An image processing method of extracting the points of a path following a threadlike
structure in an image (IP) formed by a grid of Potential points. A first processing
step (4) implements a first path-tracking operation using a front marching
technique denoted Filiation Front Marching Technique (FFM) for supplying at least
one First Track of the threadlike structure, formed by succeeding points denoted
Fathers and Children, by marching a Front of points forwards from a fixed Start
point (A) to a fixed End point (B). A second processing step (5) implements
a second path-tracking operation using the Filiation Front Marching Technique for
supplying a Best Path from one First Track by back propagating the Front starting
at the End Point and going through already determined Children and Fathers until
the Start Point is reached.