JP2001344183A - Remote control system, remote control device, remote control method, and computer readable recording medium recording remote control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the remote control of equipment to be controlled such as an air conditioner from outside of a user house, and to easily grasp the operating condition of the controlled equipment. SOLUTION: This remote control system is provided with an air conditioner 840 provided in a user house and controlled on the basis of the control information, a personal computer 820 interposed between the Internet 500 (public net 700) and the air conditioner 840 and provided with a mail transmitting function, and a portable terminal 100 for sending a control information mail ML2 including the control information to the personal computer 820 through the Internet 500 and the public net 700. The personal computer 820 controls the air conditioner 840 on the basis of the control information included in the received control information mail ML2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control system, a remote control device, a remote control method, and a computer which records a remote control program, for example, for remotely controlling home electric appliances in a home from outside via electronic mail. It concerns a possible recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general households, many home electric appliances such as air conditioners (air conditioners) and microwave ovens are widely used.
In particular, an air conditioner is a necessity for maintaining a room's temperature and humidity at optimal values and providing a comfortable space. Also, at home, the remote controller
Switching of the operation mode (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation), room temperature setting, air volume setting, operation reservation setting, and the like are performed for the air conditioner.

[0003] In this operation reservation setting, the user operates the remote controller before going out or going to bed, so that the operation start time, the stop time, and the operation mode (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation) are selected. ), Room temperature, air volume, etc. are set in the air conditioner. Then, the air conditioner starts automatic operation based on the set operation mode, room temperature, and air flow at the operation start time, and automatically stops at the stop time.

[0004]

As described above, in the conventional air conditioner, even when the user is out, the operation start time, stop time, It is possible to control the operation mode, room temperature, air volume, and the like. However, in the conventional air conditioner, when the user's return time is changed or the driving reservation is forgotten, the driving start time or the like is changed from a place where the user goes out, and the operation is similarly controlled from a place where the user goes out. Unable to do so and is very inconvenient. In addition, in the conventional air conditioner, there is no means or method for grasping the operating state of the air conditioner from outside.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above,
A remote control system, a remote control device, and a remote control that can easily control a controlled device such as an air conditioner from a remote place and also easily understand the operation state of the controlled device from a remote place. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium recording a method and a remote control program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling a device to be controlled based on control information between an external network and the controlled device. An information terminal having a mail transmission / reception function inserted therein, and a mobile terminal transmitting a control information mail including the control information to the information terminal via an external network, wherein the information terminal receives the control information mail. The controlled device is controlled based on the control information included in the control information.

According to the present invention, since the control information mail is transmitted from the portable terminal and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information mail, it is easy to receive the information without selecting a place even when going out. Control of the control device can be performed, and user convenience is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first aspect, the portable terminal transmits a control information mail including a control character constituting at least a part of the control information to the external network. Transmitted to the information terminal via, the information terminal converts the control characters included in the received control information mail to the control information based on a conversion table, based on the control information,
Controlling the controlled device.

According to the present invention, the control characters constituting a part of the control information are included in the control information mail, and the control characters are converted into the control information after receiving the control information mail. The burden of creation can be reduced, and the packet communication charge (pay-as-you-go system) can be reduced by the small amount of data of the control information mail.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first aspect, the portable terminal transmits a control information mail including at least a number corresponding to the control information via the external network. The information terminal transmits to the information terminal, the information terminal converts the number included in the received control information mail into the control information based on a conversion table, and controls the controlled device based on the control information. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, the number corresponding to the control information is included in the control information mail, and the number is converted into the control information after receiving the control information mail. Therefore, the user's mail creation burden is further reduced. In addition to this, the packet communication charge (pay-as-you-go system) can be reduced by the small amount of control information mail data.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first aspect, the portable terminal sends a control information mail including the control information and a password to the information terminal via an external network. And the information terminal controls the controlled device based on the control information only when the password included in the received control information mail matches a preset password. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, a password is included in the control information mail, the password is collated on the receiving side based on the password, and the controlled device is controlled only when the password matches. Unauthorized access can be prevented, and security is improved.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to
4. The remote control system according to any one of 4)
The mobile terminal stores the transmitted control information mail in a memory, and reuses the control information mail stored in the memory at the next transmission.

According to the present invention, since the control information mail stored in the memory is reused at the next transmission, there is no need for the user to create a control mail after the next transmission, thereby improving user convenience. I do.

[0016] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to
5. The remote control system according to any one of items 5,
The mobile terminal transmits a command mail including a command for requesting status information of the controlled device to the information terminal via the external network, and the information terminal is included in the received command mail. After acquiring the status information from the controlled device based on the command, a status information mail including the status information is transmitted to the portable terminal.

According to the present invention, a command mail is transmitted from the portable terminal, status information of the controlled device is acquired based on the command mail, and then the status information is transmitted to the portable terminal as status information mail. Therefore, the operation state of the controlled device can be easily grasped from a place where the user is away from home.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the first aspect, the content is connected to the external network and allows the browser of the portable terminal to select the control information by a menu selection method. Comprising a content providing device that provides the mobile terminal with
The portable terminal selects the control information based on the content.

According to the present invention, the control information is selected by the menu selection method based on the content provided from the content providing apparatus. It is possible to reduce the user's mail creation burden, and the convenience for the user is further improved.

The invention according to claim 8 is a control information mail including control information for controlling a controlled device, wherein the control information mail transmitted from a portable terminal is received via an external network. A mail transmission / reception unit for transmitting a mail and a control unit for controlling the controlled device based on the control information are provided.

According to the present invention, since the control information mail is transmitted from the portable terminal and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information mail, the device can be easily received without selecting a place even when going out. Control of the control device can be performed, and user convenience is improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the eighth aspect, the portable terminal transmits a control information mail including control characters constituting at least a part of the control information to the external network. The control unit converts the control characters included in the received control information mail into the control information based on a conversion table, and, based on the control information, The controlled device is controlled.

According to the present invention, the control characters constituting a part of the control information are included in the control information mail, and after the control information mail is received, the control characters are converted into the control information. The burden of creation can be reduced, and the packet communication charge (pay-as-you-go system) can be reduced by the small amount of data of the control information mail.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8
In the remote control device according to the above, the portable terminal transmits a control information mail including a number corresponding to at least the control information to the mail transmitting / receiving unit via the external network, and the control unit receives the control information mail. The number included in the control information mail is converted into the control information based on a conversion table, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information.

According to the present invention, the number corresponding to the control information is included in the control information mail, and the number is converted into the control information after receiving the control information mail. Therefore, the user's mail creation burden is further reduced. In addition to this, the packet communication charge (pay-as-you-go system) can be reduced by the small amount of control information mail data.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8
In the remote control device according to the above, the portable terminal transmits a control information mail including the control information and a password to the mail transmitting / receiving means via an external network,
The control means controls the controlled device based on the control information only when the password included in the received control information mail matches a preset password. I do.

According to the present invention, a password is included in the control information mail, the password is collated on the receiving side based on the password, and the controlled device is controlled only when the password matches. Unauthorized access can be prevented, and security is improved.

The invention according to claim 12 is based on claim 8.
In the remote control device according to any one of to 11,
The mobile terminal stores the transmitted control information mail in a memory, and reuses the control information mail stored in the memory at the next transmission.

According to the present invention, since the control information mail stored in the memory is reused at the next transmission, there is no need for the user to create a control mail after the next transmission, thereby improving user convenience. I do.

The invention according to claim 13 is based on claim 8
13. The remote control device according to any one of to 12,
The mobile terminal transmits a command mail including a command for requesting state information of the controlled device to the mail transmitting / receiving unit via the external network, and the control unit includes the command mail in the received command mail. The status information is acquired from the controlled device based on the command, and the mail transmitting / receiving means transmits a status information mail including the status information to the portable terminal.

According to the present invention, a command mail is transmitted from the portable terminal, and after obtaining the status information of the controlled device based on the command mail, the status information is transmitted to the mobile terminal as the status information mail. Therefore, the operation state of the controlled device can be easily grasped from a place where the user is away from home.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control information mail including control information for controlling a controlled device, wherein the control information mail transmitted from a portable terminal is received via an external network. The method includes a mail transmission / reception step of transmitting a mail, and a control step of controlling the controlled device based on the control information.

According to the present invention, the control information mail is transmitted from the portable terminal, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information mail. Control of the control device can be performed, and user convenience is improved.

The invention according to claim 15 is the first invention.
5. The remote control method according to 4, wherein the mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including a control character constituting at least a part of the control information via the external network, and in the control step, The control character included in the information mail is converted into the control information based on a conversion table, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information.

According to the present invention, the control characters constituting a part of the control information are included in the control information mail, and after the control information mail is received, the control characters are converted into the control information. The burden of creation can be reduced, and the packet communication charge (pay-as-you-go system) can be reduced by the small amount of data of the control information mail.

The invention according to claim 16 is based on claim 1.
4. The remote control method according to 4, wherein the mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including at least a number corresponding to the control information via the external network, and in the control step, the mobile terminal includes the received control information mail. The number is converted to the control information based on a conversion table,
The controlled device is controlled based on the control information.

According to the present invention, the number corresponding to the control information is included in the control information mail, and the number is converted into the control information after the control information mail is received, so that the user's mail creation burden is further reduced. In addition to this, the packet communication charge (pay-as-you-go system) can be reduced by the small amount of control information mail data.

The invention according to claim 17 is based on claim 1.
4. The remote control method according to 4, wherein the mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including the control information and a password via an external network, and in the control step, the password included in the received control information mail is transmitted. The controlled device is controlled based on the control information only when the number matches a preset password.

According to the present invention, a password is included in the control information mail, the password is collated on the receiving side based on the password, and the controlled device is controlled only when the password matches. Unauthorized access can be prevented, and security is improved.

Further, the invention according to claim 18 is based on claim 1
In the remote control method according to any one of Items 4 to 17, the mobile terminal stores the transmitted control information mail in a memory, and reuses the control information mail stored in the memory at the next transmission. It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, the control information mail stored in the memory is reused at the next transmission, so that it is not necessary for the user to create the control mail after the next time, and the convenience for the user is improved. I do.

Further, the invention according to claim 19 is based on claim 1
In the remote control method according to any one of Items 4 to 18, the mobile terminal transmits a command mail including a command for requesting status information of the controlled device via the external network, and In the step, the status information is obtained from the controlled device based on the command included in the received command mail, and in the mail transmitting / receiving step, a status information mail including the status information is transmitted to the portable terminal. It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, a command mail is transmitted from the portable terminal, status information of the controlled device is acquired based on the command mail, and then this status information is transmitted to the portable terminal as status information mail. Therefore, the operation state of the controlled device can be easily grasped from a place where the user is away from home.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing a remote control program for causing a computer to execute the remote control method according to any one of the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects. It is.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned claims 14 to 19 are provided.
The remote control method described in any one of the above can be realized using a computer.

[0046]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a remote control system, a remote control device, a remote control method and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention. This will be described in detail.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment according to the present invention. In this figure, a mobile terminal 100 is, for example, a mobile phone, and has an e-mail transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving an e-mail (for example, a control information mail ML ₂ (see FIG. 5B)) by packet communication in addition to a call function. The mobile terminal 100 is provided with a browser function for browsing Internet sites.
Is a radio base station 20 via the radio R ₁
0.

Here, the external configuration of the portable terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, a main body 101 is a resin case and incorporates various electronic components. Numeric keypad group 102 includes “0” key to “9” key.
The main unit 101 includes a key, a power key, a conversion key, and the like. These numeric keys 102 are used for alphanumeric input, kana input, and the like.

The call key 103 is a key pressed by the user when making a call, and is arranged near the end key 104. The call termination key 104 is a key pressed by the user at the time of a call termination, and is disposed on the right side of the transmission key 103. The menu selection key 105 is a key for selecting a desired menu from a plurality of menus. The menu here refers to a plurality of Internet sites provided via the Internet. The first key 106 is provided to the left of the menu selection key 105, and is pressed by the user when connecting to the Internet and displaying the above-described menu.
The second key 107 is provided to the right of the menu selection key 105, and is pressed by the user when deciding a menu selection item.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 108
Is arranged above the menu selection key 105,
The information (telephone number, e-mail, menu, etc.) necessary for operating the mobile terminal 100 is displayed. Microphone 109
Is provided below the numeric keypad group 102 and converts a user's voice into a voice signal. The speaker 110 is an LC
It is arranged above D108, and converts a voice signal corresponding to a communication partner or an incoming signal into voice. Antenna 11
1 is a radio R ₁ between the radio base station 200 (see FIG. 1)
For transmitting and receiving voice data, packet data, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of portable terminal 100. In this figure, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 112 controls each unit to realize a call function, an e-mail transmission / reception function, a browser function, and the like. The transmitting / receiving unit 113 includes an antenna 111 and a control unit 112.
And transmits and receives voice data, packet data, and the like. The memory 114 can read / write various data under the control of the control unit 112. The battery 115 is a lithium ion battery, and supplies power to each unit of the device.

Returning to FIG. 1, the mobile communication network 300 is a network for performing transmission and exchange on the portable terminal 100, and is connected to the public network 700. The mobile communication network 300 includes a mobile communication network connection server 410 and a firewall 420 installed on the mobile communication carrier 400 side.
Is connected to the Internet 500 via. The mobile communication network connection server 410 is a server for exchanging various data between the mobile communication network 300 and the Internet 500. The firewall 420 restricts unauthorized access from the Internet 500 and maintains high security.

The mobile communication carrier side mail server 440
It is connected to the mobile communication network connection server 410 and the firewall 420 via the LAN 430, and has a function of storing an e-mail addressed to the mobile terminal 100 in the mail spool 450, and a function of transferring an e-mail transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 to another mail. It has a function to transfer to the server. This mobile communication carrier side mail server 440 is an SMTP server.
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP3 (Post O
It operates according to ffice Protocol version 3).

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

At user's home 800, communication device 810
Is a terminal adapter inserted between the personal computer 820 (telephone 830) and the public network 700. The communication device 810 is a device for realizing data communication by the personal computer 820 and voice communication by the telephone 830. The personal computer 820 controls the air conditioner 840 via the RS232C cable 850 by remote control using electronic mail from the mobile terminal 100. Embodiment 1
Then, the personal computer 820 is connected to the Internet 500 by a dial-up connection. The air conditioner 840 is provided in the user's home 800 and has a cooling function, a heating function, and a dehumidifying function.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the communication device 810, the personal computer 820, and the air conditioner 840 described above. The communication device 810 shown in the figure includes a telephone network 811, an incoming signal detection unit 812.
And a control unit 813. Telephone network 8
Reference numeral 11 is connected to the public network 700 and has a function of performing data modulation, demodulation, hybrid conversion, and the like. The communication device 810 is connected to a telephone 830 and a communication unit 821 of a personal computer 820 described later.

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

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

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

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 840 is remotely controlled from an outside location using the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, a user on the go is a mobile terminal 1.
A monitor command mail (not shown) is created as an electronic mail addressed to the personal computer 820 using the ten key group 102 of 00 and the like (see FIG. 2). The monitor command mail is a mail including a monitor command for collecting monitor information indicating the current operation state of the air conditioner 840 from the air conditioner 840 in the body.

In this state, step SA1 shown in FIG.
Then, the user who is out of the office operates the mobile terminal 100 to transmit the above-described monitor command mail to the personal computer 820. As a result, the monitor command mail is transmitted to the radio base station 200 and the mobile communication network 30.
0 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and are transmitted to the provider-side mail server 610, and the mail spool 6
20 is temporarily stored.

After transmitting the monitor command mail, in step SA 2, the user operates the transmission key 103 and the ten-key group 102 of the portable terminal 100 to
Make a call to the user's home 800 (telephone 830) and call it several times. Next, the user operates the end key 104 of the portable terminal 100 to hang up the telephone. Thereby, the mobile terminal 100 is disconnected after being received by the communication device 810 via the wireless base station 200, the mobile communication network 300, and the public network 700. At the time of this connection, incoming signal detecting section 812 of communication apparatus 810 shown in FIG. 6 detects incoming signals for several times and outputs the detection result to control section 813.

Thus, in step SA3, the control unit 813 of the communication device 810 sets the personal computer 8
The control unit 822 notifies the control unit 822 via the communication unit 821 that the incoming signal has been detected. At step SA4, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810. In step SA5, the communication device 810 sets the mail server 61 on the provider side.
Send a mail transfer request to 0.

In step SA 6, the provider mail server 610 sends the monitor command mail addressed to the personal computer 820 to the mail spool 62.
0, and then read it from the personal computer 8
20. Upon receiving the monitor command mail, the communication device 810 transfers the monitor command mail to the personal computer 820 in step SA7. Thereby, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 analyzes the monitor command mail and recognizes the monitor command.

At step SA8, the control section 822 of the personal computer 820 sends the communication section 826 and the RS
The monitor information is requested to the air conditioner 840 via the 232C cable 850. In step SA9, the control unit 841 of the air conditioner 840 sets the current monitor information as
For example, operation: ON, mode: cooling, set temperature: 26 ° C.,
The air volume: low, the room temperature: 25 ° C., the outside air temperature: 35 ° C., and the electric energy: 1.1 kwh are transmitted to the personal computer 820 via the communication unit 842 and the RS232C cable 850.

[0066] Upon receiving these monitoring information, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820, the automatic e-mail creation function, to automatically create a monitor information mail ML ₁ shown in FIGS. 5 (a) on the basis of the monitoring information. The header this monitor information mail ML _1, aaa as the sender
aaa (the user), bbb @ ccc (portable terminal 100) as the destination, and "air conditioner setting" as the subject. In addition, the body of the monitor information mail ML _1, the above-mentioned monitoring information (operation: ON,..., The amount of power: 1.1k
wh) is described.

At Step SA10, the personal computer
820 is a monitor information mail addressed to the mobile terminal 100.
ML₁ Send This monitor information mail ML₁ Receive
Then, in step SA11, the communication device 810 sets the
Nita Information Mail ML₁ Through the public network 700.
It transmits to the net 500. This monitor information mail ML ₁ 
Through the firewall 420 and the LAN 430
Received by the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440
Thereafter, it is temporarily stored in the mail spool 450.

At step SA 12, mobile communication carrier side mail server 440 confirms the destination of monitor information mail ML ₁ , and transfers it to portable terminal 100. As a result, the monitor information mail ML ₁ temporarily stored in the mail spool 450 is received by the portable terminal 100 via the LAN 430, the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440, the mobile communication network 300 and the wireless base station 200. Is done. The LCD 108 (see FIG. 2) of the mobile terminal 100 includes:
5 monitor information mail ML ₁ shown in (a) (Screen G _1: see FIG. 4 (a)) is displayed. Go of the user, by confirming the monitor information mail ML _1, the current operating state of the air conditioner 840, to grasp the set.

Here, the setting state of the air conditioner 840 is changed.
When changing, the user on the go operates the mobile terminal 100.
By doing so, the monitor information mail shown in FIG.
ML ₁ By editing the control information mail shown in FIG.
ML_Two (Screen G_Two(See FIG. 4B). this
Control information mail ML_Two Indicates the settings of the air conditioner 840
(Operating status, mode, set temperature, air flow)
It is an e-mail. In this case, the control information mail ML_Two so
Is the monitor information mail ML₁ Mode is "cold"
From "tuft" to "heating", set temperature from "26 ℃" to "25"
° C ”and the air volume changed from“ weak ”to“ strong ”
I have.

[0070] Then, in step SA13, the go user, the mail reply function of the mobile terminal 100, the control information mail ML ₂ a personal computer 82
0 is sent. Thereby, the control information mail ML ₂
Is transmitted to the provider mail server 610 via the wireless base station 200, the mobile communication network 300 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and is transmitted to the mail spool 620 by the provider mail server 610. Stored temporarily.

After transmitting the control information mail ML ₂ , in step SA 14, the user operates the transmission key 103 and the numeric keypad 102 of the portable terminal 100 to make a call to the user's home 800 (telephone 830).
Call several times. Next, the user operates the end key 104 of the portable terminal 100 to hang up the telephone. Thereby, the mobile terminal 100 can communicate with the communication device 81 via the wireless base station 200, the mobile communication network 300, and the public network 700.
After the call arrives at 0, it is disconnected. In this connection, FIG.
The incoming signal detection unit 812 of the communication device 810 detects an incoming signal for several times and outputs a detection result to the control unit 813.

Thus, in step SA 15, control unit 813 of communication device 810 notifies control unit 822 via communication unit 821 of personal computer 820 that an incoming signal has been detected. At step SA16, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810. Step SA1
In 7, the communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610.

Thus, in step SA 18, provider-side mail server 610 sends control information mail ML ₂ addressed to personal computer 820 (see FIG. 5B).
Is read from the mail spool 620, and is transferred to the personal computer 820. When receiving the control information mail ML _2, in step SA19, the communication device 810, transfers the control information mail ML ₂ to the personal computer 820. Thus, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 analyzes the control information mail ML _2, control information (operation: ON, mode: Heating,
(Set temperature: 25 ° C., air volume: strong).

At step SA 20, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes communication unit 826 and R
The air conditioner 840 is connected via the S232C cable 850.
Control information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25)
° C, air volume: strong). Thereby, the air conditioner 8
The control unit 841 of 40 changes the mode from cooling to heating, changes the set temperature from 26 ° C. to 25 ° C., and changes the air volume from low to high by controlling each unit based on the control information.

When the setting change is completed, step SA
In 21, the control unit 841 of the air conditioner 840 sets the setting completion information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25 ° C.,
Communication amount 842, RS232C cable 85
0 to the personal computer 820.

When the setting completion information is received, the control section 822 of the personal computer 820 uses the automatic mail creation function based on the setting completion information as shown in FIG.
The setting completion mail ML ₃ shown in to automatically create. The header of this setting completion mail ML _3, aaa as the sender
aaa (the user), bbb @ ccc (portable terminal 100) as the destination, and “setting completed” as the subject. In addition, the body of the set completion mail ML _3, setting the above-described completion information (operation: ON,..., Air flow rate: strong) is described.

At step SA22, the personal computer 820 sets the setting completion mail M addressed to the portable terminal 100.
To send L _3. When receiving the setting completion mail ML _3, in step SA 23, the communication device 810 transmits a setting completion mail ML ₃ to the Internet 500 via the PSTN 700. The setting completion mail ML ₃ is temporarily stored in the mail spool 450 after being received by the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440 via the firewall 420 and the LAN 430.

At step SA24, the mobile communication carrier side
The mail server 440 sets the setting completion mail ML._Three Destination
Confirm and transfer this to mobile terminal 100. This
Settings temporarily stored in the mail spool 450.
Fixed completion mail ML_Three Is a LAN 430, a mobile communication carrier
Side mail server 440, mobile communication network 300 and wireless network
It is received by the mobile terminal 100 via the base station 200. Carrying
The LCD 108 (see FIG. 2) of the band terminal 100 includes FIG.
Setting completion mail ML shown in (c)_Three(Screen G_Three: FIG.
(C) is displayed. Users who are out of the office
Fixed completion mail ML _Three Confirm that the setting change
Recognize completion.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, control information mail ML ₂ is transmitted from portable terminal 100 and air conditioner 8 is transmitted based on control information mail ML _2.
Since the air conditioner 40 is controlled, the air conditioner 840 can be easily controlled without selecting a place even when going out, and user convenience is improved.

According to the first embodiment, portable terminal 1
00 sends a command mail from, after acquiring the monitoring information of the air conditioner 840 based on the command write, since to send the monitoring information as the monitor information mail ML ₁ to the mobile terminal 100 addressed, the air The operating state of the harmony machine 840 can also be easily grasped from whereabouts.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1) In Embodiment 1, the monitor information mail ML ₁ (see FIG. 5 (a)) is an edited control information mail ML ₂ (see FIG. 5 (b)). ) Has been described, the remote control of the air conditioner 840 is performed.
Create the control information mail ML ₄ shown (b), the using this, it is also possible to perform the above remote control. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a first modification of the first embodiment.

In the first modification, the monitor information mail ML
_Since there is no particular need to perform the editing of step 1, steps SA1 to SA12 shown in FIG. 7 may be skipped and the processing may be executed from step SA13. That is, the go user uses the portable terminal 100 the ten-key pad 102 or the like (see FIG. 2), generates control information mail ML ₄ shown in Figure 8 (b). In this control information mail ML _4, the sender, xxxxxx (the user), the destination,
yyy @ zzz (personal computer 820) and the subject are air conditioner settings.

Next, the user enters the control information mail ML ₄
Enter the text of That is, the user can use the numeric keypad group 1
Using 02 or the like, as control information of the air conditioner 840 as screen G ₄ shown in FIG. 8 (a), luck: ON, mode:
Warm, setting: 25, wind: strong, respectively. in this case,
The control information can be easily input in order to reduce the user's key input burden. That is, in the control information,
“Luck”, “Warm”, “Set”, “25” and “Wind” are “Operation”, “Heating”, “Setting”, “25 ° C.” and “Air volume” shown in FIG. Is a key character (simple input information).

[0084] Next, in step SA13, the user operates the portable terminal 100, and transmits the control information mail ML ₄ addressed to the personal computer 820. Thereby, the control information mail ML ₄ is transmitted to the provider side mail server 610 via the wireless base station 200, the mobile communication network 300 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and Mail server 6
10 is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620.

After transmitting the control information mail ML ₄ , in step SA 14, the user operates the transmission key 103 and the ten-key group 102 of the portable terminal 100 to make a call to the user's home 800 (telephone 830).
Call several times. Next, the user operates the end key 104 of the portable terminal 100 to hang up the telephone. Accordingly, through the above-described operation, the incoming signal detection unit 812 of the communication device 810 detects the incoming signal for several times and outputs the detection result to the control unit 813.

Thus, in step SA15, control unit 813 of communication device 810 notifies control unit 822 that an incoming signal has been detected. At step SA16, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810. Step SA1
In 7, the communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610.

Thus, in step SA 18, provider mail server 610 sends control information mail ML ₄ addressed to personal computer 820 (see FIG. 8B).
Is read from the mail spool 620, and is transferred to the personal computer 820. When receiving the control information mail ML _4, in step SA19, the communication device 810, transfers the control information mail ML ₄ to the personal computer 820. Thus, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 analyzes the control information mail ML _4.

In this case, the storage unit 823 stores in the storage unit 823 a key character conversion table (not shown) indicating the correspondence between the key character (for example, “setting”) and the original character corresponding to the key character (for example, “setting”). ) Is stored. Therefore, in the first modification, the control unit 822, and the key symbol conversion table, control information of the control information mail ML ₄ ( "luck",
By comparing with “warm” or the like, the original control information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25 ° C., air volume:
Strong).

At step SA20, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 sets communication unit 826 and R
The air conditioner 840 is connected via the S232C cable 850.
Control information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25)
° C, air volume: strong). Thereby, the air conditioner 8
The control unit 841 of 40 changes the mode from cooling to heating, changes the set temperature from 26 ° C. to 25 ° C., and changes the air volume from low to high by controlling each unit based on the control information. Thereafter, in steps SA21 to SA24, the above-described operation is performed.

[0090] As described above, according to the first modification of the first embodiment, the key character which forms a part of the control information included in the control information mail ML _4, after receiving the control information mail ML _4, since so as to convert a key character in the control information, it is possible to reduce the mail creation burden on the user, can be cheaper the control information mail ML ₄ a small amount of data minute only packet communication fee of (pay-as-you-go) it can.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) In Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, the air conditioner 840 is used by using the control information mail ML ₄ (see FIG. 8B) which is simply input.
The case where remote control is performed on the control information mail ML ₅ shown in FIG.
May be created, and the remote control may be performed using this. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a second modification of the first embodiment.

In the second modification, the monitor information mail ML
_Since there is no particular need to perform the editing of step 1, steps SA1 to SA12 shown in FIG. 7 may be skipped and the processing may be executed from step SA13. In the second modification, the storage unit 823 illustrated in FIG. 6 stores the number conversion table T illustrated in FIG. 9A and the key character conversion table (not illustrated) described in the first modification. . This number conversion table T is a table showing the correspondence between the setting items (setting information) of the air conditioner 840 and the numbers. For example, “driving” is associated with the number “1”.

In the second modification, a user who is out of the office can use the ten-key group 102 or the like of the portable terminal 100 (see FIG. 2) to
It generates control information mail ML ₅ shown in FIG. 9 (c).
In this control information mail ML _5, the sender, xxx
xxx (the relevant user), the destination is yyy @ zzz (personal computer 820), and the subject is the air conditioner setting.

Next, the user enters the control information mail ML ₅
Enter the text of That is, the user can use the numeric keypad group 1
Using 02 or the like, as control information of the air conditioner 840 as screen G ₅ shown in FIG. 9 (b), 1: ON, 2: warm,
3:25, 4: Strong is input. In this case, the control information can be input as a number and can be easily input in order to reduce the key input burden on the user.

That is, in the control information, “1”,
Each of “2”, “3”, and “4” is shown in FIG.
, "Set temperature", "mode", and "air volume". Here, the user inputs the numbers based on the correspondence table on which the same information as the number conversion table T is printed or memorized. Also,
In the control information, each of "warm" and "25" is a key character meaning "heating" and "25 ° C" shown in FIG. 5B.

[0096] Next, in step SA13, the user operates the portable terminal 100, and transmits the control information mail ML ₅ addressed to the personal computer 820. Thus, the control information mail ML _5, the radio base station 200, the mobile communication network 300 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, firewall 420, via the Internet 500, LAN 630, is sent to the provider side mail server 610, provider Mail server 6
10 is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620.

[0097] After transmission of the control information mail ML _5, in step SA14, the user operates the send key 103 and the ten-key pad 102 of the portable terminal 100, multiplied by the user's home 800 (telephone 830) call addressed,
Call several times. Next, the user operates the end key 104 of the portable terminal 100 to hang up the telephone. Accordingly, through the above-described operation, the incoming signal detection unit 812 of the communication device 810 detects the incoming signal for several times and outputs the detection result to the control unit 813.

Thus, in step SA15, control unit 813 of communication device 810 notifies control unit 822 that an incoming signal has been detected. At step SA16, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810. Step SA1
In 7, the communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610.

Thus, in step SA18, the provider mail server 610 sends the control information mail ML ₅ addressed to the personal computer 820 (see FIG. 9C).
Is read from the mail spool 620, and is transferred to the personal computer 820. When receiving the control information mail ML _5, in step SA19, the communication device 810, transfers the control information mail ML ₅ to the personal computer 820. Thus, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 analyzes the control information mail ML _5.

[0100] In this case, the control unit 822, number translation table as (see Fig. 9 (a)) and the key symbol conversion table (not shown), the control information control information mail ML ₅ (1:
On, 2: warm, 3:25, 4: strong), the original control information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25 ° C., air volume: strong) is recognized.

At step SA20, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 transmits communication unit 826 and R
The air conditioner 840 is connected via the S232C cable 850.
Control information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25)
° C, air volume: strong). Thereby, the air conditioner 8
The control unit 841 of 40 changes the mode from cooling to heating, changes the set temperature from 26 ° C. to 25 ° C., and changes the air volume from low to high by controlling each unit based on the control information. Thereafter, in steps SA21 to SA24, the above-described operation is performed.

[0102] As described above, according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the number corresponding to the control information included in the control information mail ML _5, after receiving the control information mail ML _5, controls the number information Is converted to, so that the user's mail creation burden can be further reduced,
Control information mail ML ₅ a small amount of data minute only packet communication fee of (pay-as-you-go) can be cheaper.

(Modification 3 of Embodiment 1) In the embodiment 1, the security in the remote control of the air conditioner 840 is not particularly mentioned, but the control information mail ML ₆ (including the password information) is not mentioned. The password number may be collated using FIG. 10B).
Hereinafter, this case will be described as a third modification of the first embodiment.

At step SA 1 shown in FIG. 7, the user outside the home operates the portable terminal 100 to send the above-mentioned monitor command mail to the personal computer 820. Thereafter, in steps SA2 to SA12, the above-described operation is performed.

When the monitor information mail ML ₁ (see FIG. 5A) is received by the portable terminal 100, the monitor information mail ML ₁ is displayed on the LCD 108 (see FIG. 2) of the portable terminal 100. . Go of the user, by confirming the monitor information mail ML _1, the current operating state of the air conditioner 840, to grasp the set. Here, when changing the setting state of the air conditioner 840, the user who is out of the office operates the mobile terminal 100 to change the setting state of FIG.
Edit the monitoring information mail ML ₁ shown in (a), generates control information mail ML ₆ shown in Figure 10 (b).

[0106] In this case, the user uses the ten-key pad 102 or the like, in addition to PIN control information as screen G ₆ shown in FIG. 10 (a): 2188 also inputs. The control information mail ML _6, the control information mail ML ₂ (FIG. 5 (b)
This is a mail for changing the setting contents (operating state, mode, set temperature, air volume) of the air conditioner 840 in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment.

[0107] Then, in step SA13, the go of the user, by an e-mail reply function of the portable terminal 100, the control information mail ML ₆ of the personal computer 82
0 is sent. Thereby, the control information mail ML ₆
Is transmitted to the provider mail server 610 via the wireless base station 200, the mobile communication network 300 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and is transmitted to the mail spool 620 by the provider mail server 610. Stored temporarily.

Thereafter, Step SA14 to Step SA1
Operation 9 is performed. When the control information mail ML ₆ is received by the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820, the control unit 822 analyzes the control information mail ML _6, control information (operation: ON, mode: Heating, set temperature: 25 ° C, air volume: strong). Further, in the modified example 3, the control unit 822, personal identification number included in the control information mail ML _6: and 2188, and compares the personal identification number that has been set in advance by the user, and determines whether they match.
If the verification result is a mismatch, it is determined that an unauthorized access, discards the control information mail ML _6, stops the subsequent processing.

In this case, assuming that the collation results of the personal identification numbers match, in step SA20, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 transmits air conditioner 8 via communication unit 826 and RS232C cable 850.
Control information to 40 (operation: ON, mode: heating, set temperature:
25 ° C, air volume: strong). Accordingly, the control unit 841 of the air conditioner 840 performs, based on the control information,
By controlling each part, the mode from cooling to heating,
The setting temperature is changed from 26 ° C to 25 ° C, and the air volume is changed from low to high. Thereafter, Step SA21 to Step SA24
Is performed.

As described above, the modification of the first embodiment
According to Example 3, the control information mail ML ₆Includes PIN
Password is verified on the receiving side based on this password.
The air conditioner 840 will only be controlled if they match.
As a result, unauthorized access can be prevented and security
Security is improved.

(Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1 described above, after sending an e-mail from the portable terminal 100, a call to the user's home is triggered by the personal computer 820 to trigger the provider mail server 61
Although an example has been described in which an e-mail is accessed by accessing the e-mail 0, the e-mail may be received using an automatic incoming notification of the e-mail provided by the provider 600 as a trigger. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the provider-side mail server 610 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of automatically notifying an incoming call to the personal computer 820 when an electronic mail addressed to the personal computer 820 is received. It has.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In the following, using the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG.
A case where the air conditioner 840 is remotely controlled from an outside place will be described. In FIG. 1, a user on the go is using a numeric keypad 102 or the like of the portable terminal 100 (see FIG. 2),
As an e-mail addressed to the personal computer 820,
The monitor command mail (not shown) described in the first embodiment is created.

In this state, step SB shown in FIG.
In step 1, the user outside the home operates the mobile terminal 100 to transmit the above-described monitor command mail to the personal computer 820. Thereby, the monitor command mail is transmitted to the wireless base station 200 and the mobile communication network 3.
00 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and transmitted to the provider mail server 610.
The mail is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620 by the provider mail server 610.

Thus, in step SB 2, provider mail server 610 issues an incoming notification indicating that the monitor command mail has arrived to communication device 810. Upon receiving the incoming call notification, the communication device 810 transfers the incoming call notification to the personal computer 820 in step SB3.

At step SB 4, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810. In step SB5, the communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610. Thereafter, Step SB6 to Step SB1
In step 2, step SA6 to step SA1 shown in FIG.
The same operation as in No. 2 is performed.

Then, the monitor information mail ML ₁ (FIG. 5)
(See FIG. 5A) is received by the portable terminal 100, and the LCD 108 (see FIG. 2) of the portable terminal 100 displays FIG.
Monitor information mail ML ₁ shown in the display. Go of the user, by confirming the monitor information mail ML _1, the current operating state of the air conditioner 840, to grasp the set.

Here, when the setting state of the air conditioner 840 is changed, the user who is out of the office operates the portable terminal 100 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. edit the monitor information mail ML ₁ shown,
It generates control information mail ML ₂ shown in Figure 5 (b).
In step SB13, the user on the go is the mobile terminal 1
00 mail reply function, the control information mail ML
₂ is transmitted to the personal computer 820.

As a result, the control information mail ML ₂ is transmitted to the provider side mail server 610 via the radio base station 200, the mobile communication network 300 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630. Is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620 by the provider-side mail server 610.

[0120] Thus, in step SB 14, the provider side mail server 610, the control information mail ML ₂ to the communication apparatus 810 issues an incoming call notification indicating that the incoming call.
Upon receiving the incoming call notification, in step SB15, communication device 810 transfers the incoming call notification to personal computer 820.

At step SB16, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810. In step SB17, communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to provider-side mail server 610. Thereafter, in steps SB18 to SB24, the same operations as those in steps SA18 to SA24 shown in FIG. 7 are performed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by using the automatic incoming call notification function of the mail server 610 on the provider side, there is no need for the user to make a telephone call after sending the e-mail. The convenience of is improved.

(Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 1 described above, after sending an e-mail from the portable terminal 100, a call to the user's home is triggered by the personal computer 820 to trigger the provider mail server 61
Although the example in which the electronic mail is accessed and the electronic mail is received has been described, the automatic sending function of the personal computer 820 enables the provider-side mail server 61 at predetermined time intervals.
0 may be accessed to receive an e-mail.

In the following, this case will be described as a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the personal computer 820 (control unit 822) shown in FIG. 1 has an automatic transmission function for making a dial-up connection to the provider-side mail server 610 at predetermined time intervals and confirming reception of mail. I have.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In the following, using the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG.
A case where the air conditioner 840 is remotely controlled from an outside place will be described. In FIG. 1, a user who is out of the office uses a numeric keypad 102 or the like (see FIG. 2)
As an e-mail addressed to the personal computer 820,
The monitor command mail (not shown) described in the first embodiment is created.

In this state, step SC shown in FIG.
In step 1, the user outside the home operates the mobile terminal 100 to transmit the above-described monitor command mail to the personal computer 820. Thereby, the monitor command mail is transmitted to the wireless base station 200 and the mobile communication network 3.
00 and the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and transmitted to the provider mail server 610.
The mail is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620 by the provider mail server 610.

Here, in step SC2, the personal computer 820 connects the provider-side mail server 610 with a dial-up connection at predetermined time intervals.
Automatically send to. In step SC3, the communication device 810 automatically sends a call to the provider-side mail server 610. In this case, the provider side mail server 61
Since the monitor command mail is stored in the mail spool 620 of 0, the provider-side mail server 610 transfers the monitor command mail to the communication device 810 in step SC4. In step SC5, the communication device 810 transfers the monitor command mail to the personal computer 820. Hereafter, Step SC6
In step SC10, steps SA8 to SA8 shown in FIG.
The same operation as step SA12 is performed.

Then, in step SC11, the user who is out of the office sends a control information mail ML ₂ (see FIG. 5B) to the personal computer 820 by the mail reply function of the portable terminal 100. Thereby, the control information mail ML ₂ is transmitted to the radio base station 200 and the mobile communication network 300.
The mail is transmitted to the provider mail server 610 via the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, and the LAN 630, and the mail spool 62 is sent to the provider mail server 610.
0 is temporarily stored.

Here, in step SC12, the personal computer 820 connects the provider-side mail server 61 with a dial-up connection at predetermined time intervals.
Automatically call 0. In step SC13, the communication device 810 automatically sends a call to the provider-side mail server 610. In this case, the mail spool 620 of the provider mail server 610 stores the control information mail M
Since L ₂ is stored, in step SC14, the provider side mail server 610, transfers the control information mail ML ₂ to the communication device 810. Step SC15
In the communication apparatus 810 transfers the control information mail ML ₂ to the personal computer 820. Thereafter, in steps SC16 to SC20, the same operations as those in steps SA20 to SA24 shown in FIG. 7 are performed.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the use of the automatic transmission function of personal computer 820 eliminates the need for the user to make a telephone call after sending an e-mail. Is improved.

(Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 1 described above, a case has been described where remote control is performed on the air conditioner 840 from the portable terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 using electronic mail. Similar remote control may be performed by using an electronic mail from a personal computer installed in a workplace or the like. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of the fourth embodiment according to the present invention. In this figure, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
In the figure, the communication device 910, the personal computer 9
20, dedicated line 1000, provider side mail server 11
10, a mail spool 1120 and a LAN 1130 are newly provided.

[0133] The provider-side mail server 1110 is provided on the provider 1100 side and is connected to the Internet 500 via the LAN 1130. The provider-side mail server 1110 sends e-mail addressed to the personal computer 920 to the mail spool 11, for example.
20 and a personal computer 92
It has a function to transfer the e-mail sent from 0 to another mail server. The provider-side mail server 1110 also operates in accordance with SMTP and POP3 in the same manner as the mobile communication provider-side mail server 440.

The personal computer 920 is installed at the user's workplace 900 and is connected to the Internet 500 via the communication device 910 and the dedicated line 1000. This communication device 910 is interposed between the personal computer 920 and the dedicated line 1000,
Terminal adapter. Personal computer 9
Reference numeral 20 controls the air conditioner 840 by remote control using electronic mail, similarly to the portable terminal 100. The provider-side mail server 610 shown in FIG.
Has an automatic incoming call notification function in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In the following, a case will be described in which air conditioner 840 is remotely controlled from workplace 900 using personal computer 920 shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the user of the workplace 900 uses the personal computer 920 to create the monitor command mail (not shown) described in the first embodiment as an electronic mail addressed to the personal computer 820. In step SD1, the user operates the personal computer 920 to send a monitor command mail to the personal computer 8
20. This monitor command mail is sent to the mail spool 6 by the mail server 610 on the provider side.
20 is temporarily stored.

Thus, in step SD 2, provider mail server 610 issues an incoming call notification indicating that the monitor command mail has arrived to communication device 810. Upon receiving the incoming call notification, in step SD3, communication device 810 transfers the incoming call notification to personal computer 820. In step SD4, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 makes a call to the provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to the communication device 810. In step SD5, the communication device 810 issues a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610. Thereafter, Step SD6 to Step S
In D9, steps SA6 to SA shown in FIG.
The same operation as in No. 9 is performed.

[0137] Then, when receiving the monitoring information from the air conditioner 840, control unit 822 of the personal computer 820, the automatic e-mail creation function, a monitor information mail ML ₁ shown in FIGS. 5 (a) on the basis of the monitor information Create automatically. In step SD10, the personal computer 820 transmits the monitoring information mail ML ₁ addressed to the personal computer 920. Upon receiving the monitor information mail ML ₁ , the communication device 810 transmits the monitor information mail ML ₁ to the Internet 500 via the public network 700 in step SD 11. The monitor information mail ML ₁ is temporarily stored in the mail spool 1120 after being received by the provider side mail server 1110 via the LAN 1130.

[0138] In step SD12, the provider side mail server 1110 checks the monitor information mail ML ₁ destination, and transfers it to the addressed personal computer 920. As a result, the monitor information mail ML ₁ temporarily stored in the mail spool 1120 is
30, a personal computer 920 via the Internet 500, the dedicated line 1000, and the communication device 910.
Is received. The display of the personal computer 920 displays the monitor information mail ML shown in FIG.
₁ (screen G ₁ : see FIG. 4A) is displayed. Workplace 9
00 of the user, by confirming the monitor information mail ML _1, the current operating state of the air conditioner 840, to grasp the set.

[0139] Here, when changing the setting state of the air conditioner 840, the user of the work 900, by operating the personal computer 920, edit the monitoring information mail ML ₁ shown in FIGS. 5 (a) , generates control information mail ML ₂ (screen G ₂ shown (see FIG. 4 (b)) in Figure 5 (b). in step SD13, the user of the work 900, the mail reply function of the personal computer 920, the the control information mail ML ₂ is transmitted to the personal computer 820. Thereafter, after the operation described above, the control information mail ML ₂ is temporarily stored in the mail spool 620 by the provider side mail server 610.

Thus, in step SD 14, provider mail server 610 issues an incoming call notification indicating that control information mail ML ₂ has arrived to communication device 810.
Upon receiving the incoming call notification, in step SD15, the communication device 810 transfers the incoming call notification to the personal computer 820. In step SD16, control unit 822 of personal computer 820 makes a call to provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to communication device 810.

At Step SD17, the communication device 810
Sends a mail transfer request to the provider-side mail server 610. Thereafter, in steps SD18 to SD24, steps SA18 to SA24 shown in FIG.
The same operation as described above is performed. According to the fourth embodiment,
An effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example in which the personal computer 820 and the air conditioner 840 shown in FIG. 1 are connected via the RS232C cable 850 has been described. Instead of 850, they may be connected by a wireless LAN. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of each device in the user home 800 illustrated in FIG. In these figures, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIGS. 1 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. 15 and 16, three air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 ₃ and a wireless L are used instead of the air conditioner 840 and the RS232C cable 850 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6.
AN device 1200, wireless LAN device 1300 ₁ to device 13
00 ₃ is provided.

The basic configuration of these air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 _{3 is} the same as the configuration of air conditioner 840 (see FIG. 6). The wireless LAN device 1200 is connected to the communication unit 826 of the personal computer 820,
Other wireless LAN devices 1300 _{1 to} 13 0 via wireless R ₂
00 is a device constituting the wireless LAN with the _3. This wireless LAN device 1200 is provided with an antenna 1201. Each of the wireless LAN device 1300 _{1-1300 3,} are respectively connected to the air conditioner 840 _{1-840 3,} an antenna 1301 _{1-1301 3.}

The basic operation of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that wireless LAN communication is performed and that a plurality of air conditioners are remotely controlled. Is different from the operation. That is, in FIG. 15, when a monitor command mail is transmitted from the portable terminal 100 to the personal computer 820, and the monitor command mail is received by the personal computer 820, the personal computer 820 transmits the monitor information to the air via the wireless LAN. Request to the harmony machines 840 ₁ to 840 ₃ .

Then, when monitor information is received from each of the air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 _{3 by} the personal computer 820 via the wireless LAN, the personal computer 820 transmits the monitor information to the monitor information mail ML.
_It is transmitted to the mobile terminal 100 as ₁ . As a result, the user on the go who has confirmed the monitor information mail ML ₁ transmits the control information mail ML ₂ from the portable terminal 100 to the personal computer 820. In this case, the control information mail ML ₂ is information for remotely controlling each air conditioner 840 _{1-840 3.} Thereafter, in the same manner as the operation described above, the air conditioner 840 is connected via the wireless LAN.
_{After each of 1 to} 840 ₃ is remotely controlled based on the control information mail ML ₂ , a setting completion mail ML ₃ is transmitted from the personal computer 820 to the portable terminal 100.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the use of the wireless LAN makes it unnecessary to route cables, and furthermore, a plurality of air conditioners 840 ₁ to 840 ₁ to 840 ₁ .
It can be performed 840 ₃ of the remote control easy.

(Embodiment 6) In Embodiment 1 described above, the personal computer 820 shown in FIG.
Although the dial-up connection has been described as an example of the connection form, the form of a constant connection may be adopted. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sixth embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of each device in the user home 800 illustrated in FIG. In these drawings, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIGS. 1 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
In these figures, instead of the public network 700, the communication device 810, and the telephone 830 shown in FIGS.
A dedicated line 1500 and a communication device 1400 are provided. In FIG. 17, the provider 600 is not shown.

The communication device 1400 is, for example, a router, and a personal computer 820 and the Internet 5
00 is a device that is always connected to a dedicated line 1500 via a dedicated line 1500. Therefore, in this case, the personal computer 8
20, a network address is assigned. Further, the personal computer 820 functions as a mail server. The dedicated line 1500 is a bidirectional cable television network, an xDSL line, or the like.

Next, the operation of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a case will be described where the air conditioner 840 is remotely controlled from an outside location using the mobile terminal 100 illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 17, the user on the go is
In the same manner as in the first embodiment, a monitor command mail (not shown) is created as an electronic mail addressed to the personal computer 820 using the numeric keypad group 102 and the like (see FIG. 2) of the mobile terminal 100.

In this state, step SE shown in FIG.
In step 1, the user outside the home operates the mobile terminal 100 to transmit the above-described monitor command mail to the personal computer 820. Thereby, the monitor command mail is transmitted to the wireless base station 200 and the mobile communication network 3.
00, the mobile communication network connection server 410, the firewall 420, the Internet 500, the dedicated line 1500, and the personal computer 8 via the communication device 1400.
20.

In step SE2, the communication device 1
Upon receiving the monitor command mail, 400 transmits the monitor command mail to personal computer 820. When receiving the monitor command mail, the personal computer 82
0 analyzes the monitor command mail and recognizes the monitor command. In step SE3, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 controls the communication unit 826 and the RS
The monitor information is requested to the air conditioner 840 via the 232C cable 850. Thereby, in step SE4, the control unit 841 of the air conditioner 840 transmits the current monitor information to the personal computer 820 via the RS232C cable 850.

[0154] Upon receiving the monitoring information, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820, the automatic e-mail creation function, to automatically create a monitor information mail ML ₁ shown in FIGS. 5 (a) on the basis of the monitoring information. Step SE
5, the personal computer 820 is connected to the portable terminal 1.
00 to send the monitoring information mail ML ₁ addressed. When receiving the monitor information mail ML _1, step SE6, the communication device 1400, a monitor information mail ML ₁ via the dedicated line 1500 transmits to the Internet 500. The monitor information mail ML ₁ is received by the mobile communication service provider side mail server 440 via the firewall 420 and the LAN 430, and then is sent to the mail spool 4.
50 is temporarily stored.

[0155] At step SE7, the mobile communication company side mail server 440 checks the monitor information mail ML ₁ destination, and transfers it to the mobile terminal 100 addressed. As a result, the monitor information mail ML ₁ temporarily stored in the mail spool 450 is received by the portable terminal 100 via the LAN 430, the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440, the mobile communication network 300 and the wireless base station 200. Is done.
The LCD 108 (see FIG. 2) of the portable terminal 100 includes FIG.
The monitor information mail ML ₁ (screen G ₁ : see FIG. 4A) shown in (a) is displayed. Go of the user, by confirming the monitor information mail ML _1, the current operating state of the air conditioner 840, to grasp the set.

Here, the setting state of the air conditioner 840 is changed.
When changing, the user on the go operates the mobile terminal 100.
By doing so, the monitor information mail shown in FIG.
ML ₁ By editing the control information mail shown in FIG.
ML_Two (Screen G_Two(See FIG. 4B). Next
In step SE8, the user who is out of the office
100 mail reply function, the control information mail M
L_Two To the personal computer 820. This
As a result, the control information mail ML_Two Is the radio base station 20
0, mobile communication network 300, mobile communication network connection server 41
0, firewall 420, Internet 500,
Through the leased line 1500 and the communication device 1400,
Sent to the sonal computer 820.

When the control information mail ML ₂ is received,
At step SE9, the communication apparatus 1400 transmits the control information mail ML ₂ to the personal computer 820. Thus, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 analyzes the control information mail ML _2, control information (operation: ON, mode: Heating, set temperature: 25 ° C., air volume:
Strong).

At step SE10, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 sends the communication unit 826 and R
The air conditioner 840 is connected via the S232C cable 850.
Control information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25)
° C, air volume: strong). Thereby, the air conditioner 8
The control unit 841 of 40 changes the mode from cooling to heating, changes the set temperature from 26 ° C. to 25 ° C., and changes the air volume from low to high by controlling each unit based on the control information.

When this setting change is completed, step SE
In 11, the controller 841 of the air conditioner 840 sets the setting completion information (operation: on, mode: heating, set temperature: 25 ° C.,
Communication amount 842, RS232C cable 85
0 to the personal computer 820. Upon receiving these setting completion information, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820, the automatic e-mail creation function, to automatically create a setting completion mail ML ₃ that shown in FIG. 5 (c) on the basis of the setting completion information.

In step SE12, the personal computer 820 sets the setting completion mail M addressed to the portable terminal 100.
To send L _3. When receiving the setting completion mail ML _3, in step SE13, the communication device 1400 transmits a setting completion mail ML ₃ to the Internet 500 via a dedicated line 1500. This setting completion mail ML ₃
Via firewall 420 and LAN 430,
After being received by the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440,
It is temporarily stored in the mail spool 450.

[0161] At step SE14, the mobile communication company side mail server 440 checks the destination of the setting completion mail ML _3, and transfers it to the mobile terminal 100 addressed. Thereby, the setting completion mail ML ₃ temporarily stored in the mail spool 450 is received by the portable terminal 100 via the LAN 430, the mobile communication carrier side mail server 440, the mobile communication network 300 and the wireless base station 200. Is done.

The LCD 108 (see FIG. 2) of the portable terminal 100 displays the setting completion mail ML shown in FIG.
₃ (screen G _3: see FIG. 4 (c)) is displayed. Go of the user, by confirming the setting completion mail ML _3, it recognizes that the configuration changes have been completed. According to the sixth embodiment, by using the constant connection service, after sending the user control information mail ML _2, you are not necessary making a call convenience is improved.

(Seventh Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the personal computer 820 and the air conditioner 840 shown in FIG. 17 are connected via the RS232C cable 850 has been described. As in the fifth embodiment, both may be connected by a wireless LAN instead of the RS232C cable 850. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of each device in the user home 800 shown in FIG. In these figures, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIGS. 15 and 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. 20 and 21, FIG. 15 and FIG.
Communication device 810, telephone 830, and public network 70 shown in FIG.
0 instead of the communication device 1400 and the dedicated line 1500
(See FIG. 20). In FIG. 20, the provider 600 is not shown.

The basic operation of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the sixth embodiment except that wireless LAN communication is performed and a plurality of air conditioners are remotely controlled. Is different from the operation. That is, in FIG. 20, when the monitor command mail is transmitted from the portable terminal 100 to the personal computer 820, and the monitor command mail is received by the personal computer 820 via the Internet 500, the dedicated line 1500 and the communication device 1400, The computer 820 transmits the monitor information to the air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 via the wireless LAN.
To request to 0 _3.

When the monitor information is received from each of the air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 ₃ via the wireless LAN by the personal computer 820, the personal computer 820 transmits the monitor information to the monitor information mail ML.
_It is transmitted to the mobile terminal 100 as ₁ . As a result, the user on the go who has confirmed the monitor information mail ML ₁ transmits the control information mail ML ₂ from the portable terminal 100 to the personal computer 820. In this case, the control information mail ML ₂ is information for remotely controlling each air conditioner 840 _{1-840 3.}

Thereafter, in the same manner as the above-described operation, the wireless L
After the air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 ₃ are remotely controlled based on the control information mail ML ₂ via the AN, the personal computer 820 sends a setting completion mail ML _3.
Is transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. According to the invention,
An effect similar to that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

(Eighth Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the user who is out of the office
2 by operating the control information mail ML ₂ (FIG. 5).
An example has been described to create (b) refer), by utilizing a browser function, may be created control information mail ML ₂ by menu-driven. Hereinafter, this case will be described as an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the eighth embodiment according to the present invention. In this figure, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In this figure, a web server 1600 is newly provided. The WEB server 1600 is a server that is connected to the Internet 500 and provides the portable terminal 100 with contents for performing remote control of the air conditioner 840 with a browser.

Next, the operation of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 840 is remotely controlled from an outside location using the mobile terminal 100 illustrated in FIG. In step SF1 shown in FIG.
The user on the go goes up the web server 160 on the Internet 500 after launching the browser of the mobile terminal 100.
0 is accessed. Thereby, the L of the mobile terminal 100
A screen I ₁ (see FIG. 24A) is displayed on the CD. This screen I ₁ is a screen for selecting a desired content from among a plurality of contents.

Thus, the user presses the second key 107 after selecting “1. Air conditioner setting” on the screen I _{1 with} the menu selection key 105. Thereby, LC
The D108, screen I ₂ that shown in FIG. 24 (b) is displayed. This screen I ₂ is a screen for inputting a personal identification number. Then, the user operates the ten-key group 102 to input a password (2188). Thereby, WEB server 1600 compares the above-mentioned password and the preset password, and displays the next screen I ₃ (see FIG. 24 (c)) only when the result of the comparison is identical. Let it.

Thereafter, in step SF2, the user sets the setting items in the menu selection method (partly numerical input method) according to screens I ₃ (see FIG. 24 (c)) to screen I ₆ (see FIG. 24 (f)). Select by. When the selection of these setting items is finished, WEB server 1600, based on the setting contents, creates control information mail ML ₂ shown in Figure 5 (b). In step SF3, the WEB server 1600
The control information mail ML ₂ is sent to the personal computer 8
20. Thereby, the control information mail ML ₂
Is transmitted to the provider-side mail server 610 via the Internet 500 and the LAN 630, and the mail spool 62 is transmitted by the provider-side mail server 610.
0 is temporarily stored.

Thus, in step SF 4, provider mail server 610 issues an incoming call notification indicating that control information mail ML ₂ has arrived to communication device 810. Upon receiving the incoming call notification, in step SF5, the communication device 810 transfers the incoming call notification to the personal computer 820. In step SF6, the control unit 822 of the personal computer 820 makes a call to the provider 600 by dial-up connection, and issues a mail transfer request to the communication device 810.

At step SF7, the communication device 810
A mail transfer request is issued to the mail server 610 on the provider side. Thereafter, in steps SF8 to SF14, operations similar to those in steps SA18 to SA24 shown in FIG. 7 are performed. Then, when the setting completion mail ML ₃ at step SF14 and is received by the mobile terminal 100, LC
A screen I ₇ indicating the completion of the setting is displayed on D108 (FIG. 24 (g)
Is displayed.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the control information is selected by the menu selection method based on the content provided from WEB server 1600. Therefore, control information mail ML is input by key input. _As compared with the case of creating ₂ , the mail creation burden on the user can be reduced, and the convenience of the user is further improved.

Although the first to eighth embodiments according to the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, specific examples of the configuration are not limited to these first to eighth embodiments. Even a design change or the like within a range not departing from the gist is included in the present invention. For example, in the above-described first to eighth embodiments, a remote control program for realizing a remote control function and an operation state grasping function is recorded on the computer-readable recording medium 2100 shown in FIG. The remote control program recorded in the computer 2100 may be read by the computer 2000 shown in FIG.

The computer 2000 shown in FIG.
A CPU 2001 for executing the remote control program;
An input device 2002 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2003 for storing various data,
RAM (Random Access Me) for storing calculation parameters
mory) 2004, a reading device 2005 that reads a remote control program from the recording medium 2100, a display,
It comprises an output device 2006 such as a printer, and a bus BU for connecting each part of the device.

After reading the remote control program recorded on the recording medium 2100 via the reading device 2005, the CPU 2001 executes the remote control program to perform the above-described remote control and grasp the operation state.
Note that the recording medium 2100 includes not only a portable recording medium such as an optical disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and a hard disk, but also a transmission medium such as a network for temporarily recording and holding data. It is.

Further, in the above-described first to eighth embodiments, a portable telephone has been described as an example of portable terminal 100 (see FIG. 1). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and PHS (Pers
onalHandy phone System) Phone, PDA (Personal D)
digital Assistant). In the first to eighth embodiments, an example using personal computer 820 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an information terminal having an Internet connection function (such as a game machine) may be used.

In the first embodiment, the transmitted control information mail ML ₂ is stored in the memory 114 shown in FIG. 3, and the stored control information mail ML ₂ is stored at the next transmission.
It is also possible to re-use the L _2. In this case, there is no need for the user to create a control mail after the next time, and the convenience for the user is improved.

In the first to eighth embodiments, an air conditioner has been described as an example of a controlled device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a VCR, and a television receiver can be used. Applicable to controlled equipment.

[0182]

As described above, claims 1, 8, 1
According to the invention of claim 4, the control information mail is transmitted from the portable terminal, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information mail. It is possible to control the device, and it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

According to the second, ninth, and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, control characters constituting a part of the control information are included in the control information mail, and after the control information mail is received, the control characters are included in the control information. Since the conversion is performed, it is possible to reduce the burden of creating a mail on the user, and to reduce the packet communication fee (volume-based system) by the small data amount of the control information mail.

According to the third, tenth, and sixteenth aspects of the present invention, the number corresponding to the control information is included in the control information mail, and the number is converted into the control information after receiving the control information mail. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the user's mail creation burden, and to reduce the packet communication fee (pay-as-you-go) according to the small amount of control information mail data.

According to the fourth, eleventh and seventeenth aspects of the present invention, a password is included in the control information mail, the password is collated on the receiving side based on the password, and the password is received only when the password matches. Since the control device is controlled, unauthorized access can be prevented, and the security is improved.

According to the fifth, twelfth, and eighteenth aspects of the invention, the control information mail stored in the memory is reused at the next transmission, so that the user creates the control mail after the next time. This eliminates the need and improves the user's convenience.

According to the sixth, thirteenth, and nineteenth aspects of the present invention, a command mail is transmitted from the portable terminal, and the status information of the controlled device is acquired based on the command mail. Since the information mail is transmitted to the mobile terminal, the operation state of the controlled device can be easily grasped from the outside.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, based on the content provided from the content providing device,
Since the control information is selected by the menu selection method, it is possible to reduce the user's mail creation burden compared to the case where the control information mail is created by key input, thereby further improving the user's convenience. It works.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as the invention described in any one of the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the portable terminal 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the portable terminal 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display on the portable terminal 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing various electronic mails used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of communication device 810, personal computer 820, and air conditioner 840 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

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

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the communication device 810, personal computer 820, air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 ₃ shown in FIG.
Wireless LAN device 1200, wireless LAN device 1300 _1-
Is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the 1300 _3.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.

18 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the communication device 1400, the personal computer 820, and the air conditioner 840 illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a seventh embodiment according to the present invention.

21 shows a communication device 1400, a personal computer 820, and air conditioners 840 _{1 to} 840 shown in FIG.
₃ , wireless LAN device 1200, wireless LAN device 1300
Is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of _{1-1300 3.}

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of an eighth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing various display screens of the mobile terminal 100 according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a modification of the first to eighth embodiments according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 mobile terminal 200 wireless base station 300 mobile communication network 500 internet 700 public network 820 personal computer 840 air conditioner 821 communication unit 822 control unit 823 storage unit 920 personal computer 2000 computer 2001 CPU 2100 recording medium

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 11/00 310Z (72) Inventor Fumio Aoi 1 Takamichi Iwazuka-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Nagoya Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Koji Yokohama 1 Nagoya-shi Nakamura-ku Iwazuka-cho character highway 1 Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Nagoya Research Laboratory F-term (reference) 5B089 GA21 JA31 JA35 KA04 KA17 KB06 KB09 KB13 KC15 KH02 5K033 AA04 AA09 BA01 BA08 CB01 CB04 DA06 DA19 EA06 EA07 EC01 5K048 AA04 BA12 BA13 CA08 DA03 DB01 DC01 DC04 DC07 EA11 EB01 EB02 EB03 EB12 FB08 FB10 FC01 HA01 HA02 HA05 HA07 HA13 HA22 HA23 5K101 KK11 LL01 LL03 LL05 NN12 NN12 NN12 NN12 NN12 NN12 NN12 NN04

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A controlled device controlled based on control information, interposed between an external network and the controlled device,
An information terminal having a mail transmission / reception function; and a mobile terminal transmitting a control information mail including the control information to the information terminal via an external network. The information terminal is included in the received control information mail. Controlling the controlled device based on the control information. 2. The mobile terminal sends a control information mail including a control character constituting at least a part of the control information to the information terminal via the external network.
The information terminal converts the control characters included in the received control information mail into the control information based on a conversion table, and controls the controlled device based on the control information. Item 2. A remote control system according to Item 1. 3. The mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including at least a number corresponding to the control information to the information terminal via the external network, and the information terminal transmits the control information mail to the received control information mail. 2. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the included number is converted into the control information based on a conversion table, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information. 4. The mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including the control information and a password to the information terminal via an external network, and the information terminal includes the control information mail included in the received control information mail. 2. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the controlled device is controlled based on the control information only when a password matches a preset password. 3. 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted control information mail is stored in a memory, and the control information mail stored in the memory is reused at the next transmission. A remote control system according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The mobile terminal transmits a command mail including a command for requesting status information of the controlled device to the information terminal via the external network, and the information terminal receives the command mail. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, after acquiring the status information from the controlled device based on the command included in the command email, transmitting a status information email including the status information to the portable terminal. A remote control system according to any one of the preceding claims. 7. A content providing device which is connected to the external network and provides the mobile terminal with content for causing the browser of the mobile terminal to select the control information by a menu selection method, wherein the mobile terminal includes: The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the control information is selected based on content. 8. A control information mail including control information for controlling a controlled device, the control information mail transmitted from a mobile terminal being received via an external network, and a mail transmitting / receiving means for transmitting the mail. And a control means for controlling the controlled device based on the control information. 9. The mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including a control character constituting at least a part of the control information to the mail transmitting / receiving means via the external network, and the control means receives the control information mail. 9. The remote control according to claim 8, wherein the control characters included in the control information mail are converted into the control information based on a conversion table, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information. apparatus. 10. The mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including at least a number corresponding to the control information to the mail transmitting / receiving means via the external network,
The control means converts the number included in the received control information mail into the control information based on a conversion table, and controls the controlled device based on the control information. 9. The remote control device according to item 8. 11. The mobile terminal transmits a control information mail including the control information and a password to the mail transmission / reception unit via an external network, and the control unit is included in the received control information mail. 9. The remote control device according to claim 8, wherein the controlled device is controlled based on the control information only when the password matches a preset password. 12. The mobile terminal stores the transmitted control information mail in a memory, and reuses the control information mail stored in the memory at the next transmission. The remote control device according to any one of the above. 13. The mobile terminal transmits a command mail including a command for requesting status information of the controlled device to the mail transmitting / receiving unit via the external network, and the control unit receives the command mail. Acquiring the status information from the controlled device based on the command included in the command mail, and transmitting and receiving the status information mail including the status information to the portable terminal. The remote control device according to any one of claims 8 to 12. 14. A mail transmission / reception step for receiving control information mail transmitted from a portable terminal via an external network and transmitting the mail, the control information mail including control information for controlling a controlled device. And a control step of controlling the controlled device based on the control information. 15. The mobile terminal transmits, via the external network, a control information mail including a control character constituting at least a part of the control information. 15. The remote control method according to claim 14, wherein the control character is converted into the control information based on a conversion table, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information. 16. The mobile terminal transmits, via the external network, a control information mail including at least a number corresponding to the control information, and in the control step, the mobile terminal transmits the control information mail including the number included in the received control information mail. 15. The remote control method according to claim 14, wherein the control information is converted into the control information based on a conversion table, and the controlled device is controlled based on the control information. 17. The mobile terminal transmits, via an external network, a control information mail including the control information and a password, and in the control step, the password included in the received control information mail is stored in advance. 15. The remote control method according to claim 14, wherein the controlled device is controlled based on the control information only when the password matches a set password. 18. The mobile terminal according to claim 14, wherein the transmitted control information mail is stored in a memory, and the control information mail stored in the memory is reused at the next transmission. The remote control method according to any one of the above. 19. The mobile terminal transmits a command mail including a command for requesting status information of the controlled device via the external network, and the control step includes a command mail included in the received command mail. The state information is acquired from the controlled device based on the command, and in the mail sending / receiving step, a state information mail including the state information is transmitted to the portable terminal. The remote control method according to any one of the above. 20. A computer-readable recording medium on which a remote control program for causing a computer to execute the remote control method according to claim 14 is recorded.