Shape detection techniques are an important aspect of computer vision and are used to transform raw image data into the symbolic representations needed for object recognition and location. However, the availability and application of research data relating to shape detection has traditionally been limited by a lack of computational and mathematical skill on the part of the intended end-user. As a result progress in areas such as the automation of visual inspection techniques, where shape detection couls play a pivotal role, has been relatively slow. In this volume, Violet Leavers, an...