1. A method of classifying an element in an image into one of a plurality of classification classes, wherein the element has a plurality of features, the method comprising the steps of: extracting the plurality of features from the image of the element; determining a classification class of the element by at least one of: selecting and processing a first subgroup of the extracted features to determine a physical characteristic of the element, and selecting and processing a second subgroup of the extracted features in response to the physical characteristic determined to determine a classification class of the element; and selecting and processing a third subgroup of the extracted features to determine a group of classification classes of the element, and selecting and processing a fourth subgroup of the extracted features in response to the determined classification class group to determine a classification class of the element; and modifying the determined classification class of the element based upon a plurality of previously determined classification class determinations.