The problem of elliptical objects extracting in the images with respect to the task of automatic detection of the log butt ends is considered in the article. The review of the four algorithms is given: Viola-Jones method, the curve segments selection (ELSD), analysis of the isophotes curvature and convex edges and Hough method for elliptic objects (IRHT). The research results in choosing the ELSD algorithm for further applying in the given issue.