract

This chapter presents an approach for multimedia information retrieval employing an image-based algorithm. The Virtual Boutique is a novel, content-based system for multimedia information retrieval, based on virtual reality and visual information management. It supports realistic and fast rendering, extensive manipulation, reconfiguration and multimedia searching capabilities. The Virtual Boutique includes algorithms for searching through the inventory of an e-business, utilizing both images and three-dimensional objects. The chapter shows the application of The Virtual Boutique to an online boutique. In addition, it is illustrated how data mining can be used to determine patterns in consumer-interaction.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye