Controller, device, control method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a device is remotely operated from a location where the device cannot be seen.SOLUTION: A controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller 1 includes an operation portion 3 that accepts operation input from the outside, and a transmission portion 11 that transmits a transmission signal when the operation portion 3 receives one operation input. When the transmission portion 11 receives an operation input multiple times in a row within a certain period of time, the transmission portion 11 transmits a plurality of transmission signals such that a first infrared signal and a second infrared signal are included at least once each as the transmission signal. The specific condition is a condition regarding reception of the plurality of transmission signals in the device 2. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include mutually different pieces of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a remote control system using a mobile phone that enables wireless control of a heating appliance equipped with a heat source. In this remote control system, the operation of the heating appliance is started by using a password that requires operating multiple keys in sequence or by operating multiple keys simultaneously on the operation unit of the mobile phone. Therefore, even if a child touches the mobile phone or accidentally steps on the operation unit of the mobile phone, the possibility of the heating appliance starting operation is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] Recently, so-called smart remote controls that enable remote control (for example, as an add-on) of devices that receive infrared signals (infrared signals) and accept operational commands are becoming increasingly popular. A mobile terminal (mobile phone) and the smart remote control communicate wirelessly using communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). If a user pre-learns the infrared signal corresponding to a device into the smart remote control, when the user performs an operation related to the operation of the device from the mobile terminal, the smart remote control receives the signal related to the operation from the mobile terminal and transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the device to the device. This improves convenience because the user can use the mobile terminal to perform operations related to the operation of the device even from a relatively far away location.

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

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

[0007] The controller according to the invention of claim 1 is a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal mediated by infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller includes an operation unit that accepts an operation input from outside, and a transmission unit that transmits the transmission signal when the operation input is accepted once by the operation unit. When the transmission unit accepts the operation input multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission signal is transmitted multiple times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and one second infrared signal. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the multiple transmission signals by the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include different data from each other.

[0008] In the controller according to the invention of claim 2, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1, the specific condition is that the device receives the plurality of transmission signals within a predetermined period of time.

[0009] In a controller according to the invention of claim 3, in the controller according to the invention of claim 1 or 2, the multiple times is two times. When the transmission unit receives the first operation input at the operation unit within the certain period, the transmission unit transmits the first infrared signal, and when the transmission unit receives the second operation input subsequently, the transmission unit transmits the second infrared signal.

[0010] The device according to the invention of claim 4 includes a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3, and a control unit that executes the specific operation. The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0011] The device according to the invention of claim 5 is the device according to the invention of claim 4, further comprising a gas combustion type heat source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

[0012] The control method according to claim 6 is a control method for a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal mediated by infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal when an operation input is received once by an operation unit that receives operation input from outside. In the transmitting step, if the operation input is received multiple times consecutively within a certain period, the transmission signal is transmitted multiple times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and one second infrared signal. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the multiple transmission signals by the device. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal include different data from each other.

[0013] A control method according to the invention of claim 7 is a control method for a device that communicates with a controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller, and a control step of executing the specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0014] The program according to the invention of claim 8 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 6 or 7. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In the controller according to the invention of claim 1, when multiple operation inputs are received consecutively within a certain period of time, multiple transmission signals (infrared signals) are transmitted so that the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal, each containing different data, are included at least once. Therefore, even if a user tries to have the smart remote control learn the controller's functions, only the transmission signal (infrared signal) transmitted in response to the first operation input is likely to be copied to the smart remote control, which can contribute to preventing the smart remote control from learning. As a result, the possibility of the device being remotely controlled from an unseen location can be reduced.

[0016] In the controller of the invention of claim 2, the specific condition is that the device receives multiple transmission signals (infrared signals) within a specified period, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0017] The controller according to the invention of claim 3 requires two operation inputs within a certain period of time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific action will be executed unintentionally by the user. Also, compared to when three or more operation inputs are required, it is possible to prevent a decrease in user convenience.

[0018] In the device according to the invention of claim 4, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal (infrared signal) sent from the controller in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, even if infrared signals are received multiple times in succession from the smart remote control, the contents of the multiple infrared signals simply contain the same data, and no specific operation will be executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0019] The device according to the invention of claim 5 can reduce the possibility that a device equipped with a gas combustion type heat source will be remotely operated from an unseen location.

[0020] The control method according to the invention of claim 6 can provide a control method for a controller that reduces the possibility of the device being remotely operated from a location where it cannot be seen.

[0021] The control method according to the invention of claim 7 can provide a method for controlling a device that reduces the possibility of remote control from an unseen location.

[0022] The program according to the invention of claim 8 can provide a function that reduces the possibility of remote control of a device from an unseen location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Fig. 1A is a block diagram of a controller according to an embodiment, and Fig. 1B is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the controller and the device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The controller, device, control method, and program according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 2, which is referred to in the following embodiments, is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0025] (Embodiment) (1) Equipment control system As shown in FIG. 2, a device control system 4 according to the embodiment includes a controller 1 according to the embodiment and a device 2 according to the embodiment.

[0026] (2)Equipment Hereinafter, the device 2, which is one of the components of the device control system 4, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B and 2. FIG.

[0027] Device 2 is a device that can be remotely controlled in response to operations on controller 1 (remote control). Device 2 may be installed in a space within a facility used by a user. For example, if the facility is a residence, device 2 may be installed and used in a room within the residence. The facility is not limited to a residence, and may also be a non-residential facility (such as an office building).

[0028] The type of device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can be remotely controlled by a remote controller. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the device 2 is a heating device, and is, for example, a gas fan heater. That is, the device 2 has a built-in heat source 21 (see FIG. 1B). The device 2 is equipped with a gas combustion type heat source 21. However, the heat source 21 of the device 2 may be an oil combustion type or an electric heating type.

[0029] The device 2 receives a transmission signal (wireless signal, hereinafter also referred to as "infrared signal S1") wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a user operation, using infrared as a medium, and executes control in accordance with the data (control data) contained in the infrared signal S1. In particular, the device 2 is configured to execute a specific operation as control in response to an operation on the controller 1 when a specific condition is satisfied. The specific condition is a condition related to the reception of a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) multiple times by the device 2. In other words, the specific condition is a condition that at least requires the device 2 to receive a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) multiple times.

[0030] In this embodiment, the specific operation is an operation related to the heat source 21, and is an operation that can be remotely executed using the controller 1. The operation related to the heat source 21 may correspond to, for example, an operation of starting the operation of the heat source 21 (i.e., "starting operation" of the device 2), an operation of stopping the operation of the heat source 21 (i.e., "stopping operation" of the device 2), or an operation of adjusting the set temperature.

[0031] Note that the term "starting operation" here refers to starting an operating state from a standby state in which the device 2 is powered on and consuming standby power, for example, when a manual operation is received from the user. Also, the term "stopping operation" refers to returning from an operating state to a standby state, for example, when a manual operation is received from the user. Therefore, stopping operation and starting operation are different from a temporary automatic stop of operation caused by the room temperature reaching or exceeding a set temperature due to eco-driving, etc., and an automatic restart from a temporary stop of operation.

[0032] In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the specific operation is an operation to "start operation" of the device 2 that can be remotely controlled using the controller 1. However, the specific operation may be an operation other than the operation to "start operation" of the device 2, as long as it is an operation that can be remotely controlled using the controller 1, and may be an operation to "stop operation" of the device 2, an operation to adjust the set temperature, or an operation of the sleep timer. Furthermore, if the operation to start eco-driving can be remotely controlled using the controller 1, the specific operation may be the operation to start eco-driving.

[0033] 1B, the device 2 further includes a control unit 20, a blower fan 22, a receiving unit 23, a memory unit 24, a display unit 25, a plurality of operation units 26 (only one in the illustrated example), a power supply unit 27, and a housing 200 (see FIG. 2) that houses or holds these components. The device 2 also includes sensors for monitoring the operation of the heat source 21 and the like. The type of sensor is not particularly limited, but examples include a combustion sensor for checking the combustion of the heat source 21, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat source 21 and the temperature in the room where the device 2 is installed, and a tipping sensor for detecting the tipping over of the device 2. The device 2 also includes a timer and has a function of managing a reservation schedule for starting / stopping operation of the device 2 (heating device) based on the timekeeping by the timer.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 200 has a generally rectangular box shape that is flat in the front-to-rear direction as a whole. The housing 200 has an air outlet 201 at the bottom of its front surface and an air inlet on its back surface. A display unit 25 and a plurality of operation units 26 are disposed on the upper end surface of the housing 200. The back surface of the housing 200 is provided with a connection port to which a gas cord for supplying fuel gas to the gas pipe of the heating source 21 is connected. A power cord extends from the back surface of the housing 200, and by connecting the power plug at the end of the power cord to a power outlet, the device 2 can receive power from, for example, a commercial AC power source.

[0035] The heat source 21 has a combustor that burns a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air, and an injection nozzle that injects fuel gas toward the combustor to mix the fuel gas and combustion air. The heat source 21 also has a gas pipe that guides the fuel gas to the injection nozzle, a solenoid valve that opens and closes the gas pipe, and a proportional valve that enables adjustment of the flow rate of the fuel gas according to the set temperature, etc. The combustor has an igniter that ignites the fuel guided to its combustion chamber, and a flame sensor that detects the flame caused by ignition and enables detection of flame extinguishing. The solenoid valve, proportional valve, igniter, fire sensor, etc. of the heat source 21 are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0036] The blower fan 22 is housed within the housing 200. The blower fan 22 includes, for example, a cross-flow fan and a fan motor that rotates the cross-flow fan in a circumferential direction. The fan motor operates under the control of the control unit 20 to rotate the cross-flow fan. As the cross-flow fan rotates, outside air is drawn in through an inlet provided on the back surface of the housing 200 and flows toward the combustor of the heat source 21. A portion of the outside air drawn in through the inlet is mixed with fuel gas as combustion air and supplied to the combustion chamber of the heat source 21. The remaining air bypasses the combustor, mixes with combustion exhaust gas from the combustion chamber, and is heated, and then blown out from an outlet 201 provided on the front surface of the housing 200. As a result, the device 2 provides warm air into the room in which the device 2 is installed, thereby raising the room temperature to a set temperature.

[0037] The multiple operation units 26 are user interfaces configured to be able to receive operation inputs that command the operation of the device 2. The multiple operation units 26 are arranged, for example, on the top surface of the housing 200. It is assumed that each operation unit 26 is a push button type.

[0038] Specifically, the multiple operation units 26 include an ON button (operation button) for starting operation of the device 2, and an OFF button (stop button) for stopping operation of the device 2. The operation button and the stop button may be realized by one button, and a command to start operation and a command to stop operation may be issued alternately each time the button is pressed.

[0039] The operation units 26 further include an UP button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C, and a DOWN button for decreasing the set temperature by 1°C.

[0040] The operation units 26 further include a sleep button, a good morning button, and a setting button for inputting a set time. By pressing the sleep button, the operation of the device 2 is automatically stopped, for example, one hour after the pressing operation. By pressing the good morning button, the operation of the device 2 is automatically started after the set time.

[0041] The operation units 26 further include an eco button for executing eco operation. In normal operation, the device 2 executes continuous combustion by increasing and decreasing the combustion capacity. In eco operation, the device 2 executes an operation in which combustion is repeatedly started and stopped when the room temperature reaches or exceeds a set temperature.

[0042] The above button types are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0043] The display unit 25 is configured to present to the user information related to the operation of the device 2. The display unit 25 is disposed on the top surface of the housing 200. The display unit 25 displays the current set temperature, the current room temperature, the set time, and the operating state (whether normal operation or eco operation is in progress).

[0044] The storage unit 24 includes an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 24 may be a memory of the control unit 20. The storage unit 24 stores in advance information in which a plurality of pieces of control data (described below) that can be received from the controller 1 are associated with a plurality of control contents. The storage unit 24 also stores a set temperature, and the control unit 20 updates the set temperature in the storage unit 24 as appropriate in response to a user operation.

[0045] The receiving unit 23 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1. The receiving unit 23 is arranged at the upper right edge on the front of the housing 200 (see FIG. 2). The receiving unit 23 includes an infrared receiving element that receives infrared light (infrared rays) sent from the controller 1 and performs photoelectric conversion. The receiving unit 23 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 extracts control data from the output signal output from the infrared receiving element and executes control content corresponding to the control data.

[0046] The power supply unit 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. Under the control of the control unit 20, the power supply unit 27 generates and supplies the power required to operate the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the receiving unit 23, the display unit 25, etc., using, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord.

[0047] The control unit 20 has a computer (including a microcomputer) including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The computer functions as the control unit 20 by executing an appropriate program.

[0048] The control unit 20 controls the operations of the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on operations on the operation units 26. The control unit 20 also controls the operations of the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on control data included in an infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, which is received by the receiving unit 23.

[0049] (3) Controller The controller 1, which is one of the components of the device control system 4, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1A and 2. FIG.

[0050] The controller 1 is a remote control that can remotely operate the device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) using infrared rays as a medium. The infrared signal S1 has a data configuration including, for example, a leader code, a custom code, a data code, and a stop bit. Note that in response to a single operation input (push operation) to the operation unit 3, the infrared signal S1 may be transmitted by repeating the reader code through the stop bit several times, but for the sake of convenience, the repeats will be considered as one infrared signal S1.

[0051] 1A, the controller 1 includes a device 100, a control unit 10, a transmission unit 11, a storage unit 12, a user interface 13, and a power supply unit 14. The controller 1 has, for example, a computer (including a microcomputer) including a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The computer functions as the controller 1 by executing an appropriate program.

[0052] The housing 100 is formed in the shape of a flat, approximately rectangular box that is long in one direction overall (see FIG. 2). The housing 100 has a size and shape that allows a user to easily hold it in one hand. The housing 100 is made of, for example, resin. A plurality of (five in the illustrated example) operating members 300 are arranged on the front of the housing 100. In other words, the housing 100 has a structure that allows a user to easily press and operate the operating members 300 with a thumb or the like while holding the housing 100 in one hand. The housing 100 houses or holds a control unit 10, a transmission unit 11, a user interface 13, a storage unit 12, a power supply unit 14, etc.

[0053] The transmitter 11 is electrically connected to the controller 10. Under the control of the controller 10, the transmitter 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) when it receives a single operation input from the operation unit 3. The transmitter 11 includes an infrared light-emitting element for sending the infrared signal S1 generated by the controller 10. The infrared light-emitting element is assumed to be, for example, an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode). The infrared light-emitting element is exposed at one end surface (the upper end surface in FIG. 2 ) of the housing 100 and is held by the housing 100 so as to emit the infrared signal S1 from that end surface.

[0054] The user interface 13 has multiple (e.g., five) operation units 3. Each operation unit 3 accepts an operation input from the outside (e.g., a user). In the example of FIGS. 1A and 2, the user interface 13 includes five operation units 3: an ON button 31, an OFF button 32, a TEMP DOWN button 33, a TEMP UP button 34, and a SLEEP button 35. Each button (31 to 35) includes a push-button switch and a resin operation member 300 located on the front of the switch. Each switch is mounted on a printed circuit board inside the housing 100. When the user presses any of the five operation members 300 exposed from the housing 100, the contact of the switch on the back is turned ON, and the control unit 10 detects that the corresponding operation unit 3 has received an operation input from the user.

[0055] The ON button 31 is an operation button for starting the operation of the device 2. The OFF button 32 is a stop button for stopping the operation of the device 2. The TEMPERATURE DOWN button 33 is a button for decreasing the set temperature by 1°C. The TEMPERATURE UP button 34 is a button for increasing the set temperature by 1°C. The SLEEP button 35 is a button for automatically stopping the operation of the device 2, for example, one hour after the button is pressed. In other words, as an example, the functions of the five operation units 3 partially overlap with those of the multiple operation units 26 on the device 2 side.

[0056] Each time each operation unit 3 receives a push operation (operation input), the transmission unit 11 transmits one infrared signal S1. Here, one infrared signal S1 means, for example, a signal starting with a leader code and ending with a stop bit (including the repeat if repeated).

[0057] In order to reduce the possibility of the device 2 starting to operate unintentionally due to the user inadvertently stepping on the controller 1 or a child touching the controller 1, the present embodiment assumes, as an example, that only the ON button 31 needs to be pressed twice. In other words, the device 2 will not start operating unless the user presses the ON button 31 twice in succession. For the other buttons (32 to 35), the device 2 executes the corresponding control with a single press, but the "double press" may also be applied to the other buttons. Furthermore, buttons are not limited to the "double press" and may be set to require three or more presses.

[0058] The storage unit 12 includes an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 12 may be a memory of the control unit 10. The storage unit 12 pre-stores information related to the infrared signal S1 to be transmitted from the transmission unit 11. That is, the storage unit 12 pre-stores information related to the corresponding control data (data code) to be included in the infrared signal S1 when each button (31 to 35) is pressed. Hereinafter, the control data corresponding to the ON button 31, the OFF button 32, the temperature DOWN button 33, the temperature UP button 34, and the sleep button 35 may be referred to as first control data, second control data, third control data, fourth control data, and fifth control data, respectively.

[0059] In particular, the storage unit 12 stores in advance a plurality of different data as corresponding control data only for ON buttons 31 that require "double pressing." As an example, the storage unit 12 stores in advance two different types of data (hereinafter, may be referred to as "ON1" data, "ON2" data) as first control data corresponding to the ON button 31. The storage unit 12 may store in advance three or more different types of data (for example, "ON1" data, "ON2" data, "ON3" data, etc.) as first control data corresponding to the ON button 31.

[0060] In addition to the ON button 31, a button that requires "double pressing" may be set (for example, the OFF button 32). In this case, the storage unit 12 may store in advance two or more different types of data (for example, "OFF1" data, "OFF2" data, "OFF3" data, etc.) as the second control data corresponding to the OFF button 32. Needless to say, each of the "OFF1" data, "OFF2" data, "OFF3" data, etc. corresponding to the OFF button 32 is data that does not match any of the "ON1" data, "ON2" data, "ON3" data, etc. corresponding to the ON button 31.

[0061] The power supply unit 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The power supply unit 14 may include, for example, one or more primary batteries. The primary batteries are, for example, button batteries. The primary batteries are housed in the housing 100 in a replaceable manner. The power supply unit 14 generates operating power for the control unit 10 and other components using DC power discharged from the primary batteries and supplies the power to the control unit 10.

[0062] The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11, the user interface 13, the storage unit 12, the power supply unit 14, etc. When the user presses any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11 to cause the transmission unit 11 to send (transmit) an infrared signal S1 including control data (any of the first to fifth control data) corresponding to that button.

[0063] Under the control of the control unit 10, when the transmission unit 11 receives operation inputs multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission unit 11 transmits a plurality of transmission signals (infrared signals S1) so that the infrared signals S1 include at least one first infrared signal S11 and one second infrared signal S12. In the present embodiment, as an example, the plurality of times is two times. The certain period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited. When the control unit 10 receives two consecutive press operations within the certain period of time for the ON button 31 that requires a "double press," the control unit 10 causes the transmission unit 11 to transmit two infrared signals S1.

[0064] The control unit 10 includes a timer. When the control unit 10 receives a first press of the ON button 31, the control unit 10 transmits a first infrared signal S11 and starts timing the fixed period with the timer. In other words, the start point of the fixed period is the time when the control unit 10 receives a first press of the ON button 31. When the control unit 10 receives a second press of the ON button 31 within the fixed period, the control unit 10 transmits a second infrared signal S12.

[0065] Even if the control unit 10 receives a third or subsequent press of the ON button 31 within the above-mentioned fixed period, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1. However, the control unit 10 may transmit the infrared signal S1 in response to each press from the third onwards (the device 2 may treat the third and subsequent infrared signals S1 as invalid). Furthermore, even if the control unit 10 receives a second press of a button other than the ON button 31 after receiving the first press of the ON button 31, it ignores the press and does not transmit the infrared signal S1.

[0066] When the control unit 10 counts the end point of the above-mentioned fixed period by the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next press operation received by the ON button 31 as the first press operation.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 selects either the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data in response to the first pressing of the ON button 31, and causes the transmission unit 11 to transmit a first infrared signal S11 including the selected data as the first control data. Furthermore, in response to the second pressing of the ON button 31, the control unit 10 causes the transmission unit 11 to transmit a second infrared signal S12 including the other data not selected the first time as the first control data. In other words, the transmission unit 11 transmits the first infrared signal S11 when it receives a first operation input on the operation unit 3 within the above-mentioned certain period, and transmits the second infrared signal S12 when it subsequently receives a second operation input.

[0068] In short, when the ON button 31 is pressed twice consecutively within the above-mentioned fixed period, a first infrared signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12 each containing different data ("ON1" data and "ON2" data) are transmitted from the transmitter 11.

[0069] In this embodiment, it is assumed that whether the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data is to be included in the infrared signal S1 for the first press is selected randomly each time. For example, the control unit 10 randomly selects either the "ON1" data or the "ON2" data for the first press, and transmits the selected data in the first infrared signal S11. Then, for the second press, the control unit 10 transmits the other data, which was not randomly selected the first time, in the second infrared signal S12.

[0070] Alternatively, whether "ON1" data or "ON2" data is selected for inclusion in the infrared signal S1 for the first press operation and the second press operation may be fixed in advance. For example, the control unit 10 may always include "ON1" data in the first infrared signal S11 for the first press operation, and always include "ON2" data in the second infrared signal S12 for the second press operation, and transmit these signals. Conversely, the control unit 10 may always include "ON2" data in the first infrared signal S11 for the first press operation, and always include "ON1" data in the second infrared signal S12 for the second press operation, and transmit these signals.

[0071] In short, it is sufficient that the first control data in the two infrared signals S1 transmitted in response to "double pressing" are different from each other.

[0072] In the example of Fig. 2, a first infrared signal S11 containing "ON1" data (see square wave W1) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a first pressing operation. Also, in the example of Fig. 2, a second infrared signal S12 containing "ON2" data (see square wave W2) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a second pressing operation.

[0073] The square waves W1 and W2 in Figure 2 are shown schematically with only a portion of the beginning of the data code extracted, so that it is easy to intuitively understand that the "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different from each other. The "ON1" data (square wave W1) contains "0" data at the beginning of the data code, with the ON period (the period during which the infrared light emitting element is on) and OFF period (the period during which the infrared light emitting element is off) being the same length. The "ON2" data (square wave W2) contains "1" data, with the OFF period being longer than the ON period.

[0074] In other words, when "ON1" data and "ON2" data are different, even if the corresponding control content is the same ("start operation"), the content of the data code (e.g., 8-bit data) is different. For example, if "ON2" data contains more "1" data than "ON1" data, the data length of "ON2" data may be longer.

[0075] Meanwhile, the control unit 20 of the device 2 executes a specific operation in response to a remote operation of the controller 1. In the present embodiment, as an example, the specific operation is an operation to "start operation" of the device 2, which requires a "double press" on the controller 1. The control unit 20 executes the specific operation (operation to start operation) when a specific condition is satisfied. The specific condition is that the device 2 receives two infrared signals S1 (containing different first control data) transmitted from the controller 1 when the ON button 31 is "double pressed" to command the operation to start operation on the controller 1. More specifically, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives multiple (here, two) transmission signals (infrared signals S1) (containing different first control data) within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0076] The control unit 20 of the device 2 also uses a timer to measure the above-mentioned predetermined period. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 receives the first infrared signal S1 including the first control data, it starts measuring the above-mentioned predetermined period. In other words, the start point of the above-mentioned predetermined period is the point in time when the control unit 20 receives the first infrared signal S1 including the first control data. When the control unit 20 receives the second infrared signal S1 including the first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it determines whether the second first control data is different from the first first control data. Even if the control unit 20 receives a third infrared signal S1 including the first control data within the above-mentioned predetermined period, it treats it as invalid.

[0077] As an example, it is assumed that the above-mentioned fixed period measured by the control unit 10 of the controller 1 using a timer and the above-mentioned predetermined period measured by the control unit 20 of the device 2 using a timer are the same length (for example, several seconds), but they do not have to be exactly the same.

[0078] When the control unit 20 of the device 2 counts the end point of the predetermined period using the timer, it resets the timer and treats the next reception of the infrared signal S1 including the first control data as the first reception.

[0079] The storage unit 24 of the device 2 also stores in advance the "ON1" data and "ON2" data as the first control data in association with the control content, which is the operation of starting the operation of the device 2. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 determines that the two infrared signals S1 received within the above-mentioned predetermined period include the first control data corresponding to the control content, which is the operation start, and also include the "ON1" and "ON2" data respectively (regardless of the order of reception), it starts the operation of the device 2.

[0080] Needless to say, even if the ON button 31 is pressed twice while the device 2 is operating, the device 2 will invalidate the infrared signal S1. Even if the OFF button 32 is pressed while the device 2 is not operating, the device 2 will invalidate the infrared signal S1.

[0081] (4) Controller operation flow A series of operational flows of the controller 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is merely one example of the operational flow of the controller 1 according to the present invention, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0082] The controller 1 (controller 10 thereof) constantly monitors whether or not a pressing operation has occurred on each operation unit 3 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until a pressing operation has occurred on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: No).

[0083] When a pressing operation is performed on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: Yes), the controller 1 starts counting a certain period of time at that timing, for example (step ST2).

[0084] The controller 1 determines which button (operation unit 3) has been pressed, in particular whether the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3). If the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3: No), it transmits an infrared signal S1 including control data corresponding to that button (step ST4). Then, the controller 1 resets the timer for a certain period (step ST12) and returns to a standby state where it waits for a pressing operation to occur again.

[0085] On the other hand, if the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed (step ST3: Yes), it randomly selects one of "ON1" and "ON2" (step ST5). The controller 1 transmits the selected data as first control data in the infrared signal S1 (step ST6).

[0086] Then, the controller 1 monitors whether a second pressing operation has occurred (step ST7). If a certain period of time has elapsed (step ST8: Yes) without a second pressing operation having occurred (step ST7: No), the controller 1 resets the counting of the certain period of time (step ST12) and returns to a standby state where it waits for a pressing operation to occur again. That is, the controller 1 waits for a second pressing operation to occur until the certain period of time has elapsed (step ST8: No).

[0087] If a second pressing operation occurs before the end of the certain period (step ST7: Yes), the controller 1 determines which button (operation unit 3) was pressed, in particular whether the ON button 31 was pressed again (step ST9).

[0088] When the controller 1 determines that the ON button 31 has been pressed again (step ST9: Yes), it transmits the non-selected data in step ST5 as the first control data in the infrared signal S1 (step ST11).Then, the controller 1 resets the counting of the fixed period at the timing when it transmitted the infrared signal S1 in ST11 (or waits until the end of the fixed period and then resets the counting of the fixed period) (step ST12), and returns to a standby state where it waits for the occurrence of a pressing operation again.

[0089] If the controller 1 determines that a button other than the ON button 31 has been pressed before the fixed period has elapsed (step ST9: No), it does not transmit the infrared signal S1 corresponding to that button. That is, the controller 1 invalidates the pressing operation (step ST10), resets the timer for the fixed period (step ST12), and returns to a standby state where it waits for the occurrence of a pressing operation.

[0090] After the controller 1 receives a double press of the ON button 31, the controller 1 may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) during which the infrared signal S1 is not transmitted and the button is treated as invalid no matter which button is pressed.

[0091] (5) Flow of device operation A series of operational flows of the device 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. The flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is merely one example of the operational flow of the device 2 according to the present invention, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate. Note that the operation of the device 2 in response to the infrared signal S1 received from the controller 1 will be described here, and an explanation of the operation in response to an operation on the operation unit 26 of the device 2 will be omitted.

[0092] The device 2 (controller 20 thereof) is in a standby state, consuming standby power while powered on, and monitors whether or not an infrared signal S1 is received (step ST21). The device 2 waits until it receives the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: No).

[0093] When receiving the infrared signal S1 (step ST21: Yes), the device 2 starts counting a predetermined period at that timing (step ST22), and extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST23).

[0094] The device 2 determines which control content the extracted control data corresponds to, in particular whether it is first control data corresponding to starting operation of the device 2 that requires "double pressing" (step ST24). If the device 2 determines that the control data is other than the first control data (step ST24: No), it executes the control content corresponding to the control data (step ST25). Then, the device 2 resets the clock for the predetermined period (step ST33) and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again.

[0095] On the other hand, if the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST24: Yes), it temporarily stores the first control data ("ON1" or "ON2") in the storage unit 24 (step ST26). Then, the device 2 waits to receive the next infrared signal S1 (step ST27). If the second infrared signal S1 is not received (step ST27: No) and the predetermined period ends (step ST28: Yes), the device 2 resets the count of the predetermined period (step ST33) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the reception of the infrared signal S1 again. That is, the device 2 waits to receive the second infrared signal S1 until the predetermined period ends (step ST28: No).

[0096] If the second infrared signal S1 is received before the end of the predetermined period (step ST27: Yes), the device 2 extracts the control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST29).

[0097] The device 2 determines which control content the extracted control data corresponds to, in particular, whether it is first control data corresponding to the start of operation of the device 2 (step ST30).

[0098] If the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is the first control data (step ST30: Yes), it then determines whether the second first control data is inconsistent with the first first control data received in step ST21 (step ST31). If the second first control data is inconsistent with the first first control data (step ST31: Yes), the device 2 starts operation, i.e., starts operating the heat source 21 and the blower fan 22 (step ST32). Then, the device 2 resets the clock for the predetermined period (step ST33) and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again.

[0099] If the device 2 determines that the control data received before the end of the predetermined period is control data other than the first control data (step ST30: No), it does not execute the control content corresponding to the control data. That is, the device 2 invalidates the control data (step ST34), resets the clock for the predetermined period (step ST33), and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again. In other words, if the device 2 receives control data other than the first control data after receiving the first control data, it discards the command from the controller 1.

[0100] Furthermore, even if the second first control data matches the first first control data (step ST31: No), the device 2 does not execute the control content corresponding to that control data. That is, the device 2 does not start operation, treats the control data as invalid (step ST34), resets the predetermined time period (step ST33), and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the infrared signal S1 again. In short, if the device 2 receives the same first control data twice in a row, it discards the command from the controller 1.

[0101] After starting operation, the device 2 may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) during which, even if the device 2 receives any control data, the device 2 does not execute the corresponding control content and treats the received control data as invalid for a while.

[0102] (6) Effects In the controller 1 according to the present embodiment, when a "double press" is received within a certain period of time on an operation unit 3 (e.g., the ON button 31) that requires a "double press," two infrared signals S1 are transmitted, each containing a first infrared signal S11 and a second infrared signal S12 each containing different data. Therefore, even if a user tries to have the smart remote control learn the functions of the controller 1, it is highly likely that only the first infrared signal S11 containing the first control data (e.g., "ON1" data) transmitted from the controller 1 in response to the first operation input will be copied to the smart remote control. In other words, it is unlikely that the smart remote control was manufactured with the expectation that infrared signals containing different data ("ON1," "ON2") will be transmitted between the first and second presses of the same button, even if the user taps the corresponding icon on the screen of the mobile device twice as if they were pressing the ON button 31 twice on the controller 1. As a result, even if a user taps the corresponding icon on the screen of the mobile device twice as if they were pressing the ON button 31 twice on the controller 1, the smart remote control will simply transmit two consecutive infrared signals containing the "ON1" data to the device 2. 4, the device 2 determines that the second first control data matches the first first control data, and does not start operation. This contributes to preventing learning of the smart remote control, and reduces the possibility of the device 2 being remotely controlled from a location where it cannot be seen.

[0103] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the specific condition is that the device 2 receives two infrared signals S1 within a specified period of time, which reduces the possibility that a specific operation (e.g., an operation to start driving) will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0104] Furthermore, the controller 1 according to this embodiment requires two operation inputs to the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31) within a certain period of time, which reduces the possibility that a specific operation (for example, an operation to start driving) will be performed unintentionally by the user. Furthermore, compared to a case where three or more operation inputs are required, a decrease in user convenience can be suppressed.

[0105] In the device 2 according to this embodiment, even if it receives two infrared signals from the smart remote controller, it determines in step ST31 in Fig. 4 that the second first control data matches the first first control data, and does not start operation. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device 2 is remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0106] In particular, in the case of a device 2 equipped with a gas combustion type heat source 21 as in this embodiment, unlike home appliances such as television receivers, air conditioners, and air purifiers, it may not be desirable for the device 2 to be remotely controlled from a location where the user cannot directly see the device 2 (for example, another room or while away from home). In this regard, the device 2 according to this embodiment can reduce the possibility of being remotely controlled from a location where the user cannot see the device.

[0107] (7) Variations The above-described embodiments are merely a few of the various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0108] The same functions as those of the controller 1 according to the above embodiment may be realized as a control method for the controller 1, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.

[0109] One control method according to the present invention is a control method for a controller 1 that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) using infrared rays to a device 2 that executes a specific operation (for example, an operation to start operation of the device 2) when a specific condition is satisfied. This control method includes a transmitting step of transmitting the infrared signal S1 when an operation input is received once by an operation unit 3 that receives operation input from outside. In the transmitting step, if operation input is received multiple times consecutively within a certain period, the infrared signal S1 is transmitted multiple times so that the infrared signal S1 includes at least one first infrared signal S11 and one second infrared signal S12. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the multiple infrared signals S1 by the device 2. The first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 include different data from each other. One program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0110] Furthermore, functions similar to those of the device 2 according to the above embodiment may be embodied as a control method for the device 2, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.

[0111] Another control method according to the present invention is a control method for a device 2 that communicates with a controller 1. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving an infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, and a control step of executing a specific operation (for example, an operation to start operation). In the control step, the specific operation is executed when a specific condition is satisfied. Another program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0112] In the above embodiment, when the controller 1 receives a first pressing operation, it randomly selects one of the "ON1" data and the "ON2" data as the first control data, and when the controller 1 receives a second pressing operation, it selects the other data that was not selected in the first pressing operation. For example, the storage unit 12 may pre-store three or more different types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") as the first control data. In this case, the storage unit 24 of the device 2 will also pre-store five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5." When the controller 1 receives a first pressing operation, it randomly selects one of the "ON1" to "ON5" data, and when the controller 1 receives a second pressing operation, it again randomly selects one of the four types of data that were not selected in the first pressing operation and transmits the selected data. The device 2 starts operation upon receiving two different types of data as the first control data.

[0113] Alternatively, the controller 1 may select the first control data according to a specific rule rather than randomly. For example, the controller 1 may cyclically select three or more types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5"). When the controller 1 receives a first press operation, it selects "ON1" data, and when the controller 1 receives a second press operation, it selects "ON2" data. When the controller 1 subsequently receives a first press operation, it selects "ON3" data, and when the controller 1 subsequently receives a second press operation, it selects "ON4" data. When the controller 1 subsequently receives a first press operation, it selects "ON5" data, and when the controller 1 subsequently receives a second press operation, it selects "ON1" data.

[0114] Furthermore, three or more presses (e.g., three presses) may be applied to the operation unit 3 (e.g., the ON button 31). Naturally, the device 2 also knows the control content that requires "three presses." In this case, it is sufficient that at least two of the three sets of control data are different from each other. For example, the three sets of control data may be "ON1," "ON2," and "ON3" data (all mismatched), "ON1," "ON1," and "ON2" (partial mismatched), or "ON2," "ON2," and "ON3" (partial mismatched), regardless of the transmission order.

[0115] In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the infrared signal S1 transmitted the first time in response to a "double press" is called the first infrared signal S11, and the infrared signal S1 transmitted the second time is called the second infrared signal S12. However, the terms "first" and "second" in the names of the first infrared signal S11 and the second infrared signal S12 do not necessarily indicate the order of transmission, but are merely used to distinguish between two infrared signals S1 containing different data. The second infrared signal S12 may be transmitted the first time, and the first infrared signal S11 may be transmitted the second time.

[0116] Also, assume that three or more presses (for example, four presses) are required, and three infrared signals S1 (first to third infrared signals) each containing "ON1" to "ON3" data are sent. In this case, a first infrared signal S11 containing "ON1" may be sent the first and second times, a second infrared signal S12 containing "ON2" may be sent the third time, and a third infrared signal S12 containing "ON3" may be sent the fourth time. In other words, two or more infrared signals S1 containing different data may be sent somewhere among the multiple infrared signals S1, and the signals may be sent with some overlap, such as "ON1" being sent the first and second times. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 Controller 11 Transmitter 2 equipment 20 Control Unit 21 Heating source 23 Receiving unit 3 Control section S1 Infrared signal (transmitted signal) S11 First infrared signal S12 Second infrared signal

Claims

1. A controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met, an operation unit that receives operation input from outside; a transmitter that transmits the transmission signal when the operation input is received once by the operation unit, when the transmission unit receives the operation input a plurality of times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission unit transmits the plurality of transmission signals such that the transmission signals include at least one first infrared signal and at least one second infrared signal; the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the plurality of transmission signals by the device, the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data from each other; controller.

2. the specific condition is that the device receives the plurality of transmitted signals within a predetermined period of time; The controller of claim 1 .

3. The multiple times is two times, the transmitting unit transmits the first infrared signal when the operation input is received for the first time by the operation unit within the certain period, and transmits the second infrared signal when the operation input is received for the second time subsequently; 3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a control unit that executes the specific operation, The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied. device.

5. Further comprising a gas-fired heating source; The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

5. The device of claim 4.

6. A control method for a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is satisfied, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal when an operation input is received once by an operation unit that receives an operation input from outside, In the transmitting step, when the operation input is received multiple times consecutively within a certain period of time, the transmission signal is transmitted multiple times so that the transmission signal includes at least one first infrared signal and at least one second infrared signal; the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the plurality of transmission signals by the device, the first infrared signal and the second infrared signal contain different data from each other; Control method.

7. A method for controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: receiving the transmission signal from the controller; a control step of executing the specific operation, In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied. Control method.

8. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to claim 6 or 7.

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