Data retrieval system

A system for selecting different aspects of data objects to be matched with similar aspects of other data objects. A user inputs a search data object and a value. A neural network computes features for the search object at multiple layers that correspond to different aspects of the object. A descriptor is generated for the search object from features output at a layer position of the neural network determined from the value. The descriptor is compared to corresponding descriptors for objects in a collection to select objects that include aspects similar to an aspect of the search object. The user can change the value to view different objects that include aspects similar to other aspects of the search object. Thus, the user can explore different aspects of an object to find objects that include aspects similar to the aspect of the object that the user is interested in.