JP6284402B2 - Control system and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control system, a terminal device, and a control method, and more particularly to a control system for remotely operating an electric device using a terminal device, a terminal device used in the system, and a control method in the system.

  There has been proposed a control system for remotely operating various electric devices such as air conditioners, lights, and water heaters in a home or office using terminal devices such as smartphones and tablets. As an example, the system outputs a control signal such that the terminal device becomes a control value such as temperature or illuminance specified by the user with respect to the target electric device via the server. The terminal device is equipped with a dedicated application, and accepts a user operation on an operation screen according to the processing in the application. Then, the terminal device transmits a control signal corresponding to the user operation to the server according to the processing in the application. The server and the electric device can communicate with each other using a predetermined protocol, and the control value of the electric device is controlled by a control signal from the server.

JP 2006-203516 A JP 2008-241077 A

  When controlling an electric device by remote control using the terminal device, the user operates within the control value setting range on the operation screen displayed on the terminal device.

  However, the setting range of the electrical device to be controlled may be different from the setting range of the control value on the operation screen on the terminal device side. The present situation is that the countermeasure method in such a case is not proposed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in a control system for controlling an electric device, a setting range of a control value set in the electric device and a setting range defined in the system include An object of the present invention is to provide a control system, a terminal device, and a control method capable of facilitating user operations even in different cases.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a control system is a system for controlling a control value of an electric device using a terminal device, and acquires a current control value of the electric device. Control means for outputting an operation signal in accordance with the user operation to the electric device, and an input means for receiving an input of a user operation for changing the control value of the electric device. A control means for controlling the value, a memory for storing the control value setting range for the electric device in the control means, and a comparison for comparing the current control value with the setting range stored in the memory And the control means does not accept a user operation for changing the control value in the direction away from the setting range at the input means when the current control value is greater than or less than the set range.

  Preferably, the control system displays on the display of the terminal device a display process for displaying an operation screen for operating the control value of the electric device, including an instruction image for instructing a change from the current control value. The display processing means further comprises a user operation using an input means on the operation screen to display an instruction image for changing the control value in a direction away from the setting range when the current control value is greater than or less than the setting range. Display mode is not accepted.

  Preferably, when the display processing means receives a user operation for changing the current control value in a direction approaching the setting range when the current control value is out of the setting range, the display processing unit obtains the most current control value within the setting range. The near control value is displayed on the operation screen as a control value for instructing the electric device.

  Preferably, the control system further includes a second acquisition unit for acquiring a setting range of the control value from the electric device, and the comparison unit includes the setting range stored in the memory and the setting range acquired from the electric device. Is compared with the current control value.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the server is capable of controlling the control value of the electric device, and obtains a current control value of the electric device by communicating with the electric device; An input means for accepting an input of a user operation for changing the control value of the device; a control means for controlling the control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device; A memory for storing a control value setting range for the electrical device in the control means, and a comparison means for comparing the current control value with the setting range stored in the memory, When the control value is equal to or greater than or less than the set range, a user operation for changing the control value away from the set range at the input unit is not accepted.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the terminal device can control the control value of the electric device, and obtains the current control value of the electric device and the user who changes the control value of the electric device. An input means for accepting an operation input, a control means for controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to a user operation, and a control for the electric device by the current control value and the control means A comparison means for comparing with a value setting range, and the control means changes the control value at the input means in a direction away from the setting range when the current control value is greater than or less than the setting range. Does not accept user operations.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the control method is a method of controlling a control value of an electric device using a terminal device, the step of obtaining a current control value of the electric device, and a control value of the electric device A step of receiving an input of a user operation to change the control value, and a step of controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device. Including a step of comparing a control value setting range for an electric device with a current control value, and a user operation for changing the control value in a direction away from the setting range when the current control value is greater than or less than the set range. Not accepted.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the control program is a program for causing a computer to execute control of the control value of the electric device, the step of acquiring the current control value of the electric device, and changing the control value of the electric device. A step of accepting an input of a user operation to be performed and a step of controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device. Including a step of comparing a control value setting range for an electric device with a current control value, and a user operation for changing the control value in a direction away from the setting range when the current control value is greater than or less than the set range. Not accepted.

  According to the present invention, when the electric device is remotely operated using the terminal device, even if the setting range of the control value set in the electric device is different from the setting range defined in the control system User operations can be facilitated.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the control system concerning embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the outline of the apparatus structure of the server contained in a control system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the outline of the apparatus structure of the terminal device contained in a control system. It is a figure showing the operation | movement outline | summary in a control system. It is a figure showing the specific example of the operation screen of a terminal device. It is a figure showing the specific example of the operation screen of a terminal device. It is a figure showing the specific example of the operation screen of a terminal device. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of a server. It is a flowchart showing the specific example of the flow of operation | movement in a server. It is a flowchart showing the specific example of the flow of operation | movement in a server.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the control system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the control system is a server 100 that can communicate with electric devices 300A, 300B, and 300C (also referred to as electric device 300 as a representative) such as an air conditioner (air conditioner) in a home or office. And a terminal device 200 that can communicate with the server 100 using the Internet or the like.

  Communication between electric device 300 and server 100 may be performed via the Internet, or may be performed via a local network such as a home network environment in a house. Furthermore. Communication between the electrical device 300 and the server 100 may be performed via the repeater 400 as illustrated. That is, in this example, it is assumed that the repeater 400 for relaying communication with the server 100 is a separate device independent of the electric device 300, but the function of the repeater 400 is included in the electric device 300. Thus, the electric device 300 and the server 100 may directly communicate with each other.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic device configuration of the server 100. Referring to FIG. 2, server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, a memory 14, and a communication unit 15 for performing communication via the Internet. For example, the memory 14 stores a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 which is a memory for storing a program executed by the CPU 10, and various data such as status information of an electric device described later, and the CPU 10 executes the program. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 that is a memory for serving as a work area when performing the operation, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13 as an example of a large-sized storage device.

  The server 100 may be configured with a general computer. For this reason, FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a general computer. Needless to say, the configuration of the server 100 is not limited to the configuration of FIG. For example, the server 100 may further include an operation unit and a display for receiving a user operation input. The server 100 is not limited to one configured as shown in the figure, but is a server group including a plurality of servers, and the plurality of servers cooperate with the functions provided by the servers. It may work and function.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the terminal device 200. Referring to FIG. 3, terminal device 200 includes a CPU 20 for controlling the entire apparatus, a memory 23, a touch panel 24, and a communication unit 25 for performing communication via the Internet. As an example, the memory 23 includes a ROM 21 that is a memory for storing a program executed by the CPU 20, and a RAM 22 that is a memory for storing a calculation value and a work area when the CPU 20 executes the program. Including.

  The terminal device 200 may be a general terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a small notebook PC (personal computer). Therefore, FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a general tablet or the like. Needless to say, the configuration of the terminal device 200 is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 3. For example, the terminal device 200 may further include a microphone, a speaker, a telephone function, and the like.

<Overview of operation>
The control system according to the present embodiment is used to remotely control an electric device 300 such as an air conditioner in a home or office using a terminal device 200 such as a smartphone or a tablet. A user of the terminal device 200 activates a remote operation application on the terminal device 200 and causes the touch panel 24 to display an operation screen. The user can confirm the current state of the electric device 300 or give a control instruction by performing a touch operation on the operation screen.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of operation in the control system according to the present embodiment. 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating specific examples of operation screens of the terminal device 200. FIG. These screens are requested to the server 100 by the terminal device 200 executing a remote operation application (program), and are displayed on the touch panel 24 based on operation screen information obtained from the server 100.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in terminal device 200, a remote operation application is activated in accordance with an activation instruction from the user (step S1). When the application is activated, a request is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the server 100 in order to display an operation screen (home screen) on the terminal device 200 (step S2). The server 100 that has received the quest acquires the current control value of each registered electric device 300 (step S3) and generates an operation screen (step S4).

  The control value of electric device 300 refers to a value that can be set and changed in accordance with a user operation. When the electrical device 300 is an air conditioner, the control value corresponds to the temperature. When electric device 300 is a water heater, the control value corresponds to the water temperature (hot water temperature). When the electric device 300 is a humidifier or a dehumidifier, the control value corresponds to humidity. When the electric device 300 is a lighting device, the control value corresponds to illuminance. In the case where the electric device 300 is an air cleaner, the control value corresponds to the operating strength (strong, medium, weak, etc.). When the electric device 300 is a storage battery device, the control value corresponds to the remaining battery level or the charge / discharge control possible time.

  The server 100 may inquire each electric device 300 for a control value at the timing when the request is received, and acquire the currently set control value. In this case, the server 100 uses, for example, the control value such as temperature acquired in response to the request as the current control value (for example, current temperature) for the process in step S4.

  Alternatively, the server 100 may acquire a control value from the electric device 300 at a predetermined timing such as a predetermined time interval or when a predetermined event occurs, and may store the control value in the memory 14. That is, the acquisition of the control value from the electric device 300 in step S <b> 3 does not necessarily have to be the timing according to the request from the terminal device 200. In this case, the server 100 reads out a control value such as the temperature of the electric device 300 from the memory in response to the request, and uses it as the current control value (for example, the current temperature) for the process in step S4.

  In step S4, the server 100 generates an operation screen to be displayed on the terminal device 200 for instructing a change in the control value of the electrical device 300. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a remote operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200. Referring to FIG. 5, the operation screen displays an “up” button 51 a as an example of an instruction image for instructing a change in the direction in which the current control value is increased for electric device 300 to be controlled and a direction in which the electric device 300 is lowered. An operation button 51 including a “lower” button 51b as an example of an instruction image for instructing a change in the current value, and a display 52 of a current control value such as a temperature currently set for the air conditioner, for example. Preferably, the operation screen includes an operation screen including an operation button 51 and a display 52 for each registered electrical device 300.

  When the server 100 transmits the operation screen information to the terminal device 200 in response to the request (step S5), the operation screen as shown in FIG. It is displayed (step S6). A user who performs remote operation of the electric device 300 can know the current control value of the electric device 300 such as the current set temperature on the display 52 of the operation screen of FIG. Further, by touching the operation button 51, it is possible to instruct a change in the current control value such as raising or lowering the temperature.

  When a touch on the operation button 51 is received (step S7-1), the operation screen of the terminal device 200 is updated (step S7-2). For example, when the electric device 300 is an air conditioner, when the button 51a is touched, the current temperature display 52 rises to a temperature (for example, 1 ° C.) associated with the “increase” button and instructs the electric device 300. Is displayed. When the button 51b is touched, the current temperature display 52 is displayed as a control value for instructing the electric device 300 by lowering the temperature (for example, 1 ° C.) associated with the “lower” button.

  In order to update the operation screen in step S <b> 7-2, as an example, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating a user operation to the server 100. The server 100 updates the operation screen based on the information, and transmits operation screen information for displaying the updated operation screen to the terminal device 200. As another example, the update of the operation screen may be realized by an application for remote operation of the terminal device 200.

  When a user operation is accepted in step S7-1, the control value is instructed from the terminal device 200 to the server 100 so that the control value is shown in the updated operation screen display 52 (step S8). . When the electric device 300 to be controlled is an air conditioner, the changed temperature is instructed from the terminal device 200 to the server 100 in step S8.

  The server 100 that has received the instruction generates a control signal for changing the control value of the electric device 300 in accordance with the instruction from the terminal device 200 (step S9) and transmits the control signal to the electric device 300 (step S10). Thereby, remote operation of the electric device 300 using the terminal device 200 is realized.

  The transmission of the control signal in step S10 may be performed after a user operation is performed to instruct a change in the control value on the updated operation screen. Thereby, an erroneous operation can be prevented. In addition, after the transmission of the control signal in step S <b> 10, the control value actually set in the electric device 300 may be displayed on the terminal device 200. It can be confirmed whether or not the remote operation has been realized.

  In the control system according to the present embodiment, a setting range of control values for the electric device 300 is defined in advance. For example, when the electrical device 300 to be controlled is an air conditioner, it is defined as 18 ° C. to 32 ° C., and when the electrical device 300 to be controlled is a water heater, 34 ° C. to 42 ° C. 14 is registered in advance. Preferably, the server 100 registers a control value setting range in the memory 14 for each registered electrical device 300.

  However, when the electric device 300 is individually operated using, for example, a dedicated remote controller, the current control value may be greater than or less than the set range. For example, when the electric device 300 to be controlled is an air conditioner, it may be set to 34 ° C. or the like outside the setting range of 18 ° C. to 32 ° C. by individually setting the temperature.

  Therefore, when generating the operation screen in step S4, the server 100 compares the current control value of the electrical device 300 acquired in step S3 with the setting range defined for the electrical device 300. As a result, the server 100 determines whether the current control value is within the set range or greater than or less than the set range, and whether the current control value is greater than or equal to the upper limit value of the set range, It is determined whether the value is equal to or less than the value (step S4-1). In step S4, the server 100 generates an operation screen based on the determination.

  That is, when the server 100 determines in step S4-1 that the current control value of the electrical device 300 to be controlled is greater than or less than the set range, the operation button 51 is generated when the operation screen is generated in step S4. The button (51a or 51b) for changing the control value in the direction away from the setting range is set to a display mode in which a user operation is not accepted on the operation screen. FIG. 6 shows that, as in the above example, the current set temperature of the air conditioner that is the electric device 300 to be controlled is 34 ° C., which is not less than the upper limit (32 ° C.) of the set range 18 ° C. to 32 ° C. It is a figure showing the specific example of the operation screen in the case of being. In the example of FIG. 6, on the operation screen, a button 51a for changing the set temperature away from the set range, that is, in the increasing direction, is displayed in gray. Similarly, when the current set temperature is equal to or lower than the lower limit (18 ° C.) of the set range 18 ° C. to 32 ° C., the button 51b for changing the set temperature in the direction of decreasing is displayed in gray. The

  Preferably, as shown in the display 52 of FIG. 6, it is determined that the current control value of the electrical device 300 to be controlled is greater than or less than the set range in step S4-1. In addition, the current control value of the electric device 300 is displayed on the operation screen. At this time, a setting range in the present control system may also be displayed on the operation screen. By performing this display, the user who performs the remote operation can know the reason for the display mode in which the user operation is not accepted, such as the operation button 51 being grayed out.

  In the above example, the display mode that does not accept user operations is grayed out. The terminal device 200 or the server 100 does not accept the user operation by ignoring the operation signal or not accepting the input of the operation signal even if the touch operation is accepted on the grayed out button. Like that. Other examples of display modes that do not accept user operations include a mode in which the size is reduced or the color is made lighter than buttons that accept user operations. Moreover, not displaying the button may be included.

  By displaying such an operation screen on the terminal device 200, a user who performs a remote operation uses the operation screen to instruct the air conditioner to set a temperature outside the setting range of 18 ° C to 32 ° C. It can be easily known from the operation screen that an instruction to set an external control value cannot be given to the electric device 300.

  Preferably, when the operation screen is updated in accordance with the user operation in step S7-2, the operation screen is updated based on the determination in step S4-1. As an example, when the server 100 receives a user operation for changing the current control value in a direction to approach the setting range on the operation screen, the server 100 instructs the electric device 300 to control a value closest to the current control value within the setting range. The operation screen is updated as indicated by the display 52 as the control value.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the updated operation screen when the “lower” button 51b for changing the set temperature in the direction of lowering the set temperature is touched on the operation screen of FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, when 34 ° C. exceeding the upper limit (32 ° C.) of the setting range 18 ° C. to 32 ° C. is set in the air conditioner that is the electric device 300 to be controlled (FIG. 6), “lower”. When the button 51b is touched, the temperature instructed to the air conditioner is set to 32 ° C., which is the upper limit value of the setting range 18 ° C. to 32 ° C., and is displayed on the display 52. Similarly, if the air conditioner is set to a temperature (for example, 15 ° C.) lower than the lower limit value (18 ° C.) of the setting range 18 ° C. to 32 ° C., if the “Raise” button 51a is touched, the air conditioner is instructed. The temperature is 18 ° C., which is the lower limit value of the setting range 18 ° C. to 32 ° C.

  For the server 100, a change amount of the control value associated with one operation of the operation button 51 is defined in advance. For example, when the electrical device 300 to be controlled is an air conditioner, a change amount such as a change of 1 ° C. each time the operation button 51 is touched is defined for the server 100.

  However, if the server 100 determines in step S4-1 that the current control value of the electrical device 300 to be controlled is out of the setting range, the server 100 instructs the electrical device 300 regardless of a predetermined change amount. The control value to be used is the upper limit value or lower limit value of the setting range. By displaying such an operation screen on the terminal device 200, a user who performs a remote operation can instruct a change in the control value within the setting range on the operation screen from the next operation.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of the server 100 for performing the above operation. Each function of FIG. 8 is mainly realized by the CPU 10 when the CPU 10 of the server 100 reads a program stored in the ROM 11 onto the RAM 12 and executes it. However, at least a part of the functions may be realized by another device configuration shown in FIG. 2 or another hardware configuration such as an electric circuit (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 8, the memory 14 such as the HDD 13 of the server 100 includes a setting range storage unit 141 that is a storage area for storing a control value setting range of the electrical device 300 to be controlled. Preferably, the setting range storage unit 141 stores a setting range for each electric device 300 registered in advance or for each type of the electric device 300.

  Further, referring to FIG. 8, CPU 10 communicates with request input unit 101 for receiving an operation screen display request from terminal device 200 through communication at communication unit 15, and communication with electric device 300 at communication unit 15. An acquisition unit 102 for acquiring the current control value from the electric device 300 and a comparison unit 107 for comparing the current control value with the setting range stored in the memory, Within the setting range, or above or below the setting range, and when it is above or below the setting range, the current control value is above the upper limit value of the setting range or below the lower limit value of the setting range Information of an operation screen including a determination unit 103 for determining whether or not and an operation button 51 to be displayed on the terminal device 200 based on the determination, and the operation screen information to the terminal device 200 is generated. The input of a user operation on the operation screen is received from the terminal device 200 through communication between the display processing unit 104 for performing processing to display the operation screen on the terminal device 200 by transmission and the communication with the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 15. And a control unit 106 for controlling a control value of the electric device 300 by outputting an operation signal in accordance with a user operation to the electric device 300.

  When the determination unit 103 determines that the current control value is greater than or less than the set range, the display processing unit 104 changes the control value of the operation buttons 51 in a direction away from the set range. Alternatively, a display mode in which a user operation is not accepted, such as graying out 51b on the operation screen, is adopted.

  Furthermore, the display processing unit 104 preferably receives a user operation for changing the current control value in a direction to approach the setting range on the operation screen when the current control value is outside the setting range. The control value closest to the control value, that is, the value closer to the current control value of the upper limit value or lower limit value of the setting range is displayed on the operation screen as the control value instructing the electric device 300.

<Operation flow>
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing specific examples of the flow of operations in the server 100. FIG. 9 and 10 show the flow of operations of the server 100 when the electric device 300 to be controlled is an air conditioner. 9 and 10 is realized by the CPU 10 of the server 100 reading out and executing the program stored in the ROM 11 onto the RAM 12 and exhibiting the functions shown in FIG. 9 and 10 is started when the server 100 receives a request for displaying an operation screen of an air conditioner from the terminal device 200.

  Referring to FIG. 9, first, CPU 10 communicates with an air conditioner that is electrical device 300 to be controlled, thereby acquiring the temperature currently set for the air conditioner (step S <b> 101). Here, the CPU 10 may read the temperature acquired from the air conditioner in advance at a predetermined timing and stored in the memory as the currently set temperature from the memory.

  The CPU 10 compares the temperature currently set for the air conditioner with the set range for the air conditioner stored in the memory, and the temperature currently set for the air conditioner is within the set range or above or below the set range. (Step S103), whether the current temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value of the setting range or exceeds the upper limit value, or lower than the lower limit value of the setting range or lower than the lower limit value (step S105) . Then, the CPU 10 generates operation screen information for displaying the operation screen on the terminal device 200 based on the determination (step S107 or S107 ').

  If the currently set temperature is within the set range (NO in step S103), the CPU 10 subsequently performs a normal remote operation operation. The operation is not limited to a specific operation.

  Specifically, when the currently set temperature is equal to or higher than the set range (YES in step S103 and YES in step S105), the CPU 10 operates the operation screen as a process for generating the operation screen information in step S107. The process of displaying the currently set temperature acquired in step S101 (step # 11) and the process of graying out and displaying the “increase” button 51a (step # 12) are executed. And CPU10 displays the operation screen on the touch panel 24 of the terminal device 200 by transmitting the produced | generated operation screen information with respect to the terminal device 200 (step S109). Thereby, for example, an operation screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the terminal device 200.

  When the CPU 10 receives a temperature instruction based on the touch on the operation screen from the terminal device 200 (YES in step S111), the CPU 10 specifies the changed temperature of the air conditioner (step S115). If the currently set temperature exceeds the upper limit value of the setting range, the “decrease” button 51b is displayed on the operation screen so that it can be operated. Therefore, in step S111, an instruction to lower the set temperature is given. Will be accepted.

  In this case, the CPU 10 sets the temperature after the change of the air conditioner as the upper limit value of the setting range in step S115, even though a temperature to be changed in advance, such as 1 ° C., is specified for the “lower” button 51b. Identify. When the currently set temperature is the upper limit value itself of the setting range, the CPU 10 changes the temperature that is changed in advance from the currently set temperature according to the touch of the “decrease” button 51b (for example, 1 ° C.). ) Specify the changed temperature as the temperature after the change of the air conditioner.

  The CPU 10 updates the operation screen so that the temperature display 52 becomes the changed temperature, and updates the operation screen of the terminal device 200 by transmitting the updated operation screen information to the terminal device 200 (step S119). Thereby, the operation screen of the terminal device 200 is updated as shown in FIGS.

  The CPU 10 transmits a control signal for setting the set temperature of the air conditioner to the changed temperature specified in step S115, to the air conditioner (step S121). As a result, the set temperature of the air conditioner is set to the temperature shown in the temperature display 52 on the updated operation screen.

  If the currently set temperature is outside the set range (YES in step S103 and NO in step S105), CPU 10 generates operation screen information in step S107 ′ with reference to FIG. As the processing to be performed, processing for displaying the currently set temperature acquired in step S101 on the operation screen (step # 21) and processing for displaying the “decrease” button 51b grayed out (step # 22) are executed. To do. And CPU10 displays the operation screen on the touch panel 24 of the terminal device 200 by transmitting the produced | generated operation screen information with respect to the terminal device 200 (step S109).

  When the CPU 10 receives a temperature instruction based on the touch on the operation screen from the terminal device 200 (YES in step S111), the CPU 10 specifies the temperature after the change of the air conditioner (step S115 '). If the currently set temperature is lower than the lower limit value of the setting range, the “up” button 51a is displayed on the operation screen so that it can be operated. Therefore, in step S111, an instruction to increase the set temperature is given. Will be accepted. In this case, the CPU 10 specifies the temperature after the change of the air conditioner as the lower limit value of the setting range in step S115 '. When the currently set temperature is the lower limit value itself of the setting range, the CPU 10 changes the above-mentioned temperature (for example, 1 ° C.) from the currently set temperature according to the touch of the “raise” button 51a. ) Specify the changed temperature as the temperature after the change of the air conditioner.

  The CPU 10 updates the operation screen so that the temperature display 52 becomes the changed temperature, and updates the operation screen of the terminal device 200 by transmitting the updated operation screen information to the terminal device 200 (step S119). Thereby, the operation screen of the terminal device 200 is updated as shown in FIGS.

<Effect of Embodiment>
By performing the above operation in the present control system, a user who remotely operates the electric device using the terminal device 200 controls the electric device on the operation screen displayed on the terminal device 200 using the present control system. It is possible to prevent an operation for setting a control value outside the value setting range. Further, the user can easily know that a control value outside the setting range in the control system cannot be set on the operation screen for the electric device. That is, user operation can be facilitated.

  In particular, when the control value currently set for the electrical equipment to be controlled, such as the temperature setting of the air conditioner, is greater than or less than the set range of this control system, it will “rise” in the same way as the normal operation screen. If both the button 51a and the “down” button 51b are displayed so as to be operable, the user may instruct change even if the control value is outside the setting range. Therefore, when the operation screen as described above is displayed on the terminal device 200, the user does not give an instruction to change to a control value outside the setting range.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above example, an “up” button that is an instruction image arranged on the operation screen when the currently set control value of the electric device to be controlled is a value that is greater than or less than the set range in this control system 51a also grays out the “down” button 51b so that these user operations are not accepted. As another example, it is conceivable to instruct a change in the control value using a hard key (not shown) included in the terminal device 200. In this case, as another example of the control system, the terminal device 200 or the server 100 ignores the operation signal or does not accept the input of the operation signal even when the operation signal is input by pressing these hard keys. By doing so, user operations are not accepted.

[Third Embodiment]
In the above example, the setting range registered in advance in the memory 14 of the server 100 is compared with the current control value (temperature, etc.). As another example, the server 100 may acquire a setting range registered in advance in the memory of the electric device 300 from the electric device 300 to be controlled. In this case, the acquisition unit 102 (FIG. 8) included in the CPU 10 of the server 100 includes the first acquisition unit for acquiring the current control value (temperature, etc.) of the electric device 300 and the setting of the control value from the electric device. Both acquisition parts with the 2nd acquisition part for acquiring a range are included. Then, the server 100 compares the setting range obtained by comparing the setting range stored in the memory 14 of the server 100 and the setting range acquired from the electric device 300 with the current control value. For example, it is assumed that the setting range of 18 ° C. to 32 ° C. is stored in the memory 14 of the server 100 and the setting range of 20 ° C. to 34 ° C. is acquired from the electric device 300. In this case, the server 100 sets a range of 20 ° C. to 32 ° C. obtained from these comparisons as the setting range. Then, the server 100 performs the above control based on a comparison between this set range and the current control value (temperature, etc.).

  By doing in this way, even if the setting range stored in the server 100 is different from the setting range of the electric device 300 itself, the user who remotely operates the electric device using the terminal device 200 can It is possible to prevent an operation for setting a control value outside the setting range of the control value of the electric device from being performed on the operation screen displayed on 200 by the present control system.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the above example, as an example, the terminal device 200 controls the electric device 300 via the server 100, and the server 100 side performs processing for generating and updating an operation screen to be displayed on the terminal device 200. It is said. However, what is performed on the server 100 side is merely an example, and may be performed on the terminal device 200 side. The terminal device 200 and the server 100 may cooperate.

  That is, among the functions shown in FIG. 8, for example, the display processing unit 104 and the determination unit 103 are realized by the CPU 20 by the CPU 20 of the terminal device 200 reading and executing the program stored in the ROM 21 on the RAM 22. It may be done. In this way, the operation screen display of the terminal device 200 can be similarly realized.

[Fifth Embodiment]
It is also possible to provide a program for causing the CPU 10 of the server 100 and / or the CPU 20 of the terminal device 200 to execute the above-described operation. As described above, the server 100 may be a general computer, and the terminal device 200 may also be a general terminal device. Therefore, by providing a program, an existing computer or terminal device can function as the server 100 or the terminal device 200. Therefore, this control system can be easily constructed using an existing device.

  Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10, 20 CPU, 11, 21 ROM, 12, 22 RAM, 13 HDD, 14, 23 Memory, 15, 25 Communication unit, 24 Touch panel, 51, 51a, 51b Operation button, 52 Display, 100 Server, 101 Request input unit , 102 acquisition unit, 103 determination unit, 104 display processing unit, 105 instruction input unit, 106 control unit, 107 comparison unit, 141 setting range storage unit, 200 terminal device, 300, 300A, 300B, 300C electrical equipment, 400 relay .

Claims (5)

A control system for controlling a control value of an electrical device using a terminal device,
Obtaining means for obtaining a current control value of the electrical device;
An input means for receiving an input of a user operation for changing the control value of the electrical device;
Control means for controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device;
A memory for storing a setting range of a control value for the electrical device in the control means;
Comparing means for comparing the current control value with the setting range stored in the memory,
The control value setting range in the control system is different from the control value setting range stored in the memory,
The control means is a user for changing the control value in the input means in a direction away from the setting range when the current control value is greater than or less than a setting range of the control value stored in the memory. A control system that does not accept operations. The display device of the terminal device further includes display processing means for displaying an operation screen for operating the control value of the electric device, including an instruction image for instructing a change from the current control value. ,
When the current control value is equal to or greater than or less than the set range, the display processing means displays the instruction image for changing the control value in a direction away from the set range with the input means on the operation screen. The control system according to claim 1, wherein a display mode in which a user operation is not accepted. A control system for controlling a control value of an electrical device using a terminal device,
Obtaining means for obtaining a current control value of the electrical device;
An input means for receiving an input of a user operation for changing the control value of the electrical device;
Control means for controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device;
A memory for storing a setting range of a control value for the electrical device in the control means;
A comparison means for comparing the current control value with the set range stored in the memory;
Display processing means for displaying, on the display of the terminal device, an operation screen for operating the control value of the electric device, including an instruction image for instructing a change from the current control value. ,
The display processing means includes
When the current control value is greater than or less than the set range, the instruction image for changing the control value in a direction away from the set range is displayed on the operation screen so that no user operation is accepted by the input means. As an aspect,
When the current control value is out of the setting range and a user operation for changing the current control value in a direction approaching the setting range is received, the control closest to the current control value within the setting range It is displayed on the operation screen as a control value indicating a value to the electric device, the control system. A control method of a control system for controlling a control value of an electrical device using a terminal device,
Obtaining a current control value of the electrical device ;
Receiving a user operation input for changing the control value of the electrical device ;
Controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device ;
The control value setting range in the control system is different from the control value setting range stored in the memory,
The controlling step includes a step of comparing a setting range of a control value for the electric device in the terminal device with the current control value, and the current control value is stored in the memory. A control method that does not accept a user operation for changing a control value in a direction away from the set range when the value is greater than or less than a set range . A method of controlling a control value of an electrical device using a terminal device,
Obtaining a current control value of the electrical device;
Receiving a user operation input for changing the control value of the electrical device;
Controlling a control value of the electric device by outputting an operation signal according to the user operation to the electric device;
Displaying on the display of the terminal device an operation screen for operating the control value of the electrical device, including an instruction image for instructing a change from the current control value,
The displaying step includes
When the current control value is greater than or less than the set range, the instruction image for changing the control value in a direction away from the set range is displayed on the operation screen so that no user operation is accepted by the input means. An aspect step;
When the current control value is out of the setting range and a user operation for changing the current control value in a direction approaching the setting range is received, the control closest to the current control value within the setting range And displaying the value on the operation screen as a control value for instructing the electric device .

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