Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for facilitating a fast and efficient search. The apparatus may include a processor configured to receive and buffer a dataset based on the current location of a user, in a first buffer; receive and buffer another dataset based on the current location of the user and the direction of movement of the user, in a second buffer; search the dataset, based on the current location of the user, to identify an object from an image; and update buffers based on a change in location of the user, wherein updating buffers includes associating the second buffer with a current location and receive and buffer a dataset, based on the current location of the user and the direction of movement of the user, in the first buffer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for visually searching feature sets that are organized in a grid-like manner. As such, a feature set associated with a location-based grid area may be received. The location-based grid area may also be associated with the location of a device. After receiving query image features, a visual search may be performed by comparing the query image features with the feature set. The search results are then returned. By conducting the visual search within a feature set that is selected based upon the location of the device, the efficiency of the search can be enhanced and the search may potentially be performed by the device, such as a mobile device, itself.

Abstract: A device for switching between code-based searching, optical character recognition (OCR) searching and visual searching is provided. The device includes a media content input for receiving media content from a camera or other element of the device and transferring this media content to a switch. Additionally, the device includes a meta-information input capable of receiving meta-information from an element of the device and transferring the meta-information to the switch. The switch is able to utilize the received media content and the meta-information to select and/or switch between a visual search algorithm, an OCR algorithm and a code-based algorithm.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and computer program products which relate to utilizing a camera of a mobile terminal as a user interface for search applications and online services to perform visual searching are provided. The system consists of an apparatus that includes a processor that is configured to capture an image of one or more objects and analyze data of the image to identify an object(s) of the image. The processor is further configured to receive information that is associated with at least one object of the images and display the information that is associated with the image. In this regard, the apparatus is able to simplify access to location based services and improve a user's experience. The processor of the apparatus is configured to combine results of robust visual searches with online information resources to enhance location based services.

Abstract: An apparatus for a determining relevance and/or ambiguity in a search system may include a processing element configured for receiving visual media comprising a query, determining search results including a matching score for at least one candidate visual media with respect to the query based on ambiguity and relevance, utilizing a mapping function to provide a confidence level associated with the search results, and providing a visualization of the search results based on the confidence level.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing standard real world to virtual world links may include a processing element configured to receive indications of an image including an object, determine whether the object corresponds to a particular object having a predefined association based on a recognition of the object, and execute a function corresponding to the predefined association in response to the object corresponding to the particular object.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining a visual search system(s) with a virtual database to enable information retrieval may include a processing element. The processing element may be configured to receive an indication of an image including an object, provide a tag list associated with the object in the image, the tag list comprising at least one tag, receive a selection of a keyword from the tag list, and provide supplemental information based on the selected keyword.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an improved caching architecture is provided. The apparatus may include a processing element configured to cache data in clusters based on respective features, receive an indication of data desired by a user, the indication further including a particular feature, search in a cluster corresponding to the particular feature, and stream, to the user, one or more candidate results corresponding to the received indication and the particular feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a tag-based visual search user interface may include a processing element. The processing element may be configured to receive an indication of information desired by a user, receive data retrieved based on the indication, the retrieved data including a portion associated with a tag, and replace the tag with corresponding tag data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an indication of information desired by a user is received, and a list of candidates for the desired information is provided for presentation on a mobile device of the user.