Patent ID: 8410794
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: B60W,G01C

Abstract:
1. An operator identifying apparatus for identifying an operator that has operated an apparatus having an operation unit, comprising: a first oscillator for outputting a first identifying signal; a first electrode connected to said first oscillator and disposed so as to be able to transfer said first identifying signal to a first operator; a second oscillator for outputting a second identifying signal that has a signal characteristic different from said first identifying signal; a detector array including at least one detector for detecting said first identifying signal or said second identifying signal; a second electrode for transferring said second identifying signal to a second operator during a first period that said first oscillator is outputting said first identifying signal and said second oscillator is outputting said second identifying signal, and for transferring said first identifying signal, when coupled to said second operator via said first operator, to said detector array during a second period that said first oscillator is outputting said first identifying signal but that is different from said first period; a third electrode, disposed on said operation unit, for transferring said first identifying signal or said second identifying signal to said detector array when said first operator or said second operator touches said operation unit; and, a controller connected to said detector array, wherein when said detector array detected said first identifying signal during said first period but did not detect said first identifying signal during said second period, said controller determines that said first operator has operated said operation unit, and when said detector array detected said first identifying signal during said second period, said controller determines that both of said first operator and said second operator are involved in the operation of said apparatus.