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.