1. In a pattern recognition system including converting means for converting an optical input pattern into electrical signals corresponding to the characteristics of the pattern and comparing means for comparing said electrical signals to the stored electrical signals corresponding to each of a plurality of reference patterns so as to select a probable reference pattern which corresponds to the input pattern at least to a predetermined degree, a confusing pattern selection circuit for selecting one of a plurality of probable reference patterns selected by said comparing means when more than one reference pattern corresponds to said input pattern by more than said predetermined degree, comprising feature comparator means for comparing at least one designated distinguishing portion of said input pattern to the corresponding portion of each probable reference pattern by a prescribed method of recognition including a plurality of individual feature comparators each operating in accordance with a respectively different prescribed method of recognition; and control means responsive to stored information identifying the distinguishing portion and prescribed method of recognition of a given confusing pattern for applying the electrical signals corresponding to said input pattern and each probable reference pattern to at least one of said feature comparators selected by said control means in accordance with said stored information.