Remote control system

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the operation inspection of each part of the car wash machine was performed by an operator on site by operating various buttons provided on the car wash machine. The operator on site does not necessarily know well how to handle the car wash machine. Therefore, for example, a staff member who is remotely located, such as a staff member at a support center, can smoothly perform the operation inspection of the car wash machine by remotely operating the car wash machine in place of the operator on site.

[0005] However, it is conceivable that the remotely operated car wash machine may perform an unintended operation by pressing a button that the remote operator did not intend to press.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to prevent a remotely operated car wash machine from performing an unintended operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a remote control system according to one aspect of the present invention is a remote control system comprising a car wash machine for washing vehicles and a terminal device used by a remote operator who remotely operates the car wash machine, wherein the car wash machine comprises a controller and a first display, and the terminal device comprises a second display, and the controller performs a first display process which displays an input screen on the first display in which input buttons capable of inputting operation commands to operate the car wash machine are displayed, an output process which outputs the screen data displayed on the first display to the terminal device, and an input restriction process which restricts input to the input buttons when an input is made to the input screen on the first display or the second display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a remotely operated car wash machine from performing actions unintended by the remote operator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the remote control system related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the general side view of the car wash machine body and remote control panel, and the general front view of the car wash machine body, which are part of a remote-controlled car wash system. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the control methods performed by a car wash machine controller. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the operational check process performed by a car wash machine controller. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display screen shown on the terminal device's display. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display screen shown on the terminal device's display. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen shown on the terminal device's display. [Figure 8]This figure shows an example of a display screen shown on the terminal device's display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <Overview of the remote control system> Hereinafter, an example of the remote control system 1 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote control system 1 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the remote control system 1 comprises a car wash machine 2 and a terminal device 60. The remote control system 1 is a system for a remote operator to remotely operate the car wash machine 2 using the terminal device 60. The remote operator is a person who is in a location where they cannot directly operate the car wash machine 2. The remote operator is, for example, a staff member of a service center or call center that handles customer support such as repair, maintenance, or after-sales service for the car wash machine 2. The remote operator remotely operates the car wash machine 2 as needed, for example, at the request of a customer (worker) who owns the car wash machine 2.

[0011] (Overview of the car wash machine) An example of a car wash machine 2 provided by the remote control system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In this specification, the positive direction of the X-axis is referred to as the forward direction, and the negative direction of the X-axis is referred to as the backward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis is referred to as the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Y-axis is referred to as the downward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis is referred to as the right direction, and the negative direction of the Z-axis is referred to as the left direction. In Figure 2, for configurations that are symmetrical vertically or horizontally with respect to a certain axis, a reference numeral may be assigned to only one of the symmetrical configurations, while the reference numeral is omitted for the other configuration.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a general side view 2S of the car wash machine body 4 and remote panel 6, and a general front view 4F of the car wash machine body 4, which are part of the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment includes a car wash machine body 4 that washes a vehicle X, which is the vehicle to be washed. The car wash machine 2 further includes a remote panel 6 that acquires the car wash conditions of the vehicle X by the car wash machine body 4. In the general side view 2S, the outline of the vehicle X is shown with a dotted line to indicate that the vehicle X is located further back from the remote panel 6 in the plane of the paper.

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

[0014] The car wash machine body 4 comprises wheels 12 provided at the bottom of each frame 8, and a drive unit 11 that rotates the wheels 12. As the drive unit 11 rotates the wheels 12, the car wash machine body 4 moves relative to the vehicle X in the longitudinal direction along rails R arranged on the ground G. The rails R are formed, for example, along the entry direction DA. While moving relative to the vehicle X, the car wash machine body 4 performs washing (cleaning) of the vehicle X in the space 4S.

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

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

[0017] On the side portion of the car wash machine main body 4, a tank storage portion 20 for storing a plurality of liquid storage tanks (not shown) storing various liquid agents including a detergent or a wax is arranged. Above the tank storage portion 20, a distribution pipe portion 22 for distributing water containing city water or a liquid agent from each liquid storage tank is provided. From the distribution pipe portion 22, a first clean water nozzle 24, a second clean water nozzle 26, a first detergent nozzle 28, a second detergent nozzle 30, a water repellent coating nozzle 32, and a wax nozzle 34 are respectively led out via electromagnetic valves (not shown).

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

[0019] Furthermore, the car wash machine body 4 is equipped with a blower 36 that generates airflow to dry the vehicle X. The blower 36 is connected to a top air blower nozzle 38 and side air blower nozzles 40. The top air blower nozzle 38 is located at the top center of the car wash machine body 4 and blows air toward the ceiling surface of the vehicle X. The side air blower nozzles 40 are located on both sides of the car wash machine body 4 and blow air toward the sides of the vehicle X. The car wash machine body 4 dries the vehicle X after washing by the air blown by the top air blower nozzle 38 and the side air blower nozzles 40.

[0020] A touch panel 42 is located on the front of one frame 8 of the car wash machine body 4. The touch panel 42 is an example of a first display. The touch panel 42 displays an input screen that accepts input via touch operation. Various settings of the car wash machine 2 can be made by operating the touch panel 42. For example, a user who has gotten out of vehicle X, or another worker, may operate the operation buttons to set the car wash conditions, etc.

[0021] The remote panel 6 is located, for example, on the front side of the car wash machine body 4 and is positioned roughly in line with the direction of movement of the car wash machine body 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the front of the remote panel 6 is positioned to face the side of the vehicle X before it is washed by the car wash machine body 4, in other words, before it enters the interior of the car wash machine body 4. For this reason, Figure 2 shows the back of the remote panel 6.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the remote panel 6 comprises a housing 46 and support columns 48 erected on the ground G to support the housing 46. The remote panel 6 may acquire at least a portion of the car wash conditions for the vehicle X by the car wash machine body 4 by operating a touch panel or buttons (not shown) provided on the housing 46. The car wash machine 2 includes a controller 50 that controls various parts of the car wash machine body 4. The controller 50 may control the car wash machine body 4 and wash the vehicle X based on at least a portion of the car wash conditions acquired by the remote panel 6.

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

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

[0025] The input / output IF53 is an interface for communicating with various parts of the car wash machine 2. The controller 50 outputs signals to various parts of the car wash machine 2 via the input / output IF53. Signals output from various parts of the car wash machine 2 are input to the controller 50 via the input / output IF53. The input / output IF53 may use, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment), SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), serial communication, and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark).

[0026] Communication IF54 is an interface for communicating with terminal device 60 via network N. An example of an interface usable as communication IF54 is an Ethernet® interface. An example of network N is a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0027] Terminal device 60 is a terminal used by a remote operator. Terminal device 60 can communicate with the car wash machine 2 via network N. An example of terminal device 60 is a personal computer (PC). Terminal device 60 may also communicate with the car wash machine 2 via a server. Terminal device 60 is equipped with a display 61. Display 61 is an example of a second display. Terminal device 60 may further be equipped with a pointing device 62. The pointing device 62 is a device that manipulates pointer objects displayed on the display 61. An example of the pointing device 62 is a mouse.

[0028] (Control method using a controller) Referring to Figure 3, an example of the flow of control method C1 by the controller 50 of the car wash machine 2 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of control method C1 performed by the controller 50 of the car wash machine 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] Furthermore, in the first authorization process S6, the processor 51 displays a second authorization button in response to input from the first authorization button, which allows input of a second authorization command that authorizes the operation of a pointer object by the pointing device 62. The processor 51 may make the display manner of the input buttons that display various data different from the display manner of the second authorization button. Also, the processor 51 may make the display manner of the first authorization button different from the display manner of the second authorization button.

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] In the operation check screen display process S11, the processor 51 outputs screen data related to the operation check screen generated via the input / output IF 53 to the touch panel 42. The processor 51 displays input buttons into which operation commands for operating the car wash machine 2 can be entered. Operation commands for operating the car wash machine 2 include, for example, the movement of the car wash machine body 4 during car washing, the rotation and movement of the rotating brushes, the spraying of cleaning fluid etc. by the nozzles, and the blowing operation when drying the vehicle X.

[0043] In the operation check screen display process S11, the processor 51 may display a stop button on the operation check screen that allows input of a stop command to stop the operation of the car wash machine 2. The processor 51 stops the operation of the car wash machine 2 when input is received on the stop button. The processor 51 may also display a selection button on the operation check screen that allows input of a command signal to display the operation check screen of the car wash machine 2 to be inspected. The processor 51 may display buttons that can be operated differently from buttons that cannot be operated. For example, the processor 51 may display input buttons that can be operated differently from stop buttons that cannot be operated.

[0044] In addition, during the operation check screen display process S11, the processor 51 may display a selection screen in which selection buttons are available for inputting a command signal to display the operation check screen of the car wash machine 2 to be inspected. In this case, the processor 51 displays the operation check screen of the inspection target selected on the selection screen.

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

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

[0047] In input restriction processing S13, the processor 51 may allow input by operating the stop button displayed on the operation confirmation screen. Alternatively, in input restriction processing S13, the processor 51 may restrict input by using the select button displayed on the operation confirmation screen. Furthermore, the processor 51 may execute input restriction processing S13 after there has been input to the selection screen displayed in operation check screen display processing S11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0056] As shown by the symbol F13 in Figure 5, when the remote operation permission button 105 is pressed by touch operation on the touch panel 42, the remote operation check button 102A is displayed on the settings screen 100. The remote operation check button 102A is a button that can be input by the remote operator using the pointing device 62. When the remote operation check button 102A is pressed, the selection screen 200 is displayed.

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

[0058] When the remote operation inspection button 102A, indicated by the symbol F13 in Figure 5, is pressed, the selection screen 200 is displayed on the touch panel 42. The selection screen 200 is an input screen for selecting the inspection targets of the car wash machine 2. The selection screen 200 displays selection buttons 201 to 204, which allow selection of the inspection targets: the drive unit 11, the top brush 14, the side brushes 16, and the rocker brushes 18.

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

[0060] When the selection button 201 for checking the operation of the drive unit 11 is pressed on the selection screen 200, the operation check screen 300 is displayed as shown by reference numeral F22 in Figure 6. The operation check screen 300 displays a reverse button 301 and a forward button 302. The reverse button 301 and the forward button 302 are examples of input buttons. The reverse button 301 and the forward button 302 are displayed in cool colors, for example.

[0061] The reverse button 301 is a button that allows input of an operation command to drive the drive unit 11 and move the car wash machine body 4 in reverse for a time set by the time setting button 303. The forward button 302 is a button that allows input of an operation command to drive the drive unit 11 and move the car wash machine body 4 forward for a time set by the time setting button 304. The travel speed of the car wash machine body 4, which moves in response to the operation input of the reverse button 301 and the forward button 302, is set by the speed setting button 305. In addition, selection buttons 202 to 205 may be displayed on the operation check screen 300.

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

[0063] The operation check screen 300 displays a stop button 350 into which a stop command can be entered to stop the drive of the travel drive unit 11 and stop the movement of the car wash machine body 4. The stop button 350 is an example of a stop button. The stop button 350 is a button that can be operated by a pointer object using the pointing device 62. The stop button 350 is displayed in cool colors.

[0064] The operation check screen 300 displays an operation lock release button 360, which allows input of a release command to remove the input restrictions caused by operating the reverse button 301 and the forward button 302. The operation lock release button 360 is an example of a release button. The operation lock release button 360 is displayed in a cool color.

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

[0066] When the operation lock release button 360 on the operation check screen 300 is pressed, the operation lock release button 360 disappears from the operation check screen 300, as shown by the reference numeral F23 in Figure 6. In other words, the input restrictions imposed by the operation of the reverse button 301, the forward button 302, and the respective selection buttons 202, 203, 204, and 205 are released.

[0067] As shown by the symbol F31 in Figure 7, press the forward button 302 when the input restriction is released. On the operation check screen 300, as shown by the symbol F32 in Figure 7, the operation lock release button 360 is displayed again in response to the pressing of the forward button 302.

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

[0069] The display of the forward button 302A, which functions as a stop button, may differ from the display of the forward button 302 before it is operated. The display of the forward button 302A may also differ from the display of the reverse button 301, which cannot be operated. This allows the user to recognize which buttons are operational. For example, the color of the text on the forward button 302A may be a warning color such as yellow, or the background color of the forward button 302A may be a dark color.

[0070] In Figure 8, at reference numeral F41, when the selection button 203 on the operation check screen 300 is pressed, the operation check screen 400 for checking the operation of the side brush 16 is displayed. The operation check screen 400 shown at reference numeral F41 displays the operation lock release button 360 as a response to the operation input of the selection button 203.

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

[0072] According to the configuration of the remote control system 1, the controller 50 restricts input to the input buttons each time an input is made on the operation check screen. For example, this prevents accidental input of input buttons due to reasons such as a time lag in the screen displayed on the display 61 of the terminal device 60. This prevents the remotely controlled car wash machine from performing actions unintended by the remote operator.

[0073] Furthermore, by displaying a release button on the operation check screen that allows the user to input a release command to remove the input restriction, the user can operate the input buttons by pressing the release button. This allows the user to operate the input buttons again.

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

[0075] Furthermore, by differentiating the display of buttons that can be operated from those that cannot, it becomes easier to distinguish between input buttons with restricted input and those that can be operated. This makes it possible to identify which buttons can be operated.

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

[0077] (summary) A remote control system according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a remote control system comprising a car wash machine for washing a vehicle and a terminal device used by a remote operator who remotely operates the car wash machine, wherein the car wash machine comprises a controller and a first display, the terminal device comprises a second display, and the controller performs a first display process which displays an input screen on the first display in which input buttons capable of inputting operation commands for operating the car wash machine are displayed, an output process which outputs the screen data displayed on the first display to the terminal device, and an input restriction process which restricts input to the input buttons when an input is made to the input screen on the first display or the second display.

[0078] According to the configuration of Embodiment 1, the controller restricts input to the input buttons each time input is made on the input screen. For example, this prevents accidental input of input buttons due to a time lag in the screen displayed on the terminal device's second display. This prevents the remotely controlled car wash machine from performing actions unintended by the remote operator.

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

[0080] According to the configuration of Embodiment 2, operating the release button enables input operation using the input button. This allows the input button to be operated again.

[0081] In the remote control system according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2 described above, the input screen includes a stop button on which a stop command to stop the operation of the car wash machine can be input, and the controller may stop the operation of the car wash machine when an input is made to the stop button.

[0082] According to the configuration of Embodiment 3, the input of the stop button is not restricted. This allows the car wash machine to be stopped when desired.

[0083] In the remote control system according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the display configuration of buttons that can be operated on the input screen may differ from the display configuration of buttons that cannot be operated.

[0084] According to the configuration of Embodiment 4, it becomes easier to distinguish between input buttons that are restricted from input and buttons that are allowed to be input. This makes it possible to identify which buttons are allowed to be input.

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

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

Claims

1. A remote control system comprising a car wash machine for washing vehicles, and a terminal device used by a remote operator who remotely controls the car wash machine, The car wash machine comprises a controller and a first display, The terminal device includes a second display, The aforementioned controller, A first display process that displays on the first display an input screen on which input buttons are available for inputting operation commands to operate the car wash machine, Output processing for outputting screen data displayed on the first display to the terminal device, The system performs an input restriction process that restricts input to the input buttons when input is received on the input screen on the first or second display. Remote control system.

2. The aforementioned controller, In the input restriction process, a second display process is performed to display a release button on the input screen, which allows input of a release command to release the input restriction to the input button. Upon receiving the aforementioned release command, a restriction release process is further executed to release the input restriction on the input button. The remote control system according to claim 1.

3. The input screen includes a stop button on which a stop command to stop the operation of the car wash machine can be entered. The controller stops the operation of the car wash machine when the stop button is pressed. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2.

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

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