36. A method for recognizing a speech pattern as a string of predetermined reference words according to claim 35 wherein the current level speech pattern starting frame restricting step comprises: detecting the smallest of the minimum speech pattern endframe correspondence signals of a level and limiting the range of speech pattern starting frames for the succeeding level responsive to said detected smallest minimum correspondence signal and the minimum speech pattern endframe correspondence signals of the level.
36. A method for recognizing a speech pattern as a string of predetermined reference words according to claim 35 wherein the current level speech pattern starting frame restricting step comprises: detecting the smallest of the minimum speech pattern endframe correspondence signals of a level and limiting the range of speech pattern starting frames for the succeeding level responsive to said detected smallest minimum correspondence signal and the minimum speech pattern endframe correspondence signals of the level. 39. A method for recognizing a speech pattern as a string of predetermined reference words according to claim 36 wherein the speech pattern starting frame range limiting step comprises: selecting the level highest endframe having a minimum correspondence signal less than a multiple of the smallest minimum correspondence signal as the range upper limit starting frame of the next level and selecting the lowest endframe of the level having a minimum correspondence signal less than said multiple of the smallest minimum correspondence signal as the range lower limit starting frame of the next level.