A fuzzy rank-based late fusion method for image retrieval

Abstract

Rank-based fusion is indispensable in multiple search setups in lack of item retrieval scores, such as in meta-search with non-cooperative engines. We introduce a novel, simple, and efficient method for rank-based late fusion of retrieval result-lists. The approach taken is rule-based, employs a fuzzy system, and does not require training data. We evaluate on an image database by fusing results retrieved by three MPEG-7 descriptors, and find statistically significant improvements in effectiveness over other widely used rank-based fusion methods. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.