JP2002041378A - Remote control method and remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control method and a remote control system which can attain the effective remote control regardless of a normal or emergency connection state set between a controlled terminal and a communication line. SOLUTION: This system includes a control terminal 1, a controlled terminal 2, a server 3 and a communication line 4 which connects these terminals and server together. The server 3 includes a control information recorder 33 which records the control information sent from the terminal 1, a control/controlled terminal correspondence list recorder 34 which secures correspondence between both terminals 1 and 2, a protocol conversion means 31 which converts the control information into the other control information to be received by the terminal 2 and an asynchronous control means 32 which performs remote control of the terminal 2 asynchronously with the transmission carried out by the terminal 1. The means 32 holds temporarily the necessary information on the recorder 33 to perform the a synchronous communication between the terminal 1 and server 3 and also between the server 3 and terminal 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a remote control method and a remote control system for remotely controlling a controlled device at a remote position via a telephone or other communication lines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of the Internet and mobile phones, it has become easy to remotely control electronic devices at home, such as video reservation, from outside. Conventionally, when attempting to remotely control such a remote device, the control terminal and the controlled terminal send a control signal in a state of being directly connected by a public or dedicated communication line, and are executed by synchronous communication. Was. When using a public or dedicated communication line, it is connected via some relay stations, especially in a telephone network. However, the relay station merely transmits the electric signal to the control terminal, and has not been actively involved in the remote control itself of the controlled terminal.

[0003]

When a home electronic device is remotely controlled from outside via a telephone line, a calling terminal (hereinafter, referred to as a "control terminal") is connected to a called terminal (hereinafter, referred to as a "control terminal"). When connecting to a controlled terminal, the controlled terminal may not be able to receive a call, regardless of whether the controlled terminal is always connected to the central office or connected in an emergency (first case).
Problem). This is a problem of the controlled terminal itself, such as when the power of the controlled terminal or the controlled device is not turned on, the controlled terminal is being used for another communication, or the telephone network itself is congested. There may be a reason. In such a case, the control terminal has to repeat the call. It is known that such trouble at the control terminal can be solved by a programmed agent. However, when such an agent is used in the control terminal, the following problems occur.

(A) If the user of the control terminal may use the control terminal for another purpose, the function of the control terminal used for another purpose is impaired (second problem).
(B) When the control terminal intends to remotely control a plurality of controlled terminals, a remote control method for each controlled terminal is necessary. Therefore, the control terminal has many storage devices for recording these remote control methods. Must have. Therefore, the cost increases (third problem).

Further, for example, in the case of remote control of an air conditioner, it is desired to not only remotely control the air conditioner from outside but also to obtain parameter information such as the current room temperature changed by the operation of the air conditioner from outside. There are also requests.

The present invention has been made to efficiently and remotely control electric devices (controlled devices) such as a video and an air conditioner from outside as described above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a remote control method and a remote control system capable of performing efficient remote control regardless of whether a controlled terminal is always connected to a central office or an emergency connection. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control that does not impair the function of the control terminal for another purpose even if the user of the control terminal may use the terminal for another purpose. It is to provide a method and a remote control system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system capable of realizing remote control at low cost without having a large number of storage devices even when the control terminal intends to remotely control a plurality of controlled terminals. A control method and a remote control system are provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control method for each controlled terminal having the same or similar remote control method without the server having the remote control method.
An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control method and a remote control system capable of remotely controlling a controlled terminal.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the present invention is that a control terminal transmits control information to a server;
The remote control method includes a step of recording the control information in the control information recording device and a step of remotely controlling the controlled terminal based on the control information recorded in the control information recording device.

In the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the server temporarily records control information in the control information recording device. Then, the controlled terminal is remotely controlled asynchronously with the step in which the control terminal transmits the control information to the server. Therefore, the above-described first to third problems can be solved by the existence and function of the server. That is, the server that mediates the transmission of control information is made to function actively, and control data independent of the server is transmitted. In a conventional synchronous remote control method and remote control system, a communication format (protocol) between a control terminal and a controlled terminal is mainly defined, and no server is interposed therebetween. According to a first feature of the present invention, a server intervenes to mediate between many types of control terminals and many types of controlled terminals,
Asynchronous communication can be realized.

That is, in the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the server is installed, the control terminal does not directly communicate with the controlled terminal by synchronous communication. First, the control terminal makes a remote control request to the server, and the server receives the request and writes the control information in the control information recording device connected to the server. After this,
The server operates actively as an agent for the control terminal,
The controlled terminal is remotely controlled by asynchronous communication. The server can connect and disconnect the control terminal side line connection between the control terminal and the server and the controlled terminal side line connection between the server and the controlled terminal independently. is there. For this reason, after the control information from the control terminal via the control terminal line is recorded in the control information recording device, the controlled terminal can be remotely controlled by the information recorded in the control information recording device. There is no need to maintain state. Therefore, the user of the control terminal can freely use the control terminal for other purposes. Therefore, the problem of impairing the function of the control terminal for other purposes can be solved. Thus, the first aspect of the present invention
In the remote control method according to the first aspect, the communication between the control terminal and the server and the communication between the server and the controlled terminal are asynchronously performed by causing the server to function actively. The point is solved.

As described above, since the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a remote control by asynchronous communication, the connection between the control terminal and the server is disconnected after recording the control information. And connecting the server to the controlled terminal. In this case, in the step of connecting the server and the controlled terminal, the server tries to connect to the controlled terminal under predetermined conditions, and if the connection is within the predetermined conditions, the connection to the controlled terminal is established. It is possible to have a step of making a connection. In this way, useless connection attempts can be prevented.

In the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the step of transmitting control information includes the steps of: requesting a control menu by the control terminal; and controlling the control terminal in response to the request by the server. It is preferable to execute it after the step of transmitting the menu because transmission of control information is simplified. That is, the control terminal may input necessary items to the input device of the control terminal according to the menu presented by the server. Therefore, the control terminal does not always need to hold the remote control method for the specific controlled terminal in the storage device. In this case, since the server's menu recording device can hold the remote control method for the controlled terminal,
There is no need to have a storage device in the control terminal. Thus, it is possible to avoid complicated hardware and high cost due to the control terminal having the storage device.

In the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, specifically, the control information recording device is composed of first and second control information recording devices, and the step of recording the control information comprises: Recording the control information obtained from the control terminal by the server as the first control information in the first control information recording device; and performing the first control recorded in the first control information recording device on the first control information recording device. The information may be changed to the second control information according to the type of the controlled terminal, and the second control information may be recorded in the second control information recording device.

In the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the server refers to the line connection fee information recorded in the line connection fee information recording device and selects a transmission terminal having a low usage fee. Establishing a connection between the server and the selected transmitting terminal; and establishing a connection between the transmitting terminal and the controlled terminal. The step of remotely controlling the controlled terminal comprises: , It is economical because an inexpensive line can be selected and used.

Further, in the remote control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, a step of transmitting a control result of the controlled terminal or a parameter of a control state of the controlled terminal to the server; It is convenient to further include the step of referring to the state parameter, since the state of the controlled device driven by the controlled terminal can be known from the outside. For example, it is possible to control a home air conditioner from outside and monitor parameters such as temperature and humidity in the controlled home from outside.

A second feature of the present invention is that a control terminal for transmitting first control information, a controlled terminal to be controlled by the control terminal, and asynchronous communication between the control terminal and the controlled terminal are realized. And a remote control system comprising a control terminal, a controlled terminal, and a communication line connecting the server. Here, the server is a protocol conversion means for converting the first control information into second control information received by the controlled terminal, and uses the second control information to control the controlled terminal asynchronously with the transmission from the control terminal. At least asynchronous control means for remote control.
Further, the server includes a control information recording device for recording first control information composed of a message packet transmitted from the control terminal, a control terminal and a control terminal in which the control terminal is associated with a controlled terminal that is remotely controlled by the control terminal. A control terminal correspondence list recording device is connected. The recording device as the auxiliary recording device may be in a form externally connected to the server, or may be built in the housing of the server as a main storage device.

In the remote control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the "communication line" refers to a telephone line, the Internet, or the like. Since the communication is "asynchronous communication", communication between the control terminal and the server and communication between the server and the controlled terminal can be executed independently and at different times. The control terminal is a device having a transmission function, such as a mobile phone or a personal computer. The controlled terminal has a predetermined receiving function and a function of driving a controlled device connected to the controlled terminal. The controlled device is an electric device such as a VCR, a cooker, a washing machine, an air conditioner, and the like, for example, in a home electric device. Further, various devices for business use (for industrial use), for example, a semiconductor manufacturing device may be included as controlled devices. The server naturally includes communication means such as a CPU, a temporary storage device, a control terminal communication means, and a controlled terminal communication means.

In the remote control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, a transmission terminal connectable between the control terminal and the communication line, and a plurality of transmission terminals connectable between the communication line and the controlled terminal It is preferable that the server further includes a transmission terminal selecting unit that selects any one of the plurality of transmission terminals. In this case, the server includes a line connection charge information recording device that records the line connection charge information, and the transmitting terminal selecting means refers to the line connection charge information and refers to the line connection charge information for connecting the server and the controlled terminal. If a transmission terminal with a cheap route is selected, remote control can be performed using the cheapest line, which is economical. When selecting a transmission terminal, an unusable transmission terminal can be excluded from the selection.

Further, in the remote control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the controlled terminal includes a control state parameter measuring device for measuring a control state parameter of a controlled device driven by the controlled terminal. Is preferred. By using this control state parameter measuring device, information including the measured control state parameters of the controlled device can be transmitted from the controlled terminal to the server.
If the control terminal monitors the control state parameters held by the server, the user of the control terminal has the advantage of being able to monitor the control state of the controlled device connected to the controlled terminal from outside. Is possible.

In the remote control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the server includes a controlled terminal type / model type data recording device. The controlled terminal type / model-specific data recording device has a common remote control method and a model-specific remote control method according to the type of the controlled terminal, thereby simplifying the remote control method. This is because the third problem can be solved.

[0023]

Next, first to sixth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the block diagram and the like showing the system configuration are schematic and may differ from the actual ones.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a communication line 4, a control terminal 1, a controlled terminal 2, a server 3, and a connected terminal connected to the communication line 4. And a controlled device 8 connected to the control terminal 2. The communication line 4 constitutes a communication level network having sufficient reliability. As an actual hardware configuration, the controlled terminal 2 may be built in the controlled device 8. The server 3 includes a control side / controlled side protocol recording device 28, a controlled terminal type / model-specific data recording device 29, a control information storage device 33, and a control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34.
Etc. are built in or connected. Each of these storage devices can be constituted by a known magnetic tape, magnetic drum, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory such as ROM or RAM. Alternatively, a database server may be prepared, and a storage device such as a hard disk of the database server may be used.

The control terminal 1 has at least an input device 11 and an output device (display device) 12. In FIG. 1, the input device 11 can be constituted by a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen, a floppy (registered trademark) disk device, or the like. The output device (display device) 12 can be constituted by a display device such as a cathode ray tube or a liquid crystal display device, or a printer device. The server 3 has a protocol conversion unit 31 and an asynchronous control unit 32. The protocol conversion means 31 may allow the controlled terminal 2 to receive the first control information composed of the message packet transmitted by the control terminal 1 based on the contents recorded in the control-side / controlled-side protocol recording device 28. This is converted into the second control information in a possible format. Asynchronous control means 32
Makes the communication performed between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 and between the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2 asynchronous by temporarily storing necessary control information in the control information recording device 33,
It has a function to perform asynchronous remote control. Although not shown, the server 3 includes communication means such as a CPU, a temporary storage device, a control terminal communication means, and a controlled terminal communication means. Protocol conversion means 3 provided in server 3
1 and the asynchronous control means 32 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Further, a desired function may be realized by using hardware of a general-purpose computer system constituting the server 3 and driving and controlling the hardware by predetermined software. That is, the processing control unit including the CPU and the like of the server 3 shown in FIG.
A predetermined instruction processing is executed by reading a program instruction or the like stored in a predetermined program storage unit into the CPU as necessary, thereby realizing functions required as the protocol conversion unit 31 and the asynchronous control unit 32. Can be done.

Control terminal 1, controlled terminal 2, and server 3
The first and second control information exchanged between the contents are contents in which necessary items are described in a message packet format according to a predetermined specification. The message packet is a packet in an electronic mail format or a specific packet that is negotiated between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 and between the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2.

Next, a remote control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation state of the control terminal 1 when the control terminal 1 remotely controls the controlled terminal 2 using the remote control system shown in FIG.

(A) First, in step S201,
The user makes a communication connection from the control terminal 1 to the server 3 via the communication line 4. The control terminal 1 is connected to the server 3 by a communication line 4 directly or via an access point provided by an Internet provider.
However, access points are not shown here for simplification of the figure.

(B) Next, in step S202, when the connection between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 is completed, the control terminal 1 transmits the first control information for remotely controlling the controlled terminal 2 to the input device 11. And sends the first control information to the server 3 via the communication line 4.

(C) Then, in step S203,
The control terminal 1 disconnects the connection with the server 3.

The above steps (a) and (b) may be in reverse order.

In FIG. 3, steps S211 to S213 and steps S214 to S21
6 are activated by different processes. Thus, the transaction is performed asynchronously.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the operation state of the server 3 when the control terminal 1 remotely controls the controlled terminal 2 in the remote control system shown in FIG.

(A) First, in step S211 corresponding to step S201 in FIG. 2, the server 3 accepts a connection from the control terminal 1.

(B) When the first control information is transmitted in step S202 of FIG. 2, the server 3 obtains the first control information from the control terminal 1 in step S212. When the server 3 obtains the first control information of the controlled terminal 2 from the control terminal 1, the controlled terminal 2 performs control of the remote control of the control terminal 1 based on the control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34. Check whether the terminal is a target controlled terminal. When the controlled terminal 2 is a controlled terminal to be remotely controlled by the control terminal 1, the server 3 writes the first control information acquired from the control terminal 1 to the control information recording device 33.

(C) When writing is completed, step S
At 213, the connection between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 is disconnected. The first control information includes a protocol conversion unit 31
Is converted into the second control information and written into the control information recording device 33 again.

(D) Thereafter, in step S214,
The server 3 connects to the controlled terminal 2 using the communication line 4.

(E) When the connection is completed, step S21
In 5, the server 3 remotely controls the controlled terminal 2 and drives the controlled device 8 based on the second control information recorded in the control information recording device 33.

(F) When the predetermined remote control for the controlled terminal 2 is completed, the server 3 disconnects the connection with the controlled terminal 2 in step S216.

As described above, according to the remote control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the control terminal 1 and the controlled terminal 2 is not created directly by synchronous communication, but by direct communication. The server 3 allows the remote control of the control terminal 1 and the controlled terminal 2 to be performed asynchronously. In the prior art in which the server 3 is not installed and the control terminal 1 directly remotely controls the controlled terminal 2 as described at the beginning, if the connection between the control terminal 1 and the controlled terminal 2 fails to be created, the user is There is a disadvantage that the user must try to create a connection to the controlled terminal 2 many times. However, in the remote control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, by installing the server 3,
The control terminal 1 leaves the remote control based on the second control information to the server 3 after transmitting the first control information to the server 3, so that the user does not need to repeatedly try to create a connection.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the configuration of FIG. 1, the controlled terminal 2 of FIG. 4 includes a control information recording device 53.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the operation state of the controlled terminal 2 when the remote control system according to the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is used.

(A) First, in step S228,
The controlled terminal 2 accepts the connection from the server 3 corresponding to step S214 in FIG.

(B) Next, in step S 229, the controlled terminal 2 acquires the second control information from the server 3 and writes the second control information in the control information recording device 53 connected to the controlled terminal 2.

(C) When the writing of the second control information to the control information recording device 53 is completed, the controlled terminal 2 disconnects the connection with the server 3 in step S230.

(D) After the connection with the server 3 is cut off, the controlled terminal 2 sends the controlled device 8 to the controlled device 8 based on the second control information written in the control information recording device 53 in step S231. Perform control.

(Second Embodiment) The remote control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is an improvement on the operation of the server 3 described in the first embodiment. Is added. The block diagram of the remote control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that the server 3 further includes a control result recording device 43 as shown in FIG. Configuration is different. The rest of the system configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a duplicated block diagram will not be described. Hereinafter, the remote control method according to the second embodiment shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.

(A) First, as shown in FIG. 6, the server 3 accepts a connection from the control terminal 1 via the communication line 4 in step S221.

(B) Next, in step S222,
The server 3 acquires the first control information from the control terminal 1 and writes the first control information into the control information recording device 33.

(C) After the process in which the control terminal 1 writes the first control information into the control information recording device 33 is completed, step S
In 223, the server 3 disconnects the connection between the server 3 and the control terminal 1. The protocol conversion means 31 converts the first control information into the second control information, and writes the same into the control information recording device 33 again.

(D) Thereafter, in step S 224, the server 3 starts connecting to the controlled terminal 2 via the communication line 4.

(E) Then, the server 3 executes step S
In 225, an attempt is made to establish a connection under predetermined conditions such as a preset number of communications and a frequency of communications. As the predetermined condition,
In addition to this, the elapsed time from the absolute time in the remote control request from the control terminal 1 and the limit time in which the remote control itself must be performed can be adopted. When the server 3 creates a connection by the communication line 4 to the controlled terminal 2, if the power of the controlled terminal 2 is turned off, or if the communication line 4 becomes congested due to congestion and the connection cannot be created, immediately, Cannot be connected.
In such a case, the connection is repeatedly attempted based on predetermined conditions set in the server 3 in advance. In step S225, it is determined whether or not a connection can be made within a predetermined condition. If a connection cannot be created within the predetermined condition, the remote control is terminated as an "error". At the end of this remote control, the server 3
Is recorded in the control result recording device 43 connected to the device. If the connection by the communication line 4 has been created within the predetermined condition, the process proceeds to step S226.

(F) In step S226, the controlled terminal 2 is remotely controlled based on the second control information recorded in the control information recording device 33 connected to the server 3, and the controlled terminal 2 The controlled device 8 is driven.

(G) When the remote control of the controlled device 8 by the controlled terminal 2 ends, the server 3 disconnects the connection with the controlled terminal 2 in step S227.

In FIG. 6, steps S221 to S223 and steps S223 to S22
7 are started by different processes. Thus, the transaction is performed asynchronously.

When the server 3 tries to connect to the controlled terminal 2 via the communication line 4, the congestion of the communication line 4
Communication line 4 due to line usage at controlled terminal 2 and other problems
There is a danger of encountering a situation where connection by itself cannot be made. In the remote control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the server 3 assumes such a situation and sets the server 3 within a range limited to predetermined conditions such as a preset number of times and a limit time. The connection attempt to the controlled terminal 2 is repeated, and a connection outside a certain range ends as an “error”. Therefore, there is an advantage that waste due to infinitely repeating connection can be omitted.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment of the present invention is obtained by improving the first embodiment of the present invention. That is,
In the block diagram showing the system configuration, the server 3 includes a menu recording device 30 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.
The rest of the system configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a duplicated block diagram will not be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the operation state of the control terminal 1 when the control menu is transmitted from the server 3 to the control terminal 1.

(A) First, in step S241,
The control terminal 1 makes a communication connection to the server 3 using the communication line 4. Then, the control terminal 1 requests the server 3 to transmit a control menu.

(B) In response to this request, step S2
At 42, the server 3 reads the control menu read from the menu recording device 30. And server 3
Transmits this control menu to the control terminal 1. The control information 1 receives this control menu.

(C) In step S243, the user inputs the first control information via the input device 11 of the control terminal 1 according to the received control menu. The input first control information is transmitted from the control terminal 1 to the server 3 via the communication line 4.

(D) Thereafter, in step S244, the control terminal 1 disconnects from the server 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a change in the operating state of the corresponding server 3.

(A) First, in step S251,
The server 3 receives a connection from the control terminal 1 via the communication line 4.

(B) In step S 252, the server 3 reads a control menu from the menu recording device 30 in response to a menu request from the control terminal 1. Then, the server 3 transmits the read control menu to the control terminal 1.

(C) Next, in response to the transmission of the first control information in step S243 of FIG. 9, the server 3 acquires the first control information from the control terminal 1 in step S253. That is, the server 3 includes the control information recording device 3
3 is written with the first control information.

(D) When the writing to the control information recording device 33 is completed, the server 3 disconnects the connection between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 in step S254. Then, the protocol conversion means 31 converts the first control information into the second control information, and writes the same into the control information recording device 33 again.

(E) Next, in step S255,
The server 3 connects the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2 via the communication line 4.

(F) In step S255, the server 3 remotely controls the controlled terminal 2 based on the second control information recorded in the control information recording device 33, and drives the controlled device 8.

(G) In step S257, the server 3 disconnects the connection between the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2 via the communication line 4.

In FIG. 10, steps S251 through S254 and steps S255 through S2
57 are activated by different processes. Thus, the transaction is performed asynchronously.

In the remote control method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the server 3 reads out the control menu recorded on the menu recording device 30 and provides the control terminal 1 with this control menu. The first control information that must be input by the user via the input device 11 can be simplified. At this time, the control menu provided by the server 3 may follow a message packet determined between the control terminal 1, the controlled terminal 2 and the server 3 in advance.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a remote control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A fourth embodiment of the present invention
It is an improvement on the first embodiment of the present invention,
The block diagram showing the system configuration is such that a first control information recording device 33a and a second control information recording device 33b are installed in place of the control information recording device 33 in FIG. 1, and in addition to the structure shown in FIG. The difference is that a control terminal individual information / command table storage device 38 is provided. The rest of the system configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a duplicated block diagram will not be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation state of the server 3.

(A) First, in step S 261, the server 3 accepts a connection from the control terminal 1 via the communication line 4.

(B) Next, in step S262, the server 3 acquires control information from the control terminal 1. At this time, the server 3 records the control information in the first control information recording device 33a.

(C) Then, in step S263,
The server 3 disconnects the connection between the server 3 and the control terminal 1.

(D) Next, in step S264,
The first control information recorded in the first control information recording device 33a is read out by the protocol conversion means 31 of the server 3, and the data is modified to be the second control information. The server 3 records the second control information including the modified data in the second control information recording device 33b.

(E) When the protocol conversion from the first control information to the second control information is performed, in step S265, the server 3 connects the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2 using the communication line 4. Make a connection.

(F) Then, the server 3 executes step S
At 266, the controlled terminal 2 is remotely controlled based on the second control information recorded in the second control information recording device 33b, and the controlled device 8 is driven.

(G) When the remote control of the controlled terminal 2 ends, the server 3 disconnects the connection of the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2 via the communication line 4 in step S267.

In FIG. 12, steps S261 to S263, steps S264, S26
Steps 5 to S267 are started by different processes. Thus, the transaction is performed asynchronously.

In the remote control method according to the fourth embodiment, the server 3 stores the controlled terminal individual information / command table storage device 38 as the controlled terminal information as shown in FIG. At least information for specifying a command set for remotely controlling the command set.
The command set corresponds to the model of the controlled device targeted by the controlled terminal 2 and exists for each model of the controlled terminal 2. Controlled terminal 2 (ID = 103) and (ID = 29
The controlled devices targeted by 1) are the same model (JVC: H
R-D9), the command set is shared. Since the controlled devices targeted by the other controlled terminals (839) are not the same model in FIG.
Not sharing a command set. In the case of sharing the command set, the control terminal 1 has only one program that converts control data (first control information) into control data (second control information) unique to the controlled terminal 2. It is not necessary to have for each controlled terminal 2 well. The first control information sent from the control terminal 1 to the server 3 is as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), it is composed of a command name, a command number, and parameters. FIG. 14B shows a command name: v_
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating specific parameters corresponding to “set, command number: recording reservation = 03”.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing correspondence between controlled terminal individual information and a command table used in a remote control system according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The modification in which the command table is shown in FIG. 15 is obtained by improving the fourth embodiment of the present invention described above, and the system configuration is the same as that in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the server 3 has, as controlled terminal information, at least information for specifying a command set for remotely controlling each controlled terminal 2. Controlled terminal (ID = 103) and (ID
= 291) are the same model (JV
C: HR-D9), so they share the same command set. The controlled device to be controlled by the controlled terminal (ID = 673) is not the same model as these models, but it has been found in advance that remote control is possible using the same command set as these two models. Therefore, these two models share the same command set.

The first control information is transmitted from the server 3 to the second control information.
If the control information is changed to the control information, the control terminal 1 and the server 3
In the meantime, by separating the common interface according to the type of the controlled device 8 and the interface between the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2, for example, a command set common to all types of “video” and a remote The control method can be unified from the control terminal 1 side. Therefore, a program for converting control data (first control information) from the control terminal 1 into control data (second control information) unique to the controlled terminal 2 is one for a program sharing a command set. It is sufficient to have it, and it is not necessary to have it for each model of the controlled terminal 2. The control data (second control information) for each model of the controlled terminal 2 may refer to the controlled terminal type / model data recording device 29.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a block diagram used for a remote control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the remote control system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a communication line 4, a first receiving terminal 5a, a second receiving terminal 5b connected to the communication line 4, First transmitting terminal 6a, second transmitting terminal 6
b and the server 3. The control terminal 1 can be connected to the communication line 4 via the first receiving terminal 5a or the second receiving terminal 5b. Similarly, the controlled terminal 2
Can be connected to the communication line 4 via the first transmitting terminal 6a or the second transmitting terminal 6b. The server 3 includes a control side / controlled side protocol recording device 28, a controlled terminal type / model-specific data recording device 29, a control information storage device 3
3. The control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34 and the line connection fee information recording device 35 are connected. Various line connection companies have a fee system according to distance, connection time, use time zone, and other options, and such information is recorded in the line connection fee information recording device 35. The control terminal 1 has at least the input device 11 and the output device (display device) 12 as described in the first embodiment. The server 3 includes, in addition to the protocol conversion unit 31 and the asynchronous control unit 32 described in the first embodiment,
Further, it has transmission terminal selection means 39a. The transmission terminal selecting means 39a is provided with a line connection fee information recording device 35.
, A function of selecting a transmission terminal with the lowest connection fee. Here, two receiving terminals 5a and 5b and two transmitting terminals 6a and 6b are provided for simplification of the drawing, but one or three or more may be provided. Instead of connecting the receiving terminals 5a and 5b and the transmitting terminals 6a and 6b, respectively, a transmitting / receiving terminal having two functions of the receiving terminals 5a and 5b and the transmitting terminals 6a and 6b may be used. The first receiving terminal 5a or the second receiving terminal 5b
Establish a connection at the transport layer level with the control terminal 1 and make an inquiry to the server 3 via the communication line 4 or refer to a database shared with the server 3 to authenticate the receiving terminal 5a or 5b. I do. When the authentication is completed, the first receiving terminal 5a or the second receiving terminal 5b newly sets a connection at the transport layer level to the server. As described above, the first receiving terminal 5a and the second receiving terminal 5b provide the same function as in the case where the control terminal 1 is directly connected to the server 3. First transmitting terminal 6a or second transmitting terminal 6b
Establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the server 3, the first transmission terminal 6a or the second
The new receiving terminal 6b sets a connection at the transport layer level to the controlled terminal 2 newly. As described above, the first transmitting terminal 6a and the second transmitting terminal 6b provide the same function as that when the server 3 is directly connected to the controlled terminal 2. Control terminal 1 and first receiving terminal 5a or second receiving terminal 5a
A known protocol such as PPP or TCP / IP can be used for the connection between the receiving terminals 5b or between the first receiving terminal 5a or the second receiving terminal 5b and the server 3 at the transport layer level.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a change in the operation state of the control terminal 1.

(A) First, in step S271, the control terminal 1 selects the first receiving terminal 5a, and connects the control terminal 1 to the first receiving terminal 5a.

(B) Then, the first receiving terminal 5a establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the server 3, and as a result, at step S272, a connection at the transport layer level between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 is established. I do.

(C) Next, in step S273,
The control terminal 1 transmits the first control information to the server 3 via the first receiving terminal 5a and the communication line 4.

(D) After the transmission of the control information to the server 3 by the control terminal 1, the control terminal 1 releases the connection between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 in step S274.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a change in the operation state of the server 3.

(A) First, in step S281,
The server 3 authenticates the control terminal 1 via the first receiving terminal 5a.

(B) After the authentication of the control terminal 1, the connection between the server 3 and the control terminal 1 is established in step S282.

(C) In step S283, the server 3 acquires the first control information from the control terminal 1, and writes the control information in the control information recording device 33.

(D) When the writing of the control information is completed,
In step S284, the server 3 releases the connection with the control terminal 1. Then, the first control information is converted into the second control information by the protocol conversion means 31 and recorded on the control information recording device 33 again.

(E) Next, in step S285,
The transmission terminal selection means 39a of the server 3 refers to the line connection fee information recording device 35 and selects an available transmission terminal with a low usage fee. For example, in FIG. 16, the second transmission terminal 6b is selected as the transmission terminal whose usage fee is low.

(F) Then, in step S286, the server 3 establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the second transmitting terminal 6b, and transmits connection information such as a telephone number and accompanying information such as authentication to the second transmitting terminal. Send to terminal 6b.

(G) In step S287, the server 3 sends the controlled terminal 2 and the second transmitting terminal 6b
To establish a connection at the transport layer level.

(H) Next, in step S288,
The server 3 stores the second information recorded in the control information recording device 33.
Remote control of the controlled terminal 2 on the basis of the control information, and the controlled device 8 is driven to a desired state.

(I) When the drive remote control of the controlled device 8 ends, the server 3 releases the connection between the server 3 and the controlled terminal 2 in step S289.

In FIG. 18, steps S281 to S284, step S285, step S286
Steps S289 to S289 are started by different processes. Thus, the transaction is performed asynchronously.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the remote control system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a communication line 4, a first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a, a second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b connected to the communication line 4, The third transmission / reception terminal 7c, the fourth transmission / reception terminal 7d,...
In FIG. 19, for example, the first control terminal 1a selects the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a and is connected to the communication line 4 as shown by a solid line. Similarly, the first controlled terminal 2a
The first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a is selected and connected to the communication line 4. Similarly, the second control terminal 1b, the second controlled terminal 2b, and the third controlled terminal 2c select the second transmission / reception terminal 7b and the third transmission / reception terminal 7c, respectively, and are connected. The server 3 includes a control side / controlled side protocol recording device 28, a controlled terminal type / model-specific data recording device 29, a control information storage device 33, a control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34, line connection fee information Storage device 3
5, a timer (control time detecting means) 36, a control state parameter recording device 41, and a control time recording device 42 are connected. The first control terminal 1a has a control time designation unit 13a in addition to the first input device 11a and the first output device (display device) 12a described in the first to fifth embodiments. The control time designation means 13a has a function of designating a time at which the server 3 remotely controls desired controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,.... The second control terminal 1b
Second input device 11b and second output device (display device) 1
2b. The first controlled terminal 2a has first control state parameter input means 21a. A first controlled device 8a is connected to the first controlled terminal 2a, and the first controlled device 8a has a built-in first control state parameter measuring unit 85a. The first control state parameter measuring means 85a is connected to the first control state parameter input means 21a. The second controlled terminal 2b has second control state parameter input means 21b. A second controlled device 8b is connected to the second controlled terminal 2b, and the second controlled device 8b
Has a control state parameter measuring means 85b. The second control state parameter measuring means 85b is connected to the second control state parameter input means 21b. Third
Has a third control state parameter input means 21c. A third controlled device 8c is connected to the third controlled terminal 2c, and the third controlled device 8c has a third control state parameter measuring unit 85c. Third control state parameter measuring means 85c
Is connected to the third control state parameter input means 21c. The server 3 includes a bidirectional protocol conversion unit 3
7 and an asynchronous control means 32 and a transmitting / receiving terminal selecting means not shown. Here, four transmission / reception terminals are provided for simplification of the figure, but one to three transmission terminals or five or more transmission terminals may be provided. FIG. 1 is not a “transmitting / receiving terminal” having two functions of a receiving terminal and a transmitting terminal.
"Reception terminal" which has each function separately like 6,
"Transmission terminals" may be connected respectively. The first transmission / reception terminal 7a establishes a transport layer level connection with the first control terminal 1a (or the second control terminal 1b indicated by a broken line), and makes an inquiry to the server 3 or 3 and authenticates the first control terminal 1a (or the second control terminal 1b). Once authentication is complete,
The transmission / reception terminal 7a newly sets a connection at the transport layer level to the server. As described above, the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a provides the same function as the case where the first control terminal 1a (or the second control terminal 1b) is directly connected to the server 3. Also, the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7
When a connection is created between the server 3 and the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a at the request of the server 3, the transmission / reception terminal selection is performed with reference to the line connection fee recorded in the line connection fee information recording device 35. The means creates a connection with the first controlled terminal 2a or the second controlled terminal 2b. As described above, the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a
Provides the same function as when the controlled terminal 2a or the second controlled terminal 2b is directly connected to the server 3.
Similarly, the transmission / reception terminal selection means incorporated in the server 3 selects the second transmission / reception terminal 7b with a low usage fee while referring to the line connection fee recorded in the line connection fee information recording device 35. Selected second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b
Establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the second control terminal 1b, and inquires of the server 3 or refers to a database shared with the server 3 to authenticate the second control terminal 2b. I do.
When the authentication is completed, the second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b newly sets a connection at the transport layer level to the server. As described above, the second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b
Provides the same function as when the control terminal 1b is directly connected to the server 3. Also, the second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b
When a connection is created between the server 3 and the second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b at the request of the server 3, the first controlled terminal 2a, the second controlled terminal 2b
Alternatively, it is also possible to select a connection with the third controlled terminal 2c. As described above, the second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b
Can provide the same function as when the second controlled terminal 2b is directly connected to the server 3. The third transmission / reception terminal 7c selected as the transmission / reception terminal with a low usage fee by the transmission / reception terminal selection means establishes a transport layer level connection with the second controlled terminal 2b and inquires the server 3 Or refer to the database shared with the server 3 and
Is authenticated for the controlled terminal 2b. When the authentication is completed, the third transmitting / receiving terminal 7c newly sets a transport layer level connection to the server. As described above, the selected third transmitting / receiving terminal 7c provides the same function as the case where the second controlled terminal 2b is directly connected to the server 3. Further, the third transmitting / receiving terminal 7c
When a connection is created between the server 3 and the third transmitting / receiving terminal 7c in response to a request from the server 3, a connection is created with the third controlled terminal 2c. As described above, the third transmitting / receiving terminal 7c provides the same function as that in the case where the third controlled terminal 2c is directly connected to the server 3. Further, the third transmission / reception terminal 7c can also select the connection with the second control terminal 1b as shown by the broken line. The fourth transmitting / receiving terminal 7d creates a connection with the third controlled terminal 2c as indicated by a broken line when a connection is created between the server 3 and the fourth transmitting / receiving terminal 7d at the request of the server 3. It is also possible. Third
When the connection with the server 3 is selected by the controlled terminal 2c via the fourth transmission / reception terminal 7d, the same function as that when the third controlled terminal 2c is directly connected to the server 3 is provided. . A well-known protocol such as PPP or TCP / IP can be used for the connection at the transport layer level between the first control terminal 1a and the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a and between the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a and the server 3. is there. In addition, the second transmitting / receiving terminal 7b and the third transmitting / receiving terminal 7
For c,..., etc., protocols such as PPP and TCP / IP can be used.

The two-way protocol conversion means 37 of the server 3 includes a first control terminal 1a, a second control terminal 1
b,... are transmitted to the first controlled terminal 2a, the second controlled terminal 2b, the third controlled terminal 2c,. A first protocol conversion function for converting the control information into second control information;
a, the second controlled terminal 2b, the third controlled terminal 2c,.
, The first controlled state parameter measuring means 85a, the second controlled state parameter measuring means 85b, the third controlled state parameter measuring means 85c,... Has a second protocol conversion function of converting the first controlled information including the result and the like into the second controlled information to be transmitted to the first control terminal 1a, the second control terminal 2b,... . The second protocol conversion function performs a protocol conversion in the opposite direction to the first protocol conversion function. Here, the protocol conversion function includes a protocol conversion at a communication protocol level and a protocol conversion at an application level. For example, the web protocol HTTP is used between the control terminal and the server, and the email protocol S is used between the server and the controlled terminal.
MTP may be used. When transmitting the controlled information from the server to the control terminal, SMTP may be used. As described above, the bidirectional conversion protocol function can set an arbitrary protocol when the server communicates with the control terminal and the controlled terminal.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the operation state of the first control terminal 1a in the remote control method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(A) First, in step S291,
The first control terminal 1a establishes a transport layer level connection with the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a.

(B) Next, in step S292,
A connection at the transport layer level with the server 3 is established.

(C) After establishing the connection with the server 3, the first control terminal 1a transmits the first control information from the first control terminal 1a to the server 3 in step S293, and the server 3 Write to the recording device 33.

(D) After the server 3 finishes writing the first control information into the control information recording device 33, the first control terminal 1a sends the first control terminal 1a to the server 3 in step S294. Release the connection.

(E) After a certain period of time has elapsed, in step S295, the server 3 connects to the first transmitting terminal 7a, and the first control terminal 1a connects to the server 3 again in step S296. To establish.

(F) Then, in step S297, the first control terminal 1a can refer to the control state parameter of the first controlled device 8a by the first output device (display device) 12a.

(G) Thereafter, in step S298, the connection between the server 3 and the first control terminal 1a is released.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the operation state of server 3 in the remote control method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(A) First, in step S301,
The server 3 authenticates the first control terminal 1a via the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a.

(B) After the authentication of the first control terminal 1a is completed,
In step S302, a connection between the server 3 and the first control terminal 1a is established via the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a.

(C) In step S303, the server 3 writes the first control information from the first control terminal 1a to the control information recording device 33. At the same time, server 3
The specified time data sent from the control time specifying means 13a is also written in the control time recording device 42.

(D) The first control information is recorded in the control information recording device 33, and the data at the designated time is recorded in the control time recording device 4.
2, the server 3 releases the connection with the first control terminal 1a in step S304.
The two-way protocol conversion means 37 converts the first control information into the second control information and records it again in the control information recording device 33.

(E) Next, in step S305,
The transmission / reception terminal selection means of the server 3 refers to the line connection fee information recording device 35, and sets the transmission / reception terminals that can be used at a low usage fee to the first transmission / reception device 7a, the second transmission / reception device 7b,
The third transmitting / receiving device 7c, the fourth transmitting / receiving device 7d,...
Choose from For example, it is assumed that the first transmitting / receiving device 7a is selected as the transmitting / receiving terminal for the first controlled terminal 2a as shown by the solid line in FIG.

(F) In step S306, the server 3 establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a.

(G) In step S307, the server 3 establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the first controlled terminal 2a. At this time, the server 3 uses the designated control time recorded in the control time recording device 42 and the timer 36 to set the connection time with the first controlled terminal 2a to the time designated by the control time designation means 13a. I can do it.

(H) Next, in step S308,
Based on the second control information recorded in the control information recording device 33, the server 3 remotely controls the first controlled terminal 2a and drives the first controlled device 8a. At this time, the first
The control state parameter measuring device 85a measures the control state parameter of the first controlled device 8a. The measured parameter is input to the first control state parameter input means 21a of the first controlled terminal 2a.

(I) In step S309, the server 3 receives the first controlled information such as the control result and the remote control parameters, and records the first controlled information in the control state parameter recording device 41.

(7) When the writing to the parameter recording device 41 is completed, the server 3 releases the connection between the server 3 and the first controlled terminal 2a in step S310. The bidirectional protocol conversion means 37 converts the information into first controlled information and second controlled information, and records the converted information in the control state parameter recording device 41.

In FIG. 21, steps S301 to S304, step S305, and step S306
Steps S310 to S310 are started by different processes. Thus, the transaction is performed asynchronously.

In the remote control method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the user of the first control terminal
Is connected to the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a, a connection is established with the server 3, and the second controlled information recorded in the control state parameter recording device 41 of the server 3 is transmitted to the first output device ( (Display device) 12a for reference. The user of the second control terminal 1b can also use the second output device 12b to know the control state of the corresponding controlled device.

Here, an example has been described in which the first control terminal 1a connects to the server 3 and refers to the control result and the remote control parameter of the first controlled device 8a. The first controlled information including the control result of the control device 8b and the remote control parameter is written in the control state parameter recording device 41, and the two-way protocol conversion means 3
7 to be converted into second controlled information and written into the control information parameter recording device. In this case, a connection may be created with the second control terminal 1b, and the second controlled information may be transmitted to the second control terminal 1b and displayed on the second output device 12b.

As described above, in the remote control method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the server 3 stores the time designated by the control time designation means 13a of the first control terminal 1a in the control time recording device 42. At the control time designated by the timer (control time detecting means) 36,
Of the controlled device 8a can be driven.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to a modification of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this modified example, the server 3 sets the transaction generating means 61 to the transmitting / receiving
b, bidirectional protocol conversion means 37, asynchronous control means 3
Built in in addition to 2. The first control terminal 1a is configured as shown in FIG.
9, control time designation means 13a, first input device 11a,
In addition to the first output device 12a, it has a controlled terminal list presenting means 14a. The first control terminal 1a presents a plurality of controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,... To be remotely controlled to the server 3 by the controlled terminal list presenting means 14a. The server 3 records the list of the plurality of controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,... Transmitted from the list presenting means 14a in the control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34.

The server 3 stores a plurality of controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c, 2c in the list recorded in the control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34 corresponding to the controlled terminal list presented by the first control terminal 1a. ... for all
A transaction can also be generated by the transaction generating means 61 which is remotely controlled at the same time or almost simultaneously. In addition, the first control terminal 1a is a controlled terminal 2a, 2
A group of a plurality of controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,... can be remotely controlled in a multicast manner by a group number for classifying b, 2c,. Further, the first control terminal 1a is a controlled terminal 2a, 2 which is a target agreed in advance with the first control terminal 1a and the server.
It is also possible to remotely control all the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,... in a broadcast manner by using numbers (flags) representing a set of b, 2c,.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is different from FIG. 22 in that the server 3 includes a first transaction list storage device 27a and a second transaction list storage device 27b instead of the control information recording device 33. The first transaction list storage device 27a and the second transaction storage device 27b store transactions executed by the process.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a link structure between a process and a memory in the remote control system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Process 1 is a process for writing controlled terminal information. Process 2 is a process for converting the controlled terminal information. Process 3
Is a process for controlling the controlled terminal. Process 1 and process 2 are related by a first transaction list, and the processes are independent.
Process 2 and process 3 are related by a second transaction list, and the processes are independent.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a controlled terminal control process performed by the server 3 in a time series in the remote control system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
The controlled terminal control process performed by the server 3 is shown in FIG.
Process 1 consisting of step S311 shown in (a)
24, a process 2 including steps S321 to S323 illustrated in FIG. 24B, and a process 3 including steps S331 to S332 illustrated in FIG. 24C. The server 3 constantly monitors the first transaction list storage device 27a and the second transaction list storage device 27b. Here, the process 1, the process 2 and the process 3 are executed independently.

(A) Process 1: In step S311, the server 3 stores the first transaction corresponding to the control terminal information received from the control terminals 1a, 1b,... In the first transaction list storage device 27a. To record.

(B) Process 2: In step S321, the server 3 recognizes that a transaction is recorded in the first transaction storage device 27a. Then, in step S322, the server 3
Is used to convert the first transaction to a second
Performs protocol conversion to transaction. afterwards,
In step S323, the server 3 records the result in the second transaction list storage device 27b.

(C) Process 3: In step S331, the server 3 recognizes that the second transaction is recorded in the second transaction storage device 27b. Then, in step S332, the server 3 controls the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,... According to the second transaction recorded in the second transaction storage device 27b.

[0137] These processes 1 to 3 may be performed on a single server 3 or may be performed on a plurality of servers. Data structure handled by server 3 and process 1
To 3 are independent. Therefore, processes 1 to 3
Can be executed asynchronously.

Here, since the first transaction list storage device 27a is shared by the process 1 and the process 2, appropriate exclusive control is performed for each of them. Also, since the second transaction list storage device 27b is shared by the process 2 and the process 3, appropriate exclusive control is performed on each of them. It is needless to say that the temporary storage devices used in each process must also be exclusively controlled. Note that the first transaction list storage device 27a and the second transaction list storage device 27b may be placed under common management of the server 3, or may be managed individually.

FIG. 25 shows a first transaction list storage device 27a and a second transaction storage device 27.
3B shows a memory structure. The memory structure includes a next memory pointer 301, a previous memory pointer 302, and another header 303.
And data 304. The next memory pointer 301 is a pointer indicating the address of the next structure. The previous memory pointer 302 is a pointer indicating the address of the immediately preceding structure. Another header 303 has information such as time information. Data 304 stores control data.

By performing such a system configuration, communication between the control terminals 1a, 1b,... And the server 3, and communication between the server 3 and the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,.
・ Transactions between can be performed completely asynchronously.

By providing a time field in another header 303 of the memory, the server 3 can control the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,... At a designated time. The time field is used to record the absolute time, the accumulated seconds from a specific year, month, day, hour, minute, and second,
Alternatively, the difference between the accumulated time from a specific date, month, day, hour, minute, and second and the current time may be used. By setting the time in the time field, the time at which the process 2 performs the protocol conversion of the controlled terminal information, or the time at which the process 3 performs the control
It is possible to set the time for performing the control of b, 2c,....

An example will be described in which the time field holds the difference between the accumulated time from a specific date, month, day, hour, minute, and second and the current time. Here, a case where the process 2 stores control information in the second transaction list storage device 27b will be described. Second transaction list storage device 2
7b, the transactions are arranged in an execution order for controlling the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,....
The process of recording in the second transaction list storage device 27b fetches the current time in terms of the accumulated seconds and fetches the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the accumulation for executing the control using a system function. Then, the difference of the time is set in the time field. If there is no transaction recorded in the second transaction list 27b, the information is recorded as it is. If there are transactions, add the time fields of the following transactions in order from the first transaction, and when it comes to a place that is equal to the difference seconds set in the time field of the newly recorded transaction, the transaction list Time field after 0
And record the transaction. Also, when following a transaction, if the difference seconds set in the time field of the newly recorded transaction are exceeded, the difference seconds of the immediately preceding transaction are added after the transaction of the exceeded part. Link in the time field. In this case, the value of the time field of the transaction immediately after that is set to a value obtained by subtracting the difference second set in the time field of the newly recorded transaction from the value previously set, and adjusted.

That is, in the time field of the control information executed first, the difference second between the current time and the execution time is set, and in the time field of the control information executed thereafter, one time is set. A difference second from the previous execution time is set. For example, the time fields from the top are 5, 3, 9
To record a new transaction that you want to execute 6 seconds after the current time when there are three transactions, insert a new transaction between 5 and 3 and set the time fields to 5, 1, 2, 9 Is set. This is 5 seconds, 6 seconds after the current time,
This shows that there is a transaction to be executed after 8 seconds and after 17 seconds.

If the control cannot be completed, for example, if a connection with the controlled terminal cannot be established when the transaction is executed, the transaction is reinserted into the original transaction list, error processing is performed, or another list is executed. You also need to move it.

The process 3 monitors, for example, every second, the time field of the first executed control information recorded in the second transaction list storage device 27b, and in that case, subtracts one second from the differential second. When the value of the time field of the control information to be executed first becomes 0, the process 3 determines that the transaction execution time has come, and stores the transaction in the second transaction list 27b.
Remove more and execute transactions based on it. Of course, during the removal, appropriate exclusive control must be performed so that other processes cannot refer to the process. The process 3 deletes the control information from the second transaction list storage device 27b, and the process 3 executes the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,.
Perform the execution of At this time, process 3 is controlled terminal 2
a, 2b, 2c,... may be controlled, and a child process for controlling the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,. It may be controlled.

The same applies to the case where the process 1 stores control information in the first transaction list storage device 27a. Such a time management method is general, and UNIX
(Registered trademark) used in the kernel. It is much easier to compare the time field of the first transaction by subtracting 1 than to compare the absolute time. Although complex calculations are required before implementation, it is easier to process transactions at a fixed time.

(Other Embodiments) As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the first to seventh embodiments.
The discussion and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the first embodiment and the sixth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, server processing can be divided into several processes and performed in parallel. The server may be constituted by one physical computer, or may be constituted by a plurality of physical computers. The processes operating according to the invention may be distributed over a plurality.

In the first embodiment, when the parallel processing is performed by dividing into several processes, the flow of the operation state of the server 3 shown in FIG. 3 is as shown in FIG. The controlled terminal control process performed by the server 3 includes a process 1 including steps S341 to S343 illustrated in FIG. 26A and a step S3 illustrated in FIG.
The process 2 is composed of steps 44 to S346.

(A) Process 1: Step S20 in FIG.
In step S341, the server 3
Accepts a connection from the control terminal 1. When the first control information is transmitted in step S202 of FIG. 2, the server 3 acquires the first control information from the control terminal 1 in step S432. Server 3 is control terminal 1
When the first control information of the control terminal 2 is obtained from the control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34,
The controlled terminal 2 checks whether or not the control terminal 1 is a controlled terminal to be remotely controlled. When the controlled terminal 2 is a controlled terminal to be remotely controlled by the control terminal 1, the server 3 writes the first control information acquired from the control terminal 1 to the control information recording device 33. When the writing is completed, the connection between the control terminal 1 and the server 3 is disconnected in step S343.

(B) Process 2: In step S344, the server 3 uses the communication line 4 to
Make a connection to. When the connection is completed, step S345
, The server 3 remotely controls the controlled terminal 2 and drives the controlled device 8 based on the second control information recorded in the control information recording device 33. When the predetermined remote control for the controlled terminal 2 ends, the server 3 disconnects the connection with the controlled terminal 2 in step S346.

In the sixth embodiment, when the parallel processing is performed by dividing into several processes, the flow of the operation state of the first control terminal 1a shown in FIG. 20 is as shown in FIG. The controlled terminal control process performed by the server 3 is shown in FIG.
Steps S351 to S3 shown in FIG.
The process 1 includes the process 1 including the process 54 and the process 2 including the steps S355 to S358 illustrated in FIG.

(A) Process 1: First, Step S35
In 1, the first control terminal 1a establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a. Next, in step S352, a connection at the transport layer level with the server 3 is established. After establishing a connection with the server 3, the first control terminal 1a
Transmits the first control information from the first control terminal 1a to the server 3 in step S353, and the server 3 writes the first control information in the control information recording device 33. After the server 3 finishes writing the first control information in the control information recording device 33, the first control terminal 1a releases the connection between the first control terminal 1a and the server 3 in step S354.

(B) Process 2: In step S3595, the server 3 connects to the first transmitting terminal 7a, and the first control terminal 1a establishes a connection with the server 3 again in step S356. Then, in step S357, the first control terminal 1a can refer to the control state parameter of the first controlled device 8a by the first output device (display device) 12a. Then, in step S358, the connection between the server 3 and the first control terminal 1a is released.

The flow of the operation state of the server 3 shown in FIG. 21 is as shown in FIG. The controlled terminal control process performed by the server 3 is a process 1 including steps S361 to S364 shown in FIG.
And a process 2 including steps S365 to S370 shown in FIG.

(A) Process 1: First, Step S36
In 1, the server 3 authenticates the first control terminal 1a via the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a. After the authentication of the first control terminal 1a is completed, in step S362, a connection between the server 3 and the first control terminal 1a is established via the first transmission / reception terminal 7a. In step S363, the server 3 writes the first control information from the first control terminal 1a to the control information recording device 33. at the same time,
The server 3 also writes the data at the designated time sent from the control time designation means 13a to the control time recording device 42.
When the first control information is recorded in the control information recording device 33 and the data at the designated time is recorded in the control time recording device 42, the server 3 releases the connection with the first control terminal 1a in step S364. The two-way protocol conversion means 37 converts the first control information into the second control information and records it again in the control information recording device 33.

(B) Process 2: Next, step S36
In 5, the transmission / reception terminal selection means of the server 3 refers to the line connection fee information recording device 35, and sets the transmission / reception terminal which can be used at a low usage fee to the first transmission / reception device 7a, the second transmission / reception device 7b, and the third transmission / reception device. The device is selected from the device 7c, the fourth transmitting / receiving device 7d,.... For example, it is assumed that the first transmitting / receiving device 7a is selected as the transmitting / receiving terminal for the first controlled terminal 2a as shown by the solid line in FIG. In step S366, the server 3 establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the first transmitting / receiving terminal 7a. In step S367, the server 3 establishes a connection at the transport layer level with the first controlled terminal 2a. At this time, the server 3 uses the designated control time recorded in the control time recording device 42 and the timer 36 to set the connection time with the first controlled terminal 2a to the time designated by the control time designation means 13a. I can do it.
Next, in step S368, the control information recording device 3
3 based on the second control information recorded in the server 3
Remote-controls the first controlled terminal 2a and drives the first controlled device 8a. At this time, the first control state parameter measuring device 85a measures the control state parameter of the first controlled device 8a. The measured parameter is the first control state parameter input means 2 of the first controlled terminal 2a.
1a. In step S369, the server 3 receives the first controlled information such as the control result and the remote control parameter, and records the first controlled information in the control state parameter recording device 41. When the writing to the parameter recording device 41 is completed, the server 3 determines in step S370 that the server 3 and the first controlled terminal 2
Release the connection between a. The bidirectional protocol conversion means 37 converts the information into first controlled information and second controlled information, and records the converted information in the control state parameter recording device 41.

As described above, writing from the control terminal,
Control of the controlled terminal is performed independently by two completely asynchronous processes. FIG. 29 shows a system configuration diagram.
The free buffer pool 51 is a storage area for recording control information, and the transaction list 52 is a list in which control information is recorded. The free buffer pool 51 stores a memory as shown in FIG.
Prepare 0 pieces. The process of writing from the control terminal takes the memory from the free buffer pool 51, records the data, and links to the transaction list. The process of writing from the control terminal and the process of controlling the controlled terminal can access the common free buffer pool 51. The process that writes from the controlling terminal uses the free buffer
One buffer is cut out from the pool 51, control information from the control terminal is written into it, and it is inserted into the transaction list 52 at an appropriate position. The appropriate position is the last position in the list if the control time is not managed.
On the other hand, when controlling the controlled terminal at a fixed time, or when specifying the control time, the transaction list 52 is a time-series list in which the control information is recorded together with the control information. In this case, as described in the seventh embodiment, the process of writing from the control terminal is inserted at an appropriate position such that the transaction list 52 becomes time-series.

Although the first and sixth embodiments have been described here, it goes without saying that other embodiments can be applied.

The communication line is assumed to be the existing Internet or telephone line, but it is also possible to use another network or an existing personal computer communication network.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the connection between the control terminal and the server or between the server and the controlled terminal 2 is disconnected after the transmission is completed. However, the connection does not have to be disconnected every time. A communication line that is always connected may be used.

The controlled terminal list presenting means 14a built in the first control terminal 1a of FIG. 22 adds the controlled terminal 2 to the list of the controlled terminals 2 presented to the server 3 for the same remote control. 2a, 2b, 2c, ...
A function may be provided for indicating the time at which remote control is desired for each time. In this case, the control terminal / controlled terminal correspondence list recording device 34 also functions as a control time recording device that records a control time corresponding to the list of the controlled terminals 2a, 2b, 2c,. You should do it.

As described above, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments and the like not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by the invention specifying matters according to the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0164]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a remote control method and a remote control system in which a controlled terminal can efficiently perform remote control irrespective of whether the terminal is always connected to a telephone station or an emergency connection.

Further, according to the present invention, even when a user of a control terminal is likely to use the terminal for another purpose, a remote control method and a remote control method which do not impair the function of the control terminal for another purpose are provided. A remote control system can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the control terminal intends to remotely control a plurality of controlled terminals, the remote control method can realize the remote control at low cost without having many storage devices. And a remote control system.

Further, according to the present invention, a remote control method capable of remotely controlling a controlled terminal without providing a remote control method for each controlled terminal having the same or similar remote control method in a server. And remote control systems can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state flow of a control terminal in the remote control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation state of a server in the remote control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote control system according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation state of a controlled terminal in a remote control method according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state flow of a server in a remote control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state flow of a control terminal in a remote control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a change in an operation state of a server in a remote control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of a server in a remote control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating correspondence between controlled terminal individual information and a command table in the remote control method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a design diagram of control information sent from a control terminal to a server in a remote control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing correspondence between controlled terminal individual information and a command table used in a remote control system according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram used for a remote control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a change in the operation state of the control terminal in the remote control method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a change in an operation state of a server in a remote control method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation state of a first control terminal in a remote control method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation state of a server in a remote control method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to a modification of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to a modification of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating asynchronous control executed by a server.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a memory structure of a transaction list storage device.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the server when processing of the server according to the first embodiment is performed asynchronously.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the control terminal when processing of the server according to the first embodiment is performed asynchronously.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the server when the processing of the server according to the sixth embodiment is performed asynchronously.

FIG. 29 is a system block diagram when a server process is performed asynchronously.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a link structure between a process and a memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a, 1b Control terminal 2, 2a, 2b, 2c Controlled terminal 3 Server 4 Communication line 5a, 5b Reception terminal 6a, 6b Transmission terminal 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Transmission / reception terminal 8, 8a, 8b, 8c Controlled Equipment 11, 11a, 11b Input device 12, 12a, 12b Output device (display device) 13a Control time designation means 21a, 21b, 21c Control status parameter input means 27a, 27b Transaction list storage device 28 Control side / controlled side protocol recording Device 29 Controlled terminal type / model type data recording device 30 Menu recording device 31 Protocol conversion means 32 Asynchronous control means 33 Control information recording device 33a First control information recording device 33b Second control information recording device 34 Control terminal controlled Terminal correspondence list recording device 35 Line connection information recording device 36 Immer (control time detecting means) 37 bidirectional protocol converting means 38 controlled terminal individual information / command table storage device 39a transmitting terminal selecting means 39b transmitting / receiving terminal selecting means 41 control state parameter recording device 42 control time recording device 43 control result recording device 51 Free buffer pool 52 Transaction list 53 Control information recording device 61 Transaction generation means 85a, 85b, 85c Control state parameter measurement means 301 Next memory pointer 302 Previous memory pointer 303 Other header 304 Data

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 5B089 GA11 GA21 HA01 JA35 JB15 KA04 KA13 KA15 KB10 KB12 KF05 KG01 KG03 KG09 KG10 LB14 LB25 5K048 AA04 BA12 BA13 CA08 DA02 DC04 DC07 EA11 EB02 FB08 FC01 HA01 HA02 HA05 KK MM07 NN03 NN18 NN21 NN34 RR12 SS07 TT06 UU16

Claims (14)

[Claims] A control terminal transmitting control information to a server, the server acquiring the control information, and recording the control information in a control information recording device, wherein the control information is recorded in the control information recording device. Remote controlling a desired controlled terminal based on the control information. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: after the step of recording the control information, further updating a step of disconnecting the control terminal from the server and a step of connecting the server to the controlled terminal. The remote control method according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The step of making a connection between the server and the controlled terminal includes the step of the server trying to connect to the controlled terminal under predetermined conditions, and if the connection is within the predetermined conditions, the connection of the controlled terminal is established. 3. The remote control method according to claim 2, comprising connecting to a control terminal. 4. The step of transmitting the control information includes: after the control terminal requests a control menu; and after the server transmits the control menu to the control terminal in response to the request, 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step is executed while referring to the control menu.
The remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The control information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information recording device comprises first and second control information recording devices.
And recording the control information, wherein the server records the control information acquired from the control terminal as first control information in the first control information recording device. And the server modifies the first control information into second control information according to the type of the controlled terminal, and records the second control information in a second control information recording device. The remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: 6. The server refers to the line connection fee information recorded in the line connection fee information recording device, and selects a transmission terminal having a low usage fee, and a communication between the server and the selected transmission terminal. Establishing a connection, and further comprising establishing a connection between the transmitting terminal and the controlled terminal, wherein the step of remotely controlling the controlled terminal is performed via the transmitting terminal. The remote control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: 7. A step of transmitting a control result of the controlled terminal or a parameter of a control state of the controlled terminal to the server, wherein the control terminal displays the control result or the control state of the server. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of referring to a parameter.
The remote control method according to the paragraph. 8. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a step of transmitting the control result or control state parameter held by the server to the control terminal. The remote control method as described. 9. A control terminal that transmits first control information, a controlled terminal to be controlled by the control terminal, and a second control information that the controlled terminal receives the first control information. A server comprising: a protocol conversion means for converting; an asynchronous control means for remotely controlling the controlled terminal using the second control information in an asynchronous state with respect to transmission from the control terminal; and A communication line connecting the controlled terminal and the server, a control information recording device connected to the server, and recording first control information composed of a message packet transmitted from the control terminal; A remote control system comprising: a control terminal associated with the controlled terminal; and a list recording device corresponding to the controlled terminal. 10. The server, wherein a first protocol conversion for converting information from the control terminal to information corresponding to the controlled terminal, and converting the information from the controlled terminal to information corresponding to the control terminal. The remote control system according to claim 9, further comprising a bidirectional protocol conversion function including a second protocol conversion for conversion. 11. The remote control system according to claim 10, wherein the two-way protocol conversion function includes a communication protocol level protocol conversion and an application level protocol conversion. 12. The server further comprising: a receiving terminal connectable between the control terminal and the communication line; and a plurality of transmitting terminals connectable between the communication line and the controlled terminal. The remote control system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a transmission terminal selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of transmission terminals. 13. The server includes a line connection fee information recording device that records line connection fee information, and the transmitting terminal selecting unit refers to the line connection fee information and communicates with the server and the controlled terminal. The remote control system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the transmission terminal to which the remote control is connected is selected. 14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controlled terminal includes a control state parameter measuring device for measuring a control state parameter of a controlled device driven by the controlled terminal. The remote control system according to any one of claims 13 to 13.