Controller, device, control method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a device is remotely operated from a location where the device cannot be seen.SOLUTION: A controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller 1 includes an operation portion 3 that accepts operation input from the outside, a transmission portion 11 that changes the state from a standby state to a command state when the operating portion 3 receives one operation input, and transmits a first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal, and a receiving unit 15 that receives a response signal S2 including key data transmitted from the device 2 in response to the first infrared signal S11. In the command state, the transmission portion 11 transmits a second infrared signal S12 based on the received key data as a transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 in the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 include mutually different pieces of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a controller, a device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 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 operation of the heating appliance is started by using a password that requires operating multiple keys in sequence or by operating multiple keys simultaneously on the operation unit of the mobile phone. Therefore, even if a child touches the mobile phone or accidentally steps on the operation unit of the mobile phone, the possibility of the heating appliance starting operation is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-319654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, so-called smart remote controls that enable remote control (for example, as an add-on) of devices that receive infrared signals (infrared signals) and accept operational commands are becoming increasingly popular. A mobile terminal (mobile phone) and the 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 operation of the device from the mobile terminal, the smart remote control receives the signal related to the operation from the mobile terminal and transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the device to the device. This improves convenience because the user can use the mobile terminal to perform operations related to the operation of the device even from a relatively far away location.

[0005] On the other hand, a user can remotely operate a device even from a location where the device (and its surroundings) cannot be seen directly. However, depending on the type of device (e.g., a device equipped with a heat source), it may not be desirable to operate the device under such circumstances.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a controller, device, control method, and program that can reduce the possibility of a device being remotely operated from a location where it cannot be seen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The controller of the invention of claim 1 is a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal mediated by infrared rays to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller includes an operation unit that accepts an operation input from outside, a transmission unit, and a reception unit. When the transmission unit accepts the operation input once via the operation unit, it changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal as the transmission signal. The reception unit receives a response signal containing key data transmitted from the device in response to the first infrared signal. In the command state, the transmission unit transmits a second infrared signal based on the key data of the received response signal as the transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal by the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data.

[0008] In the controller according to the invention of claim 2, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1, the specific condition is that the device receives the second infrared signal at least once within a predetermined period, the predetermined period being a period starting from the time when the device receives the first infrared signal or the time when the device transmits the response signal.

[0009] In the controller according to the invention of claim 3, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1 or 2, the transmitter receives the response signal in the command state and transmits the second infrared signal when the operation input is accepted again.

[0010] In the controller according to the invention of claim 4, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1 or 2, the transmitting unit automatically transmits the second infrared signal when it receives the response signal in the command state.

[0011] A controller according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the controller according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the transmitting section returns from the command state to the standby state when the transmitting section fails to receive the response signal.

[0012] In the controller of the invention of claim 6, in a controller of any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 5, the transmitting unit returns from the command state to the standby state after a certain period of time has passed since the operation unit received the operation input once and changed from the standby state to the command state.

[0013] A controller according to the invention of claim 7 is the controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 6, wherein the response signal is a signal transmitted via infrared rays.

[0014] The device according to the invention of claim 8 includes a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 7, a transmitting unit that transmits the response signal to the controller in response to receiving the first infrared signal, and a control unit that executes the specific operation. The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0015] The device according to the invention of claim 9 is the device according to the invention of claim 8, further comprising a gas combustion type heat source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

[0016] The control method of the invention of claim 10 is a control method of a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal mediated by infrared rays to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a first transmitting step, a receiving step, and a second transmitting step. In the first transmitting step, when an operation unit that accepts operation input from outside accepts the operation input once, the controller changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal as the transmission signal. In the receiving step, a response signal including key data transmitted from the device in response to the first infrared signal is received. In the second transmitting step, in the command state, a second infrared signal based on the key data of the received response signal is transmitted as the transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal by the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data.

[0017] A control method according to the invention of claim 11 is a control method for a device that communicates with a controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 7. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller, a transmitting step of transmitting the response signal to the controller in response to receiving the first infrared signal, and a control step of executing the specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0018] A program according to the invention of claim 12 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 10 or 11. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In the controller of claim 1, the second infrared signal transmitted to the device is different from the data of the first infrared signal and is based on key data received from the device. 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 first infrared signal transmitted 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. In particular, there is a low possibility that the smart remote control will be able to know the key data. As a result, the possibility of the device being remotely controlled from an unseen location can be reduced.

[0020] In the controller of the invention of claim 2, the specific condition is that the device receives the second infrared signal at least once within a specified period, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0021] In the controller according to the invention of claim 3, the user needs to input an operation to the operation unit again in order to make the device execute a specific operation, thereby reducing the possibility that the specific operation will be executed unintentionally by the user.

[0022] In the controller according to the invention of claim 4, the second infrared signal is automatically transmitted, saving the user the trouble of inputting an operation to the operation unit again. As a result, convenience is improved. In particular, this configuration is easily applicable to an operation unit that only requires a single operation input, such as to stop operation of a device or adjust a set temperature.

[0023] In the controller according to the invention of claim 5, if the reception of a response signal fails, the controller returns from the command state to the standby state, further reducing the possibility of the device being remotely controlled from an unseen location. Also, if a specific operation is not executed, the user can easily start over by inputting the operation into the operation unit from the beginning.

[0024] In the controller according to the invention of claim 6, the state returns from the command state to the standby state after a certain period of time has elapsed, thereby reducing the possibility that the command state will continue unintentionally by the user.

[0025] In the controller according to the invention of claim 7, the response signal is a signal transmitted via infrared light, so that the receiving function on the controller side and the transmitting function on the device side can be provided at lower cost than when other wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are adopted.

[0026] In the device according to the invention of claim 8, only the transmission signal (infrared signal) sent from the controller in response to the first operation input is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, even if infrared signals are received continuously from the smart remote control, the contents of those infrared signals simply contain the same data, and no specific operation is executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an invisible location.

[0027] The device according to the invention of claim 9 can reduce the possibility that a device equipped with a gas combustion type heat source will be remotely operated from an unseen location.

[0028] The control method according to the invention of claim 10 can provide a control method for a controller that reduces the possibility of the device being remotely operated from a location where it cannot be seen.

[0029] The control method according to the invention of claim 11 can provide a method for controlling a device that reduces the possibility of remote control from an unseen location.

[0030] The program according to the invention of claim 12 can provide a function that reduces the possibility of remote control of a device from an unseen location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] Fig. 1A is a block diagram of a controller according to an embodiment, and Fig. 1B is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the controller and the device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The controller, device, control method, and program according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 2, which is referred to 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.

[0033] (Embodiment) (1) Equipment 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.

[0034] (2)Equipment Hereinafter, the device 2, which is one of the components of the device control system 4, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B and 2. FIG.

[0035] Device 2 is a device that can be remotely controlled in response to operations on controller 1 (remote control). Device 2 may be installed in a space within a facility used by a user. For example, if the facility is a residence, device 2 may be installed and used in a room within the residence. The facility is not limited to a residence, and may also be a non-residential facility (such as an office building).

[0036] The type of device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can be remotely controlled by a remote controller. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the device 2 is a heating device, and is, for example, a gas fan heater. That is, the device 2 has a built-in heat source 21 (see FIG. 1B). The device 2 is equipped with a gas combustion type heat source 21. However, the heat source 21 of the device 2 may be an oil combustion type or an electric heating type.

[0037] The device 2 receives a transmission signal (wireless signal, hereinafter also referred to as "infrared signal S1") wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a user operation, using infrared as a medium, and executes control in accordance with data (control data) included in the infrared signal S1. In particular, the device 2 is configured to execute a specific operation as control in response to an operation on the controller 1 when a specific condition is satisfied. The specific condition is a condition related to the reception of the first infrared signal S11 (infrared signal S1) and the second infrared signal S12 (infrared signal S1) by the device 2. In other words, the specific condition is a condition that requires at least the reception of the first infrared signal S11 (infrared signal S1) and the second infrared signal S12 (infrared signal S1) by the device 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, the specific operation is an operation related to the heat source 21, and is an operation that can be remotely executed using the controller 1. The operation related to the heat source 21 may correspond to, for example, an operation of starting the operation of the heat source 21 (i.e., "starting operation" of the device 2), an operation of stopping the operation of the heat source 21 (i.e., "stopping operation" of the device 2), or an operation of adjusting the set temperature.

[0039] Note that the term "starting operation" here refers to starting an operating state from a standby state in which the device 2 is powered on and consuming standby power, for example, when a manual operation is received from the user. Also, the term "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 a set temperature due to eco-driving, etc., and an automatic restart from a temporary stop of operation.

[0040] In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the specific operation is an operation to "start operation" of the device 2 that can be remotely controlled using the controller 1. However, the specific operation may be an operation other than the operation to "start operation" of the device 2, as long as it is an operation that can be remotely controlled using the controller 1, and may be an operation to "stop operation" of the device 2, an operation to adjust the set temperature, or an operation of the sleep timer. Furthermore, if the operation to start eco-driving can be remotely controlled using the controller 1, the specific operation may be the operation to start eco-driving.

[0041] 1B, the device 2 further includes a control unit 20, a blower fan 22, a receiving unit 23, a memory unit 24, a display unit 25, a plurality of operation units 26 (only one in the illustrated example), a power supply unit 27, a transmitting unit 28, and a housing 200 (see FIG. 2) that houses or holds these components. The device 2 also includes sensors for monitoring the operation of the heat source 21 and the like. The type of sensor is not particularly limited, but examples include a combustion sensor for checking the combustion of the heat source 21, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat source 21 and the temperature in the room where the device 2 is installed, and a tipping sensor for detecting the tipping over of the device 2. The device 2 also includes a timer and has a function of managing a reservation schedule for starting / stopping the operation of the device 2 (heating device) based on the timekeeping by the timer.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 200 has a generally rectangular box shape that is flat in the front-to-rear direction as a whole. The housing 200 has an air outlet 201 at the bottom of its front surface and an air inlet on its back surface. A display unit 25 and a plurality of operation units 26 are disposed on the upper end surface of the housing 200. The back surface of the housing 200 is provided with a connection port to which a gas cord for supplying fuel gas to the gas pipe of the heating source 21 is connected. A power cord extends from the back surface 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.

[0043] 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 enables adjustment of the flow rate of the fuel gas 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 detection of flame extinguishing. The solenoid valve, proportional valve, igniter, fire sensor, etc. of the heat source 21 are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0044] The blower fan 22 is housed within the housing 200. The blower fan 22 includes, for example, a cross-flow fan and a fan motor that rotates the cross-flow fan in a circumferential direction. The fan motor operates under the control of the control unit 20 to rotate the cross-flow fan. As the cross-flow fan rotates, outside air is drawn in through an inlet provided on the back surface of the housing 200 and flows toward the combustor of the heat source 21. A portion of the outside air drawn in through the inlet 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, and then blown out from an outlet 201 provided on the front surface of the housing 200. As a result, the device 2 provides warm air into the room in which the device 2 is installed, thereby raising the room temperature to a set temperature.

[0045] The multiple operation units 26 are user interfaces configured to be able to receive 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.

[0046] 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 one button, and a command to start operation and a command to stop operation may be issued alternately each time the button is pressed.

[0047] The operation units 26 further include an UP button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C, and a DOWN button for decreasing the set temperature by 1°C.

[0048] The operation units 26 further include a sleep button, a good morning button, and a setting button for inputting a set time. By pressing the sleep button, the operation of the device 2 is automatically stopped, for example, one hour after the pressing operation. By pressing the good morning button, the operation of the device 2 is automatically started after the set time.

[0049] The operation units 26 further include an eco button for executing eco operation. In normal operation, the device 2 executes continuous combustion by increasing and decreasing the combustion capacity. In eco operation, the device 2 executes an operation in which combustion is repeatedly started and stopped when the room temperature reaches or exceeds a set temperature.

[0050] The above button types are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0051] The display unit 25 is configured to present to the user information related to the operation of the device 2. The display unit 25 is disposed on the top surface of the housing 200. The display unit 25 displays the current set temperature, the current room temperature, the set time, and the operating state (whether normal operation or eco operation is in progress).

[0052] The storage unit 24 includes an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 24 may be a memory of the control unit 20. The storage unit 24 stores in advance information in which a plurality of control data (described below) that can be received from the controller 1 is associated with a plurality of control contents. The storage unit 24 also stores a set temperature, and the control unit 20 appropriately updates the set temperature in the storage unit 24 in response to a user operation. The storage unit 24 also stores in advance information related to one or more key data.

[0053] The receiving unit 23 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1. The receiving unit 23 is disposed next to the transmitting unit 28, which is disposed at the upper right edge on the front of the housing 200 (see FIG. 2). The receiving unit 23 includes an infrared receiving element that receives infrared light (infrared rays) transmitted from the controller 1 and performs photoelectric conversion. The receiving unit 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 control content corresponding to the control data. However, if the control unit 20 extracts "specific data" (data contained in the first infrared signal S11) from the output signal, it executes processing related to the transmission of a response signal S2 (see FIG. 2).

[0054] The transmitter 28 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. Under the control of the control unit 20, the transmitter 28 transmits a response signal S2 to the controller 1 in response to receiving a first infrared signal S11 from the controller 1. The transmitter 28 includes an infrared light-emitting element for transmitting the response signal S2 generated by the control unit 20. The infrared light-emitting element is assumed to be, for example, an infrared light-emitting diode (LED). That is, as an example, the response signal S2 is a signal transmitted via infrared light. The response signal S2 has a data structure including, for example, a leader code, a custom code, a data code, and a stop bit. The infrared light-emitting element is exposed at the upper right end on the front surface of the housing 200 and is held by the housing 200 so as to emit the response signal S2 (infrared signal).

[0055] 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 heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the receiving unit 23, the display unit 25, the transmitting unit 28, etc., using, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord.

[0056] The control unit 20 has a computer (including a microcomputer) including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The computer functions as the control unit 20 by executing an appropriate program.

[0057] 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 included in the infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, which is received by the receiving unit 23. However, as described above, when the control unit 20 receives a first infrared signal S11 including "specific data" from the controller 1, the control unit 20 generates a response signal S2 (see FIG. 2) including one of one or more key data items stored in the storage unit 24 and transmits the response signal S2 from the transmitting unit 28. When multiple key data items are stored in the storage unit 24, the control unit 20 may select one of the key data items at random each time, or may select one of the key data items in order. When only one key data item is stored in the storage unit 24, the control unit 20 selects the same key data item each time.

[0058] (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.

[0059] The controller 1 is a remote control that can remotely operate the device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) using infrared rays as a medium. The infrared signal S1 has a data configuration 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.

[0060] 1A, the controller 1 includes a device 100, a control unit 10, a transmission unit 11, a storage unit 12, a user interface 13, a power supply unit 14, and a reception unit 15. The controller 1 has, for example, a computer (including a microcomputer) including a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The computer functions as the controller 1 by executing an appropriate program.

[0061] The housing 100 is formed in the shape of a flat, approximately rectangular box that is long in one direction overall (see FIG. 2). The housing 100 has a size and shape that allows a user to easily hold it in one hand. The housing 100 is made of, for example, resin. A plurality of (five in the illustrated example) operating members 300 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 reception unit 15, etc.

[0062] 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. However, when a specific operation unit 3 (here, the ON button 31) receives a single operation input, the transmitter 11 changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 10, in the command state, the transmitter 11 transmits a second infrared signal S12 based on the key data of the response signal S2 received from the device 2 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1).

[0063] 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 LED. The infrared light-emitting element is exposed at one end surface (the upper end surface in FIG. 2 ) of the housing 100 and is held by the housing 100 so as to emit the infrared signal S1 from that end surface.

[0064] The user interface 13 has multiple (e.g., five) operation units 3. Each operation unit 3 accepts an 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 to 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 housing 100. When the user presses any of the five operation members 300 exposed from the housing 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 an operation input from the user.

[0065] The ON button 31 is an operation button for starting the operation of the device 2. The OFF button 32 is a stop button for stopping the operation of the device 2. The TEMPERATURE DOWN button 33 is a button for decreasing the set temperature by 1°C. The TEMPERATURE UP button 34 is a button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C. The SLEEP button 35 is a button for automatically stopping the operation of the device 2, for example, one hour after the button is pressed. 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 side.

[0066] Each time each operation unit 3 receives a push operation (operation input), the transmission unit 11 transmits one infrared signal S1. Here, one infrared signal S1 means, for example, a signal starting with a leader code and ending with a stop bit (including the repeat if repeated).

[0067] In order to reduce the possibility of the device 2 starting to operate unintentionally due to the user inadvertently stepping on the controller 1 or a child touching the controller 1, the present embodiment assumes, as an example, that only the ON button 31 needs to be pressed twice. 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 to 35), the device 2 executes the corresponding control with a single press, but the "double press" may also be applied to the other buttons. Furthermore, buttons are not limited to the "double press" and may be set to require three or more presses.

[0068] The storage unit 12 includes an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 12 may be a memory of the control unit 10. The storage unit 12 pre-stores information related to the infrared signal S1 to be transmitted from the transmission unit 11. That is, the storage 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 to 35) is pressed. Hereinafter, the control data corresponding to the ON button 31, the OFF button 32, the temperature DOWN button 33, the temperature UP button 34, and the 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.

[0069] Incidentally, with regard to the first control data corresponding to the ON button 31 that requires a "double press," the first control data corresponding to the first "press" and the first control data corresponding to the second "press" are different from each other. The storage unit 12 pre-stores the first control data corresponding to the first "press" of the ON button 31. However, the storage unit 12 does not pre-store the first control data corresponding to the second "press" of the ON button 31. As an example, the storage unit 12 pre-stores the above-mentioned "specific data" (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "ON1" data) as the first control data corresponding to the first "press" of the ON button 31. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first control data corresponding to the second "press" of the ON button 31 is key data included in the response signal S2 received from the device 2. That is, the controller 1 adopts the key data selected by the device 2 (for example, "ON2" data) as the first control data corresponding to the second "press."

[0070] Even if a button other than the ON button 31 that requires a "double press" is set (for example, the OFF button 32), the control data corresponding to the first "press" and the control data corresponding to the second "press" may be set to be different from each other. The storage unit 12 pre-stores the second control data corresponding to the first "press" as the second control data corresponding to the OFF button 32 (for example, "OFF1" data). However, for the second control data corresponding to the second "press," key data (for example, "OFF2" data) included in the response signal S2 received from the device 2 may be used. In other words, in this case, the storage unit 24 of the device 2 may pre-store information regarding one or more key data for the second control data. Needless to say, the "OFF1" data and the "OFF2" data corresponding to the OFF button 32 are data that do not match either the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data corresponding to the ON button 31.

[0071] 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 generates operating power for the control unit 10 and other components using DC power discharged from the primary batteries and supplies the power to the control unit 10.

[0072] The receiving unit 15 receives a response signal S2 including key data transmitted from the device 2 in response to the first infrared signal S11. The receiving unit 23 is disposed, for example, next to the transmitting unit 11 disposed on one end surface (top end surface in FIG. 2) of the housing 100 (see FIG. 2). The response signal S2 is an infrared signal as described above. The receiving unit 15 includes an infrared receiving element that receives infrared light (infrared rays) transmitted from the device 2 and performs photoelectric conversion. The receiving unit 15 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 extracts key data ("ON2" data) from the output signal output from the infrared receiving element. When the ON button 31 is pressed again, the control unit 10 generates a second infrared signal S12 based on the key data, for example, a second infrared signal S12 including "ON2" data.

[0073] The control unit 10 controls the transmitting unit 11, the user interface 13, the storage unit 12, the power supply unit 14, the receiving unit 15, etc. When the user presses any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the control unit 10 controls the transmitting unit 11 to send (transmit) an infrared signal S1 including control data (any of the first to fifth control data) corresponding to that button.

[0074] In particular, under the control of the control unit 10, when a user presses a specific operation unit 3 (here, the ON button 31), the transmission unit 11 changes from a standby state to a command state, and first transmits a first infrared signal S11 including "ON1" data as the first control data. Under the control of the control unit 10, when the transmission unit 11 receives a response signal S2 in the command state and accepts another operation input (from the same operation unit 3, i.e., the ON button 31), the transmission unit 11 transmits a second infrared signal S12. That is, the transmission unit 11 transmits the second infrared signal S12 including key data ("ON2" data) as the first control data.

[0075] Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmission unit 11 receives a single operation input from the operation unit 3 (here, the ON button 31) to change from a standby state to a command state, and after a certain period of time has passed since then, the transmission unit 11 returns from the command state to the standby state. The certain period of time is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited thereto. In other words, in order for the user to start operating the device 2, the user needs to press the ON button 31 a second time within the certain period of time after the first press. Note that the control unit 10 erases the key data received from the device 2 when the certain period of time has passed and the device returns from the command state to the standby state, regardless of whether or not a second press occurs within the certain period of time.

[0076] The control unit 10 includes a timer. When the control unit 10 receives a first press of the ON button 31, the control unit 10 transmits a first infrared signal S11 and starts timing the fixed period with the timer. In other words, the start point of the fixed period is the time when the control unit 10 receives a first press of the ON button 31. When the control unit 10 receives a second press of the ON button 31 within the fixed period, the control unit 10 transmits a second infrared signal S12.

[0077] Even if the control unit 10 receives a third or subsequent press of the ON button 31 within the above-mentioned certain period, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. However, the control unit 10 may transmit a second infrared signal S12 including "ON2" data in response to each press from the third onwards (the device 2 may simply treat the third and subsequent infrared signals S1 as invalid). 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.

[0078] Needless to say, even if the ON button 31 is pressed twice while the device 2 is operating, the device 2 will invalidate the infrared signal S1. Even if the OFF button 32 is pressed while the device 2 is not operating, the device 2 will invalidate the infrared signal S1.

[0079] When the control unit 10 counts the end point of the above-mentioned fixed period by the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next press operation received by the ON button 31 as the first press operation.

[0080] In short, when 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 each containing different data ("ON1" data and "ON2" data) are transmitted from the transmitter 11.

[0081] It should be noted that under the control of the control unit 10, if the transmission unit 11 fails to receive the response signal S2, it returns from the command state to the standby state.

[0082] In the example of Fig. 2, a first infrared signal S11 including "ON1" data (see square wave W1) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a first pressing operation. Also, in the example of Fig. 2, a second infrared signal S12 including "ON2" data (see square wave W2) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a second pressing operation. As shown in Fig. 2, this "ON2" data is based on key data (see square wave X1) included in the response signal S2 transmitted from the device 2, and is included in the second infrared signal S12.

[0083] The square waves W1 and W2 (square waves X1) in Figure 2 are shown schematically with only a portion of the beginning of the data code extracted, so that it is easy to intuitively understand that the "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different from each other. The "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. The "ON2" data (square waves W2, X1) contains "1" data, with the OFF period being longer than the ON period.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Meanwhile, the control unit 20 of the device 2 executes a specific operation in response to a remote operation of the controller 1. In the present 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 satisfied. The specific condition is that the device 2 receives a first infrared signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12 (containing different first control data) transmitted from the controller 1 when the ON button 31 is "double pressed" to command the operation to start operation on the controller 1. More specifically, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives the second infrared signal S12 at least once (here, once) within a predetermined period starting from the time when the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11 or the time when the device 2 transmits the response signal S2. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0086] The control unit 20 of the device 2 also uses a timer to measure the predetermined period. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 receives a first infrared signal S11 including the first control data (e.g., "ON1" data) (or transmits a response signal S2), the control unit 20 starts measuring the predetermined period. The control unit 20 selects one of one or more pieces of key data and transmits the response signal S2 including the selected key data (e.g., "ON2" data). At this time, the control unit 20 selects key data different from the first control data. For example, it is assumed that "ON1" to "ON5" data are pre-stored as key data in the storage unit 24 of the device 2. When the control unit 20 receives "ON1" data as the first control data from the controller 1, the control unit 20 selects one of the data other than "ON1" data ("ON2" to "ON5" data) and transmits the response signal S2 including the selected key data. Naturally, the controller 1 may always transmit the "ON1" data as the first control data in a fixed manner, and the device 2 may always transmit the "ON2" data as the key data in a fixed manner.

[0087] When the control unit 20 receives a second infrared signal S12 containing the second first control data ("ON2" data) within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it determines whether the received "ON2" data matches the transmitted key data. The control unit 20 may also determine 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.

[0088] As an example, it is assumed that the above-mentioned fixed period measured by the control unit 10 of the controller 1 using a timer and the above-mentioned predetermined period measured by the control unit 20 of the device 2 using a timer are the same length (for example, several seconds), but they do not have to be exactly the same.

[0089] When the control unit 20 of the device 2 counts the end point of the predetermined period using the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next reception of the infrared signal S1 including the first control data as the first reception.

[0090] The storage unit 24 of the device 2 also stores in advance data such as "ON1," "ON2," "ON3," etc. (which may also be treated as key data) as first control data 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 first and second infrared signals S11 and S12 received within the above-mentioned predetermined period each contain first control data corresponding to the control content, i.e., the operation start, and that the first control data of the second infrared signal S12 matches the transmitted key data, the control unit 20 starts the operation of the device 2.

[0091] (4) Controller operation flow A series of operational flows of the controller 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is merely one example of the operational flow 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.

[0092] The controller 1 (controller 10 thereof) constantly monitors whether or not a pressing operation has occurred on each operation unit 3 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until a pressing operation has occurred on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: No).

[0093] When a pressing operation is performed on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: Yes), the controller 1 starts counting a certain period of time at that timing, for example (step ST2).

[0094] 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 including control data corresponding to that button (step ST4). Then, the controller 1 resets the timer for a certain period (step ST12) and returns to a standby state where it waits for a pressing operation to occur again.

[0095] On the other hand, when the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3: Yes), it changes from the standby state to the command state and transmits, for example, "ON1" data as the first control data in the first infrared signal S11 (step ST5).

[0096] Then, the controller 1 immediately receives a response signal S2 including key data (for example, "ON2" data) from the device 2 (step ST6).

[0097] Next, the controller 1 monitors whether or not a second push operation has occurred in the command state (step ST7). If a certain period of time has elapsed (step ST8: Yes) without a second push operation having occurred (step ST7: No), the controller 1 resets the counting of the certain period of time (step ST12) and returns from the command state to a standby state in which it waits for a push operation to occur again. That is, the controller 1 remains in the command state and waits for a second push operation to occur until the certain period of time has elapsed (step ST8: No).

[0098] 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).

[0099] When the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed again (step ST9: Yes), it transmits the "ON2" data (key data) received in step ST6 as first control data in a second infrared signal S12 (step ST11). Then, the controller 1 resets the counting of the fixed period at the timing of transmitting the second infrared signal S12 (or waits until the end of the fixed period and then resets the counting of the fixed period) (step ST12), and returns from the command state to a standby state in which it waits for a pressing operation to occur again.

[0100] The controller 1 also returns from the command state to the standby state if it fails to receive the response signal S2. The controller 1 determines that it has failed to receive the response signal S2, for example, if the ON button 31 is pressed a second time before it receives the response signal S2, or if a certain period of time ends before it receives the response signal S2. If it has failed to receive the response signal S2, the controller 1 may turn on an indicator lamp (not shown) provided on the device 100 to notify the user of this.

[0101] If the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed before the fixed period has elapsed (step ST9: No), it does not transmit the infrared signal S1 corresponding to that button. That is, 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 the occurrence of a pressing operation.

[0102] After the controller 1 receives a double press of the ON button 31, the controller 1 may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) during which the infrared signal S1 is not transmitted and the button is treated as invalid no matter which button is pressed.

[0103] It is preferable that the controller 1 erases (clears) the information relating to the "ON2" data (key data) received in step ST6, for example, at the timing when the controller 1 returns from the command state to the standby state.

[0104] (5) Flow of device operation A series of operational flows of the device 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. The flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is merely one example of the operational flow 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 an explanation of the operation in response to an operation on the operation unit 26 of the device 2 will be omitted.

[0105] The device 2 (controller 20 thereof) is in a standby state, consuming standby power while powered on, and monitors whether or not an infrared signal S1 has been received (step ST21). The device 2 waits until it receives the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: No).

[0106] When receiving the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: Yes), the device 2 starts timing a predetermined period at that timing (step ST22), and extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST23).

[0107] The 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 the device 2 which requires "double pressing" (step ST24). If the device 2 determines that the control data is other than the first control data (step ST24: No), it executes the control content corresponding to the control data (step ST25). Then, the device 2 resets the clock for the predetermined period (step ST34) and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again.

[0108] On the other hand, if the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST24: Yes), it temporarily stores the first control data (here, "ON1") in the storage unit 24 (step ST26). Furthermore, the device 2 selects key data (here, "ON2") different from the received "ON1" from one or more pieces of key data pre-stored in the storage unit 24, and transmits a response signal S2 including the selected key data (here, "ON2") (step ST27).

[0109] Then, the device 2 waits to receive the next infrared signal S1 (step ST28). If the predetermined period ends (step ST29: Yes) without receiving the second infrared signal S1 (step ST28: No), the device 2 resets the count of the predetermined period (step ST34) and returns to a standby state where it waits to receive the infrared signal S1 again. That is, the device 2 waits to receive the second infrared signal S1 until the predetermined period ends (step ST29: No).

[0110] If the device 2 receives the second infrared signal S1 before the end of the predetermined period (step ST28: Yes), the device 2 extracts the control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST30).

[0111] The 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 the device 2 (step ST31).

[0112] If the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST31: Yes), it then determines whether the second first control data matches the key data (here, "ON2") transmitted in step ST27 (step ST32). If the second first control data matches the transmitted key data (step ST32: Yes), the device 2 starts operation, i.e., starts operating the heat source 21 and the blower fan 22 (step ST33). Then, the device 2 resets the clock for the predetermined period (step ST34) and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again.

[0113] If the device 2 determines that the control data received before the end of the predetermined period is control data other than the first control data (step ST31: No), it does not execute the control content corresponding to the control data. That is, the device 2 invalidates the control data (step ST35), resets the clock for the predetermined period (step ST34), and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again. In short, if the device 2 receives control data other than the first control data after receiving the first control data, it discards the command from the controller 1.

[0114] Furthermore, if the second first control data does not match the transmitted key data (step ST32: No), the device 2 does not execute the control content corresponding to the control data. That is, the device 2 does not start operation, invalidates the control data (step ST35), resets the predetermined time period (step ST34), and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again. In other words, if the device 2 receives the second first control data that is different from the previously transmitted key data, it discards the command from the controller 1.

[0115] After starting operation, the device 2 may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) during which, even if the device 2 receives any control data, the device 2 does not execute the corresponding control content and treats the received control data as invalid for a while.

[0116] (6) Effects In the controller 1 according to the present 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," the data of the second infrared signal S12 transmitted the second time is different from the data of the first infrared signal S11 transmitted the first time. Furthermore, the second infrared signal S12 is a signal based on key data received from the device 2. Therefore, even if a user tries to make 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," "ON2") will be transmitted between the first and second presses of the same button, even if the user taps the corresponding icon on the screen of the mobile device 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 screen of the mobile device twice as if pressing the ON button 31 twice on the controller 1, the smart remote control will simply transmit an infrared signal containing the "ON1" data twice in succession to the device 2. As a result, the device 2 determines in step ST32 of FIG. 4 that the second first control data does not match the key data previously transmitted, and does not start operation. In particular, it is unlikely that the smart remote control will be able to learn the key data. This contributes to preventing the smart remote control from learning, and reduces the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0117] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives the second infrared signal S12 at least once within a predetermined period of time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation (e.g., an operation to start driving) will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0118] Furthermore, in 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 in order to cause the device 2 to execute a specific operation (e.g., an operation to start driving). This reduces the possibility that the specific operation (e.g., an operation to start driving) 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.

[0119] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, if the controller 1 fails to receive the response signal S2 from the device 2, it returns from the command state to the standby state, which further reduces the possibility of the device 2 being remotely controlled from a location where it cannot be seen. Also, if a specific operation (for example, an operation to start operation) is not executed, the user can easily redo the operation input to the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31) from the beginning.

[0120] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the controller returns from the command state to the standby state, which reduces the possibility that the command state will continue unintentionally by the user.

[0121] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the response signal S2 is a signal transmitted via infrared rays, which allows for a cheaper receiver 15 of the controller 1 and transmitter 28 of the device 2 than would be possible with other wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0122] In the device 2 according to this embodiment, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) transmitted from the controller 1 in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, even if the device 2 receives infrared signals consecutively from the smart remote control, the contents of those infrared signals simply contain the same data, and a specific operation (for example, an operation to start operation) will not be executed. In other words, even if the device 2 receives two infrared signals from the smart remote control, it will determine in step ST32 of FIG. 4 that the second first control data does not match the key data transmitted previously, and will not start operation. As a result, the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely controlled from an unseen location can be reduced.

[0123] In particular, in the case of a device 2 equipped with a gas combustion type 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 being remotely controlled from a location where the user cannot see the device.

[0124] (7) Variations The above-described embodiments are merely a few of the various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0125] The same functions as those of the controller 1 according to the above embodiment may be realized as a control method for the controller 1, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.

[0126] 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) via infrared rays to a device 2 that executes a specific operation (e.g., an operation to start operation) when a specific condition is satisfied. The control method includes a first transmission step, a reception step, and a second transmission step. In the first transmission step, when an operation input is received once at an operation unit 3 that receives operation input from outside, the device 2 changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). In the reception step, a response signal S2 including key data transmitted from the device 2 in response to the first infrared signal S11 is received. In the second transmission step, in the command state, a second infrared signal S12 based on the key data of the received response signal S2 is transmitted as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 by the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 include different data from each other. A program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0127] 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.

[0128] Another control method according to the present invention is a control method for 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 transmitting step of transmitting a response signal S2 to the controller 1 in response to receiving a first infrared signal S11, and a control step of executing a specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when a specific condition is satisfied. Another program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the response signal S2 is a wireless signal using infrared rays as a medium, similar to the infrared signal S1. However, it is sufficient that the device 2 can transmit key data wirelessly to the controller 1, and the response signal S2 may be a wireless signal conforming to other wireless communication standards, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0130] In the above embodiment, the controller 1 transmits the key data ("ON2" data) received from the device 2 as first control data by including it in the second infrared signal S12. However, the device 2 does not necessarily need to transmit the first control data ("ON2" data) itself as key data. For example, if correspondence information such as "KEY 1" data corresponding to "ON1" data, "KEY 2" data corresponding to "ON2" data, and "KEY 3" data corresponding to "ON3" data is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 of the controller 1 and the storage unit 24 of the device 2, the device 2 may transmit the response signal S2 including the "KEY 2" data as key data. The controller 1 may refer to the storage unit 12, select the "ON2" data corresponding to "KEY 2", and transmit the "ON2" data included in the second infrared signal S12.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the transmitter 11 of the controller 1 transmits the second infrared signal S12 when the ON button 31 is pressed in the command state as a trigger. However, the transmitter 11 may automatically transmit the second infrared signal S12 when it receives the response signal S2 in the command state. In this case, the user is saved from having to perform the operation input to the ON button 31 again. As a result, convenience is improved.

[0132] In particular, if the transmitter 11 automatically transmits the second infrared signal S12 upon receiving the response signal S2, this can be easily applied to the other buttons 32 to 35 that only require a "single press." That is, in this case, the specific operation can be an operation such as "stopping operation" of the device 2, adjusting the set temperature, or automatically stopping operation after one hour.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the controller 1 transmits the first infrared signal S11 containing the same "ON1" data every time the ON button 31 is pressed for the first time. However, the storage unit 12 of the controller 1 may previously store three or more different types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") as the first control data. The controller 1 may then randomly select one of "ON1" to "ON5" as the first control data to be transmitted for the first time. Alternatively, the controller 1 may select one of "ON1" to "ON5" in a specific order (e.g., cyclically) for example. In other words, the first control data of the first infrared signal S11 may be different every time. In this case, the storage unit 24 of the device 2 may also previously store five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5." When the device 2 receives a first infrared signal S11 whose first control data may be different each time, the device 2 selects and transmits key data other than the first control data.

[0134] 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 also knows the control content that requires "three presses." In this case, it is sufficient that at least one of the three sets of control data, from the second press onward, contains control data based on key data. For example, the three sets of control data may be, in order, "ON1," "ON2 (key data)," and "ON1," or "ON1," "ON2 (key data)," and "ON2 (key data)," or "ON1," "ON1," and "ON2 (key data)." In the case of the order "ON1," "ON1," and "ON2 (key data)," the device 2 may transmit the response signal S2 upon receiving the first set of control data, or may transmit the response signal S2 upon receiving the second set of control data, and then receive the control data based on key data the third time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 Controller 11 Transmitter 15 Receiving unit 2 equipment 20 Control Unit 21 Heating source 23 Receiving unit 28 Transmitter 3 Control section S1 Infrared signal (transmitted signal) S11 First infrared signal S12 Second infrared signal S2 response signal

Claims

1. 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 transmitting unit that, when the operation unit receives the operation input once, changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal as the transmission signal; a receiving unit that receives a response signal including key data transmitted from the device in response to the first infrared signal, the transmitting unit, in the command state, transmits, as the transmission signal, a second infrared signal based on the key data of the received response signal; the specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal by the device; the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data; the transmitting unit, in the command state, transmits the second infrared signal when it receives the response signal and accepts the operation input again. controller.

2. the specific condition is that the device receives the second infrared signal at least once within a predetermined period starting from the time when the device receives the first infrared signal or the time when the device transmits the response signal; The controller of claim 1 .

3. The transmitting unit returns from the command state to the standby state when the receiving of the response signal fails.

3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The transmission unit receives the operation input once at the operation unit and changes from the standby state to the command state, and when a certain period of time has passed since the transmission unit changed from the command state to the standby state, the transmission unit returns from the command state to the standby state. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The response signal is a signal mediated by infrared light. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a transmitter that transmits the response signal to the controller in response to receiving the first infrared signal; a control unit that executes the specific operation, The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied. device.

7. Further comprising a gas combustion type heating source, The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

7. The device of claim 6.

8. 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 first transmission step of switching from a standby state to a command state when an operation unit that receives an operation input from outside receives the operation input once, and transmitting a first infrared signal as the transmission signal; a receiving step of receiving a response signal including key data transmitted from the device in response to the first infrared signal; a second transmitting step; In the second transmitting step, in the command state, a second infrared signal based on the key data of the received response signal is transmitted as the transmission signal; the specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal by the device; the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data; In the second transmitting step, when the response signal is received and the operation input is accepted again in the command state, the second infrared signal is transmitted. Control method.

9. 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 transmitting step of transmitting the response signal to the controller in response to receiving the first infrared signal; 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.

10. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method described in claim 8 or 9.

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