The method of description and recognition of images based on the technology of parallel shift is described. The parallel shift technology allows to form only one characteristic for describing of images. This feature is the area of the image, which is determined by the number of cells belonging to the image. The main characteristics of the complex image area are described. The problem of using parallel shift technology is the inability to recognize symmetrical images and images with free orientation. In accordance with the problem in the paper a method is described that allows to recognize the orientation of the image, as well as recognize symmetrical images that have the same functions of area of intersection. To solve the problem, additional elements are introduced on one of the edges of the image, which in a small amount distinguish it from the original image, and additional quantitative characteristics of the area are introduced. The additional elements are introduced only on one of the edges of the image for all images at the system input. For each rotated and symmetrical image with equal functions, the intersection areas a new intersection functions are defined. Differences in the functions of the areas of intersection of both images are determined and on the based on the obtained quantitative characteristics of the function of the area of intersection of the images the shape of the image are determined. To form the intersection function of the areas of the modified image, the number of shifts is increased by one, and also the function change occurs at each step in accordance with the introduced additional elements. The conducted research showed high reliability of image recognition.