Abstract: An image search and retrieval system and method of operation within such a system are disclosed. The image search and retrieval system includes a search engine coupled to an image analyzer, an input system, an output system and an image database. The image search and retrieval system includes one or more feature modules which define particular regions of an image and particular measurements to make on pixels within the define image region as well as the measurements to make on neighboring pixels in neighboring image regions for a given application and communicate this application specific information to the image analyzer thereby allowing rapid comparisons of images.