JP2001086257A - Telecontrol system, and controller and device to be controlled used in the system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a telecontrol system in a short time that can accurately control a device to be controlled. SOLUTION: This telecontrol system includes a device to be controlled 3, that is installed at a user's home and is a controlled system, a controller 2 that is installed at the use's home for two-way wireless communication with the device to be controlled 3, and a portable phone 1 with a display function that is connected to the controller 2 via a public line network and used by a user at its visit place. The portable phone 1 transmits a control signal 7, to control a selected device to be controlled 3 to the device to be controlled 3 via the controller 2. The device to be controlled 3 transmits device information 6 of itself to the portable phone 1 via the controller 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a telecontrol system, and more particularly to a telecontrol system using a telephone having a display function such as a portable telephone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a telecontrol system for remotely controlling an electric appliance such as an air conditioner at home from outside the home by using a button type telephone.

[0003] Referring to FIG.
The telecontrol system disclosed in
00, a control device 104 connected to the telephone 100 through the telephone line 102, and a control device 10
4 controlled by the air conditioner 106. Communication between the control device 104 and the air conditioner 106 is performed by optical communication such as bidirectional infrared communication.

A user inputs a control code by inputting a push button on the telephone 100. Control device 104
Receives the control code from the telephone 100 via the telephone line 102. The control device 104 generates a control signal for controlling the air conditioner 106 based on the control code, and then transmits the control signal to the air conditioner 106. The relationship between the control code and the control signal is stored in the control device 104 in advance.

The air conditioner 106 that has received the control signal operates according to the control signal, and transmits information indicating the current operating state such as room temperature to the control device 104. Control device 104 transmits the information on the operating state to telephone 100.

Thus, the user can remotely control a controlled device such as the air conditioner 106.

[0007]

However, in the conventional telecontrol system, the user controls the controlled device by inputting a control code based on voice guidance. Further, the control codes are not standardized among the controlled devices, and in order to control a plurality of controlled devices, it is necessary to memorize several control codes. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes a long time to perform an operation and an erroneous operation is easily performed.

The control device stores in advance a relationship between a control code input by a user and a control signal for controlling a controlled device. Therefore, for example, when a controlled device is added, it is necessary to add a relationship between the control code and the control signal to the control device, and there is a problem that it is not possible to flexibly respond to a change in the controlled device. .

[0009] In addition to the control device, a plurality of devices such as ordinary telephones and facsimile machines are connected to the general public network in the home. For this reason, in order to use the control device from an external telephone, an operation for using the telecontrol system is first required, and there is a problem that it takes time and the operability is poor.

In addition, when using a general public network, the control device must be connected by wire. Therefore, there is a problem that the wiring is troublesome and the portability of the control device is low.

Further, in order to enhance the security of the telecontrol system and prevent the operation of others, a check operation using a password or the like must be performed.

Further, infrared rays used for communication between the control device and the controlled device have a strong directivity and a short reach. Therefore, there is a problem that the transmission / reception range between the control device and the controlled device is narrow, and the arrangement of these devices is considerably restricted. In particular, in order to control a plurality of controlled devices with one controller device, it is necessary to provide a plurality of ports for transmitting and receiving infrared rays to the control device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a telecontrol system capable of accurately controlling a controlled device in a short time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a telecontrol system capable of flexibly responding to changes in controlled equipment.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a telecontrol system capable of easily controlling a controlled device even when a device other than the control device is connected to the same telephone line. It is.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a telecontrol system in which the control device is highly portable.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a telecontrol system which has enhanced security without requiring a confirmation operation using a password or the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a telecontrol system which can freely select a place where a control device is installed and can control a plurality of controlled devices.

[0019]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telecontrol system, comprising: a telephone having a display function; a control device connected to the telephone via a public line network; And a controlled device that operates based on the control signal. The control device transmits device information including display data for operating the controlled device to the telephone, and receives a control signal for operating the controlled device from the telephone, and a control signal received from the telephone. Transmitting and receiving unit, and a line connecting unit and a first transmitting / receiving unit connected to the line connecting unit and the first transmitting / receiving unit for controlling the line connecting unit and the first transmitting / receiving unit. A control unit for exchanging data with each other. The controlled device is connected to the second transmitting / receiving unit for receiving a control signal from the control device, and controls the operation of the controlled device based on the control signal received by the second transmitting / receiving unit. And a device control unit that performs the operation.

Device information including display data for controlling the controlled device is transmitted to a telephone having a display function.
Therefore, the user can control the controlled device based on the device information displayed on the display unit. Therefore,
The user can easily understand the contents of the device information, and can control the controlled device more accurately in a shorter time than the operation using the voice guidance. Also, there is no need to memorize control codes, and anyone can easily use the telecontrol system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the controlled device further includes a data storage unit for storing device information unique to the controlled device. The second transmission / reception unit transmits the device information stored in the data storage unit to the control device. The first transceiver includes a first bidirectional transceiver that transmits a control signal received from the telephone to the controlled device and receives device information from the controlled device. The line connection unit transmits the device information received by the first bidirectional transmission / reception unit to the telephone.

The controlled device is controlled based on the device information transmitted from the controlled device. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the controlled device. Further, it is also possible to easily control the functions uniquely provided in the controlled device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect, the control device further comprises:
A device selection data creation unit for creating display data for selecting a controlled device to be controlled is included. The line connection section
The display data is transmitted to the telephone, and device selection data for selecting a controlled device is received from the telephone. The first transmission / reception unit transmits a transmission request for device information to the selected controlled device based on the device selection data.

Based on the device selection data, a controlled device to be controlled is selected. For this reason, it is possible to control a plurality of controlled devices with one control device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the device information includes control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and a control signal. And operation display information that is display data for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second or third aspect, the device information includes control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and a control signal, and a telephone set. And operation state information, which is display data for operating the controlled device, and operating state information indicating the operating state of the controlled device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the device information is described by a markup language.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the control device further comprises:
A markup language that is connected to the control unit and converts information described by the markup language transmitted from the line connection unit and the first transceiver unit into markup language information that can be decoded by the telephone and the controlled device, respectively. Including a data conversion unit.

The markup language data conversion unit
Data transmitted and received between the telephone and the controlled device is converted into markup language data that can be interpreted mutually. For this reason, even if the telephone and the controlled device use different markup languages, the controlled device can be controlled.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the control device further includes a memory for storing a telephone number of a telephone whose use is permitted. . The control unit permits only communication from a telephone whose telephone number is permitted to be used.

The control device determines whether access is possible by comparing the telephone number of the incoming call with the telephone number stored therein. Therefore, access from a telephone having an unregistered telephone number can be rejected, and the security of the telecontrol system can be enhanced. Moreover, the user does not need to enter a password.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first transmitting / receiving section performs data communication using infrared rays.

By performing data communication using infrared communication, there is no need to connect the control device and the controlled device by wire, and the installation location of the control device can be freely selected. Also, by using infrared rays,
The control device and the controlled device can be configured at lower cost than when other communication means are used. Therefore, the cost of the telecontrol system can be reduced.

The tenth aspect of the present invention is the first to eighth aspects.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the above, the first transmission / reception unit performs data communication using spread spectrum radio.

By performing data communication using spread spectrum radio, there is no need to connect the control device and the controlled device by wire, and the installation location of the control device can be freely selected. In addition, spread spectrum radio has characteristics that a communication range is wide and a communication distance is long. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of controlled devices or when the controlled devices are installed in several different rooms, one control device can control all the controlled devices.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to the first to first aspects.
0, the public line network is a wireless access network.

The control device is connected to a wireless access network. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the control device with a wire, and the portability of the control device can be improved.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to the first to first aspects.
0, the public line network is a general public network.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the twelfth aspect, the line connection unit is connected to a general public network, and switches a connection between the control device and another telephone. It includes a terminal connection switching unit and a public line connection unit connected to the telephone terminal connection switching unit and performing data communication with a telephone having a display function via the telephone terminal connection switching unit.

The control device is provided with a telephone terminal connection switching unit. For this reason, the controlled device can be remotely controlled using the same line as the existing telephone.

The invention described in claim 14 is the invention according to claims 1-1.
The telephone having a display function in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects is a mobile phone having a display function.

A portable telephone with a display function enables operation of controlled equipment in the home from outside. For this reason,
The user can remotely control the controlled device without carrying a special device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telecontrol system having a display function, a control device connected to the telephone via a public line network, and a control device connected to the control device and operating based on a control signal. Used in a telecontrol system including a controlled device. The control device transmits device information including display data for operating the controlled device to the telephone, and receives a control signal for operating the controlled device from the telephone, and a control signal received from the telephone. And a first transmission / reception unit that transmits the signal to the controlled device, a line connection unit, and a first transmission / reception unit that are connected to the line connection unit.
Control the transmitting and receiving unit of the
And a control unit for exchanging data between the transmitting and receiving units.

Device information including display data for controlling the controlled device is transmitted to a telephone having a display function.
Therefore, the user can control the controlled device based on the device information displayed on the display unit. Therefore,
The user can easily understand the contents of the device information, and can control the controlled device more accurately in a shorter time than the operation using the voice guidance. Also, there is no need to memorize control codes, and anyone can easily use the telecontrol system.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifteenth aspect, the first transmitting / receiving section transmits a control signal received from the telephone to the controlled device and controls the controlled device. A first bidirectional transmitting / receiving unit for receiving device information is included. The line connection unit transmits the device information received by the first bidirectional transmission / reception unit to the telephone.

The controlled device is controlled based on the device information transmitted from the controlled device. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the controlled device. Further, it is also possible to easily control the functions uniquely provided in the controlled device.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a device selection data creating section for creating display data for selecting a controlled device to be controlled. . The line connection unit transmits display data to the telephone and receives device selection data for selecting a controlled device from the telephone. The first transmission / reception unit transmits a transmission request for device information to the selected controlled device based on the device selection data.

Based on the device selection data, the controlled device to be controlled is selected. For this reason, it is possible to control a plurality of controlled devices with one control device.

The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to claims 15 to
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the seventeenth aspects, the device information includes control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and a control signal, and a display for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone. And operation display information that is data.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, the device information includes control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and a control signal, and a telephone. And operation state information, which is display data for operating the controlled device, and operating state information indicating the operating state of the controlled device.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the nineteenth aspects, the device information is described by a markup language.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the twentieth aspect, a markup language connected to the control unit and transmitted from the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit, respectively. And a markup language data conversion unit for converting the information described in the above into markup language data which can be decoded by the telephone and the controlled device.

The markup language data conversion unit
Data transmitted and received between the telephone and the controlled device is converted into markup language data that can be interpreted mutually. For this reason, even if the telephone and the controlled device use different markup languages, the controlled device can be controlled.

The invention described in claim 22 is the invention according to claims 15 to
21. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of 21.
Including a memory for storing the telephone number of the telephone set permitted to use. The control unit permits only communication from a telephone whose telephone number is permitted to be used.

The control device determines whether access is possible by comparing the telephone number of the incoming call with the telephone number stored therein. Therefore, access from a telephone having an unregistered telephone number can be rejected, and the security of the telecontrol system can be enhanced. Moreover, the user does not need to enter a password.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention,
22. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of 22., the first transmission / reception unit performs data communication using infrared rays.

By performing data communication using infrared communication, it is not necessary to connect the control device and the controlled device by wire, and the installation location of the control device can be freely selected. Also, by using infrared rays,
The control device can be constructed at a lower cost than when other communication means are used.

The invention according to claim 24 is the invention according to claims 15 to
22. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of 22., the first transmission / reception section performs data communication using spread spectrum radio.

By performing data communication using spread spectrum radio, there is no need to connect the control device and the controlled device by wire, and the installation location of the control device can be freely selected. In addition, spread spectrum radio has characteristics that a communication range is wide and a communication distance is long. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of controlled devices or when the controlled devices are installed in several different rooms, one control device can control all the controlled devices.

The invention according to claim 25 provides the invention according to claims 15 to
24. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of 24, the public line network is a wireless access network.

The control device is connected to a wireless access network. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the control device with a wire, and the portability of the control device can be improved.

The invention according to claim 26 is the invention according to claims 15 to
24. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of 24, the public line network is a general public network.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the twenty-sixth aspect, a line connection unit is connected to a general public network, and switches a connection between a control device and another telephone. It includes a terminal connection switching unit and a public line connection unit connected to the telephone terminal connection switching unit and performing data communication with a telephone having a display function via the telephone terminal connection switching unit.

A telephone terminal connection switching unit is provided in the control device. For this reason, the controlled device can be remotely controlled using the same line as the existing telephone.

The controlled device according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides a controlled device through a telephone having a display function and a public line network.
It is used in a telecontrol system including a control device connected to a telephone and a controlled device connected to the control device and operated based on a control signal. The controlled device is connected to the data storage unit that stores device information unique to the controlled device, a transmission / reception unit that transmits device information to the control device and receives a control signal from the control device, and is connected to the transmission / reception unit. A device control unit that controls the operation of the controlled device based on the received control signal.

The controlled device is controlled based on the device information transmitted from the controlled device. For this reason, the user can easily control the functions uniquely provided in the controlled device.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the twenty-eighth aspect, the device information is displayed on a telephone set with control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and a control signal. And operation display information which is display data for operating the controlled device.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the twenty-ninth aspect, the equipment information further includes operating state information indicating an operating state of the controlled equipment.

The invention according to claim 31 is the invention according to claims 28 to
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the items 30, the device information is described by a markup language.

The invention according to claim 32 is the invention according to claims 28 to
31. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the items 31, the transmission / reception section performs data communication using infrared rays.

By performing data communication using infrared communication, it is not necessary to connect the control device and the controlled device by wire, and the installation location of the control device can be freely selected. Also, by using infrared rays,
The controlled device can be configured at lower cost than when other communication means is used.

The invention according to claim 33 is the invention according to claims 28 to
31. In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the items 31, the transmission / reception section performs data communication using spread spectrum radio.

By performing data communication using spread spectrum radio, there is no need to connect the control device and the controlled device by wire, and the installation location of the control device can be freely selected.

[0074]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a telecontrol system according to an embodiment of the present invention operates between a controlled device 3 to be controlled installed at home and a controlled device 3. The control device 2 includes a control device 2 installed at home for performing two-way wireless communication, and a mobile phone 1 with a display function used by a user on the go while connected to the control device 2 via a public network 4.

Referring to FIG. 2, portable telephone 1 transmits control signal 7 for controlling selected controlled device 3 to controlled device 3 via control device 2. The controlled device 3 transmits the device information 6 of the controlled device 3 to the mobile phone 1 via the control device 2. Device information 6
Will be described later.

Communication between the control device 2 and the controlled device 3 is performed using infrared rays or SS (Spectrum Spread) radio.

Referring to FIG. 3, controlled device 3 is connected to control device 2 via a bidirectional wireless transmission / reception unit 15 described later.
The control device 7 receives the control signal 7 from the control device 7 and controls the functions of the controlled device 3 such as the air volume and the temperature of the wind in accordance with the control signal 7.
A data storage unit 8 for storing the device information 6 of the data storage unit 8 and the data storage unit 8
And reads the device information 6 from the control device 2 and transmits the device information 6 to the control device 2.
And a two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 for supplying to the device control unit 13.

Device information 6 stored in data storage unit 8
Includes operation display information 10, control information 9, and operation state information 14. The operation display information 10 is display data for operating the controlled device 3 displayed on the mobile phone 1. The control information 9 is data for controlling a function originally included in the controlled device 3 as described above, and represents a relationship between the function and the control signal 7 to the controlled device 3. For example, a numerical value “91” is associated as the control signal 7 with the function “increase the set temperature by 1 ° C.”. The operating state information 14 is data representing the current operating state of the controlled device 3 and includes, for example, a current temperature and a current air volume. The operating state information 14 is output from the device control unit 13 and written into the data storage unit 8.

Referring to FIG. 4, control device 2 comprises:
A public line connection unit 2 connected to a wireless access network, which is a public line network used in a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and the like, for transmitting and receiving data.
0, a control unit 21 connected to the public line connection unit 20 for controlling each unit of the control device 2, and a control unit 21
And a bidirectional wireless transmission / reception unit 2 for transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of controlled devices 3 by wireless communication
2, a memory 27 connected to the control unit 21 for storing various data such as the device information 6, and connected to the control unit 21 and the memory 27 and received by the public line connection unit 20 or the bidirectional wireless transmission / reception unit 22. A markup language (ML) data conversion unit 30 for mutually converting data described by the written markup language into markup language data that can be decoded by the controlled device 3 or the mobile phone 1, a control unit 21, and a memory 27, when the control device 2 can control a plurality of controlled devices 3, device selection for creating display data for selecting the controlled device 3 displayed first on the display screen of the mobile phone 1. And a data creation unit 28.

The memory 27 stores the telephone number of the mobile phone 1 for which access to the control device 2 is permitted. Further, the memory 27 includes an ML data conversion unit 30.
Is temporarily stored. Further, the display data created by the device selection data creating unit 28 is temporarily stored in the memory 27.

When the control device 2 is connected to the wireless access network, when the control device 2 receives a telephone call, the telephone number of the portable telephone 1 is transmitted at the same time. Therefore, the control unit 21 compares the telephone number of the mobile phone 1 for which access is permitted and stored in the memory 27 with the telephone number of the incoming call, and determines whether or not to permit access.

The control device 2 has a plurality of controlled devices 3
Is connected, before starting the control of the controlled device 3, the mobile phone 1 must be inquired about which controlled device 3 is desired to be controlled. For this reason, the device selection data creation unit 28 creates data for selecting the controlled device 3 in advance and stores it in the memory 27.

The markup language includes HTML
(HyperText Markup Language), HDML (Handheld)
Device Markup Language, WML (Wireless Markup)
Language) and XML (eXtensible Markup Languag)
e), etc., and are not unified at present. For this reason, when transmitting and receiving data described by the markup language between the mobile phone 1 and the controlled device 3, the ML data conversion unit 30 converts the data into a markup language that can be decoded by each device. Play a role.

Referring to FIG. 5, portable telephone 1 includes an antenna 16, a speaker 17, an input button 18, a display screen 19 and the like. As an example, a display in the case where the timer of the air conditioner, which is the controlled device 3, is set will be described. In the upper part of the display screen 19, the current operation state of the control device 2 is displayed, and it can be seen that the air conditioner is currently stopped and the timer is not set. On the left side, an icon representing the air conditioner is displayed, and it can be recognized at a glance that the operation screen relating to the air conditioner is displayed. On the operation screen in the lower part of the display screen 19, ON or OFF of the timer can be selectively input, and the set time can be input by a numeral. Selection input and numeric input can be performed by the input button 18. When the input button corresponding to the display “OK” is pressed after the input is completed, the control signal 7 relating to the timer setting is transmitted to the control device 2.
The operation display information 10 displayed on the display screen 19 is described by a markup language. The mobile phone 1 can display operation display information 10 described in HTML, HDML, and WML.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, controlled device 3
Works as follows. It waits until the two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 receives data from the control device 2 (S2). If the data received by the bidirectional wireless transmission / reception unit 15 is a transmission request for the device information 6 (YES in S2, S4
YES), the two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 reads the device information 6 from the data storage unit 8 and transmits the device information 6 to the control device 2 (S6). Then, the process returns to S2.

When the bidirectional wireless transmission / reception unit 15 receives the control signal 7 (YES in S2, NO in S4, Y in S8)
ES), the two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 transmits the control signal 7 received from the control device 2 to the device control unit 13,
The device control unit 13 controls the operation of the controlled device 3 based on the control signal 7 received from the two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 (S10). The device control unit 13 stores the operation state information 14 in the data storage unit 8 (S12). The two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 reads the changed device information 6 from the data storage unit 8 and transmits the device information 6 to the control device 2 (S14). Then, the process returns to S2.

The two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 operates the operation state information 1
4 (YES in S2, S4
(NO in S8, NO in S8, YES in S16), the two-way wireless transmission / reception unit 15 reads the operating state information 14 from the data storage unit 8 and transmits it to the control device 2 (S18). Then, the process returns to S2.

If the data received from the control device 2 is other than the above three data (YES in S2, S
(NO in S4, NO in S8, NO in S16), return to S2 without performing any processing.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, control device 2 operates as follows. Public line connection unit 20
Waits for a connection request from the mobile phone 1 connected to the public network 4 (S22). If there is a connection request from the mobile phone 1 (YES in S22), the control unit 2
1 compares the telephone number of the incoming call with the telephone number stored in the memory 27 (S24). If the telephone number of the incoming call is registered in the memory 27, the access from the mobile phone 1 is permitted (S26).
The control unit 21 reads display data (hereinafter, referred to as “device selection display information”) for selecting the controlled device 3 from the memory 27, and transmits the display data to the mobile phone 1 via the public line connection unit 20. (S28).

The telephone number of the incoming call is stored in memory 2
If it is not registered in 7, the access from the mobile phone 1 is rejected (NO in S26), and the control unit 21 disconnects communication with the mobile phone 1 (S30). Then, the process returns to S22.

After transmitting the device selection display information, the control unit 2
1 waits until the public line connection unit 20 receives data from the mobile phone 1 (S32). When data is received from the mobile phone 1 (YES in S32), the type of the received data is checked. When the received data is data for selecting the controlled device 3 (YES in S34), the selected data is received. Requests the control device 3 to transmit the device information 6 (S3
6). After the request, the device information 6 is received from the controlled device 3 (S38), and the memory 27 is stored based on the received device information 6.
The device information 6 stored in the device is updated (S3).
9), and transmits the received device information 6 to the mobile phone 1 (S40). Then, the process returns to S32.

If the data received from the mobile phone 1 is a transmission request for the device information 6 (NO in S34, Y in S42)
ES), perform the above-described processes of S36 to S40, and execute S32.
Return to

If the data received from the mobile phone 1 is the control signal 7 (NO in S34, NO in S42, S44
Then, after transmitting the control signal 7 to the controlled device 3 (S46), the device information 6 is received from the controlled device 3 (S46).
38) The device information 6 stored in the memory 27 is updated based on the received device information 6 (S3).
9), and transmits the received device information 6 to the mobile phone 1 (S40). Then, the process returns to S32.

If the data received from the mobile phone 1 is a request to transmit the operating state information 14 (NO in S34, S4
(NO in S2, NO in S44, YES in S48), requests the controlled device 3 to transmit the operating state information 14 (S50).
After that, the operation state information 14 is received from the controlled device 3 (S52), and the received operation state information 14 is
(S54). Then, the process returns to S54.

If the data received from the mobile phone 1 does not correspond to the above four data (NO in S34, S42
NO at S44, NO at S48), and returns to S32.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example of data exchange between portable telephone 1, control device 2, and controlled device 3 will be described.

The user outside the home uses the mobile phone 1 to make a call to the control device 2 (S61). The control device 2 checks whether or not the incoming telephone number is registered (S62). When it is determined that the telephone number is not registered (S63), the control device 2 disconnects the communication with the mobile phone 1 (S64).
If it is determined that the telephone number has been registered, the control device 2 transmits the device selection display information to the mobile phone 1 (S65).

The mobile phone 1 receives the device selection display information and displays a message prompting the user to select the controlled device 3.
When the user selects the controlled device 3 (S6).
6), the user transmits data specifying the selected controlled device 3 to the control device 2 (S67). The control device 2 requests the selected controlled device 3 to transmit the device information 6 (S68).

The controlled device 3 transmits the device information 6 to the control device 2 in accordance with the transmission request for the device information 6 (S6).
9). The control device 2 converts the received device information 6 into device information 6 of a markup language that can be decoded by the mobile phone 1, and then transmits the device information 6 to the mobile phone 1. The mobile phone 1 displays the received device information 6, and the user selects a control content (S71). When the control content is selected by the user, the mobile phone 1 transmits a control signal 7 to the control device 2 (S72). The control device 2 converts the received control signal 7 into a markup language that can be decoded by the controlled device 3, and then transmits the markup language to the controlled device 3 (S73).

The controlled device 3 controls the operation of the controlled device 3 based on the received control signal 7 (S74). The controlled device 3 transmits the device information 6 changed by the operation control to the control device 2. Control device 2
Updates the device information 6 stored by itself based on the received device information 6. The control device 2 converts the received device information 6 into markup language device information 6 that can be decoded by the mobile phone 1 and then transmits the device information 6 to the mobile phone 1 (S77).

The mobile phone 1 receives the device information 6 from the control device 2 and updates and displays the device information 6.
The user checks the result of the control (S78). Thereafter, the user turns off the mobile phone 1 (S79).

Although the above-described control device 2 is connected to a radio access network, it is also possible to connect this control device to a general public network. In addition, devices other than the control device 2, such as a normal telephone and a facsimile, are often connected to the general public network. For this reason,
It is necessary to use a control device capable of switching with another device.

Referring to FIG. 9, such a control device 31 further includes a telephone terminal connection switching unit 23 in addition to control device 2 described with reference to FIG. Further, a control unit 26 and a public line connection unit 24 are used instead of the control unit 21 and the public line connection unit 20, respectively. The public line connection unit 24 is connected to the control unit 26 and the telephone terminal connection switching unit 23, and performs communication with the general public network 29 via the telephone terminal connection switching unit 23.
The telephone terminal connection switching unit 23 is connected to the general public network 29. In addition to the telephone terminal connection switching unit 23, an existing telephone 25 is connected to the same line.

[0104] The telephone terminal connection switching unit 23 is connected to the general public network 2
9 requests connection to the control device 31, the telephone 25
It is determined whether the request is made to connect to the public line connection unit 24 or the telephone line 25. The processing after the telephone terminal connection switching unit 23 establishes a connection with the public line connection unit 24 is the same as that of the control device 2. Therefore, description will not be repeated. When the mobile phone 1 uses the control device 31, a signal indicating that the control device 31 is used is transmitted when the mobile phone 1 is connected to the control device 31.

As described above, in the telecontrol system according to the present embodiment, the controlled device in the home can be operated from the outside by using the portable telephone having the display function.
Therefore, the user can remotely control the controlled device without carrying a special device. In addition, control items of the controlled device are displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone. For this reason, the user can easily understand the contents of the device information, and can control the controlled device more accurately in a shorter time than the operation using the voice guidance. Also, there is no need to memorize control codes, and anyone can easily use the telecontrol system.

The control device is connected to a wireless access network. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the control device with a wire, and the portability of the control device can be improved.

Further, the control device obtains device information from the controlled device as needed, and controls the controlled device based on the device information. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly respond to a change in the controlled device.

Further, the control device determines whether access is possible by comparing and comparing the telephone number of the incoming call with the telephone number stored therein. For this reason,
Access from a telephone having an unregistered telephone number can be denied, and the security of the telecontrol system can be enhanced. Moreover, the user does not need to enter a password.

As described above, communication between the control device and the controlled device is performed using infrared rays or SS radio. Infrared communication has a problem that the communication range is narrow and the communication range is short, so that the installation range is limited. However, since there is no need to connect the control device by wire, there is no restriction on the installation location of the control device. In addition, when infrared communication is used, the control device and the controlled device can be configured at lower cost than when other communication means is used. Therefore, the cost of the telecontrol system can be reduced.

The SS radio has the characteristics that the communication range is wide and the communication distance is long. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of controlled devices or when the controlled devices are installed in several different rooms, one control device can control all the controlled devices.

By providing the telephone terminal connection switching unit in the control device, it is possible to remotely control the controlled device using the same line as the existing telephone.

In the present embodiment, the controlled device 3 is
Although the air conditioner has been described, it goes without saying that any device that can be controlled from the outside, such as a VCR or other home appliances, may be used.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative 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.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a configuration of a telecontrol device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the configuration of the telecontrol device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a controlled device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control device.

FIG. 5 is an external view of a mobile phone.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a controlled device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data exchange between a mobile phone, a control device, and a controlled device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another configuration of the control device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional telecontrol device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 mobile phone, 2 control device, 3 controlled device, 4 public line network, 6 device information, 7 control signal, 8
Data storage unit, 9 control information, 10 operation display information,
13 device control unit, 14 operation status information, 15, 22
Bidirectional wireless transmission / reception unit, 18 input buttons, 19 display screen, 20 public line connection unit, 21 control unit, 27 memory, 28 device selection data creation unit, 30 ML data conversion unit.

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A control system comprising: a telephone having a display function; a control device connected to the telephone via a public line network; and a controlled device connected to the control device and operating based on a control signal. A line connection unit that transmits device information including display data for operating the controlled device to the telephone, and receives a control signal for operating the controlled device from the telephone; and A first transmission / reception unit that transmits the received control signal to the controlled device, and a first transmission / reception unit connected to the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit;
A control unit that controls the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit and exchanges data between the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit; A second receiving the control signal
And a device control unit connected to the second transmitting / receiving unit and controlling operation of the controlled device based on the control signal received by the second transmitting / receiving unit. . 2. The controlled device further includes a data storage unit that stores the device information unique to the controlled device, and the second transmitting / receiving unit transmits the device information stored in the data storage unit. Transmitting the control signal received from the telephone to the controlled device, and transmitting the control signal received from the telephone to the controlled device, and receiving the device information from the controlled device; The telecontrol system according to claim 1, further comprising a unit, wherein the line connection unit transmits the device information received by the first bidirectional transmission / reception unit to the telephone. 3. The control device further includes a device selection data creation unit for creating display data for selecting the controlled device to be controlled, and the line connection unit sends the display data to the telephone. Transmitting, receiving device selection data for selecting the controlled device from the telephone, the first transmitting / receiving unit, based on the device selection data, the controlled device selected to request transmission of the device information. The telecontrol system according to claim 2, wherein the information is transmitted to the telecontrol system. 4. The device information includes: control information representing a relationship between a function of the controlled device and the control signal; and an operation being display data for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone. And display information.
3. The telecontrol system according to any one of 3. 5. The device information includes: control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and the control signal; and operation data, which is display data for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone. The telecontrol system according to claim 2, further comprising: display information; and operation state information indicating an operation state of the controlled device. 6. The telecontrol system according to claim 1, wherein said device information is described in a markup language. 7. The control device is further connected to the control unit, and transmits information described by a markup language transmitted from the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit, respectively, to the telephone and the controlled device. 7. The telecontrol system according to claim 6, wherein each of the devices includes a markup language data conversion unit that converts the information into decodable markup language information. 8. The control device further includes a memory for storing a telephone number of a telephone whose use is permitted, wherein the control unit permits only communication from a telephone whose telephone number is permitted to be used. Item 9. A telecontrol system according to any one of Items 1 to 7. 9. The telecontrol system according to claim 1, wherein said first transmission / reception unit performs data communication using infrared rays. 10. The telecontrol system according to claim 1, wherein said first transmission / reception section performs data communication using spread spectrum radio. 11. The telecontrol system according to claim 1, wherein said public network is a wireless access network. 12. The public line network is a general public network.
The telecontrol system according to claim 1. 13. The telephone line connection unit, wherein the line connection unit is connected to the general public network and switches connection between the control device and another telephone, and is connected to the telephone terminal connection switching unit, 2. A public line connection unit for performing data communication with the telephone having the display function via a telephone terminal connection switching unit.
3. The telecontrol system according to 2. 14. The telecontrol system according to claim 1, wherein said telephone having a display function is a mobile telephone having a display function. 15. A telecontrol system comprising: a telephone having a display function; a control device connected to the telephone via a public line network; and a controlled device connected to the control device and operated based on a control signal. A line connection for transmitting device information including display data for operating the controlled device to the telephone and receiving a control signal for operating the controlled device from the telephone. A first transmission / reception unit that transmits the control signal received from the telephone to the controlled device; a connection unit connected to the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit;
A control device, comprising: a control unit that controls the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit and exchanges data between the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit. 16. The first transmitting and receiving unit transmits a control signal received from the telephone to the controlled device, and includes a first bidirectional transmitting and receiving unit that receives the device information from the controlled device. The line connection unit transmits the device information received by the first bidirectional transmission / reception unit to the telephone.
The control device according to item 1. 17. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a device selection data generating unit for generating display data for selecting said controlled device to be controlled, wherein said line connection unit transmits said display data to said telephone, Receiving the device selection data for selecting the controlled device, the first transmission / reception unit transmits a transmission request for the device information to the selected controlled device based on the device selection data. Item 17. The control device according to Item 16. 18. The device information, the control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and the control signal, and an operation being display data for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone. 16. Display information and display information.
18. The control device according to any one of items 17 to 17. 19. The device information includes control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and the control signal, and operation data that is display data for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone. The control device according to claim 16, further comprising: display information; and operation state information indicating an operation state of the controlled device. 20. The control device according to claim 15, wherein the device information is described in a markup language. 21. The telephone set and the controlled device, each of which is connected to the control unit and can decode information described by a markup language transmitted from the line connection unit and the first transmission / reception unit, respectively. 21. The control device according to claim 20, further comprising a markup language data conversion unit that converts the information into a markup language information. 22. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a memory for storing a telephone number of a telephone whose use is permitted, wherein said control unit permits only communication from a telephone whose telephone number is permitted to be used. The control device according to any one of the above. 23. The control device according to claim 15, wherein said first transmission / reception section performs data communication using infrared rays. 24. The first transmission / reception unit performs data communication using spread spectrum wireless communication.
3. The control device according to any one of 2. 25. The control device according to claim 15, wherein said public network is a wireless access network. 26. The public line network is a general public network.
The control device according to any one of claims 15 to 24. 27. The telephone line connection unit, wherein the line connection unit is connected to the general public network, and switches a connection between the control device and another telephone. 3. A public line connection unit for performing data communication with the telephone having the display function via a telephone terminal connection switching unit.
7. The control device according to 6. 28. A telecontrol system comprising: a telephone having a display function; a control device connected to the telephone via a public line network; and a controlled device connected to the control device and operated based on a control signal. A data storage unit that stores device information unique to the controlled device, a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the device information to the control device and receives the control signal from the control device, A controlled device connected to the transmitting / receiving unit and controlling an operation of the controlled device based on the control signal received by the transmitting / receiving unit. 29. The device information is control information indicating a relationship between a function of the controlled device and the control signal, and operation is display data for operating the controlled device displayed on the telephone. 29. Display information.
A controlled device according to item 1. 30. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus information further includes operating state information indicating an operating state of the controlled apparatus.
10. The controlled device according to item 9. 31. The controlled device according to claim 28, wherein the device information is described by a markup language. 32. The controlled device according to claim 28, wherein said transmission / reception unit performs data communication using infrared rays. 33. The controlled device according to claim 28, wherein said transmission / reception unit performs data communication using spread spectrum wireless communication.