Abstract: A method for searching for images similar to a query image in a collection of images, using a representation of the query image in a form of a vector of characteristics allocating a weight to each of the characteristics, and including querying an inverted index matching each of the characteristics with images from the collection. The querying the inverted index includes integrating, into a list, one or more images from the collection that are matched in the inverted index with a first characteristic selected depending on the weight allocated to same in the vector representing the query image. The integrating into the list is repeated for another characteristic selected depending on the weight allocated to same in the vector representing the query image until the number of images of the collection integrated into the list reaches a target number.

Abstract: A method implemented by computer for the semantic description of the content of an image comprising the steps consisting in receiving a signature associated with the image; receiving a plurality of groups of initial visual concepts; the method comprising the steps of expressing the signature of the image in the form of a vector comprising components referring to the groups of initial visual concepts; and modifying the signature by applying a filtering rule applicable to the components of the vector. Developments describe, in particular, intra-group or inter-group, thresholds-based and/or order-statistic-based filtering rules, partitioning techniques including the visual similarity of the images and/or semantic similarity of the concepts, the optional addition of manual annotations to the semantic description of the image. The advantages of the method in respect of parsimonious and diversified semantic representation are presented.