PATTERN RECOGNITION SYSTEM

Disclosed is a pattern recognition system in which a memory stores four kinds of data including initial binary image data from which a specific pattern as an object of identification is extracted, logical operation designation data, e.g., shift vector data, for prescribing the operational sequence and type of logical operation for the recognition of the initial binary image data, partial pattern location binary image data indicative of the existing positions, in the initial binary image data, of partial patterns divided from the specific pattern, and pattern location binary image data indicative of the position of the specific pattern existing in the initial binary image data, a raster arithmetic operation unit implements a raster operation between two binary image data by taking out corresponding bit regions from the data in accordance with the logical operation designation data and stores the logical operation result of each bit region in the memory, and a transforming or processing unit controls the raster operation unit in carrying out the raster operation based on the partial pattern location binary image data in accordance with the operational sequence and type of logical operation prescribed by the logical operation designation data; thereby accomplishing a fast transformation process for the initial binary image data to the pattern location binary image data.