JP2012069120A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control equipment which is connected to a network and does not include a high-level circuit etc., at high level.SOLUTION: A gateway device 106 includes a third block 118 which communicates information, and a control section 113 which generates second information representing operation of an air-conditioner 111 based upon the first information received by the third block 118 and representing details of control over the air-conditioner 111, and which controls the third block 118 to transmit the second information to the air-conditioner 111.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for controlling equipment, a control communication device, a relay device, a control system, a control method, a control program for realizing the control method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. A control device for remotely controlling home appliances by wireless communication, etc., and monitoring as necessary, a control communication device, a relay device, a control system, a control method, a control program for realizing the control method, and a program thereof The present invention relates to a recorded computer-readable recording medium.

  Conventionally, air conditioners have been controlled by operating an attached remote control. When the user performs a button operation on the remote controller, air conditioner control information corresponding to the button operation is communicated to the air conditioner main body by infrared communication. When the air conditioner main body receives this control information, the operation starts. Alternatively, the main body of the air conditioner notifies the user that the control information has been received by emitting a beep sound or the like. Whether the device is performing the desired operation is confirmed by visual inspection. This may be confirmed by listening to a beep generated by the device. Such confirmation is possible because the user controls the device within the reach of the infrared communication signal. That is, the user can remotely control the device only within the reach of the infrared communication signal.

  In addition, in order to control home appliances such as an air conditioner, it is necessary to use a dedicated remote controller attached to each device. The user had as many remote controls as there were devices.

  In order to solve such a problem, development of a universal remote controller using a network is underway. The universal remote controller is a remote controller that can control a plurality of devices with one remote controller.

  Construction of a network that maximizes the performance of the universal remote control is also in progress. For example, a communication standard such as Echonet (registered trademark) is one of them. In this method, home appliances are connected to a communication network called ECHONET (registered trademark), and control is performed from a control device on the network.

  Various technologies have been proposed against the background of these technologies. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote controller that transmits control information including an identification ID of a target controlled device when controlling the controlled device connected to the network, and the control information to the controlled device. A converter for converting to a suitable protocol is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a communication system that transmits information, which is input by operating a touch panel by a user provided in a display device, to a base device when a user remotely controls a controlled device. It is disclosed. The base apparatus transmits a control signal obtained by converting the information to the target controlled apparatus.

JP 2002-232978 A JP 2002-34023 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the cost increases when control information of a device connected to a network is converted into a protocol corresponding to the network. This is because, in order to realize such network communication control, an advanced circuit such as a storage circuit or a control device having a much larger capacity than software provided in a conventional device is required. The reason why such an advanced circuit is necessary is based on the fact that the capacity of the software is large and advanced. Furthermore, when devices are controlled using a network, a plurality of users may control a plurality of devices using a plurality of universal remote controllers. In such a case, high-level control depending on the user may be required. For example, when different controls and user interfaces are required for each user. The converter described above does not provide any solution for such cases.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 2, a similar problem occurs when a control signal obtained by converting input information is transmitted. This communication system simply converts the protocol. It does not provide any solution to the advancement of circuits and the like accompanying the networking of devices. These are the reasons for similar problems.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to control devices connected to the network to a high degree, and in particular, it is connected to the network and does not have a high-level circuit. Provided are a control device capable of highly controlling equipment, a control communication device, a relay device, a control system, a control method, a control program for realizing the control method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program That is.

  In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the control device is configured to transmit a first communication unit for communicating information and a first information representing the content of control of the device received by the first communication unit. Creation means for creating second information representing the operation of the device; and first control means for controlling the first communication means to transmit the second information to the device.

  That is, the first communication means communicates information. The creation means creates second information representing the operation of the device based on the first information representing the content of control of the device received by the first communication means. The first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit the second information to the device. Thereby, second information representing the operation of the device is created in the control device. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and does not include a sophisticated circuit.

  In addition, the above-described creating means stores the second information by the first storage means for storing the third information representing the operation for creating the second information and the operation represented by the third information. And operating means for creating.

  That is, the first storage means stores the third information representing the operation for creating the second information. The operation means creates the second information by the operation represented by the third information. Thereby, the second information representing the operation of the device is created by the operation represented by the third information. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and does not include a sophisticated circuit.

  Alternatively, the first storage unit described above preferably includes a changing unit for storing the third information so that at least a part of the first storing unit can be changed.

  That is, the first storage unit stores the third information so that at least a part of the first storage unit can be changed. Thereby, the operation | movement means can produce the 2nd information from which at least one part differs. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can control a device that is connected to a network and does not include an advanced circuit in a variety of ways.

  Alternatively, the first storage unit described above preferably includes a unit for storing a plurality of pieces of third information in association with devices. In addition, it is preferable that the control device further includes a selection unit for selecting any of the plurality of third information based on the fourth information specifying the device received by the first communication unit. In addition, it is preferable that the operation means includes means for creating the second information by the operation represented by the third information selected by the selection means.

  That is, the first storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of third information in association with the devices. The selection means selects any of the plurality of third information based on the fourth information specifying the device received by the first communication means. The operation means creates the second information by the action represented by the third information selected by the selection means. Thereby, the operation means can create the second information by any of a plurality of operations based on the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device capable of highly controlling a plurality of devices connected to a network and not equipped with a sophisticated circuit.

  The first communication means described above preferably includes a plurality of communication means that are selectively used according to the communication destination.

  In other words, the first communication unit includes a plurality of communication units that are selectively used according to the communication destination. Thereby, the 1st communication means can communicate information using a plurality of communication means according to a communication place. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and does not have a high-level circuit and that can properly use communication means.

  In addition, the control device described above includes second storage means for storing, in association with a user, fifth information representing a permitted device that the user is permitted to operate among the devices, Responding to the reception of the seventh information specifying the transmission source user of the first information and the eighth information requesting the specification of the device by the communication means, corresponding to the transmission source user It is desirable to further include a second control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit the information including the fifth information to the transmission source.

  That is, the second storage unit stores, in association with the user, fifth information representing an authorized device that is permitted to be operated by the user among the devices. The second control means responds to the reception of the seventh information specifying the user who has transmitted the first information and the eighth information requesting the specification of the device by the first communication means. Then, the first communication means is controlled so as to transmit the information including the fifth information corresponding to the transmission source user to the transmission source. Accordingly, the fifth information corresponding to the user can be transmitted to the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and does not include a high-level circuit, and that can transmit information corresponding to a user to a transmission source.

  Further, the control device described above transmits the ninth information including information identifying the device to the transmission source on the basis of the sixth information identifying the transmission source of the first information. It is desirable to further include a second control means for controlling the communication means.

  That is, based on the sixth information specifying the transmission source of the first information, the second control means transmits the ninth information including the information specifying the device to the transmission source. The communication means is controlled. Thereby, the information for specifying the device can be transmitted based on the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not include a sophisticated circuit, and that can transmit information that identifies the device based on a transmission source.

  Alternatively, the sixth information described above preferably includes seventh information for specifying a transmission source user and tenth information for specifying a transmission source device. At the same time, based on the seventh information and the tenth information, the second control means sets the first communication means to transmit the ninth information in a manner suitable for the transmission source device and the user. It is desirable to include a means for controlling.

  That is, the sixth information includes seventh information for specifying a transmission source user and tenth information for specifying a transmission source device. The second control unit controls the first communication unit based on the seventh information and the tenth information so as to transmit the ninth information in a manner suitable for the transmission source device and the user. . Thus, based on the transmission source user and the transmission source device, it is possible to transmit information that identifies the device in a manner suitable for the transmission source device and the user. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not have a high-level circuit, and that can transmit information specifying the device in a manner suitable for the transmission source device and the user. be able to.

  Alternatively, the second control unit described above transmits the ninth information in response to receiving the eighth information requesting the device identification by the first communication unit. It is desirable to include a means for controlling.

  That is, the second control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit the ninth information in response to receiving the eighth information requesting the device identification by the first communication unit. To do. As a result, in response to receiving information requesting device identification, information identifying the device can be transmitted. As a result, a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and does not have an advanced circuit, and that can transmit information specifying the device in response to receiving information requesting device specification. Can be provided.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described control device further includes means for measuring time. In addition, it is desirable that the information transmitted by the second control means further includes information representing time.

  That is, the control device measures time. The information transmitted by the second control means further includes information representing time. Thereby, information representing the time can be transmitted. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not include an advanced circuit and that can transmit information representing time.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described control device further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the generation unit generates the second information based on the information specifying the transmission source.

  That is, the determination unit determines whether or not the creation unit creates the second information based on the information specifying the transmission source. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the creation unit creates the second information based on the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not include an advanced circuit, based on the determination of the transmission source.

  Alternatively, it is preferable that the information specifying the transmission source includes any one of the seventh information specifying the transmission source user and the tenth information specifying the transmission source device.

  That is, the information specifying the transmission source includes either the seventh information specifying the transmission source user and the tenth information specifying the transmission source device. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the creation unit creates the second information based on either the transmission source user or the transmission source device. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit, based on either the transmission source user or the transmission source device.

  Further, the control device described above converts the second communication means for communicating information, the eleventh information communicated using one of the first communication means and the second communication means, It is desirable to further include a third control means for controlling the first communication means and the second communication means so that a communication destination different from the communication destination can communicate with the other communication destination.

  That is, the second communication means communicates information. The third control means communicates the eleventh information communicated using one of the first communication means and the second communication means to a communication destination different from the communication destination of the eleventh information using the other. The first communication unit and the second communication unit are controlled so as to allow the first communication unit and the second communication unit to operate. Thereby, the information communicated using one of the communication means can be communicated using the other. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and does not have a sophisticated circuit, and that can communicate information communicated using one of the communication means using the other. .

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a control communication device includes: an input unit for inputting information; and a user of the control communication device and a control communication device based on information input to the input unit. Creation means for creating specific information to be identified, transmission / reception means for transmitting the specific information and receiving reception information transmitted based on the specific information, and output means for outputting the reception information Including.

  That is, the input means inputs information. The creating unit creates specific information for identifying the user of the control communication device and the control communication device based on the information input to the input unit. The transmission / reception means transmits the specific information and receives the reception information transmitted based on the specific information. The output means outputs reception information. As a result, information specifying the user of the control communication device and the control communication device is transmitted, so that the information transmitted based on the information can be received. As a result, it is possible to provide a control communication device capable of highly controlling devices connected to the network based on the fact that both the user and the control communication device are specified.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described specific information includes seventh information for specifying a user of the control communication device and tenth information for specifying the control communication device.

  That is, the specification information includes information for specifying a user of the control communication device and information for specifying the control communication device. As a result, the information specifying the user of the control communication device and the information specifying the control communication device are transmitted, so that the information transmitted based on the information can be received. As a result, it is possible to provide a control communication device capable of highly controlling devices connected to the network based on the fact that both the user and the control communication device are specified.

  Moreover, it is desirable that any of the above-described seventh information and tenth information includes information specific to the target to be specified.

  That is, either the information specifying the user of the control communication device or the information specifying the control communication device includes information specific to the target to be specified. Thereby, the information transmitted based on the information specific to the object to be identified can be received. As a result, it is possible to provide a control communication device that can reliably and highly control devices connected to the network based on the fact that both the user and the control communication device are specified.

  The output means preferably includes means for outputting received information in response to the input of predetermined information to the input means.

  In other words, the output means outputs the received information in response to the predetermined information being input to the input means. Thereby, reception information can be output when predetermined information is input to the input means. As a result, based on the fact that both the user and the control communication device are specified for the devices connected to the network, the control communication that allows the information to be output by inputting predetermined information and is highly controlled An apparatus can be provided.

  When the other situation of this invention is followed, a control system is a control system containing the communication apparatus for control, a control apparatus, a relay apparatus, and an apparatus. The control communication device includes an input unit for inputting information, a communication unit for communicating information, and an output unit for outputting information received by the communication unit. The control device controls the operation of the device based on the first communication means for communicating information and the first information representing the content of control of the device received from the communication device for control by the first communication device. Creating means for creating second information to be represented; and first control means for controlling the first communication means to transmit the second information to the device. The relay device includes an input unit for inputting input information from the device, a first conversion unit for converting the input information into information to be transmitted to the control device, a communication unit for communicating with the control device, It includes second conversion means for converting information received from the control device into conversion information usable by the device, and output means for outputting the conversion information to the device. The device includes a control unit for controlling the device based on the conversion information, and an output unit for outputting information related to control by the control unit.

  That is, in the control communication device, the input means inputs information. The communication means communicates information. The output means outputs the information received by the communication means. In the control device, the first communication means communicates information. The creation means creates second information representing the operation of the device based on the first information representing the content of control of the device received from the control communication device by the first communication means. The first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit the second information to the device. In the relay device, the input means inputs input information from the device. The first conversion means converts the input information into information to be transmitted to the control device. The communication means communicates with the control device. The second conversion means converts the information received from the control device into conversion information usable by the device. The output means outputs the conversion information to the device. In the device, the control means controls the device based on the conversion information. The output means outputs information related to control by the control means. Thereby, second information representing the operation of the device is created in the control device. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit.

  In the above control system, it is preferable that the control communication device further includes a creation unit for creating communication information that identifies either the control communication device itself or a user of the control communication device. In addition, it is desirable that the communication means of the control communication device includes transmission / reception means for transmitting communication information and receiving reception information transmitted based on the communication information.

  That is, in the control system, the creation means creates communication information that identifies either the control communication device itself or a user of the control communication device. The transmission / reception means transmits communication information and receives reception information transmitted based on the communication information. Thereby, second information representing the operation of the device is created in the control device. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit.

  In the control system described above, it is preferable that the control communication device further includes a creation unit for creating communication information that identifies the control communication device itself and a user of the control communication device. In addition, it is desirable that the communication means of the control communication device includes transmission / reception means for transmitting communication information and receiving reception information transmitted based on the communication information.

  That is, in the control system, the communication information includes information for specifying the control communication device itself and the user of the control communication device. Thereby, based on the user of the control communication device and the control communication device, information for specifying the device can be transmitted. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling devices connected to the network based on the fact that both the user and the control communication device are specified.

  The output means of the control communication device preferably includes means for outputting received information in response to the input of predetermined information to the input means of the control communication device.

  In other words, the output means outputs the received information in response to the input of the predetermined information to the input means of the control communication device. Thereby, when predetermined information is input to the input means of the control communication device, the reception information can be output. As a result, based on the fact that both the user and the control communication device are specified for a device connected to the network, a control system that can output information by inputting predetermined information and can control it highly. Can be provided.

  In addition, the control device described above includes second storage means for storing, in association with a user, fifth information representing a permitted device that the user is permitted to operate among the devices, Responding to the reception of the seventh information specifying the transmission source user of the first information and the eighth information requesting the specification of the device by the communication means, corresponding to the transmission source user It is desirable to include a second control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit information including the fifth information to the transmission source.

  That is, the second storage unit stores, in association with the user, fifth information representing an authorized device that is permitted to be operated by the user among the devices. The second control means responds to the reception of the seventh information specifying the user who has transmitted the first information and the eighth information requesting the specification of the device by the first communication means. Then, the first communication means is controlled so as to transmit the information including the fifth information corresponding to the transmission source user to the transmission source. Accordingly, the fifth information corresponding to the user can be transmitted to the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not include an advanced circuit, and that can transmit information corresponding to the user to the transmission source.

  Further, the control device described above transmits the ninth information including information identifying the device to the transmission source on the basis of the sixth information identifying the transmission source of the first information. It is desirable to further include a second control means for controlling the communication means.

  That is, based on the sixth information specifying the transmission source of the first information, the second control means transmits the ninth information including the information specifying the device to the transmission source. The communication means is controlled. Thereby, the information for specifying the device can be transmitted based on the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not include an advanced circuit, and that can transmit information that identifies the device based on a transmission source.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described control device further includes means for measuring time. In addition, it is desirable that the information transmitted by the second control means further includes information representing time.

  That is, the control device measures time. The information transmitted by the second control means further includes information representing time. Thereby, information representing the time can be transmitted. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system that can highly control a device that is connected to a network and that does not include an advanced circuit, and that can transmit time information.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described control device further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the generation unit generates the second information based on the information specifying the transmission source.

  That is, the determination unit determines whether or not the creation unit creates the second information based on the information specifying the transmission source. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the creation unit creates the second information based on the transmission source. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit based on the determination of the transmission source.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the information specifying the transmission source described above includes any one of the seventh information specifying the user of the transmission source and the tenth information specifying the control communication device of the transmission source.

  That is, the information specifying the transmission source includes either the seventh information specifying the transmission source user and the tenth information specifying the transmission source device. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the creation unit creates the second information based on either the transmission source user or the transmission source device. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit based on either a transmission source user or a transmission source device.

  In addition, the creation unit described above stores a plurality of pieces of third information representing an operation for creating the second information in association with either the control communication device itself or the user of the control communication device. It is desirable to include a first storage unit for generating the second information by an operation based on any one of the plurality of pieces of third information. At the same time, the control device receives from the communication information for identifying either the control communication device itself or the user of the control communication device received by the first communication means from any of the plurality of third information. It is desirable to further include selection means for selecting the third information used for creating the second information.

  That is, the first storage means stores the plurality of pieces of third information in association with either the control communication device itself or the user of the control communication device. The selecting means selects the first communication means from any one of the plurality of third information based on the communication information identifying either the control communication apparatus itself or the user of the control communication apparatus. 3rd information used for preparation of 2 information is selected. The operation means creates the second information by an operation based on any of the plurality of third information. Thereby, the operation means can create the second information by one of a plurality of operations based on either the control communication device itself or the user of the control communication device. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling a plurality of devices connected to a network and not equipped with a sophisticated circuit.

  Alternatively, the second control unit described above is based on the seventh information specifying the transmission source user and the tenth information specifying the transmission source control communication device received by the first communication unit, It is desirable to include means for controlling the first communication means so as to transmit the ninth information in a manner suitable for the control communication device and the user of the transmission source.

  That is, the second control means, based on the seventh information specifying the transmission source user and the tenth information specifying the transmission source control communication device, the transmission source control communication device and the user. The first communication means is controlled so as to transmit the ninth information in a manner adapted to the above. Thereby, based on the transmission-source user and the transmission-source control communication device, it is possible to transmit information that identifies the device in a manner that matches the transmission-source control communication device and the user. As a result, a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with a high-level circuit, and capable of transmitting information specifying the device in a manner suitable for the control communication device and user of the transmission source Can be provided.

  Further, the control device described above converts the second communication means for communicating information, the eleventh information communicated using one of the first communication means and the second communication means, It is desirable to further include a third control means for controlling the first communication means and the second communication means so that a communication destination different from the communication destination can communicate with the other communication destination.

  That is, the second communication means communicates information. The third control means communicates the eleventh information communicated using one of the first communication means and the second communication means to a communication destination different from the communication destination of the eleventh information using the other. The first communication unit and the second communication unit are controlled so as to allow the first communication unit and the second communication unit to operate. Thereby, the information communicated using one of the communication means can be communicated using the other. As a result, it is possible to provide a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with a high-level circuit, and capable of communicating information communicated using one of the communication means using the other. .

  When the other situation of this invention is followed, a relay apparatus is a relay apparatus used for the control system containing the communication apparatus for control, a control apparatus, a relay apparatus, and an apparatus. The relay device includes an input unit for inputting input information from the device, a first conversion unit for converting the input information into information to be transmitted to the control device, a communication unit for communicating with the control device, It includes second conversion means for converting information received from the control device into conversion information usable by the device, and output means for outputting the conversion information to the device.

  That is, the input means inputs input information from the device. The first conversion means converts the input information into information to be transmitted to the control device. The communication means communicates with the control device. The second conversion means converts the information received from the control device into conversion information usable by the device. The output means outputs the conversion information to the device. Thereby, information between the control device and the device can be converted. As a result, it is possible to provide a relay device capable of converting information in a control system capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method includes: a first communication step for communicating information; and a first information representing the content of control of the device received in the first communication step. And a first control step for controlling the first communication step so as to transmit the second information to the device.

  That is, in the first communication step, information is communicated. In the creating step, second information representing the operation of the device is created based on the first information representing the content of control of the device received in the first communication step. In the first control step, the first communication step is controlled so as to transmit the second information to the device. Thereby, the 2nd information showing operation of equipment is created based on a control method. As a result, it is possible to provide a control method capable of highly controlling a device connected to a network and not equipped with an advanced circuit.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the control program executes a device based on a first communication step for communicating information and first information representing the content of device control received in the first communication step. The computer is caused to execute a creation step for creating second information representing the above-described operation and a first control step for controlling the first communication step so as to transmit the second information to the device.

  That is, it is possible to provide a program that realizes a control method capable of highly controlling a device that is connected to a network and does not have a sophisticated circuit.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a recording medium on which a control program is recorded, the first communication step for communicating information, and the contents of device control received in the first communication step. And a first control step for controlling the first communication step so as to transmit the second information to the device based on the first information representing the second information representing the operation of the device. Is a computer-readable recording medium on which a control program for causing a computer to be realized is recorded.

  That is, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records a program that realizes a control method capable of highly controlling a device that is connected to a network and does not have a sophisticated circuit.

  A control device, a control communication device, a relay device, a control system, a control method, a control program for realizing the control method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to the present invention are connected to a network. Highly controlled equipment. In particular, it is possible to highly control devices connected to a network and not equipped with advanced circuits.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the gateway apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication adapter connected to the air conditioner concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the process which transmits transmission information to the gateway apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a format of a packet communicated between the remote control device and the gateway device according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the display process which displays the display information which concerns on embodiment of this invention on LCD. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the reception process which receives reception information from the gateway apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the process which receives the reception information from the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the process of the application for air conditioners which controls the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a format of a packet communicated between the communication adapter and the air conditioner according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the process of the application for air conditioners which monitors the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control of a process when receiving information is received from the gateway apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the process when transmitting transmission information to the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control of a process when receiving information is received from the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control of a process when transmitting transmission information to the gateway apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of a screen for user authentication displayed on LCD immediately after power-on in the remote control device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the example which the user performed key operation and input user ID in the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the screen for selecting the application which a user can use in the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the screen for operation-monitoring an air-conditioner application in the remote control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. In the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram for explaining that the screen configuration can be changed according to the user on the screen for operation monitoring of the air conditioner application. It is a figure explaining the screen for displaying event information in the remote control device concerning an embodiment of the invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

≪System Overview≫
Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a remote control device 104, a gateway device 106, a communication adapter 108, and an air conditioner as a home appliance (hereinafter referred to as “device”). 111, television 121, and washing machine (not shown). The gateway device 106 can individually communicate with a plurality of remote control devices 104 and a plurality of communication adapters 108. The gateway device 106 includes a storage unit (such as a ROM 801) described later, and stores application software, the remote control device 104, or a user as a database. Communication adapter 108 is a device that relays data between gateway device 106 and a device (air conditioner 111 in the present embodiment). The communication adapter 108 is connected to the air conditioner 111 and the television 121 by wire.

  Note that the gateway device 106 is not necessarily limited to one. A plurality of gateway devices 106 may communicate with one remote control device 104. These gateway devices 106 may communicate information received from the remote control device 104 to the respective devices in charge using different protocols (or different communication modules) corresponding to the respective devices.

<< Device configuration >>
[Remote control device 104]
<Configuration of remote control device 104>
Referring to FIG. 2, remote control device 104 includes control unit 150, first block 152, second block 154, and third block 156.

<Configuration of Control Unit 150>
The control unit 150 controls each unit of the remote control device 104. The control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, a flash memory 203, and a CF (Compact Flash) memory card driving device 206. Microcomputer. The control unit 150 is connected through the CPU bus 204.

  The ROM 201 stores a part of the control program and data necessary for processing. The RAM 202 stores various processing programs. The RAM 202 is also used as a work area for various processes. As an example of use, there is use as a temporary storage area of data obtained in various processes. The flash memory 203 is a so-called nonvolatile memory. Information stored in the flash memory 203 is not lost even when the power is turned off. A CF memory card 208 is attached to the CF memory card driving device 206.

<Configuration of the first block 152>
The first block 152 is a block for the user to input information to the remote control device 104. The first block 152 includes a key input unit 103 and an interface 205. The key input unit 103 includes a numeric keypad and a cross key. The user can input information necessary for various settings using the key input unit 103.

<Configuration of Second Block 154>
The second block 154 is a block for outputting information to the user. The second block 154 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 102 that is a display element, and a display information processing unit 207. The LCD 102 displays information obtained from the reception signal as necessary. The display information processing unit 207 forms a display signal based on the information supplied from the control unit 150. The display information processing unit 207 supplies this signal to the LCD 102.

<Configuration of Third Block 156>
The third block 156 is a block for performing wireless communication with the gateway device 106. The third block 156 includes a communication antenna 101, a duplexer 210, a reception processing unit 211, a decoding unit 212, a transmission processing unit 213, and a transmission signal creation unit 214. The communication antenna 101 performs wireless communication with the gateway device 106. The duplexer 210 prevents the transmission signal and the reception signal from interfering with each other. The reception processing unit 211 performs processing such as demodulating the supplied signal. The decoding unit 212 supplies the signal demodulated by the reception processing unit 211 to the control unit 150. The transmission processing unit 213 performs a process such as modulating or amplifying the supplied transmission signal to form a transmission signal in a format for actual transmission. The transmission signal creation unit 214 converts the transmission information from the control unit 150 into a transmission signal for transmission to the gateway device 106, and supplies this to the communication antenna 101 through the duplexer 210.

  This apparatus is realized by computer hardware and software executed by the CPU 200. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as the CF memory card 208 and is read from the recording medium by the CF memory card driving device 206 or the like. The read software is temporarily stored in the RAM 202. This software is executed by the CPU 200. The computer hardware itself shown is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as the CF memory card 208.

  Since the operation of the computer itself shown in these drawings is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[Gateway device 106]
<Configuration of Gateway Device 106>
Referring to FIG. 3, gateway device 106 includes control unit 113, first block 114, second block 116, third block 118, and fourth block 120.

<Configuration of Control Unit 113>
The control unit 113 controls each unit of the gateway device 106. The control unit 113 is a microcomputer including a CPU 800, a ROM 801, a RAM 802, a flash memory 803, an FD (Flexible Disk) driving device 818, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) driving device 820. is there. The control unit 113 is connected through the CPU bus 804. The ROM 801, the RAM 802, and the flash memory 803 are collectively referred to as a storage unit.

  CPU 800 performs the following operations. The first operation is an operation for controlling each unit of the control unit 113. The second operation is an operation for measuring time. The third operation is information processing necessary for controlling the device. This information processing is processing for specifically determining the operation of each device. Thereby, the CPU 800 performs a part of functions of each device. As a result, each device can exhibit the same function as a device including the circuit without including a circuit corresponding to the function. A specific example of this point will be described later.

  The ROM 801 stores various processing programs and data necessary for processing. The necessary data includes a device ID controlled by the gateway device 106. Various processing programs are executed by the control unit 113 of the gateway device 106. Examples of these processing programs include a news application, a weather application, and a provision application. The news application is an application that connects to the Internet from the telephone line 112, receives provision of information such as news information, and transmits mail received from the remote control device 104. The weather application is an application that receives information such as a weather forecast in the same manner as the news application. The provided application is an application that accesses data stored in the flash memory 803 and provides information to the user. These applications include a database for informing users of information according to the role of each application. This information is called event information. The control unit 113 that executes these applications creates event information using data included in the database and information obtained from a device such as the air conditioner 111 or a communication destination of the telephone line 112. Specific examples of event information will be described later.

  The RAM 802 is mainly used as a work area for various processes. As an example of use, there is use as a temporary storage area of data obtained in various processes. The other role of the RAM 802 is to store the user ID of the user, the control device ID of the remote control device 104, and the control application. The user ID of the user and the control device ID of the remote control device 104 are stored in the RAM 802 as a database. The control application is an application that controls or monitors a device connected to the communication adapter 108. The control application does these by communicating with the communication adapter 108 through wireless communication. The control application includes an air conditioner application described later. Other control applications are a television application that controls and monitors the television 121 and a washing machine application that controls and monitors the washing machine. These applications are associated with devices. CPU 800 determines an application to be activated based on information specifying the device transmitted from remote control device 104. The specific contents of the information specifying this device will be described later. In the present embodiment, these applications all represent programs. Not limited to a program, it is not particularly specified as long as it is information that can create information representing the operation of a device. For example, a predetermined data string may be used instead of the application. In that case, CPU 800 uses the data string to start a program for creating and controlling information representing the operation of the device. CPU 800 selects a data string for creating information representing the operation of the device from a predetermined data string in the program. The selection of the data string is based on information specifying the device transmitted from the remote control device 104. As new control applications are added, they are stored in RAM 802.

The flash memory 803 is a so-called nonvolatile memory. The flash memory 803 stores and holds a user authentication database, a remote control device database, a user access database, a user customization database, various setting parameters, and the like. Information stored in the flash memory 803 is not lost even when the power is turned off. The user authentication database is a database having a user ID (Identification Data) for identifying a user and an application ID for identifying an application controllable by the user as elements. The remote control device database is a database including a control device ID for identifying the remote control device 104, the size and performance of the LCD of the device, and the processing capability of the device. The user access database is a database having a user ID for identifying a user and a control device ID for identifying the remote control device 104 as elements. This database is a database for identifying which user is communicating from which remote control device 104. The user customization database is a database having a user ID for identifying a user and application information as elements. The application information is information in which display information displayed on the remote control device 104 is customized according to the user. The user customization database is a database created by each application.

  This apparatus is realized by computer hardware and software executed by the CPU 800. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as the FD 822 and the CD-ROM 824, and is read from the recording medium by the FD driving device 818 or the CD-ROM driving device 820. The read software is temporarily stored in the RAM 802. This software is executed by the CPU 800. The computer hardware itself shown is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as FD 822 or CD-ROM 824.

  Since the operation of the computer itself shown in these drawings is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The RAM 802 may store control application software whose contents can be freely changed. The control application may be rewritten for each software via the CD-ROM 824 or the like, or a part of the software may be rewritten using an editor or the like.

  The gateway device 106 may be a device including a communication circuit for each group of some devices. The gateway device 106 may be a device that includes a communication circuit for each device.

<Configuration of the first block 114>
The first block 114 is a block for the user to directly control the gateway device 106. The first block 114 includes an interface 805 and a key input unit 806. The key input unit 806 is provided with a power key and various setting keys. Using the key input unit 806, the user can turn on / off the main power supply of the gateway device 106 and input various settings.

<Configuration of Second Block 116>
The second block 116 is a block for connecting to a communication network such as a telephone network or the Internet through the telephone line 112. The second block 116 includes a communication unit 807 and an interface 808. The communication unit 807 includes a modem that is a modulation demodulator. The communication unit 807 communicates various data with the other party to which the telephone line 112 is connected. The transmission communication unit 807 modulates the signal from the control unit 113 and supplies the modulated signal to the interface 808. The receiving communication unit 807 demodulates the signal from the interface 808 and supplies it to the control unit 113. The interface 808 is an interface between the telephone line 112 and the communication unit 807 of the gateway device 106. The interface 808 receives a signal transmitted through the telephone line 112 and transmits a signal from the gateway device 106 to the telephone line 112. The gateway device 106 includes a communication unit 807, an interface 808, a telephone line 112, and a predetermined ISP (Internet Service).
It is possible to connect to the Internet through the Provider. Gateway device 106
Can receive news information and send and receive e-mails by connecting to the Internet.

<Configuration of Third Block 118>
The third block 118 is a block for wirelessly communicating with the remote control device 104. In this embodiment, the specific low power wireless communication is used for the wireless communication between the remote control device 104 and the gateway device 106. A predetermined channel frequency of specific low-power wireless communication is designated in advance for an application for communication. The third block 118 includes a first antenna 105, a transmission signal creation unit 809, a transmission processing unit 810, a reception processing unit 811, and a duplexer 812. First antenna 105 transmits and receives radio waves to and from a device (air conditioner 111 in the present embodiment). A transmission signal creation unit 809 converts information created by the CPU 800 into a transmission signal for transmission to the remote control device 104. The transmission processing unit 810 forms a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the transmission signal. The transmission processing unit 810 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted to the remote control device 104 through the duplexer 812 and the first antenna 105. The reception processing unit 811 performs processing such as demodulating the signal supplied thereto, and supplies the demodulated signal to the control unit 113. The duplexer 812 prevents the transmission signal and the reception signal from interfering with each other.

<Configuration of Fourth Block 120 and Communication with Communication Adapter>
The fourth block 120 is a block for performing wireless communication with the communication adapter 108. The fourth block 120 wirelessly communicates with the gateway device 106 using a specific low-power wireless communication protocol. The fourth block 120 includes a second antenna 107, a transmission signal creation unit 814, a transmission processing unit 815, a reception processing unit 816, and a duplexer 817. The second antenna 107 communicates radio signals. The signal is a radio signal that is transmitted from the communication adapter 108 and conforms to a predetermined communication protocol. The second antenna 107 exchanges signals with the transmission processing unit 815 or the reception processing unit 816 through the duplexer 817. The transmission signal creation unit 814 converts the control information from the control unit 113 into a control signal for transmission to the communication adapter 108, and supplies this to the transmission processing unit 815. The transmission processing unit 815 forms a control signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the control signal. The transmission processing unit 815 transmits control information to the communication adapter 108 through the duplexer 817 and the second antenna 107. The reception processing unit 816 performs processing such as demodulation on the supplied signal. The reception processing unit 816 supplies the demodulated signal to the control unit 113. The duplexer 817 prevents the transmission signal and the reception signal from interfering with each other.

[Communication adapter 108]
<Configuration of communication adapter 108>
With reference to FIG. 4, the communication adapter 108 includes a control unit 140, a first block 142, a second block 144, and a third block 146.

<Configuration of Control Unit 140>
The control unit 140 controls each unit of the communication adapter 108. The control unit 113 is a microcomputer including a CPU 900, a ROM 901, and a RAM 902. The control unit 113 is connected through the CPU bus 903.

  The ROM 901 stores various processing programs executed by the control unit 140 of the communication adapter 108 and data necessary for the processing.

  The RAM 902 is mainly used as a work area for various processes. As an example of use, there is use as a temporary storage area of data obtained in various processes.

<Configuration of the first block 142>
The first block 114 is a block for the user to directly control the communication adapter 108. The first block 142 includes a key input unit 913 and an interface 914. The key input unit 913 is provided with setting keys such as a dip switch. When the user starts using the communication adapter 108 connected to the air conditioner 111, the user sets a channel for performing specific low-power wireless communication with the gateway device 106 using the DIP switch of the key input unit 913.

<Configuration of Second Block 144>
The second block 144 is a block for wirelessly communicating with the gateway device 106. In the present embodiment, the second block 144 performs wireless communication using a specific low-power wireless communication protocol. The second block 144 includes an antenna 109, a transmission signal creation unit 904, a transmission processing unit 905, a reception processing unit 906, and a duplexer 907. The antenna 109 communicates radio signals with the gateway device 106. This radio signal conforms to a predetermined communication protocol. The transmission signal creation unit 904 supplies the signal to the transmission processing unit 905. The transmission processing unit 905 processes the signal supplied from the transmission signal generation unit 904 to form a signal in a format that is actually transmitted. This process is a process such as modulating or amplifying the signal supplied from the transmission signal creating unit 904. The transmission processing unit 905 transmits the formed signal to the air conditioner 111 through the antenna 109 and the duplexer 906. The reception processing unit 906 receives a wireless signal through the duplexer 907. The reception processing unit 906 supplies the wireless signal supplied thereto to the control unit 140. The signal supplied to the control unit 140 is a signal that has undergone processing such as demodulation. The duplexer 907 prevents the transmission signal and the reception signal from interfering with each other.

<Configuration of Third Block 146>
The third block 146 is a block for communicating with the air conditioner 111. The air conditioner 111 communicates with serial communication such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). The third block 146 includes a transmission signal creation unit 909, a transmission processing unit 910, a reception processing unit 911, and an interface 912. The transmission signal creation unit 909 converts transmission information into a transmission signal. The transmission information is information output from the control unit 140. The transmission signal is a signal transmitted to the air conditioner 111. The transmission signal creation unit 909 supplies this to the transmission processing unit 910. The transmission processing unit 910 supplies a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted to the air conditioner 111. The air conditioner 111 is supplied through an interface 912 and a terminal 110 for connecting to the air conditioner 111. A terminal (not shown) on the side of the air conditioner 111 connected to the terminal 110 performs the same function as a known infrared light receiving unit. The transmission processing unit 910 processes the transmission signal supplied from the transmission signal creation unit 909 to form a transmission signal in a format for actual transmission. The contents of the processing include contents including modulation and amplification. The reception processing unit 911 modulates a signal into information by processing such as demodulation.

  Needless to say, the form of the communication system 100 is not limited to the specific example shown in any of FIGS. Other functions not described in any of FIGS. 1 to 4 may be included, or not all of the functions described in any of FIGS. 1 to 4 may be included. For example, the device with which the gateway device 106 communicates is not limited to the air conditioner 111. A device with which the gateway device 106 communicates may be a plurality of air conditioners. The devices with which the gateway device 106 communicates may be a plurality of different types of devices.

≪Operation of each device (flow chart) ≫
[Remote control device 104]
<Transmission process>
Referring to FIG. 5, the program executed by remote control device 104 has the following control structure regarding processing for transmitting transmission information to gateway device 106.

  In step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S) 10, when power is supplied, CPU 200 waits for an input from key input unit 103. In S <b> 11, CPU 200 determines whether or not the key input from the user is a transmission request to gateway device 106. In the case of the present embodiment, CPU 200 determines whether or not a transmission request is made based on whether or not an enter key transmission button in key input unit 103 is pressed. If it is determined that the key input is a transmission request (YES in S11), the process proceeds to S12. If not (NO in S11), the process proceeds to S13.

  At S12, CPU 200 transmits the control device ID stored in ROM 201, the user ID stored in RAM 202, and the operation information input by the user operating on the operation screen of FIG. 20 as command information. This is supplied to the creation unit 214. The command information is a type of transmission information. The transmission signal creation unit 214 converts the transmission information from the control unit 150 into a transmission signal for transmission to the gateway device 106, and supplies this to the transmission processing unit 213. The transmission processing unit 213 forms a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the transmission signal supplied thereto, and this is transmitted to the gateway device 106 through the duplexer 210 and the communication antenna 101. Wireless transmission is performed. With reference to FIG. 6, the format of a packet communicated between remote control device 104 and gateway device 106 according to the present embodiment will be described. This packet includes a space area 300, a synchronization code area 302, a frequency channel data area 304, an identification code area 306, a user data area 308, and an error detection code area 310. The space area 300 represents a so-called blank portion. The synchronization code area 302 includes a synchronization code. The frequency channel data area 304 includes data representing a frequency channel. Identification code area 306 includes data representing the identification code. The user data area 308 includes user data. In the present embodiment, a user ID, a control device ID, and operation information indicating the content of device control are included. The “information for identifying a device” for selecting the control application described above is included here. In the present embodiment, the information is a numerical value for identifying a device stored in the RAM 202 of the remote control device 104 and the flash memory 803 of the gateway device 106. In the present embodiment, these values are values input by the user. The error detection code area 310 includes a so-called error detection code. Using this data, it is determined whether or not the data has been normally communicated.

  In S <b> 13, CPU 200 stores operation information input from key input unit 103 in RAM 202. CPU 200 creates display information from the information.

<Display processing>
Referring to FIG. 7, the program executed by remote control device 104 has the following control structure for display processing for displaying display information on LCD 102 after power to remote control device 104 is turned on. .

  When power is turned on to remote control device 104 at S14, CPU 200 reads the activation program from ROM 201. CPU 200 executes the startup program. The CPU 200 supplies screen information for inputting a user ID to the display information processing unit 207. The display information processing unit 207 forms a display signal from this information. The display information processing unit 207 supplies this signal to the LCD 102.

  In S15, CPU 200 waits for input of display information. In the present embodiment, CPU 200 considers that display information has been input when data is written in a specific area for display information. This specific area is an area included in the RAM 202.

  In S16, CPU 200 supplies the input display information to display information processing unit 207. The display information processing unit 207 supplies a display signal to the LCD 102 based on this information. The LCD 102 displays an image. When the display on the LCD 102 is changed according to a user instruction, an input from the key input unit 103 is supplied to the control unit 150 through the interface 205. The control unit 150 supplies display information corresponding to the key input to the display information processing unit 207.

<Reception processing>
Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed by remote control device 104 relates to a reception process for receiving reception information from gateway device 106 after power supply to remote control device 104 is turned on. Have

  When power is supplied in S <b> 17, control unit 150 waits until information is received from gateway device 106. The radio signal transmitted by the gateway device 106 is received by the communication antenna 101 of the remote control device 104. This wireless signal is supplied to the reception processing unit 211 through the duplexer 210. The reception processing unit 211 performs processing such as demodulating the signal supplied thereto. The demodulated signal is supplied to the decoding unit 212. The gateway device 106 transmits display information for operating application software, event information, and the like. The decoding unit 212 supplies the signal demodulated by the reception processing unit 211 to the control unit 150. The signal is restored to the original information according to each data format before being supplied to the control unit 150.

  In S18, CPU 200 determines whether the received information is event information or not. If it is determined that the received information is event information (YES in S18), the process proceeds to S19. If not (NO in S18), the process proceeds to S20. In S <b> 19, CPU 200 stores event information in RAM 202. In S20, CPU 200 creates display information.

[Gateway device 106]
<Reception processing>
Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed by gateway device 106 has the following control structure with respect to processing for receiving information received from remote control device 104.

  At S50, CPU 800 performs a login process with remote control device 104. CPU 800 waits for reception information received from remote control device 104. A radio signal representing reception information transmitted from remote control device 104 is received by first antenna 105 of gateway device 106. The received radio signal is supplied to the reception processing unit 811 through the duplexer 812. The reception processing unit 811 performs processing such as demodulating the signal supplied thereto, and supplies the demodulated signal to the CPU 800. If there is no reception for a certain period of time, CPU 800 performs logoff processing with respect to remote control device 104. CPU 800 performs login processing in a predetermined case after logoff. The predetermined case is, for example, a case where information indicating login is received from the remote control device 104. As a premise, it is assumed that CPU 800 is executing a startup program. The CPU 800 can execute the startup program by reading the startup program from the ROM 801. When power is turned on to gateway device 106, CPU 800 can read the activation program.

  In S51, CPU 800 determines whether or not a user ID is registered. This user ID is included in the reception information received from the remote control device 104. The presence / absence of registration of the user ID becomes clear when the user authentication database is searched. The user authentication database is stored in the flash memory 803. If it is determined that the user ID is registered (YES in S51), the process proceeds to S52. If not (NO in S51), the process proceeds to S56.

  In S52, CPU 800 registers the user ID and the control device ID in the user access database stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 associates the user having the received user ID with the remote control device 104 having the received control device ID. In the present embodiment, the data representing the relationship between the user ID and the control device ID is registered in the user access database so as to make the correspondence. This makes it clear that the user having the user ID is using the remote control device 104 having the control device ID.

  In S53, CPU 800 determines whether or not the received reception information includes user authentication information. The user authentication information is information indicating that user authentication is requested. The user authentication information includes a user ID and a control device ID. If it is determined that the received reception information includes user authentication information (YES in S53), the process proceeds to S54. If not (NO in S53), the process proceeds to S55.

  At S54, CPU 800 searches the user authentication database for information representing an application that can be used by the user who owns the received user ID. CPU 800 searches for the information based on the received user ID. CPU 800 creates application information representing applications that can be used by the user. CPU 800 supplies the application information to transmission signal creation section 809.

  In S55, CPU 800 determines that the received reception information is operation information for operating the device. The CPU 800 stores operation information in the RAM 802. The operation information includes information for specifying a device to be controlled. CPU 800 can control a specific device based on the information. In the present embodiment, the device is an air conditioner 111.

  In S56, CPU 800 specifies the transmission source of the reception information. The transmission source is specified from the control device ID included in the reception information. The CPU 800 creates error information in the remote control device 104 that is the transmission source. The contents of the error information are contents indicating that the user ID is not registered and that the acceptance of the operation of the device is rejected. The error information is displayed on the LCD 102 of the remote control device 104. The CPU 800 supplies error information to the transmission signal creation unit 809.

<Processing of air conditioner application>
Referring to FIG. 10, the program executed by gateway device 106 has the following control structure regarding the operation of the air conditioner application for controlling air conditioner 111.

  In S57, CPU 800 waits until reception information is received from either remote control device 104 or communication adapter 108 based on the activated application.

  In S58, CPU 800 determines whether a user having the received user ID can operate air conditioner 111 or not. This is determined based on information included in the user authentication database. CPU 800 retrieves the information from the user authentication database based on the user ID. If it is determined that this user can operate air conditioner 111 (YES in S58), the process proceeds to S59. If not (NO in S58), the process proceeds to S63. In S59, CPU 800 creates control information for controlling air conditioner 111 from the operation information included in the received information.

  At S60, CPU 800 determines whether the created control information is control information for the air conditioner body. “Whether it is control information of the air conditioner main body” means whether it is information to be transmitted to the air conditioner 111 or not. If it is determined that the control information is for the air conditioner body (YES in S60), the process proceeds to S61. If not (NO in S60), the process proceeds to S62.

  In S61, CPU 800 causes RAM 802 to store the user ID, control device ID, and control information included in the received information as transmission data. This process is a process for identifying information corresponding to which control information from which user when information is received from the air conditioner 111. The CPU 800 supplies control information to the transmission signal creation unit 814. The transmission signal creation unit 814 converts the control information from the control unit 113 into a control signal for transmission to the communication adapter 108, and supplies this to the transmission processing unit 815. The transmission processing unit 815 forms a control signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the control signal. The transmission processing unit 815 transmits control information to the communication adapter 108 through the duplexer 817 and the second antenna 107. The control information is supplied to the air conditioner 111 through the communication adapter 108.

  In S62, CPU 800 controls each unit of gateway device 106 based on the control information. CPU 800 creates display information representing the control result based on the control result. The CPU 800 creates display information corresponding to the user. In the case of the present embodiment, the display information can be created based on information included in the user customization database of the air conditioner application. CPU 800 retrieves the information from the user customization database based on the user ID. The user customization database is stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 customizes the display information according to the performance of the remote control device 104 as the transmission destination. The transmission destination is specified based on information included in the remote control device database. CPU 800 retrieves the information from the remote control device database based on the control device ID. The CPU 800 supplies the customized information to the transmission signal creation unit 809.

  In S63, CPU 800 specifies the transmission source of the reception information. The transmission source is specified from the control device ID included in the reception information. The CPU 800 creates error information in the remote control device 104 that is the transmission source. The content of the error information is a content for displaying a comment on the reason why the air conditioner 111 cannot be used on the LCD of the remote control device 104. The CPU 800 supplies error information to the transmission signal creation unit 809.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the program executed by gateway device 106 has the following control structure regarding the operation of the air conditioner application for monitoring air conditioner 111.

  In S64, CPU 800 reads and executes each application from flash memory 803. CPU 800 waits until reception information is received from communication adapter 108 connected to air conditioner 111 based on the activated application.

  In S65, CPU 800 determines whether or not the received information is event information spontaneously emitted from air conditioner 111. If it is determined as event information (YES in S65), the process proceeds to S66. If not (NO in S65), the process proceeds to S67.

  In S66, CPU 800 searches for a user ID capable of operating air conditioner 111 from the user authentication database. CPU 800 further searches the user access database based on the registered user ID. Based on the search result, the CPU 800 extracts all the user IDs of users who can access the air conditioner 111 who are currently accessing the gateway device 106 and the control device IDs that are operating. The CPU 800 creates event information for each remote control device 104 having the extracted control device ID. The CPU 800 supplies the created event information to the transmission signal creation unit 809. The event information includes operation information. This operation information is processed in the following two steps. The first step is a step of creating operation information corresponding to the user. CPU 800 creates information based on information included in the user customization database for air conditioner 111. This user customization database is stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 searches the user customization database using each user ID. The second step is a step of creating operation information in accordance with the performance of the transmission destination remote control device 104. CPU 800 creates information based on information included in the remote control device database. This remote control device database is stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 searches the remote control device database using each control device ID.

  In S67, CPU 800 identifies which control information the received information corresponds to. The CPU 800 extracts the transmission destination user ID and control device ID. The CPU 800 supplies display information created based on the user ID and the control device ID to the transmission signal creation unit 809. This display information is processed in the following two steps. The first step is a step of creating display information corresponding to the user. CPU 800 creates information based on information included in the user customization database for air conditioner 111. This user customization database is stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 searches the user customization database using each user ID. The second step is a step of creating display information in accordance with the performance of the remote control device 104 as the transmission destination. CPU 800 creates information based on information included in the remote control device database. This remote control device database is stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 searches the remote control device database using each control device ID. A transmission signal creation unit 809 converts information created by the CPU 800 into a transmission signal for transmission to the remote control device 104. The transmission signal is supplied to the transmission processing unit 810. The transmission processing unit 810 forms a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the transmission signal. The transmission processing unit 810 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted to the remote control device 104 through the duplexer 812 and the first antenna 105.

[Communication adapter 108]
<Reception Processing from Gateway Device 106>
Referring to FIG. 13, the program executed by communication adapter 108 has the following control structure for processing when reception information is received from gateway device 106 after communication adapter 108 is powered on. .

  When the communication adapter 108 is powered on in S68, the CPU 900 reads the activation program from the ROM 901. The CPU 900 executes a startup program. CPU 900 waits until reception information is received from gateway device 106. In S69, when CPU 900 receives a radio signal from gateway device 106, CPU 900 demodulates the radio signal to create data. The wireless signal is supplied to the CPU 900 through the reception processing unit 906. The CPU 900 converts the communication protocol for the gateway device 106 and the communication protocol for the air conditioner with respect to the data. The CPU 900 attaches a serial number to the data whose protocol has been converted. In this way, the received data can be accessed in the oldest or newest order. The CPU 900 stores data with a serial number in the RAM 902.

<Transmission processing to air conditioner 111>
Referring to FIG. 14, the program executed by communication adapter 108 has the following control structure regarding processing when transmitting transmission information to air conditioner 111.

  In S <b> 70, CPU 900 prepares to store information received from gateway device 106 in RAM 902. In S71, CPU 900 extracts the reception information having the oldest serial number from the reception information from gateway device 106 stored in RAM 902. CPU 900 creates a serial signal for transmission to air conditioner 111 based on the extracted reception information. The serial signal is supplied to the transmission signal creation unit 909. The transmission signal creation unit 904 supplies the serial signal to the transmission processing unit 905. The transmission processing unit 905 forms a signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the serial signal. The transmission processing unit 905 transmits the formed signal to the air conditioner 111 through the antenna 109 and the duplexer 906. With reference to FIG. 11, the format of a packet communicated between communication adapter 108 and air conditioner 111 according to the present embodiment will be described. This packet includes an SHD area 320, an EPC area 322, an ESV area 324, an EDT area 326, and an FCC area 328. SHD area 320 represents the communication direction of a packet, for example, communication from communication adapter 108 to air conditioner 111. The EPC area 322 includes data representing packet properties. In the case of the air conditioner 111, data relating to air conditioner control, air conditioner status, notification, and model information are represented by this data. ESV area 324 includes data representing the nature of the packet. The EDT area 326 includes data representing the contents of the property. The FCC area 328 includes a so-called error detection code. Using this data, it is determined whether or not the data has been normally communicated.

<Receiving process from air conditioner 111>
Referring to FIG. 15, the program executed by communication adapter 108 has the following control structure for processing when reception information is received from air conditioner 111.

  In S72, CPU 900 waits for reception of a serial signal from air conditioner 111. In S73, when receiving the serial signal from the air conditioner 111, the reception processing unit 911 modulates the serial signal into reception information by a process such as demodulation. The modulated signal is supplied to the control unit 140. The CPU 900 attaches a serial number to the modulated signal. The CPU 900 stores the received information in the RAM 902.

<Transmission processing to gateway device 106>
Referring to FIG. 16, the program executed by communication adapter 108 has the following control structure for processing when transmission information is transmitted to gateway device 106.

  In S74, CPU 900 prepares RAM 902 to extract information received from air conditioner 111. In S75, CPU 900 extracts the reception information having the oldest serial number from the reception information from air conditioner 111 stored in RAM 902. The CPU 900 creates transmission information to the gateway device 106 based on the extracted reception information. The CPU 900 supplies the created transmission information to the transmission signal creation unit 904. The transmission signal creation unit 904 converts the transmission information from the CPU 900 into a transmission signal for transmission to the gateway device 106. The transmission signal creation unit 904 supplies the transmission signal to the transmission processing unit 905. The transmission processing unit 905 forms a signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the transmission signal. The transmission processing unit 905 wirelessly transmits the formed signal to the gateway device 106 through the duplexer 907 and the antenna 109.

<< Operation of Communication System 100 >>
An operation of communication system 100 based on the structure and flowchart as described above will be described.

<Operations related to user authentication>
With reference to FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 17, 18, and 19, an operation when a user inputs a user ID will be described.

[Operation of remote control device 104]
The key input unit 103 includes a power on / off switch. If there is an input from the power switch when the power is off, the input is supplied to the control unit 150 through the interface 205. The control unit 150 reads the activation program from the ROM 201 and executes it. The control unit 150 supplies screen information for inputting the user ID to the display information processing unit 207. The display information processing unit 207 supplies a display signal to the LCD 102 based on this information (S14). FIG. 17 shows an example of an input screen displayed on the LCD 102 at this time. On the screen, characters of “user ID” and an ID number display window are displayed.

  When the user operates the numeric keypad of key input unit 103 to input an ID number (YES in S10), this input is supplied to control unit 150 through interface 205. The control unit 150 stores the input ID number in the RAM 202 (S13). The control unit 150 supplies display information corresponding to the numeric keypad to the display information processing unit 207. The display information processing unit 207 creates a display signal from the display information and supplies it to the LCD 102 (S16). FIG. 18 shows an example of a registration screen when the user presses the “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6” keys in order of the numeric keypad.

  The key input unit 103 includes a determination key. When the user operates the enter key (YES in S11), control unit 150 transmits the user ID and control device ID to gateway device 106 as transmission information (S12). The remote control device 104 stores a control device ID unique to the device in advance. In this way, user authentication information including the user ID and the control device ID is transmitted from the remote control device 104 to the gateway device 106.

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]
When user authentication information is received from remote control device 104 (YES in S53), control unit 113 searches the user authentication database based on the user ID included in this information. The control unit 113 extracts application information representing an image of a list of applications that can be used by a user having a user ID sent from the remote control device 104. The control unit 113 searches the remote control device database based on the received control device ID. The control unit 113 extracts the specifications of the remote control device 104 that is the information transmission source based on the search result. The control unit 113 creates transmission information from the application information according to the specifications. The control unit 113 supplies the created transmission information to the transmission signal creation unit 809 (S54). In addition, the control unit 113 updates the user access database using the user ID and the control device ID included in the received user authentication information. When the gateway device 106 transmits the display information of the application to the remote control device 104, a screen for selecting an operable application is displayed on the LCD 102. An example of the LCD 102 at this time is shown with reference to FIG.

<Operation related to application selection>
With reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 19, an operation for selecting an application by the user will be described.

[Operation of remote control device 104]
Since the gateway device 106 transmits information on the application permitted to be used, which is determined based on the transmitted user ID and control device ID (YES in S15), the control unit 150 of the remote control device 104 Receive this. In the case of the present embodiment, the information is described in xml (Extensible Markup Language) description language. The control unit 150 supplies the information to the display information processing unit 207. The display information processing unit 207 forms a display signal from the display information and supplies it to the LCD 102. As a result, the display information sent from the gateway device 106 as a wireless signal is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 102 (S16). Referring to FIG. 19, a display example of LCD 102 at this time is shown. In this case, applications executed on the operable gateway device are an air conditioner application, a television application, a washing machine application, a weather application, and a news application. The LCD 102 divides and displays the names of these applications by a rectangular frame. The reason why the news application is displayed is that when a display signal is sent to the LCD 102, the control unit 150 supplies information for operating the event information stored in the RAM 202 to the display information processing unit 207. On the LCD 102 shown in FIG. 19, the frame of the air conditioner is highlighted. When the user operates the cross key of key input unit 103 while referring to the menu (YES in S10), the input operation is supplied to control unit 150 through interface 205. The control unit 150 supplies display information corresponding to the key input to the display information processing unit 207. The emphasized rectangular frame moves to another frame according to the operation. These controls are performed when the control unit 150 supplies the display information generated by the input of the key input unit 103 to the display information processing unit 207. When the determination key of the input unit is operated with the air conditioner frame highlighted on LCD 102 (YES in S11), control unit 150 creates transmission information and supplies it to transmission signal creation unit 214. The transmission signal creation unit 214 converts the transmission information from the control unit 150 into a transmission signal for transmission to the gateway device 106, and supplies this to the transmission processing unit 213. The transmission processing unit 213 forms a transmission signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the transmission signal supplied thereto, and this is transmitted to the gateway device 106 through the duplexer 210 and the communication antenna 101. On the other hand, wireless transmission is performed (S12). When transmission information is transmitted to the gateway device 106, the transmission information includes a user ID input from a user as will be described later and the control device ID stored in the ROM 201 by the remote control device 104. Is called. The gateway device 106 can identify which user is operating which remote control device 104 by these IDs. In this case, the control unit 150 transmits information that the air conditioner application has been selected to the gateway device 106 (S12).

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]
When control device ID and user ID are received from remote control device 104 through the processing of S50 to S52 (YES in S53), control unit 113 selects an available application. The application is selected by referring to the database. The control unit 113 transmits application information for operating the application to the remote control device 104 (S54).

<Operation when operating the air conditioner 111>
With reference to FIG.5, FIG.9, FIG.10, FIG.20 and FIG. 21, the operation | movement about operation of the air conditioner by a user is demonstrated.

[Operation of remote control device 104]
The CPU 800 of the gateway device 106 that executes the air conditioner application receives information that the air conditioner application has been selected from the remote control device 104 (in this embodiment, this information is a type of operation information) (in S53). NO), information representing a menu for operating the air conditioner application is transmitted to remote control device 104 (S55). The CPU 200 of the remote control device 104 creates display information (S20). Referring to FIG. 20, an example of a display screen of LCD 102 that is displayed by supplying display information to display information processing unit 207 by control unit 150 from information for operating an air conditioner application received from gateway device 106. Will be explained. A “button” is displayed on the right side of the word “operation mode”. The “button” at this time is written as “cooling”. This “button” is displayed in a thick frame. This indicates that this button is selected. At this time, by operating the cross key of the key input unit 103 in the left-right direction, the user can select an operation mode such as “cooling”, “heating”, “dehumidification”. A similar “button” is also displayed on the right side of the word “set temperature”. The user can select the “button” by operating the cross key up and down. The user can set the set temperature by 1 ° C. by operating the cross key in the left-right direction. If the determination key of key input unit 103 is operated while the “button” displayed as “Send” is selected (YES in S11), CPU 200 transmits the command information to gateway device 106 (S12). .

  Information sent from the gateway device 106 is displayed in the upper frame of the display screen of the LCD 102. It is shown that the temperature sensor of the air conditioner 111 detects 15 ° C. It is shown that the air conditioner 111 is in a cooling operation. It is shown that the set temperature is 10 ° C. A time display frame 604 at the lower left of the display screen represents the time (10:11:30) when the gateway device 106 creates information for operating the air conditioner application. If such a time can be confirmed, the user can confirm the operating state of the air conditioner 111 even from a place where the air conditioner 111 cannot be directly seen. The operation for realizing such display will be described later.

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]
(When sending control information to the communication adapter 108)
In the remote control device 104, for example, when displayed on the LCD 102 as shown in FIG. 20, the “button” displayed as “Send” is selected by operating the cross key as described in the explanation of the operation of the remote control device 104. When the enter key is operated (YES in S11), information is transmitted from remote control device 104 to gateway device 106 (S12). As described above, information received from the remote control device 104 always includes a user ID and a control device ID. Receiving the command information (YES in S57), control unit 113 that executes the air conditioner application searches the user authentication database stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 of control unit 113 confirms that the user ID included in the command information by the search is registered as the user ID of the user who can use the air conditioner application (YES in S58). If confirmed, the CPU 800 creates control information for controlling the air conditioner 111 from the operation information included in the command information (S59). In this case, it is assumed that the received information is control information indicating that the set temperature of the air conditioner 111 is increased by 1 ° C. The CPU 800 also performs information processing in advance when transmitting control information to the air conditioner 111. By the information processing, the content of the control information becomes the operation itself of the air conditioner 111 or a content close thereto. By performing information processing in advance in this way, advanced control can be performed without installing an advanced control system in a device such as the air conditioner 111. When the control information is created, CPU 800 determines whether or not the created control information is information to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 (S60). If it is determined that the information is to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 (YES in S60), CPU 800 supplies control information to transmission signal creating unit 809 (S61).

(When control information is not sent to the communication adapter 108)
It is confirmed that the received user ID is registered as the user ID of the user who can use the air conditioner application (YES in S58). If confirmed, the CPU 800 creates control information for controlling the air conditioner 111 from the operation information included in the received information (S59). CPU 800 identifies which control information the received information corresponds to by searching. When the control information is identified, CPU 800 performs information processing corresponding to the control information. In this case, it is assumed that the received information is control information representing a request for presenting the cumulative power consumption of the air conditioner 111. In this embodiment, when an air conditioner application is used, the cumulative power consumption of the air conditioner can be presented. The air conditioner 111 can measure instantaneous power consumption. The CPU 800 that executes the air conditioner application periodically causes the air conditioner body to measure the power consumption. The CPU 800 has received the result. Data representing the result is stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 can respond to the request by taking out the power consumption periodically stored from the flash memory 803 and calculating the sum. When the control information is created, CPU 800 determines whether or not the created control information is information to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 (S60). If it is determined that the information is not to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 (NO in S60), CPU 800 creates display information representing the result of the control (S62). The display information is customized according to the user. The display information is customized based on information included in the user customization database of the air conditioner application. CPU 800 further customizes the display information according to the specifications of remote control device 104. Information representing the specifications is included in the remote control device database. This information is extracted by searching the remote control device database based on the received control device ID. The CPU 800 creates transmission information from the customized display information.

(When transmitting information received from the communication adapter 108)
An operation for realizing the display shown in FIG. 20 will be described. This is made possible by the gateway device 106 receiving information from the communication adapter 108. When information is received from communication adapter 108 (YES in S64) and it is determined that the information is not event information (NO in S65), CPU 800 identifies which control information the information is. In the case of the present embodiment, the information is setting information transmitted from the air conditioner 111 and indicating the setting at that time. The CPU 800 extracts the transmission destination user ID and control device ID. The CPU 800 searches the user customization database for the air conditioner 111 stored in the flash memory 803 with the user ID. The CPU 800 creates display information corresponding to the user from the setting information. CPU 800 searches the remote control device database by the control device ID. The CPU 800 supplies display information to the transmission signal creation unit 809 (S67). The display information is processed according to the performance of the remote control device 104 as the transmission destination. When the remote control device 104 receives this information, the display as shown in FIG. 20 described above becomes possible. In addition to FIG. 20, another screen can be displayed according to the destination. With reference to FIG. 21, another example of the display screen displayed on the LCD 102 based on the transmission information transmitted to the remote control device 104 will be described.

[Operation of communication adapter 108]
Next, the operation of the communication adapter 108 when data received from the gateway device 106 is transmitted to the air conditioner 111 as a serial signal will be described.

  When CPU 900 receives a radio signal from reception processing unit 906 (YES in S68), CPU 900 demodulates the radio signal to create data. The CPU 900 attaches a serial number to the data. In this way, the received data can be accessed in the oldest or newest order. The CPU 900 stores the data with the serial number in the RAM 902 (S69). If there is data with a serial number in RAM 902 (YES in S70), CPU 900 converts the data into a signal. The CPU 900 transmits the signalized data (S71). The air conditioner 111 operates based on the data.

<Operation when collecting and managing events>
With reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 12, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG.

[Operation of communication adapter 108]
Next, the operation of the communication adapter 108 when the air conditioner 111 transmits data to the gateway device 106 as a signal will be described.

  When the internal information changes or when there is a request from the gateway device 106, the air conditioner 111 notifies the gateway device 106 of event information according to the control of the air conditioner application. When the internal information changes, for example, the power of the air conditioner 111 is turned on. The air conditioner 111 notifies event information using a serial signal. The serial signal from the air conditioner 111 is supplied to the reception processing unit 911 through the interface 912 (S72). The CPU 900 stores the supplied data in the RAM 902. The CPU 900 associates a serial number with the received information to be stored (S73). In this way, the received data can be accessed in the oldest or newest order.

  When reception information is stored in RAM 902 (YES in S74), CPU 900 accesses the old information in order. The CPU 900 creates transmission information for transmission to the gateway device 106 based on the received reception information. The transmission information is supplied to the transmission signal creation unit 904. The transmission signal creation unit 904 converts the transmission information from the CPU 900 into a transmission signal for transmission to the gateway device 106. The transmission signal creation unit 904 supplies the transmission signal to the transmission processing unit 905. The transmission processing unit 905 forms a signal in a format to be actually transmitted by processing such as modulating or amplifying the transmission signal. The transmission processing unit 905 wirelessly transmits the formed signal to the gateway device 106 through the duplexer 907 and the antenna 109 (S75).

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]
(For air conditioner application)
Hereinafter, processing of the CPU 800 using the air conditioner application for the air conditioner 111 when information is received from the communication adapter 108 will be described.

  When receiving information from communication adapter 108 (YES in S64), CPU 800 determines whether the received information is event information (S65). If it is determined as event information (YES in S65), CPU 800 searches a user authentication database stored in RAM 802 for a user ID that can use the air conditioner application. The control unit 113 creates event information only for the remote control device 104 that needs to be transmitted. The control device ID or user ID of the remote control device 104 to be transmitted is specified by searching the application database. The CPU 800 searches the user access database stored in the RAM 802 for the user ID and the control device ID. The user ID of the user who is currently accessing the gateway device 106 and can use the air conditioner application, and the control device ID of the remote control device 104 being operated are all extracted. The CPU 800 creates event information for each remote control device 104 having these control device IDs. The CPU 800 supplies the created event information to the transmission signal creation unit 809 (S66). At this time, the CPU 800 searches the user customization database for the air conditioner 111 stored in the flash memory 803. The CPU 800 creates display information corresponding to the user. CPU 800 searches the remote control device database. CPU 800 creates display information representing event information by processing the display information according to the performance of remote control device 104 as the transmission destination.

(For news application)
The control unit 113 may transmit event information to the remote control device 104 based on the algorithm of each application to be executed. For example, when receiving the latest news, the control unit 113 that executes the news application transmits event information to the remote control device 104 operated by the user. This operation is for informing the user of the news. The news application is an application executed by the control unit 113 in order to communicate with a service provider that provides Internet news via a telephone line.

  The control unit 113 that executes the news application searches the user authentication database stored in the flash memory 803 based on the application ID of the news application, and extracts an available user ID. Then, the user access database is searched based on this user ID, and the control device ID is extracted. Thus, the news application extracts the control device ID of the remote control device 104 operated by a user who can use the application. The control unit 113 creates event information based on the control device ID. The control unit 113 supplies the transmission signal generation unit.

[Operation of remote control device 104]
Event information is transmitted to the remote control device 104 based on each application being executed on the gateway device 106 (S17). When remote control device 104 receives this event information (YES in S18), control unit 150 stores the event information in RAM 202 (S19). In the case of the present embodiment, the remote control device 104 sends the event information “Room temperature has reached the set temperature of 15 ° C.” at 10:10 based on the air conditioner application, and 10:03 based on the mail application. The event information “It is an email from Dad”, based on the washing machine application, the event information “It will end in 10 minutes after rinsing” at 9:56, and the latest news at 9:30 based on the XXX news app I received event information “XXX News” to show that there was.

<Operation when displaying event information>
[Operation of remote control device 104]
For example, in FIG. 19, when the user selects a rectangular frame in which the name of the event is displayed by operating the key input unit 103 (S10) and operates the enter key (YES in S11), the control unit 150 is stored in the RAM 202. Display information is created from the stored event information (S16). Referring to FIG. 22, an example in which this display information is displayed on LCD 102 is shown. The above event information is displayed.

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]
The CPU 800 performs wireless communication with the communication adapter 108 connected to the air conditioner 111. This is event information request processing. CPU 800 receives information representing the operating state of air conditioner 111 and sensor measurement values from communication adapter 108 (S64). These values are event information. The CPU 800 supplies event information to the transmission signal creation unit 809 (S66). The event information at this time includes information indicating the time when the information is received from the air conditioner 111. As a result, the air conditioner data reception time can be displayed on the LCD 102 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the communication system 100 having the following effects can be provided.

<Remote control and control confirmation>
In this way, the user can control the air conditioner via the gateway device by wireless communication even from a distance from the air conditioner, and at the same time receive information from the air conditioner body with the remote control device. This makes it possible to grasp the operating status of the air conditioner.

  Alternatively, if there is application software that is connected to the Internet through the telephone line 112 and obtains the latest news information as application software executed in the control unit of the gateway device, this application is remotely controlled when the latest news is acquired. Event information can be sent to the device to provide the latest news to the user.

  Furthermore, the user can operate an application executed by the gateway device. And it becomes possible to operate those apparatuses by operating the application which operates apparatuses, such as an air-conditioner.

  Alternatively, when remotely controlling a plurality of devices, there is no need to use a remote control remote control attached to each device. This facilitates management of the location of the remote control. Furthermore, in order to control when it is desired to control the device, the user may carry around one remote control.

<Restriction by ID>
The gateway device can provide an application that can be used according to the user by managing the user ID, the ID of the remote control device, and the application software. For example, when there are a plurality of devices in the child room and wireless communication is performed with the gateway device through the communication adapter, the device in the child room can be permitted only to the user having the child ID.

<Cost reduction by adapter and application>
Furthermore, since the device uses a lightweight communication adapter that only performs protocol conversion to communicate with the gateway device, and the control signal is transmitted from the application software executed on the gateway device, the application software is a complicated device. Control can be performed. For example, an application for operating an air conditioner can calculate how much power is used in time series by acquiring and storing power consumption information from the air conditioner, and can indicate this to the user.

  Alternatively, it is possible to easily control the device desired by the user by replacing the software with another software. For example, a user who does not need complicated control can control an air conditioner using an air conditioner application having only simple control information.

  Alternatively, if the software has a plurality of types of display information or can customize the display information, the user can select or customize the desired display information.

  Alternatively, an application that integrates and controls a plurality of devices can be executed and used on the gateway device. For example, when a plurality of air conditioners, heaters, ventilation fans, etc. in the home can communicate with the gateway device through the communication adapter like the air conditioner according to the present embodiment, the air conditioning in the home can be integrated by using an application that integrates these devices. It can be easily managed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  101 communication antenna, 102 LCD, 103, 806, 913 key input unit, 104 remote control device, 105 first antenna, 106 gateway device, 107 second antenna, 108 communication adapter, 109 antenna, 110 connection terminal, 111 air conditioner, 112 Telephone line, 113, 140, 150 control unit, 114 first block, 116 second block, 118 third block, 120 fourth block, 121 TV, 200, 800, 900 CPU, 201, 801, 901 ROM, 202, 802, 902 RAM, 203, 803 flash memory, 204, 804, 903 CPU bus, 205, 805, 808, 912, 914 interface, 207 display information processing unit, 210, 812, 817, 907 duplexer, 211, 811, 816, 906, 911 reception processing unit, 212 decoding unit, 213, 810, 815, 905, 910 transmission processing unit, 214, 809, 814, 904, 909 transmission signal generation unit, 604 time display frame, 807 Communication department.

Claims (2)

A remote control device that performs wireless communication with a relay device that stores an application for controlling the home appliance by generating control information for controlling the home appliance from command information for the home appliance,
Application menu information receiving means for receiving application menu information of the application operable by the remote control device from the relay device;
A display for displaying an image;
Display control means for displaying the application menu information on the display unit;
Selecting means for selecting desired application menu information from the application menu information displayed on the display unit by the display control means;
Application menu information transmitting means for transmitting the selected application menu information to the relay device;
Application operation information receiving means for receiving, from the relay device, application operation information for operating the application corresponding to the selected application menu information;
Event information receiving means for receiving event information for notifying an event that has occurred in a household electrical appliance operable from the application menu information;
Event information storage means for storing the received event information,
The display control means is a remote controller for displaying on the display section an operation screen based on the application operation information for a user to determine a desired operation and the event information stored in the event information storage means. Control device. The event information storage means stores the received event information in association with time information,
The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the event information stored in the event information storage unit in association with the event information and time information.

Images