JP7747564B2 - Controller, device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to controllers, devices, control methods, and programs.

Patent Document 1 describes a remote control system using a mobile phone that enables wireless control of a heating appliance equipped with a heat source. In this remote control system, the heating appliance is started by using a password that requires operating multiple keys in sequence or by operating multiple keys simultaneously on the operating section of the mobile phone. This reduces the possibility of the heating appliance starting up even if a child touches the mobile phone or accidentally steps on the operating section of the mobile phone.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-319654

In recent years, so-called smart remote controls have become increasingly popular, allowing remote control (for example, as an add-on) of devices that receive infrared signals (infrared signals) and accept operational commands. A mobile terminal (cell phone) and smart remote control communicate wirelessly using communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). If a user pre-learns the infrared signal corresponding to a device into the smart remote control, when the user performs an operation related to the device's operation from the mobile terminal, the smart remote control will receive the signal related to the operation from the mobile terminal and transmit the infrared signal corresponding to that device to the device. This improves convenience, as users can use their mobile terminal to perform operations related to the device's operation even from a relatively long distance from the device.

On the other hand, users can remotely operate devices even from locations where they cannot directly see the device (and its surroundings). However, depending on the type of device (e.g., devices equipped with a heating source), it may not be desirable to operate the device under such circumstances.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points, and its object is to provide a controller, device, control method, and program that can reduce the possibility of a device being remotely controlled from a location that cannot be seen.

The controller of claim 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal mediated by infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller includes an operation unit that accepts an external operation input, and a transmission unit that transmits the transmission signal when the operation unit accepts the operation input once. When the transmission unit accepts the operation input multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission unit transmits the transmission signal multiple times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and one second infrared signal. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal multiple times by the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data.

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

In the controller of claim 3, the multiple times is two times in the controller of claim 1 or 2. The transmitter transmits the first infrared signal when the first operation input is received by the operation unit within the fixed period, and subsequently transmits the second infrared signal when the second operation input is received.

The device according to claim 4 includes a receiver that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a controller that executes the specific operation. The controller executes the specific operation when the specific condition is met.

The device according to claim 5 is the device according to claim 4, further comprising a gas combustion heat source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

The control method of the invention of claim 6 is a control method for a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal mediated by infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a transmission step of transmitting the transmission signal when an operation input is received once by an operation unit that receives operation input from outside. In the transmission step, if the operation input is received multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission signal is transmitted multiple times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and one second infrared signal. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the multiple transmission signals by the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include different data from each other.

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

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

When the controller of the invention of claim 1 receives multiple consecutive operation inputs within a certain period of time, multiple transmission signals (infrared signals) are transmitted so that the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal, each containing different data, are included at least once. Therefore, even if a user tries to have the smart remote control learn the controller's functions, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal (infrared signal) sent in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control, which can contribute to preventing the smart remote control from learning. As a result, the possibility of the device being remotely operated from an unseen location can be reduced.

In the controller of the invention of claim 2, the specific condition is that the device receives multiple transmission signals (infrared signals) within a specified period of time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

The controller according to the invention of claim 3 requires two operation inputs within a certain period of time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific action will be executed unintentionally by the user. Furthermore, compared to when three or more operation inputs are required, a decrease in user convenience can be suppressed.

In the device according to the invention of claim 4, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal (infrared signal) sent from the controller in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, even if infrared signals are received multiple times in succession from the smart remote control, the contents of the multiple infrared signals simply contain the same data, and no specific operation will be executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

The device according to claim 5 reduces the possibility that a device equipped with a gas combustion heat source will be remotely operated from an unseen location.

The control method according to claim 6 provides a controller control method that reduces the possibility of remote operation of the device from a location where it cannot be seen.

The control method according to the invention of claim 7 provides a method for controlling equipment that reduces the possibility of remote operation from an unseen location.

The program according to the invention of claim 8 can provide a function that reduces the possibility of remote control of a device from an unseen location.

1A and 1B are block diagrams of a controller and a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively; FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the controller and the device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device.

The controller, device, control method, and program according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 2, which is referenced in the following embodiments, is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

(Embodiment)
(1) Device Control System As shown in FIG. 2, a device control system 4 according to the embodiment includes a controller 1 according to the embodiment and a device 2 according to the embodiment.

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

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

There are no particular restrictions on the type of device 2, as long as it can be remotely controlled by a remote control. In this embodiment, it is assumed that device 2 is a heating device, and as an example, a gas fan heater. In other words, device 2 has a built-in heat source 21 (see Figure 1B). Device 2 is equipped with a gas combustion type heat source 21. However, the heat source 21 of device 2 may also be an oil combustion type or an electric heating type.

Device 2 receives a transmission signal (wireless signal, hereinafter also referred to as "infrared signal S1") transmitted wirelessly from controller 1 in response to user operation, using infrared as the medium of transmission, and executes control in accordance with the data (control data) contained in the infrared signal S1. In particular, device 2 is configured to execute a specific operation as control in response to operation on controller 1 when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is a condition related to the reception of multiple transmission signals (infrared signal S1) by device 2. In other words, the specific condition is a condition that at least requires the reception of multiple transmission signals (infrared signal S1) by device 2.

In this embodiment, the specific operation is an operation related to the heat source 21, and is an operation that can be executed remotely using the controller 1. The operation related to the heat source 21 may correspond to, for example, starting the operation of the heat source 21 (i.e., "starting operation" of the device 2), stopping the operation of the heat source 21 (i.e., "stopping operation" of the device 2), or adjusting the set temperature.

Note that "starting operation" here refers to starting an operating state from a standby state in which device 2 is powered on and consuming standby power, for example, when a manual operation is received from the user. Also, "stopping operation" refers to returning from an operating state to a standby state, for example, when a manual operation is received from the user. Therefore, stopping operation and starting operation are different from a temporary automatic stop of operation caused by the room temperature reaching or exceeding the set temperature due to eco-driving, etc., or an automatic restart from a temporary stop of operation.

In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the specific operation is the operation of "starting operation" of device 2, which can be performed remotely using controller 1. However, the specific operation may be an operation other than the operation of "starting operation" of device 2, as long as it is an operation that can be performed remotely using controller 1, such as the operation of "stopping operation" of device 2, the operation of adjusting the set temperature, or the operation of a sleep timer. Furthermore, if the operation of starting eco operation can be performed remotely using controller 1, the specific operation may also be the operation of starting eco operation.

As shown in FIG. 1B, device 2 further includes a control unit 20, a blower fan 22, a receiving unit 23, a memory unit 24, a display unit 25, multiple operation units 26 (only one in the illustrated example), a power supply unit 27, and a housing 200 (see FIG. 2) that houses or holds these components. Device 2 also includes sensors for monitoring the operation of heat source 21, etc. The type of sensor is not particularly limited, but examples include a combustion sensor for checking the combustion of heat source 21, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of heat source 21 and the temperature in the room where device 2 is installed, and a tipping sensor for detecting whether device 2 has tipped over. Device 2 also includes a timer and has the function of managing a reservation schedule for starting/stopping operation of device 2 (heating device) based on the timing of the timer.

As shown in Figure 2, the housing 200 is generally in the shape of a rectangular box that is flat in the front-to-back direction. The housing 200 has an air outlet 201 at the bottom of its front face, and an air inlet on its back face. A display unit 25 and multiple operation units 26 are located on the top face of the housing 200. The back face of the housing 200 also has a connection port for connecting a gas cord for supplying fuel gas to the gas pipe of the heating source 21. A power cord extends from the back face 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.

The heat source 21 has a combustor that burns a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air, and an injection nozzle that injects fuel gas toward the combustor to mix the fuel gas and combustion air. The heat source 21 also has a gas pipe that guides the fuel gas to the injection nozzle, a solenoid 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 the set temperature, etc. The combustor has an igniter that ignites the fuel guided to its combustion chamber, and a flame sensor that detects the flame caused by ignition and enables flame extinguishing detection. The solenoid valve, proportional valve, igniter, fire sensor, etc. of the heat source 21 are controlled by the control unit 20.

The blower fan 22 is housed within the housing 200. The blower fan 22 includes, for example, a crossflow fan and a fan motor that rotates the crossflow fan in a circumferential direction. The fan motor operates under the control of the control unit 20 and rotates the crossflow fan. As the crossflow fan rotates, outside air is drawn in through an intake port on the back of the housing 200 and flows toward the combustor of the heat source 21. A portion of the outside air drawn in through the intake 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, mixes with combustion exhaust gas from the combustion chamber, and is heated before being blown out through an outlet 201 on the front of the housing 200. As a result, the device 2 provides warm air into the room in which the device 2 is installed, allowing the room temperature to approach the set temperature.

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

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

The multiple operation units 26 also include an UP button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C, and a DOWN button for decreasing the set temperature by 1°C.

The multiple operation units 26 also include a sleep button, a good morning button, and a setting button for inputting a set time. Pressing the sleep button automatically stops operation of the device 2, for example, one hour after the button is pressed. Pressing the good morning button automatically starts operation of the device 2 after the set time has elapsed.

The multiple operation units 26 also include an eco button for performing eco operation. During normal operation, the device 2 performs continuous combustion by increasing and decreasing the combustion capacity. During eco operation, the device 2 performs an operation that repeatedly switches between combustion and stopping when the room temperature reaches or exceeds a set temperature.

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

The display unit 25 is configured to present information related to the operation of the device 2 to the user. The display unit 25 is located on the top surface of the housing 200. The display unit 25 displays the current set temperature, current room temperature, set time, and operating status (whether normal operation or eco operation is in progress).

The memory unit 24 includes an electrically rewritable, non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The memory unit 24 may also be memory of the control unit 20. The memory unit 24 pre-stores information that associates multiple pieces of control data (described below) that can be received from the controller 1 with multiple control contents. The memory unit 24 also stores the set temperature, and the control unit 20 updates the set temperature in the memory unit 24 as appropriate in response to user operations.

The receiver 23 receives the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1. The receiver 23 is located at the upper right edge on the front of the housing 200 (see Figure 2). The receiver 23 includes an infrared receiving element that receives infrared light (infrared rays) emitted from the controller 1 and performs photoelectric conversion. The receiver 23 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 extracts control data from the output signal output from the infrared receiving element and executes the control content corresponding to the control data.

The power supply unit 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. Under the control of the control unit 20, the power supply unit 27 generates and supplies the power required to operate the heating source 21, blower fan 22, receiver 23, display unit 25, etc., using, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord.

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

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on operations on each operation unit 26. The control unit 20 also controls the operation of the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on control data contained in the infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, which is received by the receiving unit 23.

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

The controller 1 is a remote control capable of remotely operating the device 2. As shown in Figure 2, the controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) using infrared light as a medium. The infrared signal S1 has a data structure including, for example, a leader code, a custom code, a data code, and a stop bit. Note that in response to a single operation input (push operation) to the operation unit 3, the infrared signal S1 may be transmitted by repeating the reader code through the stop bit several times, but for the sake of convenience, the repeats will be considered as one infrared signal S1.

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

The housing 100 is elongated in one direction overall and is shaped like a flat, roughly rectangular box (see Figure 2). The housing 100 is sized and shaped to allow a user to easily hold it in one hand. The housing 100 is made of, for example, resin. Multiple operating members 300 (five in the illustrated example) are arranged on the front of the housing 100. In other words, the housing 100 has a structure that allows a user to easily press and operate the operating members 300 with a thumb or the like while holding the housing 100 in one hand. The housing 100 houses or holds a control unit 10, a transmission unit 11, a user interface 13, a memory unit 12, a power supply unit 14, etc.

The transmitter 11 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmitter 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) when it receives a single operation input from the operation unit 3. The transmitter 11 includes an infrared light-emitting element for sending the infrared signal S1 generated by the control unit 10. The infrared light-emitting element is assumed to be, for example, an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode). The infrared light-emitting element is exposed at one end surface (the upper end surface in Figure 2) of the housing 100 and is held by the housing 100 so as to emit the infrared signal S1 from that end surface.

The user interface 13 has multiple (e.g., five) operation units 3. Each operation unit 3 accepts operation input from the outside (e.g., a user). In the example of FIGS. 1A and 2, the user interface 13 includes five operation units 3: an ON button 31, an OFF button 32, a TEMP DOWN button 33, a TEMP UP button 34, and a SLEEP button 35. Each button (31-35) includes a push-button switch and a resin operation member 300 located on the front of the switch. Each switch is mounted on a printed circuit board inside the unit 100. When the user presses any of the five operation members 300 exposed from the unit 100, the contact of the switch on the back is turned ON, and the control unit 10 detects that the corresponding operation unit 3 has received operation input from the user.

The ON button 31 is an operation button for starting operation of the device 2. The OFF button 32 is a stop button for stopping operation of the device 2. The TEMP DOWN button 33 is a button for lowering the set temperature by 1°C. The TEMP UP button 34 is a button for raising the set temperature by 1°C. The SLEEP button 35 is a button for automatically stopping operation of the device 2, for example, one hour after it is pressed. In other words, as an example, the functions of the five operation units 3 partially overlap with those of the multiple operation units 26 on the device 2.

Each time each operation unit 3 receives a single press operation (operation input), the transmitter 11 transmits one infrared signal S1. Here, one infrared signal S1 refers to, for example, a signal starting with the leader code and ending with the stop bit (including the repeat, if any).

In order to reduce the possibility of the device 2 starting to operate unintentionally if the user inadvertently steps on the controller 1 or if a child touches the controller 1, this embodiment assumes, as an example, that only the ON button 31 requires a double press operation. In other words, the device 2 will not start operating unless the user presses the ON button 31 twice in succession. For the other buttons (32-35), a single press will cause the device 2 to execute the corresponding control, but the "double press" requirement may also be applied to the other buttons. Furthermore, buttons are not limited to a "double press" requirement, and three or more presses may be required.

The memory unit 12 includes an electrically rewritable, non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The memory unit 12 may also be the memory of the control unit 10. The memory unit 12 pre-stores information related to the infrared signal S1 to be transmitted from the transmitter 11. That is, the memory unit 12 pre-stores information related to the corresponding control data (data code) to be included in the infrared signal S1 when each button (31-35) is pressed. Hereinafter, the control data corresponding to the ON button 31, OFF button 32, temperature DOWN button 33, temperature UP button 34, and sleep button 35 may be referred to as first control data, second control data, third control data, fourth control data, and fifth control data, respectively.

In particular, the storage unit 12 pre-stores multiple different types of data as corresponding control data only for ON buttons 31 that require "double pressing." As an example, the storage unit 12 pre-stores two different types of data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ON1" data and "ON2" data) as first control data corresponding to the ON button 31. The storage unit 12 may also pre-store three or more different types of data (for example, "ON1" data, "ON2" data, "ON3" data, etc.) as first control data corresponding to the ON button 31.

In addition to the ON button 31, a button that requires a "double press" may also be set (for example, the OFF button 32). In this case, the storage unit 12 may pre-store two or more different types of data (for example, "OFF1" data, "OFF2" data, "OFF3" data, etc.) as the second control data corresponding to the OFF button 32. Needless to say, each of the "OFF1" data, "OFF2" data, "OFF3" data, etc. corresponding to the OFF button 32 is data that does not match any of the "ON1" data, "ON2" data, "ON3" data, etc. corresponding to the ON button 31.

The power supply unit 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The power supply unit 14 may include, for example, one or more primary batteries. The primary batteries are, for example, button batteries. The primary batteries are housed in the housing 100 in a replaceable manner. The power supply unit 14 uses DC power discharged from the primary batteries to generate operating power for the control unit 10 and other components, and supplies this power to the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11, user interface 13, memory unit 12, power supply unit 14, etc. When the user presses one of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11 to send (transmit) an infrared signal S1 containing control data corresponding to that button (any of the first to fifth control data).

Under the control of the control unit 10, when the transmission unit 11 receives multiple consecutive operation inputs within a certain period of time, it transmits multiple transmission signals (infrared signals S1) so that the infrared signals S1 include at least one first infrared signal S11 and one second infrared signal S12. In this embodiment, as an example, the multiple times is two. The certain period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited. For an ON button 31 that requires a "double press," when the control unit 10 receives two consecutive press operations within the certain period of time, the transmission unit 11 transmits two infrared signals S1.

The control unit 10 is equipped with a timer. When the control unit 10 receives a first press of the ON button 31, it transmits a first infrared signal S11 and starts timing the fixed period using the timer. In other words, the start point of the fixed period is the point at which the ON button 31 is pressed the first time. When the control unit 10 receives a second press of the ON button 31 within the fixed period, it transmits a second infrared signal S12.

Even if the control unit 10 receives a third or subsequent press of the ON button 31 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. However, the control unit 10 may transmit the signal in response to each press from the third onwards (the device 2 may simply invalidate the infrared signal S1 from the third onwards). Furthermore, even if the control unit 10 receives a second press of a button other than the ON button 31 after receiving the first press of the ON button 31, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1.

When the control unit 10 counts the end of the fixed period using the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next press of the ON button 31 as the first press.

In this embodiment, the control unit 10 selects either the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data in response to the first pressing of the ON button 31, and causes the transmitter unit 11 to transmit a first infrared signal S11 containing the selected data as the first control data. Furthermore, in response to the second pressing of the ON button 31, the control unit 10 causes the transmitter unit 11 to transmit a second infrared signal S12 containing the other data not selected the first time as the first control data. In other words, within the above-mentioned fixed period, the transmitter unit 11 transmits the first infrared signal S11 when it receives a first operation input on the operation unit 3, and subsequently transmits the second infrared signal S12 when it receives a second operation input.

In other words, if the ON button 31 is pressed twice consecutively within the above-mentioned fixed period, a first infrared signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12 containing different data ("ON1" data and "ON2" data), respectively, are transmitted from the transmitter 11.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that whether the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data is to be included in the infrared signal S1 for the first press is selected randomly each time. For example, the control unit 10 randomly selects either the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data for the first press and transmits the selected data in the first infrared signal S11. Then, for the second press, the control unit 10 transmits the other data, which was not randomly selected the first time, in the second infrared signal S12.

Alternatively, whether "ON1" data or "ON2" data is selected to be included in the infrared signal S1 for the first press operation and the second press operation may be fixed in advance. For example, the control unit 10 may always include "ON1" data in the first infrared signal S11 for the first press operation, and always include "ON2" data in the second infrared signal S12 for the second press operation, and transmit these signals accordingly. Conversely, the control unit 10 may always include "ON2" data in the first infrared signal S11 for the first press operation, and always include "ON1" data in the second infrared signal S12 for the second press operation, and transmit these signals accordingly.

In short, it is sufficient that the first control data in the two infrared signals S1 sent in response to a "double press" are different from each other.

In the example of FIG. 2, a first infrared signal S11 containing "ON1" data (see square wave W1) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a first press operation. Also, in the example of FIG. 2, a second infrared signal S12 containing "ON2" data (see square wave W2) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a second press operation.

The square waves W1 and W2 in Figure 2 are shown schematically, with only a portion of the beginning of the data code extracted, to make it easier to intuitively understand that "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different from each other. "ON1" data (square wave W1) contains "0" data at the beginning of the data code, with the ON period (the period during which the infrared light-emitting element is on) and OFF period (the period during which the infrared light-emitting element is off) being the same length. "ON2" data (square wave W2) contains "1" data, with the OFF period being longer than the ON period.

In other words, when "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different, even if the corresponding control content is the same, "Start operation," the content of the data code (e.g., 8-bit data) is different. For example, if "ON2" data contains more "1" data than "ON1" data, the data length of "ON2" data may be longer.

Meanwhile, the control unit 20 of the device 2 executes a specific operation in response to remote control of the controller 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the specific operation is an operation to "start operation" of the device 2, which requires a "double press" on the controller 1. The control unit 20 executes the specific operation (operation to start operation) when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is that the ON button 31 on the controller 1 is "double pressed" to command the operation to start operation, and the device 2 receives two infrared signals S1 (containing different first control data) sent from the controller 1. More specifically, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives multiple (here, two) transmission signals (infrared signals S1) (containing different first control data) within a predetermined period. The above-mentioned predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited thereto.

The control unit 20 of device 2 also uses a timer to measure the above-mentioned predetermined period. When the control unit 20 of device 2 receives the first infrared signal S1 containing the first control data, it starts measuring the above-mentioned predetermined period. In other words, the start point of the above-mentioned predetermined period is the point at which the first infrared signal S1 containing the first control data is received. When the control unit 20 receives the second infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it determines whether the second first control data is different from the first first control data. Even if the control unit 20 receives a third infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it treats it as invalid.

As an example, it is assumed that the above-mentioned fixed period measured using a timer by the control unit 10 of the controller 1 and the above-mentioned predetermined period measured using a timer by the control unit 20 of the device 2 are the same length (e.g., several seconds), but they do not have to be exactly the same.

When the control unit 20 of the device 2 counts the end of the above-mentioned predetermined period using the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next reception of an infrared signal S1 containing the first control data as the first reception.

In the memory unit 24 of the device 2, the first control data, "ON1" data and "ON2" data, are also pre-stored in association with the control content, i.e., the operation of starting the device 2. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 determines that the two infrared signals S1 received within the above-mentioned predetermined period contain first control data corresponding to the control content, i.e., starting the operation of the device 2, and that the signals each contain "ON1" and "ON2" data (regardless of the order of reception), the control unit 2 starts the operation of the device 2.

Needless to say, even if the ON button 31 is pressed twice while device 2 is operating, device 2 will invalidate the infrared signal S1. Even if the OFF button 32 is pressed while device 2 is not operating, device 2 will also invalidate the infrared signal S1.

(4) Flow of Operation of Controller A series of flow of operations of the controller 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is merely one example of the flow of operations of the controller 1 according to the present invention, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

The controller 1 (control unit 10) constantly monitors whether a press operation has occurred on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until a press operation has occurred on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: No).

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

The controller 1 determines which button (operation unit 3) has been pressed, in particular whether the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3). If the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3: No), it transmits an infrared signal S1 containing control data corresponding to that button (step ST4). The controller 1 then resets the timer (step ST12) and returns to a standby state where it waits for a pressing operation to occur again.

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

Then, the controller 1 monitors whether a second press operation has occurred (step ST7). If a certain period of time has elapsed (step ST8: Yes) without a second press operation occurring (step ST7: No), the controller 1 resets the count of the certain period of time (step ST12) and returns to a standby state where it waits for a second press operation to occur again. In other words, the controller 1 waits for a second press operation to occur until the certain period of time has elapsed (step ST8: No).

If a second pressing operation occurs before the end of the certain period (step ST7: Yes), the controller 1 determines which button (operation unit 3) was pressed, in particular whether the ON button 31 was pressed again (step ST9).

When the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed again (step ST9: Yes), it transmits the data not selected in step ST5 as the first control data in the infrared signal S1 (step ST11). Then, at the timing of transmitting the infrared signal S1 in ST11 (or at the timing of waiting until the end of the certain period of time), the controller 1 resets the timer (step ST12) and returns to a standby state where it waits for another pressing operation to occur.

If the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed before the end of the fixed period (step ST9: No), it does not transmit the infrared signal S1 corresponding to that button. In other words, the controller 1 invalidates the pressing operation (step ST10), resets the timer for the fixed period (step ST12), and returns to a standby state where it waits for a pressing operation to occur.

The controller 1 may set an invalid period (e.g., several seconds) after the ON button 31 has been pressed twice, during which no infrared signal S1 is transmitted and the button is treated as invalid, regardless of which button is pressed.

(5) Flow of Device Operation A series of flow of operations of the device 2 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. The flowchart shown in Figure 4 is merely one example of the flow of operations of the device 2 according to the present invention, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate. Note that the operation of the device 2 in response to the infrared signal S1 received from the controller 1 will be described here, and the operation in response to an operation on the operation unit 26 of the device 2 will not be described.

Device 2 (its control unit 20) is powered on and consumes standby power while in standby mode, monitoring whether or not infrared signal S1 has been received (step ST21). Device 2 waits until infrared signal S1 is received (step ST21: No).

When device 2 receives infrared signal S1 (step ST21: Yes), it starts timing a predetermined period at that timing (step ST22). Device 2 then extracts control data from infrared signal S1 (step ST23).

Device 2 determines which control content the extracted control data corresponds to, in particular whether it is first control data corresponding to starting operation of device 2, which requires a "double press" (step ST24). If device 2 determines that the control data is other than first control data (step ST24: No), it executes the control content corresponding to that control data (step ST25). Device 2 then resets the timer for the specified period (step ST33) and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of infrared signal S1 again.

On the other hand, if device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST24: Yes), it temporarily stores the first control data ("ON1" or "ON2") in memory unit 24 (step ST26). Then, device 2 waits to receive the next infrared signal S1 (step ST27). If the predetermined period ends without receiving a second infrared signal S1 (step ST27: No) (step ST28: Yes), device 2 resets the timer for the predetermined period (step ST33) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the next infrared signal S1. In other words, device 2 waits to receive a second infrared signal S1 until the predetermined period ends (step ST28: No).

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

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

When the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST30: Yes), it then determines whether the second first control data is inconsistent with the first first control data received in step ST21 (step ST31). If the second first control data is inconsistent with the first first control data (step ST31: Yes), the device 2 starts operation, i.e., starts operating the heat source 21 and the blower fan 22 (step ST32). The device 2 then resets the timer for the specified period (step ST33) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the receipt of an infrared signal S1 again.

If device 2 determines that the control data received before the end of the specified period is control data other than the first control data (step ST30: No), it does not execute the control content corresponding to that control data. That is, device 2 invalidates the control data (step ST34), resets the timer for the specified period (step ST33), and returns to a standby state where it waits for the receipt of infrared signal S1 again. In other words, if device 2 receives control data other than the first control data after receiving the first control data, it discards the command from controller 1.

Furthermore, even if the second first control data matches the first first control data (step ST31: No), the device 2 does not execute the control content corresponding to that control data. That is, the device 2 does not start operation, invalidates the control data (step ST34), resets the clock for the specified period (step ST33), and returns to a standby state where it waits for the receipt of an infrared signal S1 again. In other words, if the device 2 receives the same first control data twice in a row, it discards the command from the controller 1.

After starting operation, device 2 may set an invalid period (e.g., a few seconds) during which any control data received will be invalidated and the corresponding control content will not be executed.

(6) Effects In the controller 1 according to this embodiment, when a "double press" is received within a certain period of time on an operation unit 3 (e.g., the ON button 31) that requires a "double press," two infrared signals S1 are transmitted, each containing a first infrared signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12, each containing different data. Therefore, even if a user attempts to have the smart remote control learn the functions of the controller 1, it is highly likely that only the first infrared signal S11 containing the first control data (e.g., "ON1" data) transmitted from the controller 1 in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control. In other words, it is unlikely that the smart remote control was manufactured with the expectation that infrared signals containing different data ("ON1" and "ON2") will be transmitted upon the first and second presses of the same button, even if the user taps the corresponding icon on the mobile device screen twice as if pressing the ON button 31 twice on the controller 1. As a result, even if a user taps the corresponding icon on the mobile device screen twice as if pressing the ON button 31 twice on the controller 1, the smart remote control will simply transmit two consecutive infrared signals containing "ON1" data to the device 2. 4, the device 2 determines that the second first control data matches the first first control data, and does not start operation. This contributes to preventing the smart remote control from learning, and reduces the possibility that the device 2 is remotely operated from a location where it cannot be seen.

Furthermore, with the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives two infrared signals S1 within a specified period of time, which reduces the possibility that a specific operation (e.g., starting operation) will be performed unintentionally by the user.

Furthermore, with the controller 1 according to this embodiment, two operation inputs are required to the operation unit 3 (e.g., the ON button 31) within a certain period of time, which reduces the possibility that a specific operation (e.g., an operation to start driving) will be performed unintentionally by the user. Furthermore, this reduces the reduction in user convenience compared to when three or more operation inputs are required.

In the device 2 according to this embodiment, even if it receives two infrared signals from the smart remote control, it will determine in step ST31 of FIG. 4 that the second first control data matches the first first control data, and will not start operation. As a result, the possibility of the device 2 being remotely controlled from a location where it cannot be seen is reduced.

In particular, in the case of a device 2 equipped with a gas combustion heat source 21 as in this embodiment, unlike home appliances such as television receivers, air conditioners, and air purifiers, it may not be desirable for the device 2 to be remotely controlled from a location where the user cannot directly see the device 2 (for example, another room or while away from home). In this regard, the device 2 according to this embodiment can reduce the possibility of remote control from a location that cannot be seen.

(7) Modifications The above-described embodiments are merely a part of 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 above embodiment may be embodied in a control method for the controller 1, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc.

One control method according to the present invention is a control method in which a controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) mediated by infrared light to a device 2 that executes a specific operation (e.g., an operation to start operation of the device 2) when a specific condition is met. This control method includes a transmission step in which an infrared signal S1 is transmitted when an operation input is received once by an operation unit 3 that receives operation input from outside. In the transmission step, if operation input is received multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, multiple infrared signals S1 are transmitted so that the infrared signal S1 includes at least one first infrared signal S11 and one second infrared signal S12. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of multiple infrared signals S1 by the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 include different data from each other. One program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

Furthermore, functions similar to those of device 2 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a control method for device 2, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc.

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

In the above embodiment, when the controller 1 receives a first press, it randomly selects one of the "ON1" data and "ON2" data as the first control data, and when the controller 1 receives a second press, it selects the other data that was not selected in the first press. For example, the storage unit 12 may pre-store three or more different types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") as the first control data. In this case, the storage unit 24 of the device 2 will naturally also pre-store five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5." When the controller 1 receives a first press, it randomly selects one of the "ON1" to "ON5" data, and when the controller 1 receives a second press, it again randomly selects one of the four data that were not selected in the first press and transmits the selected data. The device 2 starts operation upon receiving two different types of data as the first control data.

Alternatively, the controller 1 may select the first control data according to a specific rule rather than randomly. For example, the controller 1 may cyclically select three or more types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5"). When the controller 1 receives a first press operation, it selects "ON1" data, and when the controller 1 receives a second press operation, it selects "ON2" data. When the controller 1 subsequently receives a first press operation, it selects "ON3" data, and when the controller 1 subsequently receives a second press operation, it selects "ON4" data. When the controller 1 subsequently receives a first press operation, it selects "ON5" data, and when the controller 1 subsequently receives a second press operation, it selects "ON1" data.

In addition, three or more presses (e.g., three presses) may be applied to the operation unit 3 (e.g., the ON button 31). Naturally, the device 2 will also be aware of the control content that requires "three presses." In this case, it is sufficient that at least two of the three sets of control data are different. For example, the three sets of control data may be "ON1," "ON2," and "ON3" data (all mismatched), "ON1," "ON1," and "ON2" (partial mismatched), or "ON2," "ON2," and "ON3" (partial mismatched), regardless of the transmission order.

In the above embodiment, for ease of explanation, the infrared signal S1 transmitted the first time in response to a "double press" is called the first infrared signal S11, and the infrared signal S1 transmitted the second time is called the second infrared signal S12. However, the terms "first" and "second" in the names of the first infrared signal S11 and second infrared signal S12 do not necessarily indicate the order of transmission, but are merely used to distinguish between two infrared signals S1 containing different data. The second infrared signal S12 may be transmitted the first time, and the first infrared signal S11 may be transmitted the second time.

Also, assume that three or more presses (for example, four presses) are required, and three infrared signals S1 (first to third infrared signals) containing, for example, "ON1" to "ON3" data are sent. In this case, a first infrared signal S11 containing "ON1" may be sent the first and second times, a second infrared signal S12 containing "ON2" may be sent the third time, and a third infrared signal S12 containing "ON3" may be sent the fourth time. In other words, two or more infrared signals S1 containing different data may be sent somewhere among the multiple infrared signals S1, and they may be sent with some overlap, such as "ON1" being sent the first and second times.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Controller 11 Transmitter 2 Device 20 Control unit 21 Heat source 23 Receiver 3 Operation unit S1 Infrared signal (transmitted signal)
S11 First infrared signal S12 Second infrared signal

Claims (8)

A controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met,
an operation unit that receives operation input from outside;
a transmitter that transmits the transmission signal when the operation input is received once by the operation unit,
when the transmission unit receives the operation input a plurality of times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission unit transmits the plurality of transmission signals such that the transmission signals include at least one first infrared signal and at least one second infrared signal;
the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the plurality of transmission signals by the device,
the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data from each other;
controller. the specific condition is that the device receives the plurality of transmitted signals within a predetermined period of time;
The controller of claim 1 . The multiple times is two times,
the transmitting unit transmits the first infrared signal when the operation input is received for the first time by the operation unit within the certain period, and transmits the second infrared signal when the operation input is received for the second time subsequently;
3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2. a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
a control unit that executes the specific operation,
The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.
device. Further comprising a gas-fired heating source;
The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.
5. The device of claim 4. A control method for a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met, comprising:
a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal when an operation input is received once by an operation unit that receives an operation input from outside,
In the transmitting step, when the operation input is received multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission signal is transmitted multiple times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and at least one second infrared signal;
the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the plurality of transmission signals by the device,
the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data from each other;
Control method. A method for controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:
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 described in claim 6 or 7.