PURPOSE: To recognize characters, to automatize reading of numerical value data to input them into a computer and to shorten processing time, also to prevent occurrences of errors by comparing figures extracted from a numerical table with a reference pattern.

CONSTITUTION: A numerical table 1 entered in printed matter is scanned optically by a FAX2, and all pictures such as figures are read. One picture frame of an output picture signals of the FAX2 are accomodated in a FAX file 3 constituting two dimensional pictures, and is indicated on a graphic display 4. Figures selected on the display 4 are recognized of their patterns in a character identifying part 5, and numerical code signals able to be processed with a computer are written in a numerical file 6 by said recognition. At the time of said operation, a picture frame of the display 4 is indicated with a light pen 7 and a pattern from the reference pattern file 9 is send to the identifying part 5, thereby characters are recognized, reading of numerical data is automatized and processing time is shortened.