This isn't a question.
Just a word of thanks to all the monks who responded to my question on image analysis.
Having a bunch of experienced minds offer their considerations on a difficult problem is enormously helpful.

I cannot speak too highly of this site or it's denizens or of the versatility of Perl.

I'll be working on this for months and assimilating your suggestions .... wouldn't it would be nice if the real world would co-operate more.

Thanks again.