Object position detection apparatus for an automotive input device in a vehicle

The invention is related to an object position detection apparatus (1) for an automotive input device in a vehicle, comprising at least two radiation emitting elements (LED-1, LED-2) and at least one radiation receiving device (PD). The radiation receiving device (PD) is arranged to receive radiation (L) emitted from the radiation emitting elements (LED-1, LED-2) which is reflected from an object (F) to be detected, a detection processing device (PU) which is coupled to the radiation receiving device (PD), wherein the detection processing device generates a first object position detection signal (S1) if radiation is received originating from a first number of the radiation emitting elements (LED-1, LED-2), and generates a second object position detection signal (S2) if radiation is received originating from a second number of the radiation emitting elements (LED-1, LED-2) which is lower than the first number of radiation emitting elements. The detection processing device (PU) is coupleable with an automotive input device (HU), wherein the first object position detection signal (S1) causes the automotive input device (HU) to perform a first function (TM) and the second object position detection signal (S2) causes the automotive input device (HU) to perform a second function (SST).