Abstract: Methods and computer program products are disclosed for the real-time classification of text from a region of interest within an image sample. A feature extractor extracts feature data associated with a plurality of region features from the region of interest. The plurality of region features are selected as to minimize the time necessary for feature extraction. A neural network preclassifier selects one of a plurality of associated source classes for the region of interest according to the extracted feature data. A plurality of classification systems are each associated with one of the plurality of source classes. Each of the plurality of classification systems are operative to classify individual characters within the region of interest when the associated source class of the classification system is selected.

Abstract: A method to arbitrate between results obtained from observationally data derived by several procedures.