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 instrument body, a detection portion D1 that detects vibrations of the instrument body, an operation portion 3 that accepts operation input from the outside, and a transmission portion 11 that transmits the transmission signal. When the detection portion D1 detects vibration, the transmission portion 11 changes the state from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal. When the transmission portion 11 receives one operation input from the operating portion 3 in the command state, the transmission portion transmits a second infrared signal S12 as a transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 in the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 include mutually different pieces of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[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 light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller includes a device body, a detection unit provided on the device body that detects vibration of the device, an operation unit provided on the device that accepts external operation input, and a transmission unit provided on the device that transmits the transmission signal. When the detection unit detects the vibration, the transmission unit changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal as the transmission signal. When the transmission unit receives the operation input once via the operation unit in the command state, the transmission unit transmits a second infrared 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 of the invention of claim 2, in the controller of the invention of claim 1, 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.

[0009] In the controller of the invention of claim 3, in the controller of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the transmitting unit transmits the first infrared signal once, and then transmits the second infrared signal when the first operation input is received at the operation unit, and then transmits the second infrared signal again when the second operation input is received.

[0010] In the controller of the invention of claim 4, in a controller of any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3, the transmitting unit returns from the command state to the standby state when a certain period of time has passed since the detecting unit detected the vibration and changed from the standby state to the command state.

[0011] The device according to the invention of claim 5 includes a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 4, and a control unit that executes the specific operation. The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0012] The device according to the invention of claim 6 is the device according to the invention of claim 5, further comprising a gas combustion type heat source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

[0013] The control method according to claim 7 is a control method for 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 detection step of detecting vibration of a body of the controller, a first transmission step, and a second transmission step. In the first transmission step, when the vibration is detected in the detection step, the controller changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal as the transmission signal. In the second transmission step, when an operation input is received once on an operation unit of the controller in the command state, a second infrared 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.

[0014] A control method according to the invention of claim 8 is a control method for a device that communicates with a controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 4. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller, and a control step of executing the specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0015] The program according to the invention of claim 9 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 7 or 8. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] In the controller of the invention of claim 1, when the detection unit detects vibration, a first infrared signal is transmitted, and when the operation unit receives a single operation input, a second infrared signal containing data different from the first infrared signal is transmitted. The device then executes a specific operation only when conditions related to the reception of the first and second infrared signals are met. Therefore, even if a user attempts to have the smart remote control learn the controller's functions, only the second infrared signal transmitted in response to the operation input to the operation unit is likely to 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The controller according to the invention of claim 3 can reduce the possibility of a specific operation (such as starting an operation) that requires two consecutive operation inputs to the operation unit being remotely operated from a location where the equipment cannot be seen.

[0019] In the controller according to the invention of claim 4, 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.

[0020] In the device according to the invention of claim 5, only the second infrared signal transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, the first infrared signal is unlikely to be received from the smart remote control, and the specific operation is not executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0021] The device according to the invention of claim 6 can reduce the possibility that a device equipped with a gas combustion type heat source will be remotely operated from an unseen location.

[0022] The control method according to the invention of claim 7 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.

[0023] The control method according to the invention of claim 8 can provide a method for controlling a device that reduces the possibility of remote control from an unseen location.

[0024] The program according to the invention of claim 9 can provide a function that reduces the possibility of a device being remotely controlled from an unseen location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [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

[0026] 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.

[0027] (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.

[0028] (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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 on the operation unit 3 of the controller 1, using infrared rays as a medium, and executes control in accordance with the data (control data) contained in the infrared signal S1. The device 2 also receives the infrared signal S1 wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 when vibration of the housing 100 (see FIG. 2) of the controller 1 is detected.

[0032] In the following, the infrared signal S1 sent from the controller 1 in response to vibration detection of the body 100 of the controller 1 may be referred to as the first infrared signal S11, and the infrared signal S1 sent from the controller 1 in response to user operation on the operating unit 3 of the controller 1 may be referred to as the second infrared signal S12.

[0033] In particular, the 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 the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 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 and the second infrared signal S12 by the device 2.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The specific operation may be any operation that can be performed remotely using the controller 1, and may include, for example, an operation to start operation of the device 2, an operation to stop operation of the device 2, an operation to adjust the set temperature, and an operation of the sleep timer. If the operation to start eco-driving can be performed remotely using the controller 1, the specific operation may include the operation to start eco-driving.

[0037] 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, 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 operation of the device 2 (heating device) based on the timekeeping by the timer.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The above button types are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0047] 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).

[0048] The storage unit 24 includes an electrically rewritable non-volatile 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 pieces of control data (described below) that can be received from the controller 1 are associated with a plurality of control contents. The storage unit 24 also stores a set temperature, and the control unit 20 updates the set temperature in the storage unit 24 as appropriate in response to a user operation.

[0049] The receiving unit 23 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1. The receiving unit 23 is arranged at the upper right 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) sent 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.

[0050] 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, etc., using, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 (second infrared signal S12) from the controller 1, which is received by the receiving unit 23. However, when the control unit 20 receives the first infrared signal S11, it becomes ready for the second infrared signal S12 that may be transmitted from the controller 1, based on the control data included in the first infrared signal S11. In other words, the control data included in the first infrared signal S11 is control data for notifying the device 2 that there is a high possibility that the user will soon operate the operation unit 3 of the controller 1.

[0053] (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.

[0054] The controller 1 is a remote control capable of remotely operating 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. In response to one operation input (push operation) to the operation unit 3 or one vibration detection of the device 100, the infrared signal S1 may be transmitted by repeating the reader code through the stop bit several times, but for convenience of explanation, the repeats will be considered as one infrared signal S1.

[0055] 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 detection unit D1. 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.

[0056] 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 detection unit D1, etc.

[0057] 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, when the detector D1 detects vibration, 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, when the transmitter 11 receives one operation input from the operation unit 3, it transmits a second infrared signal S12 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1).

[0058] 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 (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.

[0059] The user interface 13 has multiple (e.g., five) operation units 3. Each operation unit 3 is provided on the housing 100 and receives 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 operation input from the user.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Each time each operation unit 3 receives a push operation (operation input), the transmission unit 11 transmits one infrared signal S1 (second infrared signal S12). Here, one infrared signal S1 (S11, S12) means, for example, a signal starting with a leader code and ending with a stop bit (including the repeat if repeated).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 corresponding control data (data codes) to be included in the second infrared signal S12 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.

[0064] The storage unit 12 also stores in advance information about corresponding control data (data code) to be included in the first infrared signal S11 when vibration of the device 100 is detected. Hereinafter, the control data corresponding to the detection of vibration of the device 100 may be referred to as preparation data.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The detection unit D1 is provided in the device 100 and configured to detect vibrations of the device 100. The detection unit D1 includes a sensor (e.g., a piezoelectric vibration sensor) that detects vibrations of the device 100 by measuring the acceleration of the device 100. The detection unit D1 is electrically connected to the control unit 10 and outputs an output signal including a detection result related to the vibrations of the device 100 to the control unit 10. When the signal value (e.g., voltage value) of the output signal exceeds a threshold, the control unit 10 determines that vibrations have occurred due to the user holding the device 100 with their hands, and causes the transmission unit 11 to transmit preparation data included in a first infrared signal S11.

[0067] The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11, the user interface 13, the storage unit 12, the power supply unit 14, the detection unit D1, etc. The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11 when the detection unit D1 detects vibration of the device 100. Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmission unit 11 changes from a standby state to a command state and sends (transmits) a first infrared signal S11 including preparation data. Under the control of the control unit 10, in the command state, when the user presses any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the transmission unit 11 sends (transmits) a second infrared signal S12 including control data (any of the first to fifth control data) corresponding to that button.

[0068] In particular, for a specific operation unit 3 (here, the ON button 31) that requires "double pressing," the transmitter 11, under the control of the controller 10, transmits a first infrared signal S11 once, and then transmits a second infrared signal S12 when the first operation input is received at the specific operation unit 3. Subsequently, when a second operation input is received at the same specific operation unit 3, the transmitter 11 transmits the second infrared signal S12 again.

[0069] Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmitter 11 returns from the command state to the standby state when a certain period of time has passed since the detector D1 detected vibration and changed from the standby state to the command 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 to start the operation of the device 2, the user needs to press the ON button 31 twice within the certain period of time after holding the device 100 in their hand. The other buttons (32 to 35) only need to be pressed once within the certain period of time after holding the device 100 in their hand.

[0070] The control unit 10 includes a timer. When the detection unit D1 detects vibration, the control unit 10 causes the timer to transmit a first infrared signal S11 and starts timing the fixed period. In other words, the start point of the fixed period is the time when the detection unit D1 detects vibration. When the control unit 10 receives a press operation on any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35) within the fixed period, the control unit 10 causes the timer to transmit a second infrared signal S12.

[0071] It should be noted that while the user is holding the controller 1, the signal value of the output signal from the detection unit D1 may become equal to or greater than the threshold value many times. The transmission unit 11 may re-count the fixed period each time the signal value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value, and transmit the first infrared signal S11 each time. Alternatively, once the transmission unit 11 starts counting the fixed period and transmits the first infrared signal S11, it may refrain from re-counting the fixed period and transmitting the first infrared signal S11 for a while (for example, several tens of seconds).

[0072] Even if the control unit 10 receives a third or subsequent press of the ON button 31 within the above-mentioned certain period, the control unit 10 ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. However, the control unit 10 may transmit the infrared signal S1 in response to each press from the third or subsequent press (the device 2 may simply treat the third or subsequent infrared signal S1 as invalid).

[0073] Furthermore, even if the control unit 10 receives a second or subsequent press of the OFF button 32 or the sleep button 35 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. On the other hand, whenever the control unit 10 receives a second or subsequent press of the temperature DOWN button 33 or the temperature UP button 34 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it transmits a second infrared signal S12. Furthermore, even if the control unit 10 receives a second press of a button other than the ON button 31 after receiving a first press of the ON button 31, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1.

[0074] 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.

[0075] When the control unit 10 counts the end point of the above-mentioned fixed period with the timer, it resets the timer and monitors the next vibration detection.

[0076] In short, when vibration of the controller 1 is detected and when each operating unit 3 is pressed, a first infrared signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12, each containing different data (preparation data or any of the first to fifth control data), are transmitted from the transmitting unit 11.

[0077] In the example of Fig. 2, vibrations of the device 100 caused by, for example, the user holding the controller 1 in his / her hand are detected, and a first infrared signal S11 including preparation data (see square wave W1) is transmitted from the controller 1. Also, in the example of Fig. 2, a second infrared signal S12 including any of the first to fifth control data (see square wave W2) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a press operation on any of the five buttons (31 to 35).

[0078] The square waves W1 and W2 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 preparation data corresponding to vibration detection and the control data corresponding to a push operation are different. The preparation data corresponding to vibration detection (square wave W1) 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 the OFF period (the period during which the infrared light emitting element is off) being the same length. The control data corresponding to a push operation (square wave W2) includes "1" data with an OFF period longer than the ON period.

[0079] In other words, when the preparatory data corresponding to vibration detection and the control data corresponding to a pressing operation are different, this corresponds to the contents of the data code (e.g., 8-bit data) being different. For example, if the preparatory data corresponding to vibration detection contains more "1" data than the control data corresponding to a pressing operation, the data length of the preparatory data may be longer. Naturally, the contents of the data code (e.g., 8-bit data) of the first to fifth control data are also different from each other.

[0080] 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, it is assumed that the specific operation includes 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 first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12. More specifically, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives the second infrared signal S12 at least once within a predetermined period starting from the time when the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0081] 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 the first infrared signal S11 including the preparation data, it starts measuring the predetermined period. In other words, the start point of the predetermined period is the point in time when the first infrared signal S11 including the preparation data is received. When the control unit 20 receives an infrared signal S1 including any of the first to fifth control data within the predetermined period, it determines whether the control data is different from the preparation data. Although the second infrared signal S12 including the first control data must be received twice, the control unit 20 invalidates the second infrared signal S12 including the first control data even if it receives it a third time within the predetermined period.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 monitors for the reception of the first infrared signal S11 including the next preparation data.

[0084] The storage unit 24 of the device 2 also stores in advance the preparation data and the first to fifth control data in association with the control content of the device 2. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11 and determines that the two second infrared signals S12 received within the above-mentioned predetermined period include the first control data corresponding to the control content of starting operation, the control unit 20 starts operation of the device 2.

[0085] (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.

[0086] The controller 1 (controller 10 thereof) constantly monitors whether or not the device 100 is vibrating (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until it detects vibration of the device 100 (step ST1: No).

[0087] When it is determined that the device 100 is vibrating, that is, when vibration is detected (step ST1: Yes), the controller 1 starts timing a certain period of time at that timing (step ST2). Furthermore, when vibration is detected, the controller 1 changes from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal S11 including preparation data (step ST3).

[0088] Next, in the command state, the controller 1 monitors the pressing operations on the operation units 3 (step ST4).

[0089] When the controller 1 determines that any button (operation unit 3) has been pressed (step ST4: Yes), it transmits a second infrared signal S12 including control data corresponding to that button (step ST5).The controller 1 then checks whether a certain period of time has elapsed (step ST6), and if the certain period of time has elapsed (step ST6: Yes), it resets the counting of the certain period of time (step ST7), and returns from the command state to a standby state in which it waits for vibration detection again.

[0090] On the other hand, if the certain period ends without a pressing operation (step ST4: No) and the controller 1 returns to the standby state (step ST6: Yes), the controller 1 resets the countdown period (step ST7) and returns from the command state to the standby state where it waits for vibration detection again. That is, the controller 1 remains in the command state and waits for a pressing operation until the certain period ends (step ST6: No). For example, if the user wants to increase the set temperature by 3°C, the user needs to press the temperature UP button 34 three times before the certain period ends. For example, if the user wants to start the device 2, the user needs to press the ON button 31 twice in succession before the certain period ends. For example, if the user wants to start the device 2 and further increase the set temperature by 1°C, the user needs to press the ON button 31 twice in succession and then press the temperature UP button 34 once before the certain period ends.

[0091] If the ON button 31 is pressed once before the end of the certain period, and the ON button 31 is not pressed a second time, and the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed, the controller 1 does not transmit the infrared signal S1 corresponding to that button. In other words, the controller 1 invalidates the pressing operation, resets the counting of the certain period, and returns to a standby state where it waits for vibration detection.

[0092] 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 second infrared signal S12 is not transmitted and the pressed button is treated as invalid no matter which button is pressed for a while.

[0093] (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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] When receiving the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: Yes), the device 2 extracts the control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST22).

[0096] The device 2 determines whether the extracted control data is preparation data (step ST23). If the device 2 determines that the control data is preparation data (step ST23: Yes), it starts timing a predetermined period at that timing (step ST24). Then, the device 2 waits to receive the second or subsequent infrared signal S1 (step ST25). If the device 2 determines that the control data is not preparation data (step ST23: No), it invalidates the control data and returns to a standby state where it waits to receive the first infrared signal S1 again.

[0097] When the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 for the second or subsequent time (step ST25: Yes), it extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST26). When the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is any one of the first to fifth control data (step ST27: Yes), it executes the control content corresponding to the control data (step ST28). Although not described here, the device 2 will not start operation unless it receives the second infrared signal S12 containing the first control data twice in a row. The device 2 checks whether a predetermined period has elapsed (step ST29), and if the predetermined period has elapsed (step ST29: Yes), it resets the timer for the predetermined period (step ST30) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the first infrared signal S1 again.

[0098] If the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is not any of the first to fifth control data (step ST27: No), it skips the execution of the control content and checks whether the predetermined period has elapsed (step ST29).

[0099] If the predetermined period ends (step ST29: Yes) without receiving the second or subsequent infrared signal S1 (step ST25: No), the device 2 resets the count of the predetermined period (step ST30) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the first infrared signal S1 to be received again. That is, the device 2 waits for the second or subsequent infrared signal S1 to be received until the predetermined period ends (step ST29: No).

[0100] In addition, if the 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, the device 2 discards the command from the controller 1.

[0101] 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.

[0102] (6) Effects In the controller 1 according to this embodiment, when the detection unit D1 detects vibration, a first infrared signal S11 is transmitted. When the operation unit 3 receives one operation input, a second infrared signal S12 containing data different from the first infrared signal S11 is transmitted. Then, when the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12, a specific operation is executed. Therefore, even if a user tries to have the smart remote control learn the controller's functions, it is highly likely that only the second infrared signal S12 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 the first infrared signal S11 transmitted when the controller 1 detects vibration is also necessary to cause the device 2 to execute a specific operation. As a result, even if a user taps a corresponding icon on the screen of a mobile device with the feeling of pressing the operation unit 3 with the controller 1, the smart remote control simply transmits the second infrared signal S12 to the device 2. As a result, the device 2 rejects the command from the smart remote control based on the preparation data determination in step ST23 of Fig. 4, and the specific operation is not executed. In this way, the controller 1 contributes to preventing the smart remote control from learning, and reduces the possibility that the device 2 will be remotely controlled from a location that cannot be seen.

[0103] 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 specified period, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0104] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, after transmitting the first infrared signal S11 once, the transmitter 11 transmits the second infrared signal S12 when the first operation input is received on the operation unit 3, and subsequently transmits the second infrared signal S12 again when the second operation input is received. Therefore, for example, with regard to an operation start that requires two presses on the operation unit 3, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the appliance 2 will be remotely operated from a location where it cannot be seen.

[0105] 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.

[0106] In the device 2 according to this embodiment, only the second infrared signal S12 transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit 3 is likely to be copied to the smart remote controller. Therefore, the first infrared signal S11 is unlikely to be received from the smart remote controller, and the command from the smart remote controller is rejected in the determination of the preparation data in step ST23 of Fig. 4, and the specific operation is not executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device 2 that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0107] 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.

[0108] (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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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) via infrared rays to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a detection step of detecting vibration of a housing 100 of the controller 1, a first transmission step, and a second transmission step. In the first transmission step, when vibration is detected in the detection step, the controller 1 switches from a standby state to a command state and transmits a first infrared signal S11 as a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). In the second transmission step, when an operation input is received once at the operation unit 3 of the controller 1 in the command state, the controller 1 transmits a second infrared signal S12 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 contain different data. One program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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, 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.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the controller 1 always transmits the same preparation data fixedly included in the first infrared signal S11 as control data corresponding to vibration detection of the device 100. The controller 1 may change the preparation data each time vibration of the device 100 is detected. For example, the storage unit 12 may pre-store two or more different types of data (e.g., five types of data, "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5") as preparation data. In this case, the storage unit 24 of the device 2 will also pre-store five types of data, "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5." When the controller 1 detects vibration, it randomly selects one of the "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5" data, and when it next detects vibration, it again randomly selects one and transmits it. The device 2 recognizes any of the "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5" data it receives as preparation data and starts counting a predetermined period.

[0114] Alternatively, the controller 1 may select the preparation data according to a specific rule rather than randomly. For example, the controller 1 may cyclically select two or more types of data (for example, five types of data, "Preparation 1" to "Preparation 5") every time vibration is detected.

[0115] In this way, the controller 1 changes the contents of the preparation data each time vibration of the device 100 is detected, thereby further reducing the possibility that the data will be copied to a smart remote control.

[0116] Similarly, the controller 1 may change the control data each time it receives an operation input to the same operation unit 3. For example, the storage 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 five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5," are naturally also pre-stored in the storage unit 24 of the device 2. When the controller 1 receives the first pressing of the ON button 31, it randomly selects one of the "ON1" to "ON5" data, and when the controller 1 receives the second pressing of the ON button 31, it again randomly selects one of the data and transmits it. Alternatively, the controller 1 may cyclically select two or more types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") each time it receives the pressing of the ON button 31. The device 2 starts 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 an operational input is received.

[0117] In this way, the controller 1 makes the contents of the control data different each time it receives an operation input, even if the operation input is to the same operation unit 3, thereby further reducing the possibility of the control data being copied to a smart remote control.

[0118] Furthermore, three or more presses (for example, three presses) may be applied to the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31). Naturally, the device 2 also knows the control content that requires "three presses." [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Controller 11 Transmitter 100 Body 2 equipment 20 Control Unit 21 Heating source 23 Receiving unit 3 Control section D1 Detection unit S1 Infrared signal (transmitted signal) S11 First infrared signal S12 Second infrared 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, The body and a detection unit provided on the body and configured to detect vibrations of the body; an operation unit provided on the housing and configured to receive operation input from an external device; a transmitter provided in the housing and configured to transmit the transmission signal; a storage unit that stores two or more different types of transmission data; The transmission unit When the detection unit detects the vibration, the state changes from a standby state to a command state, and a first infrared signal is transmitted as the transmission signal. In the command state, when the operation input is received once by the operation unit, a second infrared 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; the transmitting unit selects one of the two or more types of transmission data each time the vibration is detected, and transmits the selected one of the two or more types of transmission data included in the first infrared signal. 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; The controller of claim 1 .

3. the transmitting unit transmits the second infrared signal when the operation unit receives the first operation input after transmitting the first infrared signal once, and subsequently transmits the second infrared signal again when the operation unit receives the second operation input subsequently; 3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the transmitting unit returns from the command state to the standby state when a certain period of time has passed since the detecting unit detected the vibration and changed from the standby state to the command state; The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The transmitting unit randomly selects one of the two or more types of transmission data each time the vibration is detected, and transmits the selected data together with the first infrared signal. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The transmitting unit selects one of the two or more types of transmission data in accordance with a specific rule each time the vibration is detected, and transmits the selected data in the first infrared signal. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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

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

8. The device of claim 7.

9. 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 detecting step of detecting vibration of a body of the controller; a first transmitting step; a second transmitting step; In the first transmitting step, when the vibration is detected in the detecting step, the state changes from a standby state to a command state, and a first infrared signal is transmitted as the transmission signal; In the second transmitting step, when an operation input is received once by an operation unit of the controller in the command state, a second infrared 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 first transmission step, each time the vibration is detected, one of two or more different types of transmission data stored in a storage unit of the controller is selected, and the selected transmission data is included in the first infrared signal and transmitted. Control method.

10. A method for controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: receiving the transmission signal from the controller; a control step of executing the specific operation, In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied. Control method.

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

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