JP2004266680A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remotely control various type devices from the outside by eliminating a labor hour of a wiring work between a remote controller and each device. <P>SOLUTION: The remote controller 1 includes a channel interface 13 having a receiver for receiving a remote operation signal for a device operating according to a control signal received by the receiver from the outside via a telephone channel L and an infrared ray transmitter 17 corresponding to the receiver. The remote controller 1 transmits the control signal to the device via the infrared ray transmitter 17 in response to the remote operation signal received via the channel interface 13. The infrared ray transmitter 17 transmits the control signal via an infrared ray. The receiver of the device receives the control signal via the infrared ray. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote control device provided in a house or the like, for example, for remotely controlling various devices in the house in response to a remote control signal from outside the house.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, various devices in a house are operated by operating a switch of the device or a remote controller attached to the device. In addition, remote control systems and the like are provided by various companies in order to respond to a user's request to remotely control devices in the home from outside the home.
[0003]
For example, in Patent Document 1, a control device (home bus control terminal) that connects a plurality of electronic devices and a network is connected to the control device via a network to remotely control the plurality of electronic devices. A remote control system including a movable communication terminal device (information terminal) is disclosed. According to this remote control system, the operation setting information corresponding to each electronic device to be controlled is collectively transmitted as remote control information, thereby shortening the communication time required to remotely control the electronic device to be controlled. It is possible to do.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-197154 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the remote control system of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated communication terminal device, a separate data line is required to send remote control information, and a remote control device as a control device in a house. There is a problem that wiring work between the device and each device is required, and the system becomes large-scale.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can eliminate the trouble of wiring work between a remote control device and each device, and provide a remote control device that can remotely control various devices from the outside. The purpose is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for receiving a remote control signal for a predetermined device having a receiving means and operating in accordance with a control signal received by the receiving means from outside the home via a communication line. An interface, comprising a transmitting unit corresponding to the receiving unit, according to a remote control signal received through the interface, a remote control device that transmits the control signal to the predetermined device via the transmitting unit, The transmitting means transmits the control signal wirelessly, and the receiving means wirelessly receives the control signal.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the first aspect, the transmitting means transmits the control signal as an infrared signal, and the receiving means receives the control signal as an infrared signal. There is a feature.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the second aspect, the transmitting means includes a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes that emit infrared light in each direction.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a line interface for connecting to a telephone line is provided as the interface, and the line interface is connected to the telephone line. A telephone connection terminal connected in parallel to a telephone input terminal and connected to a telephone, and off-hook detection means for monitoring the telephone line to detect whether the telephone has gone off-hook, and a call signal from the telephone line. When an incoming call arrives, the telephone waits until the telephone goes off-hook first, and after the off-hook detecting means detects that the telephone has gone off-hook, the telephone itself goes off-hook.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a network interface connected to a public communication network via a data line terminating device is provided as the interface. And receiving the remote control signal by e-mail.
[0012]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control signal is transmitted a plurality of times via the transmission unit in response to a remote operation signal received through the interface. It is transmitted to a predetermined device.
[0013]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, after the self-off-hook, the personal computer receives the password through the interface and performs authentication, and the correct authentication result of the password is obtained. Receiving the remote control signal after the acquisition.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the remote control device according to claim 7, when the correct authentication result of the password is not obtained within a predetermined time, the authentication is stopped.
[0015]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, if a correct authentication result of the password is not obtained even after the authentication is repeated a predetermined number of times, the authentication is stopped and on-hook is performed. It is characterized by the following.
[0016]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the remote control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a motion sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the surroundings, and utilizing a detection result of the motion sensor. And transmitting the control signal to the predetermined device via the transmitting means.
[0017]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the tenth aspect, the predetermined device includes an air conditioner, and a detection result of the human sensor is invalidated for a predetermined time when the air conditioner is remotely operated. And
[0018]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the predetermined device is a lighting fixture, and is turned on or off according to the control signal according to the remote operation signal. It is characterized.
[0019]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the predetermined device is an air conditioner, and executes or stops operation according to the control signal according to the remote operation signal. It is characterized by the following.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system configured using the remote control device, and FIG. 3 is a configuration of a line interface of the remote control device. FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 are operation flowcharts of the remote control device.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, a remote control device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided, for example, in a house, and remotely controls various devices 2 in the house according to a remote operation signal received from outside the house through a telephone line L. And a simple remote control system together with the various devices 2 and the telephone 3.
[0022]
In the example of FIG. 2, the device 2 has a receiving unit 210, has a lighting device 21 that operates in accordance with a control signal received by the receiving unit 210, and a receiving unit 220. An air conditioner 22 that operates according to a signal is provided. The telephone 3 is a telephone with an answering machine function that performs an answering machine when the number of calls reaches a predetermined number of calls when an answering machine is set.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 1 includes a power supply unit 10 for rectifying and smoothing a commercial power supply and supplying the rectified and smoothed power to each unit, and an operation unit 11 including various operation operations and setting switches. And a display unit 12 for displaying an operation state, such as an LED (light emitting diode) or a liquid crystal display panel, and a line interface 13, a function chip 15, a controller 16, an infrared transmitting unit 17, Is provided.
[0024]
The line interface 13 is for receiving a remote operation signal for the device 2 from the outside, and for sending a voice guidance from a function chip 15 described later to the outside. As shown in FIG. I have. That is, the input terminals L1 and L2 for connection to the telephone line L, the telephone connection terminals T1 and T2 connected in parallel to this and the telephone 3, and a call for monitoring the telephone line L and detecting a call signal. A detection circuit 130; a current detection circuit (polarity inversion circuit) 131 for monitoring the telephone line L to detect an off-hook of the telephone 3; a normally open contact relay 132 for closing when off-hook; And a line transformer 133. The call detection circuit 130 detects a call from the telephone line L by measuring a pulse of a call signal. The current detection circuit 131 measures whether or not the telephone line L is off-hook and in use by measuring the current flowing through the telephone line L. If a dial pulse needs to be generated after off-hook, the dial pulse is generated by turning on / off the contact of relay 132.
[0025]
Returning to FIG. 1, the function chip 15 performs dial control, transmission of a predetermined voice signal to the telephone line L, conversion of a tone signal from the telephone line L into a code, and the like. Specifically, a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) encoding generates a DTMF tone signal to the telephone line L, a voice synthesis (IC) generates a predetermined voice signal to the telephone line L, and a DTMF decoder. The DTMF signal from the telephone line L is decoded.
[0026]
The controller 16 includes a CPU, a storage device, and the like, and executes processes such as control of the entire remote control system.
[0027]
The storage device includes, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory in addition to a volatile semiconductor memory, and stores various control commands included in each control signal for each device 2 in advance, like a so-called universal remote controller. Also, control commands registered by the user later can be stored. Each control command is stored via the function chip 15 in association with an (operation) code obtained from a DTMF included in an external remote control signal. Further, the storage device stores a password registered in advance by the user and compared with information obtained from the DTMF included in the external remote control signal. The storage device does not need to store the same control commands as those of the universal remote controller in advance, and may be any device that stores at least various control commands included in each control signal for each device 2 in advance. Further, the control command may or may not be the same code as the operation command.
[0028]
The processing of the controller 16, which is a feature of the first embodiment, includes a control of transmitting a control signal including a corresponding control command to the device 2 via the infrared transmission unit 17 in response to an operation input of the operation unit 11. Be executed. Thereby, the lighting equipment 21 can be turned on or off, the operation of the air conditioner 22 can be executed or stopped, and the remote control device 1 can be used like a universal remote control (or a remote control attached to the equipment 2). can do.
[0029]
Further, the telephone line L is monitored via the function chip 15 and the line interface 13, and when a call signal from the telephone line L is received, the telephone 3 waits until the telephone 3 first goes off-hook. After that is detected, the relay 132 is closed, and control is performed such that the device itself goes off-hook.
[0030]
Here, a further description will be given of waiting for the telephone 3 to go off-hook first. In the first embodiment, the number of calls for the answering machine set in the telephone 3 is larger than that of The user in the house holds a waiting limit number of calls set to be greater than the number of calls required for off-hook to pick up the handset of the telephone 3. As a result, usually, when the user is away, the telephone 3 with the answering machine function is set to go off-hook first, and when the user is in the house, the user picks up the phone first and goes off-hook. On the other hand, when the remote control device 1 goes off-hook first, it means that the user has forgotten to set the answering machine and has left the phone, and the number of calls obtained from the call detection circuit 130 has reached the above-mentioned waiting limit number of calls. For example.
[0031]
Also, after going off-hook, without inputting the voice guidance for inputting the password, the user waits for the input of the password as if it is hidden in the background. A process of performing authentication using the authentication information is executed. Here, as a procedure for starting the remote operation, it is determined that the personal identification number should be input after the start of the recording of the telephone 3 in order to prevent the voice guidance during the answering operation of the telephone 3 and the remote operation input from batting. Keep it.
[0032]
Also, at the time of authentication, if the correct authentication result of the personal identification number is not obtained within a predetermined time, the authentication is stopped.If the correct authentication result of the personal identification number is not obtained even if the authentication is repeated a predetermined number of times, Processing for stopping authentication and on-hook is executed.
[0033]
Further, when a correct authentication result of the personal identification number is obtained, a voice guidance of a remote operation input is played, and a process of receiving a remote control signal from a communication partner is performed after the voice guidance or when there is no sound during the voice guidance. Here, when there is no sound during the voice guidance, a DTMF is provided so as to be able to be transmitted, for example, at a segment or a segment break. Note that the voice guidance need not necessarily be played, and may be played, for example, when a guidance request command is received from a remote control signal.
[0034]
In addition, in response to a remote operation signal received through the line interface 13, a control signal including a control command corresponding to an operation command included in the remote operation signal is transmitted to the device 2 via the infrared transmission unit 17 a plurality of times. Is performed.
[0035]
Further, when a control signal for operation execution is transmitted to the air conditioner 22 a plurality of times via the infrared transmission unit 17 in response to a remote control signal received through the line interface 13, in order to prevent forgetting to stop the operation of the air conditioner 22, After a lapse of a predetermined time (several hours) from the transmission of the operation execution control signal, a process of transmitting the operation stop control signal to the air conditioner 22 a plurality of times is executed.
[0036]
As a feature of the first embodiment, the infrared transmitting unit 17 is configured by, for example, an infrared LED so as to transmit a control signal to the device 2 as an infrared signal. Thereby, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, if each receiving unit of the device 2 receives the control signal by infrared rays, a remote control system can be configured together with the remote control device 1 of the first embodiment. Can be.
[0037]
Further, by storing each part of the remote control device 1 configured as described above in one body, the telephone line L and the telephone line are respectively connected to the input terminals L1 and L2 and the telephone connection terminals T1 and T2 in the body. By simply connecting 3, a remote control system can be constructed very easily.
[0038]
Next, an operation related to call monitoring by the remote control device 1, which is a feature of the first embodiment, will be described. The call detection circuit 130 checks whether a call signal has been detected (S1 in FIG. 4), and if not detected (NO in S1), returns, executes another process, and enters step S1 again. .
[0039]
If the calling signal is detected (YES in S1), it is confirmed whether or not the off-hook is detected by the current detection circuit 131 (S2). If detected (YES in S2), the process proceeds to step S3, while if not detected (NO in S2), it is confirmed whether or not the number of calls reaches the waiting limit number of calls (S4). If not (NO in S4), the process returns to step S2, and if it has reached (YES in S4), the process proceeds to step S3.
[0040]
In step S3, the relay 132 is closed to go off-hook, a timer is started (S5), and input of a personal identification number is waited in the background. That is, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the timer (S6). If it has elapsed (YES in S6), the process proceeds to step S13, whereas if it has not elapsed (NO in S6). ), It is confirmed whether a password has been entered (S7).
[0041]
If the password is not input (NO in S7), the process returns to step S6, and if the password is input (YES in S7), authentication is performed to confirm whether or not the authentication is OK (S8). ).
[0042]
If the authentication is not successful (NO in S8), the number of times of authentication failure is counted up (S9). At this time, in order to inform the user that the authentication has failed, it is desirable to give a voice guidance to that effect. Subsequently, it is confirmed whether the count value is equal to or more than a predetermined value (S10). If the count value is not equal to or more than the predetermined value (NO in S10), the process returns to step S6, and if it is equal to or more than the predetermined value (YES in S10), the process proceeds to step S13.
[0043]
If the authentication is OK (YES in S8), it is confirmed whether or not an operation command obtained from the remote operation signal has been received while playing the voice guidance for remote operation input (S11). Here, a process for receiving an operation command is executed after the voice guidance of the remote operation input that is flown after a predetermined time (for example, about 5 seconds) has passed from the time of authentication OK or when there is no sound during that time. If the operating user is not used to the remote operation, the user can proceed with the remote operation while listening to the voice guidance. Can save on call charges.
[0044]
If the operation command has not been received (NO in S11), the process returns to step S11. At this time, it is desirable to monitor whether the communication partner has disconnected the telephone line, and if the telephone line has been disconnected, it is desirable to proceed to step S13. On the other hand, if an operation command is received (YES in S11), a process of transmitting a control signal including a control command corresponding to the operation command to the device 2 via the infrared transmission unit 17 a plurality of times is executed (S12). Here, unlike the operation using the remote controller, the operation of the device 2 cannot be confirmed after the remote operation. However, by transmitting the control signal a plurality of times in step S12, the device 2 can be reliably operated by the remote operation. Can be. Specifically, if the control command corresponding to the operation command is a lighting command for the lighting fixture 21, the lighting command is transmitted, and after a predetermined time, the lighting command is transmitted again. The light-off and dimming commands are also transmitted a plurality of times. If the control command is a command for the air conditioner 22, the command is also transmitted a plurality of times. Furthermore, when both the lighting fixture 21 and the air conditioner 22 are remotely controlled, a command for each of them is transmitted a plurality of times.
[0045]
After step S12 or step S13, the relay 132 is opened to go on-hook, and thereafter, the process returns. Here, even if the telephone 3 is on-hook in step S13 while talking, the telephone line is not disconnected because the telephone 3 is off-hook.
[0046]
In the first embodiment, the remote control device transmits a control signal as an infrared signal, and the receiving unit of the device receives the control signal as an infrared signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control signal may be transmitted by radio waves, and the receiving unit of the device may receive the control signal by radio waves.
[0047]
(2nd Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an infrared transmitting unit in the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 5, the remote control device according to the second embodiment is different from the remote control device according to the first embodiment in that an infrared transmitter 17A includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 170 that emit infrared light in each direction. Is a first feature.
[0049]
Usually, as the installation place of the lighting fixture 21 and the air conditioner 22, the lighting fixture 21 is provided on the ceiling in the center of the room, and the air conditioner 22 is provided on the corner wall of the room in many cases. Therefore, if the infrared LEDs constituting the infrared transmitter emit infrared light in the same direction, the infrared light may not be received by the receivers 210 and 220 of both the lighting fixture 21 and the air conditioner 22. is there.
[0050]
Therefore, in the second embodiment, a plurality of infrared rays are emitted in each direction so that the infrared rays emitted from the infrared transmitter 17A are received by the receivers 210 and 220 of both the lighting fixture 21 and the air conditioner 22. The infrared LED 170 constitutes the infrared transmission unit 17A.
[0051]
Further, as a second feature, a plurality of infrared LEDs 170 are sequentially operated in each direction. This makes it possible to prevent the infrared rays in different directions from colliding with each other, thereby enabling reliable transmission. In addition, the number of infrared LEDs 170 that transmit infrared rays at the same time is reduced, so that the power supply capacity of the power supply unit 10 can be reduced. Can be. In the example of FIG. 5, infrared rays are emitted in three directions, and two infrared LEDs 170 are provided in each direction.
[0052]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the infrared transmitting unit in the remote control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 6, the remote control device of the third embodiment differs from the remote control device of the first or second embodiment in that, in addition to the configuration of the line interface 13, A normally closed contact relay 135 for disconnection is provided to configure the line interface 13B. When a correct authentication result of the personal identification number is obtained, the contact of the relay 135 is opened, and the contact of the relay 135 is turned on when the remote control device is on-hook. Is closed.
[0054]
Normally, the contact of the relay 132 is open and the contact of the relay 135 is closed, so that the telephone 3 can be used as in the related art. When a call signal is received, the telephone 3 is turned off first as in the first embodiment, so that the telephone 3 can be used in the same manner as in the related art.
[0055]
The third embodiment is different from the first or second embodiment in that, when a correct authentication result of the personal identification number is obtained, the incoming call is regarded as being for the remote control device, and the contact of the relay 135 is determined. To disconnect the telephone 3 from the telephone line L. This makes it unnecessary to listen to unnecessary voice guidance, DTMF sound, and the like when the answering machine plays the answering machine. Further, when the remote control device is on-hook, the contact of the relay 135 is returned to the closed state, so that the telephone 3 returns to a state where it can be used as before.
[0056]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 7, a remote control device 1C according to the fourth embodiment is different from any of the remote control devices according to the first to third embodiments in that a human sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the surroundings is provided. Is further provided as a sensor 18, a control signal is transmitted to the device 2 via the infrared transmission unit 17 by using the detection result of the sensor 18, or a telephone set in advance via the function chip 15 and the line interface 13. The controller 16C is configured to notify the number notification destination.
[0058]
For example, when a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained from the sensor 18, a control signal including a lighting command is transmitted to the lighting fixture 21 via the infrared transmission unit 17, and a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained. The controller 16C is configured to transmit a control signal including a light-off or dimming command to the lighting fixture 21 via the infrared transmission unit 17 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lighting fixture 21 has been stopped. It can be operated similarly to a lighting fixture.
[0059]
Further, for example, when a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained from the sensor 18 at the time of absence, a notification to that effect is sent to a notification destination of a preset telephone number, for example, a voice created by the function chip 15 in advance. By configuring the controller 16C so as to perform the control using signals, the remote control system can be used as a security system. In this case, the operation mode is different from the remote operation mode in which each device 2 is controlled in response to remote operation from outside the house, when a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained from the sensor 18 during absence. This is a mode in which a security mode for notifying the user of the notification of the telephone number set in advance is added. For example, the security mode is added to the remote operation mode by remote operation from outside the home or operation input to the operation unit 11. What is necessary is just to comprise this remote control apparatus 1C so that it can do.
[0060]
(Fifth embodiment)
The remote control device of the fifth embodiment according to the present invention is different from the remote control device 1C of the fourth embodiment in that the controller is configured to invalidate the detection result of the sensor 18 for a predetermined time when the air conditioner 22 is remotely operated. It is characterized by having done.
[0061]
When the sensor 18 is, for example, a PIR (Pyroelectric Infrared) sensor, the PIR sensor detects the presence or absence of a person by looking at the surrounding temperature change width (difference). There is a possibility of erroneous detection that a person is present due to a large temperature change.
[0062]
According to the fifth embodiment, the detection result of the sensor 18 is invalidated for a predetermined time (for example, about 5 to 10 minutes) at the time of remote operation of the air conditioner 22, so that when the sensor 18 is a PIR sensor, Detection can be eliminated, and malfunction of the remote control system due to the erroneous detection can be prevented.
[0063]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 8, the remote control device 1E according to the sixth embodiment differs from the remote control device according to the fourth or fifth embodiment in that an audio input / output unit 19 including a microphone 191 and a speaker 192 is provided. Further, for example, when the home monitoring mode is selected by a remote control signal received through the line interface 13 after a correct authentication result of the personal identification number is obtained, the password is obtained from the microphone 191 via the function chip 15 and the line interface 13. The controller 16E is configured to transmit an audio signal to be transmitted to a called party, and to output a predetermined alarm sound from the speaker 192 when an alarm sound is selected by a remote control signal received through the line interface 13. Features.
[0065]
As a result, the situation in the house can be known through the microphone 191, and it can be confirmed by a real-time sound whether there is no suspicious person or any other abnormality has occurred. Further, by issuing an alarm sound from the speaker 192, a suspicious person can be threatened. Note that the speaker 192 can also be used to notify a user of an operation or the like by sound.
[0066]
(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 9, the remote control device 1F according to the seventh embodiment is different from the remote control device according to the fourth or fifth embodiment in that, in addition to an infrared receiving unit, an answer back transmission for a control command is provided. The apparatus further includes an infrared receiving section 172 for receiving an answer back infrared signal indicating the current operation state from the apparatus 2 having the infrared transmitting section, and based on the answer back received by the infrared receiving section 172, The controller 16F is characterized in that the controller 16F is configured to execute control corresponding to the operation 2 or the operation command.
[0068]
For example, the controller 16F checks the presence or absence or the contents of the answer back from the air conditioner 22, and executes a control that matches the operation of the air conditioner 22 with the operation command or the control command. At this time, if there is no answer back, or if the operation of the air conditioner 22 obtained from the answer back does not match that of the operation command or control command, the control including the control command via the infrared transmission unit 17 is performed until the match. The process of transmitting the signal to the air conditioner 22 is repeated. Thereby, the remote operation can be assured. In this case, it is not necessary to transmit the control signal a plurality of times as in the first embodiment.
[0069]
(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 10, the remote control device 1G according to the eighth embodiment is different from the remote control device 1 according to the first embodiment in that, instead of the line interface 13 and the function chip 15, for example, IEEE802.3 or the like is used. Network interface 13G that is connected to a public communication network for connection to the Internet via the data line terminating device 4 and through which remote control signals (operation commands) are controlled by mail. The controller 16G is configured to execute the program.
[0071]
Here, for example, it is assumed that the user of the remote control device 1G has contracted with a predetermined provider for connecting to the Internet, and the data line terminating device 4 such as ADSL or a cable modem is always connected to the provider. It is also assumed that a mail address has been obtained from the provider.
[0072]
In the remote control system in such an environment, the controller 16G accesses the mail server of the provider every predetermined time (for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes to several tens of minutes) and sends an operation command to the mail address of the user. Is confirmed, and if the mail has arrived, a control signal including a control command corresponding to the operation command included in the mail is transmitted to the device 2 via the infrared transmission unit 17. Execute the process.
[0073]
According to such a remote control device 1G, since the same remote operation can be performed using the mail by storing the mail, the remote operation is extremely simplified. Also, by confirming the mail history, the history of the remote operation can be confirmed. Further, since a circuit such as voice guidance is not required, the configuration of the remote control device 1G can be simplified.
[0074]
(Ninth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 11, the remote control device 1H of the ninth embodiment differs from the remote control device 1G of the eighth embodiment in that a human sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the surroundings is further provided as a sensor 18. A controller is provided to transmit a control signal to the device 2 via the infrared transmission unit 17 using the detection result of the sensor 18 or to send a notification to the user's mail address via the network interface 13G. 16H.
[0076]
For example, when a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained from the sensor 18, a control signal including a lighting command is transmitted to the lighting fixture 21 via the infrared transmission unit 17, and a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained. The controller 16H is configured to transmit a control signal including a light-off or dimming command to the luminaire 21 via the infrared transmission unit 17 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the luminaire 21 has no human sensor. It can be operated similarly to a lighting fixture.
[0077]
Further, when the controller 16H is configured to transmit an e-mail to the e-mail address of the user when a detection result indicating that a person is present is obtained from the sensor 18, the remote control system can be provided with a security system. Will also be available. By using the e-mail in this way, more detailed contents (time, number of detections, etc.) can be notified as compared with the case of reporting by voice. Also, since the connection is always made, there is no communication fee for sending the mail.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the invention according to claim 1 receives a remote operation signal for a predetermined device having a receiving means and operating according to a control signal received by the receiving means from outside the home via a communication line. And a transmitting means corresponding to the receiving means, and transmitting the control signal to the predetermined device via the transmitting means in response to a remote control signal received through the interface. The transmitting means transmits the control signal wirelessly, and the receiving means receives the control signal wirelessly, so that wiring work between the remote control device and each device is reduced. Various devices can be remotely controlled from outside.
[0079]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the first aspect, the transmitting means transmits the control signal as an infrared signal, and the receiving means receives the control signal as an infrared signal. Therefore, even in this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of wiring work between the remote control device and each device, and to remotely control various devices from the outside.
[0080]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the second aspect, the transmitting unit is configured by a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes that emit infrared light in each direction. The infrared rays emitted from the means can be received by the plurality of devices.
[0081]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a line interface for connecting to a telephone line is provided as the interface, and the line interface is connected to the telephone line. A telephone connection terminal connected in parallel to a telephone input terminal and connected to a telephone, and off-hook detection means for monitoring the telephone line to detect whether the telephone has gone off-hook, and a call signal from the telephone line. When an incoming call arrives, the telephone waits until the telephone goes off-hook first, and after the off-hook detecting means detects that the telephone has gone off-hook, the telephone itself also goes off-hook, so that a telephone call can be made without being aware of the existence of the remote control device. At the same time, remote control is also possible.
[0082]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a network interface connected to a public communication network via a data line termination device is provided as the interface. Since the remote control signal is received via e-mail, the same remote operation can be performed using the e-mail by storing the e-mail, so that the remote operation is extremely simplified.
[0083]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control signal is transmitted a plurality of times via the transmission unit in response to a remote operation signal received through the interface. Since transmission is performed to a predetermined device, the device can be reliably operated by remote control.
[0084]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, after the self-off-hook, the personal computer receives the password through the interface and performs authentication, and the correct authentication result of the password is obtained. Since the remote control signal is received after it is obtained, security can be enhanced.
[0085]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the seventh aspect, if the correct authentication result of the personal identification number is not obtained within a predetermined time, the authentication is stopped. it can.
[0086]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, if a correct authentication result of the password is not obtained even after the authentication is repeated a predetermined number of times, the authentication is stopped and on-hook is performed. Therefore, unauthorized access can be eliminated.
[0087]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the remote control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a motion sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the surroundings, and utilizing a detection result of the motion sensor. Since the control signal is transmitted to the predetermined device via the transmission means, the device can be operated in the same manner as a device with a human sensor, and can be used as a security system.
[0088]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the tenth aspect, the predetermined device includes an air conditioner, and a detection result of the human sensor is invalidated for a predetermined time when the air conditioner is remotely operated. When the sense sensor is a PIR sensor, erroneous detection of the human sensor can be eliminated, and malfunction due to the erroneous detection can be prevented.
[0089]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the predetermined device is a lighting device, and is turned on or off according to the control signal according to the remote operation signal. The lighting equipment can be turned on or off by remote control.
[0090]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the predetermined device is an air conditioner, and executes or stops operation according to the control signal according to the remote operation signal. Therefore, the operation of the air conditioner can be executed or stopped by remote control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system configured using the remote control device.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a line interface of the remote control device.
FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the remote control device.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an infrared transmitting unit in a remote control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an infrared transmitting unit in a remote control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1C, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H Remote control device
10 Power supply section
11 Operation unit
12 Display
13,13B line interface
13G network interface
15 Function chip
16, 16E, 16F, 16G, 16H Controller
17, 17A Infrared transmitter
172 infrared receiver
18 Sensor
19 Voice input / output unit
2 Equipment
21 Lighting equipment
22 air conditioner
3 telephone
4 Data line termination equipment

Claims (13)

An interface for receiving a remote operation signal for a predetermined device that operates according to a control signal received by the receiving unit and receives the signal from outside the home via a communication line, and a transmitting unit corresponding to the receiving unit, A remote control device that transmits the control signal to the predetermined device via the transmission unit according to a remote operation signal received through the interface,
The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the control signal, and the receiving unit wirelessly receives the control signal. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting means transmits said control signal as an infrared signal, and said receiving means receives said control signal as an infrared signal. 3. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting unit includes a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes that emit infrared light in each direction. A line interface for connection to a telephone line is provided as the interface, and a telephone connection terminal to which a telephone is connected in parallel with an input terminal for connection to the telephone line in the line interface, and the telephone line is monitored. And off-hook detection means for detecting whether the telephone has gone off-hook,
4. The telephone according to claim 1, wherein, when a call signal is received from the telephone line, the telephone waits until the telephone first goes off-hook, and the telephone goes off-hook after the off-hook detecting means detects that the telephone has gone off-hook. A remote control device according to any one of the above. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the interface includes a network interface connected to a public communication network via a data line terminating device, and the remote operation signal is received by mail through the network interface. Remote control device. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control signal is transmitted to the predetermined device a plurality of times via the transmission unit according to a remote operation signal received through the interface. . 7. The remote control signal according to claim 1, wherein after the user goes off-hook, the personal identification number is received and authenticated through the interface, and the remote control signal is received after a correct authentication result of the personal identification number is obtained. The remote control as described. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the authentication is stopped when a correct authentication result of the password is not obtained within a predetermined time. 9. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein if the correct authentication result of the personal identification number is not obtained even after the authentication is repeated a predetermined number of times, the authentication is stopped and on-hook is performed. A human sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the surroundings is provided, and the control signal is transmitted to the predetermined device via the transmission unit using a detection result of the human sensor. 10. The remote control device according to any one of 1 to 9. The remote control device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined device includes an air conditioner, and a detection result of the human sensor is invalidated for a predetermined time when the air conditioner is remotely operated. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined device is a lighting device, and is turned on or off in accordance with the control signal according to the remote operation signal. 13. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined device is an air conditioner, and executes or stops operation according to the control signal according to the remote operation signal.

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