# How PatFlex Reports Deformation Information

When you use the PatFlex algorithm, the tool detects changes in the features of the pattern independently, and then constructs a special type of transformation that maps between the trained pattern and the pattern instance found in the run-time image, as show in the following figure:

Because the PatFlex algorithm locates features independently, it can tolerate (and return information about) an arbitrary deformation.

The special nonlinear transformation that PatFlex computes can be used in two ways.

- You can use it to generate an unwarped version of the run-time image. You can then perform additional operations on this unwarped image.
- You can use it to display a deformed grid graphic that provides a graphical representation of the deformation.