1. An image collating apparatus which collates a reference image as a criterion with a check image obtained by subjecting the reference image to predetermined processing, comprising: means for setting a plurality of predetermined paths in the reference image, and accumulating pixel values in the paths with respect to the plurality of paths to obtain a projected waveform or histogram of the reference image; means for setting the plurality of predetermined paths in the check image, and accumulating the pixel values in the paths with respect to the plurality of paths to obtain the projected waveform or histogram of the check image; means for extracting information of a characteristic value as reference characteristic value information from the projected waveform or histogram of the reference image; means for extracting information of the characteristic value as check characteristic value information from the projected waveform or histogram of the check image; and means for collating the reference image with the check image based on the reference characteristic value information and check characteristic value information.