Operating device

Abstract

Operating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a projection device (2) including a light source (12) for visible light radiation (13), a detection device (3), an evaluation device (7), and a display element (4), wherein at least one operating element (5) can be projected as an image onto the display element (4) by means of the projection device (2) using the visible light radiation (13), such that the operating element (5) can be acted upon by means of an object (6), in particular by means of a human finger, wherein the action of the object (6) on the operating element (5) can be detected by means of the detection device (3), and wherein a signal (8) corresponding to the action, in particular in the form of a switching signal for operating and / or triggering a function, can be generated by means of the evaluation device (7), characterized in thatthat at least the part of the control element (5) that is hidden by the object (6) when the object (6) acts on the control element (5) can be hidden when the control element (5) is projected, in particular that the entire control element (5) can be hidden.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a control device can be used by the user to operate and / or trigger functions. In particular, the control device can be used in a motor vehicle.

[0003] Such an operating device is known from DE 10 2013 007 105 A1. This operating device comprises a projection device including a light source for visible light radiation, a detection device, an evaluation device, and a display element. At least one operating element can be projected as an image onto the display element by means of the projection device using visible light radiation. This virtual operating element can be operated by means of an object, in particular a human finger. The detection device detects the object's interaction with the operating element. The evaluation device then generates a signal corresponding to the interaction, in particular a switching signal for operating and / or triggering a function.

[0004] It has been found that when an object interacts with the projected control element, the control element is projected onto the object, since the object is located within the projected area of ​​the control element at the time. Thus, the projected control element, or at least parts of it, are visible to the user on the object. This is detrimental to the user experience, as the user expects, based on other known human-machine interfaces such as a display, that the control element, or parts of it, will be obscured by the object.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of further developing the operating device in such a way as to create an improved user experience.

[0006] This problem is solved in a generic operating device by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0007] In the control device according to the invention, at least the part of the control element that is obscured by the object when the object interacts with it can be hidden during the projection of the control element. In a simpler embodiment, the entire control element can be hidden upon detection of the object's interaction with it. This makes at least the normally obscured part of the control element invisible to the user, advantageously creating the user perception that the control element is covered by the object. In a simple and reliable manner, a user perception similar to that of a display is thus created. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] In a further advantageous embodiment, the operating device can be provided with at least one infrared (IR) source for projecting infrared radiation onto the display element, corresponding to the operating element. In addition to the light source that produces visible light radiation, an IR source can thus be provided for generating infrared radiation invisible to the human eye. Furthermore, the detection device can have at least one infrared (IR) receiver, which can receive the infrared (IR) radiation reflected by the display element and / or the object. Finally, the evaluation device can evaluate the reflected infrared (IR) radiation to generate the signal. In other words, the effect of the object on the operating element can be detected using infrared (IR) radiation.This advantageously creates a cost-effective and reliable detection of the object on the control element, whereby this detection is invisible to the human eye.

[0009] Furthermore, the evaluation unit can determine the portion of the control element obscured by the object based on the reflected IR (infrared) radiation. To do this, the object's position relative to the display element and / or its size, shape, or outline can first be determined using the reflected IR (infrared) radiation. Then, by comparing this to the control element, the portion obscured by the object is determined. This obscured portion is then hidden during projection by the projection device, so that only those parts of the control element not obscured by the object are projected. Naturally, this determination and / or calculation of the obscured portions can also be performed dynamically, so that any movement of the object on the display element is taken into account.For these calculations, a microprocessor can be used in the evaluation unit, for example. Of course, another powerful computer, on which algorithms known for image processing are implemented, can also be used for the necessary calculations if required. If the entire control element, and not just the part obscured by the object, is to be hidden, a less powerful and therefore more cost-effective microprocessor can be used due to the simpler calculations involved.

[0010] The light source can be flexibly arranged in the projection device and / or the detection device. Likewise, the IR (infrared) source can be flexibly arranged in the projection device and / or the detection device. In a simple and cost-effective manner, the projection device and the detection device can be formed as a single unit, particularly such that the detection device is integrated into the projection device. The projection device can preferably comprise an LCD (liquid crystal display), a TFT (thin film transistor) display, an LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) display, a micromirror array, a slide film, or the like. In a cost-effective and reliable manner, the light source for visible light radiation can consist of a light-emitting diode, a laser, or the like.The IR source for IR radiation can also consist of a cost-effective and reliable IR (infrared) light-emitting diode, an IR (infrared) laser, or similar device. Finally, the IR receiver can also consist of a cost-effective and reliable IR (infrared) photodiode.

[0011] For high-quality display of the control element, the projection device can include projection optics for projecting the control element using visible light. Infrared (IR) radiation can also be projected onto the control element using the projection optics in a simple and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the reflected IR radiation can be directed to the IR receiver using the projection optics in a simple and cost-effective manner. In other words, the same projection optics can be used to project both visible light and IR radiation (invisible to the human eye) onto the display element, as well as to direct the reflected IR radiation to the IR receiver for detection.

[0012] As mentioned previously, an IR (infrared) source such as an LED (light-emitting diode) or a laser diode can be used to generate the IR (infrared) radiation. An IR (infrared) receiver, such as a receiver diode sensitive to IR (infrared) light, can be used to detect the reflected IR (infrared) radiation.

[0013] Advantageously, a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor can also be provided for the operating device. Using the ToF sensor, the distance of the object to the display element can then be determined. In addition to detecting the object on the operating element via the IR receiver, this provides a simple and cost-effective way to detect the object's spatial position relative to the operating element on the display. The evaluation unit can function in such a way that the signal, similar to a switching signal, is only generated when the object touches the operating element on the display. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect operation, such as the object unintentionally entering the projected area of ​​the operating element at a distance from the display. In this way, an improved user experience is created in a reliable manner.

[0014] According to the invention, the operating device is also designed to implement the method for operating and / or running the operating device described below by way of example.

[0015] In this method, at least one control element in the form of a virtual control element is projected as an image onto a display element by means of visible light radiation from a projection device, in particular by means of a projection optic. Furthermore, the interaction of an object, in particular a human finger, with the control element is detected by means of a detection device. Finally, upon detection of the object's interaction with the control element, at least the part of the control element obscured by the object is hidden during the projection of the control element. In particular, the entire control element can be hidden in a simple manner.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, in which the detection is advantageously invisible to the human eye, infrared (IR) radiation, invisible to the human eye, can additionally be projected from an IR source, and in particular again by means of the projection optics, onto the display element corresponding to the control element. The reflected IR radiation can then be received by means of at least one IR receiver. The interaction of the object with the control element causes a change in the IR radiation reflected by the display element and / or the object. This change in the IR light results from the different reflection properties between the object and the control element projected onto the display element.The received reflected IR (infrared) radiation, and in particular its changes, can then be analyzed to detect the object's interaction with the control element. If desired, a signal corresponding to the object's interaction with the control element, specifically a switching signal for operating and / or triggering a function, can be generated. Finally, the portion of the control element obscured by the object can be determined based on the received reflected IR (infrared) radiation.

[0017] Furthermore, the distance between the object and the display element can be determined using a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for infrared (IR) radiation. In particular, the IR radiation reflected by the object can be used for this purpose in a simple manner. The portion of the control element obscured by the object during projection can then only be hidden when the object is closer than a predetermined distance from the display element. Essentially, this ensures that correct operation by touching the display element with the object is easily recognizable for the user, as incorrect operation is visible because the control element is not hidden on the object.

[0018] The following can be stated regarding a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0019] To provide a human-machine interface in the form of a control device, displays such as LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) or OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) are frequently used. To recognize user input, these are additionally equipped with a touch-sensitive surface, such as a touchscreen. In some applications, however, it is not possible to integrate a display onto a surface due to space and / or cost constraints. A curved surface can also complicate the use of displays. For these applications, projection technology offers an alternative. The projection can be rear-projected onto a matte or semi-transparent surface, as described, for example, in US 2013 / 179811 A1, US 2012 / 287663 A1, US 8 142 030 B2, and US 7 084 859 B1. The disadvantage of rear projection, however, is that it requires a greater installation depth.To achieve a shallower installation depth, expensive optics or mirrors must be used. Therefore, in most projectors, the projection occurs on the same side of the surface from which the viewer looks at the surface, as is known, for example, from DE 10 2011 081 334 A1, EP 1 576 632 B1, US 5 528 263 A and US 7 149 152 B1.

[0020] Another human-machine interface, described in DE 10 2013 007 105 A1, recognizes an object, in particular a user's finger, on a control surface with at least one projected control element, thus enabling interaction. A disadvantage of this human-machine interface, however, is that during interaction, the light from the projector is shaded by the finger, making the projected control element visible on the top of the finger. This is unusual for the user, as it does not occur with displays such as those on a smartphone. Furthermore, this prevents the sensation of pressing a virtual control element like a button when the control element is visible on the top of the finger. This is avoided with the invention, as described below.

[0021] When an interaction with the object, especially with a finger, is detected and validated, the projected control element is dimmed precisely at the point of interaction where the finger is located, effectively hiding the activated control element. If at least two controls are present, only the activated control element is hidden, while the remaining controls remain visible to the user. This creates the impression for the user that the light is emanating from the interaction surface, similar to a display.

[0022] The advantages achieved with the invention consist in particular of creating an improved user experience. This results, in particular, in a user experience similar to that of a display.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below. They show Fig. 1. A perspective view of an operating device, Fig. 2 a schematic top view of an element of the operating device Fig. 1 with a first control element, a second control element and a third control element, Fig. 3 a schematic view of the operating device Fig. 1 in a further version, Fig. 4 a schematic view as in Fig. 3 according to a further explanation, Fig. 5 in a schematic top view a display element with a projected control element and an object acting on the control element, Fig. 6 a view like in Fig. 5, where the control element is projected onto the object and Fig. 7 a view like in Fig. 5, where the projection of the control onto the object is hidden.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the operating device 1 comprising a projection device 2 with a light source 12 for light radiation visible to the human eye, and a detection device 3 with at least one IR (infrared) source 9 for IR (infrared) radiation invisible to the human eye, as well as at least one IR (infrared) receiver 10, wherein the detection device 3 is integrated into the projection device 2 and acts in concert with the projection device 2. Advantageously, the projection optics 2' of the projection device 2 are used for the IR source 9 for emitting the IR light and for the IR receiver 10 for detecting the IR light. An IR source 9 in the form of an LED or a laser diode is provided for generating the IR light, and an IR receiver 10 in the form of an IR-sensitive receiver diode is provided for detecting the reflected IR light.The projection device 2 preferably further comprises an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display, an LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) display, a micromirror array, or a slide film. Furthermore, a display element 4 and an evaluation device 7 are provided. The display element 4 is designed as a control surface, in particular a control surface in the interior of a motor vehicle. In this respect, the projection device 2 is further designed such that it can be aligned with a freely selectable display element 4. Furthermore, at least one control element 5 can be projected as a virtual image onto the display element 4 by means of visible light radiation 13 using the projection device 2. The control element 5 is assigned to a function in the motor vehicle and can, for example, display the symbol for the function "switch on rear window defroster".The control element 5 can be actuated by means of an object 6, in particular a human finger. The detection device 3 with the IR receiver 10 and the evaluation unit 7 serve to detect the effect of the object 6 on the control element 5. The IR radiation 14 from the IR source 9 is projected onto the display element 4 corresponding to the control element 5, and the IR radiation 15 reflected from the display element 4 and / or the object 6 is received by the IR receiver 10 and evaluated by the evaluation unit 7. Finally, a signal 8 in the form of a switching signal can be generated by the evaluation unit 7 to operate and / or trigger the respective function in the vehicle.

[0025] If desired, the detection device 3 can also include a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor 11, which uses time-of-flight measurement of the IR radiation 14 emitted by the IR source 9 and the IR radiation 15 received by the IR receiver 10 to detect the spatial position of the object 6 relative to the control element 5. This allows the distance of the object 6 to the display element 4 to be determined. The evaluation device 7 then operates such that the signal 8, in the form of a switching signal, is only generated when the object 6 touches the control element 5 or when there is a slight distance to the control element 5. This prevents possible operating errors, such as the object 6 unintentionally entering the projected area of ​​the control element 5. In this way, an improved user experience is achieved when operating the control element 5 on the display element 4.

[0026] The following is a non-inventive method for operating the in Fig. The operating device 1 shown in Figure 1 is described in more detail below. First, at least one operating element 5 is projected onto the display element 4 by means of visible light radiation 13 using the projection device 2. The IR source 9 located in the detection device 3 emits corresponding IR radiation 14 onto the operating element 5 by means of the projection device 2.

[0027] The IR radiation 15 reflected by the control element 5 is detected by the IR receiver 10, which is also located in the detection unit 3. If the control element 5 is now acted upon by means of the object 6, in particular by means of a human finger, the reflected IR radiation 15 is altered by the object 6. This alteration of the IR radiation 15 results from the different reflection properties between the object 6 and the control element 5 projected onto the display element 4. The IR radiation 15 reflected by the object 6 is then detected by the IR receiver 10, so that the evaluation unit 7 registers the effect of the object 6 on the control element 5 and generates the signal 8 in the form of a switching signal for operating and / or triggering the respective function.

[0028] If desired, the spatial location of the control element 5 relative to the display element 4 and relative to the IR source 9 can be detected by measuring the time-of-flight of the IR radiation 14, 15 using the ToF (Time of Flight) sensor 11 located in the detection device 3. For this purpose, the ToF sensor 11 determines the time of flight of the IR light 14, 15 based on the distance between the IR source 9 and the control element 5 projected onto the display element 4, thus calibrating the detection device 3. If the control element 5 is then acted upon by the object 6, the distance between the IR source 9 and the control element 5 is reduced by the thickness of the object 6, thereby changing the time of flight of the IR light 14, 15. The thickness of object 6 serves as a threshold for detecting object 6 by the evaluation unit 7 using the ToF sensor 11.Using the threshold value based on the transit time of the IR radiation 14, 15, contact between the control element 5 and the object 6 can be reliably detected. If such contact is detected, the evaluation unit 7 then generates the signal 8, which is the type of switching signal used to operate and / or trigger the respective function. Furthermore, this prevents unintentional operation of the control element 5 due to the object 6 inadvertently entering the projected area of ​​the control element 5. The signal 8 is generated by the evaluation unit 7 only when the object 6 detects contact with the control element 5, thus achieving an improved user experience.

[0029] The following is a further embodiment of the non-inventive method for operating the in Fig. The operating device 1 shown in 1 is illustrated, particularly when at least two operating elements 5 are projected onto the display element 4. On the display element 4 shown in Fig. The two display elements 4 shown in Figure 2 can be used to selectively and / or cyclically project a first control element 5', a second control element 5", and a third control element 5''' by means of the projection device 2. The first control element 5' represents the symbol for the function "-", the second control element 5'' represents the symbol for the function "on / off", and the third control element 5''' represents the symbol for the function "+". Initially, only the first control element 5' is projected onto the display element 4 for 50 ms, while the second and third control elements 5''' are hidden. Correspondingly, IR radiation from the IR source 9 is emitted onto the first control element 5' only by means of the projection device 2, and the IR radiation reflected from the first control element 5' is detected by the IR receiver 10.Next, only the second control element 5'' is projected onto the display element 4 for 50 ms, while the first control element 5' and the third control element 5''' are hidden. Correspondingly, IR radiation is projected only onto the second control element 5'', and the IR radiation reflected from the second control element 5'' is detected by the IR receiver 10. Then, only the third control element 5''' is projected onto the display element 4 for 50 ms, while the first control element 5' and the second control element 5'' are hidden. Correspondingly, IR radiation is projected only onto the third control element 5''', and the IR radiation reflected from the third control element 5''' is detected by the IR receiver 10. This process is repeated cyclically, so that it is imperceptible to the human eye.

[0030] When object 6 is used to act upon the second control element 5'', the IR radiation reflected by object 6 is altered. This alteration of the IR radiation results from the different reflective properties of object 6 compared to the second control element 5'' on the display element 4. The IR radiation reflected by object 6 is then received by the IR receiver 10, enabling the evaluation unit 7 to detect object 6 on the second control element 5'' using the IR receiver 10. Based on this detection, the signal 8, in the form of a switching signal, is generated to operate the "on / off" function. In this way, reliable detection of the effect of object 6 on the respective control element 5 is ensured.Furthermore, a possible operating error, for example by simultaneously acting on the second control element 5'' and the third control element 5'''', is excluded, since only one control element 5 is ever projected onto the display element 4 and thereby detected by the detection device 3. The method is transferable to any number of projected control elements 5 on the display element 4. As in . Fig. As described in section 1, the detection device 3 can optionally include at least one ToF sensor 11, which, in conjunction with the evaluation device 7, serves to detect the spatial location of the object 6 in relation to the control element 5. The signal 8 is generated by the evaluation device 7 only when the object 6 detects contact with the control element 5, in order to ensure an improved user experience.

[0031] In Fig. 3 is another version of the operating device 1 from Fig. 1 encompassing the display element 4 from Fig. 2. The projection device 2 comprises a slide film with at least one slide, such that, corresponding to the slide, the first control element 5', the second control element 5'', and further, the third control element 5''' can be projected onto the display element 4 by means of the projection optics 2'. Furthermore, the projection device 2 has a first IR receiver 10', a second IR receiver 10'', and further, a third IR receiver 10''' in the form of a photodiode. The first IR receiver 10' in the projection device 2 is arranged corresponding to the first control element 5'. Furthermore, the second IR receiver 10'' in the projection device 2 is arranged corresponding to the second control element 5''. Furthermore, the third IR receiver 10''' in the projection device 2 is arranged corresponding to the third control element 5'''. Consequently, each control element 5 is assigned a corresponding IR receiver 10.The projection optics 2' are advantageously used to emit the IR radiation by means of the IR source 9 and to detect the reflected IR radiation by means of the respective IR receiver 10. In this way, the IR radiation reflected by the respective control element 5 is detected only by the respective IR receiver 10. In a flexible embodiment, a light guide can also be installed in the projection device 2 instead of the IR receiver 10. The IR receiver 10 can thus be located at a freely selectable location, such that the light guide serves to direct the reflected IR radiation to the IR receiver 10.

[0032] Finally, the Fig. 4 a further version of the operating device 1 from Fig. 1. In this operating device 1, the IR source 9 is arranged separately from the projection device 2. As already described, the respective operating element 5', 5'', 5''' is projected by the projection device 2 onto the display element 4 by means of visible light radiation via the projection optics 2'. Furthermore, the IR radiation corresponding to the respective operating element 5', 5'', 5''' is emitted from the IR source 9, which is arranged separately from the projection device 2, onto the display element 4 via the projection optics 2''. The respective reflected IR radiation is then directed by means of the projection optics 2' to the respective IR receiver 10', 10'', 10''' in the projection device 2 and evaluated as already described.

[0033] In Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of how object 6 operates control element 5. Thus, in Fig. Figure 5 shows the display element 4 with the control element 5 projected by the visible light radiation, where the control element 5 represents the symbol for the "Telephone" function. The object 6 is still outside the display element 4, approaching the control element 5, in order to then act upon it.

[0034] If, without further action, the object 6 is used to act on the control element 5, which is projected onto the display element 4, the following results: Fig. Figure 6 shows the representation. Object 6 is located on the projected control element 5 for operating the "Telephone" function and covers the projected area of ​​control element 5 on display element 4. Since the projection of control element 5 onto display element 4 is continuous, control element 5 is now projected onto object 6. This is unusual for the user, as the projected control element 5 is now visible on object 6, which is not the case with familiar human-machine interfaces such as a display.

[0035] To remedy this behavior, which is unusual for the user, at least the part of control 5 that is obscured by object 6 when object 6 interacts with control 5 can be hidden when control 5 is projected. In particular, it may be advantageous, especially if the size of control 5 is approximately equal to or smaller than the size of object 6, for the entire control 5 to be hidden when object 6 interacts with it, as described in more detail in Fig. 7 is shown. As in Fig. In 6, object 6 is located on the projected control element 5 for operating the "Telephone" function. Unlike in Fig. According to the invention, 6 is the projected control element 5. Fig. 7 is hidden and therefore invisible to the user. The user perceives this as the control element 5 on the display element 4 being covered by the object 6. Advantageously, this creates a user experience similar to that of a display. When multiple control elements 5 are projected onto the display element 4, only the respective control element 5 that is being acted upon by the object 6 is hidden.

[0036] It may also be advantageous that the portion of control 5 obscured by object 6 is only hidden during the projection of control 5 if object 6 is less than a predetermined distance from display element 4. Exceeding this maximum distance means that while object 6 is within the projection area for control 5, it is not substantially touching display element 6. This constitutes an incorrect operation of control 5, which is reflected accordingly by the display of control 5 on object 6. Fig. 6 is recognizable to the user. The distance of object 6 to the display element 4 can be determined, as described above, using the ToF sensor 11.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Rather, it also encompasses all technically advanced developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Thus, the invention can be used not only for control elements in motor vehicles. The control device according to the invention can also be used in other devices, for example, for household appliances, machine tools, computer controls, or the like. Reference symbol list 1 Operating device 2 Projection equipment 2', 2'' projection optics 3 Detection device 4 Display element 5 Control element 5' first control element 5'' second control element 5''' third control element 6 objects 7 Evaluation unit 8 Signal 9 IR source 10 IR receivers 10' first IR receiver 10'' second IR receiver 10''' third IR receiver 11 ToF sensor 12 light sources 13 Light radiation 14 IR radiation 15 reflected IR radiation QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2013 007 105 A1 [0003, 0020] US 2013 / 179811 A1

[0019] US 2012 / 287663 A1

[0019] US 8 142 030 B2

[0019] US 7 084 859 B1

[0019] DE 10 2011 081 334 A1

[0019] EP 1 576 632 B1

[0019] US 5 528 263 A

[0019] US 7 149 152 B1

[0019]

Claims

[1] Control device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a projection device (2) including a light source (12) for visible light radiation (13), a detection device (3), an evaluation device (7) and a display element (4), wherein at least one control element (5) can be projected as an image onto the display element (4) by means of the projection device (2) using the visible light radiation (13), such that the control element (5) can be acted upon by means of an object (6), in particular by means of a human finger, wherein the action of the object (6) on the control element (5) can be detected by means of the detection device (3), and wherein a signal (8) corresponding to the action, in particular in the form of a switching signal for operating and / or triggering a function, can be generated by means of the evaluation device (7), characterized by, that at least the part of the control element (5) that is hidden by the object (6) when the object (6) acts on the control element (5) can be hidden when the control element (5) is projected, in particular that the entire control element (5) can be hidden. [2] Operating device according to claim 1 characterized by, that at least one IR (infrared) source (9) is provided for projecting IR (infrared) radiation (14) corresponding to the control element (5) onto the display element (4), that preferably the detection device (3) has at least one IR (infrared) receiver (10), that further preferably the IR (infrared) receiver (10) receives the IR (infrared) radiation (15) reflected by the display element (4) and / or the object (6), that even more preferably the evaluation device (7) evaluates the reflected IR (infrared) radiation (15) to generate the signal (8), and that, once again more preferably, the evaluation device (7) determines the part of the control element (5) obscured by the object (6) on the basis of the reflected IR (infrared) radiation (15). [3] Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the light source (12) is arranged in the projection device (2) and / or in the detection device (3), that preferably the IR source (9) is arranged in the projection device (2) and / or in the detection device (3), and that further preferably the projection device (2) is formed integrally with the detection device (3). [4] Operating device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by, that the projection device (2) comprises an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display, an LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) display, a micromirror array, a slide film or the like for generating the control element (5), that preferably the light source (12) for visible light radiation (13) consists of a light-emitting diode, a laser or the like, that further preferably the IR (infrared) source (9) for IR (infrared) radiation (14) consists of an IR (infrared) light-emitting diode, an IR (infrared) laser or the like, and that even more preferably the IR (infrared) receiver (10) consists of an IR (infrared) photodiode. [5] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the projection device (2) comprises a projection optic (2') for the projection of the control element (5) by means of the visible light radiation (13), that preferably the IR (infrared) radiation (14) can be projected by means of the projection optic (2') corresponding to the control element (5), and that further preferably the reflected IR (infrared) radiation (15) can be directed to the IR (infrared) receiver (10) by means of the projection optic (2'). [6] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that a ToF(Time of Flight) sensor (11) is provided, wherein the distance of the object (6) to the display element (4) can be determined by means of the ToF(Time of Flight) sensor (11).

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