This part of ISO/IEC 24800, also known as “JPSearch Query Format (JPQF)”, provides a standardized interface for image search and retrieval systems in three aspects: Input Query Format, Output Result Format, and Query Management. The Input Query Format provides users/systems with a set of precise input parameters to describe their search criteria in addition to a set of preferred output parameters to depict the return result sets. The Output Result Format provides users/systems with a set of output parameters to describe the aggregated return result sets for user presentation or machine consumption. The Query Management provides a means for selecting services (e.g., MPEG-7 database) or aggregated services (e.g., service provider that administers a set of different services) based on service properties (e.g., supported query format). The goal is to define a query language that provides the industry with a standardized format to accept and respond to user/system specification for image searches.