An image processing device includes an intermediate processing section for
appending identification data to each pixel, showing a kind of region to
which each pixel belongs, based on multi-value image data of a plurality
of input images entered from a scanner, and a matching data generating
section for generating matching data of each pixel. A CPU classifies the
kind of region to which each input image belongs based on the
identification data of each pixel stored into an identification data
memory by means of a connection processing section, and compares the
matching data stored in a matching data memory after processed adequately
depending on the kind of region. Then, the CPU extracts matching points of
the input images and connects the binary image data of the input images
using the extracted matching points as reference points. Consequently, a
plurality of input images can be restored to a single image by being
connected accurately whether the input images are picture, shadow, or
picture images.