a system and method of counting and analyzing each image of a plurality of features by minimizing the paralysis angle associated with each feature whose image is being analyzed by line - to - line scanning techniques is disclosed . the system and method involves the temporary storage of the x - coordinates of the boundary intercepts of each feature along one line scan and then selecting the last - to - occur of such intercepts to generate in memory a modified binary video signal to define the trailing edge of the feature . the modified video signal is stored one line scan and compared with the next real time line scan video signal in a manner such that the trailing edge data very accurately represents the actual position of the trailing edge of the feature .