Learning query-dependent distance metrics for interactive image retrieval

An approach to target-based image retrieval is described based on on-line rank-based learning. User feedback obtained via interaction with 2D image layouts provides qualitative constraints that are used to adapt distance metrics for retrieval. The user can change the query during a search session in order to speed up the retrieval process. An empirical comparison of online learning methods including ranking-SVM is reported using both simulated and real users.