Abstract: A gesture recognition apparatus capable of recognizing a hand by means of a binary image regardless of direction of light contacting the hand. A binarizing processing section binarizes an input image from a camera to a hand recognizing section to prepare a first binary image by a predetermined method. A rebinarizing processing section only rebinarizes a predetermined area of the input image to prepare a second binary image. A contraction processing section performs a contraction processing on the second binary image. The rebinarizing processing can increase the possibility of recognizing the hand by classifying a portion of the hand that was classified into black in the first binary image into white. The hand is determined to be recognizable if the hand can be recognized in the first binary image and/or in the second binary image.

Abstract: A gesture recognition apparatus capable of recognizing a hand by means of a binary image regardless of direction of light contacting the hand. A binarizing processing section binarizes an input image from a camera to a hand recognizing section to prepare a first binary image by a predetermined method. A rebinarizing processing section only rebinarizes a predetermined area of the input image to prepare a second binary image. A contraction processing section performs a contraction processing on the second binary image. The rebinarizing processing can increase the possibility of recognizing the hand by classifying a portion of the hand that was classified into black in the first binary image into white. The hand is determined to be recognizable if the hand can be recognized in the first binary image and/or in the second binary image.

Abstract: An operation apparatus includes image capturing device capable of capturing images of a plurality of mark members provided in assembled members in a compartment; determining device capable of determining individually whether each of the mark members is or is not shielded on the basis of the image data taken and outputted by the image capturing device; and operation instructing device configured to output an operation command to on-board devices in accordance with a result of the determining by the determining device. Accordingly, it is easy for an operator to understand operational steps, thereby effectively preventing an erroneous operation due to the operator's misunderstanding. Furthermore, it is possible to simplify a determination logic of the operation instructing device, and also possible to easily provide a retrofitted option.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a base unit fastenable to a dashboard at a driver's seat of a vehicle, a front panel unit attachable to and detachable from the base unit and with a display displaying map data, and a microcomputer adapted to perform a navigation function to indicate a determined location of the vehicle on the map data. The navigation apparatus is configured such that a part of the front panel unit projects from a surface of the dashboard toward a user seated in the driver's seat, as viewed from side, when the front panel unit is attached to the base unit. With this, the degree of freedom of front panel unit attachment/detachment with respect to the base unit is improved without sacrificing the appearance of the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: An operation apparatus includes image capturing device capable of capturing images of a plurality of mark members provided in assembled members in a compartment; determining device capable of determining individually whether each of the mark members is or is not shielded on the basis of the image data taken and outputted by the image capturing device; and operation instructing device configured to output an operation command to on-board devices in accordance with a result of the determining by the determining device. Accordingly, it is easy for an operator to understand operational steps, thereby effectively preventing an erroneous operation due to the operator's misunderstanding. Furthermore, it is possible to simplify a determination logic of the operation instructing device, and also possible to easily provide a retrofitted option.

Abstract: In a navigation apparatus having a base unit that is fastenable to a dashboard at a driver's seat of a vehicle; a front panel unit that is attachable to and detachable from the base unit and is equipped with a display displaying map data; and a microcomputer that performs a navigation function to indicate a determined location of the vehicle on the map data, it is configured such that a part of the front panel unit projects from a surface of the dashboard toward a user seated in the driver's seat, as viewed from side, when the front panel unit is attached to the base unit. With this, the degree of freedom of front panel unit attachment/detachment with respect to the base unit is improved without sacrificing the appearance of the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: In a navigation apparatus having: a base unit fastenable to a vehicle and equipped with at least a microcomputer; and a front panel unit attachable to and detachable from the base unit and equipped with at least a display displaying map data and a microcomputer performing a navigation function to indicate a determined location of the vehicle on the map data, a front surface of the front panel unit is made same size as a mating face of the base unit; and the display occupies 70% or greater of length of the front panel unit in a lateral direction. With this, the front panel unit including the microcomputer for performing navigation functions can be configured to be attachable/detachable to/from the base unit to enhance ease of use, and the size (area) of the display formed in the front panel unit can be increased to improve viewability.