1. An image processing apparatus for detecting a desired image-element from a given image, comprising: a storing unit operable to store a plurality of first templates indicating said desired image-element and a plurality of second templates stored corresponding to said plurality of first templates, each of said second templates indicating a part of a corresponding one of said plurality of first templates; a first comparing unit operable to select any one of said first templates and compare said selected one first template with said given image; and a second comparing unit operable to compare a second template corresponding to said selected one first template selected by said first comparing unit with said given image; and a detecting unit operable to detect said desired image-element from said given image based on the comparison results by said first and second comparing units.