A pattern recognition system comprising scanning means (1) for producing a binary signal indicative of the state of the elementary areas in successively scanned columns of elementary areas and segmentation means to separate from said signal data relating to individual discrete graphic objects in the scanned pattern and to store the separated data in individual storage zones of a memory array, characterized in that said segmentation means comprise a QTC generator (2) for producing quasitopological codes indicative of predetermined states of successive elementary areas using the data in the signal of each successive scanned column and the data in the signal of the last previously scanned column, and for producing therefrom a start and a stop signals at the beginning and end of any series of data corresponding to a fragment of a graphic object, the succession of codes being different depending on whether a fragment detected in the signal is or is not continued from last previously scanned column, and assignment control means (3) for assigning a selected memory zone of a memory array (4) to any said series of data depending on the codes allotted at the beginning and end of the fragment, and controlling the delivery of said series of data to said selected memory zone.