Utilizing shape retrieval in sketch synthesis

This article describes SR-Sketch, a sketch creation tool that can act both as a front-end visual query module to visual information retrieval systems and as an aid tool for fast image composition. The system allows the user to draw shapes on the computer screen using the mouse cursor. At any time during this process the user can query a shape database for similar shapes and then select the ones s/he thinks are more relevant. The system can then automatically align and replace user-drawn objects with the chosen database shapes in the user sketch. For any match between a sketch shape and a database shape, the application can provide a visual explanation of how and why two shapes are considered similar. Evaluation results show that the system achieves favorable results with respect to noise tolerance, speed and reliability. SR-Sketch is freely available for download and experimentation.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]