Methods are described for determining an optimal path for creating a scheme for dividing a text line of Chinese, Japanese or Korean (CJK) characters into character cells prior to applying classifiers and recognizing characters. Gaps between characters are found as a window is moved down the text line. Finding gaps may involve finding 4-connected paths. A histogram is built based on distances from start of window to a respective gap. The window is moved to the end of each gap after each gap is found and distances measured. Process is repeated until window reaches the end of the text line and all gaps found. A linear division graph (LDG) is constructed according to detected gaps. Penalties for certain distances are applied. An optimum path is one with a minimal penalty sum and can be used as a scheme for dividing text lines into character cells.