Image search on Google would get better with a new algorithm called “VisualRank”. This algorithm is expected to enhance the image search results with accurate results.

Google the no. 1 search engine had already made a difference with their PageRank(PR) algorithm that decides how important a page is. Though PR is not the only factor that decides the relevance of a page, it is an important one. Google image search, however were not so advanced.

Image ranks were assigned by the text and keywords surrounding the images, instead of the image itself. Inaccurate results were often seen, because it was easier to manipulate the text around the images.

The new algorithm ranks images based on common visual themes rather than the text associated with it. For example in the case of keyword ‘McDonald’, the famous golden arch would be identified as a common Visual theme, and images that feature the arches would be first preference.

Due to the high computing cost, the new systems have been applied to a small sample of images. Most popular product queries were used for experiments and the results were better and more relevant than before.

Though the results may not lead to a perfect image search, but is much better than before.