Switch operating device, mobile device and method for operating a switch by a non-tactile translational gesture

A switch operating device adapted to operate a switch in response to one of four types of non-tactile translational gestures that are performed with a heat emitting part, wherein the switch operating device comprises:

• a gesture sensor adapted to detect heat emitted by the part while one of the types of the translational gestures is performed, with at least four pixels arranged next to each other and to output a signal per pixel, wherein each of the pixels comprises a thin film that comprises pyroelectrically sensitive material, and wherein the signal exhibits a signal deflection corresponding to temporal intensity curves of the heat detected by the thin films of the respective pixels,
• a signal processing unit with which performance of one of the types of the translational gestures is determined from a temporal succession of the signal deflections, and
• an actuator controlled by the signal processing unit and adapted to operate the switch when one of the types of the translational gestures is determined,
• wherein a first type of the translational gestures is defined by a movement of the part in a longitudinal direction, a second type of the translational gestures is defined by a movement of the part against the longitudinal direction, a third type of the translational gestures is defined by a movement of the part in a transverse direction deviating from the longitudinal direction and a fourth type of the translational gestures is defined by a movement of the part against the transverse direction, and wherein four of the pixels are respectively arranged in corners of a convex tetragon, wherein one diagonal of the tetragon is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and the other diagonal of the tetragon is substantially parallel to the transverse direction.