Hot air heater and operation control system

Abstract

To provide a remote operation technology suitable for a warm air blower installed at a relatively low position.SOLUTION: A warm air blower includes: an air blowing unit for delivering warm air; a first operation unit for receiving a user operation and outputting a first command showing an operation content of the air blowing unit; a reception unit for receiving a second command transmitted from an external device, and showing the operation content; and a control unit for controlling the air blowing unit according to the first command and the second command. The control unit controls the air blowing unit according to the first command regarding a specific operation content, out of the operation content regarding at least one of the temperature and the air amount of the warm air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot air machine, an operation control system, and an operation control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Some hot air heaters are installed at a relatively low position, such as floor-standing types (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-134077 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, the operating conditions of a heater can be changed by remote control. However, for floor-standing heaters, it is not desirable to be able to change the operating conditions without limit by remote control. For example, if the temperature of the hot air is increased by remote control while someone is near the heater's outlet, the person near the outlet may be startled.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a remote control technique suitable for a hot air heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a hot air fan that can be remotely controlled by an external device. The hot air fan includes a blower that blows out hot air, a first operation unit that accepts a user operation and outputs a first command indicating an operation mode of the blower, a receiver that receives a second command that is transmitted from the external device and indicates the operation mode, and a controller that controls the blower in accordance with the first command and the second command. The controller controls the blower in accordance with the first command for a specific operation mode among the operation modes related to at least one of the temperature and volume of the hot air.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an operation control system including a hot air fan and an external device for remotely operating the hot air fan. The operation control system includes: a blower unit provided in the hot air fan to blow out hot air; a first operation unit provided in the hot air fan to accept a user operation and output a command indicating an operation content of the blower unit; a reception unit provided in the external device to accept the operation content through a user operation; a determination unit that determines whether the operation content accepted by the reception unit is a specific operation content related to at least one of the temperature and air volume of the hot air; and a control unit that controls the blower unit in accordance with the operation content determined not to be the specific operation content and the operation content indicated by the command.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is an operation control method for controlling the operation of a hot air fan. The hot air fan is capable of communicating with an external device for remotely operating the hot air fan. The operation control method includes: causing the hot air fan to blow out hot air; receiving a user operation from the hot air fan and outputting a command indicating operation details of the hot air fan; receiving the operation details from the user operation in the external device; determining whether the operation details received in the external device are specific operation details related to at least one of the temperature and volume of the hot air; and controlling the hot air fan in accordance with the operation details determined not to be the specific operation details and the operation details indicated by the command. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a remote control technique suitable for a hot air heater can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation control system according to an embodiment and a modification of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the hot air fan shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an operation unit of the hot air fan shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation image realized by the display unit and the operation unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] 10 is a flowchart showing the first half of the process of the hot air machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the latter half of the process of the hot air machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the first half of the process of the hot air blower according to the first modified example. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the process of the hot air blower according to the first modified example. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the first half of the process of the hot air blower according to the second modified example. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the process by the hot air blower according to the second modified example. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the first half of the process of the hot air blower according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 10B] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the process by the hot air blower according to the fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] [Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an operation control system 100 according to an embodiment and a modification of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the operation control system 100 includes at least one hot air fan 1, at least one information processing device 2, and a network 3. The hot air fan 1 and the information processing device 2 are communicatively connected via the network 3. The network 3 is the Internet, a wired LAN, or a wireless LAN. Alternatively, the network 3 may be a combination of two or more selected from the Internet, a wired LAN, and a wireless LAN.

[0013] The hot air fan 1 is installed, for example, in a room 41. In detail, the hot air fan 1 is, for example, a floor-standing type, and is installed at a relatively low position such as on a floor surface 42. The hot air fan 1 draws in air from the room 41. The hot air fan 1 heats the drawn-in air and then blows it out as hot air.

[0014] The hot air fan 1 has a housing 11, an air inlet 12, an air outlet 13, a louver 14, and an operation unit 15.

[0015] The housing 11 can have various shapes. In the embodiment, the housing 11 is described as having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Alternatively, the housing 11 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The housing 11 has a rear surface 11A and a front surface 11B. An air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13 are formed on the rear surface 11A and the front surface 11B, respectively. The air outlet 13 is open toward the front of the housing 11. An air ventilation passage A1 (see FIG. 2) is formed inside the housing 11, extending from the air inlet 12 to the air outlet 13.

[0016] The louver 14 changes the airflow direction under the control of the control unit 111 (see FIG. 2). The airflow direction is the direction in which the hot air is blown out from the air outlet 13.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the hot air fan 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the hot air fan 1 includes a blower 16, a heater 17, a first output unit 18, a second output unit 19, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 110, a control unit 111, and a storage unit 112.

[0018] Each of the blower 16 and the heater 17 is disposed on the ventilation path A1. The blower 16 is, for example, a fan. The heater 17 is, for example, a heater. The blower 16 and the heater 17 operate under the control of the controller 111. Specifically, the blower 16 generates an airflow in the ventilation path A1 that flows from the air inlet 12 toward the air outlet 13. The heater 17 heats the air flowing in the ventilation path A1. Therefore, the blower 16 sends out warm air from the air outlet 13.

[0019] The first output unit 18 is disposed in the housing 11. The first output unit 18 is an optical sensor having a photoelectric conversion element. The first output unit 18 outputs a light intensity signal Sa to the control unit 111. The light intensity signal Sa is a signal that indicates the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion element.

[0020] The second output unit 19 is disposed on the front surface 11B of the housing 11 (see FIG. 1). The second output unit 19 is, for example, a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor. Specifically, the second output unit 19 measures the time from the emission of a distance measurement wave, such as an ultrasonic wave, to the incidence of a reflected wave. Based on the measurement time, the second output unit 19 outputs a signal Sb indicating the distance to the measurement target (hereinafter referred to as a "distance measurement signal") from the second output unit 19.

[0021] The communication IF 110 performs data communication with the information processing device 2 via the network 3. In detail, the communication IF 110 receives a command C2 addressed to the hot air fan 1 from the network 3. The command C2 is sent from the information processing device 2 and indicates the operation details of the blower unit 16. The communication IF 110 and the command C2 are examples of the "receiving unit" and the "second command" in the present invention.

[0022] The control unit 111 is a central processing unit or a microcomputer. The storage unit 112 is, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In particular, the storage unit 112 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and / or a flash memory. The control unit 111 executes a computer program 113 stored in the storage unit 112 and controls each unit constituting the hot air fan 1. In particular, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1, and more specifically the air blower unit 16, in accordance with commands C1 and C2, which will be described later.

[0023] The storage unit 112 further stores a flag 114. When the flag 114 is on, it indicates that the hot air fan 1 is in operation, and when the flag 114 is off, it indicates that the operation of the hot air fan 1 is stopped.

[0024] Operation unit 15 is provided on top surface 11C (see FIG. 1) of housing 11. Operation unit 15 accepts user operations and outputs command C1 indicating the operation details of hot air fan 1. Operation unit 15 is an example of a "first operation unit" in the present invention, and command C1 is an example of a "first command" in the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing details of operation unit 15 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, operation unit 15 specifically has various buttons for accepting user operations. The various buttons include an operation button 15A, a temperature increase button 15B, a temperature decrease button 15C, an air volume switch button 15D, an air direction switch button 15E, and a mode switch button 15F.

[0026] The operation button 15A is operated to turn on / off the operation of the hot air fan 1. The operation button 15A outputs a command C1 to the control unit 111 each time it is operated, which indicates "on / off" as the operation content.

[0027] The temperature increase button 15B and the temperature decrease button 15C are operated to increase and decrease the temperature of the hot air, respectively. Each time the temperature increase button 15B and the temperature decrease button 15C are operated, a command C1 indicating "temperature increase" or "temperature decrease" as the operation content is output to the control unit 111, respectively.

[0028] The air volume switching button 15D and the air direction switching button 15E are operated to change the air volume and the air direction, respectively. Each time the air volume switching button 15D and the air direction switching button 15E are operated, a command C1 indicating "change air volume" and "change air direction" as the operation contents is output to the control unit 111, respectively. In the embodiment, each time the air volume switching button 15D is operated once, the air volume is cyclically switched between "low" and "high," for example. Furthermore, each time the air direction switching button 15E is operated once, the air direction is cyclically switched between "upward" and "forward."

[0029] The hot air fan 1 can be operated in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the control unit 111 controls the air blower unit 16 and the heating unit 17 to maintain the temperature of the hot air at a set temperature. In the second mode, the control unit 111 controls the air blower unit 16 and the heating unit 17 to operate continuously regardless of the set temperature. In the first mode and the second mode, operation may be turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is to prevent a remote operator or the like from forgetting to turn off the operation mode. The mode switch button 15F is operated to change the operating mode of the hot air fan 1. Each time the mode switch button 15F is operated, it outputs a command C1 indicating "mode switch" to the control unit 111. In this embodiment, each time the mode switch button 15F is operated, the operating mode is cyclically switched between the "first mode" and the "second mode."

[0030] For ease of explanation, the command C1 indicating "on / off" will be referred to as "command C11" below. The commands C1 indicating "heat up" and "heat down" will be referred to as "command C12" and "command C13," respectively. The commands C1 indicating "change airflow volume" and "change airflow direction" will be referred to as "command C14" and "command C15," respectively. The command C1 indicating "mode switching" will be referred to as "command C16."

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the information processing device 2 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The information processing device 2 is used by a remote operator. The remote operator is a user of the information processing device 2. In detail, the remote operator changes the operation of the hot air fan 1 by operating the information processing device 2 from a position away from the hot air fan 1. The information processing device 2 is an example of an "external device" in the present invention.

[0032] The information processing device 2 includes a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a communication IF 23, a control unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0033] The display unit 21 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various images under the control of the control unit 24 .

[0034] The operation unit 22 is an input device provided in the information processing device 2. The input device is, for example, a mouse or a touch sensor. The operation unit 22 accepts operations by a remote operator. In particular, the operation unit 22 accepts the operation details of the hot air fan 1 specified by the operation of the remote operator. The operation unit 22 is an example of the "second operation unit" and "reception unit" in the present invention.

[0035] The communication IF 23 performs data communication with the hot air fan 1 via the network 3, and typically sends a command C2 output by the control unit 24 to the network 3. The communication IF 23 may be capable of receiving various data addressed to the information processing device 2 from the network 3. The communication IF 23 is an example of a "transmitting unit" in the present invention.

[0036] The control unit 24 and the storage unit 25 are similar in configuration to the control unit 111 and the storage unit 112. The control unit 24 executes a computer program 26 stored in the storage unit 25 and controls each unit constituting the information processing device 2. In detail, the control unit 24 displays an operation image for remotely operating the hot air fan 1 on the display unit 21. The control unit 24 outputs a command C2 that indicates the operation content accepted by the operation unit 22.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation image realized by display unit 21 and operation unit 22. As shown in Fig. 5, operation unit 22 has various software buttons for receiving user operations. The various software buttons are displayed on display unit 21. The various software buttons include an operation button 22A, a temperature increase button 22B, a temperature decrease button 22C, an air volume switch button 22D, an air direction switch button 22E, and a mode setting button 22F.

[0038] The operation button 22A, the temperature increase button 22B, the temperature decrease button 22C, the air volume change button 22D, and the air direction change button 22E are functionally the same as the operation button 15A, the temperature increase button 15B, the temperature decrease button 15C, the air volume change button 15D, and the air direction change button 15E.

[0039] Each time the operation button 22A is operated, the control unit 24 outputs a command C2 indicating "on / off" to the communication IF 23. Similarly, each time the temperature increase button 22B and the temperature decrease button 22C are operated, the control unit 24 outputs a command C2 indicating "temperature increase" and "temperature decrease" to the communication IF 23. Each time the air volume switching button 22D and the air direction switching button 22E are operated, the control unit 24 outputs a command C2 indicating "air volume change" and "air direction change". Each time the mode setting button 22F is operated, the control unit 24 outputs a command C2 indicating "first mode" to the communication IF 23.

[0040] For ease of explanation, the command C2 indicating "on / off" will be referred to as "command C21." The commands C2 indicating "heat up" and "heat down" will be referred to as "command C22" and "command C23," respectively. The commands C2 indicating "change airflow volume" and "change airflow direction" will be referred to as "command C24" and "command C25," respectively. The command C2 indicating "first mode" will be referred to as "command C26."

[0041] Figure 6, Figure 7A and Figure 7B are flowcharts showing a first example of the operation of the operation control system 100. In particular, Figure 6 shows the processing procedure of the information processing device 2, and Figures 7A and 7B show the processing procedure of the hot air fan 1.

[0042] 6, in step S101, the control unit 24 of the information processing device 2 displays an operation image (see FIG. 5) on the display unit 21. The control unit 24 then waits for an operation of the operation unit 22. The remote operator operates one of the various software buttons while referring to the operation image.

[0043] In step S102, the control unit 24 identifies the software button that has been operated on the operation screen (see FIG. 5). The control unit 24 outputs a command C2 corresponding to the identified software button, i.e., one of commands C21 to C26, to the communication IF 23. The communication IF 23 sends the command C2 output from the control unit 24 to the network 3.

[0044] The control unit 24 repeatedly executes steps S101 and S102 until the computer program 26 is terminated.

[0045] 7A, in step S201, the control unit 111 functions as an example of the "determination unit" of the present invention and determines whether or not command C21 has been received through the communication IF 110. If the control unit 111 determines that command C21 (hereinafter referred to as "target command C21") has been received (Yes in step S201), the control unit 111 executes step S202. If the control unit 111 determines that command C21 has not been received (No in step S201), the control unit 111 executes step S203.

[0046] In step S202, control unit 111 determines whether flag 114 is off. If control unit 111 determines that flag 114 is not off (No in step S202), the operation content indicated by target command C21 indicates stopping operation of hot air fan 1 (i.e., blower unit 16 and heating unit 17), and therefore executes step S204. On the other hand, if control unit 111 determines that flag 114 is off (Yes in step S202), the operation content indicated by target command C21 indicates starting operation of hot air fan 1, and therefore executes step S205.

[0047] In step S204, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C21. That is, the operation of the hot air fan 1 is stopped. Thereafter, the control unit 111 executes step S201.

[0048] In step S205, the control unit 111 ignores the target command C21 because the specific operation content is to start the operation of the hot air fan 1. That is, the control unit 111 does not start the operation of the hot air fan 1 regardless of the target command C21.

[0049] The specific operation content is an operation content that is restricted from being changed by remote control, and more specifically, relates to at least one of the temperature and volume of the hot air sent out from the heater 1. The specific operation content is typically an operation content that has a relatively large impact on people near the outlet 13, such as starting the operation of the blower unit 16 or raising the temperature of the hot air. It should be noted that this operation content has a relatively large impact not only on people near the outlet 13, but also on pets or luggage near the outlet 13. For example, if the temperature of the hot air rises while a person is near the outlet 13, the person near the outlet 13 may be surprised. It should be noted that starting the operation of the blower unit 16 changes the state where hot air is not being blown out from the outlet 13 to a state where hot air is being blown out. Therefore, starting the operation is an operation content related to the temperature of the hot air, and is therefore selected as a specific operation content. Therefore, by ignoring the target command C21 as in step S205, it is possible to prevent an impact on people near the outlet 13.

[0050] Conversely, stopping the operation of the blower 16 or lowering the temperature of the hot air has a relatively small effect on people near the air outlet 13, and therefore is not selected as a specific operation content.

[0051] In step S203, the control unit 111 functions as an example of the "determination unit" of the present invention and determines whether or not the command C11 has been received from the operation unit 15. If the control unit 111 determines that the command C11 (hereinafter referred to as the "target command C11") has been received (Yes in step S203), the control unit 111 executes step S206. If the control unit 111 determines that the command C11 has not been received (No in step S203), the control unit 111 executes step S207 shown in FIG. 7B.

[0052] In step S206, control unit 111 determines whether flag 114 is off. If control unit 111 determines that flag 114 is not off (No in step S206), the operation content indicated by target command C11 indicates stopping operation of hot air fan 1, and therefore executes step S208. On the other hand, if control unit 111 determines that flag 114 is off (Yes in step S206), the operation content indicated by target command C11 indicates starting operation of hot air fan 1 (i.e., blower unit 16 and heater 17), and therefore executes step S209.

[0053] In step S208, the control section 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C11. That is, the operation of the hot air fan 1 is stopped.

[0054] In step S209, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C11. That is, the operation of the hot air fan 1 is started. In this way, the control unit 111 ignores the target command C21 (see step S205), but controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C11. Specifically, unlike the remote operator, the operator of the operation unit 15 can visually recognize the situation near the air outlet 13. Therefore, the control unit 111 starts the operation of the hot air fan 1 only when it receives command C11 from the operation unit 15 out of commands C11 and C12. In other words, for the specific operation content, the control unit 111 obeys only command C1 out of command C1 (the "first command" in the present invention) and command C2 (the "second command" in the present invention), but does not accept or ignore command C2. As a result, any impact on people near the air outlet 13 is prevented. That is, a remote operation technique suitable for a hot air fan 1 installed in a relatively low position, such as a floor-standing type, can be provided.

[0055] After executing steps S208 and S209, the control unit 111 executes step S201.

[0056] 7B, in step S207, control unit 111 functions as an example of the "determination unit" of the present invention and determines whether command C22 has been received. If control unit 111 determines that command C22 (hereinafter referred to as "target command C22") has been received (Yes in step S207), control unit 111 executes step S210. If control unit 111 determines that command C22 has not been received (No in step S207), control unit 111 executes step S211, which will be described later.

[0057] In step S210, the control unit 111 ignores the target command C22 because the target command C22 indicates a temperature increase, i.e., a specific operation. That is, even if the control unit 111 receives the target command C22, the control unit 111 does not increase the temperature of the hot air. After executing step S210, the control unit 111 executes step S201.

[0058] In step S211, the control unit 111 functions as an example of the "determination unit" of the present invention and determines whether or not command C23 has been received. If the control unit 111 determines that command C23 (hereinafter referred to as "target command C23") has been received (Yes in step S211), it executes step S212. If the control unit 111 determines that command C23 has not been received (No in step S211), it executes step S213, which will be described later.

[0059] In step S212, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C23. Specifically, the target command C23 indicates a temperature decrease. A temperature decrease is not a specific operation. Therefore, the control unit 111 reduces the power supplied to the heating unit 17 to lower the temperature of the hot air. After executing step S212, the control unit 111 executes step S201.

[0060] In step S213, the control unit 111 functions as an example of the "determination unit" of the present invention and determines whether or not command C12 has been received. If the control unit 111 determines that command C12 (hereinafter referred to as "target command C12") has been received (Yes in step S213), it executes step S214. If the control unit 111 determines that command C12 has not been received (No in step S213), it executes step S215, which will be described later.

[0061] In step S214, control unit 111 controls hot air fan 1 in accordance with target command C12. That is, control unit 111 increases the power supplied to heating unit 17 to raise the temperature of the hot air. In this way, control unit 111 ignores target command C22 (see step S210), but controls hot air fan 1 in accordance with target command C12. In other words, control unit 111 follows only command C1 for the specific operation content, but does not accept and ignores command C2. As a result, any impact on people near air outlet 13 is prevented. That is, a remote control technique suitable for a hot air fan 1 that is installed in a relatively low position, such as a floor-standing type, can be provided.

[0062] After executing step S214, the control unit 111 executes step S201.

[0063] In step S215, control unit 111 functions as an example of the "determination unit" of the present invention and determines whether command C13 has been received. If control unit 111 determines that command C13 (hereinafter referred to as "target command C13") has been received (Yes in step S215), it executes step S216. If control unit 111 determines that command C13 has not been received (No in step S215), it executes step S201.

[0064] In step S216, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C13. In order to lower the temperature of the hot air, the control unit 111 reduces the power supplied to the heating unit 17. After executing step S216, the control unit 111 executes step S201.

[0065] [First Modification] The embodiment may be modified as in the first modification example below.

[0066] The control unit 24 may be capable of transmitting a command C2 indicating a specific operation method of the operation unit 22 and specific driving details via the communication IF 23. The specific operation method is a predetermined gesture of the touch panel that is the operation unit 22. Note that a gesture is also referred to as an action. In detail, the specific operation methods are "long press," "simultaneous pressing of multiple predetermined software buttons," and "multiple gestures."

[0067] 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing the first and second halves of the processing of the hot air fan according to Modification 1. As shown in Fig. 8A, when it is determined that flag 114 is off (Yes in step S202), control unit 111 executes step S301.

[0068] In step S301, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the command C21 indicates a specific operation method. If the control unit 111 determines that the command C21 does not indicate a specific operation method (No in step S301), it executes step S205. On the other hand, if the command C21 indicates a specific operation method (Yes in step S301), it executes step S302. "If the command C21 indicates a specific operation method" is an example of "if the operation condition is satisfied" in the present invention.

[0069] In step S302, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C21. In this way, in the first modified example, the remote operator can cause the hot air fan 1 to execute control based on the specific operation content, provided that the remote operator operates the operation unit 22 in accordance with the specific operation method. It is also possible to prevent the hot air fan 1 from executing control based on the specific operation content due to an erroneous operation of the information processing device 2 by a child. Note that in step S302, it is preferable that the control unit 111 first controls the louvers 14 so that the direction of the hot air is upward. This prevents the hot air from suddenly blowing on a person near the air outlet 13.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8B, when it is determined that command C22 has been received (Yes in step S207), control unit 111 executes step S303.

[0071] In step S303, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the command C22 indicates a specific operation method. If the control unit 111 determines that the command C22 does not indicate a specific operation method (No in step S303), it executes step S210. On the other hand, if the command C22 indicates a specific operation method (Yes in step S303), it executes step S304. "If the command C22 indicates a specific operation method" is an example of "if the operation condition is satisfied" in the present invention.

[0072] In step S304, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C22. As a result, the remote operator can, although conditionally, cause the hot air fan 1 to execute control based on the specific operation content. This prevents children from operating the information processing device 2 erroneously.

[0073] [Second Modification] The embodiment may be modified as in the second modification example below.

[0074] 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing the first and second halves of the processing of the hot air fan according to Modification 2. As shown in Fig. 9A, when it is determined that flag 114 is off (Yes in step S202), control unit 111 executes step S401.

[0075] In step S401, the control unit 111 acquires the light intensity signal Sa from the first output unit 18. The control unit 111 determines whether the incident light intensity indicated by the received light intensity signal Sa is equal to or greater than the light intensity threshold. If the control unit 111 determines that the incident light intensity is not equal to or greater than the light intensity threshold (No in step S401), it executes step S205. On the other hand, if the control unit 111 determines that the incident light intensity is equal to or greater than the light intensity threshold (Yes in step S401), it executes step S402. "If it is determined that the incident light intensity is equal to or greater than the light intensity threshold" is an example of "if the light intensity condition is satisfied" in the present invention.

[0076] In step S402, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C21. In this way, in the second modified example, when the light intensity condition is satisfied, control based on the specific operation content is executed. On the other hand, when the light intensity condition is not satisfied, control based on the specific operation content is restricted. As a result, when the lights in the room 41 are turned off, specifically when there is no one in the room 41 or when someone is sleeping in the room 41, operation of the hot air fan 1 is not started.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9B, when it is determined that command C22 has been received (Yes in step S207), control unit 111 executes step S403.

[0078] In step S403, similarly to step S401, the control unit 111 determines whether the incident light amount indicated by the light amount signal Sa received from the first output unit 18 is equal to or greater than the light amount threshold. If the control unit 111 determines that the incident light amount is not equal to or greater than the light amount threshold (No in step S403), it executes step S210. On the other hand, if the control unit 111 determines that the incident light amount is equal to or greater than the light amount threshold (Yes in step S403), it executes step S404.

[0079] In step S404, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C22. As a result, the remote operator can cause the hot air fan 1 to execute control based on the specific operation content, provided that the light intensity is equal to or greater than the light intensity threshold. Conversely, if the light intensity is not equal to or greater than the light intensity threshold, the hot air fan 1 will not execute control based on the specific operation content. A remote operation technique suitable for a floor-standing hot air fan 1 can be provided.

[0080] [Third Modification] The embodiment may be modified as in the third modified example below. The information processing device 2 is capable of transmitting command C26 to the hot air fan 1. In other words, the information processing device 2 is capable of transmitting command C26 indicating the first mode out of the first mode and the second mode. In addition to the processing described in the embodiment, the control unit 111 may control the hot air fan 1 in accordance with command C26 so as to maintain the temperature of the hot air at a set temperature.

[0081] In the first mode, the temperature of the hot air is maintained at the set temperature, so there is relatively little impact on people near the air outlet 13. Therefore, by making it possible to operate the hot air fan 1 in the first mode by remote control, it is possible to provide a remote control technique that is suitable for a floor-standing hot air fan 1.

[0082] [Fourth Modification] The embodiment may be modified as in the following fourth modification.

[0083] 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the first and second halves of the processing of the hot air fan according to Modification 4. As shown in Fig. 10A, when it is determined that flag 114 is off (Yes in step S202), control unit 111 executes step S501.

[0084] In step S501, the control unit 111 acquires the distance measurement signal Sb from the second output unit 19. The control unit 111 determines whether the distance indicated by the received distance measurement signal Sb is equal to or greater than the distance threshold. If the control unit 111 determines that the distance is not equal to or greater than the distance threshold (No in step S501), it executes step S205. On the other hand, if the control unit 111 determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold (Yes in step S501), it executes step S502. "If it is determined that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold" is an example of "if the distance condition is satisfied" in the present invention.

[0085] In step S502, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C21. In this way, in the fourth modified example, if the distance condition is met, the control based on the specific operation content is not restricted, and if the distance condition is not met, the control based on the specific operation content is restricted. As a result, it is possible to prevent any impact on people near the air outlet 13. Note that in step S502, the control unit 111 preferably controls the louvers 14 so that the direction of the hot air is upward.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10B, when it is determined that command C22 has been received (Yes in step S207), control unit 111 executes step S503.

[0087] In step S503, similarly to step S501, the control unit 111 determines whether the distance indicated by the distance measurement signal Sb received from the second output unit 19 is equal to or greater than the distance threshold. If the control unit 111 determines that the distance is not equal to or greater than the distance threshold (No in step S503), it executes step S210. On the other hand, if the control unit 111 determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold (Yes in step S503), it executes step S504.

[0088] In step S504, the control unit 111 controls the hot air fan 1 in accordance with the target command C22.

[0089] According to the fourth modification, the remote operator can cause the hot air fan 1 to execute control based on the specific operation content, provided that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold. Conversely, if the distance is less than the distance threshold, the hot air fan 1 will not execute control based on the specific operation content. This makes it possible to provide a remote operation technique suitable for a floor-standing hot air fan 1.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0091] (1) In the embodiment, the hot air fan 1 is not limited to the information processing device 2, but may be a remote controller. The remote controller differs from the information processing device 2 in the following respects. The remote controller is typically capable of communicating with the hot air fan 1 via infrared communication. The remote controller has various hardware buttons or keys for accepting user operations.

[0092] (2) In the embodiment, the specific operation content is exemplified as starting operation of the blower unit 16 or increasing the temperature of the warm air. However, the specific operation content is not limited to these, and may be at least one of increasing or decreasing the airflow rate. If the warm air becomes strong while a person is near the air outlet 13, the person near the air outlet 13 may be startled. Also, it is necessary to avoid people near the air outlet 13 being exposed to weak warm air for a long period of time. From these perspectives, the specific operation content may include at least one of increasing or decreasing the airflow rate.

[0093] (3) In the embodiment, the operation unit 22 of the information processing device 2 has the operation button 22A and the heat-up button 22B as software buttons corresponding to specific operation contents. However, this is not limited to this, and the operation unit 22 does not have to have software buttons corresponding to specific operation contents. Furthermore, in the information processing device 2, the control unit 24 displays the operation button 22A and the heat-up button 22B on the operation unit 22, but may display them in a way that indicates that operating the operation button 22A and the heat-up button 22B will not result in sending command C2 to the hot air fan 1. An example of this type of display method is graying out the operation button 22A and the heat-up button 22B. This also restricts control based on specific operation contents, thereby providing a remote control technique that is suitable for a hot air fan 1 that is installed in a relatively low position, such as a floor-standing type.

[0094] (4) In the embodiment, the hot air fan 1 determines whether to execute control based on the command C2. However, this is not limiting, and the information processing device 2 may determine whether to send the command C2 to the hot air fan 1 based on the same criteria as those used by the hot air fan 1. In other words, the information processing device 2 may control the hot air fan 1 so as not to send the command C2 indicating specific operation content to the hot air fan 1.

[0095] (5) In the embodiment and each modified example, the hot air fan 1 has been described as being a floor-standing type. However, this is not limiting, and the hot air fan 1 may also be a wall-mounted type. As in the embodiment and each modified example, a remote control technique suitable for the hot air fan 1 can be provided by restricting control based on specific operation content even in a wall-mounted hot air fan 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present invention provides a hot air fan, an operation control system, and an operation control method, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100 Driving Control System 1. Hot air fan 15 Control section 16. Blower 18 First output section 19 Second output section 110 Communication Interface 111 Control Unit 2. Information processing equipment 21 Display section 22 Control section 23 Communication Interface 24 Control Unit 3 Network

Claims

1. A hot air machine that can be remotely controlled by an external device, A blower that blows out warm air; a first operation unit that receives a user operation and outputs a first command that indicates an operation of the air blower unit; a receiving unit that receives a second command that indicates the operation content and is transmitted from the external device; a control unit that controls the blower unit in accordance with the first command and the second command; Equipped with the control unit controls the blower unit in accordance with the first command with respect to a specific operation content among the operation contents related to at least one of a temperature and an air volume of the hot air; The external device is capable of transmitting the second command indicating a first mode in which the air blowing unit is controlled to maintain the temperature of the hot air at a set temperature.

2. The hot air fan according to claim 1 , wherein the specific operation is starting operation of the air blowing unit or increasing the temperature of the hot air.

3. The hot air fan according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the blower unit in accordance with the second command when the operation content indicated by the second command is to stop operation of the blower unit or to lower the temperature of the hot air.

4. The external device is a second operation unit that accepts a user operation; a transmitter capable of transmitting the second command indicating an operation method of the second operation unit and the specific operation content; and The hot air fan according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the blower unit in accordance with the specific operation content indicated by the second command when the operation method indicated by the second command satisfies an operation condition.

5. The air conditioner can be operated in the first mode and the second mode, and in the second mode, the air blower is operated continuously. The hot air fan according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a second output unit that outputs a ranging signal indicating a distance to the target; The hot air fan according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the blower unit in accordance with the specific operation content indicated by the second command when the distance indicated by the ranging signal satisfies a distance condition.

7. A hot air heater that can be remotely controlled by an external device, A blower that blows out warm air; a first operation unit that receives a user operation and outputs a first command that indicates an operation of the air blower unit; a receiving unit that receives a second command that indicates the operation content and is transmitted from the external device; a control unit that controls the blower unit in accordance with the first command and the second command; Equipped with the control unit controls the blower unit in accordance with the first command with respect to a specific operation content among the operation contents related to at least one of a temperature and an air volume of the hot air; a first output section that outputs a light amount signal that indicates an amount of incident light; When the amount of incident light is equal to or greater than a light amount threshold, the control unit controls the blower unit in accordance with the specific operation content indicated by the second command.

8. An operation control system comprising a heater as described in claim 1 or 7 and an external device for remotely operating the heater.

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