Methods and procedures for improving the performance and reliability of image
analysis within an image identification system include a series of image qualification
functions designed to quickly process a fraction of available image data and to
provide feedback to a system user pertaining to image quality and authenticity.
Functions designed to produce image models based on original image data and to
catalogue such image models into a searchable database are included in the present
invention. The present invention also includes functions for comparing one image
model to another. Finally, the present invention provides functions for making
a quick determination as to which, if any, of a potential thousands (or more, i.e.,
millions) of image models within a searchable database exhibit a desired level
of similarity, as compared to a target image model.
