Peking University and OceanBase Crack Long-Video Search Challenge
Peking University and OceanBase Pioneer New Video Search Technology
In a significant leap forward for video search technology, Peking University has partnered with database company OceanBase to develop LoVR (Long Video Retrieval), a new benchmark that's been accepted by the prestigious WWW 2026 conference.
Solving Real-World Video Search Problems
Anyone who's tried to find a specific moment in a long video knows the frustration. Traditional search methods built for short clips like TikTok videos simply don't cut it when dealing with feature-length content. The LoVR system changes this by addressing three major challenges:
- Complete search capabilities: Whether you need the whole movie or just one scene, LoVR handles both macro and micro searches seamlessly
- Smart labeling: Using AI-assisted tagging combined with human oversight ensures accurate results without breaking the bank
- Real-life accuracy: The system accounts for common issues like shifting topics in long videos or information overload
Behind the Technology
The numbers tell an impressive story:
- Nearly 500 real-world long videos analyzed (average length: 25+ minutes)
- Over 40,000 precisely tagged segments with verified descriptions
- Advanced semantic tracking maintains context across entire videos
The technology represents more than just better search - it's part of a broader shift toward "vector retrieval" systems that understand content rather than just scan keywords.
Why This Matters Now
The timing couldn't be better. With streaming services, security systems, and online education platforms all generating hours of video daily, reliable search tools are becoming essential.
The university-corporate collaboration shows how academic research can translate into practical solutions when paired with industry expertise.
Key Points:
- First comprehensive standard for long-video search
- Combines AI efficiency with human verification
- Potential applications across media, security and education sectors
- Represents China's growing leadership in database innovation
