Abstract: In a method and interface to operate a device in a sterile environment that is controlled without contact via a display panel and/or operating field, a first position of a gesture command within an operating field is detected, the first position is projected onto a first interaction region of the display panel. A first task is associated with the first interaction region. A second position of the same or an additional gesture command within the same or an additional operating field is detected onto a second interaction region of the display panel. A tolerance region is established within the second interaction region, and the first object is associated with the second interaction region when the projection of the second position is situated within the tolerance region, and another, second object is associated with the second interaction region when the projection of the second position lies outside of the tolerance region.