A scanning and monitoring system employing automatic image analysis of an image field, object or group of objects over a period of time together with the detection and analysis of one or more other variables, such as generated by sensors sensing changes in or degrees of magnetism, magnetic, spin, self radiation, induced radiation, color, temperature, internal structure such as grain or crystalline structure, flow and/or other variables relating to selected objects in an image field under analysis and/or selected portions of such image field. Image information derived from the analysis of reflected light, X-ray, sonic, magnetic spin or nuclear magnetic resonnance or other variable or a combination of such variables, is sensed, converted to signals such as analog video signals which are digitized and automatically computer analyzed with time wherein 'the time variable is recorded by means of codes and used in the automatic analysis. Information is computed defining such variables as changes in position attitude, size, shape, number, distribution, velocity, direction of travel, spin or rotation, color surface structure, etc. of a selected object or objects in an image field or fields under study or survellance and such information is recorded and/or used to drive or operate a display, alarm or speech generator, printer lor other device such as a control for a motor or operating device which is operable to control or change one or more variables associated with the