baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent JP-2003199214-A (JP)
Title: Motor-driven vehicle driving and controlling device, motor-driven vehicle driving and controlling method, and program therefor
Inventor: HISADA HIDEKI
IPC: H02P29/00
Filed: 2001-12-26
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a shock from occurring in a vehicle-driving device when control is switched between first and second control modes.  <P>SOLUTION: This device comprises a motor-driven machine; a control switching means 91 that switches the first control mode and the second control mode; an initial value setting means 92 that sets as an initial value a control variable for the first control mode at a control switching timing; a change rate maintaining means 93 that maintains the change rate of the control variable for the second control mode in connection with the control switching; and a motor-driven machine controlling means 94 that controls the motor-driven machine by the second control mode based on the initial value and the maintained change rate. The control variable is set as the initial value and the change rate of the control variable for the second control mode is maintained so that no abrupt change is caused to occur in the torque of the motor-driven machine.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003000279-A (JP)
Title: bHLH-PAS PROTEIN, GENE THEREOF AND UTILIZATION OF THEM
Inventor: OE MOROHISA
IPC: A61K48/00
Filed: 2001-12-27
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a DNA encoding a bHLH-PAS protein, or the like. SOLUTION: The DNA encodes one of (a) a protein having a specific amino acid sequence, (b) a protein having an amino acid sequence showing an identity of >=90% with the specific amino acid sequence and having transcriptional regulation ability and (c) a protein having an amino acid sequence encoded with a DNA, which is hybridizable under stringent conditions with a DNA comprising the base sequence represented by base nos. 102 to 2507 (referred to the specification) in the specific base sequence, a DNA comprising the base sequence represented by base nos. 51-2546 (referred to the specification) in the specific base sequence or a DNA comprising the base sequence represented by base nos. 35-2440 (referred to the specification) in the specific base sequence where the above proteins (b) and (c) have a transcriptional regulation ability.
Patent JP-2003197033-A (JP)
Title: Anisotropic conductive adhesive and circuit board
Inventor: WATANABE ITSUO
IPC: H01R4/04
Filed: 2001-12-27
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an anisotropic conductive adhesive and a circuit board using it capable of coping with pitch narrowing without flocculation and irregularity of metallic particles of the anisotropic conductive adhesive mixed with the metallic particles.  <P>SOLUTION: In the anisotropic conductive adhesive, by heating and pressurizing mutually facing circuit electrodes, the electrodes are electrically connected in a pressurizing direction. The metallic particles are used as conductive particles dispersed in the adhesive, the metallic particles are spherical particles manufactured by contacting metal chloride gas and reducing gas, and a dispersed amount of the metallic particles is 0.2-20 vol.%.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003195598-A (JP)
Title: Conductive resin tube and conductive roller using the same
Inventor: KAGA NORIHIKO
IPC: C08L101/00
Filed: 2001-12-27
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conductive resin tube having high electrostatic charge capability and a strength to withstand repetitive continuous use, more particularly bending durability, and a conductive roller which can stably form high-quality images.  <P>SOLUTION: The conductive resin tube 4 is mounted on an elastic layer 3 carried on the outer periphery of a shaft 2 to form the conductive roller 1. The roller is formed by adding a polymeric ion conducting agent to a base material selected from the group consisting of a polymer alloy or polymer blend of (a) thermoplastic polyamide, (b) acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, (c) thermoplastic polyacetal and (d) any ≥ kinds among the above (a) to (c) and a polymer alloy or blend of any one or ≥2 kinds among the above (a) to (c) and a thermoplastic resin.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003198806-A (JP)
Title: Image reader and image processing apparatus provided with the image reader
Inventor: AOYANAGI TATSUZO
IPC: H04N1/10
Filed: 2001-12-28
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader capable of smoothly transporting an original along a transparent member for a moving original and needing no focal adjustment for each reading and to provide an image processing apparatus provided with the image reader.  <P>SOLUTION: By placing the transparent member for the moving original lower than a transparent member for a still original, the transport path of the moving original can be lowered in comparison with the case that the transparent member for the moving original is placed at the same height as that of the transparent member for the still original or above, the difference of the focal length between the original and a read means is made smaller when the original is read through the transparent member for the moving original and when the original is read through the transparent member for the still original. The thickness or the refractive index of the transparent member for the moving original is made different from that of the transparent member for the still original so as to read the original without the changeover of the focal length between the reading of the moving original and the reading of the still original.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003191982-A (JP)
Title: Easily unsealable vessel lid
Inventor: HAGINO MISAO
IPC: B65D53/04
Filed: 2001-12-28
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably fit a vessel lid (2) to a neck part of a vessel as required without any undesirable deformation on a liner (6), and to unseal the neck part by easily removing the vessel lid from the neck part of the vessel without any excessive force over the entire breakage of a pair of scores (20a and 20b).  <P>SOLUTION: A first area (46) having a circular center area (40) of the diameter (d) and an annular area (42) except the circular center area with the annular area covering the angles between 0° and α° on both sides of the circumferential direction from the axis (44) of a holding piece (12), a second area (48) covering the angles between α° and β°, a third area (50) covering the angles between β°and γ°, a fourth area (52) covering the angles between γ° and δ°, and a fifth area (54) covering the angles between δ° and 180° are present between a liner and an inner surface of a top wall (8) of a shell body (4). The liner is adhered to the inner surface of the top wall in the circular center area.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003197469-A (JP)
Title: Chip electronic component
Inventor: NAKAMURA TADAHIRO
IPC: H01G9/004
Filed: 2001-12-28
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve vibration resistance ability of the dummy terminal of a chip electronic component, constituted by housing an electronic component having lead terminals oriented in the same direction as in a square cylindrical encapsulating case, and providing the dummy terminal on the mounted surface of the encapsulating case for improving the soldering strength.  <P>SOLUTION: The dummy terminal 20 is composed of an L-shaped body having a first substrate section 21, which is brought into contact with the mounted surface of the encapsulating case and a second substrate section 22 which is brought into contact with the side face of the case which is continuously formed from the mounted surface, anchor plates 211 which are provided on both side edges of the first substrate section 21, have the same width as that of the section 21, and embedded in the encapsulating case, in a state where the plates 211 are bent from the section 21 at right angles. The anchor plates 211 respectively have openings 212, in which a resin material is filled at formation of the encapsulating case.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003190814-A (JP)
Title: Brushy structure having air cleaning function and structure comprising imitation flower having fanciness besides air cleaning function
Inventor: YOSHIDA FUKUTAKA
IPC: F24F1/00
Filed: 2001-12-26
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a brushy structure having an air cleaning function and a sound absorbing effect so as to remove NOx in the air and harmful substances and a malodor in a house and in an automobile, and to provide a structure comprising an imitation flower having fanciness besides an air cleaning function and a sound absorbing effect.  <P>SOLUTION: The surface (1) of the brushy structure whose surface area is brought into contact with the air has been largely increased or the imitation flower also having fanciness is coated with titanium dioxide and/or a titania phosphate compound (2) as a photocatalyst.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003501690-A (JP)
Title: リボンタイプ繊維の一組の光学繊維端部にマイクロレンズを集団製造する方法
IPC: G02B3/00
Filed: 2000-06-08
Abstract: (57)【要約】
【解決手段】整列された光学繊維の端部にマイクロレンズを集団製造する方法に係る発明である。該方法にあっては全ての繊維（Ｆ）の端部を電気アーク（Ａ）で加熱してマイクロレンズを形成する。繊維の端部が配置されている面は電気アークの最熱点の線（Ｘ）から離れていて、それらの端部を均質に丸くする。該方法は光学的および光電子的モジュールの製造に応用される。
Patent JP-2003503247-A (JP)
IPC: B41J2/055
Filed: 2000-05-24
Abstract: A printing nozzle arrangement is provided having an electrical current source, a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and fluid ejection port, a heating element within the chamber electrically connected to the electrical current source, and a microprocessor. The heating element is configured such that electrical current applied by the electrical current source at a predetermined energy level causes resistive heating and ejection of the fluid from the fluid ejection port. The microprocessor is configured to test for faulty operation of the heating element by causing application of electrical current for a predetermined duration which does not result in fluid ejection. When faulty operation is determined, the microprocessor is configured to cause application of electrical current at an energy level significantly greater than the predetermined energy level in an attempt to clear fluid blockages associated with the chamber.
Patent JP-2003503933-A (JP)
Title: 改良型パイロットチャネルを有する符合分割多重アクセスシステム
IPC: H04W52/32
Filed: 2000-06-02
Abstract: (57)【要約】
改良型パイロットチャネルを有する符合分割多重アクセスシステム。ＣＤＭＡネットワークにおいて、各移動局は、そのチャネルインパルス応答感知手段への入力として、その専用パイロットチャネルからのパイロットシンボルと少なくとも１つの共通チャネルからのパイロットシンボルとを結合するように構成されている。共通チャネルは、ＢＣＨ、ＦＡＣＨまたはＰＣＨのどれであってもよく、すべてのこのようなチャネル上にあるパイロットシンボルを結合することができる。したがって、各専用パイロットチャネル上で必要となるパイロットエネルギーが低減される。受信したパイロットシンボルの品質を基地局に連絡することによって、基地局は、専用パイロットチャネル上の電力を低減することができ、したがって、さらなる節電を実現することができる。
Patent JP-2003505378-A (JP)
IPC: C07D401/12
Filed: 2000-07-17
Abstract: Compounds represented by formula I:as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, N-oxides and hydrates thereof are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included. The compounds are active against the caspase-3 enzyme, and thus are useful to treat caspase-3 mediated diseases and conditions.
Patent JP-2003508134-A (JP)
IPC: A61N1/372
Filed: 2000-08-28
Abstract: A method is described to allow for better selection of electrodes for neural stimulation, for example in a cochlear implant. A series of stimuli, at different stimulation levels, are provided at each electrode to be tested, and the neural response to each stimulus is measured, using an implanted electrode. A value is then calculated relating stimulus level to response, to allow the relative responsiveness of electrodes to be determined. This can then be used as the basis for a stimulation map used to select which electrodes are stimulated and at what level.
Patent JP-2003529961-A (JP)
IPC: H04N21/2385
Filed: 2000-08-24
Abstract: A method and apparatus related to a communication system in which a plurality of remote units encode data bursts using a predetermined codeword set and transmit the encoded data bursts to a hub station over a multiple-access channel. When the hub station receives a data burst from one of the remote units, the hub station demodulates the received data burst and correlates the received data burst with each codeword within the predetermined codeword set to determine which codeword has the maximum correlation. The hub station uses the correlation to derive a timing synchronization signal and/or a carrier frequency adjustment signal to be sent back to the remote unit. The signals provide information to the remote unit to synchronize its timing or adjust its carrier frequency for transmitting subsequent data bursts. The hub station may also use the correlation to estimate a signal-to-noise ratio.
Patent JP-2003508988-A (JP)
Title: 無線通信システムにおける方法及び装置
IPC: H04W36/14
Filed: 2000-07-04
Abstract: (57)【要約】
第１のセルで動作する移動局に送信する測定指示リストを生成するための、セルラ無線通信ネットワークにおける方法及び装置である。隣接セルの少なくとも１つが移動局のハンドオフのターゲットになれないか否かが判定される（５０２）。少なくとも１つのセルがハンドオフのターゲットになれないことが分かった場合、そのようなセルに関連する少なくとも１つの制御チャネルが、隣接セルに関連する制御チャネルを含ませて前記リストを生成する（５０３）する際に除外される。
Patent JP-2003509320-A (JP)
IPC: C03C13/06
Filed: 2000-08-24
Abstract: A fibre is disclosed having a maximum use temperature of 1200° C. or more which comprises: SiO2>64.25 wt % CaO>18 wt % MgO<17 wt % and in which the amount of MgO in mol % is greater than the amount of CaO in mol %. Such fibers have high solubility and low dustiness.
Patent JP-2003509645-A (JP)
IPC: F16B31/02
Filed: 2000-09-12
Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting (10) of the type having a coupling nut (14), a coupling body (12) and at least one ferrule (32), includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling body that is visually perceptible when the coupling is in a finger tight position, and that is covered or visually imperceptible or otherwise has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. In a preferred form, the marking is realized as a precision groove (50) or recess machined into a surface of the coupling body. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening or knurling the surface, or coloring the surface, for example. The groove defines an edge (50b) at a precise position that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body for initial pull-up. The marking may also be formed with a precise dimension such as an axial length to provide a second edge that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body beyond initial pull-up for fitting assemblies that are remade.
Patent JP-2003511990-A (JP)
Title: Ｉｐトラヒック伝送のための顧客リソース・ポリシー制御
IPC: H04L12/56
Filed: 2000-10-12
Abstract: (57)【要約】
インターネット・プロトコル（ＩＰ）トラヒック伝送用の顧客リソースを制御するための方法、システムおよびコンピュータ・プログラム製品。終点のグループによる現在のネットワーク・リソースの消費量に対応するグループ使用レベル情報を発生するために、終点のグループのネットワークの使用を追跡する。グループ内の１つの終点に対するデータの流れ用のネットワーク・リソースに対する要求を、その終点に関連するルータから受信する。ネットワーク・リソースに対する要求は、終点に関連する識別子を含む。グループ使用レベル情報、識別子、およびグループに関連していて、第１のネットワーク使用制限を含む第１の所定のプロファイルに基づいて、要求を受け入れるべきかどうかの判断が行われる。
Patent JP-2003512730-A (JP)
Title: ライン幅を狭められたシードビームを有する単一チャンバ式のガス放電レーザ
IPC: H01S3/07
Filed: 2000-10-10
Abstract: (57)【要約】
少なくとも毎秒１０００パルスの繰返数で放電を発生するためのパルス電源を有する単一チャンバ式のガス放電レーザシステム。放電は、レーザ光学器械と共に、２つの持続期間の短いゲイン手段を生成し、一方はシードビームを生成するためのものであり、他方は、該シードビームを増幅するためのものである。チャンバの循環パスに沿ってレーザガスが循環され、電極（１８Ａ）及び放電は、ゲイン手段の一方から生じるデブリが、放電時に、チャンバの循環パスの少なくとも９０％の周りを廻るまでは、該デブリが他方のゲイン手段に循環しないように配置されている。
Patent JP-2003514726-A (JP)
Title: 図柄状の接着剤を有するマイクロ波調理用包装とその方法
IPC: A47J27/00
Filed: 2000-11-15
Abstract: (57)【要約】
マイクロ波調理用ポップコーンの包装体（１）は、その間にマイクロ波相互作用構造体（４５）を備えた紙のような可撓性の材料からなる内部層（４６）と外部層（４７）を有している。これらの層（４６、４７）は、多角形の接着剤領域の規則的な図柄（パターン）で塗布された積層する接着剤によって一緒に接合されている。この図柄（パターン）は、層（４６、４７）の間の表面の少なくとも８０平方インチ（５１６平方センチメートル）を占有し、そして、図柄（パターン）が配置された領域の占有範囲の５０％を超えないようにする。接着剤の多角形は正方形でもダイヤモンド形状でもよい。第２の接着剤パターンが、層表面の第２の部分に存在してもよい。
Patent JP-2003534774-A (JP)
Title: Ｗａｓｐファミリータンパク質断片及びそれらの使用
IPC: C12Q1/02
Filed: 2000-12-15
Abstract: (57)【要約】
ＷＡＳＰファミリータンパク質のペプチド断片又は該断片より誘導されたペプチド、及び、特に、アクチン細胞骨格の形成に対する阻害効果又は刺激効果を有し、従って細胞運動性に対する阻害効果又は刺激効果を有する分子の検出又はスクリーニングのための方法の実施において使用するための試薬を調製するためのそれらの使用。
Patent JP-2003532572-A (JP)
Title: 二輪車用スタビライザー装置
IPC: B62J25/00
Filed: 2000-12-20
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明の二輪車（２）用のこのスタビライザー装置（１）は、車両の両側で地面に支えられながら車両を安定させる２本のストラット（３）を含む。このストラットは支持フレーム（４）と連接し、かつ地面上で車両を安定させる支持位置と地面から離間した引き上げ位置との間でストラットを作動させる動力機構に結合されている。この動力機構は、車両の速度表示手段に接続した操作手段と結合し、該操作手段は、車両の速度が下がり車両バランスを確保することが困難、または不可能となる限界値を下回った時ストラットを下降させる方向に、または車両の速度が上記の限界値を上回った時は引き上げ方向に動力機構を起動する。
Patent JP-2003518298-A (JP)
Title: ペイロール管理方法および装置
IPC: G07C1/10
Filed: 2000-12-19
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明はペイロールを維持する方法および装置を提供し、その方法は、名簿を準備し、名簿を処理手段に記憶し、処理手段で１人以上の従業者に関する勤務情報を受信し、名簿と勤務情報を処理手段により比較し、それによってペイロールを処理することを含んでいる。１実施形態では、方法はそれぞれの従業者に関する勤務情報が予め定められた基準を満たすならばそれぞれの従業者に関するペイロールを認可することを含んでいる。
Patent JP-2003520420-A (JP)
Title: 電気デバイス
IPC: H01C13/02
Filed: 2001-01-10
Abstract: (57)【要約】
デジタル電気通信用途で使用するのに適した電気デバイス（１）が提供され、当該デバイスは、２つの金属箔電極（５，７）で挟まれた導電性ポリマー組成物から成る積層ＰＴＣ要素（３）を含む。電気絶縁性の可撓性物質から成る第１絶縁層（９）がＰＴＣ要素の周囲長さの少なくとも一部に一致している。デバイスは低い抵抗、低いキャパシタンス、小さい寸法、および安定な抵抗を有し、また、パワー・クロス試験要求を満たし得る。さらに、電気デバイスのアセンブリ（２１，３５）が提供される。
Patent JP-2003522177-A (JP)
IPC: A61P7/02
Filed: 2001-02-05
Abstract: Novel compounds of formula (I) to (VI), which more particularly include sulfonylurea derivatives, sulfonylthiourea derivatives, sulfonylguanidine derivatives, sulfonylcyanoguanidine derivatives, thioacylsulfonamide derivatives, and acylsulfonamide derivatives which are effective platelet ADP receptor inhibitors. These derivatives may be used in various pharmaceutical compositions, and are particularly effective for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, particularly those diseases related to thrombosis. The invention also relates to a method for preventing or treating thrombosis in a mammal comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formulae (I)-(VI), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Patent JP-2003524282-A (JP)
Title: 改良形安定抵抗器を有した電界放出デバイス
IPC: H01J1/316
Filed: 2001-02-01
Abstract: (57)【要約】
カソード（１１０）とカソード（１１０）に接続している安定抵抗器（１１２）を含む電界放出デバイス（１００）に関する。安定抵抗器（１１２）は、薄い金属層（１１３）及び金属層（１１３）上に配置された保護層（１１４）を有する。金属層（１１３）はクロムから形成され、約４０オングストロームの厚さを有する。保護層（１１４）は、スパッタ・シリコンから形成され、約５００オングストロームの厚さを有する。金属層（１１３）の一部は、カソード（１１０）に物理的に接触し、カソード（１１０）と保護層（１１４）との間にサンドイッチ状に挟まれている。保護層（１１４）は高い遷移電圧から金属層（１１３）を遮蔽するためのものである。
Patent JP-2003523267-A (JP)
IPC: A61M15/00
Filed: 2001-02-21
Abstract: A medicament dispenser comprising a housing; a medicament container; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing medicament from the medicament container; and a radiofrequency identifier connecting to the housing or the medicament container, in the form of a radiofrequency identification tag comprising: an antenna for transmitting or receiving radiofrequency energy originating from an external remote reader; and an integrated circuit chip connecting with the antenna. The dispensing mechanism may, for example, comprise a valve, with or without a metering chamber, for dispensing aerosol formulations of medicaments, or opening or peeling mechanisms for blister strips or packs for dispensing dry powder medicaments.
Patent JP-2003527215-A (JP)
IPC: C08G79/025
Filed: 2001-03-19
Abstract: The present invention relates to polyphosphazene derivatives and their use, having excellent biocompatible properties and imparting bacterial resistance to a coating of an article such as a medical device. In particular, the coating is applied on at least part of a surface of e.g. said medical device and can be used for preventing and/or reducing an inflammatory response upon application of said medical device to a patient.
Patent JP-2003528329-A (JP)
IPC: G21C13/087
Filed: 2001-03-08
Abstract: The corrosion of a component in a water-guiding loop of a nuclear facility is reduced. A protective layer is produced with a sol-gel process. Prior to the sol application, water that wettens the component is removed from the conduction system and the component is optionally dried in a separate step. After the sol-gel process has been carried out, the conduction system is again filled with water. A liquid sol film that is produced on the component is dried, especially by means of hot air. A component in the primary system of a boiling water reactor can especially be coated with a highly corrosion-resistant zirconium oxide protective layer according to the sol-gel process.
Patent JP-2004518519-A (JP)
Title: 多数の触媒管を有する長尺反応器
IPC: B01J19/00
Filed: 2001-05-03
Abstract: 多数の触媒管（２）を具備し、触媒管（２）の周囲の空間を熱交換媒体が循環し、両端に環状配管（３、４）と、個以上のポンプにより熱交換媒体を導入または除去するための開口（５、６）とを有し、熱交換媒体が下方の環状配管（４）に導入され、上方の環状配管（３）を経てポンプに戻り、かつ熱交換媒体または熱交換媒体の分流が、場合により１個以上の外部熱交換器を通過してもよく、触媒管周囲の空間の、下方環状配管（４）と上方環状配管（３）の水準にそれぞれ１枚のオリフィスプレート（７、８）を有する反応器（１）において、オリフィスプレート（７、８）の間の空間に充填素子が装填される。
Patent JP-2003200068-A (JP)
Title: Grain drying and preparing apparatus
Inventor: KUBOTA KOTARO
IPC: F26B17/14
Filed: 2002-01-10
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve robotization, labor reduction and energy saving.  <P>SOLUTION: This grain drying and preparing apparatus 500 is annexed with a grain dryer 502 and a grain preparing apparatus 10 and is electrically connected with a drying control section 530 and a preparation control section 194. When the grain dryer 502 ends a drying process step of rough rice M, the control section 530 transmits a discharge signal and the control section 194 drives the apparatus 10 in accordance with the discharge signal received by the control section 194. Further, when the rough rice M is not discharged from the grain dryer 502 to the apparatus 10, the control section 194 transmits a grain absence detection signal and stops the grain dryer 502 in accordance with the grain absence detection signal received by the drying control section 530 and the control section 194 stops the respective grain treatment sections of the apparatus 10. As a result, the robotization and the labor reduction are made possible and the energy saving by the reduction of the idle driving time is made possible.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
Patent JP-2003208567-A (JP)
Title: Image processor, image processing method, and program used in the method
Inventor: HASEGAWA FUMIHIRO
IPC: G06K9/20
Filed: 2002-01-10
Abstract: <P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain suitable information expressing a character area of an object image by preventing the disadvantage of the integration of areas extending over a ruled line and the missing of extraction due to connection with the ruled line.  <P>SOLUTION: An input multi-valued color image is compressed, and with a run (horizontal continuous pixel string) obtained from that as an object, a run of the same color contacting in the vertical direction is integrated as a connecting component to generate a character candidate. A ruled line extraction means 207 obtains a connecting component similar to the above on the basis of the input original image, and reduces (elongated component from an aspect ratio of a circumscribing rectangle, hue difference with an adjacent pixel) the same depending upon the feature of the ruled line to extract the ruled line. The ruled line is used in processing for inhibiting area integration extending over the ruled line in integrating the circumscribing rectangle (character area) of a character candidate (connecting component) by a circumscribing rectangle integration means 208. The ruled line is erased from the input image using the obtained ruled line, and according to the above, the character area is extracted to avoid connection between the character and the ruled line.  <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO