PURPOSE: To correctly recognize the type of a graphic by storing the data of a result recognizing the graphic after collating whether or not a feature amount defined for each graphic is within the range of an allowable value for each type of the graphic defined at an intrinsic feature amount defining means.

CONSTITUTION: According to a parameter previously defined by an intrinsic feature amount defining means 8, the feature amount is calculated for each type of the graphic, and this feature amount is defined. Concerning each graphic separately extracted, the feature amount is calculated by an intrinsic feature amount calculating means 9 for each type of the graphic according to the parameter and the process set in advance, and a second matching means 10 collates whether or not the feature amount calculated for each graphic is within the range of the allowable value for each type of the graphic defined at the above- mentioned intrinsic feature amount defining means 8. Then, the data of the result recognizing the graphic is stored. Thus, the type of the graphic can be correctly recognized.