Realization of Associative Image Search: Development of Image Retrieval Platform for Enhancing Serendipity

This paper presents "Associative Image Search", a new image retrieval scheme and its specific engineering application, which enable value creation from big data. The main aim of the associative image search is the realization of information retrieval that enhances the potential for serendipities by providing users with new awareness. Thus, this paper presents the details of research for realizing associative image retrieval. Furthermore, as an example of its applications, a Biomimetics image retrieval platform is also introduced in this paper. By associatively and collaboratively using data accumulated in the fields of biology and material science, the Biomimetics image retrieval platform enables acceleration of their knowledge sharing in different research fields. From retrieval results actually obtained from this platform, there is discussion of the potential of serendipities such as new knowledge emergence.