JP2023141809A - Controller, device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a device is remotely operated from a location where the device cannot be seen.SOLUTION: A controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller 1 includes an operation portion 3 that accepts operation input from the outside, and a transmission portion 11 that transmits a transmission signal when the operation portion 3 receives one operation input. When the transmission portion 11 receives an operation input multiple times in a row within a certain period of time, the transmission portion 11 transmits a plurality of transmission signals such that a first infrared signal and a second infrared signal are included at least once each as the transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the plurality of transmission signals in the device 2. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include mutually different pieces of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention generally relates to a controller, a device, a control method, and a program.

Patent Document 1 describes a remote control system using a mobile phone that makes it possible to control a heating device including a heating source using a wireless signal. In this remote control system, operation of the heating device is started by using a password for operating a plurality of keys in sequence or by operating a plurality of keys at the same time on the operation unit of a mobile phone. Therefore, even if a child touches the mobile phone or carelessly steps on the operation part of the mobile phone, the possibility that the heating device will start operating is reduced.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-319654

Incidentally, in recent years, so-called smart remote controllers that enable remote control (for example, as a retrofit) of devices that receive operation commands by receiving signals using infrared rays as a medium (infrared signals) have become popular. A mobile terminal (mobile phone) and a smart remote control perform wireless communication using a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). If the user has the smart remote control learn the infrared signals corresponding to the device in advance, then when the user performs an operation related to the operation of the device from the mobile terminal, the smart remote control will receive the signal related to the operation from the mobile terminal and perform that operation. Sends an infrared signal compatible with the device to the device. The user can perform operations related to the operation of the device using the mobile terminal even from a relatively distant place from the device, which improves convenience.

On the other hand, the user can remotely operate the device even from a location where the device (and its surroundings) cannot be directly viewed. However, depending on the type of equipment (for example, equipment equipped with a heating source, etc.), it may not be desirable to operate it under such conditions.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a controller, a device, a control method, and a program that can reduce the possibility that the device will be remotely controlled from a place where it cannot be seen. be.

The controller according to the first aspect of the invention is a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is satisfied. The controller includes an operation section that receives an operation input from the outside, and a transmission section that transmits the transmission signal when the operation section receives the operation input once. When the transmission unit receives the operation input a plurality of times in a row within a certain period of time, the transmission unit receives the operation input for the plurality of times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and a second infrared signal. transmitting the transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the plurality of transmission signals in the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include different data.

In the controller according to the invention of claim 2, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1, the specific condition is that the device receives the plurality of transmission signals within a predetermined period.

In the controller according to the third aspect of the invention, in the controller according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the plurality of times is two times. The transmitter is configured to transmit the first infrared signal when the operation unit receives the operation input for the first time within the certain period of time, and transmits the first infrared signal when the operation input is received for the second time. 2 infrared signals are transmitted.

A device according to a fourth aspect of the invention includes a receiving section that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention, and a control section that executes the specific operation. The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.

The apparatus according to the invention of claim 5 is the apparatus according to the invention of claim 4, further comprising a gas combustion type heating source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heating source.

A control method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a controller control method that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is satisfied. The control method includes a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal when the operation input is received once by the operation unit that accepts the operation input from the outside. In the sending step, when the operation input is received a plurality of times in a row within a certain period of time, the transmission signal is transmitted for the plurality of times so that the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal are included at least once each as the transmission signal. transmitting the transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the plurality of transmission signals in the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include different data.

A control method according to the invention of claim 7 is a method of controlling a device that communicates with a controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller, and a control step of executing the specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied.

The program according to the invention of claim 8 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 6 or 7.

In the controller according to the invention of claim 1, when an operation input is received multiple times in succession within a certain period of time, the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal containing mutually different data are included at least once each. Then, multiple transmission signals (infrared signals) are transmitted. Therefore, even if the user tries to make the smart remote control learn the functions of the controller, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal (infrared signal) sent in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control. Can contribute to learning prevention. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device will be remotely operated from a location where it cannot be seen.

In the controller according to the invention of claim 2, the specific condition is that the device receives a plurality of transmission signals (infrared signals) within a predetermined period, so that the specific operation is not performed without the user's intention. This reduces the possibility of

In the controller according to the third aspect of the present invention, since operation input is required twice within a certain period of time, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a specific operation will be executed unintentionally by the user. Further, compared to a case where operation input is required three or more times, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience.

In the device according to the fourth aspect of the invention, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal (infrared signal) transmitted from the controller in response to the first operation input is copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, even if an infrared signal is received from the smart remote controller multiple times in succession, the contents of the multiple infrared signals only contain the same data, and no specific operation is executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device that reduces the possibility of being remotely operated from a location that cannot be visually recognized.

In the device according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device equipped with a gas combustion type heating source is remotely operated from a place where it cannot be visually recognized.

According to the control method according to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a controller control method that reduces the possibility that the device is remotely operated from a place where the device cannot be visually recognized.

According to the control method according to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a control method for a device that reduces the possibility of being remotely controlled from a location that cannot be visually recognized.

In the program according to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a function that reduces the possibility that the device is remotely operated from a place where the device cannot be visually recognized.

FIG. 1A is a block configuration diagram of a controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the above controller and the above device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart regarding the operation of the same controller as above. FIG. 4 is a flowchart regarding the operation of the above device.

Hereinafter, a controller, a device, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described using the drawings. FIG. 2 referred to in the following embodiments, etc. is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the diagram does not necessarily reflect the actual size ratio. .

(Embodiment)
(1) Equipment Control System The equipment control system 4 according to the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, includes the controller 1 according to the embodiment and the equipment 2 according to the embodiment.

(2) Equipment The equipment 2, which is one of the components of the equipment control system 4, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1B and 2.

The device 2 is a device that can be remotely controlled in response to operations on the controller 1 (remote controller). The device 2 may be installed in a space within a facility used by a user. For example, if the facility is a residence, the device 2 may be installed and used in a room within the residence. The facility is not limited to a residence, but may be a non-residential facility (such as an office building).

The type of device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can be remotely controlled by a remote controller. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the device 2 is a heating device, and is, for example, a gas fan heater. That is, the device 2 includes a heating source 21 (see FIG. 1B). The device 2 includes a gas combustion type heating source 21 . However, the heating source 21 of the device 2 may be of an oil combustion type or an electric heating type.

The device 2 receives a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium (wireless signal, hereinafter also referred to as "infrared signal S1") wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a user operation, and transmits the infrared signal S1. Executes control according to the data (control data) included in the data. In particular, the device 2 is configured to perform a specific operation when a specific condition is met as control in response to an operation on the controller 1. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of a plurality of transmission signals (infrared signal S1) in the device 2. That is, the specific condition is a condition that requires the device 2 to receive at least a plurality of transmission signals (infrared signal S1).

In this embodiment, the specific operation is an operation related to the heating source 21, and is an operation that can be executed by remote control using the controller 1. The operation regarding the heat source 21 is, for example, an operation of starting the operation of the heat source 21 (that is, "starting operation" of the device 2), an operation of stopping the operation of the heat source 21 (that is, "stopping the operation" of the device 2), or This may correspond to the adjustment operation of the set temperature.

Note that the term "start of operation" here refers to starting an operating state from a standby state in which the device 2 is powered on and is consuming standby power, for example, when a manual operation is received from a user. Further, the operation stop means returning from the operating state to the standby state when a manual operation is received from the user, for example. Therefore, the operation stop and operation start differ from a temporary automatic stop of operation due to the room temperature reaching a set temperature or higher due to eco-driving, etc., and an automatic restart from a temporary operation stop.

In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the specific operation is an operation of "starting operation" of the device 2 that can be executed by remote control using the controller 1. However, the specific action may be any action other than "starting operation" of the device 2, or even "stopping" the device 2, as long as it can be executed by remote control using the controller 1. Alternatively, it may be an operation for adjusting the set temperature, or an operation for a sleep timer. Moreover, if the action to start eco-driving can be executed by remote control using the controller 1, the specific action may be the action to start eco-driving.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the device 2 includes a control unit 20, a blower fan 22, a receiving unit 23, a storage unit 24, a display unit 25, a plurality of operation units 26 (only one in the illustrated example), a power supply unit 27 , and a housing 200 (see FIG. 2) that accommodates or holds these. Furthermore, the device 2 further includes a sensor for monitoring the operation of the heating source 21 and the like. The type of sensor is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a combustion sensor for checking combustion of the heating source 21, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating source 21, and the temperature in the room where the device 2 is installed, and the device. A fall sensor and the like are provided for detecting the fall of No. 2. Furthermore, the device 2 includes a timer and has a function of managing a reservation schedule regarding the start/stop of operation of the device 2 (heating device) based on time measurement by the timer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 200 has a generally rectangular box shape that is flat in the front-rear direction. The housing 200 is provided with an air outlet 201 at the lower part of its front surface, and a suction port at its back surface. A display section 25 and a plurality of operation sections 26 are arranged on the upper end surface of the housing 200. Furthermore, a connection port is provided on the back surface of the housing 200 to which a gas cord for supplying fuel gas to the gas pipe of the heating source 21 is connected. Further, a power cord extends from the back of the housing 200, and by connecting the power plug at the end of the power cord to a power outlet, the device 2 can receive power from, for example, a commercial AC power source. can.

The heat source 21 includes a combustor that burns a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air, and an injection nozzle that mixes the fuel gas and combustion air by injecting the fuel gas toward the combustor. The heat source 21 also includes a gas pipe that guides the fuel gas to the injection nozzle, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the gas pipe, and a proportional valve that allows the flow rate of the fuel gas to be adjusted according to a set temperature and the like. The combustor includes an igniter that ignites fuel guided into the combustion chamber, and a flame sensor that detects a flame caused by ignition and enables detection of flame extinction. The solenoid valve, proportional valve, igniter, fire sensor, etc. of the heating source 21 are controlled by the control unit 20 .

The blower fan 22 is housed within the housing 200. The ventilation fan 22 includes, for example, a crossflow fan, a fan motor that rotates the crossflow fan in the circumferential direction, and the like. The fan motor operates under the control of the control unit 20 to rotate the crossflow fan. As the crossflow fan rotates, outside air is sucked in through the suction port provided on the back surface of the housing 200 and flows toward the combustor of the heat source 21 . A part of the outside air (air) sucked in from the suction port is mixed with fuel gas as combustion air and supplied to the combustion chamber of the heat source 21 . The remaining air bypasses the combustor, is mixed with combustion exhaust gas from the combustion chamber, heated, and then blown out from the outlet 201 provided at the front of the casing 200. As a result, the device 2 can provide warm air into the room in which the device 2 is installed, and can bring the indoor temperature closer to the set temperature.

The plurality of operation units 26 are user interfaces configured to accept operation inputs for instructing the operation of the device 2 . The plurality of operation units 26 are arranged, for example, on the upper end surface of the housing 200. It is assumed that each operation unit 26 is a push button type.

Specifically, the plurality of operation units 26 include an ON button (operation button) for starting the operation of the device 2 and an OFF button (stop button) for stopping the operation of the device 2. The run button and the stop button may be realized by one button, and each time the button is pressed, a command to start driving and a command to stop driving may be issued alternately.

The plurality of operation units 26 further include an UP button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C and a DOWN button for decreasing the set temperature by 1°C.

Further, the plurality of operation units 26 further include a good night button, a good morning button, a setting button for inputting a set time, and the like. By pressing the sleep button, the operation of the device 2 is automatically stopped, for example, one hour after the pressing operation. By pressing the good morning button, the device 2 automatically starts operating after the set time.

Moreover, the plurality of operation units 26 further include an eco button for executing eco-driving. In the case of normal operation, the device 2 performs continuous combustion in which the combustion capacity is increased or decreased. In the case of eco-driving, the device 2 performs an operation in which combustion and stopping are repeated when the room temperature reaches a set temperature or higher.

The above button types are just examples and are not limited to these.

The display unit 25 is configured to present information regarding the operation of the device 2 to the user. The display section 25 is arranged on the upper end surface of the housing 200. The display unit 25 displays the current set temperature, current room temperature, set time, and driving status (normal driving or eco-driving).

The storage unit 24 includes an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 24 may be a memory of the control unit 20. The storage unit 24 stores in advance information in which a plurality of control data (described later) that can be received from the controller 1 are associated with a plurality of control contents. Further, the storage unit 24 stores the set temperature, and the control unit 20 appropriately updates the set temperature in the storage unit 24 according to user operations.

The receiving unit 23 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1. The receiving unit 23 is arranged at the upper right end on the front side of the housing 200 (see FIG. 2). The receiving unit 23 includes an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light (infrared light) sent from the controller 1 and performs photoelectric conversion. The receiving section 23 is electrically connected to the control section 20. The control unit 20 extracts control data from the output signal output from the infrared light receiving element, and executes control contents corresponding to the control data.

The power supply section 27 is electrically connected to the control section 20. The power supply section 27 uses, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord under the control of the control section 20 to power the heating source 21, the ventilation fan 22, the reception section 23, the display section 25, etc. Generate and supply the power necessary to operate the devices.

The control unit 20 includes, for example, a computer (including a microcomputer) including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The computer functions as the control unit 20 by executing an appropriate program.

The control unit 20 controls the operations of the heat source 21 , the ventilation fan 22 , the display unit 25 , and the like based on operations on each operation unit 26 . Further, the control unit 20 controls the operations of the heat source 21, the ventilation fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on control data included in the infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, which is received by the reception unit 23.

(3) Controller The controller 1, which is one of the components of the device control system 4, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1A and 2.

The controller 1 is a remote control that can operate the device 2 remotely. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays (infrared signal S1). The infrared signal S1 has a data structure including, for example, a reader code, a custom code, a data code, and a stop bit. Note that in response to one operation input (push operation) to the operation unit 3, the infrared signal S1 may be transmitted by repeating the sequence from the reader code to the stop bit several times, but for the sake of explanation, repeat It is regarded as one infrared signal S1 including the infrared signal S1.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the controller 1 includes a container 100, a control section 10, a transmitting section 11, a storage section 12, a user interface 13, and a power supply section 14. The controller 1 includes, for example, a computer (including a microcomputer) including a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The computer functions as the controller 1 by executing an appropriate program.

The vessel body 100 as a whole is elongated in one direction and is formed into a flat, substantially rectangular box shape (see FIG. 2). The container 100 has a size and shape that allows the user to easily hold it with one hand. The container body 100 is made of resin, for example. A plurality of (five in the illustrated example) operation members 300 are arranged in front of the container body 100. That is, the container 100 has a structure that allows the user to easily press and operate the operating member 300 with a thumb or the like while holding the container 100 with one hand. The container body 100 accommodates or holds a control section 10, a transmission section 11, a user interface 13, a storage section 12, a power supply section 14, and the like.

The transmitter 11 is electrically connected to the controller 10. Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmission unit 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) when receiving one operation input on the operation unit 3. The transmitter 11 includes an infrared light emitting element for transmitting the infrared signal S1 generated by the controller 10. The infrared light emitting element is assumed to be, for example, an infrared light LED (Light Emitting Diode). The infrared light emitting element is exposed and held in the container body 100 so as to emit an infrared signal S1 from one end surface (in FIG. 2, the upper end surface) of the container body 100.

The user interface 13 includes a plurality of (for example, five) operation units 3. Each operation unit 3 receives operation input from the outside (for example, from a user). In the example of FIGS. 1A and 2, the user interface 13 includes an ON button 31, an OFF button 32, a temperature DOWN button 33, a temperature UP button 34, and a sleep button 35 as the five operation units 3. Each button (31-35) includes a push-button switch and a resin operating member 300 disposed on the front surface of the switch. Each switch is mounted on a printed circuit board within the housing 100. When the user pushes in one of the five operating members 300 exposed from the device body 100, the contact point of the switch on the back side is turned on, and the control unit 10 indicates that the corresponding operating unit 3 has received an operating input from the user. Detect.

The ON button 31 is an operation button for starting the operation of the device 2. The OFF button 32 is a stop button for stopping the operation of the device 2. The temperature DOWN button 33 is a button for lowering the set temperature by 1°C. The temperature UP button 34 is a button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C. The sleep button 35 is a button for automatically stopping the operation of the device 2, for example, one hour after the button is pressed. That is, as an example, the functions of the five operation sections 3 partially overlap with the functions of the plurality of operation sections 26 on the device 2 side.

Each time each operating section 3 receives a push operation (operation input), the transmitting section 11 transmits the infrared signal S1 once. One infrared signal S1 here means, for example, a signal starting with a leader code and ending with a stop bit (including repeats if repeated).

By the way, in order to reduce the possibility that the device 2 will start operating unintentionally due to a user carelessly stepping on the controller 1 or a child touching the controller 1, in this embodiment, as an example, the ON button 31 is pressed. It is assumed that a double-press operation is required only for . That is, unless the user presses the ON button 31 twice in succession, the device 2 will not start operating. With respect to the other buttons (32 to 35), when pressed once, the device 2 executes the corresponding control, but "pushing twice" may also be applied to the other buttons. Further, the button is not limited to "pushing twice", and a button that requires pressing three or more times may be set.

The storage unit 12 includes an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 12 may be a memory of the control unit 10. The storage unit 12 stores in advance information regarding the infrared signal S1 transmitted from the transmitting unit 11. That is, the storage unit 12 stores in advance information regarding the corresponding control data (data code) to be included in the infrared signal S1 when each button (31 to 35) is pressed. Below, control data corresponding to the ON button 31, OFF button 32, temperature DOWN button 33, temperature UP button 34, and sleep button 35 will be described as first control data, second control data, third control data, and fourth control data. , and fifth control data.

In particular, the storage unit 12 stores in advance a plurality of different data as the corresponding control data only for the ON button 31 that requires "twice pressing". As an example, the storage unit 12 stores in advance two different types of data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ON1" data and "ON2" data) as first control data corresponding to the ON button 31. The storage unit 12 may store three or more different types of data (for example, “ON1” data, “ON2” data, “ON3” data, etc.) in advance as the first control data corresponding to the ON button 31. good.

In addition to the ON button 31, a button that requires "twice pressing" may be set (for example, the OFF button 32). In that case, the storage unit 12 stores in advance two or more types of different data (for example, “OFF1” data, “OFF2” data, “OFF3” data, etc.) as second control data corresponding to the OFF button 32. You may. Needless to say, the "OFF1" data, "OFF2" data, "OFF3" data, etc. corresponding to the OFF button 32 are the "ON1" data, "ON2" data, "ON3" data corresponding to the ON button 31, respectively. This is data that does not match any of the following.

The power supply section 14 is electrically connected to the control section 10. The power supply unit 14 may include, for example, one or more primary batteries. The primary battery is, for example, a button battery. The primary battery is housed in the container 100 in a replaceable manner. The power supply unit 14 generates operating power for the control unit 10 and the like using DC power discharged from the primary battery, and supplies the operating power to the control unit 10 .

The control unit 10 controls the transmitting unit 11, the user interface 13, the storage unit 12, the power supply unit 14, and the like. When the user performs a push operation on any of the five operating units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the control unit 10 controls the transmitting unit 11 to transmit control data (first to first buttons) corresponding to the button. 5 control data) is sent out (transmitted) from the transmitter 11.

Under the control of the control unit 10, when the transmission unit 11 receives an operation input multiple times in succession within a certain period of time, the transmission unit 11 transmits the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 at least once as the infrared signal S1. The transmission signal (infrared signal S1) for a plurality of times is transmitted so that each signal is included. In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of times described above is two times. The above-mentioned fixed period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited. If the ON button 31, which requires two presses, is pressed twice in a row within the above-mentioned fixed period, the control unit 10 causes the transmission unit 11 to transmit two infrared signals S1. .

The control unit 10 includes a timer. When the control unit 10 receives the first press operation on the ON button 31, the control unit 10 causes the first infrared signal S11 to be transmitted, and further starts measuring the above-mentioned fixed period with the timer. do. That is, the starting point of the above-mentioned fixed period is the time when the first press operation on the ON button 31 is received. When the control unit 10 receives a second press operation on the ON button 31 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it causes the second infrared signal S12 to be transmitted.

Even if the control unit 10 receives a third or subsequent press operation on the ON button 31 within the above-mentioned fixed period, the control unit 10 ignores the press operation and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. However, the control unit 10 may transmit the signal each time the third or subsequent press operation is performed (the third and subsequent infrared signals S1 may be treated as invalid on the device 2 side). Further, even if the control unit 10 receives the first press operation on the ON button 31 and then receives the second press operation on a button other than the ON button 31, the control unit 10 ignores the press operation and sends the infrared signal S1. will not be sent.

When the control unit 10 measures the end point of the above-mentioned fixed period using the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next push operation accepted by the ON button 31 as the first push operation.

Here, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 selects either "ON1" data or "ON2" data in response to the first press operation on the ON button 31, and controls the selected data in the first control. The first infrared signal S11 included as data is transmitted from the transmitter 11. Further, in response to the second press operation on the ON button 31, the control unit 10 transmits a second infrared signal S12 containing the other data not selected in the first time as the first control data from the transmitting unit 11. let In other words, when the transmitter 11 receives the first operation input on the operation section 3 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it transmits the first infrared signal S11, and when it subsequently receives the second operation input, A second infrared signal S12 is transmitted.

In short, when the ON button 31 receives two consecutive push operations within the above-mentioned fixed period, the first infrared signal S11 and the The second infrared signal S12 is transmitted from the transmitter 11.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that in response to the first push operation, which of the "ON1" data and the "ON2" data to include in the infrared signal S1 is randomly selected each time. For example, the control unit 10 randomly selects either "ON1" data or "ON2" data in response to the first push operation, and transmits the selected data included in the first infrared signal S11. Then, in response to the second push operation, the control unit 10 transmits the other data that was not selected at random in the second infrared signal S12.

Alternatively, it may be fixed in advance which of the "ON1" data and "ON2" data to select and include in the infrared signal S1 for the first push operation and the second push operation, respectively. For example, the control unit 10 always includes "ON1" data in the first infrared signal S11 for the first push operation, and always includes "ON2" data in the second infrared signal S12 for the second push operation. You may include them in the file and send them separately. Conversely, the control unit 10 always includes "ON2" data in the first infrared signal S11 for the first push operation, and always includes "ON1" data in the second infrared signal S11 for the second push operation. They may be included in S12 and transmitted separately.

In short, it is only necessary that the first control data in the two infrared signals S1 transmitted in response to the "twice press" are different from each other.

In the example of FIG. 2, the first infrared signal S11 including "ON1" data (see rectangular wave W1) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to the first push operation. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 2, the second infrared signal S12 including "ON2" data (see rectangular wave W2) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to the second push operation.

The rectangular wave W1 and the rectangular wave W2 in FIG. 2 are excerpted from the beginning of each data code so that it is easy to intuitively understand that "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different from each other. Shown schematically. “ON1” data (rectangular wave W1) includes “0” data at the beginning of the data code, with the length of the ON period (lighting period of the infrared light emitting element) and the OFF period (lighting out period of the infrared light emitting element) being the same. There is. The "ON2" data (rectangular wave W2) includes "1" data whose OFF period is longer than the ON period.

That is, the fact that "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different corresponds to the fact that although the corresponding control content is the same "start of operation", the content of the data code (for example, 8-bit data) is different. For example, if "ON2" data includes more "1" data than "ON1" data, the data length of "ON2" data may be longer.

On the other hand, the control unit 20 of the device 2 executes a specific operation in response to a remote control to the controller 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the specific operation is an operation of "starting operation" of the device 2 that requires "two presses" on the controller 1. The control unit 20 executes a specific operation (operation to start operation) when a specific condition is satisfied. The specific conditions are sent from the controller 1 (including different first control data) when the ON button 31 is "pushed twice" to instruct the controller 1 to start operation. The device 2 receives two infrared signals S1. More specifically, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives multiple (here, two) transmission signals (infrared signal S1) (including different first control data) within a predetermined period. . The above predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited.

The control unit 20 of the device 2 also uses a timer to measure the above predetermined period. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S1 including the first control data, it starts counting the above-mentioned predetermined period. That is, the starting point of the above-mentioned predetermined period is the time when the infrared signal S1 including the first control data is received for the first time. When the control unit 20 receives the infrared signal S1 including the second first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it determines whether the second first control data is different from the first first control data. judge. Even if the control unit 20 receives the third infrared signal S1 including the first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it is treated as invalid.

As an example, the above-described fixed period measured by the control unit 10 of the controller 1 using a timer and the above-mentioned predetermined period measured by the control unit 20 of the device 2 using a timer have the same length (for example, several seconds). However, they do not have to be exactly the same.

When the control unit 20 of the device 2 measures the end point of the predetermined period using the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next reception of the infrared signal S1 including the first control data as the first reception.

Also in the storage unit 24 of the device 2, “ON1” data and “ON2” data as the first control data are stored in advance in association with the control content of the operation of starting the operation of the device 2. The control unit 20 of the device 2 determines that the two infrared signals S1 received within the above-mentioned predetermined period include first control data corresponding to the control content of starting operation, and that the “ON1” and “ON2” data are respectively included. If it is determined that it is included (the order of reception does not matter), the device 2 starts operating.

Needless to say, even if the ON button 31 is pressed twice while the device 2 is in operation, the infrared signal S1 is treated as invalid on the device 2 side. Even if the OFF button 32 is pressed while the device 2 is stopped, the infrared signal S1 is treated as invalid on the device 2 side.

(4) Flow of Controller Operation The following describes the sequence of operations of the controller 1 with reference to FIG. 3. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is only an example of the flow of the operation of the controller 1 according to the present invention, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, and processing may be added or omitted as appropriate.

The controller 1 (control unit 10 thereof) constantly monitors whether or not a push operation has occurred on each operation unit 3 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until a push operation occurs on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: No).

When a push operation occurs on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: Yes), the controller 1 starts measuring time for a certain period of time, for example, at that timing (step ST2).

The controller 1 determines which button (operation unit 3) has been pressed, particularly whether the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3). When the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3: No), it transmits an infrared signal S1 including control data corresponding to the button (step ST4). Then, the controller 1 resets the time measurement for a certain period (step ST12), and returns to the standby state waiting for the occurrence of a push operation again.

On the other hand, when the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3: Yes), it randomly selects one from "ON1" and "ON2" (step ST5). The controller 1 includes the selected data as first control data in the infrared signal S1 and transmits it (step ST6).

Then, the controller 1 monitors whether a second push operation has occurred (step ST7). When the fixed period ends (step ST8: Yes) without the occurrence of the second push operation (step ST7: No), the controller 1 resets the time measurement for the fixed period (step ST12), and the push operation occurs again. Returns to standby state waiting for That is, the controller 1 waits for the second push operation to occur until the fixed period ends (step ST8: No).

When a second push operation occurs before the fixed period ends (step ST7: Yes), the controller 1 determines which button (operation section 3) was pressed, and in particular whether the ON button 31 was pressed again. Determination is made (step ST9).

When the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed again (step ST9: Yes), the controller 1 transmits the infrared signal S1 including the data not selected in step ST5 as first control data (step ST11). Then, the controller 1 resets the time measurement for a certain period at the timing when the infrared signal S1 is transmitted in ST11 (or waits until the end of the certain period and at the timing when it ends) (step ST12), and waits for the occurrence of a push operation again. Return to standby state.

Note that if the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed before the fixed period ends (step ST9: No), it does not transmit the infrared signal S1 corresponding to that button. That is, the controller 1 treats the push operation as invalid (step ST10), resets the time measurement for a certain period (step ST12), and returns to the standby state in which it waits for the push operation to occur.

After the controller 1 receives two presses of the ON button 31, the controller 1 may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) in which no matter which button is pressed, the infrared signal S1 is not transmitted and treated as invalid. .

(5) Flow of the operation of the device Hereinafter, the flow of the operation of the device 2 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is only an example of the flow of the operation of the device 2 according to the present invention, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, and processing may be added or omitted as appropriate. Note that here, the operation of the device 2 in response to the infrared signal S1 received from the controller 1 will be explained, and the explanation of the operation in response to the operation on the operation unit 26 of the device 2 will be omitted.

The device 2 (control unit 20 thereof) consumes standby power in the power-on state and monitors whether or not the infrared signal S1 is received during the standby state (step ST21). The device 2 waits until it receives the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: No).

When receiving the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: Yes), the device 2 starts measuring a predetermined period of time, for example, at that timing (step ST22). The device 2 extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST23).

The device 2 determines which control content the extracted control data corresponds to, in particular, whether it is the first control data corresponding to the start of operation of the device 2 that requires "two presses" (step ST24). ). If the device 2 determines that the control data is other than the first control data (step ST24: No), it executes the control content corresponding to the control data (step ST25). Then, the device 2 resets the time measurement for the predetermined period (step ST33) and returns to the standby state waiting for reception of the infrared signal S1 again.

On the other hand, when the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST24: Yes), the device 2 temporarily stores the first control data (“ON1” or “ON2”) in the storage unit 24. (step ST26). Then, the device 2 waits for reception of the next infrared signal S1 (step ST27). When the predetermined period ends (step ST28: Yes) without receiving the second infrared signal S1 (step ST27: No), the device 2 resets the time measurement for the predetermined period (step ST33) and receives the infrared signal S1 again. Returns to standby state waiting for reception. That is, the device 2 waits to receive the second infrared signal S1 until the predetermined period ends (step ST28: No).

If the second infrared signal S1 is received before the predetermined period ends (step ST27: Yes), the device 2 extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST29).

The device 2 determines to which control content the extracted control data corresponds, particularly whether it is the first control data corresponding to the start of operation of the device 2 (step ST30).

If the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST30: Yes), then the second first control data is the first first control data received in step ST21. It is determined whether or not they do not match (step ST31). If the first control data of the second time does not match the first control data of the first time (step ST31: Yes), the device 2 starts operating, that is, starts operating the heating source 21 and the blower fan 22. (Step ST32). Then, the device 2 resets the time measurement for the predetermined period (step ST33) and returns to the standby state waiting for reception of the infrared signal S1 again.

Note that if the device 2 determines that the control data received before the end of the predetermined period is control data other than the first control data (step ST30: No), it does not execute the control content corresponding to the control data. That is, the device 2 treats the control data as invalid (step ST34), resets the time measurement for a predetermined period (step ST33), and returns to the standby state waiting for reception of the infrared signal S1 again. In short, if the device 2 receives control data other than the first control data after receiving the first control data, the device 2 discards the command from the controller 1.

Furthermore, even if the second first control data matches the first first control data (step ST31: No), the device 2 does not execute the control content corresponding to the control data. That is, the device 2 does not start operation, treats its control data as invalid (step ST34), resets the time measurement for a predetermined period (step ST33), and returns to the standby state waiting for reception of the infrared signal S1 again. In short, if the device 2 receives the same first control data twice in a row, it discards the command from the controller 1.

After the device 2 starts operating, it may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) in which any control data it receives is treated as invalid without executing the corresponding control content for a while.

(6) Effect In the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, when the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31) that requires a “two press” receives “two presses” within a certain period of time, different data will be displayed. Two infrared signals S1 are transmitted such that the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 containing the above are included once each. Therefore, even if the user tries to make the smart remote control learn the functions of the controller 1, the first infrared signal containing the first control data (for example, "ON1" data) transmitted from the controller 1 in response to the first operation input is Only S11 is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. In other words, the smart remote control assumes that infrared signals with different data ("ON1", "ON2") will be transmitted when the same button is pressed the first time and the second time, even if the same button is pressed repeatedly. It is unlikely that the product was manufactured using As a result, even if the user taps the corresponding icon twice on the screen of the mobile device in the same way as pressing the ON button 31 twice on the controller 1, the smart remote control will simply read the "ON1" data. The infrared signal including the above information is simply transmitted to the device 2 twice in succession. Then, the device 2 determines in step ST31 of FIG. 4 that the second first control data matches the first first control data, and the start of operation is not executed. In this way, it is possible to contribute to preventing the smart remote controller from learning, and to reduce the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely operated from a place where it cannot be seen.

Further, in the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, since the specific condition is that the device 2 receives two infrared signals S1 within a predetermined period, the user may unintentionally perform a specific operation (for example, start operation). This reduces the possibility that the following actions will be executed.

In addition, in the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, since the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31) requires two operation inputs within a certain period of time, the user may unintentionally perform a specific operation (for example, the operation to start operation). This can reduce the possibility that this will be executed. Further, compared to a case where operation input is required three or more times, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience.

In the device 2 according to the present embodiment, even if two infrared signals are received from the smart remote controller, it is determined in step ST31 of FIG. 4 that the first control data of the second time matches the first control data of the first time. Therefore, the start of operation will not be executed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely operated from a place where it cannot be visually recognized.

In particular, in the case of the device 2 equipped with a gas combustion type heating source 21 as in this embodiment, unlike home appliances such as television receivers, air conditioners, and air purifiers, the device 2 is placed in a place where the user cannot directly see the device 2 ( For example, it may be undesirable for the device to be remotely controlled from another room or outside. In this respect, the device 2 according to the present embodiment can reduce the possibility of being remotely operated from a location that cannot be visually recognized.

(7) Modifications The embodiments described above are only some of the various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

Functions similar to those of the controller 1 according to the embodiment described above may be realized by a method for controlling the controller 1, a computer program, a non-temporary recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, or the like.

One control method according to the present invention wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium (infrared signal S1) to a device 2 that executes a specific operation (for example, an operation of starting operation of the device 2) when a specific condition is met. This is a control method of the controller 1 for transmitting data. This control method includes a transmitting step of transmitting an infrared signal S1 when the operation unit 3 receives an operation input from the outside once. In the sending step, when a plurality of operation inputs are received consecutively within a certain period of time, the plurality of operation inputs are sent so that the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 are included at least once each as the infrared signal S1. Transmit an infrared signal S1. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the infrared signal S1 for multiple times in the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 include mutually different data. One program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

Further, the same functions as the device 2 according to the embodiment described above may be realized by a method for controlling the device 2, a computer program, a non-temporary recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, or the like.

Another control method according to the present invention is a method of controlling a device 2 that communicates with a controller 1. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving an infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, and a control step of executing a specific operation (for example, operation start operation). In the control step, a specific operation is executed when specific conditions are met. Another program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

In the above embodiment, the controller 1 randomly selects one of "ON1" data and "ON2" data as the first control data when the first push operation is received, and when it receives the second push operation. , the other one that was not selected in the first press operation is selected. For example, the storage unit 12 may store in advance three or more different types of data (for example, five types of data "ON1" to "ON5") as the first control data. In this case, naturally, the storage unit 24 of the device 2 also stores five types of data "ON1" to "ON5" in advance. When controller 1 receives the first push operation, it randomly selects one from the "ON1" to "ON5" data, and when it receives the second push operation, it selects one of the data that was not selected in the first push operation. One of the four is selected at random again and sent. The device 2 starts operation upon receiving two different types of data as the first control data.

Alternatively, the controller 1 may select the first control data not at random but according to a specific law. For example, the controller 1 may cyclically select three or more types of data (for example, five types of data "ON1" to "ON5") in sequence. When the controller 1 receives the first push operation, it selects "ON1" data, and when it receives the second push operation, it selects "ON2" data. When the controller 1 receives the first push operation, it selects the "ON3" data, and when it receives the second push operation, it selects the "ON4" data. When the controller 1 receives the first push operation, it selects "ON5" data, and when it receives the second push operation, it selects "ON1" data.

Further, three or more presses (for example, three presses) may be applied to the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31). Naturally, the device 2 also knows the control details that require "three presses." In this case, it is sufficient that at least two of the three times of control data are different from each other. For example, the control data for three times may be "ON1", "ON2", and "ON3" data regardless of the transmission order (all do not match), or may be "ON1", "ON1", and "ON2" (partially may be "ON2", "ON2", or "ON3" (partially mismatched).

In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the infrared signal S1 transmitted the first time in response to "push twice" is called the first infrared signal S11, and the infrared signal S1 transmitted the second time is called the second infrared signal S11. It is called signal S12. However, "first" and "second" in the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 are not necessarily intended to indicate the transmission order, but simply to distinguish two infrared signals S1 containing different data. It is simply called this name for the purpose of doing so. The second infrared signal S12 may be transmitted the first time, and the first infrared signal S11 may be transmitted the second time.

Further, it is assumed that three infrared signals S1 (first to third infrared signals) require three or more presses (for example, four presses) and include, for example, "ON1" to "ON3" data, respectively. In that case, the first infrared signal S11 containing "ON1" is transmitted the first and second times, the second infrared signal S12 containing "ON2" is transmitted thirdly, and the third infrared signal S12 containing "ON3" is transmitted fourthly. A signal may be transmitted respectively. In other words, two or more infrared signals S1 containing mutually different data only need to be transmitted somewhere in the plurality of infrared signals S1, so that "ON1" is transmitted in the first and second times. Some parts may be sent in duplicate.

1 Controller 11 Transmission section 2 Device 20 Control section 21 Heating source 23 Receiving section 3 Operation section S1 Infrared signal (transmission signal)
S11 First infrared signal S12 Second infrared signal

Claims (8)

A controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays to a device that performs a specific operation when specific conditions are met,
an operation section that accepts operation input from the outside;
a transmitter that transmits the transmission signal when the operation input is received once by the operation unit;
When the transmission unit receives the operation input a plurality of times in a row within a certain period of time, the transmission unit receives the operation input for the plurality of times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and a second infrared signal. transmitting said transmission signal of;
The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the plurality of transmission signals in the device,
the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include mutually different data;
controller. The specific condition is that the device receives the plurality of transmission signals within a predetermined period;
The controller according to claim 1. The plurality of times is two times,
The transmitter is configured to transmit the first infrared signal when the operation unit receives the operation input for the first time within the certain period of time, and transmits the first infrared signal when the operation input is received for the second time. Sends 2 infrared signals,
The controller according to claim 1 or 2. a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
A control unit that executes the specific operation,
The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.
device. Additionally equipped with a gas combustion type heating source,
The specific operation is an operation related to the heating source,
The device according to claim 4. A control method for a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device that executes a specific operation when specific conditions are met,
a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal when the operation input is received once by the operation unit that accepts the operation input from the outside;
In the sending step, when the operation input is received a plurality of times in a row within a certain period of time, the transmission signal is transmitted for the plurality of times so that the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal are included at least once each as the transmission signal. transmitting said transmission signal of;
The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the plurality of transmission signals in the device,
the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include mutually different data;
Control method. A method for controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller;
a control step of executing the specific operation,
In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied.
Control method. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to claim 6 or 7.

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