JP2002142270A - Remote control system and remote control unit and remote control method and computer readable recording medium with remote control program recorded therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically perform remote control of equipment to be controlled such as an air conditioner from a remote place. SOLUTION: This remote control system is provided with an air conditioner 840, a personal computer 820, and a remote control unit 100 having a portable terminal 120 for transmitting a control information mail ML1 to the personal computer 820 and a navigation system 110 for acquiring data on the present position of the portable terminal 120. The remote control unit 100 judges whether or not the portable terminal 120 is positioned in a prescribed control area, and transmits the control information mail ML1 based on the judged result, and the personal computer 820 controls the air conditioner 840 based on control information included in the received control information mail ML1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control system for remotely controlling various controlled devices such as home appliances.
The present invention relates to a remote control unit, a remote control method, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a remote control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, in general households, air conditioners (air conditioners), microwave ovens, washing machines, VCRs,
2. Description of the Related Art Many home appliances such as television receivers, and electric appliances such as baths and lights with an automatic water heater are used. Among them, air conditioners have been widely used to maintain indoor temperature and humidity at optimal values and to provide comfortable spaces.

[0003] The operation of these home electric appliances and electric devices is directly or remotely controlled by a user or the like by a remote control or the like (hereinafter, these devices are collectively referred to as controlled devices as necessary). ). For example, for an air conditioner, switching of operation modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation), room temperature setting, air volume setting, operation reservation setting, and the like are performed by a remote controller.

[0004] Such operation control can be performed at any time as necessary, and if the use time and the like are known in advance, it is possible to make a reservation prior to the use. For example, for the air conditioner, before going out or before going to bed, by operating the remote controller, the operation start time, stop time, operation mode (one of cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation), Room temperature, air volume, etc. can be set. In this case, the air conditioner starts automatic operation based on the set operation mode, room temperature, and air flow at the operation start time, and automatically stops at the stop time.

[0005]

However, such a conventional control method has two major problems. First, as a first problem, although the operation control and the reservation of the controlled device can be performed at home as described above, the operation control cannot be performed while going out, which is very inconvenient. It is mentioned that it is. For example, if you forget to make a reservation for an air conditioner, you cannot make a reservation from where you go, and if you change the return time after making a reservation, Cannot be changed on the go.

[0006] The second problem is that the user must operate the remote controller or the like to control the operation or make a reservation, which is troublesome.
Further, there is a possibility that the operation or the like may be forgotten.
In particular, when the user is driving a car, performing a driving reservation operation for the controlled device is dangerous because the driver's attention is spread.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above,
A remote control system, a remote control unit, which can automatically perform remote control of a controlled device from outside.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control method and a computer-readable recording medium that records a remote control program.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system, comprising: a controlled device controlled based on control information; and an external network connected to the controlled device. An information terminal interposed therebetween and having a mail transmission / reception function, a mail terminal for transmitting control information mail including the control information to the information terminal via an external network, and a position for acquiring the current position of the mail terminal And a remote control unit having an acquisition device, wherein the remote control unit determines whether the mail terminal is located within a predetermined control area for the controlled device based on the acquired current position. And transmits the control information mail to the information terminal based on the result of the determination, and the information terminal transmits the control information mail included in the received control information mail. Based on the information, and controlling the controlled device.

According to this remote control system, the current position of the mail terminal is acquired by the remote control unit, and the control information mail is sent depending on whether the mail terminal is located within the control area for the controlled device. Automatically sent. Then, the controlled device is automatically controlled based on the control information included in the control information mail. Therefore, control of the controlled device can be automatically performed even when the user is away from home, thereby improving user convenience.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first aspect, the remote control unit is provided when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device. Transmitting a control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device.

According to this remote control system, when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device, a control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device is automatically transmitted. Sent. Therefore, even when the user forgets to make a reservation for operating the controlled device and goes out, the controlled device can be automatically operated when the user approaches the user's home from an outside location. Thus, user convenience is improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first or second aspect, the remote control unit may be configured so that the mail terminal exits a predetermined control area for the controlled device. If
A control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device is transmitted.

According to this remote control system, when the mail terminal goes out of a predetermined control area for the controlled device, a control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device is automatically transmitted. Sent. Therefore, even when the user goes out while the controlled device is operating, the controlled device can be automatically stopped when leaving the user's house, etc., thereby improving user convenience. Energy loss can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the remote control unit is configured such that the mail terminal transmits the controlled device. When it is located in a predetermined buffer area set between a predetermined first control area for operating and a predetermined second control area for stopping the controlled device, The control information mail is not transmitted.

According to this remote control system, when the mail terminal is located in a predetermined buffer area set between the first control area and the second control area, the control information mail is transmitted. Since it is not transmitted, control of the controlled device is interrupted. Therefore, the mail terminal
Even if the vehicle moves in or out of the control area for operation or the control area for stop, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of chattering by repeating the operation and stop in a short time. it can.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the remote control unit is configured to execute the remote control based on the acquired current position. The moving state of the mail terminal is determined, and the control information mail including control information corresponding to the moving state is transmitted.

According to this remote control system, the moving state of the mail terminal is determined by the remote control unit, and a control information mail including control information according to the moving state is automatically transmitted. Therefore, for example, even when the mobile terminal is located in the operation control area, if the mobile terminal is not moving, the operation of the controlled device is automatically stopped to prevent energy loss. can do. Further, when the mobile terminal moves again, the convenience of the user can be improved by automatically operating the controlled device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the remote control unit transmits load information on a load of the controlled device. A command mail including a command for requesting is transmitted to the information terminal via the external network, and the information terminal is based on the command included in the received command mail.
Acquiring the load information from the controlled device, transmitting a load information mail including the load information to the mail terminal,
The remote control unit, based on the load information included in the load information mail received by the mail terminal,
The control area is determined.

According to this remote control system, the load is determined based on the load information, and the control area is determined according to the load. Therefore, the timing for activating the controlled device can be variably determined according to the load state. Thus, the control timing of the controlled device can be optimized.

Further, the present invention relates to a remote control unit, wherein the remote control unit according to claim 7 transmits a control information mail including control information for controlling a controlled device via an external network. An email terminal,
A position acquisition device for acquiring the current position of the mail terminal;
A remote control unit having, based on the acquired current position, determines whether the mail terminal is located in a predetermined control area for the controlled device, based on the determination result The control information mail is transmitted.

According to this remote control unit, the current position of the mail terminal is obtained, and depending on whether the mail terminal is located within the control area for the controlled device,
Control information mail is automatically sent. Then, the controlled device is automatically controlled based on the control information included in the control information mail. Therefore, control of the controlled device can be automatically performed even when the user is away from home, thereby improving user convenience.

The remote control unit according to claim 8 is the remote control unit according to claim 7, wherein when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device, the remote control unit controls the controlled device. A control information mail including control information for operating the device is transmitted.

According to the remote control unit, when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device, a control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device is automatically transmitted. Sent. Therefore, even when the user forgets to make a reservation for operating the controlled device and goes out, the controlled device can be automatically operated when the user approaches the user's home from an outside location. Thus, user convenience is improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control unit according to the seventh or eighth aspect, when the mail terminal leaves a predetermined control area for the controlled device, A control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device is transmitted.

According to the remote control unit, when the mail terminal goes out of the predetermined control area for the controlled device, the control information mail including the control information for stopping the controlled device is automatically transmitted. Sent. Therefore, even when the user goes out while the controlled device is operating, the controlled device can be automatically stopped when leaving the user's house, etc., thereby improving user convenience. Energy loss can be reduced.

A remote control unit according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the remote control unit according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the mail terminal has a predetermined function for operating the controlled device. A first control area, a predetermined second control area for stopping the controlled device,
The control information mail is not transmitted when the control information mail is located in a predetermined buffer area set during the period.

According to this remote control unit, when the mail terminal is located in a predetermined buffer area set between the first control area and the second control area, the control information mail is sent. Since it is not transmitted, control of the controlled device is interrupted. Therefore, the mail terminal
Even if the vehicle moves in or out of the control area for operation or the control area for stop, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of chattering by repeating the operation and stop in a short time. it can.

The remote control unit according to claim 11 is the remote control unit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the remote control unit is configured to execute the remote control based on the acquired current position. The moving state of the mail terminal is determined, and the control information mail including control information corresponding to the moving state is transmitted.

According to the remote control unit, the moving state of the mail terminal is determined, and a control information mail including control information according to the moving state is automatically transmitted. Therefore, for example, even when the mobile terminal is located in the operation control area, if the mobile terminal is not moving, the operation of the controlled device is automatically stopped to prevent energy loss. can do. Further, when the mobile terminal moves again, the convenience of the user can be improved by automatically operating the controlled device.

A remote control unit according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the remote control unit according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, wherein a command for requesting load information on a load on the controlled device is transmitted. A command mail including the command information is transmitted via the external network, and the control area is determined based on the load information included in the load information mail received by the mail terminal.

According to this remote control unit, the load is determined based on the load information, and the control area is determined according to the load. Therefore, the operation timing of the controlled device can be variably determined according to the load state. Thus, the control timing of the controlled device can be optimized.

Further, the present invention relates to a remote control method, wherein a remote control method according to claim 13 is a position obtaining step for obtaining a current position of a mail terminal, and a current position obtained in the position obtaining step. A control area determining step of determining whether or not the mail terminal is located within a predetermined control area for the controlled device based on the position; and the controlled device based on a determination result in the control area determining step. And transmitting a control information mail including control information for controlling the control information via an external network.

According to this remote control method, the current position of the mail terminal is obtained, and the control information mail is automatically transmitted according to whether the mail terminal is located within the control area for the controlled device. Is done. Then, the controlled device is automatically controlled based on the control information included in the control information mail. Therefore, control of the controlled device can be automatically performed even when the user is away from home, thereby improving user convenience.

In the remote control method according to a fourteenth aspect, in the remote control method according to the thirteenth aspect, in the control area determining step, the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device. When it is determined, in the mail transmitting step, a control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device is transmitted.

According to this remote control method, when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device, a control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device is automatically transmitted. Sent. Therefore,
Even when the user forgets to make a reservation for operating the controlled device and goes out, the controlled device can be automatically operated when the user approaches the user's home from a place where the user is away from home. The convenience of is improved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control method according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, in the control area determining step, the mail terminal is connected to a predetermined control area for the controlled device. In a case where it is determined that the information has been output, a control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device is transmitted in the mail transmitting step.

According to this remote control method, when the mail terminal goes out of a predetermined control area for the controlled device, a control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device is automatically transmitted. Sent. Therefore,
Even in the case where the user goes out while operating the controlled device, the controlled device can be automatically stopped when leaving the user's house, etc., thereby improving the convenience for the user, In addition, energy loss can be reduced.

In a remote control method according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control method according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, in the control area determining step, the mail terminal includes the controlled device. Is determined to be located in a predetermined buffer area set between a predetermined first control area for operating the control device and a predetermined second control area for stopping the controlled device. In this case, the control information mail is not transmitted in the mail transmitting step.

According to this remote control method, when the mail terminal is located in a predetermined buffer area set between the first control area and the second control area,
Since the control information mail is not transmitted, the control on the controlled device is interrupted. Therefore, even when the mail terminal moves in and out of the control area for operation and the control area for stop, the operation and the stop are repeated in a short time to cause chattering. Can be prevented.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control method according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, in the control area determining step, the control area determining step obtains the information in the position obtaining step. Determining a moving state of the mail terminal based on a current position, and transmitting the control information mail including control information according to the moving state determined in the control area determining step in the mail transmitting step. I do.

According to the remote control method, the moving state of the mail terminal is determined, and a control information mail including control information according to the moving state is automatically transmitted. Therefore, for example, even when the mobile terminal is located in the operation control area, if the mobile terminal is not moving, the operation of the controlled device is automatically stopped to prevent energy loss. can do. Further, when the mobile terminal moves again, the convenience of the user can be improved by automatically operating the controlled device.

A remote control method according to claim 18 is the remote control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein a command for requesting load information on a load on the controlled device is provided. A load information requesting step of transmitting a command mail including via the external network, and a control area determining step of determining the control area based on the load information included in the load information mail received by the mail terminal. And in the control area determining step, the determination is performed using the control area determined in the control area determining step.

According to this remote control method, the load is determined based on the load information, and the control area is determined according to the load. Therefore, the timing for activating the controlled device can be variably determined according to the load state. Thus, the control timing of the controlled device can be optimized.

The present invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a remote control program for causing a computer to execute the remote control method is recorded.
18. A remote control program for causing a computer to execute the remote control method described in any one of 18.

According to this recording medium, the remote control program recorded in the recording medium is read by a computer and executed, whereby the remote control method according to any one of claims 13 to 18 is realized. It can be realized using a computer.

Here, the "computer-readable recording medium" is a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a CD, or the like.
-Any "portable physical medium" such as ROM, DVD,
ROM, RA built into various computer systems
Any "fixed physical medium" such as M or HD, or
It includes a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short period, such as a communication line or a carrier when transmitting the program via a network represented by a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. The “program” is a data processing method described in an arbitrary language or description method, and may be in any format such as a source code or a binary code. The “program” is not necessarily limited to a single program, but may be distributed as a plurality of modules or libraries, or may be operated in cooperation with a separate program represented by an OS (Operating System). Includes those that achieve functions. Note that a known configuration or procedure can be used for a specific configuration for reading a recording medium in each apparatus described in the embodiment, a reading procedure, an installation procedure after reading, and the like.

[0047]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a remote control system, a remote control unit, a remote control method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a remote control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 5 will be described in detail.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. In this figure, the remote control unit 100 and a personal computer 820 installed in the user's home 800 can mutually transmit and receive e-mail, and the personal computer 820 can control the air conditioner 840. These remote control unit 100 and personal computer 82
The e-mails between 0 and 0 correspond to the radio base station 200, the mobile communication network 300, the mobile communication carrier 400, and the Internet 50.
0, the provider 600, and the public network 700.

First, the remote control unit 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, the remote control unit 100 is disposed in an automobile on which a user gets on, and includes a navigation system 110 and a portable terminal 120.

The navigation system 110 includes a GPS
Based on the radio wave of the GPS satellite received by the antenna 111a, its own current position (specifically, the navigation system 1)
It is a position acquisition device that acquires 10 current latitudes and longitudes. In this embodiment, the navigation system 110 is used.
Is located near the mobile terminal 120,
The current position obtained by the navigation system 110 is assumed to be substantially equal to the current position of the mobile terminal 120, and hereinafter, the description will be made assuming that the navigation system 110 obtains the current position of the mobile terminal 120.

Regarding the configuration of the navigation system 110,
This will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In this figure, a map information reading unit 111 includes a CD-ROM, a DV
The map information stored in a storage medium such as D is read.
Further, the memory 112 stores various data in a volatile or nonvolatile manner. The power supply unit 113 supplies power supplied from a car battery or the like to each unit of the navigation system 110. The output from the GPS antenna is input to the antenna input unit 114. The input / output unit 115 is a portable terminal 120
Input and output of various kinds of information between Operation unit 11
Reference numeral 6 denotes an interface used when the user operates the navigation system 110. LCD (Liquid Crystal Displa)
y) 117 displays the map information read by the map information reading unit 111 and information (menus and the like) necessary for operating the navigation system 110. The speaker 118 outputs a voice output to the user (such as a guide voice about a car route). Then, the control unit 119 controls each unit of the navigation system 110, and realizes a control information mail transmission determination function described later. In addition, the navigation system 110
, An acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor for correcting position detection can be added as necessary.

Returning to FIG. 1, the portable terminal 120 of the remote control unit 100 is, for example, a portable telephone. In addition to the telephone call function, an electronic mail (for example, a control information mail ML ₁ (FIG. 7) Function as a mail terminal that sends and receives This mobile terminal 120
By the cell system, wireless communication with the wireless base station 200 is possible.

Here, the external configuration of the portable terminal 120 will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, a numeric keypad group 122 is provided on a main body 121. The call key 123 is a key pressed by the user when making a call. The end call key 124 is a key that is pressed by the user when the call ends. Menu selection key 125
Is a key for selecting a desired menu from a plurality of menus. The menu here refers to a plurality of Internet sites provided via the Internet. The first key 126 is pressed by the user when connecting to the Internet and displaying the above-described menu. The second key 127 is pressed by the user when deciding a selection item of the menu. L
The CD 128 displays information (telephone number, e-mail, menu, etc.) necessary for operating the mobile terminal 120. The microphone 129 converts a user's voice into a voice signal. The speaker 130 converts a voice signal corresponding to a communication partner or an incoming signal into voice. The antenna 131 transmits and receives voice data, packet data, and the like to and from the wireless base station 200. The input / output terminal 132 inputs and outputs data to and from the navigation system 110.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of portable terminal 120. In this figure, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Here, the control unit 132 controls each unit to realize the above-described call function, e-mail transmission / reception function, browser function, and the like. The transmission / reception unit 133 is interposed between the antenna 131 and the control unit 132, and transmits / receives voice data, packet data, and the like. Memory 134
Can read / write various data under the control of the control unit 132. And the battery 135 is
It is a lithium-ion battery and supplies power to each part of the device.

Returning to FIG. 1, the mobile communication network 300 is a network for performing transmission exchange on the portable terminal 120, and is connected to the public network 700. The mobile communication network 300 includes a mobile communication network connection server 410 and a firewall 420 installed on the mobile communication carrier 400 side.
Is connected to the Internet 500 via. The mobile communication network connection server 410 is a server for exchanging various data between the mobile communication network 300 and the Internet 500. The firewall 420 restricts unauthorized access from the Internet 500 and maintains high security.

The mobile communication carrier side mail server 440
It is connected to the mobile communication network connection server 410 and the firewall 420 via the LAN 430, and has a function of storing an e-mail addressed to the mobile terminal 120 in the mail spool 450, and a function of transmitting an e-mail transmitted from the mobile terminal 120 to another mail. It has a function to transfer to the server. This mobile communication carrier side mail server 440 is an SMTP server.
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP3 (Post O
It operates according to ffice Protocol version 3).

The provider-side mail server 610 is provided on the provider 600 side, and is connected to the Internet 500 via the LAN 630. The provider-side mail server 610 has, for example, a function of storing an e-mail addressed to the personal computer 820 in the mail spool 620 and a function of transferring the e-mail transmitted from the personal computer 820 to another mail server. This provider side mail server 610 also
In the same manner as the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440, S
It operates according to MTP and POP3. The public network 700
It is connected to the Internet 500 and the mobile communication network 300.

At user's home 800, communication device 810
Is a terminal adapter inserted between the personal computer 820 (telephone 830) and the public network 700. The communication device 810 is a device for realizing data communication by the personal computer 820 and voice communication by the telephone 830. The personal computer 820 is an information terminal that controls the air conditioner 840 via the RS232C cable 850 by remote control using electronic mail from the mobile terminal 120. In the first embodiment, the personal computer 820
Is a dial-up connection to the Internet 500
Connected to. The air conditioner 840 is provided in the user's home 800 and has a cooling function, a heating function, and a dehumidifying function.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the communication device 810, the personal computer 820, and the air conditioner 840 described above. As shown in this figure,
The communication device 810 includes a telephone network 811, an incoming signal detection unit 812, and a control unit 813. The telephone network 811 is connected to the public network 700, and performs data modulation, demodulation, hybrid conversion, and the like. The communication device 810 is connected to a telephone 830 and a communication unit 821 of a personal computer 820 described later.

The incoming signal detecting section 812 detects an incoming signal transmitted from the public network 700 when receiving an incoming call to the telephone 830, and notifies the control section 813 of the detection result.
The control unit 813 controls switching of the telephone network 811,
It controls a communication unit 821 to be described later. In the personal computer 820, the communication unit 821 performs Internet communication (e-mail transmission / reception or the like) via the telephone network 811. The control unit 822 controls each unit. The storage unit 823 includes a control unit 822
The data generated during the processing is stored. Input unit 824
Is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 825 is a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), LCD, or the like, and displays various information under the control of the control unit 822.

The communication unit 826 controls the air conditioner 8 via the RS232C cable 850 under the control of the control unit 822.
Data communication is performed with the 40 communication units 842. In the air conditioner 840, the control unit 841 performs operation control, monitoring, collection of various measurement data, and the like. The communication unit 842 includes
Under the control of the control unit 841, the RS232C cable 85
0 to perform data communication with the communication unit 826. The outdoor unit 843 is an outdoor unit installed outdoors.
It has a heat exchange function. The outdoor temperature sensor 844 detects an outdoor temperature and outputs a detection result to the control unit 841 as outdoor temperature data.

The indoor unit 845 includes a refrigerant pipe (not shown).
And is connected to the outdoor unit 843 via a wall, and is installed on a wall in the room. The indoor unit 845 supplies cold air or warm air to the room by the heat exchange function of the outdoor unit 843. The indoor temperature sensor 846 detects the indoor temperature, and uses the detection result as indoor temperature data by the control unit 841.
Output to The indoor humidity sensor 847 detects the indoor humidity and outputs the detection result to the control unit 841 as indoor humidity data. Power amount measuring device 848 measures the amount of power consumed by air conditioner 840, and outputs the measurement result to control unit 841 as power amount data.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 840 is automatically operated from outside using the remote control unit 100 shown in FIG.

As a premise of performing this operation, control information mail ML ₁ is stored in memory 134 of portable terminal 120 (see FIG. 4). This control information mail ML ₁
Are the settings of the air conditioner 840 (operating state, mode,
This is an e-mail addressed to the personal computer 820 for changing the set temperature and the air volume, and can be created at any time by the user using the numeric keypad group 122 of the portable terminal 120 (see FIG. 2). Specifically explaining this control information mail ML _1, as shown in FIG. 7, in its header, xxxxxx (the user) as the sender, yyy as the destination @ zzz (personal computer 820), "the air conditioner as the subject Setting "is described. In addition, in the body of the control information e-mail ML ₁ is,
As the control information for controlling the air conditioner 840, for example, operation: on, mode: cooling, set temperature: 25 ° C., and air volume: high are described.

Under this assumption, in FIG. 6, the navigation system 110 receives the G signal received by the GPS antenna 111a.
The mobile terminal 120 acquires its own current position based on the radio wave of the PS satellite, and determines whether the mobile terminal 120 is in a predetermined control area based on the current position. Here, the control area is an area preset as a geographical reference when remotely controlling the air conditioner 840.
As shown in (a), it is set as a circular area (symbol E1) with a radius L1 centered on the user's house 800. The specific size of the control area E1 is arbitrary, but by operating the air conditioner 840 when the portable terminal 120 held by the user enters the control area E1,
It is preferable to set the size to such an extent that appropriate air conditioning has already been completed when the user arrives at the user's home 800. The specific method of specifying the control area E1 is arbitrary. For example, the control area E1 is specified by latitude and longitude and can be set in the memory 112 of the navigation system 110.

Then, the navigation system 110 is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the mobile terminal 120 is in the control area E1.
If it is determined that the mobile terminal 120 has been entered, an output signal (notification within the control area) indicating this is output to the portable terminal 120 via the input / output unit 115 (step SA1). This notification in the control area is input to the input / output terminal 132 of the mobile terminal 120. Then, the mobile terminal 120, call control information mail ML ₁ from the memory 134, the control information mail ML _1, is transmitted to the personal computer 820 by using the mail automatic transmission function (step SA2). Thereby, the control information mail ML ₁ is transmitted to the radio base station 20.
0, mobile communication network 300 and mobile communication network connection server 4
10, Firewall 420, Internet 50
0, transmitted to the provider mail server 610 via the LAN 630, and temporarily stored in the mail spool 620 by the provider mail server 610.

After transmitting the control information mail ML ₁ , the portable terminal 120 operates the user home 800
(Telephone 830), and after calling several times,
Hang up the telephone (step SA3). As a result, the portable terminal 120 is disconnected after being received by the communication device 810 via the wireless base station 200, the mobile communication network 300, and the public network 700. At the time of this connection, incoming signal detecting section 812 of communication apparatus 810 shown in FIG. 5 detects incoming signals for several times and outputs the detection result to control section 813.

Thus, the control unit 81 of the communication device 810
No. 3 notifies the control unit 822 via the communication unit 821 of the personal computer 820 that an incoming signal has been detected (step SA4). Then, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 uses the dial-up connection
Call the provider 600 and issue a mail transfer request to the communication device 810 (step SA5). In response,
The communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610 (step SA6).

Then, the provider side mail server 610
Transfers control information mail ML ₁ addressed to the personal computer 820 after reading the mail spool 620, which addressed the personal computer 820 (step SA7). Communication device 810 receives the control information mail ML ₁ transfers control information mail ML ₁ to the personal computer 820 (step SA8). Thereby, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820
Analyzes the control information e-mail ML _1, control information (operation:
ON, mode: cooling, set temperature: 25 ° C, air volume: strong).

Thereafter, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 sends control information to the air conditioner 840 via the communication unit 826 and the RS232C cable 850 (operation: on, mode: cooling, set temperature: 25 ° C., air volume: strong). )
Is transmitted (step SA9). Accordingly, the control unit 841 of the air conditioner 840 performs, based on the control information,
By controlling each part, the operation of the air conditioner 840 is started, the mode is set to cooling, and the set temperature is set to 25.
℃ and air volume are set to high respectively. Thus, the air conditioner 840 can be automatically operated from whereabouts.

[0071] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the portable terminal 120 has entered a predetermined control area for the air conditioner 840 is automatically controlled information mail ML ₁ from the mobile terminal 120 transmitted, the air conditioner 840 based on the control information mail ML ₁ is activated automatically. For this reason, control of the air conditioner 840 can be automatically performed from an outside place, and user convenience is improved.

It should be noted that such an automatic control function by the portable terminal 120 can be used when necessary. When unnecessary, the power of the remote control unit 100 is turned off, or the operation of the navigation system 110 is operated. Part 1
The automatic control function can be stopped by performing a predetermined operation via the control unit 16. Further, even when the user is set to perform the automatic control function, when the user is in or very close to the user's house 800,
This fact can be detected based on the current position acquired by the navigation system 110, and the automatic control function can be temporarily stopped.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 1 described above, when portable terminal 120 enters the control area, air conditioner 840 can be automatically activated. Conversely, when portable terminal 120 exits the control area, In some cases, it is desired to automatically stop the air conditioner 840. For example,
It is convenient if the air conditioner 840 can be automatically stopped when the user goes out without forgetting to stop the air conditioner 840. In the second embodiment, in consideration of such points, in addition to the automatic operation, the automatic stop is achieved. Note that, with respect to Embodiment 2 and Embodiments 3 to 5 to be described later, configurations and processes that are not particularly described are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. . In particular, the configuration and processing for automatically operating the air conditioner 840 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the second embodiment. 9, the memory 134 of the portable terminal 120 (see FIG. 4), the control information mail ML ₂ is stored. The control information mail ML ₂ is a mail for instructing the operation stop to the air conditioner 840, as shown in FIG. 10, yyy Its header, xxxxxx (the user) as the sender, as the destination ＠Z
zz (personal computer 820), and "Air conditioner setting" is described as the subject. Further, the body of the control information mail ML _2, as control information for controlling the air conditioner 840, for example, operation: switching is described.

In such a setting, for example, let us consider a case where the user goes out with the air conditioner 840 stopped and forgotten. First, in FIG. 9, the navigation system 110
When it is determined that the mobile terminal 120 has left the control area E1, an output signal (notification outside the control area) indicating this is output to the mobile terminal 120 (step SB1). The control mobile terminal 120 which has received the area outside notification transmits the control information mail ML ₂ addressed personal computer 820 is retrieved from the memory 134 (step SB2). Thereafter, steps SB3 to SB8 are sequentially executed in the same manner as steps SA3 to SA8 in FIG.
₂ is transferred to the personal computer 820.

Thereafter, the control section 822 of the personal computer 820 analyzes the control information mail ML ₂ and recognizes the control information (operation: off). At step SB9, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 transmits control information (operation: off) to air conditioner 840. Thereby, the control unit 841 of the air conditioner 840 stops the operation of the air conditioner 840 based on the control information.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when mobile terminal 120 goes out of predetermined control area E1 for air conditioner 840, control information mail ML _{2 is} automatically transmitted from mobile terminal 120. There are transmitted, the air conditioner 840 based on the control information mail ML ₂ is stopped automatically. For this reason, even when the user goes out without stopping the air conditioner 840, the air conditioner 840 can be automatically controlled from the place where the user goes, and the convenience for the user is improved.

(Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, when portable terminal 120 enters the control area, air conditioner 840 is operated, and portable terminal 120 moves to control area E.
The air conditioner 840 is stopped when the vehicle exits from the control area E1, but when the vehicle is traveling around the boundary of the control area E1 and enters or exits the control area E1, the operation and the stop are performed. May be repeated in a short time to cause chattering. In the third embodiment, in order to prevent such a situation, a control area for operation and a control area for stop are individually set, and a buffer area is set between them.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a concept of setting a control area according to the third embodiment. As shown in this figure, a control area E1 (radius L1) for operating the air conditioner 840 and a control area E2 (radius L2 (> L1)) for stopping the air conditioner 840 are individually set. Are set, and between these control areas E1 and E2,
A buffer area E3 where remote control is not performed (an area of a difference between the control areas E1 and E2, which is indicated by hatching in FIG. 11) is set.

In such a setting, for example, let us consider a case where the user goes out with the air conditioner 840 stopped and forgotten. First, in a state where the portable terminal 120 is in the control area E1 (the state of FIG. 11C) or a state where the portable terminal 120 is in the buffer area E3 (the state of FIG. 11B), the remote control unit 100 is remote. No control is performed (no control information mail is sent from the mobile terminal 120). Thereafter, when the mobile terminal 120 exits the control area E2 (when the mobile terminal 120 enters the state shown in FIG. 11A), as shown in the second embodiment (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the mobile terminal 120 the personal computer 820, sends control information mail ML ₂ for instructing the operation stop to the air conditioner 840, automatically stops the air conditioner 840.

After that, the portable terminal 120 moves to the control area E2.
11 (a), or in the buffer area E3 (the state of FIG. 11 (b)), the remote control unit 100 does not perform remote control.
Further, thereafter, the mobile terminal 120 again switches the control area E1
At the time of entering (when the state of FIG. 11 (c) is reached)
As described in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 7), control information mail ML ₁ for instructing air conditioner 840 to start operation is transmitted from portable terminal 120 to personal computer 820, The air conditioner 840 is automatically operated.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when portable terminal 120 is located in buffer area E3, remote control unit 100 does not perform remote control. This can prevent chattering from occurring repeatedly.

(Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. In the first to third embodiments described above, the portable terminal 120 is controlled area E1 (see FIGS. 8 and 11) upon entering into, was sending control information mail ML ₁ to operate the air conditioner 840 . However, for example, even after entering the control area E1, the user may not return home immediately for various reasons such as shopping and eating. Activating the air conditioner 840 even in such a case results in energy loss, so in the fourth embodiment,
The moving state of the portable terminal 120 is monitored, and the air conditioner 840 is stopped according to the moving state.

First, when the portable terminal 120 enters the control area E1, as shown in the first embodiment (FIG.
To 7 refer), transmits control information mail ML ₁ to the personal computer 820 from the portable terminal 120, and that operates the air conditioner 840 automatically. After transmitting this way the control information mail ML _1, the remote control unit 1
00 control unit 119 of the navigation system 110 (see FIG. 2)
Monitors the moving state of the mobile terminal 120 at predetermined intervals.
FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of this monitoring process. As shown in this figure, the control unit 119 firstly sets the portable terminal 1
20. The current position is acquired, and the current position is stored in the memory 112 as the first position (step SC1). Thereafter, every time a predetermined time elapses (step SC2), the current position of the portable terminal 120 is acquired, and this current position is stored in the memory 112 as a second position (step SC2).
3). The elapse of the predetermined time is determined based on an output from a clock mechanism (not shown) provided in the navigation system 110.

Then, the control unit 119 calculates a difference between the second position and the first position (for example, a linear distance between the two positions), and calculates the difference as a predetermined distance stored in the memory 112 in advance. It is determined whether or not it has exceeded (step SC
4). The predetermined distance is a moving distance serving as a reference for determining whether the mobile terminal 120 is moving.
If the distance exceeds the predetermined distance, the mobile terminal 12
It is determined that 0 is moving, and the second position is stored as the first position (step SC5). Thereafter, similarly, the monitoring of the movement of the portable terminal 120 is continued (steps SC2 to SC5).

If it is determined in step SC4 that the difference between the second position and the first position does not exceed a predetermined distance, control unit 119 determines that portable terminal 120 has stopped. Then, control for stopping the air conditioner 840 is started. Specifically, control unit 119 outputs an out-of-control-area notification to portable terminal 120, similarly to the second embodiment (see FIG. 9) (step SC6). Then, the mobile terminal 120 based on this notification, the control information mail ML ₂ for stopping the air conditioner 840,
Transmit to personal computer 820. As a result, the air conditioner 840 stops.

After that, when the portable terminal 120 starts moving again, it is necessary to operate the air conditioner 840 again. Therefore, after outputting the out-of-control-area notification in step SC6 as described above, control unit 119 stores the second position as the first position (step SC7), and monitors the movement of portable terminal 120 again. Are started (steps SC8 to SC11). That is, in step SC10, this monitoring is continued until the difference between the second position and the first position exceeds a predetermined distance. Then, Step SC10
If it is determined that the predetermined distance is exceeded, the control unit 1
19 determines that the portable terminal 120 has started moving again, and starts control for operating the air conditioner 840. Specifically, control unit 119 outputs a notification in the control area to portable terminal 120, similarly to the first embodiment (see FIG. 6) (step SC12). Then, based on the notification, portable terminal 120 transmits control information mail ML ₁ for operating air conditioner 840 to personal computer 820. As a result, the air conditioner 840 operates. Thereafter, the control unit 119 performs steps SC <b> 1 to SC <b> 1 until the portable terminal 120 exits the control area E <b> 1 or until the stop of the automatic control function is instructed.
All or part of C12 is repeated.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when mobile terminal 120 is located in control area E 1 but is not moving, air conditioner 8 is not moved.
Since the operation of 40 is automatically stopped, energy loss can be prevented. Further, when portable terminal 120 moves again, air conditioner 840 can be automatically operated, so that convenience can be improved as in the first embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the control area E1 for operating the air conditioner 840 is set as a fixed range. However, in practice, it may be preferable to set the timing for operating the air conditioner 840 variably in accordance with the load in the user's house 800 (here, the air conditioning load). For example, if the difference between the set temperature and the actual room temperature of the user's house 800 is large, it takes a relatively long time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature. Preferably, it is activated (with 120 located far from user home 800). Conversely, when the difference between the set temperature and the actual room temperature is small, the room temperature reaches the set temperature in a relatively short time, so that the air conditioner 8
It is preferable that the timing of activating 40 be late (in a state where the portable terminal 120 is located near the user's home 800) because energy loss is small. In consideration of this point, in the fifth embodiment, first, information regarding the load (load information) is obtained from the air conditioner 840, and the control area E1 for operating the air conditioner 840 is determined based on the load information. decide.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the fifth embodiment according to the present invention. First, as shown in this figure,
The mobile terminal 120 sends a monitor command mail M for acquiring load information to the personal computer 820.
To send the L _4. Personal computer 820 which receives the to the portable terminal 120 transmits the load information mail ML ₅ which contains load information. Thereafter, the control area E1 is determined based on the load information, and the control information mail ML is sent to the personal computer 820 as necessary.
To send _1.

In order to perform such control, in the fifth embodiment, control area E1 for operating air conditioner 840 is not fixedly set, while obtaining load information. An information acquisition area E4 (not shown) for starting the operation is set. The information acquisition area E4 is set to, for example, a maximum range in which it is necessary to operate the air conditioner 840.

Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In this figure, a navigation system 110 is a GPS antenna 1
Based on the GPS satellite radio wave received at 11a, the mobile terminal 120 acquires its current position, and determines whether or not the portable terminal 120 is in the information acquisition area E4 based on the current position. Then, the navigation system 110 uses the portable terminal 12
If it is determined that 0 has entered the information acquisition area E4,
An output signal (notification within the information acquisition area) indicating that is output to the portable terminal 120 via the input / output unit 115 (step SD1).

The notification in the information acquisition area is transmitted to the portable terminal 1
20 is input. Then, the mobile terminal 120, the automatic e-mail transmission function, and transmits the monitoring command mail ML ₄ addressed to the personal computer 820 (step S
D2). The monitor command mail ML ₄ includes a monitor command for collecting load information of the air conditioner 840 in the body, an arbitrary timing with the user like the ten-key pad 102 of the portable terminal 120 (see FIG. 2) And stored in the memory 134 of the mobile terminal 120. The monitor command mail ML ₄ is transmitted as described above, and then sent to the provider side mail server 6.
10 and is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620.

[0094] After the transmission of the monitor command mail ML _4, the mobile terminal 120, the automatic transmission function, multiplied by the user's home 800 (phone 830) Telephone addressed, after calling several times, turn off the phone (step SD3). Then, the control unit 813 of the communication device 810
The control unit 822 of step 20 is notified that the incoming signal has been detected (step SD4). In response to this, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 issues a mail transfer request to the communication device 810 (step SD5), and the communication device 81
0 issues a mail transfer request to the provider side mail server 610 (step SD6).

Thus, the mail server 6 on the provider side
10 is the monitor command mail ML _FourThe personal con
The data is transferred to the computer 820 (step SD7). this
Monitor command mail ML_FourCommunication device 810 that has received
Sends a monitor command message to the personal computer 820.
ML_FourIs transferred (step SD8) and the personal
The control unit 822 of the computer 820 controls the monitor command
ML_FourIs analyzed to recognize the monitor command.

Thereafter, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 requests load information from air conditioner 840 (step SD9). In response, the air conditioner 84
The control unit 841 of 0, for example, operates as load information:
Off, set temperature 26 ° C, room temperature: 25 ° C, and outside temperature:
Is transmitted to the personal computer 820 (step SD10).

When these pieces of load information are received, the personal
Control unit 822 of the computer 820
The load function shown in FIG.
Information mail ML_FiveAutomatically create This load information email
ML_FiveThe header of aaaaaa (the relevant
User), bbb @ ccc (portable terminal 12
0), "Air conditioning load information" is described as the subject.
Also, load information mail ML _FiveThe body of the load mentioned above
Information (driving: off, ..., outside temperature: 35 ° C) is described
I have.

Then, the personal computer 820
Transmits the load information mail ML ₅ of the portable terminal 100 addressed (step SD11). When receiving the load information mail ML _5, the communication device 810, the load information mail ML ₅
To the Internet 500 (step SD1).
2). Thereafter load information mail ML ₅ is received by the mobile communications operator side mail server 440, the mail spool 4
50 is temporarily stored. Mobile communication business side mail server 440, to confirm the destination of the load information mail ML _5,
This is transferred to the portable terminal 120 (step SD1).
3). Thus, the load information mail ML ₅ which has been temporarily stored in the mail spool 450, the mobile terminal 120
And transmitted to the navigation system 110 via the input / output terminal 132 and the input / output unit 115 (step SD).
14).

Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the navigation system 110
9 analyzes the load information that is described in the body of this load information mail ML _5. Then, the control unit 119 determines the control area E1 based on the load information. Specifically, first, an air-conditioning load Q is calculated based on the load information (set temperature, room temperature, and outside temperature) (a specific method of calculating the load Q is a known method in air conditioning engineering). Therefore, the description is omitted here. Then, based on the load Q, the control unit 119 refers to a load-control area table stored in the memory 112 in advance, and determines a control area.

FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of the load-control area table. As shown in this figure, the loads Q1 to Qn
(Q1 <Q2 <... <Qn) and these respective loads Q1 to
Information for specifying an appropriate control area E1 for air conditioning of Qn (here, radii L _{S1 to} L _Sn of control area E1)
(L _S1 <L _S2 <... <L _Sn )) are stored in association with each other. By referring to such a load-control area table, the control unit 119 extracts the radius of the control area E1 corresponding to the load Q calculated as described above, and sets this radius as the radius of the control area E1. I do.

When the control area E1 is determined as described above,
The control unit 119 controls the air conditioner 840 based on the control area E1 as in the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 119 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 120 is in the control area E1, and when it is determined that the mobile terminal 120 is in the control area E1, outputs a notification in the control area to the mobile terminal 120 (step SD15). Thereafter, steps SD16 to SD
23 are performed in the same manner as in SD2 to SD9 in FIG. 6, respectively, so that the air conditioner 840 is automatically operated as necessary.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning load is determined based on the load information, and the control area is determined according to this load.
The operation timing of the air conditioner 840 can be variably set according to the load condition, and the control timing of the air conditioner 840 can be optimized.

The control area E1 may be determined at any timing other than the above. For example, the control area E1 may be determined by simply acquiring the load information at a predetermined interval or a predetermined time without using the concept of the information acquisition area E4. Alternatively, a default control area E1 may be set, load information may be acquired when the control area E1 is entered, and the control area E1 may be reviewed as necessary.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms within the scope of the technical idea described in the appended claims. It may be implemented in the form of. For example, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the mobile terminal 120 (see FIG. 1) has been described using a mobile phone as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
onal Handy phone System) Phone, PDA (Personal)
Digital Assistant), a wristwatch-type terminal, or any other portable or fixed terminal may be used. Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, an example using the personal computer 820 has been described.
May be used.

Further, in general, the storage capacity and processing capacity of the portable terminal 120 are relatively small. Therefore, in the first to fifth embodiments, the determination of the transmission timing of the control information mail includes the calculation of the load and the like. The description has been made assuming that the operation is performed by the navigation system 110. However, the navigation system 110
Some of the functions of the mobile terminal 120 and the mobile terminal 120 can be transferred to each other. For example, the navigation system 110 simply obtains the current position of the mobile terminal 120 and outputs this to the mobile terminal 120. The terminal 120 may perform various controls such as determination of transmission of control information mail. In the first to fifth embodiments, the navigation system 110 of the remote control unit 100 and the mobile terminal 12
Although the description has been made assuming that 0 and 0 are individually configured, they may be integrally formed with each other. For example, the remote control unit 100 may be configured by a mobile phone with a GPS function.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the control information mails ML ₁ and ML ₂ and the monitor command mail ML ₄ are transmitted by using the automatic mail transmission function of the portable terminal 120. 820 was sending load information mail ML ₅ by using the e-mail auto-created. However, all or any of these functions can be performed manually.
The reception of various mails by the personal computer 820 is performed as described in the first to fifth embodiments.
Any method other than the method using the automatic transmission function by the portable terminal 120 or the detection of the incoming signal by the communication device 810 can be used. For example, a personal computer 820 can periodically issue a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the air conditioner has been described as an example of the controlled device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a VCR, a television receiver, etc. Applicable to controlled equipment. Naturally, the specific control content can be arbitrarily changed according to the configuration of the controlled device, etc.
In addition to simply starting or stopping the operation of the control device, arbitrary parameters relating to operation can be newly set, changed, canceled, and the like.

[0108]

As described above, claims 1, 7, 1
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the current position of the mail terminal is acquired by the remote control unit, and the control information mail is automatically sent depending on whether the mail terminal is located within the control area for the controlled device. Sent to. Then, the controlled device is automatically controlled based on the control information included in the control information mail. Therefore, control of the controlled device can be automatically performed even when the user is away from home, thereby improving user convenience.

According to the present invention, when a mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device, control information for operating the controlled device is provided. Is automatically sent. Therefore, even if you forget to make a reservation to activate the controlled device and go out,
The controlled device can be automatically operated when approaching the user's house from a place where the user is away from home, so that the convenience for the user is improved.

According to the third, ninth, and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, when the mail terminal goes out of a predetermined control area for the controlled device, control information for stopping the controlled device is provided. Is automatically sent. Therefore, even when the user goes out while the controlled device is operating, the controlled device can be automatically stopped when leaving the user's house, etc., thereby improving user convenience. Energy loss can be reduced.

According to the present invention, the mail terminal is located in the predetermined buffer area set between the first control area and the second control area. If there is, the control information mail is not transmitted, and the control of the controlled device is interrupted. Therefore, even when the mail terminal moves in and out of the control area for operation and the control area for stop, the operation and the stop are repeated in a short time to cause chattering. Can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, the moving state of the mail terminal is determined, and the control information mail including the control information according to the moving state is automatically transmitted. Therefore, for example, even when the mobile terminal is located in the operation control area, if the mobile terminal is not moving, the operation of the controlled device is automatically stopped to prevent energy loss. can do. In addition, when the mobile terminal moves again, the controlled device is automatically operated to improve the convenience for the user.

According to the present invention, the load is determined based on the load information, and the control area is determined according to the load. Can be variably set according to the load state, and the control timing of the controlled device can be optimized.

Further, according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the remote control program recorded on the recording medium is read by a computer and executed, whereby the first aspect is realized.
The same effect as the invention described in any one of 3 to 18 can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a first embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system 110 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the portable terminal 120 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the portable terminal 120 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a communication device 810, a personal computer 820, and an air conditioner 840 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control information mail ML ₁ shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a concept of a control area in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment according to the present invention.

10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control information mail ML _2.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a concept of setting a control area according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a control unit 119 of the navigation system 110;
6 is a flowchart of a process of monitoring a moving state of the mobile terminal 120.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the fifth embodiment.

15 is a diagram showing an example of the load information mail ML _5.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a load-control area table.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 remote control unit 110 navigation system 120 mobile terminal 200 wireless base station 300 mobile communication network 400 mobile communication provider 410 mobile communication network connection server 420 firewall 430 LAN 440 mobile communication provider side mail server 450 mail spool 500 internet 600 provider 610 Provider-side mail server 700 Public network 800 User home 810 Communication device 820 Personal computer 830 Telephone 840 Air conditioner

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04M 11/00 301 H04M 11/00 301 F term (reference) 3L060 AA05 AA08 DD08 EE01 3L061 BA03 BB01 5K048 AA04 AA05 BA08 BA13 BA42 DB01 DC01 DC07 EB02 FC01 HA01 HA02 HA03 5K101 KK02 KK11 LL01 LL12

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A controlled device controlled based on control information, interposed between an external network and the controlled device,
An information terminal having a mail transmission / reception function, a mail terminal transmitting a control information mail including the control information to the information terminal via an external network, and a position acquisition device acquiring a current position of the mail terminal. A remote control unit, wherein the remote control unit determines whether or not the mail terminal is located within a predetermined control area for the controlled device, based on the acquired current position, Transmitting the control information mail to the information terminal based on the result, wherein the information terminal controls the controlled device based on the control information included in the received control information mail. Remote control system. 2. The remote control unit transmits a control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The remote control unit transmits a control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device when the mail terminal leaves a predetermined control area for the controlled device. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. The remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein the mail terminal has a predetermined first control area for operating the controlled device and a predetermined second control area for stopping the controlled device. The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control information mail is not transmitted when the mail is located in a predetermined buffer area set between the control information mail and the control information mail. . 5. The remote control unit determines a moving state of the mail terminal based on the acquired current position, and transmits the control information mail including control information according to the moving state. The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The remote control unit sends a command mail including a command for requesting load information on a load of the controlled device to the information terminal via the external network, wherein the information terminal Acquiring the load information from the controlled device based on the command included in the received command mail, transmitting a load information mail including the load information to the mail terminal, the remote control unit includes: Based on the load information included in the load information mail received by the mail terminal,
The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control area is determined. 7. A remote control comprising: a mail terminal that transmits a control information mail including control information for controlling a controlled device via an external network; and a position acquisition device that acquires a current position of the mail terminal. A unit that determines whether or not the mail terminal is located within a predetermined control area for the controlled device based on the acquired current position, and based on the determination result, determines whether the control information mail Transmitting a remote control unit. 8. A control information mail including control information for operating the controlled device when the mail terminal enters a predetermined control area for the controlled device. A remote control unit according to claim 7. 9. When the mail terminal goes out of a predetermined control area for the controlled device, a control information mail including control information for stopping the controlled device is transmitted. A remote control unit according to claim 7. 10. A predetermined first control area for operating the controlled device, a predetermined second control area for stopping the controlled device, and the mail terminal,
The remote control unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control information mail is not transmitted if the control information mail is located in a predetermined buffer area set between the above. 11. The remote control unit determines a moving state of the mail terminal based on the acquired current position, and transmits the control information mail including control information according to the moving state. A remote control unit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: 12. A command mail including a command for requesting load information on a load on the controlled device,
The control area is determined based on the load information included in the load information mail transmitted by the mail terminal and transmitted through the external network, wherein the control area is determined. A remote control unit according to any one of the preceding claims. 13. A position acquiring step for acquiring a current position of the mail terminal, and
A control area determining step of determining whether the mail terminal is located within a predetermined control area for the controlled device; and
A mail transmitting step of transmitting, via an external network, a control information mail including control information for controlling the controlled device, a remote control method. 14. In the control area determining step, when it is determined that the mail terminal has entered a predetermined control area for the controlled device, the e-mail transmitting step includes the step of operating the controlled device. 14. The remote control method according to claim 13, wherein a control information mail including control information is transmitted. 15. In the control area determining step, when it is determined that the mail terminal has left a predetermined control area for the controlled device, the e-mail transmitting step includes a step of stopping the controlled device. The remote control method according to claim 13, wherein a control information mail including control information is transmitted. 16. In the control area determining step, the mail terminal has a first predetermined control area for operating the controlled device and a second predetermined control for stopping the controlled device. The control information mail is not transmitted in the mail transmission step when it is determined that the control information mail is located in a predetermined buffer area set between the control information mail and the area. The remote control method according to any one of the above. 17. In the control area determining step, the moving state of the mail terminal is determined based on the current position acquired in the position acquiring step, and in the mail transmitting step, the moving state is determined in the control area determining step. The remote control method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the control information mail including control information according to the moving state is transmitted. 18. A command mail including a command for requesting load information on a load on the controlled device,
A load information requesting step of transmitting via the external network; and a control area determining step of determining the control area based on the load information included in the load information mail received by the mail terminal, The remote control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein in the area determining step, the determination is performed using the control area determined in the control area determining step. 19. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a remote control program for causing a computer to execute the remote control method according to any one of claims 13 to 18.