Abstract: In this paper, it has been realized the recognition for weld seam and its initial position in local environment with visual method. According to adopt the two stages pattern match method, improving the recognition speed and accuracy with wiping off the error points in global pattern match by using area analysis method. The initial position can be recognized accurately by using the method that dynamic adjust the search area in local pattern match stage in the area near the end of the weld. Results show that this method not only has the characters of anti-jamming, fast runnig speed and higher recognition, but also has higher practical value.