JP5210351B2 - Image reading apparatus, game system, and image reading method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, a game system, and an image reading method.

  Conventionally, a game in which a user plays using a card (recording medium) on which a game character or the like is printed is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, the game device compares the image information obtained by reading the image printed on the card with the image information stored in the database in advance. A technique for authenticating whether or not the card is a card is described.

Japanese Patent No. 3874761

  In the game as described above, the user uses various cards. Some of these cards are processed to attract interest to the user. For example, there is a card that includes a thin film having minute unevenness (for example, a resin film or a hologram sheet that has been subjected to embossing), and has different light reflection depending on the viewing angle.

  A card subjected to such processing is generally treated as a card having a high rare value. In the game as described above, even if the images (illustrations, characters, etc.) printed on the card are the same, there are a card that has been subjected to such processing and a card that has not been subjected.

  Conventionally, there has been no means for causing a computer to recognize a card that has been processed and a card that has not been processed as different types of cards. That is, there was no means for making the computer recognize the presence or absence and the difference between the unevenness (processing) included in the recording medium.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is, for example, an image reading apparatus, a game system, and an image reading method capable of recognizing the presence / absence and difference of unevenness included in a recording medium. It is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus that reads a recording medium including a concavo-convex part and an image to be read, and that shields light from the outside of the image reading apparatus. And an illuminating unit that illuminates the recording medium disposed at a predetermined position in the image reading device, and an image reading unit that reads the image to be read of the recording medium illuminated by the illuminating unit, The illumination unit is provided so that illumination light is obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium from a position corresponding to a side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position.

  In addition, the game system according to the present invention includes the image reading device, means for obtaining read data of the image to be read from the image reading device, and means for executing a game process based on the read data. It is characterized by that.

  The game system according to the present invention is an image reading method of an image reading apparatus for reading a recording medium including an uneven portion and an image to be read, wherein the image reading apparatus is shielded from light from the outside of the image reading apparatus. The recording medium disposed at a predetermined position is provided so that illumination light is obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium from a position corresponding to a side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position. And reading the image to be read of the recording medium illuminated by the illumination unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make a computer recognize the presence or absence and the difference of unevenness included in a recording medium.

  In the aspect of the invention, the illumination unit may obliquely make the illumination light incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium from a plurality of positions corresponding to side surfaces of the recording medium arranged at the predetermined position. It is provided as follows.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the illumination unit guides light from the light source and light from the light source, and the unevenness of the recording medium from a position corresponding to a side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position. An optical transmission unit for causing the illumination light to enter the unit obliquely, and the optical transmission unit includes a reflection unit that reflects incident light from the light source, and guides the reflected light from the reflection unit Thus, the reflected light is provided so as to be obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium from a position corresponding to a side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the illumination unit includes a plurality of light sources, and the light transmission unit mixes and guides light from the plurality of light sources.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium is flexible, and the image reading device includes a placement unit for placing the recording medium at the predetermined position, and the recording medium. A pressing portion that press-bonds an area corresponding to the end portion of the medium to the mounting portion, and the pressing portion and the illumination portion press-bond an area corresponding to the end portion of the recording medium to the mounting portion. In this case, the illumination unit is provided so that a shadow generated by illuminating the pressing unit is not superimposed on the image to be read.

It is a figure which shows the mode of the user who plays a game using the game device connected with the image reading device which concerns on this invention. It is an external view of the card which a user owns. It is sectional drawing in the cutting line III-III line of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed when reading of a card | curd is performed. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in which the information corresponding to a card | curd was reflected. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the image reading apparatus in a closed state. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the image reading device in an open state. It is an exploded view of an image reading apparatus. It is sectional drawing of an optical transmission part. It is sectional drawing in the cutting | disconnection line XX of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the cutting | disconnection line XI-XI line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a game device. It is a figure which shows an example of the database memorize | stored in an auxiliary memory part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when a card | curd is registered into a game device. It is a figure which shows an example of the reading data produced | generated by the image reading apparatus. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the shadow which generate | occur | produces by an uneven | corrugated | grooved part.

[1. Embodiment]
Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a user playing a game using a game device 100 connected to the image reading device 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an image reading apparatus 1 according to the present invention is connected to a game apparatus 100 so as to be able to perform data communication, thereby realizing a game system.

  The image reading apparatus 1 is for reading a recording medium including a concavo-convex portion and an image to be read. For example, the image reading apparatus 1 functions as a card reader (image scanner) that reads a card 200 (recording medium) owned by a user and generates read data.

  The game apparatus 100 receives read data from the image reading apparatus 1. Further, the game device 100 compares the received read data with a database stored in advance, specifies the card 200 owned by the user, and executes the game.

[1-1. Example of game in this embodiment]
First, an example of a game executed by the game apparatus 100 will be described. For example, the game apparatus 100 registers the card 200 owned by the user based on the read data received from the image reading apparatus 1. For example, the game device 100 executes a game in which the user battles (dwells) the computer or the opponent user based on the registered data of the card 200.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the card 200 owned by the user. The card 200 is a known card that is used not only in a game executed by the game device 100 but also in a table game (for example, a trading card game) where users play without going through a computer. The card 200 is made from, for example, paper or plastic. FIG. 2 shows one surface (front surface) of the card 200. The name of the game production company or the like may be printed on the other side (back side) of the card 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a card 200 includes a card name 201 indicating a game character name, a level 202 indicating a level of the game character, an illustration 203 indicating an image of the game character, and a game character indicating parameters and rules used in the game. Information 204 etc. are included.

  The game character information 204 includes, for example, game parameters indicating attack power and defense power, and information indicating rules and characteristics unique to the game character. Moreover, the card | curd 200 contains the resin sheet 300 so that it may overlap with the whole surface of the card | curd 200, for example. The resin sheet 300 is, for example, a known sheet (film) whose light reflection degree varies depending on the angle viewed by the user.

  3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a resin sheet 300 is provided so as to overlap the entire surface of the card 200. The resin sheet 300 includes, for example, an uneven portion 301 that reflects or interferes (diffracts) incident light, a sheet support portion 302, a sheet protection portion 303, and the like.

  The uneven portion 301 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin used as the uneven portion 301 include acrylic resins (methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, styrene and the like polymerized with toluene, ethyl acetate, etc.), vinyl chloride resins, and the like.

  For example, a metal plate having a concavo-convex shape (lattice pattern) having a thickness of about several μm to several tens of μm is heated, and hot stamping is performed on the resin sheet 300 to press the metal plate against a thermoplastic resin. As a result, the uneven portion 301 is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the unevenness included in the uneven portion 301 may be any shape that includes at least two or more surfaces having different heights, has undulations (high and low), and is not flat. That is, for example, the concavo-convex portion 301 only needs to include at least one convex portion and / or at least one concave portion.

  The concavo-convex portion 301 serves as a diffraction grating in which the light changes depending on the viewing angle of the user by diffracted light or reflected light. That is, since the resin sheet 300 has the concavo-convex portion 301, when the user looks into the card 200, the light reflected by the concavo-convex portion 301 gathers depending on the viewing angle and position of the user, for example, the surface of the card 200 is iridescent It will look shining.

  Further, the light condition of the resin sheet 300 varies depending on the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301. For example, depending on the lattice pattern of the concavo-convex portion 301, the user appears to have spotted light on the surface of the resin sheet 300, or light appears to have a mesh shape. Various known patterns can be applied to the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301.

  Further, for example, when the card 200 as shown in FIG. 2 is directly illuminated with natural light or a spotlight and photographed with a camera, the card 200 has a concavo-convex portion 301. Therefore, depending on the amount of direct illumination, a predetermined portion is blurred in white. May be photographed (halated).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, since the incident light is reflected or interfered by the concavo-convex portion 301, for example, when the card 200 is photographed with a camera, the light gathers at a predetermined location. As described above, the portion that is photographed by direct illumination is different depending on the lattice pattern, the photographing position, the relationship between the incident light and the angle of the card 200, and the like.

  The sheet support part 302 and the sheet protection part 303 are made of, for example, a polyester film. The sheet support portion 302 is for supporting the surface of the concavo-convex portion 301 that is not provided with a lattice pattern. Further, the sheet support portion 302 may include an adhesive layer for bonding with the card 200. The sheet protection part 303 is for protecting the surface of the uneven part 301.

  In the present embodiment, a card 200 to which the resin sheet 300 (uneven portion 301) is not attached is also used. In the present embodiment, even if the cards 200 include the same pattern or color illustration 203, if the presence or absence of the resin sheet 300 (uneven portion 301) is different, these may be different cards in the game. explain.

  In this case, the role that the card 200 plays in the game depends on the presence or absence of the resin sheet 300. That is, for example, even if two cards 200 have the same picture illustration 203, the card 200 that does not include the resin sheet 300 has a lower attack power in the game than the card 200 that includes the resin sheet 300. It may be.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even when the cards 200 include the same picture or color illustration 203, if the lattice patterns of the concavo-convex portions 301 are different from each other, they are different from each other in the game. To do.

  In this case, the role that the card 200 plays in the game differs depending on the type of the resin sheet 300 that is attached to the card 200. That is, for example, even if two cards 200 have the same picture illustration 203, the card 200 including the resin sheet 300 having a lattice pattern in which light is floated in a spot shape is a lattice pattern in which light is floated in a mesh shape. The attack power in the game may be lower than that of the card 200 including the resin sheet 300.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the game apparatus 100 executes a game based on read data generated by the image reading apparatus 1 reading the card 200. For example, when the user gives an instruction to start reading the card 200 via a controller or the like from a predetermined game screen, the card 200 is read.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the game screen 150 displayed when reading of the card 200 is executed. For example, when a reading instruction for the card 200 is input by a user's operation, the game screen 150 illustrated in FIG. 4 is displayed by transitioning from a predetermined menu screen.

  The game screen 150 includes, for example, a start button 151 for starting reading of the card 200, a registration button 152 for instructing registration of the card 200 possessed by the user, a return button 153 for returning to the original screen, and the card 200. A read image field 154 for displaying an image corresponding to the read data, a card information field 155 for displaying a game parameter corresponding to the card 200, and the like.

  When game screen 150 is displayed, game device 100 waits for the user to perform a predetermined operation. The user first places the card 200 at a predetermined position inside the image reading apparatus 1. The predetermined position is a predetermined position in an area where the image reading apparatus 1 can read an object to be read (for example, in the visual field of the CCD camera). When the user presses the start button 151 via a controller or the like, the image reading apparatus 1 starts reading the card 200.

  When the card 200 is read by the image reading device 1, information corresponding to the card 200 is displayed on the game screen 150. This information is equivalent to the content of the game character information 204 and is displayed on the game screen 150 by referring to a database stored in advance in the game device 100, for example. Although details will be described later, this database can be searched based on the read data of the card 200, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the game screen 150 in which information corresponding to the card 200 is reflected. As shown in FIG. 5, an image corresponding to the read data of the card 200 is displayed in the read image column 154. In the read image column 154, an image indicated by the read data of the card 200 may be displayed, or an image stored in advance in the game apparatus 100 may be displayed.

  Further, for example, the database of the game device 100 is referred to, and information (game parameters or the like) corresponding to the card 200 is displayed in the card information column 155. The display of start button 151 is changed to indicate that reading of card 200 has been completed. In this state (the state shown in FIG. 5), when the user presses the registration button 152, the card 200 is registered in the game apparatus 100. That is, the card 200 owned by the user can be used in a game battle (dwell) executed by the game apparatus 100.

  As described above, when the card 200 owned by the user is registered in the game apparatus 100, the user can play a game based on the registered information. In other words, according to the game device 100 in the present embodiment, it is possible to feel as if a game is being played using the card 200 owned by the user in the real space in the game world.

  As in the present embodiment, even if the cards 200 have the same pattern, when the type of the card 200 is distinguished based on the presence / absence of the uneven portion 301, the presence / absence of the uneven portion 301 needs to be recognized by the game device 100. Further, even if the cards 200 have the same pattern, when the type of the card 200 is distinguished by the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301, it is necessary to make the game device 100 recognize the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301. Hereinafter, in particular, the configuration and operation of the image reading apparatus 1 that solves this point will be described in detail.

[1-2. Configuration of image reading apparatus]
The image reading apparatus 1 is for reading a recording medium (card 200) including a concavo-convex portion 301 and a reading target image (illustration 203). In the present embodiment, a flexible card 200 will be described as an example of a recording medium. The image reading device 1 reads the card 200 in a state where light from the outside is shielded.

  When the card 200 is read by the image reading device 1, the user places the image reading device 1 in a state where light from the outside of the image reading device 1 is shielded (hereinafter referred to as a state in which the image reading device 1 is closed). .

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the image reading apparatus 1 in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 6, when the image reading apparatus 1 is closed, light from the outside of the image reading apparatus 1 is shielded inside the image reading apparatus 1. That is, the card 200 placed at a predetermined position is not irradiated with light from the outside of the image reading apparatus 1.

  In order to place the card 200 at a predetermined position, the user can place the card 200 at a predetermined position inside the image reading apparatus 1 from the closed state shown in FIG. The reading device 1 is open). For example, when the user raises the opening / closing part 60 from a state where the image reading apparatus 1 is closed, the image reading apparatus 1 can be opened.

  FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the image reading apparatus 1 in the opened state. As shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the image reading apparatus 1 is opened, the user inserts the card 200 into the image reading apparatus 1 by inserting the card 200 from between the opening / closing part 60 and the engaging part 70. Can be placed. When the user places the card 200 at a predetermined position, the user pushes down the opening / closing part 60. When the opening / closing part 60 and the engaging part 70 are engaged and elastically locked to each other, the image reading apparatus 1 can be closed.

  As described above, when the image reading device 1 starts reading the card 200, the user places the card 200 at a predetermined position of the opened image reading device 1 and closes the image reading device 1. When the reading of the card 200 is completed, the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, pulling up the opening / closing part 60) to release the locked state between the opening / closing part 60 and the engaging part 70, whereby the image reading apparatus 1 is opened and the card 200 is removed.

  Next, each component constituting the image reading apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the image reading apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the image reading apparatus 1 includes, for example, an upper outer shell portion 10, an outer light shielding portion 20, an optical transmission portion 30, an inner light shielding portion 40, a card placement portion 50, an opening / closing portion 60, an engagement portion 70, It comprises a lower outer shell portion 80, a door opening / closing transmission portion 90, and the like.

  The optical transmission unit 30 includes, for example, LEDs 31 and 32 and an imaging unit 33 formed of a known CCD camera or the like. The LEDs 31 and 32 are slidably fitted to the light emitting fixing portions 34 and 35. The light emission fixing portions 34 and 35 are detachably bonded to the light transmission portion 30. That is, the LEDs 31 and 32 are fixed to the light transmission unit 30 via the light emission fixing units 34 and 35.

  Although not shown in FIG. 8, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a power supply unit for operating the LEDs 31 and 32 and the imaging unit 33, a communication unit for transmitting read data to the game apparatus 100, and the like. Is included. When the image reading apparatus 1 and the game apparatus 100 are connected by a USB cable, power is supplied from the game apparatus 100 to the image reading apparatus 1 via the USB cable, and the image reading apparatus 1 is connected by this power. You may make it start and operate | move.

  The optical transmission unit 30 is made of an acrylic resin such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin). Of the components constituting the image reading apparatus 1, components other than the optical transmission unit 30 are made of, for example, ABS resin (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). The ABS resin may be mixed with a pigment in order to improve the light shielding property.

  Here, how the light transmission unit 30 transmits the light of the LEDs 31 and 32 and illuminates the card 200 will be described. As a method for the light transmission unit 30 to transmit light from the LEDs 31 and 32, for example, a method similar to a known optical fiber can be applied. That is, the optical transmission unit 30 transmits light based on the difference in refractive index between the core and the clad, for example, as in the case of an optical fiber.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the optical transmission unit 30. For example, the surface of the optical transmission unit 30 is coated with a fluorine-based polymer having a refractive index lower than that of PMMA. In this case, PMMA serves as the core, and the fluoropolymer serves as the cladding. Hereinafter, the PMMA portion of the optical transmission unit 30 is referred to as a core 30a. The fluoropolymer portion of the optical transmission unit 30 is referred to as a clad 30b.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the light emitted from the LEDs 31 and 32 is transmitted inside the light transmission unit 30 based on the difference in refractive index between the core 30a and the clad 30b. Light transmitted through the inside of the optical transmission unit 30 is emitted from the end faces 30 c and 30 d of the optical transmission unit 30. That is, the card 200 is illuminated by the light emitted from the end faces 30 c and 30 d of the light transmission unit 30.

  As described above, for example, the light transmission unit 30 and the LEDs 31 and 32 implement an illumination unit that illuminates a recording medium (card 200) disposed at a predetermined position in the image reading apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the illumination unit emits illumination light to the uneven portion 301 of the recording medium from a position (a plurality of positions) corresponding to the side surface of the recording medium (card 200) arranged at a predetermined position. It is provided so as to enter obliquely.

  The side surfaces of the card 200 are side surfaces (for example, the side surfaces 200a and 200b shown in FIG. 9) when the surface on which the uneven portion 301 and the reading target image (illustration 203) are arranged is the front surface. The position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200 is an angle between a straight line connecting the position and an arbitrary position on the side surface of the card 200 and the normal direction of the front surface of the card 200 within a predetermined range (for example, 70 The position is such that the relationship is over °.

  In other words, when the cutting line direction of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9 is the X axis and the direction orthogonal to the cutting line is the Y axis, the position corresponding to one side surface 200a of the card 200 is: For example, the X-axis coordinate value is smaller than the X-axis coordinate value (X1) of the representative point P1 on the side surface 200a, and the Y-axis coordinate value is larger than the Y-axis coordinate value (Y1) of the representative point P1. For example, the representative point P2 (X-axis coordinate value is X2 and Y-axis coordinate value is Y2) of the end surface 30c of the optical transmission unit 30 shown in FIG. 9 is a position corresponding to the side surface 200a of the card 200.

  For example, the position corresponding to the other side surface 200b of the card 200 is, for example, an X-axis coordinate value larger than the X-axis coordinate value (X3) of the representative point P3 on the side surface 200b and the Y-axis of the representative point P3. The Y-axis coordinate value is larger than the coordinate value (Y3). For example, the representative point P4 (X-axis coordinate value is X4 and Y-axis coordinate value is Y4) of the end surface 30d of the optical transmission unit 30 shown in FIG. 9 is a position corresponding to the side surface 200b of the card 200.

  “Illumination light is obliquely incident on the concave and convex portion 301 of the card 200 from a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200” is, for example, predetermined so that the illumination light from the lighting portion causes a shadow on the concave and convex portion 301. Is incident obliquely on the concavo-convex portion 301 at an incident angle θ.

  In other words, the incident angle θ is an angle at which the shadow caused by the uneven portion 301 can be captured by the read data of the image reading apparatus 1. For example, the incident angle θ is a pixel constituting the read data of the image reading apparatus 1. Is an angle at which the size of the shadow produced by the concavo-convex portion 301 is larger than the size of (the size of the pixel corresponding to the resolution).

  In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the end surface 30c of the optical transmission unit 30 is located at a position corresponding to the side surface 200a of the card 200, and thus the representative point P1 of the side surface 200a and the representative point of the end surface 30c. Light is incident obliquely so that the angle formed by the vector connecting P2 and the X axis is a predetermined angle. Similarly, since the end face 30d of the optical transmission unit 30 is at a position corresponding to the side face 200b of the card 200, the vector connecting the representative point P3 of the side face 200b and the representative point P4 of the end face 30d is formed by the X axis. Light is obliquely incident so that the angle becomes a predetermined angle.

  That is, as described above, the light transmission unit 30 of the present embodiment guides light from the light sources (LEDs 31 and 32), and from a position corresponding to the side surface of the recording medium (card 200) arranged at a predetermined position. The illumination light is incident obliquely on the uneven portion 301 of the recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the light transmission unit 30 includes a reflection unit (clad 30b included in the light transmission unit 30) that reflects incident light from the light sources (LEDs 31 and 32), and reflects light reflected by the reflection unit. By guiding the light, reflected light (indirect illumination light) is obliquely incident on the uneven portion 301 of the recording medium from a position corresponding to the side surface of the recording medium (card 200) arranged at a predetermined position. ing.

  8 and 9, for example, the LEDs 31 and 32 are provided on the end surface 30e side of the light transmission unit 30 so that light is incident on the end surface 30e of the light transmission unit 30. The end surface 30e of the light transmission unit 30 is an incident surface of light from the light source.

  Light from the LEDs 31 and 32 is incident from the end face 30e side of the light transmission unit 30 at a predetermined incident angle. This incident angle is, for example, the refractive index (for example, 1.49) of the core 30a (for example, PMMA) of the optical transmission unit 30 and the refractive index (for example, fluorine polymer) of the optical transmission unit 30. 1.41) and Snell's law. That is, the light of the LEDs 31 and 32 is transmitted while reflecting the inside of the light transmission unit 30.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the optical transmission unit 30 extends from the end surfaces 30 c and 30 d on the side where the LEDs 31 and 32 are not arranged, to the side surface of the uneven portion 301 of the card 200. Therefore, indirect illumination for the card 200 is realized by the light emitted from the end faces 30c and 30d (light emission positions). The end surfaces 30c and 30d (light emission positions) of the optical transmission unit 30 are provided at positions corresponding to the side surfaces 200a and 200b of the card 200 as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the light from the LED 31 and the light from the LED 32 are mixed inside the light transmission unit 30. That is, since the plurality of light sources (LEDs 31 and 32) are provided so as to guide the mixed light composed of the light from the plurality of light sources to the light transmission unit 30, the light transmission unit 30 has the light from the plurality of light sources. Can be mixed and guided. As described above, for example, by transmitting the mixed light of the two LEDs 31 and 32 and performing indirect illumination, the individual difference (variation) of the light emission capability of the light source can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the light transmission unit 30 is provided between the outer light shielding unit 20 and the inner light shielding unit 40. As the outer light-shielding part 20 and the inner light-shielding part 40 are sandwiched between the light transmission parts 30, the light transmitted through the light transmission part 30 leaks out along the way as shown in FIG. It is possible to prevent the card 200 from being irradiated.

  For example, the imaging unit 33 functions as an image reading unit that reads a reading target image (illustration 203) of the recording medium (card 200) illuminated by the lighting unit.

  The card placement unit 50 is for placing the card 200 at a predetermined position in the image reading apparatus 1. For example, the card placement unit 50 functions as a placement unit for placing the recording medium (card 200) at a predetermined position. Further, the card setting part 50 has a concave part and is pivotally supported by the convex part of the opening / closing part 60.

  Since the opening / closing part 60 rotates around the convex part of the opening / closing part 60, the user can change the image reading apparatus 1 between a closed state and an opened state. For example, the user can change the image reading apparatus 1 from a closed state to an open state by rotating the opening / closing unit 60 upward. Further, for example, the user can change the image reading apparatus 1 from an open state to a closed state by rotating the opening / closing unit 60 downward. In addition, for example, the door opening / closing transmission unit 90 is in contact with the opening / closing unit 60 and plays a role of dynamically transmitting the rotation of the opening / closing unit 60 to the outer light shielding unit 20.

  When the user rotates the opening / closing part 60 by a predetermined angle (ie, moves downward) from the state in which the image reading apparatus 1 is opened, the opening / closing part 60 engages with the engaging part 70, and the image reading apparatus 1. Is closed. In this state, the image reading apparatus 1 is shielded from external light. That is, in the present embodiment, the upper outer shell portion 10, the outer light shielding portion 20, the opening / closing portion 60, the engaging portion 70, and the lower outer shell portion 80 realize a shielding portion that shields light from the outside of the image reading apparatus 1. Is done.

  When the opening / closing part 60 is pulled out from the state where the opening / closing part 60 and the engaging part 70 are engaged or pushed into the back, the engaged state is released. That is, the opening / closing part 60 rotates upward (that is, moves upward), and the image reading apparatus 1 is opened again.

  Further, for example, when the user lifts the opening / closing part 60 upward in a state where the opening / closing part 60 and the card setting part 50 are pivotally supported, the concave part of the card setting part 50 and the convex part of the opening / closing part 60 are separated. It comes to come off. In this state, the user can pull the opening / closing part 60 forward (toward the outside of the image reading apparatus 1).

  That is, the opening / closing unit 60 is slidably in contact with the card setting unit 50 so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction of the image reading device 1 (for example, the external direction of the image reading device 1). In a state in which the convex portion is detached, the user can slide the opening / closing portion 60 on the surface of the card installation portion 50.

  The lower outer shell portion 80 can be fixed at a predetermined position inside the image reading apparatus 1 by causing the outer light shielding portion 20, the inner light shielding portion 40, and the card placement portion 50 to enter.

  Next, a position where the card 200 is arranged when the image reading apparatus 1 reads the card 200 will be described.

  10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the card 200 is placed on the card setting unit 50 such that the surface (that is, the image to be read and the surface of the concavo-convex portion 301) faces the direction of the imaging unit 33. The light emission position (end surfaces 30c, 30d) of the optical transmission unit 30 is a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200 placed.

  As described above, by performing indirect illumination of the uneven portion 301 of the card 200 from the side surface direction, a shadow corresponding to the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301 can be generated. Therefore, the game apparatus 100 can grasp the lattice pattern from the shadow indicated by the read data. Furthermore, since the image reading apparatus 1 performs indirect illumination with relatively light light, it is possible to generate read data while preventing halation.

  11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a state where the image reading apparatus 1 is opened. As shown in FIG. 11, the opening / closing unit 60 rotates around the contact point between the concave portion of the card setting unit 50 and the convex portion of the opening / closing unit 60, so that the user can open the card 200 with the image reading device 1 opened. Is placed on the card setting unit 50 and the image reading apparatus 1 is closed, the opening / closing unit 60 can hold the card 200 from above. Therefore, it is possible to fix the card 200 in a predetermined position and to make it flat when the flexible card 200 is warped.

  That is, for example, the opening / closing part 60 functions as a pressing part that presses an area corresponding to the end of the recording medium (card 200) to the mounting part. When the area corresponding to the end portion of the recording medium (card 200) is pressure-bonded to the placement unit, the pressing unit does not superimpose a shadow generated by illuminating the pressing unit on the reading target image (illustration 203). It is provided as follows. For example, the positional relationship is such that the image to be read is not included on a straight line connecting the light emission position of the optical transmission unit 30 and the position where the opening / closing unit 60 presses the card 200.

  Next, details of the game apparatus 100 that executes a game based on the read data generated by the image reading apparatus 1 as described above will be described.

[1-3. Hardware configuration of game device]
The game device 100 is realized by, for example, a home game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a personal computer.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the game apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the game apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, an optical disc playback unit 104, a communication interface unit 105, an operation unit 106, a display unit 107, and an audio output unit 108. Including.

  The control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an SPU (Sound Processing Unit), and the like. The control unit 101 executes various processes according to an operating system and other programs.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 101 functions as a unit that acquires read data of an image to be read (illustration 203) from the image reading apparatus 1 and a unit that executes a game process based on the read data. For example, the control unit 101 includes means for comparing the read data with pre-stored image data, and executes the game process by specifying the type of the recording medium (card 200) based on the comparison result.

  The main storage unit 102 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage unit 102 stores programs and data read from the auxiliary storage unit 103 or the optical disc (information storage medium). The main storage unit 102 is also used as a work memory that stores data necessary for processing.

  The auxiliary storage unit 103 includes, for example, a hard disk device (information storage medium). The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores, for example, a database in which game parameters related to the card 200 are stored.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. As shown in FIG. 13, in the database, for example, various types of information on game characters are stored in association with image patterns corresponding to the read data of the image reading device 1. The image pattern is, for example, image data for identifying the card 200, and is, for example, RGB data corresponding to an image to be read of the card 200 and a shadow by the uneven portion 301.

  The control unit 101 can identify the card 200 read by the image reading device 1 by comparing the read data (RGB data) acquired from the image reading device 1 with the image pattern stored in the database. it can.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the game apparatus 100 recognizes cards 200 having the same pattern as different cards depending on the presence or absence of the uneven portion 301 or the lattice pattern. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, even for cards having the same character name, a plurality of image patterns are associated with each other and stored in the database for each presence / absence of the uneven portion 301 or each lattice pattern.

  In addition, various types of game character information stored in the database correspond to information included in the card 200. That is, for example, the database includes the character name, level, game parameters (for example, game data such as attack power, defense power, and character-specific rules) of the game character.

  The optical disc playback unit 104 reads programs and data stored on the optical disc. For example, a game program is stored on the optical disc.

  Communication interface unit 105 is an interface for communication connection of game device 100 to a communication network. The image reading device 1 and the game device 100 are connected via a communication interface unit 105.

  For example, when the image reading apparatus 1 and the game apparatus 100 are connected by a USB cable, power is supplied to the image reading apparatus 1 via the USB terminal of the communication interface unit 105 and the USB cable. May be.

  The operation unit 106 is for a user to perform various operations. The operation unit 106 includes, for example, a game controller, a touch panel, a mouse, or a keyboard. In addition, for example, the operation unit 106 may be a pointing device that can input a position indicated by the user via infrared rays.

  The display unit 107 is, for example, a home television receiver or a liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 107 displays a screen according to instructions from the control unit 101.

  The audio output unit 108 includes, for example, a speaker or headphones. The audio output unit 108 outputs audio read from the auxiliary storage unit 103, game music stored on the optical disc, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 101.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a program and data necessary for executing a game are supplied to the game apparatus 100 via an optical disc. Note that these programs and data may be supplied to the game apparatus 100 via another information storage medium (for example, a memory card). Alternatively, the program and data may be supplied to game device 100 from a remote location via a communication network.

[1-4. Flow of processing to read card]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the card 200 is registered in the game apparatus 100. For example, when the display screen transitions from a predetermined menu screen, the control unit 101 is executed according to a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 or the optical disc when the display screen transitions from a predetermined menu screen. When this processing is executed, it is assumed that the image reading apparatus 1 is supplied with power via, for example, a USB cable and is activated in advance.

  First, the control unit 101 displays the game screen 150 (FIG. 4) on the display unit 107 (S101). The control unit 101 waits for an input from the user and determines whether or not the start button 151 is pressed (S102). The user performs the reading operation of the card 200 while the control unit 101 waits for an operation from the user in S102.

  Specifically, first, the user operates the opening / closing unit 60 to open the image reading apparatus 1. The user places the card 200 at a predetermined position of the card installation unit 50. Next, the user pushes down the opening / closing unit 60 to close the image reading apparatus 1. That is, the user engages the opening / closing part 60 and the engaging part 70 to shield the inside of the image reading apparatus 1 from external light.

  As described above, the user can place the card 200 at a predetermined position. In the image reading apparatus 1 in which the external light is shielded, the light of the LEDs 31 and 32 is indirectly illuminated via the optical transmission unit 30. That is, for example, light that is lighter than direct illumination is incident on the uneven portion 301 obliquely from a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200.

  Returning to FIG. 14, when the start button 151 is pressed (S102; Y), the control unit 101 transmits a photographing instruction to the image reading device 1 to photograph the card 200 (S103). When the image reading device 1 receives the shooting instruction transmitted from the game device 100, the image reading device 1 uses the imaging unit 33 to photograph the card 200. Control of the photographing operation by the imaging unit 33 may be performed by a CPU (not shown) included in the image reading apparatus 1. In other words, the image reading apparatus 1 reads the indirectly illuminated card 200 and generates read data. The generated read data is transmitted from the image reading apparatus 1 to the game apparatus 100.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of read data generated by the image reading apparatus 1. The read data is, for example, RGB digital image data. That is, the RGB value of each pixel corresponding to the imaging range of the imaging unit 33 is generated as read data. Since the card 200 is placed on the card installation unit 50, the photographed image includes, for example, the card 200, the card installation unit 50, the opening / closing unit 60, and the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, two-dimensional coordinates (Xs-Ys coordinates) are set in the read data with the upper left corner of the image as the origin. The position of each pixel of the image indicated by the read data is specified by the two-dimensional coordinates. That is, for example, for each coordinate, an RGB value associated with each coordinate is generated as read data. As described above, in this embodiment, since the shadow of the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301 is photographed, the shadow as shown in FIG. 15 is included in the read data.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a shadow generated by the uneven portion 301. Here, for simplification of description, for example, the resolution of the imaging unit 33 is 3000 × 2250 (for example, a CCD camera having about 6.6 million pixels), and the size of the imaging range of the imaging unit 33 (for example, shown in FIG. 15). The size of the image is 120 mm × 90 mm. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the thickness of the grating of the concavo-convex portion 301 is set to 60 μm, and a shadow having a width of 80 μm is generated by light incident on the grating at a predetermined angle θ (for example, about 54 °). Explain the case.

  The pixels corresponding to the read data generated by the imaging unit 33 having the imaging capability as described above correspond to, for example, a 40 μm square area on the surface of the card 200 per pixel. That is, as described above, when the uneven portion 301 is illuminated from a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200 and a shadow having a width of 80 μm is generated, the read data includes, for example, a shadow having a width of two pixels. become. In this way, the image reading apparatus 1 can include the shadow of the concavo-convex portion 301 in the image (FIG. 15) indicated by the read data.

  Returning to FIG. 14, the control unit 101 receives read data from the image reading apparatus 1 (S104). The control unit 101 temporarily stores the received read data in the main storage unit 102 or the like, and collates with the database (S105). In S105, for example, the read data and the database are compared as follows.

  First, among the captured images indicated by the read data, the positions of the four corners of the illustration 203 are specified. As this specifying method, for example, the determination is made based on a difference in pixel values between a target pixel in a captured image and surrounding pixels. The positions of the four corners of the illustration 203 are set as coordinates P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. For example, the RGB data of the pixels surrounded by these four coordinates and the image pattern data stored in the database are compared.

  Specifically, when the difference between the pixel value of a certain pixel and the pixel value of the image pattern having the same coordinate as this pixel is within a predetermined range (for example, less than the reference value), the similarity flag of this pixel is set to 1. And On the other hand, when the difference between the pixel values is not within a predetermined range (for example, a reference value or more), the similarity flag of this pixel is 0. The other pixels surrounded by the coordinates P1 to P4 are also compared in the same manner, and the value of the similarity flag corresponding to each pixel is determined.

  This similarity flag is stored in the main storage unit 102 in association with the coordinates of the pixel, for example. When the sum of the similar flags of all the pixels to be compared (that is, the pixels surrounded by the coordinates P1 to P4) is calculated and this total value is equal to or greater than the reference value, the image pattern to be compared is changed to the image pattern to be compared. A corresponding card 200 is recognized. That is, since the total value of the similarity flag indicates the degree of similarity (similarity rate) of the image, the data that is similar to the read data and the image among the data stored in the database is referred to.

  Note that as the collation method in S105, various known methods such as so-called pattern matching for comparing image data can be applied. That is, the collation method in S105 is not limited to the above example.

  Returning to FIG. 14, the control unit 101 determines whether there is data in the database that matches the read data (S106). For example, it is determined whether there is a record in which the total value of the similarity flags is equal to or greater than a reference value.

  If there is a match (S106; Y), the control unit 101 causes the display unit 107 to display the game screen 150 including the data of the matched record (S107). In other words, data associated with an image pattern in which the total value of the similarity flags is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is referred to. In S107, a game screen 150 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the registration button 152 has been pressed (S108). When the registration button 152 is pressed (S108; Y), the control unit 101 registers the data of the card 200 (S109). That is, information for identifying the card 200 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 as the card 200 used by the user in the game.

  On the other hand, if there is no match (S106; N), the control unit 101 causes the display unit 107 to display a game screen 150 including an error message (S110). Although the game screen 150 displayed in S108 is not particularly shown, a message such as “no match” is displayed on the game screen 150.

  The control unit 101 determines whether an end condition is satisfied (S111). The termination condition may be a predetermined condition. The end condition is, for example, whether or not the return button 153 is pressed.

  If the end condition is satisfied (S111; Y), this process ends. On the other hand, when the end condition is not satisfied (S111; N), the process returns to S102. That is, the user can wait for an operation for registering the card 200 again.

[1-5. Summary of Embodiment]
According to the image reading apparatus 1 described above, illumination light is obliquely incident on the concave / convex portion 301 of the card 200 from a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200, so that the grid pattern of the concave / convex portion 301 is reflected in the shadow and read. Data can be generated.

  That is, the game apparatus 100 can grasp whether or not the card 200 has the uneven portion 301 or what kind of lattice pattern includes the uneven portion 301 based on the read data of the image reading device 1. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the presence or absence of unevenness of the recording medium (card 200) and the difference and presence or absence of unevenness included in the recording medium (card 200).

  Therefore, even if the cards 200 have the same pattern and the presence or absence of the resin sheet 300 is different, the game apparatus 100 can recognize these as different cards 200. Further, even if the cards 200 have the same pattern, if the lattice pattern of the resin sheet 300 is different, the game apparatus 100 can recognize these as different cards 200.

  In addition, since the image reading apparatus 1 reads the card 200 using indirect illumination, it is possible to irradiate light having a substantially uniform intensity from the direction around the card 200. Therefore, according to the image reading apparatus 1, it is possible to illuminate the card 200 evenly as compared with the conventional case where direct illumination is used in which the difference between the portion with a large amount of light and the portion with a small amount of light is large. , It is possible to reduce halation such that a specific part becomes white. That is, according to the image reading apparatus 1, the reading accuracy of the card 200 can be improved.

  Furthermore, for example, by indirectly illuminating from a plurality of directions on the side surface (lateral side) of the card 200, the image reading apparatus 1 can make the shadow (shadow) of the uneven portion 301 clear. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the image reading apparatus 1 can make the shadow of the uneven portion 301 clearer by irradiating light so as to sandwich the card 200 from both side surfaces.

  Further, since the database of the game device 100 stores an image pattern including a shadow pattern generated by the uneven portion 301, the user can grasp the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301 owned by the user based on the read data. The card 200 can be specified. For example, compared to the conventional method of specifying the card 200 using a bar code or a two-dimensional code, the game apparatus 100 can determine the lattice pattern of the concavo-convex portion 301 and execute the game process.

[2. Modified example]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  (1) For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the resin sheet 300 is provided so as to overlap the entire surface of the card 200 has been described, but the resin sheet 300 is provided only at a position corresponding to the image to be read. It only has to be.

  For example, the resin sheet 300 may be provided so as to overlap only the area of the illustration 203. In this case, the user appears to reflect light irregularly only in the area of the illustration 203 in the card 200.

  Further, for example, the resin sheet 300 may be provided so as to border an area corresponding to an end portion of the reading target image (illustration 203). In this case, the user appears to reflect light irregularly only around the illustration 203 in the card 200.

  For example, the card 200 may include a plurality of resin sheets 300.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the reading target image is described as the illustration 203, but the reading target image may be a character included in the game character information 204. In other words, the image read by the image reading apparatus 1 includes characters. For example, the card 200 may include only characters without including the illustration 203. In this case, the image reading apparatus 1 identifies the card 200 based on the read data (image data) including the characters of the card 200 and the shadows by the concavo-convex portion 301.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the example in which the uneven portion 301 is illuminated from two directions corresponding to the side surface of the card 200 has been described. However, the illumination light is irradiated from the position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200. The illumination may be incident obliquely, and the direction of illumination is not limited to the example of the embodiment.

  For example, the concavo-convex portion 301 may be illuminated from only one direction corresponding to the side surface of the card 200, or the concavo-convex portion 301 may be illuminated from the entire periphery (ie, four directions) of the card 200. In this case, since the shadow pattern included in the read data is different from that of the embodiment, the image pattern of the database stored in the game apparatus 100 is appropriately different depending on the illumination method.

  (4) Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the card 200 is indirectly illuminated to prevent halation has been described. However, the image reading apparatus 1 has a position corresponding to the side surface of a light source with a light amount that does not cause halation. You may make it illuminate directly from. Also in this case, as in the above embodiment, the image reading apparatus 1 can generate image data in which the lattice pattern of the concavo-convex portion 301 is reflected in the shadow.

  (5) Moreover, although the example which applies LED as a light source was demonstrated, another light emitting element (for example, laser diode etc.) may be used for a light source. Also, the number of light sources may be one or more, and the number of light sources may not be two as in the embodiment. For example, three or more light sources may be arranged so as to illuminate the uneven portion 301 from the periphery of the card 200.

  (6) Further, the case where the image reading device 1 reads the card 200 placed on the card setting unit 50 has been described, but the card 200 may be placed at a predetermined position of the image reading device 1. The arrangement method of the card 200 is not limited to this. For example, the card 200 may be arranged at a predetermined position by sandwiching both ends of the card 200 with clips.

  (7) Further, the case where the illustration 203 of the read data of the image reading apparatus 1 is collated with the image pattern stored in the database of the game apparatus 100 has been described. The whole 200 may be compared.

  (8) Further, the resin sheet 300 may be a known hologram sheet in which game characters, characters, and the like are raised depending on the angle at which the user views the card 200. The hologram sheet is produced, for example, by vapor-depositing a reflective member (for example, an aluminum foil) having a thickness of about several hundred to several thousand on the surface of the concavo-convex portion 301 serving as a diffraction grating.

  The hologram sheet is provided so as to overlap the card 200 as in the above embodiment. Since the image reading apparatus 1 illuminates the concavo-convex portion 301 from a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200, the shadow of the concavo-convex portion 301 can be similarly reflected in the read data even when a hologram sheet is used.

  (9) Further, the example in which the uneven portion 301 is included in the resin sheet 300 has been described. However, the uneven portion 301 may be included in the card 200, and the uneven portion included in the recording medium (card 200) is not limited thereto. I can't. For example, the card 200 itself may be embossed to have an uneven portion.

  Also in this case, since the image reading apparatus 1 illuminates the uneven portion from a position corresponding to the side surface of the card 200 as in the present embodiment, it can generate read data including a shadow of the pattern of the uneven portion. .

  (10) Although the card 200 has been described as an example of the recording medium, the recording medium may be a medium that includes the uneven portion and the image to be read. That is, the recording medium is not limited to the example of the card 200 as in the present embodiment. For example, the recording medium may be a mobile phone screen. In this case, the image to be read is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone, and uneven portions such as the resin sheet 300 are provided so as to be superimposed on the display unit.

  (11) Although the game executed by the game apparatus 100 has been described as a card game, it may be a game executed by registering a recording medium owned by the user, and the game executed by the game apparatus 100 is a card game. Not limited to games.

  For example, the game executed by the game device 100 may be a sports game performed using a card 200 on which a sports player is printed. Even in this case, as in the present embodiment, the game is executed based on the read data reflecting the lattice pattern of the uneven portion 301 of the card 200.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reader, 10 Upper outer shell part, 20 Outer light-shielding part, 30 Optical transmission part, 30a Core, 30b Cladding, 30c, 30d, 30e End surface, 31, 32 LED, 33 Imaging part, 34, 35 Light emission fixing part, 40 Inner light shielding unit, 50 Card installation unit, 60 Opening / closing unit, 70 Engaging unit, 80 Lower outer shell unit, 90 Door opening / closing transmission unit, 100 Game device, 101 Control unit, 102 Main storage unit, 103 Auxiliary storage unit, 104 Optical disk playback unit, 105 communication interface unit, 106 operation unit, 107 display unit, 108 audio output unit, 150 game screen, 151 start button, 152 registration button, 153 back button, 154 read image column, 155 card information column, 200 card , 200a, 200b side, 201 card name, 202 level, 203 illustration 204 game character information, 300 a resin sheet, 301 uneven portions, 302 seat support, 303 sheets protection unit, P1, P2, P3, P4 representative point.

Claims (6)

The target image reading an uneven portion an image reading apparatus for reading a recording medium having a unrealized flexibility,
A shielding unit that shields light from the outside of the image reading device;
An illumination unit that illuminates the recording medium disposed at a predetermined position in the image reading device;
An image reading unit that reads the image to be read and the uneven portion of the recording medium illuminated by the illumination unit;
A placement unit for placing the recording medium at the predetermined position;
A pressing portion that press-bonds an area corresponding to an end portion of the recording medium to the placement portion;
Including
The illumination unit is provided such that illumination light is obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium and the read target image from a position corresponding to a side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position .
When the pressing unit and the illuminating unit are bonded to the mounting unit in a region corresponding to the end portion of the recording medium, a shadow generated when the illuminating unit illuminates the pressing unit is superimposed on the reading target image. Is not provided,
An image reading apparatus. The illumination unit is provided so that the illumination light is obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium and the image to be read from a plurality of positions corresponding to side surfaces of the recording medium arranged at the predetermined position. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The illumination unit is
A light source;
In order to guide light from the light source and make the illumination light obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium and the image to be read from a position corresponding to the side surface of the recording medium arranged at the predetermined position. An optical transmission section of
Including
The light transmission unit includes a reflection unit that reflects incident light from the light source, and guides the reflected light from the reflection unit, thereby allowing a position corresponding to the side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflected light is obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium and the image to be read. The illumination unit includes a plurality of the light sources,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the optical transmission unit mixes and guides light from the plurality of light sources. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
Means for acquiring read data of the image to be read from the image reading device;
Means for executing a game process based on the read data;
A game system comprising: The target image reading an uneven portion an image reading method for an image reading apparatus for reading a recording medium having a unrealized flexibility,
The area corresponding to the end is pressure-bonded by a pressing portion to a placement portion for placing the recording medium at a predetermined position in the image reading device where light from the outside of the image reading device is shielded. By an illumination unit provided so that illumination light is obliquely incident on the uneven portion of the recording medium and the image to be read from a position corresponding to the side surface of the recording medium disposed at the predetermined position. is illuminated, it sees contains the step of reading the read-target image and the uneven portion of the illuminated said recording medium by the illumination unit,
When the pressing unit and the illuminating unit are bonded to the mounting unit in a region corresponding to the end portion of the recording medium, a shadow generated when the illuminating unit illuminates the pressing unit is superimposed on the reading target image. Is not provided,
An image reading method.

Images