JP2006319718A - Apparatus control system and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus control system in which a mobile terminal performs communication with an apparatus by radio and the apparatus performs unique operation depending on the distance of the communication. <P>SOLUTION: The mobile terminal 1000 and the apparatus 2000 have a first transmission/reception means 100 and a second transmission/reception 200 means which can gradually control a communication distance between the terminal and the apparatus, respectively. The apparatus 2000 performs a unique operation at each of distances when the terminal 1000 and the apparatus 2000 can perform communication at each of long, middle, short, close and contact distances. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control system that communicates with a device wirelessly and a program thereof.

  A technique for communicating with a device by radio is already in widespread use, and there is also proposed one that is controlled via an information board even if it is far away from home (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  It has also been proposed to use an RFID to control the operation of an air conditioner according to the user's usage mode (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, there has also been proposed a technique for controlling a lighting fixture by wirelessly transmitting information of a human body detection sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
JP-A-8-79840 JP 2005-4434 A JP-A-10-70775

  However, these methods cannot change the radio wave intensity of wireless communication and perform some characteristic operation in accordance with the radio wave intensity (communication distance).

  That is, in the method of Patent Document 1, the use of a specific low-power radio is taken as an example, and the transmission output is variable, but the radio wave intensity is only changed according to the size of the room so that the radio wave does not jump too much. It is.

  Further, in the method of Patent Document 2, ID authentication is performed using RFID, and only control characteristic of the ID is performed.

  In the method of Patent Document 3, a human body is detected using a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and the lighting apparatus is only controlled.

  Therefore, in order to solve the conventional problems, the device control system of the present invention and the program thereof each include a transmission / reception means capable of controlling the communication distance in stages, in the terminal and the device, respectively. For each communication distance, a unique operation was performed.

  As a result, it is possible to perform optimum operations according to the distance between the terminal and the device, and to automatically start or stop the operation of the electric device according to the distance from the terminal. As a result, it is possible to automatically control the device without being aware of the control of the device, such as a human operation, so that it can be expected to improve comfort, convenience, or safety. Contributes to energy saving.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the device control system, each of the terminal and the device includes transmission / reception means capable of controlling the communication distance in stages, and performs a unique operation for each of the communication distances controlled in stages. I made it.

  As a result, it is possible to perform optimal operations according to the distance between the terminal and the device, and by automatically starting or stopping the operation according to the distance from the terminal to the device. , Because the device itself does not need to be operated each time, and the device itself is automatically conscious without being aware of the control of the device, so it is expected to improve comfort, convenience, or safety As well as being able to save energy by stopping operation when people are not nearby.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, particularly in the device control system of the first aspect of the invention, the transmission / reception means is in a contact distance mode in which communication is possible in a contact distance state (for example, within several centimeters), which is slightly separated (for example, several tens of centimeters) Within a short distance mode that can be communicated at a distance (for example, within a few tens of centimeters), and at a further distance (for example, within a few meters). The communication distance is controlled by switching at least two or more of the distance modes and further the long distance modes capable of communicating at a far distance (for example, within several tens of meters).

  As a result, it is possible to perform an optimal operation step by step according to the distance between the terminal and the device, and the device automatically starts or stops operating according to the distance from the terminal. By doing so, the device itself automatically controls without needing to operate every time and without being aware of the control of the device, so comfort, convenience, or safety It can be expected to improve, and it also contributes to energy saving by stopping operation when no one is nearby.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the device control system of the second aspect of the invention, when the communication between the terminal and the device is changed from the medium-distance mode to the short-distance mode, the operation of the device is started or the medium is started from the short-distance mode. The operation was stopped when the distance mode was entered.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the device changes from a long distance to a medium distance, the specific device starts operating, and conversely, the terminal moves away and the distance from the device changes from the medium distance to the long distance. When a device becomes a specific device, the operation of a specific device can be stopped, so that the device does not need to be operated each time and the device itself automatically controls without being aware of the control of the device. Therefore, improvement of comfort, convenience, or safety can be expected, and it also contributes to energy saving by stopping the operation when a person is not nearby.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the device control system of the third aspect of the present invention, there is no danger that the operation of the device may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning. Alternatively, either TV or radio was included.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the lighting equipment, or the equipment such as the television or radio changes from a long distance to a middle distance, the equipment starts operating, and conversely, the terminal When the distance from these devices changes from medium to long, these devices can stop operating, so there is no need for human operation and control of the devices. Since the device itself automatically controls without being conscious of it, it can be expected to improve comfort or convenience, and it also contributes to energy saving by stopping the operation when no one is nearby.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the device control system of the second aspect of the invention, when the communication between the terminal and the device is changed from the short-distance mode to the approach distance mode, the operation of the device starts or is approached from the approach distance mode. The operation was stopped when the distance mode was entered.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the device changes from the short distance to the approach distance, the specific device starts operating, and conversely, the terminal moves away and the distance from the device decreases from the proximity distance. When the distance is reached, the operation of a specific device can be stopped, so there is no need for the user to operate each time, and the device itself automatically controls without being aware of the control of the device. Therefore, it can be expected to improve comfort, convenience, and safety, and also contribute to energy saving by stopping the operation when no one is nearby.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the device control system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is no danger that the operation of the device may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning. Was included.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the tabletop desk lamp changes from a short distance to an approach distance, the tabletop lamp starts to operate (lights up), and the terminal moves away from these devices. The table lamp can stop its operation (turns off) when the distance from the approaching distance is changed from the approach distance, so there is no need for the user to operate each time, and the desk lamp is conscious of control. Because the desk lamp itself automatically controls it, it can be expected to improve comfort and convenience, and it also contributes to energy saving by stopping the operation (lights off) when no one is nearby. To do.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the device control system of the second aspect of the invention, when the communication between the terminal and the device is changed from the long-distance mode to the medium-distance mode, the operation of the device starts or the long-distance from the medium-distance mode. The operation was stopped when the distance mode was entered.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the device changes from a long distance to a medium distance, the specific device starts operating, and conversely, the terminal moves away and the distance from the device increases from the medium distance. When the distance is reached, the operation of a specific device can be stopped, so there is no need for the user to operate each time, and the device itself automatically controls without being aware of the control of the device. Therefore, it can be expected to improve comfort, convenience, and safety, and also contribute to energy saving by stopping the operation when no one is nearby.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus control system of the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is no danger that the operation of the apparatus may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning. Or a ventilator was included.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the air cleaner or ventilation fan changes from a long distance to a medium distance, the air cleaner or ventilation fan starts operating, and the terminal moves away from these devices. When the distance between the air cleaner and the ventilator changes from medium to long, the operation of the air cleaner or ventilation fan can be stopped, so there is no need for the person to operate each time and the air cleaner is conscious of control. Since the air cleaner or the ventilation fan itself automatically controls it, it can be expected to improve comfort and convenience, and it also saves energy by stopping the operation when no one is nearby. To contribute. In particular, when a person who comes home, for example, at the time of pollen, brings pollen into the building, as soon as he / she enters the building, the air cleaner or the ventilation fan moves to prevent the pollen from spreading even a little.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the device control system of the second aspect of the invention, when the communication between the terminal and the device is in a long-distance mode from outside the range (communication is impossible), the device starts operating or is in a long-distance range. The operation is stopped when the mode is out of service area (communication is impossible).

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance to the device changes from out of service area (cannot communicate) to the long-distance mode, the specific device starts to operate and the terminal moves away and the distance from the device When a device goes out of range (cannot communicate) from long-distance mode, a specific device can stop operating, so there is no need for the user to operate each time, and there is no need to be aware of device control. In addition, since the device itself automatically controls, it can be expected to improve comfort, convenience, or safety, and also contribute to energy saving by stopping the operation when a person goes out.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the device control system of the ninth aspect of the invention, there is no danger that the operation of the device may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning, and the device includes at least an air conditioner. It was made to be.

  As a result, when the terminal is approaching and the distance from the air conditioner is out of service area (communication impossible) to the long distance mode, the air conditioner starts to operate, and the terminal moves away and the distance from these devices. Since the air conditioner can stop operating when it goes out of range (cannot communicate) from the long-distance mode, there is no need for the user to operate each time, and without being aware of the control of the air conditioner. Since the air conditioner itself controls automatically, it can be expected to improve comfort and convenience, and it also contributes to energy saving by stopping the operation when no one is nearby. In particular, when returning home, an air conditioner starts operating on the way home, and when returning home, a service that cooling (heating) is effective can be realized.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, in particular, in the device control system of the second aspect, when the communication between the terminal and the device is changed from the short distance mode to the close distance mode, the operation of the device can be started (not automatically started). ), Or when the short-distance mode is changed to the intermediate-distance mode, or when the intermediate-distance mode is changed to the long-distance mode, the operation is stopped.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches and the distance from the device changes from a short distance to an approach distance, the operation of the specific device can be started, but the operation does not start automatically, and the terminal is separated. Since the device can stop operating when the distance from the device changes from medium to short, the human can start the operation after confirming safety or vice versa. If you accidentally move away from the location, you can stop the operation with an emphasis on safety, so you can expect particularly improved safety and stop the operation when people are not nearby This also contributes to energy saving.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the equipment control system of the eleventh aspect of the invention, there is a risk that the operation of the equipment may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning. A heater or a cooker using electricity or kerosene was included.

  As a result, when the terminal approaches a device such as a heater using gas, electricity, or kerosene, or a cooker, and the distance from these devices has changed from a short distance to an approach distance, The operation of these devices can be started, but they do not start automatically, and conversely, when the terminal moves away and the distance from these devices changes from medium to long, these Since the device can stop operating, human beings can start operation after confirming safety, or conversely, if the device is inadvertently moved away from the place, safety is important. In addition, since the operation can be stopped, the improvement of safety can be expected in particular, and when the person is not nearby, the operation is stopped (fire extinguishing), thereby contributing to energy saving.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, particularly in the equipment control system of the second aspect of the invention, the communication between the terminal and the equipment is performed when communication is possible in the contact distance mode, or the approach distance mode is changed to the short distance mode. At that time, the operation different from the above operation was performed.

  As a result, when the distance from the device becomes the contact distance, the specific device starts to operate. Conversely, when the terminal moves away and the distance from the device changes from the approach distance to the short distance, Because the device of the device is operated in reverse, the device does not need to be operated each time, and the device itself automatically controls without being aware of the control of the device. The improvement of safety or safety can be expected.

  In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the device control system of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, when the device is an electric key and communication between the terminal and the electric key becomes possible in the contact distance mode, Locked when the close distance mode is changed to the close distance mode.

  As a result, when the distance from the electric key becomes the contact distance, the electric key unlocks (automatically), and on the contrary, the electric key is released and the distance from the electric key is changed from the approach distance to the short distance. Since the electric key performs the locking operation at the time, the device itself does not need to operate the locking and unlocking each time, and the device itself automatically does not need to be aware of the control of the device. Control is expected to improve comfort, convenience, or safety (in terms of crime prevention).

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the device control system of the second aspect of the invention, the terminal includes vibration detection means, and when the vibration is detected by the vibration detection means, the terminal is activated to generate a signal periodically. When no vibration is detected within a certain time, the terminal is paused so as not to generate a signal.

  As a result, when a person is wearing the terminal or holding it in his hand and the terminal continues to receive a certain amount of vibration, the terminal is activated, so it periodically generates a signal to communicate with the device. When the terminal is left somewhere, it stops and does not generate a signal. In other words, it works effectively as a device control system and enjoys convenience only when moving with the person who is the owner, but if it leaves the owner's hand and is simply left on the desk, it will be cut off from the device control system. In addition, it contributes to energy saving of the terminal (battery life is extended when it is stopped).

  In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, particularly in the device control system of the second aspect of the invention, when the communication between the terminal and the device is changed from the medium-range mode to the long-distance mode, or the long-distance mode is out of service area (communication impossible). When it becomes a long distance mode, or when it becomes out of service area (communication is impossible), a unique operation is performed.

  Thereby, when it is far from the device (for example, a person carrying the terminal goes out), a device that does not need to be operated (for example, a stove or a gas stove) stops operating and a device that needs to be operated (for example, for example, The intruder sensor and the window opening / closing sensor) can be started to operate, and can be expected to improve comfort, convenience, or safety. In particular, it can be expected to operate more safely even in the case of a long-distance mode or out-of-service mode (communication impossible) without passing through the middle-distance mode due to some trouble such as jamming radio waves.

  A seventeenth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute at least one means or operation, particularly in the device control system according to any one of the first to sixteenth inventions, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, storage device, I / O A part or all of the present invention can be easily realized as a program by cooperating hardware resources such as an electric information device, a computer and the like provided with O. Also, by distributing the program on a recording medium or using a communication line, program distribution can be realized very easily compared to other means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
The mobile terminal is possessed by each individual, has a different ID for each individual, and is assumed to be always carried by the individual, and has a shape that is not troublesome to carry (for example, a pendant type, a key holder type, It is assumed that the card type is very small and lightweight. By only having this mobile terminal, various services (functions) are provided according to the distance from the device.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile communication system configuration of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a mobile terminal 1000 is a terminal for a person to carry and move, and it is assumed that the mobile terminal 1000 communicates with a device 2000 installed in a home by low power radio.

  The mobile terminal 1000 includes a first transmission / reception unit 100, a first control unit 110 that controls the whole including the first transmission / reception unit 100, and a vibration detection unit 120.

  The vibration detection means 120 is composed of, for example, a spring and an electrical contact (not shown), and when the person wears the terminal or is held by the hand and the mobile terminal 1000 receives a certain amount of vibration, The electrical contacts come into contact and send an electrical signal to the first control means 110. The control means 110 receives the electrical signal, and then enters an activated state for a certain period of time. A signal is generated to communicate with the device 2000.

  On the other hand, when the terminal 1000 is left somewhere, the spring and the electrical contact do not come into contact with each other, so that an electrical signal is not generated, and the control unit 110 pauses after a certain time (pause mode). The signal that has been generated periodically from the first control means 100 is not generated, and communication with the device 2000 is interrupted.

  In this way, the mobile terminal 1000 communicates with the device 2000 only when moving with the person who is the owner, so that it can work effectively as a device control system and enjoy convenience, but the owner's hand can be separated from the desktop. If it is left unattended, it is disconnected from the device control system and contributes to energy saving of the terminal 1000 (the battery life is extended because the sleep mode itself is the power saving mode and communication is not performed).

  The configuration of the vibration detection unit 120 is not limited to the above.

  The device 2000 is controlled by the second transmission / reception unit 200 that communicates with the first transmission / reception unit 100, the second control unit 210 that controls the whole including the second transmission / reception unit 210, and various notifications. An informing unit 220 for performing the operation and a device specific operation unit 230 for performing an operation specific to the device are provided.

  The device-specific operation mentioned here is, for example, lighting operation for a lighting device, video / audio output operation for a television, audio / sound output operation for a radio, or desk lighting for a desk lamp. Operation, heating operation for a heater, cooking operation for a cooker, locking operation for an electric key, or unlocking operation. The means for performing these operations is referred to as device-specific operation means 230.

  The mobile terminal 1000 and the device 2000 perform wireless communication, but the basic state is the long-distance mode, and the first transmission / reception means 110 transmits a signal at regular intervals (for example, 1 second). This signal includes ID code information unique to each mobile terminal stored in the first control means 110.

  The second transmission / reception means 200 of the device 2000 receives this signal, and the second control means 210 performs processing. The ID code stored in the second control means 210 and the family corresponding to the ID code. The device 2000 detects that the family member is in the long-distance area.

  Note that the device 2000 is at least one or more types of one or more devices that are present in the home as described above, and these devices are each independently described above. The operation is performed, and the second control unit 210 controls to notify from the notification unit 220 as necessary, or the device-specific operation unit 230 starts (stops) the original operation of the device.

  The details of the operation of each individual device will be described later separately, so the communication distance control method will be described first with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed internal configuration of the first transmission / reception unit 100 and the second transmission / reception unit 200.

  In FIG. 2, the first transmission / reception unit 100 includes a first attenuation unit 10 (attenuating a transmission signal), a first transmission unit 11, a first reception unit 12, and a first transmission / reception control unit 13. The second transmitting / receiving unit 200 includes a second attenuating unit 20 (attenuating the received signal), a second transmitting unit 21, a second receiving unit 22, and a second transmitting / receiving unit. And a control means 23.

The first attenuation means 10 and the second attenuation means 20 can change the intensity of attenuation by external control, and the attenuation intensity is changed stepwise in each attenuation means. For example, the following communication distance control mode can be set based on the strength of radio waves.
1) Long-distance mode (no attenuation) that enables communication within several tens of meters
2) Medium distance mode (moderate attenuation) that can communicate within a few meters
3) Short-distance mode that can communicate within 1 meter and several tens of centimeters (a little strong attenuation)
4) Communication distance mode (with strong attenuation) that can communicate within several tens of centimeters
5) Contact distance mode (strongest attenuation) that can communicate only within a few centimeters.

  A sufficient effect can be obtained with only the first attenuating means 10, but the second attenuating means 20 may be used at the same time in order to realize a stricter contact distance mode.

  Here, even if communication is only possible in the contact distance mode after attenuation, the transmission signal of the second transmission / reception means 200 and the reception signal of the first transmission / reception device 100 are set so that the communication can be returned to the long distance mode without any problem. Is configured to be able to communicate without any attenuation.

  That is, since the transmission signal from the second transmission / reception means 200 can communicate with the first transmission / reception device 100 in the long-distance mode (without attenuation) regardless of the communication distance control mode, In response to an instruction from the second transmission / reception means 200, the first transmission / reception apparatus 100 can control the first attenuation means 10 to change the intensity of the radio wave of the transmission signal of the first transmission / reception apparatus 100.

  Next, a mechanism for switching and operating the communication mode between the mobile terminal 1000 and the device 2000 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  (1) First, the case where the mobile terminal 1000 approaches the device 2000 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flow of processing performed by the second control unit 210 of the device 2000.

  As described above, the mobile terminal 1000 and the device 2000 send a signal every predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the device 2000 constantly monitors this signal, and the device 2000 receives this signal (S500). ), The mobile terminal 1000 detects that the mobile terminal 1000 has entered a long-distance area and performs a specific operation (S510).

  At this time, the second transmission / reception means 200 of the device 2000 receives the ID code included in the signal, the second control means 210 performs processing, and the ID code stored in the second control means 210 and It is also possible to acquire information related to the family name corresponding to the ID code, detect that a family member has entered a long-distance area, and perform a unique operation that takes into account personal information ( Not shown).

  In addition, an article may correspond to an ID code, and a family may be associated with a particular article.

  Next, the mobile terminal 1000 is instructed to set the medium distance mode (S530). Whether the device 2000 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 1000 within a predetermined time is monitored. If no signal is received (S540), the device returns to the long-distance mode which is the original state (S520). If communication is possible even in the medium distance mode (S540), it can be determined that the mobile terminal 1000 has entered the range of the medium distance mode and a unique operation can be performed (S550).

  In this state, assuming that the mobile terminal 1000 further approaches, the device 2000 sets the short distance mode to the mobile terminal 1000 (S560), and a signal sent from the mobile terminal 1000 at regular intervals. When this signal is detected (S570), it can be detected that the mobile terminal 1000 is at a short distance, so that a unique operation is performed (S580).

  Further, similarly, in this state, assuming that the mobile terminal 1000 is further approaching, the device 2000 sets the approach distance mode to the mobile terminal 1000 (S590), and from the mobile terminal 1000 at regular intervals. The signal sent to the terminal is monitored, and when this signal is detected (S600), it can be detected that the mobile terminal 1000 is at an approaching distance, so that a unique operation is performed (S610).

  Finally, assuming that the mobile terminal 1000 approaches a distance such that the mobile terminal 1000 comes into contact with the device 2000, the device 2000 sets the mobile terminal 1000 in the contact distance mode (S620), and the mobile terminal 1000 makes a constant time interval. When the mobile terminal 1000 comes closer to the device 2000 when it is detected (S630), a unique operation is performed (S640).

  A typical example of this contact mode is an automatic locking or unlocking device in which the device 2000 is installed at the entrance door, and the mobile terminal 1000 is brought into contact with the entrance door (device 2000), for example. It is also possible to unlock the lock (not shown).

  That is, when the mobile terminal 1000 returns to the front of the door, the second control unit 210 provided in the entrance door (device 2000) controls the door locking / unlocking unit (device-specific operation unit 230) to lock the door. Auto unlock service such as opening the door is possible.

  Up to this point, the mobile terminal 1000 has been described as shifting to the long-distance mode, the medium-distance mode, the short-distance mode, the approach-distance mode, and the contact-distance mode assuming that the mobile terminal 1000 is approaching. If the device 2000 monitors the signal sent from the mobile terminal 1000 at regular intervals in preparation for the case of passing only near the terminal, and this signal cannot be detected even after a certain period of time, It is also effective to prevent the unintended operation by resetting and returning to the long-distance mode and repartitioning from the beginning (S500) (not shown). In addition, when the device 2000 is an entrance door, it is conceivable to lock the door key unlocked in the contact distance mode again.

  (2) Next, a case where the mobile terminal 1000 moves away from the device 2000 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a flow of processing performed by the second control unit 210 of the device 2000.

  Here, similarly to (1), when the mobile terminal 1000 and the device 2000 send signals at regular intervals, the device 2000 constantly monitors this signal, and the device 2000 receives this signal (S700). Then, the monitoring is continued as it is (S700), and if the device 2000 does not receive this signal, it can be determined that the mobile terminal 1000 has left the contact area and can perform a specific operation (S710).

  At this time, the second transmission / reception means 200 of the device 2000 receives the ID code included in the signal, the second control means 210 performs processing, and the ID code stored in the second control means 210 and It is also conceivable to acquire information related to the family name corresponding to the ID code, detect that it is a family member, and perform a unique operation in consideration of personal information (not shown).

  In this case as well, the item corresponding to the ID code may be an item, and the family may be associated with a specific item.

  Next, the mobile terminal 1000 is instructed to set the approach distance mode (S730). Whether or not the device 2000 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 1000 within a predetermined time is monitored. If the signal is received (Y in S740), the mobile terminal 1000 is set in the contact distance mode (S720), and from the beginning (S700). If no repetitive signal is received (N in S740), it is detected that the mobile terminal 1000 has left the approaching distance area (entering a short distance) and performs a specific operation (S750).

  Next, the mobile terminal 1000 is instructed to set the short distance mode (S760). It is monitored whether the device 2000 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 1000 within a predetermined time. If the signal is received (Y in S770), the process returns to S730, and if no signal is received (N in S770), the mobile terminal 1000 Is detected to have exited the short distance area (entering the middle distance) and perform a specific operation (S780).

  Next, the mobile terminal 1000 is instructed to set to the medium distance mode (S790). It is monitored whether the device 2000 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 1000 within a predetermined time. If the signal is received (Y in S800), the process returns to S760, and if no signal is received (N in S800), the mobile terminal 1000 Detects that it has left the middle distance area (entering the long distance area) and performs a specific operation (S810).

  Next, the mobile terminal 1000 is instructed to set the long-distance mode (S820). It is monitored whether or not the device 2000 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 1000 within a predetermined time. If the signal is received (Y in S830), the process returns to S790, and if no signal is received (N in S830), the mobile terminal 1000 Detects that it has left the far-and-short distance area (communication is impossible or out of service area) and performs a specific operation (S840).

  Note that the mobile terminal 1000 holds a unique ID code in the first control unit 110 and is assumed to be able to communicate only with a specific device 2000. For this reason, the second control unit 210 also stores the ID code and performs code authentication. However, the number of mobile terminals 1000 is not limited to one, and a plurality of mobile terminals 1000 each having a different unique ID code are connected to one device. Communication with only 2000 may be possible, and there may be a plurality of devices 2000.

  (3) Various devices are assumed as the device 2000, and the mechanism for performing a unique operation for each device is as described above. Finally, the unique operation itself will be described ( Not shown).

  (3-1) Consider a case in which the device 2000 is a device such as a lighting device, a television, or a radio, and the operation of the device has no risk of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning.

  In these devices, there is no danger even if they remain unattended, but it is often unnecessary to operate them when they are not nearby, and it is preferable to automatically stop them from the viewpoint of energy saving or device life. There are many things. For such a device 2000 (lighting device, television, radio), the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 has changed from the medium distance mode (in the building but in another room) to the short distance mode ( At the time of entering the room in which the device is placed, the device 2000 (lighting device, television, radio) starts to operate, the room becomes brighter, and the television and radio can be heard.

  Conversely, when communication with the mobile terminal 1000 moves from the short-distance mode (in the room in which the device is placed) to the medium-distance mode (out of the room in which the device is placed but in the building). It is conceivable that these devices 2000 (lighting device, television, radio) are turned off (operation stopped).

  (3-2) Consider a case in which the device 2000 is a device such as a tabletop desk lamp and the operation of the device 2000 has no danger of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning.

  Such a device 2000 (table desk lamp) is in a state where communication with the mobile terminal 1000 is changed from the short distance mode (in the room where the device is installed) to the close distance mode (sitting in the seat). On the contrary, when the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 is changed from the approach mode (sitting in the seat) to the short-distance mode (standing up in the room but in the room), the light is turned off again. It is conceivable to perform very diligent lighting control that is turned on when the approach mode is entered (sitting in the seat).

  Even when you are standing for a reference book, went to the toilet, or went to a meal for a short period of time, you will not forget to turn it off automatically, and when you return to the seat, it will turn on automatically. Therefore, it can be controlled so that the user does not notice it, so it will not cause any inconvenience and an energy saving effect can be expected.

  In this way, it is troublesome for a person to control each time, so that things that tend to remain turned on (operated) are turned off (stopped) when the distance from the terminal 1000 becomes longer and they become unnecessary. Done automatically.

  (3-3) Consider a case where the device 2000 is a device such as an air cleaner or a ventilation fan, and the operation of the device 2000 has no danger of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning.

  Such a device 2000 (an air cleaner or a ventilation fan) starts to operate when the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 is changed from the long-distance mode (outdoor) to the medium-distance mode (entering indoors). On the contrary, it is conceivable to perform operation control such that the operation is stopped when the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 is switched from the middle distance mode (inside the room) to the long distance mode (going outdoors).

  Of course, it is possible to stop when you do not need to go out and keep it running, and you can expect energy saving effect, but people who came home especially in the pollen time came to bring pollen into the building As soon as you enter the building, the air cleaner or ventilator moves to prevent pollen from spreading.

  (3-4) A device that takes a little time until the effect is produced after the device 2000 is operated like an air conditioner, and the risk that the operation of the device 2000 may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning. Let's consider the case of something without.

  Such a device 2000 (air conditioner) starts to operate when the distance to the mobile terminal 1000 changes from outside the service area (at a place where communication is impossible) to a long-distance mode (outside where radio waves can reach). Conversely, when the mobile terminal 1000 moves away and the distance from the mobile terminal 1000 becomes out of service area (communication impossible) from the long-distance mode, the operation can be stopped, so that a person can operate each time. Because control is performed automatically without needing to be aware of control, it can be expected to improve comfort or convenience, and by stopping operation when a person is no longer nearby Contributes to energy saving. In particular, it is possible to realize a service in which the operation is started when returning home, and the cooling (heating) is effective when returning home.

  (3-5) The device 2000 is a device such as a heater or a cooker using gas, electricity, or kerosene, and its operation may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning. Consider the case of a sexual thing.

  In such a device 2000 (a heater, a cooker), priority is given to not operating as much as possible to avoid danger. That is, when the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 is changed from the short-distance mode (entering the room where the device is installed) to the close-distance mode (approaching the device), the device 2000 (a heater, a cooker) The operation can be started (however, it does not automatically start), and if a person dares to operate, the operation is started.

  Even if there is no person, it can be expected that the fallen object will push the power switch and ignite, thereby avoiding accidental actions such as a fire accident.

  On the other hand, it is conceivable that the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 stops operating when the medium distance mode (in the building) is changed to the long distance mode (goes outside). In this case, since it stops automatically even if it goes out with the apparatus 2000 (a heater, a cooking appliance) operating, the effect of preventing an accident beforehand can be expected.

  Of course, it is conceivable to stop the operation and pursue more safety from the short distance mode (in the room where the equipment is installed) to the middle distance mode (out of the room and in the building).

  (3-6) Consider a case where the device 2000 is an electric key incorporated in a front door or the like.

  By unlocking the communication between the mobile terminal 1000 and the device 2000 (electric key) from the approach distance mode (approaching the door) to the contact distance mode (contacting the terminal with the door electric key) Keyless entry can be realized. Or, conversely, auto-locking can be realized by locking at the time when the close distance mode (moving away from the door) is changed from the close distance mode (close to the door).

  In this way, by constantly monitoring the distance from the mobile terminal 1000 and detecting the movement of the mobile terminal 1000 (actually the person who owns it), the device-specific operation is performed, thereby making the device more reliable and comfortable. Device control is performed.

  (3-7) The device 2000 is not particularly limited, but when the communication with the mobile terminal 1000 is changed from the middle-distance mode to the long-distance mode, or when the long-distance mode is out of service area (communication impossible), Alternatively, it may be possible to perform a specific operation at the time when the long-distance mode is entered or when it is out of service area (communication impossible).

  That is, when the distance from the mobile terminal 1000 becomes long (for example, the person carrying the terminal goes out), the devices that do not need to be operated (for example, the stove and the gas stove) need to be stopped and operated. Equipment (for example, an intruder sensor and a window opening / closing sensor) can be expected to improve comfort, convenience, or safety by starting operation. In particular, it can be expected to operate more safely even in the case of a long-distance mode or out-of-service mode (communication impossible) without passing through the middle-distance mode due to some trouble such as jamming radio waves.

In the explanation so far,
Long-distance mode (no attenuation) that enables communication within tens of meters,
Medium distance mode (medium attenuation) that can communicate within a few meters,
Short-distance mode (slightly strong attenuation) that can communicate within 1 meter and several tens of centimeters,
Proximity mode (strong attenuation) that can only communicate within tens of centimeters
Contact distance mode that can communicate only within a few centimeters (strongest attenuation)
Although the communication distance control mode based on the strength of radio waves has been defined, it is not always necessary to be concerned with this. That is, there is no problem even if it is replaced with a format such as a medium distance mode that does not exceed several kilometers as a long distance mode, or a medium distance mode that does not exceed several meters as a long distance mode.

  Note that the means described in this embodiment causes hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), a RAM, a ROM, a storage / recording device, an electric / information device including an I / O, a computer, a server, and the like to cooperate. You may implement with the form of a program. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media, or distributing them using a communication line such as the Internet.

  In this embodiment, the low power wireless communication is described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  As described above, it has been described that various services (functions) are provided only by having the mobile terminal 1000 depending on the distance from the device 2000. However, the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment can be used as a car, a bicycle, or the like. The moving means may be provided. In addition, the mobile terminal 1000 may be built in the mobile phone, and the device 2000 may be an office, a school, or the like, or may be equipped in an automobile.

  In the first embodiment, the first transmission / reception means may be provided on the device 2000 side, and the second transmission / reception means may be provided on the mobile terminal 1000 side.

  Further, the circuit configuration for performing stepwise control of the communication distance is not limited to FIG.

  As described above, the mobile communication system of the present invention and the program thereof are provided with transmission / reception means capable of controlling the communication distance in stages in the terminal and the device, respectively, and are unique for each communication distance controlled in stages. It is possible to perform the optimal operation according to the distance between the terminal and the device, and the electric device automatically starts the operation according to the distance from the terminal. Or, by stopping the operation, it is possible to automatically control the device without being aware of the device control, such as a human operation every time, so comfort, convenience, or safety Can be expected to improve energy efficiency and contribute to energy conservation.

Example of mobile communication system configuration in Embodiment 1 of the present invention FIG. 3 is an example of a detailed internal configuration of the first transmission / reception unit and the second transmission / reception unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. An example of a flow of processing performed when the mobile terminal 1000 approaches the device 2000, which is performed by the second control unit 210 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An example of a flow of processing performed when the mobile terminal 1000 moves away from the device 2000, which is performed by the second control unit 210 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 1st attenuation means 11 1st transmission means 12 1st reception means 13 1st transmission / reception control means 20 2nd attenuation means 21 2nd transmission means 22 2nd reception means 23 2nd transmission / reception control means 100 First transmission / reception means 110 First control means (holds a unique ID code)
120 vibration detection means 200 second transmission / reception means 210 second control means (only a specific ID code registered in advance is authenticated)
220 Notification means 230 Equipment-specific operation means 1000 Mobile terminal 2000 Equipment

Claims (17)

A device control system comprising: a terminal and a device each having transmission / reception means capable of controlling a communication distance stepwise, and the device performs a unique operation for each communication distance controlled stepwise. The transmitting / receiving means includes
Contact distance mode that can communicate in the contact distance state (for example, within a few centimeters),
An approach distance mode that allows communication within a close distance (for example, within several tens of centimeters)
Furthermore, a short-distance mode capable of communicating at a short distance (for example, within a few tens of centimeters), and a medium-distance mode capable of communicating at a medium distance (for example, within a few meters) further away.
2. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication distance is controlled by switching at least two or more of long-distance modes in which communication is possible at a far distance (for example, within several tens of meters). The communication between the terminal and the device starts operating when the medium-distance mode is changed to the short-distance mode, or stops operating when the device is changed from the short-distance mode to the medium-distance mode. 2. The device control system according to 2. It is characterized in that the operation of the device has no risk of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning, and the device includes at least one of a lighting device, a television, and a radio. The device control system according to claim 3. The communication between the terminal and the device starts operating when the short distance mode is changed to the close distance mode, or stops operating when the device is changed from the close distance mode to the short distance mode. 2. The device control system according to 2. 6. The apparatus control system according to claim 5, wherein the operation of the apparatus has no danger of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning, and the apparatus includes at least a desk lamp. The communication between the terminal and the device starts when the device changes from the long-distance mode to the medium-distance mode, or stops operating when the device changes from the medium-distance mode to the long-distance mode. 2. The device control system according to 2. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the operation of the apparatus has no danger of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning, and the apparatus includes at least an air cleaner or a ventilation fan. Control system. When the communication between the terminal and the device goes from outside the range (cannot communicate) to the long-distance mode, the device starts operating or when the device goes out of range (cannot communicate) from the long-range mode, the operation stops. The apparatus control system according to claim 2. 10. The device control system according to claim 9, wherein the operation of the device has no risk of causing an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning, and the device includes at least an air conditioner. When the communication between the terminal and the device is changed from the short distance mode to the close distance mode, the operation of the device can be started (not automatically started), or when the short distance mode is changed to the medium distance mode, 3. The device control system according to claim 2, wherein the operation is stopped when the middle distance mode is changed to the long distance mode. There is a danger that the operation of the equipment may lead to an accident such as a fire or gas poisoning, and the equipment has at least a heater or a cooker using gas, electricity, or kerosene. The device control system according to claim 11, wherein the device control system is included. When the communication between the terminal and the device becomes possible in the contact distance mode from the approach distance mode, the operation is performed, or when the approach distance mode is changed to the short distance mode, the operation different from the above operation is performed. The apparatus control system according to claim 2. Unlocked when the device is an electric key and communication between the terminal and the electric key is possible from the approach distance mode to the contact distance mode, or locked when the approach distance mode is changed to the near distance mode. The apparatus control system according to claim 13, wherein The terminal is equipped with a vibration detecting means, and when the vibration is detected by the vibration detecting means, the terminal is activated to generate a signal periodically, and if no vibration is detected within a certain time, the terminal is suspended. The apparatus control system according to claim 2, wherein no signal is generated. When communication between the terminal and the device changes from the medium-range mode to the long-distance mode, when the long-distance mode becomes out of service area (cannot communicate), or when the long-distance mode is set, or out of service area 3. The device control system according to claim 2, wherein each device performs a unique operation when (communication is impossible). The apparatus control system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the program causes a computer to execute at least one means.

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