In this book a global shape model is developed and applied to the
analysis of real pictures acquired with a visible light camera under
varying conditions of optical degradation. Computational feasibility of
the algorithms derived from this model is achieved by analytical means.
The aim is to develop methods for image understanding based on
structured restoration, for example automatic detection of
abnormalities. We also want to find the limits of applicability of the
algorithms. This is done by making the optical degradations more and
more severe until the algorithms no longer succeed in their task. This
computer experiment in pattern theory is one of several. The others,
LEAVES, X-RAYS, and RANGE are described elsewhere. This book is suitable
for an advanced undergraduate or graduate seminar in pattern theory, or
as an accompanying book for applied probability, computer vision, or
pattern recognition.