Remote control system, remote control method, and program

Abstract

A remote control system (1) includes an apparatus (30), a first terminal (10) and a second terminal (20), and a notification management device (50) that associates and stores apparatus identification information and each of first terminal information and second terminal information, wherein: the apparatus (30) includes a beacon transmission unit (32) that transmits a beacon including first apparatus information; the first terminal (10) includes a beacon receiving unit (12), a remote control unit (11), and a first information transmission unit (13) that transmits to the notification management device (50) the received signal intensity of the beacon, the first terminal information, and the first apparatus information; the second terminal (20) includes a beacon receiving unit (22), a remote control unit (21), and a second information transmission unit (23) that transmits to the notification management device (50) the received signal intensity of the beacon, the second terminal information, and the first apparatus information; and the notification management device (50) transmits a notification signal including activation information of the remote control unit only to one of the first terminal (10) and second terminal (20) that has a higher received signal intensity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote control system, a remote control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A system is known that improves the convenience of remotely controlling a device by a terminal by transmitting a signal related to the remote control of the device to the terminal (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-97941 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a system includes multiple terminals, if signals related to remote control of a device are transmitted to all terminals, signals for remotely controlling the device may be transmitted from multiple terminals, which may result in multiple remote controls competing with each other.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a remote control system and the like that notifies an appropriate terminal of information related to the remote control of a device when there are multiple terminals that remotely control the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A remote control system in the present disclosure is a remote control system for remotely controlling a device, comprising: the device; a first terminal and a second terminal that remotely control the device; and a notification management device having a memory unit that stores device identification information for identifying the device, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and second terminal information related to the second terminal in association with each other, wherein the device comprises a beacon transmitter that wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information that is information related to the device, and the first terminal comprises a beacon receiver that wirelessly receives the beacon, a remote control unit that remotely controls the device, and a notification management device having a memory unit that stores device identification information for identifying the device, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and second terminal information related to the second terminal in association with each other, wherein the device comprises a beacon receiver that wirelessly receives the beacon, a remote control unit that remotely controls the device, and a notification management device having a memory unit that stores the beacon including first device information that is information related to the device, and the second terminal comprises the beacon receiving unit, the remote control unit, and a second information transmitting unit that transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal, the second terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device, the device identification information including the first device information, and the notification management device further comprises a notification signal transmitting unit that transmits a notification signal including startup information of the remote control unit only to one of the first terminal and the second terminal that has a higher received signal strength of the beacon.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when there are multiple terminals that remotely control a device, it is possible to provide a remote control system that notifies an appropriate terminal of information related to the remote control of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a remote control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a second terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a notification management device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a remote control method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a remote operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote control system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a notification management device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a remote control method according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Below, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these inventions will be explained.

[0011] (1) A remote control system for remotely controlling a device, the remote control system comprising: the device; a first terminal and a second terminal that remotely control the device; and a notification management device having a memory unit that stores device identification information for identifying the device, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and second terminal information related to the second terminal in association with each other, the device having a beacon transmitter that wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information that is information related to the device, the first terminal having a beacon receiver that wirelessly receives the beacon, a remote control unit that remotely controls the device, and a received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal. a first information sending unit that sends the first terminal information and the first device information to the notification management device, the second terminal having the beacon receiving unit, the remote control unit, and a second information sending unit that sends the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal, the second terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device, the device identification information including the first device information, and the notification management device further having a notification signal sending unit that sends a notification signal including startup information of the remote control unit to only the first terminal or the second terminal that has a higher received signal strength of the beacon.

[0012] According to the above aspect, the notification management device determines the terminal to which the notification signal is to be sent based on the received signal strength of the beacon transmitted by the device at each terminal. Therefore, the notification management device can send the notification signal to a terminal carried by a user who is near the device, i.e., a user who is likely to operate the device. Therefore, according to the above aspect, information related to remote control of the device can be notified to the appropriate terminal.

[0013] (2) The remote control system according to (1), wherein the first device information includes the device identification information.

[0014] According to the above aspect, even if there is another device of the same model as the device near the remote control system 1, it is possible to prevent the other device from being remotely controlled by mistake.

[0015] (3) The first device information is device model information indicating the model of the device, and the device is equipped with a pre-signal sending unit that sends a pre-signal including the device identification information to the notification management device before sending the beacon and within a predetermined time from the timing of sending the beacon. (1) A remote control system as described above.

[0016] According to the above aspect, the amount of information of the first device information included in the beacon can be reduced. Therefore, even if the beacon cannot include device identification information due to a beacon payload length limitation, the beacon can include the first device information if the first device information consists of device model information. Furthermore, by transmitting a preliminary signal including device identification information to the notification management device 150 before transmitting a beacon, the device 130 that is the remote control target of each terminal that receives the beacon can be identified. Therefore, for example, even if there is another device of the same model as the device 130 near the device 130, it is possible to prevent a notification signal from being mistakenly transmitted to a terminal carried by a user of the other device.

[0017] (4) A remote control system described in any of (1) to (3), wherein the first terminal information is first user information that is identification information of a user of the first terminal, and the second terminal information is second user information that is identification information of a user of the second terminal.

[0018] (5) A remote control system described in any of (1) to (4), wherein each of the first terminal and the second terminal is provided with a display unit that displays information and a notification signal receiving unit that, when receiving the notification signal, causes the display unit to display information related to the startup information.

[0019] According to the above aspect, a user carrying a terminal that has received a notification signal can easily start the remote control unit by using the information related to the startup information displayed on the display unit, which means that remote control of a device can be easily started.

[0020] (6) A remote control system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the device has a main body operation unit which is a user interface for operating the device, the first terminal and the second terminal each have a display unit which displays information, the remote control unit causes the display unit to display a remote operation screen which is a user interface for remotely operating the device, and the remote operation screen has more detailed operation items than the main body operation unit.

[0021] According to the above aspect, the configuration of the main body operation unit of the device can be simplified, and the user can use detailed operation items using the remote operation screen.

[0022] (7) The remote control system according to (6), wherein the main body operation unit includes only the on / off switching of the power supply of the device as an operation item.

[0023] According to the above aspect, the configuration of the device can be simplified. In addition, the external appearance of the device can be simplified and the degree of freedom in the external appearance of the device can be increased, so that a device with excellent design can be realized.

[0024] (8) A remote control method for remotely controlling a device using a notification management device and a first terminal or a second terminal, wherein each of the first terminal and the second terminal has a remote control unit for remotely controlling the device, and the notification management device has a memory unit that stores device identification information for identifying the device, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and second terminal information related to the second terminal in association with each other, the remote control method including: a beacon transmission step in which the device wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information, which is information related to the device; and a beacon reception step in which the first terminal and the second terminal wirelessly receive the beacon. The remote control method includes an information sending step in which the first terminal sends the received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and the first device information to the notification management device, and the second terminal sends the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal, second terminal information related to the second terminal, and the first device information to the notification management device; and a notification signal sending step in which the notification management device sends a notification signal including startup information of the remote control unit only to the first terminal or the second terminal which has a higher received signal strength of the beacon, wherein the device identification information includes the first device information.

[0025] According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above remote control system are achieved.

[0026] (9) A program that causes a computer to execute the remote control method described in (8).

[0027] According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above remote control system are achieved.

[0028] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0030] The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0031] (Embodiment 1) A remote control system, a remote control method, and a program according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0032] [1-1. Remote control system] First, a remote control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram that schematically shows the configuration of a remote control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 are block diagrams that respectively show the functional configurations of a first terminal 10 and a second terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. Figs. 4 and 5 are block diagrams that respectively show the functional configurations of a device 30 and a notification management device 50 according to the present embodiment.

[0033] The remote control system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for remotely controlling a device 30 using a terminal. As shown in Fig. 1, the remote control system 1 includes the device 30, a first terminal 10, a second terminal 20, and a notification management device 50. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, the remote control system 1 includes two terminals, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, but may include three or more terminals.

[0034] Each of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 is a terminal that remotely controls the device 30. Each of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 is a portable terminal, specifically, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal 10 includes a remote control unit 11, a beacon receiving unit 12, a first information transmitting unit 13, a notification signal receiving unit 14, a communication unit 16, and a display unit 18.

[0036] The remote control unit 11 is a processing unit that remotely controls the device 30. The remote control unit 11 can be realized, for example, by using a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) and a memory. Specifically, the remote control unit 11 is realized by the processor using the memory to execute an application program that controls the device 30. Note that, like the remote control unit 11, each processing unit of the remote control system 1 described below is also realized by the processor using the memory to execute a predetermined program.

[0037] In this embodiment, the remote control unit 11 remotely controls the device 30 via the communication unit 16, the network N, and the notification management device 50. Note that the remote control unit 11 may also remotely control the device 30 directly using short-range wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0038] When activated, the remote control unit 11 displays on the display unit 18 a remote operation screen, which is a user interface for remotely operating the device 30. The remote operation screen will be described later.

[0039] The beacon receiver 12 is a processing unit that receives a beacon wirelessly transmitted (in other words, issued) by the device 30. There are no particular limitations on the wireless communication standard used to receive the beacon. In this embodiment, the beacon receiver 12 uses BLE. Also, in this embodiment, the beacon receiver 12 has a communication interface such as BLE. Note that the beacon receiver 12 does not have to have a communication interface. In this case, for example, the beacon may be received via the communication unit 16 or the like. The beacon receiver 12 outputs information included in the beacon and the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the beacon to the first information transmitter 13.

[0040] The first information transmission unit 13 is a processing unit that transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal 10, the first terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device 50. In this embodiment, the first information transmission unit 13 transmits each piece of information to the notification management device 50 via the communication unit 16 and the network N.

[0041] The first terminal information is information related to the first terminal 10. The first terminal information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the first terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the first terminal information is first user information that is identification information of the user of the first terminal 10. Specifically, a user identification number unique to the user can be used.

[0042] The first device information is information related to the device 30 and is included in a beacon transmitted by the device 30. The first device information is information stored in the notification management device 50 in association with the first terminal information and second terminal information, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the first device information is device identification information that identifies the device 30. The device identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is unique information that can identify the device 30. The manufacturing number (in other words, the serial number) of the device 30 can be used as the device identification information.

[0043] The display unit 18 displays information. For example, a display panel that displays images can be used as the display unit 18. More specifically, a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel, or the like can be used as the display unit 18. In this embodiment, the display unit 18 also serves as an input unit that accepts user input. Specifically, the display unit 18 is a touch panel.

[0044] The notification signal receiving unit 14 is a processing unit that, when receiving a notification signal from the notification management device 50, causes the display unit 18 to display information related to the startup information of the remote control unit 11. In this embodiment, the notification signal receiving unit 14 causes the display unit 18 to display a so-called push notification that includes information related to the startup information of the remote control unit 11. Specific examples of push notifications will be described later.

[0045] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface for communication and includes an antenna, a wireless circuit, and the like. The communication interface of the communication unit 16 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 16 has a wireless LAN communication interface and communicates with the notification management device 50 using the wireless LAN. The communication unit 16 may also have a communication interface such as BLE. In this case, the beacon receiving unit 12 may receive a beacon via the communication unit 16.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the second terminal 20 includes a remote control unit 21, a beacon receiving unit 22, a second information transmitting unit 23, a notification signal receiving unit 24, a communication unit 26, and a display unit 28.

[0047] The remote control unit 21 is a processing unit that remotely controls the device 30, and has the same configuration as the remote control unit 11 of the first terminal .

[0048] The beacon receiving unit 22 is a processing unit that receives beacons wirelessly transmitted by the device 30, and has a configuration similar to that of the beacon receiving unit 12 of the first terminal .

[0049] The second information transmission unit 23 is a processing unit that transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal 20, the second terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device 50. In this embodiment, the second information transmission unit 23 transmits each piece of information to the notification management device 50 via the communication unit 26 and the network N.

[0050] The second terminal information is information related to the second terminal 20. The second terminal information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the second terminal 20. In the present embodiment, the second terminal information is second user information that is identification information of the user of the second terminal 20. Specifically, a user identification number unique to the user can be used.

[0051] The display unit 28 displays information. The display unit 28 has the same configuration as the display unit 18 of the first terminal 10.

[0052] The notification signal receiving unit 24 is a processing unit that displays information related to the startup information of the remote control unit 21 on the display unit 28 when a notification signal is received from the notification management device 50, and has a configuration similar to that of the notification signal receiving unit 14 of the first terminal 10.

[0053] The communication unit 26 is a communication interface for performing communication, and includes an antenna, a radio circuit, etc. The communication unit 26 has the same configuration as the communication unit 16 of the first terminal 10.

[0054] The device 30 is a control target of the remote control system 1. The device 30 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a home appliance, and specifically, the device 30 may be a washing machine, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, or the like. , electric The appliances include a microwave oven, a television receiver, a recording device, a door phone, etc. In this embodiment, the appliance 30 is a washing machine.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the device 30 includes a main body control unit 31, a beacon transmitting unit 32, a driving unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a main body operating unit 38.

[0056] The main body operation unit 38 is a user interface for operating the device 30. The main body operation unit 38 has predetermined operation items. In this embodiment, the main body operation unit 38 includes only one operation item, which is to switch the power of the device 30 on and off. This simplifies the configuration of the device 30. Furthermore, since the appearance of the device 30 can be simplified and the degree of freedom in the appearance of the device 30 can be increased, a device 30 with excellent design can be realized. Note that detailed operation settings of the device 30 can be made on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20.

[0057] The main body control unit 31 is a processing unit that controls the entire device 30. The main body control unit 31 controls the beacon transmitting unit 32, the driving unit 35, etc. based on a signal from the main body operating unit 38 and a remote control signal received via the communication unit 36.

[0058] The driving unit 35 drives the device 30. When the device 30 is a washing machine as in the present embodiment, the driving unit 35 performs an operation such as rotating the drum of the washing machine.

[0059] The beacon transmitter 32 is a processing unit that wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information, which is information related to the device 30. There are no particular limitations on the wireless communication standard used in transmitting the beacon. In this embodiment, the beacon transmitter 32 uses BLE. Also, in this embodiment, the beacon transmitter 32 has a communication interface such as BLE. Note that the beacon transmitter 32 does not necessarily have to have a communication interface. In this case, for example, the beacon may be transmitted via the communication unit 36 or the like. As described above, in this embodiment, the first device information included in the beacon is identification information that identifies the device 30.

[0060] The beacon transmitter 32 may transmit a beacon, for example, based on a signal input from the main body controller 31. The beacon transmitter 32 may transmit a beacon when the user performs some operation on the main body operation unit 38 of the device 30, for example, or may transmit a beacon periodically.

[0061] The communication unit 36 is a communication interface for communication and includes an antenna, a wireless circuit, and the like. The communication interface of the communication unit 36 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 36 has a wireless LAN communication interface and communicates with the notification management device 50 using the wireless LAN. The communication unit 36 may also have a communication interface such as BLE. In this case, the beacon transmission unit 32 may transmit a beacon via the communication unit 36.

[0062] The notification management device 50 is a device that transmits a notification signal to the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the notification management device 50 includes a notification signal transmission unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a communication unit 56. The notification management device 50 is realized, for example, by a computer.

[0063] The storage unit 55 stores device identification information for identifying the device 30, first terminal information related to the first terminal 10, and second terminal information related to the second terminal 20, in association with each other. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 55 stores first user information, which is identification information of the user of the first terminal 10, as the first terminal information, and stores second user information, which is identification information of the user of the second terminal 20, as the second terminal information. The device identification information includes first device information included in the beacon. In the present embodiment, the first device information is the device identification information. The device identification information and the first terminal information stored in the storage unit 55 are stored in the storage unit 55, for example, when the user of the first terminal 10 uses the first terminal 10 to register with the notification management device 50. The remote control unit 11 of the first terminal 10 may have a function for performing this registration. The device identification information and the second terminal information stored in the storage unit 55 are stored in the storage unit 55, for example, when the user of the second terminal 20 uses the second terminal 20 to register with the notification management device 50. The remote control unit 21 of the second terminal 20 may have a function for performing this registration.

[0064] The notification signal transmitter 54 is a processing unit that receives signals transmitted from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, and transmits a notification signal including startup information for the remote control unit 11 or the remote control unit 21 to only the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the stronger received beacon signal strength. The notification signal transmitter 54 does not transmit a notification signal to the first terminal 10 if the first terminal information transmitted from the first terminal 10 and the device identification information are not associated and stored in the storage unit 55. Furthermore, the notification signal transmitter 54 does not transmit a notification signal to the second terminal 20 if the second terminal information transmitted from the second terminal 20 and the device identification information are not associated and stored in the storage unit 55.

[0065] The communication unit 56 is a communication interface that performs communication. The communication interface that the communication unit 56 has is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 56 communicates with the first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, and the device 30 via the network N.

[0066] [1-2. Remote control method] The remote control method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the remote control method according to this embodiment. The remote control method according to this embodiment is a method for remotely controlling a device 30 using a notification management device 50 and a first terminal 10 or a second terminal 20.

[0067] 6, first, in preparation for remote control, information on the device 30, the first terminal 10, and the second terminal 20 is registered in the notification management device 50. Specifically, the first terminal 10 transmits registration information such as first terminal information and device identification information of the device 30 to the notification management device 50 (registration information transmission step S11). In addition, the second terminal 20 transmits second terminal information and device identification information of the device 30 to the notification management device 50 (registration information transmission step S12).

[0068] Subsequently, the notification management device 50 receives the registration information transmitted from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, and then registers the information (registration step S14). Specifically, the notification management device 50 stores in the storage unit 55 the device identification information and the first terminal information and the second terminal information in association with each other.

[0069] Next, the user switches the power of the device 30 from OFF to ON (power operation step S20). Specifically, the user switches the power ON using the main body operation unit 38 of the device 30. Below, as an example, a description will be given of control when the user carrying the first terminal 10 (i.e., the user corresponding to the first user information) switches the power of the device 30 ON.

[0070] Next, the beacon transmitter 32 wirelessly transmits a beacon including the first device information (beacon transmission step S30). Specifically, upon receiving a signal indicating that the power has been switched ON, the main body control unit 31 of the device 30 outputs a signal instructing the beacon transmitter 32 to transmit a beacon. Upon receiving this signal, the beacon transmitter 32 transmits a beacon.

[0071] Next, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 located near the device 30 wirelessly receive the beacon (beacon reception steps S41 and S42). Note that although an example in which only two terminals receive the beacon is shown in this embodiment, three or more terminals may receive the beacon.

[0072] Next, the first terminal 10 transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal 10, the first terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device 50 (information transmission step S51), and the second terminal 20 transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal 20, the second terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device 50 (information transmission step S52).

[0073] Next, the notification management device 50 receives the information transmitted from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 (information receiving step S62). Specifically, after receiving information from one terminal, the notification management device 50 receives information from other terminals until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0074] Next, the notification signal transmitting unit 54 of the notification managing device 50 compares the information transmitted from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 with the information stored in the storage unit 55 to determine whether the information matches (registered information confirming step S64). Note that this registered information confirming step S64 may be executed in parallel with the information receiving step S62 described above. For example, during the period in which the device is waiting to receive information from another terminal in the information receiving step S62, the registered information confirming step S64 may be executed for information that has already been received.

[0075] The notification signal transmission unit 54 of the notification management device 50 stores in the memory unit 55 only the terminals, out of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, whose transmitted information matches the information stored in the memory unit 55, as candidate destinations for the notification signal. If the information transmitted from both the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 does not match the information stored in the memory unit 55, the control is terminated. Below, a case where the information transmitted from both the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 matches the information stored in the memory unit 55 will be described.

[0076] Next, the notification signal transmitter 54 of the notification management device 50 determines a terminal to which the notification signal containing the startup information of the remote control unit 11 or 21 is to be sent (destination terminal determination step S66). In this embodiment, the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the higher received beacon signal strength, is determined to be the destination terminal. In this example, the user carrying the first terminal 10 is operating the main body operation unit 38 of the device 30, so the first terminal 10 is closer to the device 30 than the second terminal 20. Therefore, the received beacon signal strength at the first terminal 10 is greater than the received beacon signal strength at the second terminal 20. Therefore, the notification signal transmitter 54 of the notification management device 50 determines the first terminal 10 as the destination terminal to which the notification signal is to be sent. Note that if the remote control system 1 includes three or more terminals, the terminal with the highest received beacon signal strength among the three or more terminals is determined to be the destination terminal.

[0077] Next, the notification signal transmitting unit 54 of the notification management device 50 transmits a notification signal including startup information of the remote control unit 11 or 21 to only the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the higher received signal strength of the beacon (notification signal transmitting step S68). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the notification signal is transmitted to the first terminal 10.

[0078] Subsequently, the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20 receives the notification signal (notification signal receiving step S72). In the example shown in Fig. 6, the notification signal receiving unit 14 of the first terminal 10 receives the notification signal.

[0079] Next, the notification signal receiving unit 14 of the first terminal 10 causes the display unit 18 to display information related to the startup information of the remote control unit 11 (information display step S74). Here, the information displayed on the display unit 18 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on the display unit 18 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, a notification P1 is displayed on the display unit 18 of the first terminal 10. The notification P1 may be a so-called push notification. In the present embodiment, the device 30 is a washing machine, and therefore the notification P1 shown in FIG. 7 displays a message asking, "Do you want to operate the washing machine?" on the display unit 18. The notification P1 also displays buttons labeled "Yes" and "No." For example, the button labeled "Yes" is associated with the startup information of the remote control unit 11, and when the user taps the button, the remote control unit 11 is started. For example, the button labeled "No" is associated with the termination operation of the notification P1, and when the user taps the button, the notification P1 is closed.

[0080] Next, the user inputs a signal to instruct the start-up of the remote control unit 11 to the first terminal 10 (start-up instruction input step S76). For example, when the user taps the button labeled "Yes" shown in Fig. 7, a signal to instruct the start-up of the remote control unit 11 is input to the display unit 18 of the first terminal 10.

[0081] Next, the remote control unit 11 of the first terminal 10 remotely controls the device 30 (remote control step S78). For example, when the user taps the button labeled "Yes" shown in FIG. 7, the remote control unit 11 is activated, and the remote control unit 11 displays a remote operation screen, which is a user interface for remotely operating the device 30, on the display unit 18. Here, the remote operation screen will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a remote operation screen UI1 according to this embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, remote operation screen UI1 displays operation items for remotely operating device 30. For example, by tapping the button labeled "Wash Only" shown in FIG. 8, the user can select the operation of device 30 to perform only laundry. Subsequently, by tapping the button labeled "Start" shown in FIG. 8, the user can start the laundry operation of device 30. Specifically, a remote control signal is transmitted from first terminal 10 to device 30, and main body control unit 31 of device 30 controls drive unit 35 based on the remote control signal.

[0083] Note that by tapping a button labeled "Menu" on the remote operation screen UI1 shown in FIG. 8, a more detailed setting screen for washing, drying, etc. may be displayed, allowing the user to make more detailed settings. In this way, the remote operation screen UI1 may have more detailed operation items than the main body operation unit 38. This simplifies the configuration of the main body operation unit 38 of the device 30, while allowing the user to use more detailed operation items.

[0084] As described above, the first terminal 10 can remotely control the device 30.

[0085] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the remote control system 1 according to this embodiment, the notification management device 50 includes a notification signal sending unit 54 that sends a notification signal including startup information for the remote control unit only to the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the higher received signal strength of the beacon.

[0086] As described above, in the remote control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the notification management device 50 determines the terminal to which to send a notification signal based on the received signal strength at each terminal of the beacon transmitted by the device 30. This allows the notification management device 50 to transmit a notification signal to a terminal carried by a user who is near the device 30, that is, a user who is likely to operate the device 30. Therefore, the remote control system 1 according to the present embodiment can notify the appropriate terminal of information related to the remote control of the device 30.

[0087] In the remote control system 1, the first device information included in the beacon may be device identification information that identifies the device 30.

[0088] This makes it possible to prevent the remote control system 1 from accidentally remotely controlling another device, even if the other device is of the same model as the device 30, in the vicinity of the remote control system 1.

[0089] In addition, in the remote control system 1, the first terminal information may be first user information which is identification information of the user of the first terminal 10, and the second terminal information may be second user information which is identification information of the user of the second terminal 20.

[0090] In addition, in the remote control system 1, each of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 may be provided with a display unit that displays information, and a notification signal receiving unit that, when a notification signal is received, causes information related to the startup information to be displayed on the display unit.

[0091] This allows the user carrying the terminal that has received the notification signal to easily start the remote control unit using the startup information displayed on the display unit, which means that remote control of the device 30 can be easily started.

[0092] Furthermore, in the remote control system 1, the device 30 may include a main body operation unit 38, which is a user interface for operating the device 30. The first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 may each include a display unit for displaying information. Each remote control unit may display a remote operation screen UI1, which is a user interface for remotely operating the device 30, on the respective display unit. The remote operation screen UI1 may have more detailed operation items than the main body operation unit 38.

[0093] This simplifies the configuration of the main body operation unit 38 of the device 30, while allowing the user to use detailed operation items using the remote operation screen UI1.

[0094] Furthermore, in the remote control system 1, the main body operation unit 38 may only include an operation to turn the power of the device 30 on and off as an operation item.

[0095] This simplifies the configuration of the device 30. Furthermore, the external appearance of the device 30 can be simplified and the degree of freedom in the external appearance of the device 30 can be increased, so that the device 30 can be designed with excellent design.

[0096] Furthermore, the remote control method according to the present embodiment is a method for remotely controlling a device 30 using a notification management device 50 and a first terminal 10 or a second terminal 20. The remote control method includes a beacon transmitting step S30 in which the device 30 wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information that is information related to the device 30, beacon receiving steps S41 and S42 in which the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 wirelessly receive the beacon, information transmitting steps S51 and S52 in which the first terminal 10 transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal 10, first terminal information related to the first terminal 10, and first device information to the notification management device 50, and the second terminal 20 transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal 20, second terminal information related to the second terminal 20, and first device information to the notification management device 50, and a notification signal transmitting step S68 in which the notification management device 50 transmits a notification signal including startup information for the remote control unit only to the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the higher received signal strength of the beacon. The device identification information includes first device information.

[0097] This provides the same effects as the remote control system 1.

[0098] Moreover, the program according to the present embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the remote control method.

[0099] This provides the same effects as the remote control system 1.

[0100] (Embodiment 2) A remote control system, a remote control method, and a program according to embodiment 2 will be described. The remote control system according to this embodiment differs from the remote control system 1 according to embodiment 1 mainly in the information contained in the beacon. The following description of this embodiment will focus on the differences from embodiment 1.

[0101] [2-1. Remote control system] The remote control system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram that schematically shows the configuration of a remote control system 101 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are block diagrams that respectively show the functional configurations of a device 130 and a notification management device 150 according to this embodiment.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, the remote control system 101 according to this embodiment includes a device 130, a first terminal 10, a second terminal 20, and a notification management device 150.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10, the device 130 according to this embodiment includes a main body control unit 31, a beacon transmitting unit 132, a driving unit 35, a communication unit 36, a main body operating unit 38, and a pre-signal transmitting unit 134.

[0104] Similar to the beacon transmitting unit 32 according to the first embodiment, the beacon transmitting unit 132 according to the present embodiment wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information, which is information related to the device 130. In the present embodiment, the first device information is not information specific to the device 130, such as device identification information. In the present embodiment, the first device information is device model information indicating the model of the device 130. This allows the amount of information in the first device information to be reduced. Therefore, even if a beacon cannot include device identification information due to a beacon payload length limitation, the beacon can include the first device information as long as the first device information is made up of device model information.

[0105] The advance signal transmitting unit 134 is a processing unit that transmits an advance signal including device identification information to the notification managing device 150 before the beacon transmitting unit 132 transmits the beacon and within a predetermined time from the timing of transmitting the beacon. In this embodiment, the advance signal transmitting unit 134 transmits the advance signal including device identification information to the notification managing device 150 via the communication unit 36 and the network N.

[0106] Similar to the notification management device 50 according to the first embodiment, the notification management device 150 according to the present embodiment is a device that transmits a notification signal to the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 11 , the notification management device 150 includes a notification signal transmission unit 154, a storage unit 55, and a communication unit 56.

[0107] The notification signal transmitter 154 according to this embodiment receives a preliminary signal from the device 130 and extracts device identification information from the preliminary signal. The notification signal transmitter 154 also receives the received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal 10, first terminal information, and first device information transmitted from the first terminal 10, and the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal 20, second terminal information, and first device information transmitted from the second terminal 20. The notification signal transmitter 154 compares the first device information received from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 within a predetermined time from receiving the preliminary signal with the device identification information included in the preliminary signal, and determines whether the first device information and the device identification information included in the preliminary signal contain the same device model information. If the first device information and the device identification information included in the preliminary signal contain the same device model information, the notification signal transmitter 154 transmits a notification signal including remote control unit startup information to only the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the higher received signal strength of the beacon.

[0108] [2-2. Remote control method] The remote control method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the remote control method according to this embodiment.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 12, first, similarly to the remote control method according to the first embodiment, the registration information transmission steps S11 and S12 to the power operation step S20 are performed.

[0110] Next, the advance signal transmitting unit 134 of the device 130 transmits an advance signal including the device identification information to the notification management device 150 (advance signal transmitting step S122). More specifically, the advance signal transmitting unit 134 transmits the advance signal to the notification management device 150 via the communication unit 36 and the network N.

[0111] Subsequently, the notification signal transmitting unit 154 of the notification management device 150 receives the advance signal (advance signal receiving step S124). More specifically, the notification signal transmitting unit 154 receives the advance signal via the communication unit 56 and transmits the device identification number of the device 130. information Extract.

[0112] Next, similarly to the remote control method according to the first embodiment, the steps from beacon transmission step S30 to information reception step S62 are carried out.

[0113] Next, the notification signal transmission unit 154 of the notification management device 150 compares the information transmitted from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 with the information stored in the storage unit 55, and confirms whether or not the information matches (registered information confirmation step S164). The notification signal transmission unit 154 of the notification management device 150 stores in the storage unit 55 only the terminals, of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, whose transmitted information matches the information stored in the storage unit 55, as candidate destinations of the notification signal. If the information transmitted from both the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 does not match the information stored in the storage unit 55, the control is terminated. Below, a case where the information transmitted from both the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 matches the information stored in the storage unit 55 will be described.

[0114] In the registration information confirmation step S164 according to the present embodiment, the device identification number corresponding to the first device information is further checked between the start of execution of the registration information confirmation step S164 and a predetermined time before. informationThe remote control method when such a pre-signal is received is then checked. If such a pre-signal is not received, the remote control method is terminated. The remote control method when such a pre-signal is received will be described below.

[0115] Next, the steps from destination terminal determination step S66 to remote control step S78 are carried out in the same manner as in the remote control method according to the first embodiment.

[0116] As described above, the first terminal 10 can remotely control the device 130.

[0117] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the remote control system 101 according to this embodiment, as in the remote control system 1 according to embodiment 1, the notification management device 150 is provided with a notification signal sending unit 154 that sends a notification signal including startup information for the remote control unit only to the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, whichever has the higher received signal strength of the beacon.

[0118] Therefore, the remote control system 101 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the remote control system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0119] In addition, in the remote control system 101, the first device information is device model information indicating the model of the device 130, and the device 130 may be equipped with a pre-signal sending unit that sends a pre-signal including device identification information to the notification management device 150 before sending a beacon and within a predetermined time from the timing of sending the beacon.

[0120] This reduces the amount of first device information included in the beacon. Therefore, even if a beacon cannot include device identification information due to a beacon payload length limitation, the beacon can include the first device information if the first device information is made up of device model information. Furthermore, by transmitting a preliminary signal including device identification information to the notification management device 150 before transmitting a beacon, the device 130 can identify the device 130 that is the remote control target of each terminal that receives the beacon. Therefore, for example, even if there is another device of the same model as the device 130 near the device 130, it is possible to prevent a notification signal from being mistakenly transmitted to a terminal carried by a user of the other device.

[0121] In addition, the remote control method according to this embodiment includes a pre-signal transmission step S122 in which the device 130 transmits a pre-signal including device identification information to the notification management device 150 before transmitting the beacon and within a predetermined time from the timing of transmitting the beacon.

[0122] This provides the same effect as that of the remote control system 101.

[0123] Moreover, the program according to the present embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the remote control method.

[0124] This provides the same effect as that of the remote control system 101.

[0125] (Variations, etc.) As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions have been provided for that purpose.

[0126] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above implementation. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0127] For example, in the first embodiment, device identification information is used as the first device information, but device model information or the like may also be used. In other words, the first device information may be information that is stored in association with the first terminal information and the second terminal information in the notification management device 50.

[0128] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0129] The present disclosure can be used in systems for remotely controlling devices such as home appliances. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1, 101 Remote Control System 10 First Terminal 11, 21 Remote control unit 12, 22 Beacon receiver 13 First Information Transmission Unit 14, 24 Notification signal receiving unit 16, 26, 36, 56 Communications Department 18, 28 Display section 20 Second Terminal 23 Second Information Transmission Unit 30, 130 equipment 31 Main unit control section 32, 132 Beacon transmitter 35 Drive unit 38 Main unit operation section 50, 150 Notification management device 54, 154 Notification signal transmission unit 55 Storage section 134 Advance Signaling Unit N Network P1 notification UI1 Remote control screen

Claims

1. A remote control system for remotely controlling a device, comprising: The device; a first terminal and a second terminal for remotely controlling the device; a notification management device including a storage unit that stores device identification information for identifying the device, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and second terminal information related to the second terminal in association with each other; the device includes a beacon transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a beacon including first device information that is information related to the device; The first terminal a beacon receiving unit that receives the beacon wirelessly; a remote control unit that remotely controls the device; a first information transmission unit that transmits a received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal, the first terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device; The second terminal the beacon receiving unit; the remote control unit; a second information transmission unit configured to transmit a received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal, the second terminal information, and the first device information to the notification management device; the device identification information includes the first device information, The notification management device further includes a notification signal transmission unit that transmits a notification signal including startup information of the remote control unit only to one of the first terminal and the second terminal, whichever has a higher received signal strength of the beacon. Remote control system.

2. The first device information includes the device identification information. The remote control system of claim 1 .

3. the first device information is device model information indicating a model of the device, The device includes a pre-signal transmission unit that transmits a pre-signal including the device identification information to the notification management device before transmitting the beacon and within a predetermined time from the timing of transmitting the beacon. The remote control system of claim 1 .

4. the first terminal information is first user information that is identification information of a user of the first terminal, The second terminal information is second user information that is identification information of a user of the second terminal. The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the first terminal and the second terminal a display unit that displays information related to the startup information; a notification signal receiving unit that, when receiving the notification signal, causes information related to the startup information to be displayed on the display unit; The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the device includes a main body operation unit that is a user interface for operating the device; each of the first terminal and the second terminal includes a display unit that displays a remote operation screen that is a user interface for remotely operating the device; the remote control unit causes the display unit to display the remote operation screen; The remote operation screen has more detailed operation items than the operation items that can be set on the main body operation unit. The remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The main body operation unit includes only the power on / off switching of the device as an operation item. The remote control system of claim 6.

8. A remote control method for remotely controlling a device using a notification management device and a first terminal or a second terminal, comprising: each of the first terminal and the second terminal has a remote control unit that remotely controls the device; the notification management device includes a storage unit that stores device identification information that identifies the device, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and second terminal information related to the second terminal, in association with each other; The remote control method includes: a beacon transmitting step in which the device wirelessly transmits a beacon including first device information that is information related to the device; a beacon reception step in which the first terminal and the second terminal wirelessly receive the beacon; an information transmission step in which the first terminal transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the first terminal, first terminal information related to the first terminal, and the first device information to the notification management device, and the second terminal transmits the received signal strength of the beacon at the second terminal, second terminal information related to the second terminal, and the first device information to the notification management device; a notification signal transmitting step in which the notification management device transmits a notification signal including startup information of the remote control unit only to one of the first terminal and the second terminal having a higher received signal strength of the beacon, The device identification information includes the first device information. Remote control method.

9. A program that causes a computer to execute the remote control method according to claim 8.

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