BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control system and a remote control program.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Home electric appliances have been commercialized that are capable of grasping, through
position information services provided using GPSs, present positions of portable terminals
(cellular phones, smart phones, and tablet terminals) and causing the portable terminals
to start or stop operations of the home electric appliances from the outside of homes
according to the grasped present positions.
[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2005-175776 discloses a remote control system that automatically enables control of information
apparatuses such as home information appliances when fixed conditions registered in
advance are satisfied even if a user does not actively perform operation, or prevents
the user from forgetting the operation and enables the control of the information
apparatuses by notifying the user of various statuses of the home information appliances.
[0004] However, with the remote control system, although it is possible to cause control
target apparatuses to operate according to the transition of the position of the user
and the approach of the user, the user cannot perform a setting change. Therefore,
the remote control system can perform only the operations set in advance.
[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above and it is an object of
the present invention to obtain a remote control system capable of, while preventing
a user from forgetting to perform the setting of the remote control system, causing
control target apparatuses to perform appropriate operations even when the user does
not perform setting of the remote control system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems
in the conventional technology.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, a remote control system including:
a portable terminal; a server that acquires position information of the portable terminal;
and a control target apparatus controlled from the server. The server stores a remote
control execution boundary where the control of the control target apparatus is started
and a remote control execution check boundary present in a position farther from a
base where the control target apparatus is set than the remote control execution boundary,
when the portable terminal crosses the remote control execution check boundary while
approaching the base, the server transmits a control execution check message for the
control target apparatus to the portable terminal, and when the portable terminal
crosses the remote control execution boundary while approaching the base, the server
controls the control target apparatus according to presence or absence of a response
to the control execution check message and the content of the response.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a remote control system including:
a portable terminal; a server that acquires position information of the portable terminal;
and a control target apparatus controlled from the server. The server stores a remote
control execution area that centers on a base where the control target apparatus is
set and a remote control execution check area that centers on a position different
from the base and does not overlap the remote control execution area, when the portable
terminal exits the remote control execution check area, the server transmits a control
execution check message for the control target apparatus to the portable terminal,
and when the portable terminal enters the remote control execution area, the server
controls the control target apparatus according to presence or absence of a response
to the control execution check message and the content of the response.
[0009] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control system
including: a portable terminal; a server that acquires position information of the
portable terminal; and a control target apparatus controlled from the server. The
server stores a remote control execution area that centers on a base where the control
target apparatus is set and a remote control execution check area that centers on
a position different from the base and does not overlap the remote control execution
area, when the portable terminal exits the remote control execution check area, the
server transmits a control execution check message for the control target apparatus
to another portable terminal, and when the portable terminal, which exits the remote
control execution check area, enters the remote control execution area, the server
controls the control target apparatus according to presence or absence of a response
to the control execution check message from the another portable terminal and the
content of the response.
[0010] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control program
for acquiring position information of a portable terminal and controlling a control
target apparatus, the remote control program causing a server to execute: a step of
transmitting, when the portable terminal crosses a remote control execution check
boundary while approaching a base, a control execution check message for the control
target apparatus to the portable terminal; and a step of controlling, when the portable
terminal crosses, while approaching the base, a remote control execution boundary
where the control of the control target apparatus is started, the remote control execution
boundary being present in a position closer to a base where the control target apparatus
is set than the remote control execution check boundary, the control target apparatus
according to presence or absence of a response to the control execution check message
and the content of the response.
[0011] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control program
for acquiring position information of a portable terminal and controlling a control
target apparatus, the remote control program causing a server to execute: a step of
transmitting, when the portable terminal exits a remote control execution check area,
a control execution check message for the control target apparatus to the portable
terminal; and a step of controlling, when the portable terminal enters a remote control
execution area that centers on a base where the control target apparatus is set and
does not overlap the remote control execution check area, the control target apparatus
according to presence or absence of a response to the control execution check message
and the content of the response.
[0012] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a remote control program
for acquiring position information of a portable terminal and controlling a control
target apparatus, the remote control program causing a server to execute: a step of
transmitting, when the portable terminal exits a remote control execution check area
that centers on a base where the control target apparatus is set, a control execution
check message for the control target apparatus to another portable terminal; and a
step of controlling, when the portable terminal, which exits the remote control execution
check area, enters a remote control execution area that centers on a base where the
control target apparatus is set and does not overlap the remote control execution
check area, the control target apparatus according to presence or absence of a response
to the control execution check message from the another portable terminal and content
of the response.
[0013] The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance
of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description
of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Fig. 1 is a diagram of the configuration of a remote control system according to a
first embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining operations performed after a remote control
execution check area and a remote control execution area are set in the remote control
system according to the first embodiment;
Figs. 3(A) to 3(C) are diagrams illustrating a remote control setting screen registered
in the remote control system according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the order of operations of the remote control
system according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining operations performed after remote control
execution check areas and remote control execution areas are set in a remote control
system according to a third embodiment;
Figs. 6(A) to 6(C) are diagrams illustrating a remote control setting screen registered
in the remote control system according to the third embodiment; and
Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the order of operations of the remote control
system according to the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference
to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.
First Embodiment
[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram of the configuration of a remote control system according to
a first embodiment. The remote control system shown in Fig. 1 includes a portable
terminal 10, a satellite 11, which is a global positioning system (GPS) satellite
that grasps the position of the portable terminal 10, a server 12 functioning as a
remote control server, a home electric appliance 13, a personal computer 14, a base
station 15 that performs radio communication with the portable terminal 10, and a
router 16 connected to the home electric appliance 13. The server 12, the personal
computer 14, the base station 15, and the router 16 are connected to a network 20.
As the home electric appliance 13, a refrigerator 13a and an air conditioner 13b are
illustrated. However, the home electric appliance 13 is not limited to these appliances.
[0017] The portable terminal 10 carried by a user acquires present location information
of the portable terminal 10 from the GPS satellite 11 and transmits the present location
information to the server 12 via the network 20. The personal computer 14 is just
an example of a terminal used when the user performs registration of control contents
(for example, at home), and is not limited to a specific apparatus. Further, the personal
computer 14 does not have to be always connected to the network 20 and only has to
be connected to the network 20 according to necessity. As the network 20, the Internet
can be raised as an example.
[0018] In the remote control system according to this embodiment, a remote control execution
check area and a remote control execution area are set. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram
for explaining operations performed after a remote control execution check area 31
and a remote control execution area 30 are set in the remote control system according
to this embodiment. In Fig. 2, as an example, the remote control execution area 30
is set around a user's home 40 in which the home electric appliance 13 is set and
the remote control execution check area 31 is set around a company 41. The user sets
the remote control execution check area 31 and the remote control execution area 30
in advance using the portable terminal 10 or the personal computer 14 in Fig. 1 connected
to the network 20.
[0019] Figs. 3(A) and 3(B) are diagrams illustrating a remote control setting screen registered
in the remote control system according to this embodiment. Area setting and operation
setting are shown on the remote control setting screen shown in Figs. 3(A) to 3(C).
As shown in Figs. 3(A) and 3B, the area setting screen includes the remote control
execution area (Fig. 3(A)) and the remote control execution check area (Fig. 3(B)).
As shown in Fig. 3(C), on the operation setting screen, operations performed by control
target apparatuses when the user goes out, when the user comes home, and when there
is no response to a check message are shown.
[0020] For example, an air conditioner in a living room is turned off when the user goes
out, turned on at set temperature of 25°C if the room temperature is equal to or higher
than 28°C when the user comes home, and turned off when there is no response to the
check message. For example, a refrigerator operates in a power saving mode when the
user goes out, operates in a normal operation mode when the user comes home, and operates
in the power saving mode when there is no response to the check message. For example,
a light in the living room is turned off when the user goes out, turned on when the
user comes home, and turned off when there is no response to the check message.
[0021] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the order of operations of the remote control
system according to this embodiment. The user registers the portable terminal 10 in
the server 12 in advance. The user installs application software of the remote control
system in the portable terminal 10. The user registers area setting (the remote control
execution area 30 and the remote control execution check area 31) and operation setting
during remote control using the portable terminal 10 or the personal computer 14 installed
with the application software. As the operation setting during the remote control,
not only ON/OFF of a power supply of a control target apparatus but also detailed
setting can be performed. For example, if the control target apparatus is an air conditioner,
the remote control system sets the air conditioner to be turned on only when the room
temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.
[0022] When the portable terminal 10 enters the remote control execution area 30, the remote
control system does not always perform an operation for turning on the control target
apparatus. As shown in Fig. 3(C), if the control target apparatus is a refrigerator,
the remote control system performs switching of an operation mode when the portable
terminal 10 enters the remote control execution area 30. Or, for example, if the control
target apparatus is an automatic cleaner that automatically operates during the user's
absence from home, the remote control system may be set to turn off the control target
apparatus when the portable terminal 10 enters the remote control execution area 30.
[0023] Further, not only the position of the portable terminal 10 but also time can be used.
For example, the remote control system may be set to execute the remote control after
5 o'clock in the evening or may be set to enable the remote control only between 10
o'clock in the morning and 5 o'clock in the evening.
[0024] After being set as explained above, when the portable terminal 10 exits the remote
control execution range 30, the remote control system starts processing (step S11).
When the processing is started, first, the server 12 issues a command to the home
electric appliance 13 via the network 20 and the router 16, whereby remote control
of an operation at the time of going out set in advance is executed (step S12). For
example, the server 12 turns off the home electric appliance 13 or switches an operation
mode of the home electric appliance 13. Thereafter, when the portable terminal 10
enters the remote control execution check area 31 (for example, where a company is
present) and thereafter exits the remote control execution check area 31 (for example,
leaves the company), the server 12 transmits, to the portable terminal 10, a check
message for checking whether the remote control is to be executed (step S13).
[0025] Regarding the check message, it may be the one that an application displays on a
top screen of the portable terminal 10 or the one that is transmitted using an electronic
mail. The check message is not limited to a specific form. The check message includes
content for at least causing the user to select "whether the remote control is executed"
and checking "whether operation setting is changed". When the operation setting is
changed, the server 12 causes the user to input content to be changed. Operations
to be performed after the server 12 transmits the check message to the portable terminal
10 are determined according to presence or absence of a response to the check message
and content of the response.
[0026] First, the server 12 determines presence or absence of a response to the check message
when the portable terminal 10 enters the remote control execution area 30 (step S14).
As a result of the determination, if the response to the check message is absent (No
at step S14), when the portable terminal 10 enters the remote control execution area
30 (step S17d), the server 12 performs an operation at the time of no response to
the check message (see Fig. 3(C)) (step S18d). As a result of the determination, if
the response to the check message is present (Yes at step S14), the processing shifts
to step S15 and the server 12 performs the next determination.
[0027] The server 12 determines content of the response to "whether the remote control is
to be executed" in the check message (step S15). As a result of the determination,
if the remote control is not executed (No at step S15), even if the portable terminal
10 enters the remote control execution area 30 (step S17c), the server 12 does not
execute the remote control (step S18c). As a result of the determination, if the remote
control is executed (Yes at step S15), the processing shifts to step S16 and the next
determination is performed.
[0028] Subsequently, the server 12 determines content of a response to "whether operation
setting is changed" in the check message (step S16). As a result of the determination,
if the operation setting is not changed (No at step S16), when the portable terminal
10 enters the remote control execution area 30 (step S17a), the server 12 executes
the remote control according to the operation setting registered in advance or initial
setting (step S18a). As a result of the determination, if the operation setting is
changed (Yes at step S16), when the portable terminal 10 enters the remote control
execution area 30 (step S17b), the server 12 executes the remote control according
to the operation setting after the change (step S18b).
[0029] After steps S18a to S18d, the processing ends (step S19). In this way, it is possible
to cause the remote control system in this embodiment to operate. By remotely controlling
the control target apparatus with the remote control system, it is possible to improve
convenience for the user, prevent the user from forgetting to turn off the control
target apparatus, and reduce power consumption.
[0030] Note that, in the above explanation, the four operation patterns are explained as
the operations of the remote control system. However, even if the remote control is
being executed to cause the control target apparatus to operate, if a communication
between the portable terminal 10 and the server 12 is possible, the operation setting
can be changed by application software or the like of the portable terminal 10.
[0031] The remote control system in this embodiment can be set to execute the remote control
when the portable terminal 10 simply exits the remote control execution area 30 and
enters the remote control execution area 30 again without entering the remote control
execution check area 31. In this case, because there is no response to the check message,
when the portable terminal 10 enters the remote control execution area 30, the remote
control system performs a set operation. The set operation can be the operation at
the time of no response to the check message at step S18d or can be an operation set
in advance different from the operation at the time of no response to the check message.
[0032] Note that, in this embodiment, the remote control execution area and the remote control
execution check area are set and the remote control system is caused to operate with
the entrance into and exit from the areas as triggers. However, the present invention
is not limited to this. An edge of the remote control execution area can be set as
a remote control execution boundary and an edge of the remote control execution check
area can be set as a remote control execution check boundary. That is, the present
invention can also include a remote control system including a portable terminal,
a server that acquires position information of the portable terminal, and a control
target apparatus controlled from the server. The server stores a remote control execution
boundary where the control of the control target apparatus is started and a remote
control execution check boundary present in a position farther from a base where the
control target apparatus is set than the remote control execution boundary. When the
portable terminal crosses the remote control execution check boundary while approaching
the base, the server transmits a control execution check message for the control target
apparatus to the portable terminal. When the portable terminal crosses the remote
control execution boundary while approaching the base, the server controls the control
target apparatus according to presence or absence of a response to the control execution
check message and content of the response.
Second Embodiment
[0033] A remote control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention
is explained. In the remote control system, even if the portable terminal 10 repeats
entrance into and exit from the remote control execution area 30, the operation of
a control target apparatus is not unnecessarily switched by remote control. In the
remote control system in this embodiment, a predetermined time from the entrance of
the portable terminal 10 into the remote control execution area 30 and a predetermined
time from the exit from the remote control execution area 30 of the portable terminal
10 are set as "area entrance and exit non-detection time". The operation of the control
target apparatus is not switched by the remote control until this time elapses.
[0034] In general, a largest electric current flows when a power supply is turned on and
off in the home electric appliance 13, which is the control target apparatus. Therefore,
power consumption increases when the power supply is frequently turned on and off
in the home electric appliance 13. For example, some air conditioner does not start
for several minutes if operation is once stopped. If the power supply is frequently
turned on and off, the operation of the home electric appliance 13 cannot be performed.
In this way, if the operation is frequently switched by the remote control, the power
consumption of the home electric appliance 13 increases or the home electric appliance
13 cannot be started.
[0035] A user only has to set the "area entrance and exit non-detection time" by adding
an item to a remote control setting screen using the portable terminal 10 or the personal
computer 14 installed with application software or the like. The user repeats entrance
into and exit from the remote control execution area 30, for example, when the user
notices something left behind after once exiting the remote control execution area
30 and returns to the user's home.
[0036] As explained above, the "area entrance and exit non-detection time" is provided by
not switching the operation of the control target apparatus until the predetermined
time elapses after the user once enters and exits the remote control execution area
30. Consequently, it is made possible to prevent the power supply of the control target
apparatus from being frequently repeatedly turned on and off, suppress an increase
in power consumption, and prevent the control target apparatus from not starting to
operate. It is also made possible to suppress occurrence of a failure of the control
target apparatus caused by the power supply of the control target apparatus being
frequently repeatedly turned on and off.
[0037] Note that, in the remote control execution check area 31, even if the "area entrance
and exit non-detection time" is not set, the number of transmission of a check message
only has to be set to one.
Third Embodiment
[0038] A remote control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention
is explained. The remote control system is used by portable terminals of a plurality
of users. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining operations performed after
remote control execution check areas and remote control execution areas are set in
the remote control system according to this embodiment. In an example shown Fig. 5,
a first remote control execution area 30a is set around the user's home 40 where the
home electric appliance 13 is set. A second remote control execution area 30b is set
around a station 42. A first remote control execution check area 31a is set around
the company 41, which is a place of work of a first user. A second remote control
execution check area 31b is set around a school 43, which is a school to which a second
user commutes. As shown in Fig. 5, the remote control execution area is not limited
to the area around the user's home 40 and may be set around the station 42. When the
remote control execution area is set around the station 42 in this way, for example,
a user can turn on an air conditioner when the user arrives at a nearest station and
can adjust the temperature and the like of a target area of the air conditioner in
advance.
[0039] Figs. 6(A) to 6(C) are diagrams illustrating a remote control setting screen registered
in the remote control system according to this embodiment. Figs. 6(A) to 6(C) are
different from Figs. 3(A) to 3(C) in the first embodiment only in a remote control
execution area and a remote control execution check area. Operation setting is the
same.
[0040] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the order of operations of the remote control
system according to this embodiment. The users register a portable terminal 10a of
the first user and a portable terminal 10b of the second user in the server 12 in
advance. The users install application software for remote control in the portable
terminals 10a and 10b. The users register area setting (the first remote control execution
area 30a, the second remote control execution area 30b, the first remote control execution
check area 31a, and the second remote control execution check area 31b) and operation
setting during remote control using the portable terminals 10a and 10b installed with
the application software.
[0041] The operation setting during the remote control enables not only ON and OFF of a
power supply of a control target apparatus but also detailed setting. For example,
if the control target apparatus is an air conditioner, as in the first embodiment,
the air conditioner can be set to be turned on only when a room temperature is equal
to or higher than a predetermined temperature, an operation for turning on the control
target apparatus is not always performed when the portable terminals 10a and 10b enter
the remote control execution area 30, not only the positions of the portable terminals
10a and 10b but also time can also be used. Therefore, redundant explanation is omitted
and the explanation of the first embodiment shall apply.
[0042] The portable terminals 10a and 10b can be registered in the server 12, the area setting
and the operation setting for the portable terminal 10a can be performed by the portable
terminal 10b, and the area setting and the operation setting for the portable terminal
10b can be performed by the portable terminal 10a. Alternatively, as in the first
embodiment, the area setting and the operation setting for the portable terminals
10a and 10b can be performed from a terminal (a personal computer) other than the
portable terminals 10a and 10b.
[0043] After the setting is performed in advance in this way, when the portable terminal
10a and the portable terminal 10b exit the remote control execution area 30, the remote
control system starts processing (step S21). When the processing is started, first,
the remote control system performs processing same as steps S12 to S18a, S18b, S18c,
and S18d in Fig. 4 of the first embodiment (step S22). In this explanation, both of
the portable terminals 10a and 10b exit the remote control execution area 30. However,
remote control content can be set for each of the users when the users are going out.
Thereafter, when the second user comes home earlier, remote control for the second
user is executed when the portable terminal 10b enters the second remote control execution
area 30b.
[0044] The server 12 determines, referring to the positions of the portable terminals 10a
and 10b, whether there is any portable terminal that does not correspond to the executed
remote control content (step S23) between those two portable terminals. As a result
of the determination, if there is not any portable terminal that does not correspond
to the executed remote control content (No at step S23), the server 12 does not transmit
a message to the other of those two portable terminals or the like, and the processing
ends (step S26). As a result of the determination, if there is a portable terminal
that does not correspond to the executed remote control content (Yes at step S23),
the server 12 determines whether transmission of a check message is necessary (step
S24). As a result of the determination, if the transmission of the check message is
unnecessary (No at step S24), the processing ends (step S26). As a result of the determination,
if the transmission of the check message is necessary (Yes at step S24), for example,
the server 12 transmits a message for informing that the remote control has been executed
to the portable terminal that does not correspond to the executed remote control content
and notifies to this effect (step S25). Thereafter, the processing ends (step S26).
[0045] With the remote control system in this embodiment, it is made possible to execute
the remote control adapted to a life scene of each of the users. For example, each
of the users can learn whether or not the other user has come home. The portable terminal
registered in the server 12 is not limited to a high-performance portable terminal
such as a smart phone or a tablet, but may be a GPS transmitter capable of communicating
with the network 20. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to manage a
user who does not own a high-performance portable terminal such as a smart phone.
For example, parents can give their child a GPS transmitter capable of communicating
with the network 20 and manage the GPS transmitter.
[0046] Further, the operation setting for the control target apparatus can be different
for each of the users. For example, rooms where an air conditioner is turned on can
be set differently for each of the users who enters the control execution area.
[0047] In the first to third embodiments, the portable terminals 10, 10a, and 10b can be
registered by the other terminals in advance rather than by the portable terminals
10, 10a, and 10b themselves. Therefore, the portable terminals 10, 10a, and 10b do
not need to have a function for performing such setting registration. In the first
to third embodiments, the other terminals can receive and respond to the control execution
check message rather than the portable terminals 10, 10a, and 10b themselves that
cross the boundary. Therefore, the portable terminals 10, 10a, and 10b do not need
to be capable of receiving and responding to the control execution check message.
The portable terminals 10, 10a, and 10b only have to have a configuration capable
of transmitting position information to the server 12. That is, the portable terminal
that crosses the remote control execution check boundary while approaching the base
can operate as a cellular phone or a GPS transmitter including a GPS function, and
the other portable terminals can receive the control execution check message.
[0048] The remote control system is explained in the first to third embodiments. However,
a remote control program that realizes the remote control system is also included
in the present invention. The remote control program can be stored on the server side
or can be stored on the portable terminal side.
[0049] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to, while
preventing a user from forgetting to perform the setting of the remote control system,
cause control target apparatuses to perform appropriate operations even when the user
does not perform setting of the remote control system.
[0050] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for
a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but
are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that
may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein
set forth.
1. A remote control system comprising:
a portable terminal (10);
a server (12) that acquires position information of the portable terminal; and
a control target apparatus (13) controlled from the server, wherein
the server stores a remote control execution boundary where the control of the control
target apparatus is started and a remote control execution check boundary present
in a position farther from a base (40) where the control target apparatus is set than
the remote control execution boundary,
when the portable terminal crosses the remote control execution check boundary while
approaching the base, the server transmits a control execution check message for the
control target apparatus to the portable terminal, and
when the portable terminal crosses the remote control execution boundary while approaching
the base, the server controls the control target apparatus according to presence or
absence of a response to the control execution check message and the content of the
response.
2. A remote control system comprising:
a portable terminal (10);
a server (12) that acquires position information of the portable terminal; and
a control target apparatus (13) controlled from the server, wherein
the server stores a remote control execution area (30) that centers on a base (40)
where the control target apparatus is set and a remote control execution check area
(31) that centers on a position different from the base and does not overlap the remote
control execution area,
when the portable terminal exits the remote control execution check area, the server
transmits a control execution check message for the control target apparatus to the
portable terminal, and
when the portable terminal enters the remote control execution area, the server controls
the control target apparatus according to presence or absence of a response to the
control execution check message and the content of the response.
3. A remote control system comprising:
a portable terminal (10a);
a server (12) that acquires position information of the portable terminal; and
a control target apparatus (13) controlled from the server, wherein
the server stores a remote control execution area (30a) that centers on a base where
the control target apparatus is set and a remote control execution check area (31a)
that centers on a position different from the base and does not overlap the remote
control execution area,
when the portable terminal exits the remote control execution check area, the server
transmits a control execution check message for the control target apparatus to another
portable terminal (10b), and
when the portable terminal, which exits the remote control execution check area, enters
the remote control execution area, the server controls the control target apparatus
according to presence or absence of a response to the control execution check message
from the another portable terminal and the content of the response.
4. The remote control system according to claim 3, wherein
the portable terminal that crosses the remote control execution check area while approaching
the base includes a GPS function, and
the another portable terminal includes a configuration capable of receiving and responding
to the control execution check message.
5. The remote control system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the remote
control system does not detect entrance into and exit from the remote control execution
area of the portable terminal until a set period elapses after the portable terminal
enters the remote control execution area.
6. A remote control program for acquiring position information of a portable terminal
(10) and controlling a control target apparatus (13), the remote control program causing
a server (12) to execute:
a step of transmitting, when the portable terminal crosses a remote control execution
check boundary while approaching a base (40), a control execution check message for
the control target apparatus to the portable terminal; and
a step of controlling, when the portable terminal crosses, while approaching the base,
a remote control execution boundary where the control of the control target apparatus
is started, the remote control execution boundary being present in a position closer
to a base (40) where the control target apparatus is set than the remote control execution
check boundary, the control target apparatus according to presence or absence of a
response to the control execution check message and the content of the response.
7. A remote control program for acquiring position information of a portable terminal
(10) and controlling a control target apparatus (13), the remote control program causing
a server (12) to execute:
a step of transmitting, when the portable terminal exits a remote control execution
check area (31), a control execution check message for the control target apparatus
to the portable terminal; and
a step of controlling, when the portable terminal enters a remote control execution
area (30) that centers on a base (40) where the control target apparatus is set and
does not overlap the remote control execution check area, the control target apparatus
according to presence or absence of a response to the control execution check message
and the content of the response.
8. A remote control program for acquiring position information of a portable terminal
(10a) and controlling a control target apparatus (13), the remote control program
causing a server (12) to execute:
a step of transmitting, when the portable terminal exits a remote control execution
check area (31a) that centers on a base (40) where the control target apparatus is
set, a control execution check message for the control target apparatus to another
portable terminal (10b); and
a step of controlling, when the portable terminal, which exits the remote control
execution check area, enters a remote control execution area (30a) that centers on
a base (40) where the control target apparatus is set and does not overlap the remote
control execution check area, the control target apparatus according to presence or
absence of a response to the control execution check message from the another portable
terminal and content of the response.