Abstract: A segmentation apparatus utilized in an image processing system for recognizing a pattern in an image inputted thereto includes a separate circuit for outputting logical values of m by n pixels separated from the inputted image, an encode circuit for storing in advance therein codes to be determined according to the content of an inputted pattern and for outputting a code indicating that which set of pixels is identical to the objective pixel by using as an input pattern the logical value outputted from the separate circuit, and a select circuit for selecting a label of the objective label, from the label data of neighborhood pixels already determined and the new label data assigned, in accordance with the output from the encode circuit.