An object recognizing apparatus is provided which is capable of precisely recognizing
an object in an input image with the use of a corresponding learning image even
when a local-segment of the input image coincides with a learning-local-segment
of another similar learning image. The apparatus comprises (1) image dividing means
for dividing an input image, which is received from image input means, into local-segments,
(2) similar-local-segment extracting means for extracting a similar learning-local-segment
to the local-segment of the input image from a learning image database, (3) object
position estimating means for estimating the position of an object to be identified
in the input image from the coordinates of the local-segment and the coordinates
of the learning-local-segment corresponding to the local-segment, (4) counting
means for counting the local-segments coincide with their corresponding learning-local-segments,
and (5) object determining means for judging that the object to be identified is
present when a result of counting is greater than a predetermined number. Consequently,
the object and its position in any input image can be detected at higher accuracy.