JP2023141811A - 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 instrument body, a detection portion D1 that detects vibrations of the instrument body, an operation portion 3 that accepts operation input from the outside, and a transmission portion 11 that transmits the transmission signal. When the detection portion D1 detects vibration, the transmission portion 11 changes the state from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal. When the transmission portion 11 receives one operation input from the operating portion 3 in the command state, the transmission portion transmits a second infrared signal S12 as a transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 in the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 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 a container body, a detection part provided in the container body to detect vibrations of the container body, an operation part provided in the container body and receiving an operation input from the outside, and a detection part provided in the container body and configured to receive an operation input from the outside. , a transmitter that transmits the transmission signal. When the detection unit detects the vibration, the transmission unit changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal as the transmission signal. When the operation unit receives the operation input once in the command state, the transmission unit transmits a second infrared signal as the transmission signal. The specific conditions are conditions regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal 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 such that the second receiving an infrared signal at least once.

In the controller according to the invention of claim 3, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1 or 2, after transmitting the first infrared signal once, the transmitter receives the first operation input from the operation unit. If the operation input is accepted, the second infrared signal is transmitted, and if the second operation input is subsequently accepted, the second infrared signal is transmitted again.

In the controller according to the invention according to claim 4, in the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the transmitting section detects the vibration and changes the state from the standby state to the command state. After a certain period of time has passed, the command state returns to the standby state.

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

The device according to the invention of claim 6 is the device according to the invention of claim 5, 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 seventh 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 detection step of detecting vibration of a body of the controller, a first transmission step, and a second transmission step. In the first transmitting step, when the vibration is detected in the detecting step, the standby state is changed to a command state, and a first infrared signal is transmitted as the transmitting signal. In the second transmitting step, in the command state, when the operation unit of the controller receives one operation input, a second infrared signal is transmitted as the transmission signal. The specific conditions are conditions regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal in the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include different data.

The control method according to the invention of claim 8 is a method of controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 4. 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 9 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 7 or 8.

In the controller according to the invention of claim 1, when the detection section detects vibration, the first infrared signal is transmitted, and when the operation section receives one operation input, data different from the first infrared signal is transmitted. A second infrared signal is transmitted containing the second infrared signal. Then, the device executes the specific operation only when the conditions regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal are satisfied. 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 second infrared signal sent in response to the operation input to the control panel will be copied to the smart remote control, and the smart remote control will 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, since the specific condition is that the device receives the second infrared signal at least once within the predetermined period, the specific operation may be executed without the user's intention. Possibility can be reduced.

In the controller according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device will be remotely operated from a place where the device cannot be visually recognized, regarding a specific operation (for example, operation start operation) that requires two consecutive operation inputs to the operation unit.

In the controller according to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the controller returns from the command state to the standby state after a certain period of time has passed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the command state continues unintentionally by the user.

In the device according to the fifth aspect of the invention, there is a high possibility that only the second infrared signal transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit is copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, the possibility of receiving the first infrared signal from the smart remote control is low, and the specific operation is not 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 sixth 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 seventh 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 eighth 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.

The program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention can provide a function that reduces the possibility that the device will be remotely operated from a place where it 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 transmits a transmission signal (wireless signal, hereinafter also referred to as "infrared signal S1") using infrared rays as a medium, which is wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a user's operation on the operation unit 3 of the controller 1. and executes control according to the data (control data) included in the infrared signal S1. Further, the device 2 also receives the infrared signal S1 wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 when vibration of the container body 100 (see FIG. 2) of the controller 1 is detected.

Hereinafter, the infrared signal S1 sent from the controller 1 in response to vibration detection of the device body 100 of the controller 1 will be referred to as a first infrared signal S11, and the infrared signal S1 sent from the controller 1 in response to the user's operation on the operation unit 3 of the controller 1 The transmitted infrared signal S1 may also be referred to as a second infrared signal S12.

In particular, the device 2 is configured to perform a specific action when a specific condition is met. The specific conditions are conditions regarding reception of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 in the device 2. That is, the specific condition is a condition that requires the device 2 to receive at least the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12.

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.

The specific operation may be any operation that can be executed by remote control using the controller 1, such as starting the operation of the device 2, stopping the operation of the device 2, adjusting the set temperature, and turning on the sleep timer. may include actions. If the action to start eco-driving can be executed by remote control using the controller 1, the specific action may include 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 heating source 21, the ventilation fan 22, and the display unit 25 based on control data included in the infrared signal S1 (second infrared signal S12) from the controller 1, which is received by the receiving unit 23. etc. However, when the control unit 20 receives the first infrared signal S11, it prepares for the second infrared signal S12 that may be transmitted from the controller 1 based on the control data included in the first infrared signal S11. Become. That is, the control data included in the first infrared signal S11 is control data for notifying the device 2 that the user is likely to operate the operation unit 3 of the controller 1 from now on.

(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. In response to one operation input (push operation) to the operation unit 3 or one vibration detection of the device body 100, the infrared signal S1 may be transmitted by repeating the sequence from the reader code to the stop bit several times. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the infrared signal S1 including repeats is one infrared signal S1.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the controller 1 includes a container body 100, a control section 10, a transmitter 11, a storage section 12, a user interface 13, a power supply section 14, and a detection section D1. 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 houses or holds a control section 10, a transmission section 11, a user interface 13, a storage section 12, a power supply section 14, a detection section D1, and the like.

The transmitter 11 is electrically connected to the controller 10. The transmitter 11 is provided in the vessel 100 and transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). Under the control of the control unit 10, when the detection unit D1 detects vibration, the transmission unit 11 changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits the first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). Further, under the control of the control unit 10, when the operation unit 3 receives one operation input in the command state, the transmission unit 11 transmits the second infrared signal S12 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1).

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 is provided on the container body 100 and 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 unit 3 receives a push operation (operation input), the transmitting unit 11 transmits the infrared signal S1 (second infrared signal S12) once. Here, one infrared signal S1 (S11, S12) 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 second infrared signal S12 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.

Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores in advance information regarding corresponding control data (data code) to be included in the first infrared signal S11 when vibration of the vessel body 100 is detected. Below, the control data corresponding to the vibration detection of the device body 100 may be referred to as preparation data.

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 detection unit D1 is provided in the container body 100 and is configured to detect vibrations of the container body 100. The detection unit D1 includes a sensor (for example, a piezoelectric element type vibration sensor) that detects the vibration of the container body 100 by measuring the acceleration of the container body 100. The detection unit D1 is electrically connected to the control unit 10 and outputs an output signal including a detection result regarding the vibration of the vessel body 100 to the control unit 10. When the signal value (for example, voltage value) of the output signal becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 10 determines that vibration has occurred due to the user holding the device 100 with the hand, and transmits the preparation data to the first infrared ray. It is included in the signal S11 and transmitted from the transmitter 11.

The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11, the user interface 13, the storage unit 12, the power supply unit 14, the detection unit D1, and the like. The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11 when the detection unit D1 detects the vibration of the vessel body 100. The transmitter 11 changes from a standby state to a command state under the control of the controller 10, and sends out (transmits) a first infrared signal S11 including preparation data. Under the control of the control unit 10, when the user presses any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35) in a command state, the transmission unit 11 transmits control data ( A second infrared signal S12 containing any one of the first to fifth control data) is sent out (transmitted).

In particular, for a specific operating unit 3 (in this case, the ON button 31) that requires “pushing twice”, the transmitting unit 11 transmits the first infrared signal S11 once under the control of the control unit 10, and then When a first operation input is received on a specific operation unit 3, a second infrared signal S12 is transmitted. When a second operation input is subsequently received using the same specific operation section 3, the transmitting section 11 transmits the second infrared signal S12 again.

Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmitting unit 11 returns from the command state to the standby state after a certain period of time has passed after the detection unit D1 detects vibration and changes from the standby state to the command state. The above-mentioned fixed period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited. In other words, for the user, in order to start the operation of the device 2, it is necessary to press the ON button 31 twice after the above-mentioned fixed period has passed after gripping the device 100 with the hand. be. As for the other buttons (32 to 35), it is sufficient to press them once within the above-mentioned fixed period after the device body 100 is grasped by hand.

The control unit 10 includes a timer. When the detection unit D1 detects a vibration, the control unit 10 causes the first infrared signal S11 to be transmitted, and further causes the timer to start measuring the above-mentioned fixed period. That is, the starting point of the above-mentioned fixed period is the time when the detection unit D1 detects vibration. When the control section 10 receives a push operation on any of the five operation sections 3 (buttons 31 to 35) within the above-mentioned fixed period, it causes the second infrared signal S12 to be transmitted.

Note that while the user is holding the controller 1, the signal value of the output signal of the detection unit D1 may exceed the threshold value many times. The transmitter 11 may re-measure time for a certain period of time each time the signal value exceeds a threshold value, and transmit the first infrared signal S11 each time. Alternatively, once the transmitting unit 11 starts measuring time for a certain period and transmits the first infrared signal S11, the transmitting unit 11 restarts timekeeping for a certain period and transmits the first infrared signal S11 for a while (for example, several tens of seconds). You may choose to postpone sending it.

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 a second or subsequent operation of the OFF button 32 or the sleep button 35 within the above-mentioned fixed period, the control unit 10 ignores the push operation and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. On the other hand, when the control unit 10 receives a second or subsequent operation of the temperature DOWN button 33 or the temperature UP button 34 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it transmits the second infrared signal S12 each time. 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.

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.

When the timer measures the end point of the fixed period, the control unit 10 resets the timer and monitors the next vibration detection.

In short, the first infrared rays each contain different data (preparation data, any of the first to fifth control data) when vibration of the controller 1 is detected and when each operating unit 3 is pressed. A signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12 are transmitted from the transmitter 11.

In the example of FIG. 2, vibration of the device body 100 is detected due to the user holding the controller 1 with his/her hand, and the controller 1 generates a first infrared signal containing preparation data (refer to the rectangular wave W1). S11 is being sent. In addition, in the example of FIG. 2, the controller 1 generates a signal containing any of the first to fifth control data (refer to the rectangular wave W2) in response to a push operation on any of the five buttons (31 to 35). 2 infrared signal S12 is being transmitted.

The rectangular waves W1 and W2 in FIG. 2 are designed to intuitively understand that the preparation data corresponding to vibration detection and the control data corresponding to the push operation are different from each other. Only some excerpts are shown schematically. The preparation data (rectangular wave W1) corresponding to vibration detection includes "0" data at the beginning of the data code, which has the same length as the ON period (lighting period of the infrared light emitting element) and the OFF period (lighting out period of the infrared light emitting element). Contains. The control data (rectangular wave W2) corresponding to the push operation includes "1" data whose OFF period is longer than the ON period.

In other words, a difference between the preparation data corresponding to vibration detection and the control data corresponding to a push operation corresponds to a difference in the content of the data code (for example, 8-bit data). For example, if the preparation data corresponding to vibration detection includes more "1" data than the control data corresponding to the push operation, the data length of the preparation data may be longer. Naturally, the contents of the data codes (for example, 8-bit data) of the first to fifth control data are different from each other.

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 corresponding to five buttons 31 to 35 provided on the controller 1 (starting the operation of the device 2, stopping the operation, adjusting the set temperature, and operation of the sleep timer). Assumed to include. The control unit 20 executes a corresponding specific operation (for example, operation start operation) when a specific condition is satisfied. The specific condition is that the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12. More specifically, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives the second infrared signal S12 at least once within a predetermined period starting from the time when the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11. 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 S11 including the preparation data, it starts timing the above-mentioned predetermined period. That is, the starting point of the above-mentioned predetermined period is the time when the first infrared signal S11 including the preparation data is received. When the control unit 20 receives the infrared signal S1 including any of the first to fifth control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it determines whether the control data is different from the preparation data. Although the second infrared signal S12 including the first control data needs to be received twice, the control unit 20 receives the second infrared signal S12 including the first control data for the third time within the above predetermined period. Even if received, it will be 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 monitors reception of the first infrared signal S11 including the next preparation data.

Also in the storage unit 24 of the device 2, each of the preparation data and the first to fifth control data is stored in advance in association with the control details of the device 2. The control unit 20 of the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11, and transmits the first control data corresponding to the control content that the two second infrared signals S12 received within the above-mentioned predetermined period indicate the start of operation. If it is determined that it is included, the operation of the device 2 is started.

(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 the presence or absence of vibration in the vessel body 100 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until the vibration of the vessel body 100 is detected (step ST1: No).

When it is determined that there is vibration in the device body 100, that is, when vibration is detected (step ST1: Yes), the controller 1 starts measuring time for a certain period at that timing, for example (step ST2). Further, when vibration is detected, the controller 1 changes from the standby state to the command state and transmits the first infrared signal S11 including preparation data (step ST3).

Next, the controller 1 monitors push operations on each operation unit 3 in the command state (step ST4).

When the controller 1 determines that any button (operation unit 3) has been pressed (step ST4: Yes), it transmits a second infrared signal S12 including control data corresponding to the button (step ST5). Then, the controller 1 checks whether or not the fixed period has ended (step ST6), and when the fixed period has ended (step ST6: Yes), resets the time measurement for the fixed period (step ST7), and returns from the command state. Returns to standby state waiting for vibration detection.

On the other hand, when the fixed period ends (step ST6: Yes) without any push operation occurring (step ST4: No), the controller 1 resets the time measurement for the fixed period (step ST7), and detects vibration again from the command state. Returns to standby state. That is, the controller 1 waits for a push operation to occur in the command state until the fixed period ends (step ST6: No). For example, if the user wants to raise the set temperature by 3° C., the user needs to press the temperature UP button 34 three times before the fixed period ends. For example, if the user wants to start operating the device 2, he or she needs to press the ON button 31 twice in succession before a certain period of time ends. For example, if the user wants to start operating the device 2 and further raise the set temperature by 1°C, the user presses the ON button 31 twice in a row and then presses the temperature UP button 34 once until the end of a certain period of time. You need to press it twice.

Note that, in the controller 1, after the ON button 31 is pressed for the first time, the ON button 31 is not pressed for the second time and a button other than the ON button 31 is pressed. If so, the infrared signal S1 corresponding to that button is not transmitted. That is, the controller 1 treats the push operation as invalid, resets the time measurement for a certain period, and returns to the standby state waiting for vibration detection.

After receiving the two presses of the ON button 31, the controller 1 sets an invalid period (for example, several seconds) in which the second infrared signal S12 is treated as invalid, no matter which button is pressed, without transmitting the second infrared signal S12. It's okay.

(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).

Upon receiving the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: Yes), the device 2 extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST22).

The device 2 determines whether the extracted control data is preparation data (step ST23). When the device 2 determines that the data is preparation data (step ST23: Yes), it starts measuring a predetermined period of time, for example, at that timing (step ST24). Then, the device 2 waits for the second and subsequent reception of the infrared signal S1 (step ST25). Note that when the device 2 determines that the data is not preparation data (step ST23: No), the device 2 invalidates the control data and returns to the standby state waiting for reception of the first infrared signal S1.

When the device 2 receives the second or later infrared signal S1 (step ST25: Yes), it extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST26). When the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is one of the first to fifth control data (step ST27: Yes), it executes the control content corresponding to the control data (step ST28). Although the explanation is omitted, regarding the start of operation, the device 2 does not start the operation unless it receives the second infrared signal S12 containing the first control data twice in a row. The device 2 checks whether the predetermined period has ended (step ST29), and when the predetermined period has ended (step ST29: Yes), resets the time measurement for the predetermined period (step ST30), and again outputs the first infrared signal S1. Returns to standby state waiting for

When the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is not any of the first to fifth control data (step ST27: No), it skips execution of the control content and checks whether the predetermined period has ended. (Step ST29).

When the predetermined period ends (step ST29: Yes) without receiving the second or subsequent infrared signal S1 (step ST25: No), the device 2 resets the time measurement for the predetermined period (step ST30) and restarts the first infrared signal S1. It returns to the standby state waiting for reception of the infrared signal S1. That is, the device 2 waits to receive the second and subsequent infrared signals S1 until the predetermined period ends (step ST29: No).

Note that when the device 2 receives control data other than the first control data without receiving the second first control data after receiving the first control data for the first time, the device 2 does not receive the command from the controller 1. Discard.

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 detection unit D1 detects vibration, the first infrared signal S11 is transmitted, and when the operation unit 3 receives one operation input, the first infrared signal S11 is transmitted. A second infrared signal S12 is transmitted containing data different from signal S11. Then, when the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12, the specific operation is executed. Therefore, even if the user attempts to have the smart remote control learn the functions of the controller, there is a high possibility that only the second infrared signal S12 transmitted in response to the operation input to the operation unit 3 will be copied to the smart remote control. In other words, the smart remote control may have been manufactured assuming that the first infrared signal S11, which is transmitted when the controller 1 detects vibration, is also necessary in order to cause the device 2 to perform a specific operation. is low. As a result, even if the user taps the corresponding icon on the screen of the mobile terminal in the same way as pressing the operation unit 3 on the controller 1, the smart remote control simply sends the second infrared signal S12 to the device 2. Just send it. Then, in the device 2, the command from the smart remote controller is rejected in the determination of the preparation data in step ST23 of FIG. 4, and the specific operation is not executed. In this way, the controller 1 contributes to preventing the smart remote controller from learning, and can reduce the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely operated from a place where it cannot be visually recognized.

Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives the second infrared signal S12 at least once within a predetermined period, so that the specific operation is performed without the user's intention. You can reduce the possibility of being

Further, in the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, after transmitting the first infrared signal S11 once, the transmitting unit 11 transmits the second infrared signal S12 when receiving the first operation input on the operating unit 3. However, when the second operation input is subsequently received, the second infrared signal S12 is transmitted again. Therefore, for example, regarding the operation start operation that requires pressing the operation unit 3 twice, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely operated from a place where it cannot be visually recognized.

Further, in the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, after a certain period of time passes, the controller 1 returns from the command state to the standby state, so it is possible to reduce the possibility that the command state continues unintentionally by the user.

In the device 2 according to the present embodiment, there is a high possibility that only the second infrared signal S12 transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit 3 is copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, the possibility of receiving the first infrared signal S11 from the smart remote controller is low, and the command from the smart remote controller is rejected in the determination of the preparation data in step ST23 in FIG. 4, so that the specific operation is not executed. As a result, it is possible to provide the device 2 in which the possibility of being remotely operated from an invisible location is reduced.

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 is a control method for the controller 1 that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays (infrared signal S1) to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a detection step of detecting vibrations of the vessel body 100 of the controller 1, a first transmission step, and a second transmission step. In the first transmission step, when vibration is detected in the detection step, the standby state changes to the command state, and the first infrared signal S11 is transmitted as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). In the second transmission step, when the operation unit 3 of the controller 1 receives one operation input in the command state, the second infrared signal S12 is transmitted as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). The specific conditions are conditions regarding reception of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 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 a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1, and a control step of executing a specific 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 embodiment described above, the controller 1 always transmits the same preparation data fixedly included in the first infrared signal S11 as control data corresponding to vibration detection of the device body 100. The controller 1 may change the preparation data every time vibration of the vessel body 100 is detected. For example, the storage unit 12 may store in advance two or more different types of data (for example, five types of data "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5") as preparation data. In this case, naturally, five types of data, "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5", are stored in advance in the storage unit 24 of the device 2. When the controller 1 detects a vibration, it randomly selects one of the "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5" data, and when it detects a vibration next, it selects one at random again and transmits each one. The device 2 recognizes any of the "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5" data as preparation data and starts measuring time for a predetermined period.

Alternatively, the controller 1 may select the preparation data not randomly but according to a certain law. For example, the controller 1 may cyclically select two or more types of data (for example, five types of data "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5") each time a vibration is detected.

In this way, the controller 1 makes the contents of the preparation data different each time the vibration of the device body 100 is detected, thereby further reducing the possibility that the preparation data will be copied to the smart remote controller.

Similarly, the controller 1 may change the control data each time it receives an operation input, even if the input is to the same operation unit 3. For example, the storage unit 12 may store in advance two 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 the controller 1 receives the first press operation of the ON button 31, it randomly selects one from the "ON1" to "ON5" data, and then when the controller 1 receives the second press operation of the ON button 31, Select one at random again and send each one. Alternatively, the controller 1 may cyclically select two or more types of data (for example, five types of data "ON1" to "ON5") each time it receives a press operation of the ON button 31. If the device 2 receives any of the "ON1" to "ON5" data twice, it starts operating. The control data for the other buttons (32 to 35) may also be changed each time an operation input is received.

In this way, the controller 1 makes the content of the control data different each time it receives an operation input, even if it is an operation input to the same operation unit 3, thereby further reducing the possibility that it will be copied to the smart remote controller. Become.

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."

1 controller 11 transmitter 100 device 2 equipment 20 controller 21 heating source 23 receiver 3 operating section D1 detector S1 infrared signal (transmission signal)
S11 First infrared signal S12 Second infrared signal

Claims (9)

A controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays to a device that performs a specific operation when specific conditions are met,
The vessel and
a detection unit provided in the vessel body and detecting vibrations of the vessel body;
an operation section provided on the device body and accepting operation input from the outside;
a transmitter provided in the vessel body and configured to transmit the transmission signal;
The transmitter includes:
When the vibration is detected by the detection unit, the standby state changes to a command state, and a first infrared signal is transmitted as the transmission signal,
In the command state, when the operation unit receives the operation input once, transmitting a second infrared signal as the transmission signal,
The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal 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 second infrared signal at least once within a predetermined period starting from the time when the first infrared signal is received.
The controller according to claim 1. After transmitting the first infrared signal once, the transmitting section receives the first operation input at the operation section, transmits the second infrared signal, and then transmits the second operation input. upon receiving the second infrared signal, transmitting the second infrared signal again;
The controller according to claim 1 or 2. The transmitting unit returns from the command state to the standby state after a certain period of time has passed since the detection unit detected the vibration and changed from the standby state to the command state.
The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
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 5. 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 detection step of detecting vibration of a body of the controller;
a first sending step;
a second sending step;
In the first transmission step, when the vibration is detected in the detection step, the standby state changes to a command state, and a first infrared signal is transmitted as the transmission signal,
In the second transmitting step, in the command state, when the operation unit of the controller receives one operation input, transmitting a second infrared signal as the transmission signal;
The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal in the device,
the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include mutually different data;
Control method. A method of controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 7 or 8.

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