Remote operation system

Abstract

To prevent a remotely operated car washing machine from operating which is unintended by a remote operator.SOLUTION: A controller (50) included in a car washing machine (2) performs a first display process for displaying, on a touch panel (42), an input screen on which an input button capable of inputting an operation command for operating the car washing machine (2) is displayed, an output process for outputting screen data displayed on the touch panel (42) to a terminal device (60), and an input limit process for limiting an input to the input button in response to an input to the input screen on the touch panel (42) or a display (61).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a car wash machine for washing a vehicle is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-182282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the past, inspections of the operation of each part of a car wash machine were performed by an on-site worker operating various buttons on the machine. However, the on-site worker is not necessarily familiar with how to operate the car wash machine. Therefore, for example, a remote staff member, such as a support center staff member, can remotely operate the car wash machine on behalf of the on-site worker, allowing for smooth inspections of the car wash machine.

[0005] However, it is possible that the remote operator may press an unintended button, causing the remotely controlled car wash machine to perform an unintended operation.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to prevent a remotely operated car wash machine from performing an operation not intended by the remote operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the present invention provides a remote control system comprising a car wash machine for washing a vehicle and a terminal device used by a remote operator to remotely operate the car wash machine, wherein the car wash machine comprises a controller and a first display, the terminal device comprises a second display, and the controller executes a first display process to display an input screen on the first display, on which input buttons are displayed that can be used to input operational commands to operate the car wash machine, an output process to output screen data displayed on the first display to the terminal device, and an input restriction process to restrict input to the input buttons when an input is made to the input screen on the first display or the second display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a remotely operated car wash machine from performing an operation that is not intended by the remote operator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a remote control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a car wash machine main body and a remote panel provided in a car wash machine of a remote operation system, and a front view of the car wash machine main body. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method executed by a controller of the car wash machine. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation inspection process executed by a controller of the car wash machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display of a terminal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display of a terminal device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display of a terminal device. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display of a terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <Remote Control System Overview> An example of a remote operation system 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote operation system 1 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote operation system 1 includes a car wash machine 2 and a terminal device 60. The remote operation system 1 is a system that allows a remote operator to remotely operate the car wash machine 2 using the terminal device 60. The remote operator is a person who is in a location where they cannot directly operate the car wash machine 2. The remote operator is, for example, a staff member of a service center or call center that handles customer support such as repairs, maintenance, or after-sales service for the car wash machine 2. The remote operator remotely operates the car wash machine 2 as needed, for example, in response to a request from a customer (operator) who owns the car wash machine 2.

[0011] (Car wash overview) An example of a car wash machine 2 provided in a remote control system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In this specification, the positive direction of the X axis is referred to as the forward direction, and the negative direction of the X axis is referred to as the rearward direction. The positive direction of the Y axis is referred to as the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Y axis is referred to as the downward direction. The positive direction of the Z axis is referred to as the rightward direction, and the negative direction of the Z axis is referred to as the leftward direction. In FIG. 2, for configurations that are symmetrical up and down or left and right with respect to a certain axis, a reference symbol may be assigned to only one of the symmetrical configurations, and the reference symbol may not be assigned to the other configuration.

[0012] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic side view 2S of the car wash machine main body 4 and the remote panel 6 provided in the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment, and a schematic front view 4F of the car wash machine main body 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment includes the car wash machine main body 4 that washes the vehicle X to be washed. The car wash machine 2 further includes a remote panel 6 that acquires the car wash conditions of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 4. In the schematic side view 2S, the outline of the vehicle X is shown by a dotted line to indicate that the vehicle X is located further back than the remote panel 6 toward the plane of the page.

[0013] As shown in the schematic front view 4F, the car wash machine main body 4 includes, for example, two frames 8 and a ceiling portion 10 connecting the upper ends of the two frames 8. The car wash machine main body 4 has a structure that allows the vehicle X to pass through a space 4S surrounded by the frames 8 and the ceiling portion 10 along the approach direction DA of the vehicle X, as shown in the schematic side view 2S. In this specification, the approach direction DA is defined as the direction from the front surface 4A of the car wash machine main body 4 toward the rear surface 4B.

[0014] The car wash machine main body 4 includes wheels 12 provided at the bottom of each of the frames 8, and a travel drive device 11 that drives and rotates the wheels 12. As the travel drive device 11 drives and rotates the wheels 12, the car wash machine main body 4 moves in the front-to-rear direction relative to the vehicle X along rails R arranged on the ground G. The rails R are formed, for example, along the approach direction DA. Here, the car wash machine main body 4 performs washing (car washing) of the vehicle X in the space 4S while moving relative to the vehicle X.

[0015] The car wash machine main body 4 is equipped with a plurality of rotating brushes that slide over and brush the vehicle X. For example, the car wash machine main body 4 includes a top brush 14, a side brush 16, and a rocker brush 18, each of which is rotated by a rotary motor (not shown). The top brush 14 slides along the top surface of the vehicle X and cleans the top surface of the vehicle X. The side brushes 16 and the rocker brush 18 clean both side surfaces of the vehicle X.

[0016] The side brush 16 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a rotation shaft 16S extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground G and a plurality of bristles formed on the rotation shaft 16S. In other words, the side brush 16 is a brush that includes the rotation shaft 16S parallel to at least a portion of the side surface of the vehicle X and cleans the side surface by bringing the bristles rotating around the rotation shaft 16S into contact with at least a portion of the side surface of the vehicle X. Furthermore, the side brush 16 may include an arm 16A that supports the rotation shaft 16S and moves the rotation shaft 16S in the left-right direction of the vehicle X by a power unit (not shown).

[0017] A tank storage section 20 is arranged on the side of the car wash machine main body 4, and stores multiple liquid storage tanks (not shown) that store various liquid agents, including detergent or wax. Above the tank storage section 20, a distribution piping section 22 is provided that distributes water, including city water, or liquid agents from each liquid storage tank. From the distribution piping section 22, a first water purification nozzle 24, a second water purification nozzle 26, a first detergent nozzle 28, a second detergent nozzle 30, a water-repellent coating nozzle 32, and a wax nozzle 34 are each led out via an electromagnetic valve (not shown).

[0018] The first water purification nozzle 24 and the second water purification nozzle 26 are arranged on the front 4A side and the rear 4B side of each frame 8 of the car wash machine main body 4, respectively, and spray water including city water onto the vehicle X. The first detergent nozzle 28 and the second detergent nozzle 30 are arranged on the front 4A side and the rear 4B side of each frame 8, respectively, and spray cleaning liquid including shampoo etc. onto the vehicle X. The water-repellent coating nozzle 32 and the wax nozzle 34 are arranged on the rear 4B of the car wash machine main body 4. The water-repellent coating nozzle 32 sprays a water-repellent coating agent liquid onto the vehicle X. The wax nozzle 34 sprays wax onto the vehicle X.

[0019] The car wash machine main body 4 is also provided with a blower 36 that generates an air current to dry the vehicle X. A top air blowing nozzle 38 and a side air blowing nozzle 40 are connected to the blower 36. The top air blowing nozzle 38 is provided at the upper center of the car wash machine main body 4 and blows air toward the ceiling surface of the vehicle X. The side air blowing nozzles 40 are provided on both sides of the car wash machine main body 4 and blow air toward the sides of the vehicle X. The car wash machine main body 4 dries the vehicle X after washing by blowing air from the top air blowing nozzle 38 and the side air blowing nozzles 40.

[0020] A touch panel 42 is disposed on the front of one frame 8 of the car wash machine main body 4. The touch panel 42 is an example of a first display. An input screen that can accept input by touch operation is displayed on the touch panel 42. Various settings of the car wash machine 2 are made by operating the touch panel 42. For example, a user who has gotten out of the vehicle X or other workers may operate the operation buttons to set the car wash conditions, etc.

[0021] The remote panel 6 is located, for example, on the front side of the car wash machine main body 4, and is disposed approximately along the direction of movement of the car wash machine main body 4. As shown in Fig. 2, the remote panel 6 is disposed so that its front surface faces the side surface of the vehicle X before it is washed by the car wash machine main body 4, in other words, before it enters the car wash machine main body 4. For this reason, Fig. 2 illustrates the back surface of the remote panel 6.

[0022] 2, the remote panel 6 includes a housing 46 and a support column 48 that is erected on the ground G and supports the housing 46. The remote panel 6 may acquire at least some of the car wash conditions for the vehicle X to be washed by the car wash machine main body 4 by operating a touch panel or buttons (not shown) provided on the housing 46. The car wash machine 2 includes a controller 50 that controls each part of the car wash machine main body 4. The controller 50 may control the car wash machine main body 4 and wash the vehicle X based on at least some of the car wash conditions acquired by the remote panel 6.

[0023] (Internal structure of the controller) 1, an example of the internal configuration of the controller 50 will be described. The controller 50 includes a processor 51, a memory 52, an input / output IF 53, and a communication IF 54. The processor 51, the memory 52, the input / output IF 53, and the communication IF 54 are interconnected by a bus.

[0024] The processor 51 executes various controls in accordance with instructions contained in a control program stored in the memory 52. ​​An example of the processor 51 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 52 stores various information. For example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) can be used as the memory 52.

[0025] The input / output IF 53 is an interface for communicating with each unit included in the car wash machine 2. The controller 50 outputs signals to each unit included in the car wash machine 2 via the input / output IF 53. Furthermore, signals output from each unit included in the car wash machine 2 are input to the controller 50 via the input / output IF 53. The input / output IF 53 may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), serial communication, or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (registered trademark).

[0026] The communication IF 54 is an interface for communicating with the terminal device 60 via the network N. An example of an interface that can be used as the communication IF 54 is an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. An example of the network N is a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0027] The terminal device 60 is a terminal used by a remote operator. The terminal device 60 is capable of communicating with the car wash machine 2 via the network N. An example of the terminal device 60 is a personal computer (PC). The terminal device 60 may communicate with the car wash machine 2 via a server. The terminal device 60 includes a display 61. The display 61 is an example of a second display. The terminal device 60 may further include a pointing device 62. The pointing device 62 is a device for operating a pointer object displayed on the display 61. An example of the pointing device 62 is a mouse.

[0028] (Control method using a controller) An example of the flow of the control method C1 executed by the controller 50 of the car wash machine 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the control method C1 executed by the controller 50 of the car wash machine 2.

[0029] First, the processor 51 executes a setting screen display process S1. The setting screen is a screen for making various settings for the car wash machine 2, and is an input screen that can accept input by operating displayed buttons. The setting screen displays an operation check button for performing an operation check of each part of the car wash machine 2. In addition to the operation check button, the setting screen also displays buttons for checking or changing the status information of the car wash machine 2. The status information of the car wash machine 2 includes operating status information and setting status information of the car wash machine 2. The operating status information indicates, for example, the car wash history, abnormality history, the number of abnormality occurrences, and the number of cars washed. The setting status information indicates the car wash fee and car wash mode settings, data management stored in memory 52, version information, and the like.

[0030] In the setting screen display process S1, the processor 51 receives a command to display the setting screen from the touch panel 42, and then outputs screen data related to the generated setting screen to the touch panel 42 via the input / output IF 53. In the setting screen display process S1, the processor 51 displays, on the setting screen, input buttons that can input a command signal to display a display screen on which various data is displayed. The processor 51 displays, on the setting screen, a first permission button that can input a first permission command that permits the pointing device 62 to move the position of a pointer object and change the display mode. The processor 51 may make the display mode of the input buttons that display various data different from the display mode of the first permission button.

[0031] In step S2, the processor 51 determines whether or not a remote control request has been received from the terminal device 60 via the communication IF 54. The terminal device 60 transmits the remote control request by, for example, specifying the IP address of the controller 50. If a remote control request has not been received from the terminal device 60 (NO in S2), the processor 51 terminates the control method C1. If a remote control request has been received from the terminal device 60 (YES in S2), the processor 51 executes a transmission process S3.

[0032] In the transmission process S3, the processor 51 transmits an authorization response to the terminal device 60 that transmitted the remote control request. In the transmission process S3, the processor 51 checks, for example, the IP address of the terminal device 60 that transmitted the remote control request. In this case, if the IP address of the terminal device 60 that transmitted the remote control request is an IP address stored in advance in the memory 52, the processor 51 transmits an authorization response to the terminal device 60.

[0033] In the output process S4, the processor 51 outputs the screen data displayed on the touch panel 42 to the terminal device 60 via the communication IF 54.

[0034] In step S5, the processor 51 determines whether the first permission button has been pressed. If the first permission button has not been pressed (NO in S5), the processor 51 ends the control method C1. If the first permission button has been pressed (YES in S5), the processor 51 executes a first permission process S6.

[0035] In the first permission process S6, the processor 51 permits an operation to move the position of a pointer object and change the display mode by the pointing device 62 on the input screen displayed on the touch panel 42. In response to an input of the first permission button, the processor 51 displays a pointer object to be operated by the pointing device 62 on the touch panel 42. The processor 51 restricts the operation input of the pointer object by the pointing device 62 on the input screen displayed on the touch panel 42.

[0036] Furthermore, in the first permission process S6, in response to input of the first permission button, the processor 51 displays a second permission button through which a second permission command can be input that permits operation input of a pointer object by the pointing device 62. The processor 51 may differentiate the display mode of the input buttons that display various data from the display mode of the second permission button. Furthermore, the processor 51 may differentiate the display mode of the first permission button from the display mode of the second permission button.

[0037] In step S7, the processor 51 determines whether the second permission button has been pressed. If the second permission button has not been pressed (NO in S7), the processor 51 ends the control method C1. If the second permission button has been pressed (YES in S7), the processor 51 executes a second permission process S8.

[0038] In the second permission process S8, the processor 51 permits operation input of a pointer object by the pointing device 62 on the input screen displayed on the touch panel 42.

[0039] In step S9, the processor 51 determines whether the operation check button has been pressed. If the operation check button has not been pressed (NO in S9), the processor 51 ends the control method C1. If the operation check button has been pressed (YES in S9), the processor 51 performs the operation check process S10.

[0040] The operation check process S10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation check process S10 executed by the controller 50 of the car wash machine 2.

[0041] First, the processor 51 executes an operation inspection screen display process S11. The operation inspection screen display process S11 is an example of a first display process according to the present disclosure. The operation inspection screen is a screen for checking the operation of the car wash machine 2. The operation inspection screen is also an input screen that accepts input by operating displayed buttons.

[0042] In the operation inspection screen display process S11, the processor 51 outputs screen data relating to the operation inspection screen generated via the input / output IF 53 to the touch panel 42. The processor 51 displays input buttons that can be used to input operation commands to operate the car wash machine 2. The operation commands to operate the car wash machine 2 include, for example, the traveling operation of the car wash machine main body 4 during car washing, the rotation and movement operation of the rotary brush, the spraying operation of the nozzle to spray cleaning liquid or the like, and the blowing operation when drying the vehicle X.

[0043] In the operation inspection screen display process S11, the processor 51 may display a stop button on the operation inspection screen that allows a stop command to be input to stop the operation of the car wash machine 2. The processor 51 stops the operation of the car wash machine 2 in response to an input to the stop button. The processor 51 may also display a selection button on the operation inspection screen that allows a command signal to be input to display an operation inspection screen for an inspection target of the car wash machine 2. The processor 51 may differentiate the display mode of buttons that can be operated and buttons that cannot be operated. For example, the processor 51 may differentiate the display mode of input buttons that can be operated and a stop button that cannot be operated.

[0044] In the operation inspection screen display process S11, the processor 51 may display a selection screen displaying a selection button through which a command signal can be input to display an operation inspection screen for an inspection target of the car wash machine 2. In this case, the processor 51 displays the operation inspection screen for the inspection target selected on the selection screen.

[0045] In step S12, processor 51 determines whether or not a button on the operation check screen has been pressed. If a button on the operation check screen has not been pressed (NO in S12), processor 51 executes step S16. If a button on the operation check screen has been pressed (YES in S12), processor 51 executes input restriction processing S13.

[0046] In the input restriction process S13, the processor 51 restricts input to the input buttons in response to an input to the operation check screen on the touch panel 42 or the display 61. Note that input to the operation check screen includes input by operating buttons displayed on the operation check screen, as well as input in an area on the operation check screen where no buttons are displayed. In response to an input to the operation check screen, the processor 51 may display a release button on the operation check screen that allows a release command to be entered to release the input restriction on the input buttons. Displaying the release button on the operation check screen is an example of a second display process according to the present disclosure.

[0047] In the input restriction process S13, the processor 51 may permit input by operating a stop button displayed on the operation check screen. Also, in the input restriction process S13, the processor 51 may restrict input by using a selection button displayed on the operation check screen. Also, the processor 51 may execute the input restriction process S13 after an input is made to the selection screen displayed in the operation check screen display process S11.

[0048] In step S14, processor 51 determines whether or not the release button displayed on the operation inspection screen has been pressed. If the release button has not been pressed (NO in S14), processor 51 executes step S16. If the release button has been pressed (YES in S14), processor 51 executes restriction release processing S15.

[0049] In the restriction release process S15, the processor 51 releases the input restriction on the input buttons when the release button is pressed.

[0050] In step S16, processor 51 determines whether or not the back button displayed on the operation check screen has been pressed. If the back button has not been pressed (NO in S16), processor 51 executes step S12 again. If the back button has been pressed (YES in S16), processor 51 ends operation check processing S10.

[0051] (Display screen example) An example of a display screen displayed on the display 61 of the terminal device 60 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figures 5 to 8 are diagrams showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display 61 of the terminal device 60. In the following description, it is assumed that the car wash machine 2 and the terminal device 60 are connected to each other for remote operation.

[0052] The setting screen 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The setting screen 100 is a screen that displays buttons for checking or changing the status information of the car wash machine 2. As indicated by reference symbol F11 in Fig. 5, the setting screen 100 is displayed on the touch panel 42 when an operator at the site where the car wash machine 2 is installed touches the touch panel 42.

[0053] The setting screen 100 displays a remote support permission button 101 and an operation check button 102. The remote support permission button 101 is a button that can input a first permission command on the setting screen 100 that permits the position movement of a pointer object and the change of the display mode by the pointing device 62. The remote support permission button 101 is an example of a first permission button. The remote support permission button 101 may be displayed in a warm color.

[0054] The operation check button 102 is a button for displaying a selection screen 200, which will be described later. On the setting screen 100, for example, input buttons for checking the car wash history, abnormality history, number of abnormality occurrences, and number of cars washed may be displayed in cool colors. On the setting screen 100, input buttons for setting the car wash fee and car wash mode, managing data stored in memory 52, and checking or changing version information may be displayed in cool colors.

[0055] When the remote support permission button 101 is pressed by touching the touch panel 42, as shown at reference symbol F12 in FIG. 5 , a display 103 indicating that operations of moving the position of the pointer object and changing the display mode by the pointing device 62 are permitted is displayed on the setting screen 100. Furthermore, when the remote support permission button 101 is pressed, as shown at reference symbol F12, a remote operation permission button 105 is displayed on the setting screen 100. The remote operation permission button 105 is a button that can input a second permission command that permits operation input of the pointer object by the pointing device 62. The remote operation permission button 105 is an example of a second permission button. Although not shown at reference symbol F12, when the remote support permission button 101 is pressed, a pointer object that can be operated by the pointing device 62 is displayed on the setting screen 100.

[0056] 5, when the remote operation permission button 105 is pressed by touching the touch panel 42, a remote operation inspection button 102A is displayed on the setting screen 100. The remote operation inspection button 102A is a button that can be input by the remote operator operating the pointing device 62. When the remote operation inspection button 102A is pressed, a selection screen 200 is displayed.

[0057] Next, the selection screen 200 and the operation inspection screen 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The selection screen 200 is a screen for selecting a target part of the car wash machine 2 to be inspected for operation.

[0058] When the remote operation inspection button 102A indicated by reference symbol F13 in Fig. 5 is operated, a selection screen 200 is displayed on the touch panel 42. The selection screen 200 is an input screen for selecting an inspection target for the car wash machine 2. The selection screen 200 displays selection buttons 201 to 204 that allow the travel drive unit 11, the top brush 14, the side brush 16, and the rocker brush 18 to be selected as inspection targets.

[0059] The selection screen 200 also displays a selection button 205 for inspecting the operation of each part of the car wash machine 2 used to dry the vehicle X, and a selection button 206 for inspecting the operation of each part of the car wash machine 2 that sprays the liquid agent. Pressing the selection button 205 enables inspection of the operation of the blower 36, the top air blowing nozzle 38, and the side air blowing nozzle 40. Pressing the selection button 206 enables inspection of the operation of the first water purification nozzle 24, the second water purification nozzle 26, the first detergent nozzle 28, the second detergent nozzle 30, the water-repellent coating nozzle 32, and the wax nozzle 34. Each of the selection buttons 201 to 206 is displayed in, for example, a cool color.

[0060] When the selection button 201 for inspecting the operation of the traveling drive device 11 is pressed on the selection screen 200, an operation inspection screen 300 is displayed as shown by reference symbol F22 in FIG. 6. A reverse button 301 and a forward button 302 are displayed on the operation inspection screen 300. The reverse button 301 and the forward button 302 are examples of input buttons. The reverse button 301 and the forward button 302 are displayed in, for example, cool colors.

[0061] The reverse button 301 is a button that can be used to input an operation command to drive the traveling drive device 11 for the time set by the time setting button 303 and move the car wash machine main body 4 backward. The forward button 302 is a button that can be used to input an operation command to drive the traveling drive device 11 for the time set by the time setting button 304 and move the car wash machine main body 4 forward. The traveling speed of the car wash machine main body 4, which travels by operating the reverse button 301 and the forward button 302, is set by the speed setting button 305. Furthermore, the operation inspection screen 300 may display selection buttons 202 to 205.

[0062] The operation inspection screen 300 displays a forced reverse button 311 and a forced forward button 312. The forced reverse button 311 and the forced forward button 312 are examples of a stop button. The forced reverse button 311 and the forced forward button 312 are displayed, for example, in warm colors. The forced reverse button 311 and the forced forward button 312 are buttons that only accept touch operations on the touch panel 42. That is, the forced reverse button 311 and the forced forward button 312 are buttons that cannot be operated by inputting a pointer object using the pointing device 62. The forced reverse button 311 and the forced forward button 312 are buttons that can be operated even when the operation lock release button 360 is displayed. When the forced reverse button 311 or the forced forward button 312 is pressed by operation input using the touch panel 42, a stop command to stop the travel of the car wash machine main body 4 and a command signal to move the car wash machine main body 4 backward or forward are output.

[0063] The operation inspection screen 300 displays a stop button 350 that can be used to input a stop command to stop the driving of the traveling drive device 11 and stop the traveling of the car wash machine main body 4. The stop button 350 is an example of a stop button. The stop button 350 is a button that can be used to input an operation of a pointer object using the pointing device 62. The stop button 350 is displayed in a cool color.

[0064] The operation inspection screen 300 displays an operation lock release button 360 that can be used to input a release command to release the input restriction on the operation of the reverse button 301 and the forward button 302. The operation lock release button 360 is an example of a release button. The operation lock release button 360 is displayed in a cool color.

[0065] When the operation lock release button 360 is displayed on the operation inspection screen 300, input is restricted through operation of the reverse button 301, the forward button 302, and the selection buttons 202, 203, 204, and 205. On the operation inspection screen 300 shown by reference symbol F22, the operation lock release button 360 is displayed in response to pressing the selection button 201.

[0066] When the operation lock release button 360 on the operation inspection screen 300 is operated, the operation lock release button 360 is no longer displayed on the operation inspection screen 300, as shown by reference symbol F23 in Fig. 6. In other words, the input restrictions imposed by the operation of the reverse button 301, the forward button 302, and the selection buttons 202, 203, 204, and 205 are released.

[0067] With the input restriction released, the forward button 302 is pressed as shown by reference symbol F31 in Fig. 7. In response to the pressing of the forward button 302, the operation lock release button 360 is displayed again on the operation inspection screen 300 as shown by reference symbol F32 in Fig. 7.

[0068] As shown by reference symbol F32 in Fig. 7, the command signal output by the operation input of the forward buttons 302, 302A may be different before and after the operation input. For example, as shown by reference symbol F32 in Fig. 7, after the forward button 302 is pressed to move the car wash machine main body 4 forward, the forward movement of the car wash machine main body 4 may be stopped by pressing the forward button 302A again. In this case, the forward button 302A functions as a stop button.

[0069] The display mode of the forward button 302A that functions as a stop button may be different from the display mode of the forward button 302 before an operation input is made. The display mode of the forward button 302A may be different from the display mode of the reverse button 301 that cannot be operated. This makes it possible to recognize the buttons that can be operated. For example, the color of the text on the forward button 302A may be a warning color such as yellow, or the background color of the forward button 302A may be a dark color.

[0070] 8, when the selection button 203 on the operation inspection screen 300 is pressed, an operation inspection screen 400 is displayed for inspecting the operation of the side brush 16. In response to the operation input of the selection button 203, an operation lock release button 360 is displayed on the operation inspection screen 400 shown by the reference symbol F41.

[0071] The operation inspection screen 400 displays a forward button that can be used to input an operation command to rotate the side brush 16 in the forward direction, a reverse button 402 that can be used to input an operation command to rotate the side brush 16 in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction, an open button 403 that can be used to input an operation command to move the side brush 16 toward the outside of the car wash machine main body 4, and a close button 404 that can be used to input an operation command to move the side brush 16 toward the inside of the car wash machine main body 4. Time setting buttons 405 and 406 are buttons that set the time for moving the side brush 16 toward the outside or inside of the car wash machine main body 4, respectively.

[0072] According to the configuration of the remote operation system 1, the controller 50 restricts input of the input buttons each time an input is made on the operation inspection screen. For example, there is no risk of an erroneous input of the input buttons due to a time lag occurring in the screen displayed on the display 61 of the terminal device 60. This prevents the remotely operated car wash machine from performing an operation not intended by the remote operator.

[0073] Furthermore, by displaying a release button on the operation inspection screen that can be used to input a release command to release the input restriction on the input buttons, input operation using the input buttons becomes possible by operating the release button, which allows input button operation to be resumed.

[0074] Furthermore, the controller 50 allows input using the stop button in the input restriction process S13, so that input using the stop button is not restricted. This allows the operation of the car wash machine 2 to be stopped depending on the situation.

[0075] Furthermore, by differentiating the display mode of buttons that can be operated and input from buttons that cannot be operated, it becomes easier to distinguish between input buttons that are restricted from buttons that can be input, thereby making it possible to determine which buttons can be input.

[0076] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the input restriction process S13 is configured to display a release button in response to an input to the operation inspection screen, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The input restriction process S13 may also be configured not to display the release button. For example, the input restriction process S13 may restrict input to the operation inspection screen for a predetermined time after an input to the operation inspection screen is made. That is, after the predetermined time has elapsed, input to the operation inspection screen becomes possible. The predetermined time may be set according to the expected time lag of the display screen between the touch panel 42 and the display 61. Furthermore, a display indicating that input to the operation inspection screen is restricted may be displayed on the operation setting screen for the predetermined time.

[0077] (summary) A remote control system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a remote control system comprising a car wash machine for washing a vehicle and a terminal device used by a remote operator to remotely operate the car wash machine, wherein the car wash machine comprises a controller and a first display, and the terminal device comprises a second display, and the controller executes a first display process to display an input screen on the first display, on which input buttons are displayed that can be used to input operational commands to operate the car wash machine, an output process to output screen data displayed on the first display to the terminal device, and an input restriction process to restrict input to the input buttons when an input is made to the input screen on the first display or the second display.

[0078] According to the configuration of the first aspect, the controller restricts input of the input buttons each time an input is made on the input screen. For example, there is no risk of an erroneous input of the input buttons due to a time lag occurring in the screen displayed on the second display of the terminal device. This prevents the remotely operated car wash machine from performing an operation not intended by the remote operator.

[0079] In a remote control system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the controller may further execute, in the input restriction process, a second display process of displaying on the input screen a release button into which a release command for releasing the input restriction on the input button can be input, and a restriction release process of releasing the input restriction on the input button when the release command is input.

[0080] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the input operation using the input buttons becomes possible by operating the release button, which allows the input button to be operated again.

[0081] In a remote control system according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2 above, the input screen may include a stop button that can input a stop command to stop the operation of the car wash machine, and the controller may stop the operation of the car wash machine in response to input to the stop button.

[0082] According to the configuration of the third aspect, there is no restriction on inputting the stop button, so that the operation of the car wash machine can be stopped when desired.

[0083] In the remote control system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the display mode of buttons that can be operated and input on the input screen may be different from the display mode of buttons that cannot be operated and input.

[0084] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, it becomes easier to distinguish between input buttons for which input is restricted and input buttons for which input is permitted. This makes it possible to determine which buttons are inputtable.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Remote control system 2 car wash machine 42 Touch Panel 50 Controllers 60 Terminal Equipment 61 Display

Claims

1. A remote operation system including a car wash machine that washes a vehicle and a terminal device used by a remote operator that remotely operates the car wash machine, The car wash includes a controller and a first display. the terminal device includes a second display; The controller a first display process for displaying, on the first display, an input screen on which input buttons are displayed by which an operation command for operating the car wash machine can be input; an output process of outputting screen data displayed on the first display to the terminal device; executing an input restriction process that restricts input to the input button when an input is made to the input screen on the first display or the second display; Remote control system.

2. The controller a second display process for displaying, on the input screen, a release button through which a release command for releasing the input restriction on the input button can be input in the input restriction process; and further executing a restriction release process for releasing the input restriction on the input button when the release command is input. The remote control system according to claim 1 .

3. the input screen includes a stop button that allows a stop command to be input to stop the operation of the car wash machine, The controller stops the operation of the car wash machine in response to an input to the stop button.

3. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The remote control system according to claim 1 , wherein a display mode of buttons that can be operated and inputted on the input screen is different from a display mode of buttons that cannot be operated and inputted.

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