Controller, device, control method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a device is remotely operated from a location where the device cannot be seen.SOLUTION: A controller 1 wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared rays as a medium to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The controller 1 includes an operation portion 3 that accepts operation input from the outside, a transmission portion 11 that transmits a transmission signal, and a light source portion L1 that emits light other than infrared light. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of a transmission signal and reception of light in the device 2. When the operation portion 3 receives one operation input, the transmission portion 11 transmits a transmission signal and the light source portion L1 emits light.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 using 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 an external device, a transmission unit that transmits the transmission signal, and a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light. The specific condition is a condition related to the device's reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light. When the operation unit accepts the operation input once, the transmission unit transmits the transmission signal and the light source unit emits light.

[0008] In the controller of the invention of claim 2, in the controller of the invention of claim 1, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing of receiving the transmission signal in the device and the timing of receiving the light is less than a specified time.

[0009] In the controller of the invention of claim 3, in the controller of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal and the light emission period during which the light source emits the light are set to overlap each other at least partially.

[0010] In the controller of the invention of claim 4, in the controller of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the transmission period in which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set before the light emission period in which the light source emits the light.

[0011] In the controller of the invention of claim 5, in the controller of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the transmission period in which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set after the light emission period in which the light source emits the light.

[0012] The device according to the invention of claim 6 includes a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 5, a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted by the light source unit and performs photoelectric conversion, and a control unit that executes the specific operation. The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0013] The device according to the invention of claim 7 is the device according to the invention of claim 6, further comprising a gas combustion type heat source. The specific operation is an operation related to the heat source.

[0014] The control method according to claim 8 is a control method of a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal and a light emitting step of causing a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light to emit light. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light in the device. When an operation input is received once by an operation unit of the controller, the transmission signal is transmitted in the transmitting step, and the light source unit is caused to emit light in the light emitting step.

[0015] A control method according to the invention of claim 9 is a control method for a device that communicates with a controller according to any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 5. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving the transmission signal from the controller, a light receiving step of receiving the light emitted by the light source unit and performing photoelectric conversion, and a control step of executing the specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied.

[0016] A program according to the invention of claim 10 is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 8 or 9. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] In the controller of the invention of claim 1, when the operation unit receives a single operation input, a transmission signal is transmitted and the light source unit emits light. The device then executes a specific operation only when the conditions for receiving the transmission signal and receiving the light are met. Therefore, even if a user attempts to have the smart remote control learn the controller's functions, there is a high possibility that only the transmission signal transmitted in response to the operation input to the operation unit will 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.

[0018] In the controller of the invention of claim 2, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing of receiving the transmission signal in the device and the timing of receiving the light is less than a specified time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0019] The controller according to the invention of claim 3 increases the likelihood that the timing of receiving the transmitted signal and the timing of receiving the light at the device will be approximately the same, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0020] In the controller of the invention of claim 4, the transmission period is set before the light emission period, thereby reducing the possibility that the light emission from the light source unit will cause a disturbance and interfere with the reception of the transmitted signal by the equipment.

[0021] In the controller of the invention of claim 5, the transmission period is set after the light emission period, thereby reducing the possibility that the light emission from the light source unit will cause disturbance and interfere with the reception of the transmitted signal by the equipment.

[0022] In the device according to the invention of claim 6, only the transmission signal sent in response to the operation input to the operation unit is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, it is unlikely that light other than infrared light will be received from the smart remote control, and the specific operation will not be executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an invisible location.

[0023] The device according to the invention of claim 7 can reduce the possibility that a device equipped with a gas combustion type heat source will be remotely operated from an unseen location.

[0024] The control method according to the invention of claim 8 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.

[0025] The control method according to the invention of claim 9 can provide a method for controlling a device that reduces the possibility of remote control from an unseen location.

[0026] The program according to the invention of claim 10 can provide a function that reduces the possibility of remote control of a device from an unseen location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [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] 3A to 3C are conceptual diagrams for explaining a transmission period during which an infrared signal is transmitted in the controller and a light emission period during which the light source unit emits light. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] (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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] The device 2 receives a transmission signal (wireless signal, hereinafter also referred to as "infrared signal S1") wirelessly transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a user operation on the operation unit 3 of the controller 1, using infrared light as a medium, and executes control in accordance with the data (control data) contained in the infrared signal S1. The device 2 also has a function of receiving light Op1 (see FIG. 2) other than infrared light emitted from the controller 1.

[0034] In particular, the device 2 is configured to perform a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is a condition related to the reception of a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and light Op1 in the device 2. In other words, the specific condition is a condition that at least requires the reception of a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and light Op1 in the device 2.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The specific operation may be any operation that can be performed remotely using the controller 1, and may include, for example, an operation to start operation of the device 2, an operation to stop operation of the device 2, an operation to adjust the set temperature, and an operation of the sleep timer. If the operation to start eco-driving can be performed remotely using the controller 1, the specific operation may include the operation to start eco-driving.

[0038] 1B, the device 2 further includes a control unit 20, a blower fan 22, a receiving unit 23, a memory unit 24, a display unit 25, a plurality of operation units 26 (only one in the illustrated example), a power supply unit 27, a light receiving unit 28, and a housing 200 (see FIG. 2) that houses or holds these components. The device 2 also includes sensors for monitoring the operation of the heat source 21 and the like. The type of sensor is not particularly limited, but examples include a combustion sensor for checking the combustion of the heat source 21, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat source 21 and the temperature in the room where the device 2 is installed, and a tipping sensor for detecting the tipping over of the device 2. The device 2 also includes a timer and has a function of managing a reservation schedule for starting / stopping the operation of the device 2 (heating device) based on the timekeeping by the timer.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The above button types are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] The receiving unit 23 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1. The receiving unit 23 is arranged next to the light receiving unit 28, which 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.

[0051] The power supply unit 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. Under the control of the control unit 20, the power supply unit 27 generates and supplies the power required to operate the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the receiving unit 23, the display unit 25, the light receiving unit 28, etc., using, for example, commercial AC power supplied from a power outlet via a power cord.

[0052] The light receiving unit 28 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. The light receiving unit 28 includes, for example, a light receiving element for visible light, receives light Op1 emitted by the light source unit L1 of the controller 1, and performs photoelectric conversion. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example, the light Op1 emitted by the light source unit L1 is assumed to be visible light. The control unit 20 recognizes that the light source unit L1 has emitted light when the output value (for example, voltage value) of the output signal output from the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 28 becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value. The light receiving element of the light receiving unit 28 is disposed at the upper right end on the front surface of the housing 200 so as to receive the light Op1.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The control unit 20 controls the operation of the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on operations on the operation units 26. The control unit 20 also controls the operation of the heat source 21, the blower fan 22, the display unit 25, etc. based on control data included in an infrared signal S1 from the controller 1, which is received by the receiving unit 23. However, the control unit 20 will not follow the control command from the controller 1 unless it not only receives the control data but also recognizes light Op1 emitted from the light source unit L1.

[0055] (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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 1A, the controller 1 includes a device 100, a control unit 10, a transmission unit 11, a storage unit 12, a user interface 13, a power supply unit 14, and a light source unit L1. 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.

[0058] The housing 100 is formed in the shape of a flat, approximately rectangular box that is long in one direction overall (see FIG. 2). The housing 100 has a size and shape that allows a user to easily hold it in one hand. The housing 100 is made of, for example, resin. A plurality of (five in the illustrated example) operating members 300 are arranged on the front of the housing 100. In other words, the housing 100 has a structure that allows a user to easily press and operate the operating members 300 with a thumb or the like while holding the housing 100 in one hand. The housing 100 houses or holds a control unit 10, a transmission unit 11, a user interface 13, a memory unit 12, a power supply unit 14, a light source unit L1, etc.

[0059] The transmitter 11 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The transmitter 11 is provided in the device 100 and transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1). Under the control of the control unit 10, the transmitter 11 transmits the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) when it receives one operation input from the operation unit 3.

[0060] The transmitter 11 includes an infrared light-emitting element for transmitting the infrared signal S1 generated by the controller 10. The infrared light-emitting element is assumed to be, for example, an infrared light-emitting diode (LED). The infrared light-emitting element is exposed at one end surface (the upper end surface in FIG. 2 ) of the housing 100 and is held by the housing 100 so as to emit the infrared signal S1 from that end surface.

[0061] The user interface 13 has multiple (e.g., five) operation units 3. Each operation unit 3 is provided on the housing 100 and receives operation input from the outside (e.g., a user). In the example of FIGS. 1A and 2, the user interface 13 includes five operation units 3: an ON button 31, an OFF button 32, a TEMP DOWN button 33, a TEMP UP button 34, and a SLEEP button 35. Each button (31 to 35) includes a push-button switch and a resin operation member 300 located on the front of the switch. Each switch is mounted on a printed circuit board inside the housing 100. When the user presses any of the five operation members 300 exposed from the housing 100, the contact of the switch on the back is turned ON, and the control unit 10 detects that the corresponding operation unit 3 has received operation input from the user.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 uses DC power discharged from the primary batteries to generate and supply the operating power for the control unit 10 and the like and the power required to light the light source unit L1.

[0067] The light source unit L1 is provided in the housing 100 and configured to emit light Op1 other than infrared light. The light Op1 is assumed to be visible light, but the wavelength of the light is not limited as long as it is light that can be distinguished from the infrared signal S1. The light source unit L1 includes, for example, one or more LED chips (light source) that emit white light Op1, a condenser lens, and a substrate on which the one or more LED chips are mounted. The number of LED chips is not particularly limited. The emitted color is also not limited to white. The light source unit L1 may include LED chips of multiple different colors, and a mixed color light of these chips may be emitted as the light Op1. It is preferable that the light Op1 has a light intensity large enough to be distinguished from ambient light (such as light from indoor lighting fixtures) by the light receiving unit 28 of the device 2, even in a relatively bright room.

[0068] The control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 11, the user interface 13, the storage unit 12, the power supply unit 14, the light source unit L1, etc. When the user presses any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35), the control unit 10 causes 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. Furthermore, the control unit 10 causes the light source unit L1 to emit light in response to the execution of the above-mentioned pressing operation. In other words, when the operation unit 3 receives one operation input, the transmission unit 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and the light source unit L1 emits light.

[0069] In particular, in this embodiment, the "specific condition" for device 2 to perform a specific operation is that the time difference between the timing at which device 2 receives a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and the timing at which light Op1 is received is less than a specified time. To increase the likelihood that this specific condition will be met, for example, a transmission period TA1 (see FIG. 3A) during which transmitter 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and an emission period TA2 (see FIG. 3A) during which light source L1 emits light Op1 are set to at least partially overlap each other. In FIG. 3A, as an example, emission period TA2 is set to be longer than transmission period TA1, and the entire transmission period TA1 is set to fit within emission period TA2.

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a press operation is received on any of the five operation units 3 (buttons 31 to 35) at operation start point t0, the control unit 10 first starts light emission from the light source unit L1 (light emission start point t11). Next, the control unit 10 starts transmitting the infrared signal S1 (transmission start point t1) and ends the transmission (transmission end point t2). That is, the transmission period TA1 is the period from the transmission start point t1 to the transmission end point t2. Then, the control unit 10 ends light emission from the light source unit L1 (light emission end point t12). That is, the light emission period TA2 is the period from the light emission start point t11 ​​to the light emission end point t12.

[0071] The reception timing of the infrared signal S1 on the device 2 side can be the point in time when the receiving unit 23 has completed receiving the infrared signal S1, for example, roughly the same time as or slightly after the transmission end point t2 when the transmission of the infrared signal S1 from the controller 1 has completed. The reception timing of the light Op1 on the device 2 side can be the point in time when the output value of the output signal output from the light receiving unit 28 becomes equal to or greater than a threshold, for example, a point in time between the light emission start point t11 ​​and the light emission end point t12.

[0072] The transmission period TA1 and the light emission period TA2 are not limited to being set so as to at least partially overlap each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the transmission period TA1 during which the transmitter 11 transmits a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) may be set before the light emission period TA2 during which the light source L1 emits light Op1. In other words, the transmission end point t2 may be set before the light emission start point t11. Setting the transmission period TA1 before the light emission period TA2 reduces the possibility that the light emission of the light source L1 will cause a disturbance and interfere with the reception of the infrared signal S1 by the device 2.

[0073] 3C, the transmission period TA1 during which the transmitter 11 transmits the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) may be set after the light emission period TA2 during which the light source L1 emits light Op1. In other words, the transmission start point t1 may be set after the light emission end point t12. This also reduces the possibility that the light emission of the light source L1 will cause disturbance and prevent the device 2 from receiving the infrared signal S1.

[0074] As described above, among the five buttons 31 to 35, only the ON button 31 needs to be pressed twice. When the control unit 10 receives the operation of pressing the ON button 31 twice in succession, it causes the light source unit L1 to emit light twice in succession in accordance with the transmission of the two infrared signals S1.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In the example of FIG. 2, an infrared signal S1 including any one of the first to fifth control data (see the square wave W1) is transmitted from the controller 1 in response to a pressing operation of any one of the five buttons (31 to 35).

[0077] The square wave W1 in Figure 2 is shown as a schematic representation of only a portion of the beginning of the data code, so that the control data can be easily understood intuitively. The control data (square wave W1) in the example shown includes "0" data at the beginning of the data code, with the ON period (the period during which the infrared light emitting element is on) and OFF period (the period during which the infrared light emitting element is off) having the same length.

[0078] Meanwhile, the control unit 20 of the device 2 executes a specific operation in response to a remote operation of the controller 1. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the specific operation includes operations corresponding to the five buttons 31 to 35 provided on the controller 1 (starting operation of the device 2, stopping operation, adjusting the set temperature, and operating the sleep timer). The control unit 20 executes the corresponding specific operation (for example, starting operation) when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is that the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and also receives the light Op1. More specifically, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing at which the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and the timing at which the light Op1 is received is less than a specified time. The specified time is assumed to be, for example, several hundred milliseconds, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0079] The control unit 20 of the device 2 measures the above-mentioned specified time using a timer. When the control unit 20 of the device 2 receives the infrared signal S1 and the light Op1, regardless of the order, it calculates the above-mentioned time difference, and if the time difference is less than the specified time, it executes the control content corresponding to the control data included in the received infrared signal S1.

[0080] The storage unit 24 of the device 2 also pre-stores the first to fifth control data in association with respective control content of the device 2. The infrared signal S1 containing the first control data must be received twice consecutively. Therefore, the control unit 20 of the device 2 starts operation of the device 2 when it determines that, in addition to receiving the light Op1, two infrared signals S1 received within a predetermined period contain the first control data corresponding to the control content of starting operation. Specifically, when the control unit 20 receives the first infrared signal S1 containing the first control data in addition to receiving the first light Op1, it uses a timer to count the predetermined period starting from the time of reception. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, several seconds, but is not particularly limited thereto. If the control unit 20 receives the second light Op1 and also receives a second infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the predetermined period, it starts operation of the device 2. If the control unit 20 does not receive the second infrared signal S1 containing the first control data within the predetermined period, it invalidates the first control data. Note that the control unit 20 invalidates any third infrared signal S1 containing the first control data received within the predetermined period. When the control unit 20 counts the end of the predetermined period using the timer, it resets the timer and monitors the next reception of the light Op1 and 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. 4. The flowchart shown in Fig. 4 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 the pressing operation on each operation unit 3 (step ST1). The controller 1 waits until a pressing operation occurs on any of the operation units 3 (step ST1: No).

[0083] When the controller 1 determines that any button (operation unit 3) has been pressed (step ST1: Yes), it starts emitting light from the light source unit L1 (step ST2). The controller 1 also starts counting a predetermined light-emitting period TA2 using a timer at the same time as the light source unit L1 starts emitting light (step ST3). Furthermore, the controller 1 transmits an infrared signal S1 including control data corresponding to the pressed button (step ST4).

[0084] Then, the controller 1 checks whether the light emission period TA2 has ended (step ST5), and when the light emission period TA2 has ended (step ST5: Yes), it stops the light emission of the light source unit L1 (step ST6), resets the timing of the light emission period TA2 (step ST7), and returns to a standby state where it waits for a push operation on each operation unit 3. The controller 1 continues the light emission of the light source unit L1 until the light emission period TA2 has ended (step ST5: No).

[0085] If the next pressing operation occurs before the end of the light emission period TA2, the controller 1 treats that pressing operation as invalid.

[0086] After the controller 1 receives a double press of the ON button 31, it may set an invalid period (for example, several seconds) during which the light source unit L1 will not emit light and the infrared signal S1 will not be transmitted, regardless of which button is pressed.

[0087] (5) Flow of device operation A series of operational flows of the device 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. The flowchart shown in Fig. 5 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.

[0088] While the device 2 (controller 20) is in a standby state consuming standby power with its power turned on, it monitors whether or not it has received light Op1 and infrared signal S1 (step ST21). The device 2 monitors whether or not it has received light Op1 or infrared signal S1 so that it can deal with whichever occurs first. The device 2 waits until it has received both light Op1 and infrared signal S1 (step ST21: No).

[0089] When both the light Op1 and the infrared signal S1 are received (step ST21: Yes), the device 2 calculates the time difference between the light reception timing and the reception timing (step ST22).

[0090] The device 2 determines whether the calculated time difference is less than a specified time (step ST23). If the device 2 determines that the calculated time difference is less than the specified time (step ST23: Yes), it extracts control data from the infrared signal S1 (step ST24). If the device 2 determines that the calculated time difference is equal to or greater than the specified time (step ST23: No), it invalidates the infrared signal S1 and returns to a standby state where it waits for reception of the first light Op1 and the infrared signal S1 again.

[0091] After step ST24, if the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is any one of the first to fifth control data (step ST25: Yes), it executes the control content corresponding to the control data (step ST26) and returns to a standby state where it waits for the first reception of light Op1 and the first infrared signal S1 again. Although not explained here, the device 2 will not start operating unless it receives light Op1 and the first control data once more within a predetermined period after receiving light Op1 and the first control data.

[0092] If the device 2 determines that the extracted control data is not any of the first to fifth control data (step ST25: No), it skips the execution of the control content and returns to a standby state where it waits for the reception of the first light Op1 and the infrared signal S1 again.

[0093] In addition, if the device 2 receives the first control data for the first time, but does not receive the second control data for the first time, and instead receives control data other than the first control data, the device 2 discards the command from the controller 1.

[0094] 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.

[0095] (6) Effects In the controller 1 according to this embodiment, when the operation unit 3 receives a single operation input, an infrared signal S1 is transmitted and the light source unit L1 emits light. The device 2 executes the specific operation only when it receives the infrared signal S1 and the light Op1. Therefore, even if a user attempts to have the smart remote control learn the functions of the controller 1, it is highly likely that only the infrared signal S1 transmitted in response to the operation input to the operation unit 3 will be copied to the smart remote control. In other words, it is unlikely that the smart remote control was manufactured with the assumption that receiving the light Op1 emitted by the controller 1 is also necessary to execute the specific operation on the device 2. As a result, even if a user taps the corresponding icon on the screen of a mobile device as if pressing the operation unit 3 with the controller 1, the smart remote control simply transmits the infrared signal S1 to the device 2. In this case, the device 2 rejects the command from the smart remote control in step ST21 of FIG. 5 , and the specific operation is not executed. The controller 1 thus contributes to preventing the smart remote control from learning, thereby reducing the possibility of the device 2 being remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0096] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the specific condition is that the time difference between the timing of receiving the infrared signal S1 at the device 2 and the timing of receiving the light Op1 is less than a specified time, thereby reducing the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0097] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the transmission period TA1 during which the infrared signal S1 is transmitted and the light emission period TA2 during which the light Op1 is emitted are set to at least partially overlap each other, which increases the likelihood that the timing of receiving the infrared signal S1 and the timing of receiving the light Op1 at the device 2 will be approximately the same. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a specific operation will be performed unintentionally by the user.

[0098] In the device 2 according to this embodiment, only the infrared signal S1 transmitted in response to an operation input to the operation unit 3 is likely to be copied to the smart remote control. Therefore, the possibility of receiving light Op1 from the smart remote control is low, and the command from the smart remote control is rejected in the determination of step ST21 in Fig. 5, and the specific operation is not executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a device 2 that is less likely to be remotely controlled from an unseen location.

[0099] 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.

[0100] (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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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) mediated by infrared light to a device 2 that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met. The control method includes a transmission step of transmitting the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and an emission step of causing a light source unit L1 to emit light Op1 other than infrared light. The specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) and reception of the light Op1 in the device 2. When an operation input is received once by an operation unit 3 of the controller 1, the transmission signal (infrared signal S1) is transmitted in the transmission step, and the light source unit L1 is caused to emit light in the emission step. One program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Another control method according to the present invention is a control method for a device 2 that communicates with a controller 1. The control method includes a receiving step of receiving a transmission signal (infrared signal S1) from the controller 1, a light receiving step of receiving light Op1 emitted by a light source unit L1 and performing photoelectric conversion, and a control step of executing a specific operation. In the control step, the specific operation is executed when a specific condition is satisfied. Another program according to the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute this control method.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the controller 1 causes the light source unit L1 to emit light continuously (continuous lighting) during the light-emitting period TA2. However, the controller 1 may cause the light source unit L1 to flash during the light-emitting period TA2. The controller 1 may also switch between continuous lighting and flashing lighting of the light source unit L1 depending on which operation input is made to the operation unit 3. For example, the controller 1 may cause the light source unit L1 to be continuously lit in response to a press operation of the ON button 31 or the OFF button 32, and may cause the light source unit L1 to flash in response to a press operation of any of the other buttons 33 to 35. Alternatively, the controller 1 may switch between continuous lighting and flashing lighting of the light source unit L1 each time an operation input is received, even if the operation input is made to the same operation unit 3. Naturally, the device 2 recognizes that it has received light Op1 from the light source unit L1, regardless of whether the light source unit L1 is continuously lit or flashing.

[0106] In this way, by providing different lighting states for the light source unit L1, the controller 1 is further less likely to be copied to a smart remote control.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the controller 1 always transmits the same control data, fixedly included in the infrared signal S1, as control data corresponding to an operation input to the same operation unit 3. However, the controller 1 may change the control data each time it receives an operation input to the same operation unit 3. For example, the storage unit 12 may pre-store two or more different types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") as the first control data. In this case, the five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5," will naturally also be pre-stored in the storage unit 24 of the device 2. When the controller 1 receives a first press of the ON button 31, it randomly selects one of the data, "ON1" to "ON5." When the controller 1 then receives a second press of the ON button 31, it again randomly selects one of the data, and transmits the selected data. Alternatively, the controller 1 may cyclically select two or more types of data (e.g., five types of data, "ON1" to "ON5") each time it receives a press of the ON button 31. The device 2 starts operation when it receives any of the "ON1" to "ON5" data twice. The control data for the other buttons (32 to 35) may also be changed each time an operation input is received.

[0108] In this way, the controller 1 makes the contents of the control data different each time it receives an operation input, even if the operation input is to the same operation unit 3, thereby further reducing the possibility of the control data being copied to a smart remote control.

[0109] Furthermore, three or more presses (for example, three presses) may be applied to the operation unit 3 (for example, the ON button 31). Naturally, the device 2 also knows the control content that requires "three presses." [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Controller 11 Transmitter 2 equipment 20 Control Unit 21 Heating source 23 Receiving unit 28 Light receiving part 3 Control section L1 light source section Op1 Light S1 Infrared signal (transmitted signal) TA1 Transmission Period TA2 light emission period

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; a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light, the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light in the device, When the operation input is received once by the operation unit, the transmitter transmits the transmission signal and the light source emits light. controller.

2. The specific condition is that the time difference between the timing of receiving the transmission signal and the timing of receiving the light in the device is less than a specified time. The controller of claim 1 .

3. a transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal and a light emission period during which the light source emits the light are set to at least partially overlap each other; 3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set before a light emission period during which the light source emits the light; 3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a transmission period during which the transmitter transmits the transmission signal is set after a light emission period during which the light source emits the light; 3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a receiving unit that receives the transmission signal from the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted by the light source unit and performs photoelectric conversion; a control unit that executes the specific operation, The control unit executes the specific operation when the specific condition is satisfied. device.

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

7. The device of claim 6.

8. A control method for a controller that wirelessly transmits a transmission signal using infrared light to a device that executes a specific operation when a specific condition is met, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting the transmission signal; a light emitting step of causing a light source unit that emits light other than infrared light to emit light, the specific condition is a condition related to reception of the transmission signal and reception of the light in the device, When an operation input is received once by the operation unit of the controller, the transmission step transmits the transmission signal, and the light source unit emits light in the light emission step. Control method.

9. A method for controlling a device that communicates with the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: receiving the transmission signal from the controller; a light receiving step of receiving the light emitted by the light source unit and performing photoelectric conversion; a control step of executing the specific operation, In the control step, the specific operation is executed when the specific condition is satisfied. Control method.

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

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