JP2012160799A - Control apparatus, control system, control method and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control apparatus, a control system, a control method and a control program which control home equipment in response to a remote control instruction from a communication terminal outside home while minimizing a communication fee by shortening a use time of a telephone line.SOLUTION: A communication terminal 11 connects a telephone line with a control apparatus 12 (S11, S15, S17). A user of the communication terminal 11 inputs a password to the communication terminal 11. The control apparatus 12 authorizes the communication terminal 11 to control home equipment 13 in the case where a telephone number of the communication terminal 11 and the password are stored in an authorization list (S13, S25). The telephone line is disconnected (S31). A session via IP network is established between the communication terminal 11 and the control apparatus 12 (S33, S35). The control apparatus 12 controls the home equipment 13 based on the control contents transmitted from the communication terminal 11 (S41, S43).

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device, a control system, a control method, and a control program that can communicate with a communication terminal via a telephone network and an IP network.

  There has been proposed a control system in which a communication terminal remotely controls home appliances connected to a control device by communication between a communication terminal outside the home and a control device in the home via a telephone network. For example, in the control system described in Patent Document 1, an out-of-home communication terminal (out-of-home telephone) first connects a telephone line with an in-home control device (telephone base unit). Next, the communication terminal outside the home communicates with the control device using the connected telephone line. The control device controls various home appliances based on an instruction from a communication terminal outside the home.

JP 2007-181013 A

  However, in the above-described control system, a communication terminal outside the home cannot control the home appliance unless the telephone line connected to the home control device is maintained. Therefore, when the communication terminal outside the home continuously controls the home control device, there is a problem that the use time of the telephone line becomes long and the communication fee becomes high.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a control device, a control system, and a control method for controlling a device in a house in response to a remote operation instruction from a communication terminal outside the house while shortening the use time of a telephone line and suppressing a communication fee. And providing a control program.

  A control device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a control device that communicates with a communication terminal via an IP network and a telephone network, and controls a device in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal. A memory storing instructions to the control unit, and by executing the instructions, a connection step of connecting a telephone line with the communication terminal, and between the communication terminals in the connection step After connecting the telephone line, the authentication information for authenticating the user of the communication terminal is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line, and acquired in the first acquisition step. Based on the authentication information, a first determination step of determining whether or not the device can be controlled by the communication terminal, and an instruction for controlling the device via the IP network And a control step of controlling the device based on the instruction received in the receiving step when it is determined that the device can be controlled in the first determining step. And

  According to the first aspect, the control device determines whether the device can be controlled by the communication terminal based on the authentication information acquired from the communication terminal. The control device controls the device in response to an instruction from the communication terminal only when it is determined that the device can be controlled by the communication terminal. Thus, the control device can improve security by preventing unauthorized access to the device. In addition, the control device acquires authentication information from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. Thereby, the control apparatus can improve the confidentiality of communication when acquiring the authentication information, and can prevent the authentication information from leaking to a third party. Therefore, the control device can prevent the device from being controlled by an unspecified person by preventing the authentication information from being used by an unspecified person and controlling the device. In addition, the control device controls the device based on the instruction received via the IP network. After the user is authenticated by the authentication information, it is not necessary to connect a telephone line. Therefore, since the control device can disconnect the telephone line after the user authentication is completed, the usage time of the telephone network can be shortened and the communication fee can be suppressed.

  In the first aspect, if the control unit determines in the first determination step that the device can be controlled by the communication terminal, the control unit uses the telephone network or the address information of the control device in the IP network. A notification step of notifying the communication terminal via the IP network may be further executed. When the control device notifies the communication terminal of the address information, the communication terminal performs communication via the IP network using the notified address information, and issues a device control instruction to the control device. Can do. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the address information of the control device in advance for the communication terminal. Even when the address information of the control device changes, the control device can notify the communication terminal of accurate address information. Therefore, the communication terminal can reliably communicate with the control device via the IP network and control the device.

  Moreover, in the first aspect, the control unit obtains the telephone number assigned to the communication terminal through a second acquisition step of acquiring the telephone number via the connected telephone line, and the telephone number acquired in the second acquisition step. And a second determination step of determining whether or not the device can be controlled by the communication terminal, and when the control step is executed, the device can be controlled in the second determination step. If it is determined, the device may be controlled. Based on the telephone number of the communication terminal, the control device can determine whether or not the communication terminal can control the device. Therefore, the control device can control the device only in response to an instruction from a communication terminal having a specific telephone number. Since the control device can more reliably prevent unauthorized access to the device by limiting the communication terminals that can control the device, the security can be further improved.

  In the first aspect, the control unit further executes a third acquisition step of acquiring the address information of the communication terminal in the IP network from the communication terminal, and executes the notification step. The address information acquired in the acquisition step may be used to notify the address information of the control device to the communication terminal via the IP network. The control device can communicate with the communication terminal via the IP network using the acquired address information of the communication terminal. Therefore, the control device can start communication with the control device via the IP network 2 even when the address information of the communication terminal is not known. Even when the address information of the communication terminal changes, accurate address information can be acquired from the communication terminal and used. Therefore, the control device can reliably start communication with the communication terminal via the IP network.

  Moreover, in the first aspect, the control unit communicates with the communication terminal via the IP network using the address information acquired in the third acquisition step, thereby obtaining unique information unique to the communication terminal. Performing a fourth acquisition step to acquire, and a third determination step to determine whether or not the device can be controlled by the communication terminal based on the specific information acquired in the fourth acquisition step, and the control In the case of executing the step, the device may be controlled when it is determined in the third determination step that the device can be controlled. The control device can determine whether the communication terminal is capable of controlling the device based on the unique information of the communication terminal. Therefore, the control device can control the device only in response to an instruction from a communication terminal having specific specific information. Therefore, since the control device can more reliably prevent unauthorized access to the device, the security can be further improved.

  In the first aspect, the control unit includes a fifth acquisition step of acquiring the specific information of the communication terminal via the connected telephone line, and when the third determination step is executed, When the specific information acquired via the IP network in the fourth acquisition step matches the specific information acquired via the telephone line in the fifth acquisition step, the communication terminal controls the device. You may decide that it is possible. The control device can determine whether the device can be controlled by the communication terminal by comparing the specific information acquired via the telephone line with the specific information acquired via the IP network. Therefore, the control device can reliably specify the communication terminal that permits the control of the device.

  The control system according to the second aspect of the present invention communicates with a communication terminal capable of communicating via an IP network and a telephone network, and with the communication terminal via the IP network and the telephone network, A control system including a control device that controls equipment in response to an instruction from a communication terminal, the control device including a control unit and a memory that stores a command to the control unit, wherein the command is A first connection step of connecting a telephone line to the communication terminal by executing, and after connecting the telephone line to the communication terminal in the first connection step, a user of the communication terminal A first acquisition step of acquiring authentication information for authenticating the communication terminal from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line, and the communication terminal based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step. A first determination step for determining whether the device is controllable, a reception step for receiving an instruction for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network, and the first determination step. When the control unit determines that the control of the device is possible, the control step of controlling the device is executed based on the instruction received in the reception step, and the communication terminal transmits a control unit to the control unit. A second connection step of connecting a telephone line to the control device by executing the command, and the second connection step between the control device and the control device. After connecting a telephone line, receiving the authentication information from the user, and receiving the authentication information received in the receiving step to the control device A notification step to notify, and based on the authentication information notified in the notification step, an instruction to control the device is determined via the IP network when the control device determines that the device can be controlled. And a transmission step of transmitting to the control device.

  According to the 2nd aspect, there can exist an effect similar to the control apparatus which concerns on a 1st aspect. The communication terminal can remotely control the device via the control device.

  A control method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a control method for communicating with a communication terminal via an IP network and a telephone network, and controlling a device in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal, A connection step of connecting a telephone line between, and after connecting the telephone line with the communication terminal in the connection step, authentication information for authenticating a user of the communication terminal is connected to the connected telephone line. A first acquisition step of acquiring from the communication terminal via the first determination step of determining whether the device can be controlled by the communication terminal based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step And receiving a command for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network, and determining that the device can be controlled in the first determining step. Case, on the basis of the instruction received in said receiving step, characterized by comprising a control step of controlling the device.

  According to the third aspect, based on the authentication information acquired from the communication terminal, it is determined whether the device can be controlled by the communication terminal. Only when it is determined that the device can be controlled by the communication terminal, the device is controlled in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal. As a result, unauthorized access to the device can be prevented and security can be improved. Further, authentication information is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. Thereby, the confidentiality of communication at the time of acquiring authentication information can be enhanced, and the authentication information can be prevented from leaking to a third party. Accordingly, since the authentication information is prevented from being used by an unspecified person and the device is prevented from being controlled, it is possible to prevent the control from being controlled by an unspecified person. In addition, the device is controlled based on an instruction received via the IP network. After authenticating the authentication information, it is not necessary to connect a telephone line. Accordingly, since the telephone line can be disconnected when the telephone line is unnecessary, the use time of the telephone network can be shortened and the communication charge can be suppressed.

  A control program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a control program for performing communication with a communication terminal via an IP network and a telephone network, and causing a computer that controls a device to be executed in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal. A connection step for connecting a telephone line with the communication terminal, and authentication information for authenticating a user of the communication terminal after connecting the telephone line with the communication terminal in the connection step. A first acquisition step of acquiring from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line, and whether or not the communication terminal can control the device based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step. A first determining step for determining; a receiving step for receiving an instruction for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network; and the first determining step. In-up, when it is determined that the possible control of the device by the communication terminal, based on the instruction received in said receiving step is of the order to execute a control step of controlling the device to the computer.

  According to the fourth aspect, based on the authentication information acquired from the communication terminal, it is determined whether the device can be controlled by the communication terminal. Only when it is determined that the device can be controlled by the communication terminal, the device is controlled in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal. As a result, unauthorized access to the device can be prevented and security can be improved. Further, authentication information is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. Thereby, the confidentiality of communication at the time of acquiring authentication information can be enhanced, and the authentication information can be prevented from leaking to a third party. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the control from being controlled by the unspecified person by preventing the authentication information from being used by the unspecified person and controlling the device. In addition, the device is controlled based on an instruction received via the IP network. After authenticating the authentication information, it is not necessary to connect a telephone line. Accordingly, since the telephone line can be disconnected when the telephone line is unnecessary, the use time of the telephone network can be shortened and the communication charge can be suppressed.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of a control system 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control device 12. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a communication terminal 11. FIG. It is a figure which shows a communication sequence. It is a flowchart which shows a main process (communication terminal). 6 is a flowchart showing main processing (communication terminal), which is a continuation of FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows a main process (control apparatus). FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main processing (control device), which is a continuation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the main process (communication terminal) in a modification. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main process (communication terminal) in the deformation process, which is a continuation of FIG. 10. It is a flowchart which shows the main process (control apparatus) in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the main process (control apparatus) in a modification, Comprising: It is a continuation of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration of the apparatus, the flowcharts of various processes, and the like that are described are not intended to be limited to only that, but are merely illustrative examples.

  An overview of the control system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The control system 10 includes a communication terminal 11 and a control device 12. The communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 are connected via the IP network 2 and the telephone network 3. The IP network 2 is a communication network in which communication is performed based on the Internet protocol (TCP / IP). The telephone network 3 is a communication network in which telephone lines are connected by an exchange. The telephone network 3 includes a fixed telephone line telephone network and a mobile telephone line telephone network. The communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 can communicate via the IP network 2 and the telephone network 3.

  As the communication terminal 11, a known portable information terminal such as a PDA can be used. Connected to the control device 12 is a home electric appliance 13 (TV, lighting, PC, etc.) installed in the house 1. The control device 12 can perform control (such as ON / OFF switching of the driving state) of the home appliance 13 by communicating with the connected home appliance 13. As the control device 12, a well-known multifunction telephone, multifunction device, server, or the like can be used.

  The control device 12 communicates with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2 and the telephone network 3 and receives an instruction for remotely controlling the home appliance 13 from the communication terminal 11. The control device 12 can control the home appliance 13 according to the received instruction. Thus, the user of the communication terminal 11 can remotely control the home appliance 13 in the home 1 from outside the home by using the communication terminal 11.

  The electrical configuration of the control device 12 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 12 includes a CPU 21 that controls the control device 12. The CPU 21 is electrically connected to the ROM 22, RAM 23, flash memory 24, display unit 25, first communication I / F 26, and second communication I / F 27.

  The ROM 22 stores a boot program, BIOS, OS, and the like. The RAM 23 stores a timer, a counter, and temporary data. The flash memory 24 stores a control program for the CPU 21. The flash memory 24 stores a telephone number of the communication terminal 11 that permits remote control, and a list of user passwords that permit remote control. Hereinafter, the list of the telephone number of the communication terminal 11 that permits remote control and the password of the user that permits remote control will be referred to as a permission list. The first communication I / F 26 performs timing control when communicating with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2. The second communication I / F 27 performs timing control when communicating with the communication terminal 11 via the telephone network 3.

  The electrical configuration of the communication terminal 11 will be described with reference to FIG. The communication terminal 11 includes a CPU 31 that controls the communication terminal 11. The CPU 31 is electrically connected to the ROM 32, RAM 33, flash memory 34, speaker 35, microphone 36, display unit 37, input unit 38, first communication I / F 39, and second communication I / F 40. The ROM 32 stores a boot program, BIOS, OS, and the like. The RAM 33 stores timers, counters, and temporary data. The flash memory 34 stores a control program for the CPU 31. The display unit 37 is a display. The input unit 38 is a button or a touch panel. The first communication I / F 39 performs timing control when communicating with the control device 12 via the IP network 2. The second communication I / F 40 performs timing control when communicating with the control device 12 via the telephone network 3.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the sequence of communication performed between the communication terminal 11, the control apparatus 12, and the household appliances 13 is demonstrated. The user of the communication terminal 11 performs an operation for making a call to the telephone number of the control device 12 via the input unit 38 in order to start remote control of the home appliance 13. The communication terminal 11 transmits a signal requesting connection of a telephone line with the control device 12. Hereinafter, a signal requesting connection of a telephone line is referred to as a connection request signal. The control device 12 receives the connection request signal (S11).

  The control device 12 specifies the telephone number of the communication terminal 11 from the received connection request signal. The control device 12 authenticates the communication terminal 11 by determining whether or not the specified telephone number is stored in the permission list stored in the flash memory 24 (S13). When the identified telephone number is stored in the permission list, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted. On the other hand, when the specified telephone number is not stored in the permission list, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited.

  When the remote control of the home electric appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited, the control device 12 controls a call master unit (not shown) to output a ringing tone from the speaker, and notifies the user that an incoming call has been received. Thereafter, a call can be executed between the communication terminal and the call master.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted. The control device 12 responds to the connection request signal by going off-hook (S15). A response signal for permitting connection of the telephone line is transmitted from the control device 12 to the communication terminal 11. Hereinafter, a response signal for permitting connection of a telephone line is referred to as a connection response signal. The communication terminal 11 receives the connection response signal (S17). Thereby, the telephone line between the communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 is connected.

  The communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 start communication via the connected telephone line. First, the control device 12 automatically transmits a predetermined voice to the communication terminal 11 using an automatic voice response function (IVR (Interactive Voice Response)). The predetermined voice is a voice for inquiring a password (PW) to the user of the communication terminal 11 (for example, “Please enter password”). The communication terminal 11 receives a predetermined voice (S19). The communication terminal 11 outputs the received predetermined sound from the speaker 35.

  The user of the communication terminal 11 inputs a password via the input unit 38 in accordance with the predetermined sound output from the speaker 35 (S21). The communication terminal 11 transmits a DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) signal for notifying the input password to the control device 12. The control device 12 receives the DTMF signal for notifying the password (S23).

  The control device 12 specifies the password input by the user of the communication terminal 11 from the received DTMF signal. The control device 12 authenticates the communication terminal 11 by determining whether or not the specified password is stored in the permission list stored in the flash memory 24 (S25). When the identified password is not stored in the permission list, remote operation of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited, and the telephone line between the communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 is disconnected.

  When the identified password is stored in the permission list, remote operation of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted. The control device 12 transmits a DTMF signal for notifying its own IP address to the communication terminal 11. The communication terminal 11 receives the DTMF signal for notifying the IP address (S27). The communication terminal 11 specifies the IP address of the control device 12 from the received DTMF signal.

  The communication terminal 11 disconnects the currently connected telephone line by going on-hook (S29). A signal to notify the disconnection of the line is transmitted from the communication terminal 11 to the control device 12. Hereinafter, the signal for notifying the disconnection of the line is referred to as a disconnection notification signal. The control device 12 receives the disconnection notification signal (S31). The telephone line between the communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 connected by the communication of S17 is disconnected.

  Subsequently, the communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 start communication via the IP network 2. The communication terminal 11 transmits a signal requesting establishment of a session via the IP network 2 to the control device 12. Hereinafter, a signal requesting establishment of a session is referred to as an establishment request signal. The establishment request signal is transmitted to the IP address specified from the DTMF signal received in S27. The control device 12 receives the establishment request signal (S33). The control device 12 transmits a response signal indicating that the establishment of the session is permitted to the communication terminal 11. Hereinafter, the response signal indicating that the establishment of the session is permitted is referred to as an establishment response signal. The communication terminal 11 receives the establishment response signal (S35). A session is established between the communication terminal 11 and the control device 12, and both can communicate with each other via the IP network 2.

  The communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 perform the following communication via the established session. First, the control device 12 transmits predetermined image data to be displayed on the display unit 37 of the communication terminal 11 to the communication terminal 11. The predetermined image is a user interface (UI) image for allowing the user of the communication terminal 11 to select the type of the home appliance 13 for which remote control is desired and the control content. The communication terminal 11 receives UI image data (S37). The communication terminal 11 displays the received UI image on the display unit 37.

  The user of the communication terminal 11 inputs the type of the home appliance 13 that desires remote control and the control content via the input unit 38 according to the UI image displayed on the display unit 37 (S39). The communication terminal 11 transmits the input type and control content of the home appliance 13 to the control device 12. The control device 12 receives the type of the home appliance 13 and the control content (S41). The control device 12 controls the household appliance 13 of the received type based on the received control content (S43). Through the above communication, the user of the communication terminal 11 can remotely control the home appliance 13 in the home 1.

  As described above, since the control device 12 performs the authentication process using both the telephone number and the password, it is possible to reliably identify the communication terminal 11 that permits remote control. In addition, the telephone line is immediately disconnected after the authentication, and communication for controlling the home appliance 13 is executed via the IP network 2. As a result, the usage time of the telephone line can be suppressed, so that the call charges to be generated can be kept low.

  With reference to FIG.5 and FIG.6, the main process (communication terminal) performed in CPU31 of the communication terminal 11 is demonstrated. The main process (communication terminal) is activated and executed in the CPU 31 when the communication terminal 11 is powered on.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether an instruction to start remote control of the home appliance 13 is input via the input unit 38 together with the telephone number of the control device 12 (S111). When the instruction to start remote control of the home appliance 13 is not input (S111: NO), the process returns to S111.

  When an instruction to start remote control of the home appliance 13 is input (S111: YES). A connection request signal is transmitted to the telephone number input together with the instruction (S113). In response to the transmitted connection request signal, it is determined whether a connection response signal transmitted from the control device 12 has been received (S115). If the connection response signal is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (S115: NO), remote control of the home appliance 13 may be prohibited in the control device 12. In this case, a well-known call process is executed with the call master connected to the control device 12 (S137). After the call process ends, the process returns to S111.

  If a connection response signal is received from the control device 12 within a predetermined time after transmitting the connection request signal in S113 (S115: YES), the telephone line to the control device 12 is connected. Communication with the control device 12 via the connected telephone line is started. The voice for inquiring about the password (for example, “Please enter the password”) transmitted from the control device 12 is received (S116). The received voice is output from the speaker 35 (S116). A user of the communication terminal 11 inputs a password via the input unit 38 according to the sound output from the speaker 35. The entered password is accepted (S117). A DTMF signal for notifying the accepted password is created and transmitted to the control device 12 (S119).

  Reception of the DTMF signal for notifying the IP address is monitored (S121). When the DTMF signal is not received even after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the DTMF signal in S119 (S121: NO), the control of the home appliance 13 is prohibited in the control device 12. In this case, a disconnection notification signal transmitted from the control device 12 is received (S135). The connected telephone line is disconnected (S135), and the process returns to S111.

  On the other hand, when the DTMF signal transmitted from the control device 12 is received within a predetermined time (S121: YES), the IP address is specified from the received DTMF signal (S123). A disconnection notification signal is transmitted to the control device 12 by on-hooking (S125). As a result, the connected telephone line is disconnected. The specified IP address is used as the IP address of the control device 12 during communication via the IP network 2 described later. Thus, the communication terminal 11 can acquire the IP address of the control device 12 by communication via the telephone network 3. Therefore, even when the IP address of the control device 12 is not known or when the IP address of the control device 12 is frequently changed, the IP address of the control device 12 can be accurately specified. Therefore, the communication terminal 11 can reliably start communication with the control device 12 via the IP network 2.

  Communication with the control device 12 via the IP network 2 is started. As shown in FIG. 6, an establishment request signal is transmitted to the control device 12 (S127). The establishment response signal transmitted from the control device 12 in response to the establishment request signal is received (S128), and the session with the control device 12 is established. The UI image transmitted from the control device 12 is received (S129). The received UI image is displayed on the display unit 37 (S129).

  The user of the communication terminal 11 inputs the home appliance 13 desired for remote control and the control content via the input unit 38 according to the UI image displayed on the display unit 37. The type and control details of the input home appliance 13 are received (S131). The type and control content of the home appliance 13 are transmitted to the control device 12 (S133). As a result, the home appliance 13 is controlled in the control device 12.

  It is determined whether an instruction to end the control of the household electrical appliance 13 is input via the input unit 38 (S139). When an instruction to end the control of the home appliance 13 is input (S139: YES), an end notification signal for ending the control of the home appliance 13 is transmitted to the control device 12 (S140). The established session is terminated, and the process returns to S111 (see FIG. 5). When the instruction to end the control of the home appliance 13 is not input (S139: NO), the process returns to S131. The control of the home appliance 13 is continuously executed.

  As described above, the communication terminal 11 can perform remote control of the home appliance 13 via the control device 12. Since the communication terminal 11 can reliably communicate with the control device 12 using the IP address of the control device 12 acquired via the telephone network 3, the home appliance 13 can be reliably controlled.

  The communication terminal 11 immediately disconnects the telephone line when authentication by the control device 12 is completed. Remote control of the home appliance 13 is executed via the IP network 2. Therefore, the telephone line usage fee can be kept low.

  With reference to FIG.7 and FIG.8, the main process (control apparatus) performed in CPU21 of the control apparatus 12 is demonstrated. The main process (control device) is activated and executed by the CPU 21 when the power of the control device 12 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 7, reception of a connection request signal is monitored (S141). If the connection request signal has not been received (S141: NO), the process returns to S141. When the connection request signal is received (S141: YES), the telephone number of the communication terminal 11 that has transmitted the connection request signal is specified based on the received connection request signal (S142). Based on the identified telephone number, it is determined whether or not to permit remote control of home appliance 13 by communication terminal 11 (S143). When the identified telephone number is not stored in the permission table stored in the flash memory 24, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited (S143: NO). A known call process is executed by mediating the call operation with the communication terminal 11 (S165). As described above, in the control system 10, even when the control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited by the control device 12, the communication terminal 11 can make a call with a person in the home 1. After the call process ends, the process returns to S141.

  On the other hand, when the specified telephone number is stored in the permission table, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted (S143: YES). In response to the received connection request signal, it is off-hooked (S145). A connection response signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 that has transmitted the connection request signal (S145). As a result, the telephone line to the communication terminal 11 is connected.

  Communication with the communication terminal 11 via the connected telephone line is started. Using IVR, a voice for inquiring a password is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 (S147). After transmitting the voice, a DTMF signal for notifying the password is received (S149). A password is identified based on the received DTMF signal. Based on the identified password, it is determined whether or not the remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted (S151). When the identified password is not stored in the permission table stored in the flash memory 24, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited (S151: NO). In this case, a disconnection notification signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 by on-hooking (S167). The connected telephone line is disconnected. The process returns to S141.

  On the other hand, when the specified password is stored in the permission table, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted (S151: YES). A DTMF signal for notifying the IP address is created and transmitted to the communication terminal 11 (S153). The notification of the IP address is executed so that the communication terminal 11 can communicate with the control device 12 via the IP network 2. Thereby, even when the IP address of the control device 12 is not set in the communication terminal 11 or when the IP address of the control device 12 is frequently changed, the communication terminal 11 communicates with the control device 12. Remote control of the home appliance 13 is possible.

  A disconnection notification signal transmitted from the communication terminal 11 is received (S155). The connected telephone line is disconnected (S155). Thus, when the authentication of the communication terminal 11 is completed, the telephone line is immediately disconnected. This suppresses call charges.

  Communication with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2 is started. As shown in FIG. 8, the reception of the establishment request signal is monitored (S157). If the establishment request signal is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the telephone line is disconnected (S157: NO), the process returns to S141 (see FIG. 7). When the establishment request signal is received from the communication terminal 11 within the predetermined time (S157: YES), the establishment response signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 that has transmitted the establishment request signal (S158). Thereby, a session with the communication terminal 11 is established. A UI image to be displayed on the display unit 37 of the communication terminal 11 is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 (S159).

  The user of the communication terminal 11 inputs the home appliance 13 that desires remote control and the control content to the communication terminal 11 according to the UI image displayed on the display unit 37. The type and control content of the home appliance 13 transmitted from the communication terminal 11 are received (S161). The household appliance 13 of the received type is controlled by the received control content (S163). It is determined whether or not the control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is finished (S168). When the end notification signal transmitted from the communication terminal 11 is received (S168: YES), the remote control of the home appliance 13 in the communication terminal 11 is ended. The established session is terminated, and the process returns to S141 (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the end notification signal has not been received (S168: NO), the process returns to S161. Control of home appliance 13 by communication terminal 11 is continued.

  As described above, the control device 12 determines whether the remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is possible based on the password and the telephone number acquired from the communication terminal 11. Only when both the telephone number and the password satisfy the conditions, remote control of the home appliance 13 is permitted. As a result, the control device 12 can prevent unauthorized access to the home appliance 13 and improve security.

  The control device 12 can limit users who can remotely control the home appliance 13 by performing authentication based on the password input by the user of the communication terminal 11. Further, by performing authentication based on the telephone number of the communication terminal 11, the communication terminals 11 that can remotely control the home appliance 13 can be limited. As a result, the control device 12 can more reliably prevent unauthorized access to the household electrical appliance 13 and can further enhance security.

  The control device 12 acquires a password from the communication terminal 11 via the connected telephone line. Communication via the telephone network 3 has higher secrecy compared to general communication via other communication paths (for example, the IP network 2 such as the Internet). Therefore, the control device 12 can prevent the password from leaking to a third party with a high probability. The control device 12 can prevent the home appliance 13 from being controlled by an unspecified person by preventing the password from being used by an unspecified person and controlling the home appliance 13.

  The control device 12 can control the home appliance 13 based on the instruction received via the IP network 2. After the user is authenticated with the password and telephone number, the telephone line can be disconnected. Therefore, the control device 12 can shorten the usage time of the telephone network 3 and suppress the communication fee.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, A various change is possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the present invention will be described. In the modification, the communication terminal 11 can be authenticated by the MAC address of the communication terminal 11 in addition to the telephone number and the password. The same processes as those in the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals as those described above, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the sequence of communication performed between the communication terminal 11, the control apparatus 12, and the household appliances 13 is demonstrated. Differences from the communication sequence shown in FIG. 4 are as follows. In FIG. 4, instead of the control device 12 notifying the communication terminal 11 of the IP address using the DTMF signal (S27, see FIG. 4), the MAC address using the DTMF signal is transmitted from the communication terminal 11 to the control device 12. Notification (S51) and IP address notification (S52). An establishment request signal for establishing a session via the IP network 2 between the communication terminal 11 and the control device 12 is transmitted from the control device 12 to the communication terminal 11 (S53). The control device 12 can specify the destination of the establishment request signal based on the IP address notified from the communication terminal 11 in S52. An establishment response signal is transmitted from the communication terminal 11 to the control device 12 (S54). Further, the control device 12 compares the MAC address notified from the communication terminal 11 in S51 with the MAC address of the transmission source of the establishment response signal received in S54, thereby performing remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11. It is determined whether or not to permit (S55). Thereby, the control apparatus 12 can specify the communication terminal 11 which permits the remote control to the household appliances 13 more strictly. Therefore, the security of the control system 10 can be further improved.

  With reference to FIG.10 and FIG.11, the main process (communication terminal) in a modification is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 10, when an instruction to start remote control of the home appliance 13 is input (S111: YES), a connection request signal is transmitted to the telephone number of the control device 12 (S113). When the connection response signal is received from the control device 12 (S115: YES), the telephone line to the control device 12 is connected. Communication with the control device 12 via the connected telephone line is started. Voice for querying the password is received and output from the speaker 35 (S116). The password entered by the user is accepted (S117). A DTMF signal for notifying the accepted password is transmitted to the control device 12 (S119).

  A DTMF signal for notifying the MAC address of the communication terminal 11 is created and transmitted to the control device 12 (S170). The MAC address is used when the control device 12 determines whether to permit remote control of the home appliance 13. A DTMF signal for notifying the IP address of the communication terminal 11 is created and transmitted to the control device 12 (S171). The IP address is used when the control device 12 communicates with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2. By being on-hooked, a disconnection notification signal is transmitted to the control device 12 (S173). As a result, the connected telephone line is disconnected.

  Communication with the control device 12 via the IP network 2 is started. As shown in FIG. 11, the reception of the establishment request signal is monitored (S175). If the establishment request signal is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the telephone line was disconnected (S175: NO), the control device 12 may be prohibited from controlling the home appliance 13. In this case, the process returns to S111 (see FIG. 10).

  When the establishment request signal is received from the control device 12 within a predetermined time after the telephone line is disconnected (S175: YES), the source IP address of the establishment request signal is specified as the IP address of the control device 12 . The identified IP address is used, and an establishment response signal is transmitted to the control device 12 (S176). As a result, a session with the control device 12 is established. The UI image transmitted from the control device 12 is received (S129). The received UI image is displayed on the display unit 37 (S129).

  The type and control content of the home appliance 13 input by the user are accepted (S131). The type and control content of the home appliance 13 are transmitted to the control device 12 (S133). The home appliance 13 is controlled based on the control content. When an instruction to end the control of the home appliance 13 is input (S139: YES), an end notification signal for ending the control of the home appliance 13 is transmitted to the control device 12 (S140). The established session is terminated, and the process returns to S111 (see FIG. 10).

  With reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the main process (control apparatus) in a modification is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 12, when the connection request signal transmitted from the communication terminal 11 is received (S141: YES), the telephone number of the communication terminal 11 that transmitted the connection request signal is acquired (S142). Based on the acquired telephone number, it is determined whether or not the remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted (S143). When the remote control is permitted (S143: YES), it is off-hooked according to the connection request signal (S145), and a connection response signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 that has transmitted the connection request signal (S145). A telephone line to the communication terminal 11 is connected.

  Communication with the communication terminal 11 via the connected telephone line is started. A voice requesting a password is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 (S147). A DTMF signal for notifying the password is received (S149). A password is identified based on the received DTMF signal. Based on the identified password, it is determined whether or not the remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted (S151). If remote control is permitted (S151: YES), a DTMF signal for notifying the MAC address is received (S180). The MAC address of the communication terminal 11 is specified from the received DTMF signal. A DTMF signal for notifying the IP address is received (S181). The IP address of the communication terminal 11 is specified from the received DTMF signal. A disconnection notification signal transmitted from the communication terminal 11 is received (S183), and the connected telephone line is disconnected (S183).

  Communication with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2 is started. Based on the DTMF signal received in S181, the IP address of the communication terminal is specified. As shown in FIG. 13, the specified IP address is used, and an establishment request signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 (S185). In this way, the control device 12 can communicate with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2 by using the IP address acquired from the communication terminal 11 via the telephone network 3. Here, since the transmission source IP address is stored in the establishment request signal, the IP address of the control device 12 is notified to the communication terminal 11 by the establishment request signal. An establishment response signal transmitted from the communication terminal 11 in response to the establishment request signal is received (S187). Thereby, a session with the communication terminal 11 is established.

  The transmission source MAC address of the received establishment response signal is specified as the MAC address of the communication terminal 11. Whether or not to permit remote control of home appliance 13 by communication terminal 11 by comparing the specified MAC address with the MAC address specified based on the DTMF signal received in S180 (see FIG. 12) Is determined (S189). When the MAC addresses are different, there is a possibility that the communication terminal 11 that has transmitted the DTMF signal received in S180 (see FIG. 12) and the communication terminal 11 that has transmitted the establishment response signal received in S187 are different. In this case, remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is prohibited (S189: NO). The process returns to S141 (see FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, if the MAC addresses match, the communication terminal 11 that transmitted the DTMF signal received in S180 (see FIG. 12) matches the communication terminal 11 that transmitted the establishment response signal received in S187. Remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 is permitted (S189: YES). In this way, the control device 12 compares the MAC address acquired via the telephone network 3 with the MAC address acquired via the IP network 2 to determine whether the home appliance 13 can be controlled remotely. Thus, the control device 12 can determine that the communication terminal 11 that has performed communication via the telephone network 3 and the communication terminal 11 that has performed communication via the IP network 2 are the same. It is possible to determine whether or not the communication terminal 11 that has been authenticated by the telephone number and the password matches the communication terminal 11 that is going to control the home appliance 13 via the IP network 2. Thus, the control device 12 can more reliably identify the communication terminal 11 that permits remote control.

  A UI image to be displayed on the display unit 37 of the communication terminal 11 is transmitted to the communication terminal 11 (S159). The type and control content of the home appliance 13 input to the communication terminal 11 by the user of the communication terminal 11 are received (S161). The household appliance 13 of the received type is controlled by the received control content (S163). When the termination notification signal transmitted from the communication terminal 11 is received (S168: YES), the established session is terminated, and the process returns to S141 (see FIG. 12).

  As described above, in the modification, the control device 12 uses the IP address information of the communication terminal 11 acquired via the telephone network 3, so that the communication terminal 11 can be used even when the address information of the communication terminal 11 is not known. And communication via the IP network 2 can be started. In addition, even when the address information of the communication terminal 11 changes, the control device 12 can acquire accurate address information from the communication terminal 11, so that it is possible to reliably start communication with the communication terminal 11 via the IP network 2. it can.

  In addition, the control device 12 compares the MAC address acquired via the telephone network 3 with the MAC address acquired via the IP network 2, so that the communication terminal 11 that permits the control of the home appliance 13 is more reliably determined. Can be identified.

  Furthermore, the control apparatus 12 can limit the communication terminal 11 which can perform remote control of the household appliances 13 to only one by authenticating the communication terminal 11 based on the MAC address of the communication terminal 11. Therefore, the control device 12 can prevent unauthorized access to the home appliance 13 more reliably.

  The process of S145 corresponds to the “connection step” and “first connection step” of the present invention. The process of S149 corresponds to the “first acquisition step” of the present invention. The process of S151 corresponds to the “first determination step” of the present invention. The process of S161 corresponds to the “reception step” of the present invention. The process of S163 corresponds to the “control step” of the present invention. The processing of S153 and S185 corresponds to the “notification step” of the present invention. The process of S142 corresponds to the “second acquisition step” of the present invention. The process of S143 corresponds to the “second determination step” of the present invention. The process of S181 corresponds to the “third acquisition step” of the present invention. The process of S187 corresponds to the “fourth acquisition step” of the present invention. The process of S189 corresponds to the “third determination step” of the present invention. The process of S180 corresponds to the “fifth acquisition step” of the present invention.

  The process of S115 corresponds to the “second connection step” of the present invention. The process of S117 corresponds to the “acceptance step” of the present invention. The process of S119 corresponds to the “notification step” of the present invention. The process of S133 corresponds to the “transmission means” of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the control device 12 and the home appliance 13 are connected and the home appliance 13 is controlled by the control device 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. A dedicated device for controlling the home appliance 13 may be interposed between the control device 12 and the home appliance 13. The control device 12 may indirectly control the home appliance 13 by controlling a dedicated device. Further, the control device 12 may be directly incorporated in the home appliance 13.

  In the above description, the control device 12 determines whether or not to permit remote control of the home appliance 13 by the communication terminal 11 depending on whether or not a password and a telephone number are stored in the permission list stored in the flash memory 24. It was. The present invention is not limited to this. The control device 12 may determine whether to permit remote control by using a known authentication protocol. For example, the control device 12 may determine whether to permit remote control by using a combination of a user ID and a password. The control device 12 may determine whether or not to permit remote control of the home appliance 13 by inquiring the authentication server connected to the IP network 2 using the received password or telephone number as a key.

  For example, the control device 12 may transmit key information to the communication terminal 11 via the telephone network 3. The communication terminal 11 encrypts the password using the key information received via the telephone network 3, and transmits the encrypted password to the control device 12 via the telephone network 3 or the IP network 2. Good. The control device 12 may decrypt the encrypted password and determine whether remote control is possible based on the decrypted password. As a result, the confidentiality of password communication can be further enhanced.

  In the above description, the control device 12 notifies the communication terminal 11 of its own IP address via the telephone network 3. The present invention is not limited to this. The control device 12 may notify the communication terminal 11 of its own IP address via the IP network 2 after the session with the communication terminal 11 is established.

  When communication via the IP network 2 is started, a known call control communication protocol may be used. For example, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) may be used.

  In the above description, drive control of the home appliance 13 is performed from the communication terminal 11 via the control device 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication terminal 11 may be able to receive the drive state of the home appliance 13 via the control device 12.

2 IP network 3 Telephone network 10 Control system 11 Communication terminal 12 Control device 13 Home appliances 21 and 31 CPU

Claims (9)

A control device that communicates with a communication terminal via an IP network and a telephone network, and controls a device in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal,
Comprising a control unit and a memory storing instructions to the control unit, and executing the instructions,
A connection step of connecting a telephone line with the communication terminal;
In the connection step, after connecting the telephone line with the communication terminal, the authentication information for authenticating the user of the communication terminal is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. Steps,
A first determination step of determining whether or not the communication terminal can control the device based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step;
A reception step of receiving an instruction for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network;
And a control step of controlling the device based on the instruction received in the receiving step when it is determined in the first determining step that the device can be controlled. The controller is
In the first determination step, when it is determined that the device can be controlled by the communication terminal, the address information of the control device in the IP network is transmitted to the communication terminal via the telephone network or the IP network. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification step of performing notification. The controller is
A second acquisition step of acquiring a telephone number assigned to the communication terminal via the connected telephone line;
A second determination step of determining whether the communication terminal can control the device based on the telephone number acquired in the second acquisition step;
In executing the control step,
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the device is controlled when it is determined in the second determination step that the device can be controlled. The controller is
Further executing a third acquisition step of acquiring address information of the communication terminal in the IP network from the communication terminal;
In performing the notification step,
The control device according to claim 2, wherein the address information of the control device is notified to the communication terminal via the IP network using the address information acquired in the third acquisition step. . The controller is
A fourth acquisition step of acquiring unique information unique to the communication terminal by communicating with the communication terminal via the IP network;
A third determination step of determining whether or not the communication terminal can control the device based on the unique information acquired in the fourth acquisition step;
Run
In executing the control step,
5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the device is controlled when it is determined in the third determination step that the device can be controlled. 6. The controller is
A fifth acquisition step of acquiring the specific information of the communication terminal via the connected telephone line;
In performing the third determination step,
When the specific information acquired via the IP network in the fourth acquisition step matches the specific information acquired via the telephone line in the fifth acquisition step, the communication terminal The control device according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that control is possible. A communication terminal capable of communicating via an IP network and a telephone network, communicates with the communication terminal via the IP network and the telephone network, and controls devices according to instructions from the communication terminal A control system comprising a control device,
The controller is
Comprising a control unit and a memory storing instructions to the control unit, and executing the instructions,
A first connection step of connecting a telephone line with the communication terminal;
After connecting the telephone line with the communication terminal in the first connection step, authentication information for authenticating a user of the communication terminal is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. An acquisition step;
A first determination step of determining whether or not the communication terminal can control the device based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step;
A reception step of receiving an instruction for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network;
When it is determined that the control of the device is possible in the first determination step, the control step of controlling the device is executed based on the instruction received in the reception step,
The communication terminal is
Comprising a control unit and a memory storing instructions to the control unit, and executing the instructions,
A second connection step of connecting a telephone line to the control device;
Receiving the authentication information from the user after connecting the telephone line with the control device in the second connection step;
A notification step of notifying the control device of the authentication information received in the reception step;
Based on the authentication information notified in the notification step, when the control device determines that the device can be controlled, an instruction to control the device is sent to the control device via the IP network. And a transmission step of transmitting. A control method for communicating with a communication terminal via an IP network and a telephone network, and controlling a device according to an instruction from the communication terminal,
A connection step of connecting a telephone line with the communication terminal;
In the connection step, after connecting the telephone line with the communication terminal, the authentication information for authenticating the user of the communication terminal is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. Steps,
A first determination step of determining whether or not the communication terminal can control the device based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step;
A reception step of receiving an instruction for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network;
A control method comprising: a control step of controlling the device based on the instruction received in the receiving step when it is determined that the device can be controlled in the first determining step. A control program for performing communication with a communication terminal via an IP network and a telephone network, and causing a computer to control a device in accordance with an instruction from the communication terminal,
A connection step of connecting a telephone line with the communication terminal;
In the connection step, after connecting the telephone line with the communication terminal, the authentication information for authenticating the user of the communication terminal is acquired from the communication terminal via the connected telephone line. Steps,
A first determination step of determining whether or not the communication terminal can control the device based on the authentication information acquired in the first acquisition step;
A reception step of receiving an instruction for controlling the device from the communication terminal via the IP network;
Control for causing the computer to execute a control step for controlling the device based on the instruction received in the receiving step when it is determined in the first determining step that the device can be controlled by the communication terminal. program.

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