Algorithm Search: Image Analysis & Edge Detection

[maddog]

A new quest: I am looking for an algorithm to extract visual information from a FOV. Looking for objects of expected shape and size. Objects may be still or moving (slowly).
Need to pull desired object against background where contrast may be low.

Any suggestions on where to look ?

I currently have a couple of ideas, though I have a deadline to have thoughts cohesive to put to paper.

Any assistance would be appreciated....

maddog