JP7768814B2 - 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, carried 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 operation input from outside, a transmission unit that transmits the transmission signal, and a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light. The specific condition is a condition related to the device's reception of the transmission signal and its reception of the light. When the operation unit accepts the operation input once, the transmission unit transmits the transmission signal and the light source unit emits light.

In the controller of claim 2, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing at which the transmission signal is received by the device and the timing at which the light is received is less than a specified time.

The controller according to claim 3 is the controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal and the light emission period during which the light source emits the light are set to at least partially overlap each other.

The controller according to claim 4 is the controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set before the light emission period during which the light source emits the light.

The controller according to claim 5 is the controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set after the light emission period during which the light source emits the light.

The device according to claim 6 comprises a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted by the light source unit and performs photoelectric conversion, and a control unit that executes the specific operation. The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is met.

The device according to claim 7 is the device according to claim 6, further comprising a gas combustion type heat source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

The control method of the invention of claim 8 is 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. The control method includes a transmission step of transmitting the transmission signal and an emission step of causing a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light to emit light. The specific condition is a condition related to the device's reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light. When an operation input is received once by the operation unit of the controller, the transmission signal is transmitted in the transmission step, and the light source unit is caused to emit light in the emission step.

The control method of the invention of claim 9 is a control method for a device that communicates with a controller of any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 5. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller, a light receiving step of receiving the light emitted by the light source unit and performing photoelectric conversion, 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 10 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 8 or 9.

In the controller of the invention of claim 1, when a single operation input is received at the operation unit, a transmission signal is transmitted and the light source unit emits light. The device then executes a specific operation only when conditions related to receiving the transmission signal and receiving light are met. Therefore, even if a user attempts to have the smart remote control learn the controller's functions, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal sent in response to the operation input at the operation unit 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 controlled from an unseen location can be reduced.

In the controller of the invention of claim 2, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing at which the device receives a transmitted signal and the timing at which light is received is less than a specified time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific action will be performed unintentionally by the user.

The controller according to the invention of claim 3 increases the likelihood that the timing of receiving the transmission signal and the timing of receiving the light at the device will be approximately the same, reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

In the controller according to the invention of claim 4, the transmission period is set before the light emission period, thereby reducing the possibility that the light emission from the light source unit will cause disturbance and interfere with the reception of the transmitted signal by the device.

In the controller of the invention of claim 5, the transmission period is set after the light emission period, thereby reducing the possibility that the light emission from the light source unit will cause disturbance and interfere with the reception of the transmitted signal by the device.

In the device according to the invention of claim 6, only the transmission signal sent in response to an operation input to the operation unit is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, there is a low possibility that light other than infrared light will be received from the smart remote control, and no specific operation will be performed. 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 the invention of claim 7 reduces the possibility that a device equipped with a gas combustion type heat source will be remotely operated from an unseen location.

The control method according to claim 8 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 claim 9 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 10 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. 3A to 3C are conceptual diagrams for explaining a transmission period during which an infrared signal is transmitted in the controller and a light emission period during which the light source unit emits light. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller. FIG. 5 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") wirelessly transmitted from controller 1 in response to a user operation on controller 1's operation unit 3, using infrared light as the medium, and executes control in accordance with the data (control data) contained in the infrared signal S1. Device 2 also has the function of receiving light Op1 (see Figure 2) other than infrared light emitted from controller 1.

In particular, device 2 is configured to perform a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is a condition related to the reception of a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and light Op1 by device 2. In other words, the specific condition is a condition that at least requires the reception of a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and light Op1 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.

The specific operation may be any operation that can be performed remotely using the controller 1, and may include, for example, starting operation of the device 2, stopping operation of the device 2, adjusting the set temperature, and operating the sleep timer. If the operation of starting eco-driving can be performed remotely using the controller 1, the specific operation may include the operation of starting eco-driving.

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, a light receiving unit 28, 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 next to the light receiver 28, which 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, light receiving unit 28, etc., using, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord.

The light receiving unit 28 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. The light receiving unit 28 includes, for example, a light receiving element for visible light, receives light Op1 emitted by the light source unit L1 of the controller 1, and performs photoelectric conversion. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, the light Op1 emitted by the light source unit L1 is assumed to be visible light. The control unit 20 recognizes that the light source unit L1 has emitted light when the output value (e.g., voltage value) of the output signal output from the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 28 exceeds a threshold value. The light receiving element of the light receiving unit 28 is positioned to receive light Op1 at the upper right edge on the front surface of the housing 200.

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. However, the control unit 20 will not follow control commands from the controller 1 unless it not only receives the control data but also recognizes the light Op1 emitted from the light source unit L1.

(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, a power supply unit 14, and a light source unit L1. 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, a light source unit L1, etc.

The transmitter 11 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The transmitter 11 is provided in the device 100 and transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmitter 11 transmits the 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 transmitting the infrared signal S1 generated by the controller 10. The infrared light-emitting element is assumed to be, for example, an infrared light-emitting diode (LED). The infrared light-emitting element is exposed at one end surface of the housing 100 (the upper end surface in FIG. 2 ) 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 is provided on the device 100 and 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 device 100. When the user presses any of the five operation members 300 exposed from the device 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.

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 and supply the operating power for the control unit 10 and other components and the power required to light the light source unit L1.

The light source unit L1 is provided in the device body 100 and is configured to emit light Op1 other than infrared light. The light Op1 is assumed to be visible light, but the wavelength of the light is not limited as long as it is light that can be distinguished from the infrared signal S1. The light source unit L1 includes, for example, one or more LED chips (light source) that emit white light Op1, a condenser lens, and a substrate on which the one or more LED chips are mounted. There is no particular limit to the number of LED chips. The emitted color is also not limited to white. The light source unit L1 may include LED chips of multiple different colors, and a mixture of these colors may be emitted as light Op1. It is preferable that the light intensity of light Op1 is high enough to be distinguished from ambient light (such as light from indoor lighting fixtures) by the light receiving unit 28 of the device 2, even in a relatively bright room.

The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11, user interface 13, memory unit 12, power supply unit 14, light source unit L1, etc. When the user presses any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the control unit 10 causes the transmission unit 11 to send (transmit) an infrared signal S1 containing control data (any of the first to fifth control data) corresponding to that button. Furthermore, the control unit 10 causes the light source unit L1 to emit light in response to the above-mentioned press operation. In other words, when a single operation input is received at the operation unit 3, the transmission unit 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and the light source unit L1 emits light.

In particular, in this embodiment, the "specific condition" for device 2 to perform a specific operation is that the time difference between the timing at which device 2 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and the timing at which light Op1 is received is less than a specified time. To increase the likelihood that this specific condition will be met, for example, the transmission period TA1 (see FIG. 3A) during which the transmitter 11 transmits the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and the light emission period TA2 (see FIG. 3A) during which the light source unit L1 emits light Op1 are set to at least partially overlap each other. As an example in FIG. 3A, the light emission period TA2 is set to be longer than the transmission period TA1, and the entire transmission period TA1 is set to fit within the light emission period TA2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a press operation is received on one of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31-35) at operation start point t0, the control unit 10 first starts light emission from the light source unit L1 (light emission start point t11). Next, the control unit 10 starts transmitting the infrared signal S1 (transmission start point t1) and ends the transmission (transmission end point t2). In other words, the transmission period TA1 is the period from transmission start point t1 to transmission end point t2. Then, the control unit 10 ends light emission from the light source unit L1 (light emission end point t12). In other words, the light emission period TA2 is the period from light emission start point t11 to light emission end point t12.

The timing of receiving the infrared signal S1 on the device 2 side can be the point at which the receiving unit 23 completes receiving the infrared signal S1, for example, roughly simultaneous with or slightly after the transmission end point t2 at which the transmission of the infrared signal S1 from the controller 1 is completed. The timing of receiving the light Op1 on the device 2 side can be the point at which the output value of the output signal output from the light receiving unit 28 becomes equal to or greater than a threshold, for example, a point between the light emission start point t11 and the light emission end point t12.

The transmission period TA1 and the light emission period TA2 are not limited to being set so that they at least partially overlap each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the transmission period TA1, in which the transmitter 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1), may be set before the light emission period TA2, in which the light source L1 emits light Op1. In other words, the transmission end point t2 may be set before the light emission start point t11. Setting the transmission period TA1 before the light emission period TA2 reduces the possibility that the light emission of the light source L1 will cause a disturbance and interfere with reception of the infrared signal S1 by the device 2.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C , the transmission period TA1 during which the transmitter 11 transmits the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) may be set after the light emission period TA2 during which the light source L1 emits light Op1. In other words, the transmission start point t1 may be set after the light emission end point t12. This also reduces the possibility that the light emission from the light source L1 will cause a disturbance and prevent the device 2 from receiving the infrared signal S1.

As mentioned above, of the five buttons 31 to 35, only the ON button 31 needs to be pressed twice. When the control unit 10 receives two consecutive presses of the ON button 31, it causes the light source unit L1 to emit light twice consecutively, in time with the transmission of two infrared signals S1.

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.

In the example of Figure 2, an infrared signal S1 containing one of the first to fifth control data (see rectangular wave W1) is transmitted from controller 1 in response to a press of one of the five buttons (31 to 35).

The square wave W1 in Figure 2 is shown as a schematic representation of only a portion of the beginning of the data code, to make the control data easier to understand intuitively. The control data (square wave W1) in the example shown includes "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.

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 assumed to include operations corresponding to the five buttons 31 to 35 provided on the controller 1 (starting operation of the device 2, stopping operation, adjusting the set temperature, and operating the sleep timer). The control unit 20 executes the corresponding specific operation (for example, starting operation) when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is that the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and receives light Op1. More specifically, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing at which the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and the timing at which it receives light Op1 is less than a specified time. The specified time is assumed to be, for example, several hundred ms, but is not particularly limited.

The control unit 20 of device 2 uses a timer to measure the above-mentioned specified time. When the control unit 20 of device 2 receives infrared signal S1 and light Op1, regardless of the order, it calculates the above-mentioned time difference, and if the time difference is less than the specified time, it executes the control content corresponding to the control data included in the received infrared signal S1.

The first through fifth control data are also pre-stored in the memory unit 24 of the device 2, each associated with a control content of the device 2. The infrared signal S1 containing the first control data must be received twice consecutively. Therefore, the control unit 20 of the device 2 starts operation of the device 2 when, in addition to receiving the first light Op1, it determines that the two infrared signals S1 received within a predetermined period contain the first control data corresponding to the control content of starting operation. Specifically, when the control unit 20 receives the first infrared signal S1 containing the first control data in addition to receiving the first light Op1, it uses a timer to count the predetermined period starting from the time of reception. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited. The control unit 20 starts operation of the device 2 when, in addition to receiving the second light Op1, it receives a second infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the predetermined period. If the control unit 20 does not receive the second infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the predetermined period, it invalidates the first control data. Furthermore, even if the control unit 20 receives a third infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it will treat it as invalid. When the control unit 20 times the end of the above-mentioned predetermined period using the timer, it resets the timer and monitors the next reception of light Op1 and 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. 4. The flowchart shown in Fig. 4 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 the pressing of each operation unit 3 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until a pressing operation occurs on any operation unit 3 (step ST1: No).

When the controller 1 determines that one of the buttons (operation unit 3) has been pressed (step ST1: Yes), it starts emitting light from the light source unit L1 (step ST2). The controller 1 also starts counting a predetermined light emission period TA2 using a timer at the same time as the light source unit L1 starts emitting light (step ST3). Furthermore, the controller 1 transmits an infrared signal S1 containing control data corresponding to that button (step ST4).

The controller 1 then checks whether the light-emitting period TA2 has ended (step ST5), and when the light-emitting period TA2 has ended (step ST5: Yes), it stops the light emission of the light source unit L1 (step ST6), resets the timing of the light-emitting period TA2 (step ST7), and returns to a standby state where it waits for a press operation on any of the operation units 3. The controller 1 continues to emit light from the light source unit L1 until the light-emitting period TA2 has ended (step ST5: No).

If the next press operation occurs before the end of light emission period TA2, the controller 1 will treat that press operation as invalid.

After the ON button 31 is pressed twice, the controller 1 may set an invalid period (e.g., several seconds) during which the light source unit L1 will not emit light and the infrared signal S1 will not be transmitted, 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 5. The flowchart shown in Figure 5 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) monitors whether or not it has received light Op1 and infrared signal S1 while it is powered on and consuming standby power and in standby mode (step ST21). Device 2 monitors whether light Op1 or infrared signal S1 is received so that it can respond regardless of which occurs first. Device 2 waits until both light Op1 and infrared signal S1 are received (step ST21: No).

When both light Op1 and infrared signal S1 are received (step ST21: Yes), device 2 calculates the time difference between the light reception timing and the reception timing (step ST22).

Device 2 determines whether the calculated time difference is less than the specified time (step ST23). If device 2 determines that the calculated time difference is less than the specified time (step ST23: Yes), it extracts control data from infrared signal S1 (step ST24). If device 2 determines that the calculated time difference is equal to or greater than the specified time (step ST23: No), it invalidates infrared signal S1 and returns to a standby state where it waits for the first light Op1 to be received and for the infrared signal S1 to be received again.

After step ST24, if device 2 determines that the extracted control data is any of the first to fifth control data (step ST25: Yes), it executes the control content corresponding to that control data (step ST26) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the first reception of light Op1 and infrared signal S1. Although not explained further, device 2 will not start operating unless it receives light Op1 and the first control data once more within a predetermined period of time.

If device 2 determines that the extracted control data is not any of the first to fifth control data (step ST25: No), it skips the execution of the control content and returns to a standby state where it waits for the first light Op1 to be received and the infrared signal S1 to be received.

Note that if device 2 receives the first control data for the first time, but does not receive the second control data for the first time, and instead receives control data other than the first control data, it will discard the command from 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 the operation unit 3 receives a single operation input, an infrared signal S1 is transmitted and the light source unit L1 emits light. The device 2 executes a specific operation only when it receives the infrared signal S1 and the light Op1. 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 infrared signal S1 transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit 3 will be copied to the smart remote control. In other words, it is unlikely that the smart remote control was manufactured with the assumption that reception of the light Op1 emitted by the controller 1 is also necessary to execute a specific operation on the device 2. As a result, even if the user taps a corresponding icon on the screen of the mobile device as if pressing the operation unit 3 with the controller 1, the smart remote control simply transmits the infrared signal S1 to the device 2. As a result, the device 2 rejects the command from the smart remote control in step ST21 of FIG. 5 , and the specific operation is not executed. In this way, the controller 1 contributes to preventing learning of the smart remote control, and reduces the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely controlled from a location where it cannot be seen.

Furthermore, with the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing at which the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and the timing at which the light Op1 is received is less than a specified time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

In addition, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the transmission period TA1 during which the infrared signal S1 is transmitted and the light emission period TA2 during which light Op1 is emitted are set to overlap at least partially, which increases the likelihood that the timing at which the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and the timing at which light Op1 is received will be approximately the same. As a result, the possibility of a specific operation being performed unintentionally by the user can be reduced.

In the device 2 according to this embodiment, only the infrared signal S1 transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit 3 is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, the possibility of receiving light Op1 from the smart remote control is low, and the command from the smart remote control is rejected in the determination of step ST21 in FIG. 5, and the specific operation is not executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device 2 that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

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 for a controller 1 that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) mediated by infrared light to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a transmission step of transmitting the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and an emission step of causing a light source unit L1 to emit light Op1 other than infrared light. The specific condition is a condition related to the reception of the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and the reception of light Op1 in the device 2. When an operation input is received once by the operation unit 3 of the controller 1, the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) is transmitted in the transmission step, and the light source unit L1 is caused to emit light in the emission step. 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 the device 2 according to the above embodiment may be embodied as a control method for the device 2, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.

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 of receiving a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1, a light receiving step of receiving light Op1 emitted by a light source unit L1 and performing photoelectric conversion, and a control step of executing a specific 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, the controller 1 causes the light source unit L1 to emit light continuously (continuous lighting) during the light-emitting period TA2. However, the controller 1 may also cause the light source unit L1 to flash during the light-emitting period TA2. The controller 1 may also switch between continuous lighting and flashing lighting of the light source unit L1 depending on which operation unit 3 is operated. For example, the controller 1 may cause the light source unit L1 to light continuously in response to a press of the ON button 31 or the OFF button 32, and flashing lighting of the light source unit L1 in response to a press of one of the other buttons 33 to 35. Alternatively, the controller 1 may switch between continuous lighting and flashing lighting of the light source unit L1 each time it receives an operation input to the same operation unit 3. Naturally, the device 2 recognizes that it has received light Op1 from the light source unit L1, regardless of whether the light is continuously lit or flashing.

In this way, by varying the lighting state of the light source unit L1, the controller 1 is even less likely to be copied by a smart remote control.

In the above embodiment, the controller 1 always transmits the same fixed control data included in the infrared signal S1 as control data corresponding to operation input to the same operation unit 3. However, the controller 1 may change the control data each time it receives operation input to the same operation unit 3. For example, the memory unit 12 may pre-store two or more different types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") as the first control data. In this case, the memory unit 24 of the device 2 will naturally also pre-store five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5." When the ON button 31 is pressed the first time, the controller 1 randomly selects one of the "ON1" to "ON5" data. When the ON button 31 is pressed the second time, the controller 1 again randomly selects one of the "ON1" to "ON5" data and transmits it. Alternatively, the controller 1 may cyclically select two or more types of data (for example, five types of data "ON1" to "ON5") each time it receives a press of the ON button 31. The device 2 begins operation when it receives any of the "ON1" to "ON5" data twice. The control data for the other buttons (32 to 35) may also be changed each time it receives an operation input.

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

Furthermore, 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."

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Controller 11 Transmitter 2 Device 20 Control unit 21 Heat source 23 Receiver 28 Light receiver 3 Operation unit L1 Light source Op1 Light S1 Infrared signal (transmitted signal)
TA1 Transmission period TA2 Light emission period

Claims (10)

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;
a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light,
the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light in the device,
When the operation input is received once by the operation unit, the transmitter transmits the transmission signal and the light source emits light.
controller. The specific condition is that the time difference between the timing of receiving the transmission signal and the timing of receiving the light in the device is less than a specified time.
The controller of claim 1 . a transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal and a light emission period during which the light source emits the light are set to at least partially overlap each other;
3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2. a transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set before a light emission period during which the light source emits the light;
3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2. a transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set after a light emission period during which the light source emits the light;
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 5;
a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted by the light source unit and performs photoelectric conversion;
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.
7. The device of claim 6. 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;
a light emitting step of causing a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light to emit light,
the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light in the device,
When an operation input is received once by the operation unit of the controller, the transmission step transmits the transmission signal, and the light source unit emits light in the light emission step.
Control method. A method for controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:
receiving the transmission signal from the controller;
a light receiving step of receiving the light emitted by the light source unit and performing photoelectric conversion;
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 8 or 9.