Abstract: The method consists in estimating motion by performing a gradient algorithm which minimalizes the mean square deviation of local luminance variations of the present pel of the picture with the pel that is homologous with it in the prior picture, in initializing the execution of the algorithm by displacement values estimated along several directions within the close causal neighborhood of the present pel and in propagating each estimate in the scanning direction if the picture lines.

Abstract: The method and the device provides for the automatic processing of digitalized signals in order toremove speckle from the said signals by comparing the digitalized signal with a noise model obtained after learning its statistical properties,extract, from the signals, echos not characteristic of the contour of the organ to be displayed,extract the characteristic parameters of the contour from the said signals,calculate the contour from these parameters by likening them to a pre-established model of variable parameters,combine the digitalized signal, before or after eliminating noise, with the signal that is characteristic of the estimated position of the contour,display the resultant signal in which the contour appears as an overlay.