JP2014217045A - Remote control system, control device, terminal device, remote control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform safe remote control without damaging convenience.SOLUTION: A receiving section 101 receives safety-degree information indicating the safety degree for each control content which is assumed when electrical equipment is controlled remotely, from a control device. A remote control instruction receiving section 103 receives a remote control instruction of the electrical equipment, from a user. A determination section 104, in response to the reception of the remote control instruction, determines whether or not a determination instruction for remotely controlling the electrical equipment with the control content on the basis of the remote control instruction is requested to a user, on the basis of the safety-degree information. When it is determined that the determination instruction is requested, a determination instruction request section 105 requests the user for the determination instruction. A determination instruction receiving section 106 receives the determination instruction from the user. When it is determined that the determination instruction is not requested or the determination instruction is received, a transmission section 107 transmits a control signal on the basis of the remote control instruction, to the control device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device, a remote control system, a remote control method, and a program for remotely controlling an electrical device.

  Currently, a technique for remotely controlling electric appliances in a house using a general-purpose terminal device such as a smartphone instead of a dedicated remote controller is known. Here, in view of the safety of remotely controlled electrical equipment, it may be desired to limit the remote operations that can be performed by the user.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an electric device remote operation system that determines whether to allow remote control for each function of the electric device. In the electric equipment remote operation system disclosed in Patent Document 1, whether to allow remote control is uniformly determined according to the function to be remotely controlled.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-287739

  However, in the electric equipment remote operation system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the function for which remote control is desired is an unacceptable function, the remote control is uniformly limited. Therefore, for example, even when it is clearly known that there is no problem in safety, there is a situation in which there is no way to enable remote control, and there is an aspect that lacks convenience. For this reason, there is a desire to appropriately limit remote control without impairing convenience.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device, a remote control system, a remote control method, and a program that can be safely remotely controlled without impairing convenience. And

In order to achieve the above object, a terminal device according to the present invention provides:
A terminal device connected to a control device by a telecommunications network and remotely controlling electrical equipment via the control device,
Receiving means for receiving, from the control device, safety level information indicating the safety level assumed when the electric device is remotely controlled for each control content;
Storage means for storing the received safety degree information;
Remote control instruction accepting means for accepting a remote control instruction for the electrical device from a user;
In response to receiving the remote control instruction, based on the stored safety information, the user is instructed to remotely control the electrical device with the control content based on the remote control instruction. Determining means for determining whether to request;
A determination instruction requesting means for requesting the user to determine the determination instruction when it is determined that the user requests the determination instruction;
A determination instruction receiving means for receiving the determination instruction made in response to the request from the user;
Transmitting means for transmitting a control signal based on the remote control instruction to the control device when it is determined that the user does not request the determination instruction or when the determination instruction is received from the user; Prepare.

  According to the present invention, remote control can be safely performed without impairing convenience.

1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the control apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows safety degree information. It is a figure which shows authority information. It is a figure which shows log | history information. It is a figure which shows other terminal status information. It is a flowchart which shows the remote control instruction | indication reception process which the terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure which shows a remote control instruction | indication reception screen. It is a figure which shows a determination instruction | indication reception screen. It is a flowchart which shows the remote control relay process which the control apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the terminal device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the remote control system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The remote control system 1000 is a system for remotely controlling the electric device 300 or the like from the terminal device 100 or the like via the Internet 500 or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control system 1000 includes terminal devices 100, 110, 120, a control device 200, electric devices 300, 310, 320, and a home terminal device 400.

  The terminal device 100 is a device that transmits a control signal for remotely controlling the electric device 300 or the like to the control device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the user. The control signal is a signal that conveys information including information indicating the terminal device of the transmission source, information indicating the electric device of the transmission destination, and information indicating the control content. The terminal device 100 has a function of connecting to the Internet 500. The terminal device 100 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal.

  Each of the terminal devices 110 and 120 has the same configuration and function as the terminal device 100. In the present embodiment, it is basically assumed that remote control is realized by a user operating the terminal device 100. Hereinafter, each of the terminal devices 110 and 120 will be referred to as other terminal devices as appropriate. It goes without saying that the number of terminal devices is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  The control device 200 is a device that controls the electrical device 300 and the like disposed in the user's house in accordance with a control signal supplied from the terminal device 100 or the like. The control device 200 has a function of connecting to the Internet 500. That is, remote control of the electric device 300 using the terminal device 100 is realized by a relay function that the control device 200 has. The control device 200 may be a dedicated computer or a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer.

  The electric device 300 is a device to be remotely controlled, and is basically disposed in the user's home. The electric device 300 is remotely controlled according to control by the control device 200. Therefore, the electric device 300 has a function of communicating with the control device 200 and a function of operating according to the control content instructed by the control device 200. The electric device 300 is, for example, an air conditioner, a water heater, an electric stove, or a rice cooker. In the present embodiment, the electric device 300 will be described as an air conditioner.

  Similarly to the electric device 300, the electric devices 310 and 320 are devices to be remotely controlled. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the target of remote control is basically the electric device 300. Hereinafter, each of the electric devices 310 and 320 will be referred to as other electric devices as appropriate. Needless to say, the number of electrical devices is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  The in-home terminal device 400 is a device that remotely controls the electrical device 300 and the like via the control device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the user. Accordingly, the in-home terminal device 400 is the same device as the terminal device 100 and the like in the sense of remotely controlling the electric device 300. However, the home terminal device 400 is a device that is assumed to be used in the home. For this reason, the in-home terminal device 400 may not have a function such as a use restriction in consideration of safety provided in the terminal device 100 or the like. Note that the control device 200 treats, for example, a terminal device that exists in an area where Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication is possible as the home terminal device 400 and a terminal device that does not exist in an area where Wi-Fi communication is possible. 100 or the like.

  In-home terminal device 400 is connected to control device 200 by wire or wirelessly. The in-home terminal device 400 may function as an interface for the control device 200. The in-home terminal device 400 may be a dedicated remote controller or a general-purpose device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal.

  The Internet 500 is a telecommunications network that connects the terminal device 100 and the control device 200 to each other. For ease of understanding, illustration of routers, gateways, servers, and the like is omitted in FIG.

  Next, the physical configuration of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a flash memory 14, a communication device 15, and a touch screen 16. Each component provided in the terminal device 100 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 100. The CPU 11 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 12 and uses the RAM 13 as a work area.

  The ROM 12 stores programs and data for controlling the overall operation of the terminal device 100.

  The RAM 13 functions as a work area for the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 temporarily writes programs and data in the RAM 13 and refers to these programs and data as appropriate.

  The flash memory 14 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 14 stores safety level information, authority information, history information, and other terminal status information, which will be described later. Note that the terminal device 100 may include a hard disk or the like instead of the flash memory 14.

  The communication device 15 is an interface for connecting the terminal device 100 to the Internet 500. The communication device 15 includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

  The touch screen 16 detects a touch operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 11. The touch screen 16 displays an image based on the image signal supplied from the CPU 11 or the like. As described above, the touch screen 16 functions as a user interface of the terminal device 100.

  Next, the physical configuration of the control device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 200 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, a communication device 25, a touch screen 26, and an electric device control device 27. Each component included in the control device 200 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 21 controls the overall operation of the control device 200. The CPU 21 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 22 and uses the RAM 23 as a work area.

  The ROM 22 stores programs and data for controlling the overall operation of the control device 200.

  The RAM 23 functions as a work area for the CPU 21. That is, the CPU 21 temporarily writes programs and data in the RAM 23 and refers to these programs and data as appropriate.

  The flash memory 24 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 24 stores safety level information, authority information, history information, and other terminal status information, which will be described later. Note that the control device 200 may include a hard disk instead of the flash memory 24.

  The communication device 25 is an interface for connecting the control device 200 to the Internet 500. That is, the communication device 25 communicates with the terminal device 100 and the like according to control by the CPU 21. For example, the communication device 25 receives information supplied from the terminal device 100 and transmits information supplied from the CPU 21 to the terminal device 100. The communication device 25 includes a NIC, for example.

  The touch screen 26 detects a touch operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 21. The touch screen 26 displays an image based on the image signal supplied from the CPU 21 or the like. As described above, the touch screen 26 functions as a user interface of the control device 200.

  The electric device control device 27 controls the electric device 300 and the like according to the control by the CPU 21. For example, the electrical device control device 27 supplies a signal including information included in the control signal supplied from the terminal device 100 to the communication device 25 to the electrical device 300. In addition, the electric device control device 27 can communicate with the in-home terminal device 400 according to the control by the CPU 21. The electric equipment control device 27 includes a communication module for near field communication such as an infrared communication module.

  Next, functions of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal device 100 functionally includes a reception unit 101, a storage unit 102, a remote control instruction reception unit 103, a determination unit 104, a determination instruction request unit 105, a determination instruction reception unit 106, and a transmission unit. 107, a history presentation unit 108, and another terminal status presentation unit 109.

  The receiving unit 101 receives safety level information from the control device 200. Here, the safety level information is information indicating, for each control content, a safety level that is assumed when the electric device 300 is remotely controlled. The receiving unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a communication device 15.

  The storage unit 102 stores the received safety level information. The storage unit 102 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a flash memory 14. In this case, the safety level information is stored in the flash memory 14 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11.

  The remote control instruction receiving unit 103 receives a remote control instruction for the electric device 300 from the user. The remote control instruction receiving unit 103 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a touch screen 16.

  The determination unit 104 determines whether or not to request a determination instruction in response to reception of the remote control instruction. Here, the determination instruction is an instruction for determining to remotely control electric device 300 with the control content based on the remote control instruction. In other words, the determination instruction is an instruction for confirming execution of remote control. Whether or not to request a determination instruction is determined based on the safety level information. The determination unit 104 includes, for example, a CPU 11.

  If it is determined that the determination instruction is requested from the user, the determination instruction request unit 105 requests the determination instruction from the user. In other words, the determination instruction request unit 105 inquires of the user whether or not the remote control according to the remote control instruction may actually be executed. The determination instruction request unit 105 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a touch screen 16.

  The determination instruction receiving unit 106 receives a determination instruction made in response to a request from the user. In other words, the decision instruction accepting unit 106 accepts an answer to the inquiry from the user. The determination instruction receiving unit 106 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a touch screen 16.

  When it is determined that the user does not request a determination instruction or when a determination instruction is received from the user, the transmission unit 107 transmits a control signal based on the remote control instruction to the control device 200. The transmission unit 107 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a communication device 15.

  Here, the receiving unit 101 can further receive authority information from the control device 200. The authority information is information indicating the authority given to the terminal device 100. In this case, the storage unit 102 further stores the received authority information. Then, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not to request a determination instruction from the user based on the stored safety level information and authority information.

  Further, the determination unit 104 can further determine whether or not to permit remote control based on the remote control instruction based on the stored safety level information and authority information. If it is determined that the remote control based on the remote control instruction is permitted, the determination unit 104 can determine whether or not to request a determination instruction from the user based on the stored safety degree information and authority information. . As described above, it is required that the remote control is permitted as a premise for requesting the user to make a determination instruction.

  Here, the receiving unit 101 can further receive history information from the control device 200. The history information is information indicating a history of remote control for the electric device 300 or the like. In this case, the storage unit 102 further stores the received history information. Then, the determination unit 104 determines whether to request a determination instruction from the user based on the stored safety degree information and history information.

  For example, when the control content based on the remote control instruction and the control content included in the history information are in a conflicting relationship, the determination unit 104 can determine that a determination instruction is requested from the user. For example, when the instruction to start the cooling operation is given to the electric device 300 before a predetermined period has elapsed since the instruction to start the heating operation is given, the determination unit 104 determines that the user requests a determination instruction. be able to. In this case, a determination instruction by the user is required to start the cooling operation.

  The history presentation unit 108 presents the history indicated by the history information to the user. The timing at which the history presentation unit 108 presents the history and the content of the history presented by the history presentation unit 108 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, it is preferable that the history presentation unit 108 presents a history when the user is about to give a remote operation instruction or a determination instruction. For example, it is preferable that the history presentation unit 108 presents a history related to the control target specified by the remote control instruction and a history related to the control content specified by the remote control instruction. The history presentation unit 108 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a touch screen 16.

  In addition, the receiving unit 101 can further receive other terminal status information from the control device 200. The other terminal status information is information including information indicating whether or not other terminal devices (for example, the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120) are in a status in which the electric device 300 can be remotely controlled. The situation where remote control is possible is, for example, a state where an application that executes remote control is activated. In this case, the storage unit 102 further stores the received other terminal status information.

  Other terminal status presentation unit 109 presents the status of other terminal devices indicated by the stored other terminal status information to the user. The method of presenting the status of other terminal devices can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the other terminal status presenting unit 109 may clearly indicate whether each of the other terminal devices is starting an application that performs remote operation, and further indicates the detailed status. Also good. The other terminal status presentation unit 109 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a touch screen 16.

  Here, when it is determined that the determination instruction is requested from the user, the determination instruction request unit 105 can present risk information indicating a risk associated with the remote control based on the remote control instruction to the user. That is, the decision instruction request unit 105 can present risk information indicating a risk associated with remote control to the user as a material for determining whether or not to issue a decision instruction. For example, the risk information is information that clearly indicates that the room may become too hot due to the heating operation of the air conditioner. Or, for example, risk information can be remotely controlled with control content different from the control content that was made immediately before, causing the fuel efficiency of the air conditioner to deteriorate, the possibility of malfunction of the air conditioner, and the comfort of people in the house. This information clearly indicates that there is a possibility.

  Here, the safety level information will be described with reference to FIG. The safety level information is information that associates the control content with the safety level for each electrical device. However, in FIG. 5, only the portion related to the electric device 300 is shown in the safety degree information for easy understanding. The safety level information is registered in the flash memory 24 included in the control device 200, for example, according to an instruction from the administrator.

  In the present embodiment, the safety degree is indicated by a numerical value from 1 to 5. The higher the value indicating safety level, the safer (not dangerous). Safety level means the opposite concept of risk level. The safety level is associated with each electric device and each control content. That is, when the electrical device and the control content are specified, the safety level is specified. The higher the degree of safety assumed when a certain electric device is operated according to the control content, the higher the numerical value indicating the safety level associated with the electric device and the control content.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the safety level associated with the set temperature change (outside the reference range) is 1, the safety level associated with the cooling operation start, the heating operation start, and the dehumidifying operation start is 2, the power ON and the setting The safety degree associated with the temperature change (within the reference range) is 3, and the safety degree associated with the power OFF and the operation stop is 5. In this example, it is most dangerous when the electric device 300 (air conditioner) is remotely controlled so that the set temperature is outside the reference range. In this example, the safest case is when the electric device 300 is remotely controlled so that the power is turned off, and when the electric device 300 is remotely controlled so that the operation is stopped. The reference range can be set to a temperature range close to room temperature, for example. Further, the operation stop means that the cooling operation, the heating operation or the dehumidifying operation is stopped.

  Next, the authority information will be described with reference to FIG. The authority information is information that associates the terminal device with the authority given to the user who uses the terminal device. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user is authenticated using a predetermined terminal device and uses the authenticated terminal device. Therefore, in this embodiment, giving authority to a user is synonymous with giving authority to the portable terminal which a user uses. The authority information is registered in the flash memory 24 included in the control device 200, for example, according to an instruction from the administrator.

  In the present embodiment, the authority includes a conditional control authority and an unconditional control authority. The conditional control authority is an authority that can be remotely controlled with a decision instruction. On the other hand, the unconditional control authority is an authority that allows remote control without a decision instruction. Further, both the conditional control authority and the unconditional control authority are expressed by the lower limit of the controllable safety degree.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the conditional control authority associated with the terminal device 100 is 1. Therefore, the control content that the user can remotely control with the determination instruction using the terminal device 100 is limited to the control content having a safety degree of 1 or more. For example, when the control target is the electric device 300 and is accompanied by a determination instruction, all control is possible.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the unconditional control authority associated with the terminal device 100 is 2. Therefore, the control contents that can be remotely controlled by the user using the terminal device 100 without a determination instruction are limited to control contents having a safety degree of 2 or more. For example, when the control target is the electric device 300 and no decision instruction is given, control to change to a set temperature outside the reference range is not possible, but all other control is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the conditional control authority and the unconditional control authority are set so that the remote control can be performed more than the case where the determination instruction is not accompanied with the determination instruction. The reason is that it is considered that the user issues a decision instruction when the user determines that the risk is low or when the user is aware of the risk.

  In FIG. 6, the authority is also associated with the home terminal device 400 and automatic control. This is because these authorities are used for determination when the contents of control conflict.

  Next, history information will be described with reference to FIG. The history information is information indicating a history of remote control (or remote control) performed by any terminal device with respect to any control target.

  The history information is, for example, a collection of records in which the control date and time, the terminal device, the control target, the control content, and the control result are associated with each other as shown in FIG. The control date and time is information indicating the time when the remote control is executed. The terminal device is information indicating the terminal device for which the remote control instruction has been accepted. The control object is information indicating a device to be remotely controlled. The control content is information indicating the content of the remote control instructed by the remote control instruction. The control result is information indicating whether or not the remote control instructed by the remote control instruction has been accepted.

  When history information is used or stored, it is extracted or rearranged by paying attention to any item as appropriate. In FIG. 7, the records showing the new history are shown in order. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the control content of the remote control indicated by the second new record is not accepted because it conflicts with the control content of the remote control indicated by the third new record.

  Next, the other terminal status information will be described with reference to FIG. The other terminal status information is information that associates the terminal device, the application activation state, and the latest control date and time. When the activation state of an application associated with a certain terminal device is ON, it is expected that the probability that the remote operation using the terminal device will be performed soon is high. In addition, when the latest control date and time associated with a certain terminal device is close to the current time, it is expected that there is a high probability that the remote operation using the terminal device will be performed soon. Note that the latest control date and time can be extracted from the history information.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which the other terminal status information includes not only information on the terminal devices 110 and 120 but also information on the terminal device 100, information on the home terminal device 400, and information on automatic control. The reason for this is to improve the usability of other terminal status information.

  Next, remote control instruction acceptance processing executed by the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the terminal device 100 starts the remote control instruction receiving process shown in FIG. 10 in response to receiving an instruction for starting an application for remote control on the touch screen 16 or the like.

  First, the CPU 11 acquires safety level information and authority information (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 11 controls the communication device 15 to request the control device 200 for safety level information and authority information. Then, the CPU 11 acquires the safety level information and authority information received by the communication device 15 from the control device 200. The CPU 11 stores the acquired safety level information and authority information in the flash memory 14.

  CPU11 will acquire log | history information and other terminal status information, if the process of step S101 is completed (step S102). Specifically, the CPU 11 controls the communication device 15 to request the control device 200 for history information and other terminal status information. Then, the CPU 11 acquires the history information and other terminal status information received by the communication device 15 from the control device 200. The CPU 11 stores the acquired history information and other terminal status information in the flash memory 14.

  When completing the process in step S102, the CPU 11 displays a remote control instruction acceptance screen (step S103). Specifically, the CPU 11 generates an image signal representing a remote control instruction acceptance screen based on a program or data stored in the ROM 12 or the like and supplies the image signal to the touch screen 16. On the other hand, the touch screen 16 displays a remote control instruction reception screen corresponding to the supplied image signal. Note that the content displayed on the remote control instruction acceptance screen changes depending on a touch operation on the touch screen 16 or the like.

  Here, the remote control instruction acceptance screen will be described with reference to FIG. The remote control instruction acceptance screen 600 includes, for example, a list area 601, button areas 602, 603, 604, 608, and display areas 605, 606, 607. FIG. 10 shows a screen displayed when the remote control target is an air conditioner, the air conditioner has been turned on, and the cooling operation is in progress.

  A list area 601 displays a drop-down list that presents the current operation mode and receives an instruction to change the operation mode. In the button area 602, a button for receiving an instruction to increase the set temperature is displayed. In the button area 603, a button for receiving an instruction to lower the set temperature is displayed. In the button area 604, a button for receiving an instruction to stop operation is displayed. A display area 605 displays the current state of the control target. In the display area 606, the latest control history is displayed. The display area 607 displays the status of other terminal devices. In the button area 608, a button for receiving an instruction to turn off the air conditioner is displayed.

  When a touch operation is performed on the list area 601, a list of operation mode candidates is displayed. When a new operation mode is selected from the displayed candidates, the operation in the newly selected operation mode is started. Accordingly, a touch operation on the list area 601 can be a remote control instruction. In addition, touch operations on the button areas 602, 603, 604, and 607 are all remote control instructions. The information displayed in the display areas 605, 606, and 607 is information that is preferably referred to before issuing a remote control instruction. Note that the information displayed in the display area 606 is information generated based on the history information. The information displayed in the display area 607 is information generated based on the other terminal status information.

  When completing the process in step S103, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a remote control instruction (step S104). Note that when the CPU 11 detects that a touch operation has been performed on a predetermined area of the touch screen 16, the CPU 11 can determine that a remote control instruction has been issued.

  When determining that the remote control instruction has been given (step S104: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the remote control is permitted (step S105). The method for determining whether or not the CPU 11 permits remote control can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the CPU 11 determines whether or not to permit remote control based on the control target and control content indicated by the remote control instruction and the safety degree information, authority information, and history information stored in the flash memory 14 or the like. Can be determined.

  First, a case where history information is not used will be described. For example, it is assumed that the terminal device is the terminal device 100, the control target is the electric device 300, and the control content is the cooling operation start. In this case, the minimum safety level indicated by the conditional control authority given to the terminal device 100 is 1, and the safety level given to the start of the cooling operation of the electric device 300 is 2. Therefore, in this case, the remote control instruction is permitted.

  Here, it is assumed that the terminal device is the terminal device 120 and other conditions are not changed. In this case, the minimum safety level indicated by the conditional control authority given to the terminal device 120 is 3, and the safety level given to the start of the cooling operation of the electric device 300 is 2. Therefore, in this case, the remote control instruction is not permitted.

  Next, a case where history information is used will be described. In this case, first, it is determined whether or not the remote control instruction is permitted in consideration of safety level information and authority information without considering history information. If it is determined that the remote control instruction is not permitted, it is determined that the remote control instruction is not permitted regardless of the contents of the history information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remote control instruction is permitted, it is further determined whether or not the remote control instruction is permitted based on the history information.

  Note that the method of determining whether or not a remote control instruction is permitted using history information can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, when the second remote control instruction is given after the first remote control instruction is given, (A1) the instruction contents of the first remote control instruction and the instruction contents of the second remote control instruction compete with each other. (A2) The time from the time when the first remote control instruction is given to the time when the second remote control instruction is given is within a predetermined time, and (A3) the first remote control instruction is accepted When the conditional authority of the terminal device is higher than the conditional authority of the terminal device that has received the second remote control instruction, it is determined that the second remote control instruction is not permitted.

  In addition, regarding (A1), a typical example in which the content of instructions conflicts is that the opposite control content (for example, heating operation start and cooling operation start) is instructed to the same control object. It is not limited to. For example, when the start of the heating operation and the start of the cooling operation are instructed for two air conditioners arranged in the same house, the instruction contents may be regarded as competing. Further, for example, when the remote control instruction is permitted in the determination not considering the history information, the remote control instruction is permitted on condition that the determination instruction is accepted regardless of the above conditions (A1) to (A3). May be.

  When it is determined that the remote control is permitted (step S105: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether a determination instruction is necessary (step S106). The method for determining whether or not the CPU 11 needs a determination instruction can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a determination instruction is necessary based on the control target and control content indicated by the remote control instruction and the safety degree information, authority information, and history information stored in the flash memory 14 or the like. Can be determined.

  First, a case where history information is not used will be described. For example, it is assumed that the terminal device is the terminal device 100, the control target is the electric device 300, and the control content is the cooling operation start. In this case, the minimum safety level indicated by the unconditional control authority given to the terminal device 100 is 2, and the safety level given to start the cooling operation of the electric device 300 is 2. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that a determination instruction is not necessary.

  Here, it is assumed that the control content is a set temperature change outside the reference range, and other conditions remain unchanged. In this case, the minimum safety level indicated by the unconditional control authority given to the terminal device 100 is 2, and the safety level given to the set temperature change outside the reference range of the electrical device 300 is 1. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that a determination instruction is necessary.

  Next, a case where history information is used will be described. In this case, first, it is determined whether or not a determination instruction is necessary in consideration of safety level information and authority information without considering history information. Here, when it is determined that a determination instruction is necessary, it is determined that a determination instruction is necessary regardless of the contents of the history information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination instruction is not necessary, it is further determined whether or not the determination instruction is necessary based on the history information.

  Note that the method of determining whether or not a determination instruction is necessary using history information can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, when the second remote control instruction is given after the first remote control instruction is given, (A1) the instruction contents of the first remote control instruction and the instruction contents of the second remote control instruction compete with each other. (A2) If the time from the time when the first remote control instruction is issued to the time when the second remote control instruction is within a predetermined time, it is determined that the determination instruction is necessary. In addition, as shown in (A3), whether or not a determination instruction is necessary may be determined in consideration of authority.

  When the CPU 11 determines that a determination instruction is necessary (step S106: YES), the CPU 11 displays a determination instruction reception screen (step S107). Specifically, the CPU 11 generates an image signal representing a determination instruction reception screen based on a program or data stored in the ROM 12 or the like and supplies the image signal to the touch screen 16. On the other hand, the touch screen 16 displays a determination instruction reception screen corresponding to the supplied image signal.

  Here, the determination instruction reception screen will be described with reference to FIG. The determination instruction reception screen 610 is a screen for prompting the user to confirm that remote control according to the remote control instruction already made by the user is executed. That is, the determination instruction reception screen 610 is a screen that clearly indicates that there is a risk to the user when safety is questionable or when there is a possibility of conflict with other remote control. The decision instruction acceptance screen 610 is typically a pop-up screen. The determination instruction reception screen 610 includes button areas 611 and 612 and a display area 613, for example.

  The button area 611 is an area where a button for receiving a determination instruction is displayed. That is, the user touches the button area 611 when performing remote control in accordance with the remote control instruction.

  On the other hand, the button area 612 is an area where a button for accepting a cancel instruction is displayed. That is, the user performs a touch operation on the button area 612 when the user does not want to execute remote control according to the remote control instruction.

  In the display area 613, a risk that is considered to be caused by executing the remote control according to the remote control instruction is displayed. Note that what kind of risk is displayed is determined by programs and data stored in the ROM 12 and the flash memory 14.

  When completing the process of step S107, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a decision instruction (step S108). For example, when the CPU 11 detects that a touch operation has been performed on a predetermined area (for example, the button area 611) of the touch screen 16, the CPU 11 can determine that the determination instruction has been issued.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the determination instruction is not necessary (step S106: NO) or determines that the determination instruction is present (step S108: YES), the CPU 11 transmits a control signal (step S109). Specifically, the CPU 11 generates a control signal based on the remote control instruction and transmits the control signal from the communication device 15 to the control device 200.

  The CPU 11 determines that there is no remote control instruction (step S104: NO), determines that remote control is not permitted (step S105: NO), and determines that there is no determination instruction (step S108: NO). The own terminal information is transmitted (step S110). The own terminal information includes, for example, information indicating that the application is in an activated state, information indicating that a remote control instruction has been made, information indicating whether or not remote control based on the remote control instruction is permitted, and the like.

  Next, remote control relay processing executed by the control device 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The control device 200 starts the remote control relay process shown in FIG. 12 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is an acquisition request for safety level information and authority information (step S201). Specifically, the CPU 21 monitors the communication device 25 and determines whether the communication device 25 has received the acquisition request from the terminal device 100.

  If the CPU 21 determines that there is an acquisition request for the safety level information and the authority information (step S201: YES), the CPU 21 transmits the safety level information and the authority information to the terminal device 100 that is the transmission source of the acquisition request (step S202). . Specifically, the CPU 21 causes the communication device 25 to transmit the safety degree information and authority information stored in the flash memory 24 or the like toward the terminal device 100.

  When the CPU 21 determines that there is no acquisition request for the safety level information and the authority information (step S201: NO), or when the process of step S202 is completed, there is an acquisition request for history information and other terminal status information. It is discriminate | determined (step S203). Specifically, the CPU 21 monitors the communication device 25 and determines whether the communication device 25 has received the acquisition request from the terminal device 100.

  When determining that there is an acquisition request for history information and other terminal status information (step S203: YES), the CPU 21 transmits the history information and other terminal status information to the terminal device 100 that is the transmission source of the acquisition request (step S203). S204). Specifically, the CPU 21 causes the communication device 25 to transmit history information and other terminal status information stored in the flash memory 24 or the like toward the terminal device 100.

  When it is determined that there is no acquisition request for history information and other terminal status information (step S203: NO), or when the process of step S204 is completed, the CPU 21 determines whether a control signal has been received (step S203: NO). Step S205). Specifically, the CPU 21 monitors the communication device 25 and determines whether the communication device 25 has received a control signal from the terminal device 100.

  When determining that the control signal has been received (step S205: YES), the CPU 21 controls the electric device 300 (step S206). Specifically, the CPU 21 controls the electric device control device 27 so that the electric device 300 indicated by the control signal received by the communication device 25 is controlled by the control content indicated by the control signal. On the other hand, the electric device control device 27 controls the electric device 300 according to the control by the CPU 21.

  When determining that the control signal has not been received (step S205: NO), or when completing the process of step S206, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the terminal information has been received (step S207). Specifically, the CPU 21 monitors the communication device 25 and determines whether the communication device 25 has received its own terminal information from the terminal device 100.

  When determining that the terminal information has been received (step S207: YES), the CPU 21 updates the other terminal status information and the history information (step S208). That is, the CPU 21 updates the other terminal status information and history information stored in the flash memory 24 or the like with the received own terminal information.

  If the CPU 21 determines that it has not received its own terminal information (step S207: NO) or completes the process of step S208, it returns the process to step S201.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is predicted that safety or the like is suspected, a determination instruction is requested from the user. For this reason, improvement in safety can be expected while preventing a decrease in convenience.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, whether to request a determination instruction is determined based on the authority granted to the terminal device 100. For this reason, for example, only the terminal device used by the user who easily overlooks safety can be adjusted so that the determination instruction is easily requested.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, after determining whether or not to permit remote control, it is determined whether or not to request a determination instruction. For this reason, for example, remote control can be restricted in multiple steps, such as permitting remote control unconditionally, permitting a decision instruction as a condition, and not permitting unconditionally.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, whether to request a determination instruction is determined based on the history of remote control performed on the target device. For this reason, for example, when the control content designated by the remote control instruction conflicts with the control content made immediately before this remote operation instruction, the user may be aware of this or limit remote control. it can.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the history of remote control performed on the target device can be presented to the user as a determination material for determining safety or the like.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, it can be shown to a user as judgment material for discriminating safety etc. whether the probability that another terminal device performs remote control is high.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when a determination instruction is requested from the user, it is possible to notify the user of the risk associated with the remote control to be executed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the example in which the remote control is restricted or the presence or absence of the request for the determination instruction is determined by the authority given to the terminal device 100 that receives the remote control instruction. In the present invention, for example, it is possible to temporarily relax restrictions on remote control or to prevent a determination instruction from being requested. Hereinafter, the remote control system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following, description will be basically given of portions where the remote control system according to the second embodiment differs from the remote control system according to the first embodiment.

  The physical configuration of the terminal device 150 according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the physical configuration of the terminal device 100 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the function of the terminal device 150 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the terminal device 150 functionally includes a reception unit 101, a storage unit 102, a remote control instruction reception unit 103, a determination unit 104, a determination instruction request unit 105, a determination instruction reception unit 106, and a transmission unit. 107, a history presentation unit 108, another terminal status presentation unit 109, and an identification information reception unit 151. Here, functions other than the reception unit 101, the storage unit 102, the determination unit 104, and the identification information reception unit 151 are the same as the functions described in the first embodiment.

  The receiving unit 101 receives, from the control device 200, identification information associated with another terminal device (for example, the terminal device 110), and other terminal authority information indicating the authority given to the other terminal device. Receive further.

  The identification information is information for identifying whether or not the user of the terminal device 150 is a user permitted to use the terminal device 110, for example. The identification information may be character information (for example, a password) represented by alphanumeric characters or the like, or may be a face image or fingerprint information.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the authority granted to the terminal device 110 is greater than the authority granted to the terminal device 150. In this case, the authority indicated by the other terminal authority information is information indicating an authority greater than the authority information given to the terminal device 150.

  Here, the storage unit 102 further stores the received identification information and other terminal authority information.

  The identification information receiving unit 151 receives input of identification information from the user. The identification information receiving unit 151 includes, for example, a CPU 11, a touch screen 16, a fingerprint recognition device, an imaging device, and the like.

  Here, the determination unit 104 further determines whether or not the stored identification information matches the received identification information. If the determination unit 104 determines that the stored identification information matches the received identification information, the determination unit 104 replaces the stored authority information with various other terminal authority information. The discrimination process is executed. The various determination processes are a process for determining whether or not remote control based on a remote control instruction is permitted, and a process for determining whether or not a determination instruction is requested from the user.

  According to the present embodiment, a user who uses a certain terminal device is temporarily given the same authority as a user who uses another terminal device. Therefore, for example, even when a terminal device having a relatively large authority cannot be used, a relatively large authority can be temporarily obtained using another terminal device having a relatively small authority. . For this reason, it can be expected to improve safety while maintaining user convenience.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, when implementing this invention, a deformation | transformation and application with a various form are possible.

  In the present invention, which part of the configuration, function, and operation described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is adopted is arbitrary. Further, in the present invention, in addition to the configuration, function, and operation described above, further configuration, function, and operation may be employed.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the example in which all of the safety level information, the authority information, and the history information are used in the determination process by the determination unit 104 has been described. In the present invention, information used in the determination processing by the determination unit 104 is not limited to this example. For example, in the determination process by the determination unit 104, only one or two pieces of information of safety level information, authority information, and history information may be used, or other information may be used.

  In the first embodiment, when it is determined that a determination instruction is requested, an example is shown in which the degree of alerting is the same regardless of the safety level of the control content. In the present invention, the degree of alerting may be increased as the safety level of the control content is lower. For example, the lower the degree of safety of the control content, the greater the number of determination instructions requested from the user.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a determination process for determining whether or not to permit remote control is executed after a remote control instruction is received. In the present invention, a remote control instruction for instructing unauthorized remote control may be limited so as not to be accepted in advance. In this case, the control based on the received remote control instruction is executed as long as the determination instruction is given.

  In 1st Embodiment, the example with which a terminal device is provided with most among the functions with which a remote control system is provided was shown. In the present invention, it is arbitrary which of the terminal device and the control device is provided with the function of the remote control system.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the safety level is determined according to the control target (electric device) and the control content has been described. In the present invention, how the safety level is determined can be appropriately adjusted. For example, the safety level may be determined according to only the control target regardless of the control content, or may be determined only according to the control content regardless of the control target.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the history and the status of other terminal devices are presented on the remote control instruction reception screen 600 has been described. In the present invention, the method and timing at which the history and the status of other terminal devices are presented are not limited to this example. For example, a history list as shown in FIG. 7 may be presented in response to an instruction from the user. The list of histories to be presented may be extracted and rearranged according to various conditions. A specific record or cell may be highlighted. For example, a record indicating a control object or control content with a relatively low safety level (the safety level is lower than a predetermined threshold) may be highlighted with a conspicuous color. In this case, it is possible to improve the visibility of a history related to a control object or control content with low safety.

  Or the numerical value and character string which show a safety degree may be contained in the displayed record. The information indicating the safety level may be included in the history information when the history information is generated, or may be derived from the control target and the control content included in the history information and the safety level information at the time of display. .

  In addition, a list of safety information shown in FIG. 5, a list of authority information shown in FIG. 6, a list of other terminal control information shown in FIG. 8, and the like may be displayed in accordance with an instruction from the user. Furthermore, safety level information, authority information, and the like may be edited by an administrator who has editing authority using, for example, the terminal device 100 or the control device 200.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the safety degree is represented by a numerical value from 1 to 5. In the present invention, how the safety level is expressed is arbitrary. For example, the degree of safety may be represented by 0 (unsafe) and 1 (safe). The safety level for each control content may be determined based on the safety level associated with the control target.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the remote control instruction or the determination instruction is a touch operation on the touch screen 16 has been described. In the present invention, various instructions are not limited to this example. For example, the various instructions may be key and button pressing operations, voice input, and the like. In addition, the request for the determination instruction is not limited to the request by the screen display by the touch screen 16. For example, a determination instruction may be requested by outputting sound.

  By applying an operation program that defines the operation of the terminal devices 100 and 150 and the control device 200 according to the present invention to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, the personal computer or the like is used as the terminal device 100 or 150 according to the present invention. It is also possible to function as the control device 200.

  Further, the distribution method of such a program is arbitrary. For example, the program can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card. It may be distributed by storing in a recording medium, or distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  Various embodiments and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a system for remotely controlling an electric device.

11, 21 CPU, 12, 22 ROM, 13, 23 RAM, 14, 24 Flash memory, 15, 25 Communication device, 16, 26 Touch screen, 27 Electrical device control device, 100, 110, 120, 150 Terminal device, 101 Receiving unit, 102 storage unit, 103 remote control instruction receiving unit, 104 determining unit, 105 determination instruction requesting unit, 106 determination instruction receiving unit, 107 transmitting unit, 108 history presenting unit, 109 other terminal status presenting unit, 151 receiving identification information Part, 200 control device, 300, 310, 320 electrical equipment, 400 home terminal device, 500 Internet, 600 remote control instruction reception screen, 601 list area, 602, 603, 604, 608, 611, 612 button area, 605, 606 , 607, 613 Display area, 610 Determination instruction With screen, 1000 remote control system

The present invention is far隔制control system that remotely controls the electrical device, the control device, terminal device, a remote control method, and a program.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, the far隔制control system capable of safely remotely controlled without impairing the convenience of the control device, terminal device, a remote control method, and, providing a program The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, a remote control system according to the present invention comprises:
A control device connected to the electrical device via a first telecommunications network; and a terminal device connected to the control device via a second telecommunications network, the electrical device being connected from the terminal device via the control device. A remote control system for remote control,
Storage means for storing safety level information indicating a safety level assumed when the electrical device is remotely controlled;
Procedure determining means for determining a procedure to be performed by a user for remote control of the electrical device based on the safety degree information stored in the storage means;
Procedure discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the procedure determined by the procedure determining means has been performed by the user;
Remote control means for remotely controlling the electrical device in response to the procedure determining means determining that the procedure has been performed.

Claims (14)

A terminal device connected to a control device by a telecommunications network and remotely controlling electrical equipment via the control device,
Receiving means for receiving, from the control device, safety level information indicating the safety level assumed when the electric device is remotely controlled for each control content;
Storage means for storing the received safety degree information;
Remote control instruction accepting means for accepting a remote control instruction for the electrical device from a user;
In response to receiving the remote control instruction, based on the stored safety information, the user is instructed to remotely control the electrical device with the control content based on the remote control instruction. Determining means for determining whether to request;
A determination instruction requesting means for requesting the user to determine the determination instruction when it is determined that the user requests the determination instruction;
A determination instruction receiving means for receiving the determination instruction made in response to the request from the user;
Transmitting means for transmitting a control signal based on the remote control instruction to the control device when it is determined that the user does not request the determination instruction or when the determination instruction is received from the user; Prepare
Terminal device. The receiving means further receives authority information indicating the authority granted to the terminal device from the control device,
The storage means further stores the received authority information,
The determination means determines whether or not to request the determination instruction from the user based on the stored safety level information and authority information.
The terminal device according to claim 1. The determination means further determines whether or not to permit remote control based on the remote control instruction based on the stored safety level information and authority information, and permits remote control based on the remote control instruction. Then, if determined, based on the stored safety information and authority information, determine whether to request the determination instruction to the user,
The terminal device according to claim 2. The receiving means further receives, from the control device, identification information associated with another terminal device, and other terminal authority information indicating authority granted to the other terminal device,
The storage means further stores the received identification information and other terminal authority information,
The apparatus further comprises identification information receiving means for receiving input of identification information from the user,
The determination means further determines whether or not the stored identification information matches the received identification information, and determines that the stored identification information and the received identification information match. In this case, whether or not to allow remote control based on the remote control instruction based on the stored other terminal authority information instead of the stored authority information, and requests the determination instruction to the user To determine whether or not to
The terminal device according to claim 3. The receiving means further receives history information indicating a history of remote control for the electrical equipment from the control device,
The storage means further stores the received history information,
The determination means determines whether to request the determination instruction from the user based on the stored safety level information and history information.
The terminal device according to claim 1. The determination means determines that the user requests the determination instruction when the control content based on the remote control instruction and the control content included in the stored history information are in a conflicting relationship,
The terminal device according to claim 5. The receiving means further receives history information indicating a history of remote control for the electrical equipment from the control device,
The storage means further stores the received history information,
A history presenting means for presenting the user with a history indicated by the stored history information;
The terminal device according to claim 1. The history presenting means presents the history in a mode corresponding to the safety degree derived from the history.
The terminal device according to claim 7. The history presenting means highlights the history when the safety degree derived from the history is lower than a predetermined threshold.
The terminal device according to claim 8. The receiving means further receives other terminal status information including information indicating whether or not another terminal device is capable of remote control with respect to the electrical device from the control device,
The storage means further stores the received other terminal status information,
The terminal further comprises other terminal status presentation means for presenting the status of the other terminal device indicated by the stored other terminal status information to the user.
The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The determination instruction request means presents risk information indicating a risk associated with remote control based on the remote control instruction to the user when it is determined that the determination instruction is requested from the user.
The terminal device according to claim 1. A remote control system comprising a terminal device connected to a control device by a telecommunication network and the control device, and remotely controlling electrical equipment from the terminal device via the control device,
The terminal device
Receiving means for receiving, from the control device, safety level information indicating the safety level assumed when the electric device is remotely controlled for each control content;
Storage means for storing the received safety degree information;
Remote control instruction accepting means for accepting a remote control instruction for the electrical device from a user;
In response to receiving the remote control instruction, based on the stored safety information, the user is instructed to remotely control the electrical device with the control content based on the remote control instruction. Determining means for determining whether to request;
A determination instruction requesting means for requesting the user to determine the determination instruction when it is determined that the user requests the determination instruction;
A determination instruction receiving means for receiving the determination instruction made in response to the request from the user;
Transmitting means for transmitting a control signal based on the remote control instruction to the control device when it is determined that the user does not request the determination instruction or when the determination instruction is received from the user; Prepared,
The controller is
Receiving means for receiving the control signal from the terminal device;
Electric device control means for controlling the electric device in accordance with the received control signal,
Remote control system. A remote control method for remotely controlling an electrical device from a terminal device connected to a control device by a telecommunications network via the control device,
From a user, a remote control instruction receiving step for receiving a remote control instruction for the electrical device;
In response to the reception of the remote control instruction, the remote control instruction is sent to the user based on safety degree information indicating the degree of safety assumed when the electric device is remotely controlled for each control content. A determination step of determining whether or not to request a determination instruction to remotely control the electrical device with the control content based on;
A determination instruction requesting step for requesting the user to determine the determination instruction when it is determined that the user requests the determination instruction;
A determination instruction receiving step for receiving the determination instruction made in response to the request from the user;
An electrical device control step of controlling the electrical device based on the remote control instruction when it is determined that the determination instruction is not requested to the user, or when the determination instruction is received from the user. ,
Remote control method. A computer connected to a control device by a telecommunications network and remotely controlling an electrical device via the control device;
Receiving means for receiving, from the control device, safety level information indicating the safety level assumed when the electrical device is remotely controlled for each control content;
Storage means for storing the received safety degree information;
Remote control instruction accepting means for accepting a remote control instruction for the electrical device from a user;
In response to receiving the remote control instruction, based on the stored safety information, the user is instructed to remotely control the electrical device with the control content based on the remote control instruction. Determining means for determining whether or not to request,
A determination instruction request means for requesting the user to determine the determination instruction when it is determined that the user requests the determination instruction;
A determination instruction receiving means for receiving the determination instruction made in response to the request from the user;
When it is determined that the user does not request the determination instruction, or when the determination instruction is received from the user, it functions as a transmission unit that transmits a control signal based on the remote control instruction to the control device. Let
program.

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