6. A machine implemented pattern recognition method for inferring an input pattern comprising the steps: comparing an input pattern with a plurality of standard patterns; selecting a plurality of candidates that are likely to be the input pattern based upon identified values that represent the results of the comparison of the input pattern with the standard patterns; and inferring an input pattern from the plurality of candidates based upon a predetermined criterion of inference for evaluating the selected plurality of candidates, the predetermined criterion of inference being different than the criteria for selecting the plurality of candidates, and utilizing at least one characteristic parameter of each of the selected plurality of candidates and the commonness of at least one characteristic parameter within each selected candidate and the other remaining selected candidates.
6. A machine implemented pattern recognition method for inferring an input pattern comprising the steps: comparing an input pattern with a plurality of standard patterns; selecting a plurality of candidates that are likely to be the input pattern based upon identified values that represent the results of the comparison of the input pattern with the standard patterns; and inferring an input pattern from the plurality of candidates based upon a predetermined criterion of inference for evaluating the selected plurality of candidates, the predetermined criterion of inference being different than the criteria for selecting the plurality of candidates, and utilizing at least one characteristic parameter of each of the selected plurality of candidates and the commonness of at least one characteristic parameter within each selected candidate and the other remaining selected candidates. 7. A machine implemented pattern recognition method in accordance with claim 6, wherein said criterion of inference is determined for each of said selected candidates by calculating the number of candidates having a characteristic parameter common to each selected candidate and the input pattern is inferred by chosing the candidate having the greatest calculated number.