Content-Free Image Retrieval

We present a method for image retrieval that has no explicit knowledge about the appearance of the images within the database, i.e. it is content-free and yet it can retrieve relevant images. A collaborative filtering algorithm is used to make predictions about the current user’s image preferences based on their current known preferences and other user’s past preferences. The algorithm is based on a maximum entropy technique using a non-standard form of entropy called Ŕenyi’s quadratic entropy. Our algorithm may be used in conjunction with other content or keyword based systems, or by itself if enough user data is available.