Image retrieval apparatus, image retrieving method, and storage medium for performing the image retrieving method in the image retrieval apparatus

摘要

An image retrieval apparatus, which is included in an image forming apparatus and has a storage medium storing a machine-readable program to perform an image retrieving method, includes a retrieving unit configured to search and retrieve a target image similar to specified image data in a storage unit storing a distinctive feature area image stored in association with the target image as a key image, an extracting unit configured to extract the distinctive feature area image associated with the target image retrieved by the retrieving unit, and a display control unit configured to control a display unit having a display screen to display the distinctive feature area image or multiple distinctive feature area images on the display screen in a given time interval in an order according to distinctive feature area image type.