1. A quantization tool for use in a computerized image retrieval system, the tool comprising: hierarchically quantized data representing a plurality of images organized using a method comprising the steps of: (a) computing a plurality of sets of feature vector information, each set associated with a particular image wherein each said feature vector information within the set represents a detected feature region of interest from said particular image; (b) quantizing each said feature vector information of each of the sets, producing a list of numerical quantities associated with each of the sets; and (c) applying a k-means cluster operation, recursively, to said lists to hierarchically organize the sets of feature vector information.