FORM IDENTIFICATION METHOD

A form identification method which can identify forms without errors even if a form is inputted from a scanner in different direction or the form is enlarged/shrunk. A form registration method which enables change/modification of forms when form types are pre-registered. Inputted points as features are extracted from the form, modification of enlargement/shrinkage, rotation, or skew is made to the inputted points. Form types are identified based on minimum distances between the inputted point and pre-registered dictionary points. When registering a similar form type, warning can be displayed on the screen. In a system a dictionary registration station, a form identification station, and a form edit station are connected via a communication network. Each station operates in interlocking manner, identifies inputted forms, and registers them into a dictionary.