Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating display enabling signals representative of unprocessed and processed data streams obtained from a character recognition system for improved identification of minimal quality read signals. The apparatus is operative to generate the display enabling signals concurrently or separately through time as to the unprocessed and processed data streams. The apparatus has the additional capability of being able to operate in a real time state or a delay time state where indefinite display is required.

Abstract: In a character recognition system, an improved adaptive information signal discriminator for detecting an information signal when it varies over a wide range and/or when the background noise varies over a wide range. The discriminator is able to adaptively follow the widely varying background noise level by averaging the response time of the discriminator. The discrimination of a widely varying information signal is had by summing a portion of the information signal with the supra background averaged level. The discrimination may be repeated to develop the required sensitivities as required to accurately process the data.