Patent ID: 8023698

Claim:
An information device operation apparatus for extracting an operation object by image processing, wherein the operation object is used for an operation of a target device, the information device operation apparatus comprising: an image capturing device that is disposed at a position for capturing an image of an opposite surface of the operation object opposite to a reception surface of the operation object, the reception surface receiving extraneous light; an illumination device that is disposed at a position for generating light that is applied to the opposite surface of the operation object; control means for controlling the illumination device to generate the light under a plurality of luminance conditions, the control means controlling the image capturing device to capture the image; image storage means for storing a plurality of images that are acquired by the image capturing device under a plurality of illumination intensity conditions, the plurality of illumination intensity conditions being caused by the illumination device that is controlled by the control means to generate the plurality of luminance conditions; operation object extracting means for extracting the operation object by comparing the plurality of images; detection means for detecting at least one of a predetermined shape and a movement of the operation object that is extracted by the operation object extracting means; and signal output means for outputting a signal to the target device, the signal corresponding to the at least one of the predetermined shape and the movement of the operation object detected by the detection means.