Word image retrieval using binary features

Abstract

Existing word image retrieval algorithms suffer from either low retrieval precision or high computation complexity. We present an effective and efficient approach for word image matching by using gradient-based binary features. Experiments over a large database of handwritten word images show that the proposed approach consistently outperforms the existing best handwritten word image retrieval algorithm. Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) with profile-based shape features. Not only does the proposed approach have much higher retrieval accuracy, but also it is 893 times faster than DTW.