Patent ID: 7672503

Claim:
A direction-recognizing apparatus for recognizing at least N different directions (N≧2) by using a direction-indicating member, the apparatus comprising: memory means for storing N registered images for identifying the N directions and direction-data items associated with the registered images, respectively, each image including a physical pattern on a corresponding one of N surfaces of the direction-indicating member, each physical pattern unique with respect to other physical patterns on the N surfaces; image-recognizing means for comparing an input image of the direction-indicating member, photographed in a given direction, with the N registered images, and for extracting one of the registered images which is determined to be identical or similar to the input image of the direction-indicating member; and direction-recognizing means for recognizing the direction in which the input image has been photographed, from the direction-data item associated with the registered image extracted, wherein the N surfaces of the direction-indicating member can be identified when viewed in the N different directions.