1. Apparatus for processing an embossed card on which embossed characters are formed, said apparatus comprising: a pair of light emitting diode arrays arranged to illuminate an embossed card alternately from two oblique directions opposite to each other; a light collector disposed between said pair of light emitting diode arrays for collecting the light reflected from said embossed card; means for receiving the collected light and converting said received light into two series of electrical signals; means for differentiating said two series of electrical signals to produce pattern data representing embossed characters; character data storage for storing characteristic data of a predetermined set of characters; and means responsive to said means for differentiating and said character data storage for identifying said embossed characters.