A method and system of reading images. The method includes decimating an image and normalizing the decimated image. Then, rebinning grayscale pixel data associated with the decimated image and reassigning a selected range of grayscales representing a region of interest of the remapped grayscale pixel data to one while zeroing others. The method also includes labeling the connected pixels associated with the range of grayscales representing the region of interest and then extending the connected pixels through region growing using a preselected offset value. Lastly, the method includes filtering segmented regions of the connected pixels to eliminate certain candidates. The system is designed to implement the steps of the enumerated method.