CN102890394A

CN102890394A - Projector and method for controlling projector

Info

Publication number: CN102890394A
Application number: CN2012102494825A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小沢孝
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Current assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date: 2011-07-20
Filing date: 2012-07-18
Publication date: 2013-01-23
Also published as: WO2013011675A1; JP2013025020A; JP5782888B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a projector and a control method of the projector, in which, when the lighting time of the lamp exceeds the lamp life warning time, in the projector, it is possible to set restrictions on the use conditions during the period before starting lamp replacement use a projector. This projector has an image projection unit that modulates and projects light emitted from a lamp based on image information, and a lighting time measurement unit that measures the lighting time of the lamp. When the lighting time exceeds the lamp life warning time Next, a second warning message for urging lamp replacement is projected, and the usage restriction mode is set.

Description

The control method of projector and projector

Technical field

The present invention relates to the control method of projector and projector.

Background technology

In the projector that uses illuminator (lamp) projected image, because illuminator has the life-span, if use surpasses certain accumulation time of lighting and will cut off the power supply, so shown in patent documentation 1 and patent documentation 2, the accumulation time of lighting that discloses illuminator is saved in the storer, when the accumulation time of lighting of preserving reaches the predefined time, the method for urging the warning of the replacing of illuminator to show.

Patent documentation 1: Japanese kokai publication hei 4-250437 communique

Patent documentation 2: TOHKEMY 2002-287243 communique

Yet, in the situation of the illuminator of not preparing replacing usefulness, continue use even if sometimes occur warning demonstration also can temporarily keep intact.And, if will change the illuminator of projector, must deenergization, the drop in temperature of always waiting until illuminator is till the temperature that can change.Particularly, in the situation of the projector that uses furred ceiling to arrange, bothering keeps intact continues to use because illuminator is changed, and may cause thus the illuminator outage.

Summary of the invention

The present invention finishes at least a portion that solves above-mentioned problem, can realize by following embodiment or application examples.

Application examples 1

Projector that should use-case is characterised in that to possess: image projection unit, and it is modulated the light that penetrates from lamp and carries out projection according to image information; With light time instrumentation unit, the lighting the time of the above-mentioned lamp of its instrumentation, and having: the pattern setup unit, it sets the normal mode that usually can use this projector, and the use unrestricted model of restriction perhaps is set when using this projector; And control module, it controls the action of this projector, above-mentioned control module has surpassed in the situation of warning time in lamp life-span in the above-mentioned time of lighting, above-mentioned image projection unit projection is urged carry out the first alert message that lamp is changed, and above-mentioned pattern setup unit is set as above-mentioned use unrestricted model.

According to should use-case, surpassed in the situation of predetermined warning time in lamp life-span in the time of lighting of the lamp of projector, restriction is set when using projector.Thus, on one side can urge the replacing of lamp, Yi Bian during before the replacing lamp, restrictively use projector.

Application examples 2

On the basis of the described projector of above-mentioned application examples, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned control module is set to above-mentioned use unrestricted model at above-mentioned pattern setup unit, and used in the situation of this projector official hour, make above-mentioned image projection unit projection the second alert message, and disconnect the power supply of this projector.

According to should use-case, reach the warning time in lamp life-span and entered at the lamp of projector and use in the situation of unrestricted model, the time that can use continuously is restricted to official hour.Thus, owing to be merely able to the required MIN time of projection user, thus after reaching the warning time in lamp life-span, can urge and change as early as possible lamp, and can prevent that lamp from cutting off the power supply in the use of projector.

In addition, reach the warning time in lamp life-span at projector, and enter in the situation of using unrestricted model, because the brightness of lighting of lamp is set to low-light level, so after reaching the warning time in lamp life-span, can urge and change as early as possible lamp, and can use with the load that low-light level suppresses lamp.

And behind the lamp of replacing projector, the user need not change setting especially, just can remove and use restriction, uses in the normal state projector.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that the circuit of expression projector consists of.

Fig. 2 is the process flow diagram of the action of expression projector when power connection.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram that has passed through the action when using binding hours the service time of expression projector.

Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram that the accumulation time of lighting of the lamp of expression projector reaches the action of lamp life-span warning during the time.

Fig. 5 is the alert message of projector.Fig. 5 (a) has passed through the example that power supply when using binding hours disconnects notification message M2 the service time of expression projector 1, and Fig. 5 (b) is illustrated in the example that reaches the message M1 that the warning of lamp life-span warns during the time in the action.

Embodiment

Below, with reference to accompanying drawing one embodiment of the present invention is described.And following embodiment is not that related invention limits to claims, and it is necessary that whole combinations of the feature in the embodiment are not restricted to the solution of invention.

The first embodiment

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that the circuit of the projector 1 of expression present embodiment consists of.As shown in Figure 1, projector 1 is made of image projection unit 10, control module 20, storage unit 21, light source control unit 22, input operation unit 23, picture signal input block 5, image signal processing unit 3, OSD processing unit 4, power supply terminal 6, power supply unit 7, lamp replacing detecting unit 30 etc., and they are incorporated in the inside of not shown framework.

Image projection unit 10 comprises

light source

11,3 liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G as optic modulating device, 12B, as the projecting lens 13 of projection optical system, unit 14 etc.Image projection unit 10 is according to image information, utilizes liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B that the light that penetrates from light source 11 is modulated, thereby and shows image by projecting lens 13 projections in screen SC etc.

Light source 11 constitutes and comprises: the illuminator 11a of the discharge-type that is made of extra-high-pressure mercury vapour lamp, metal halide lamp etc.; With the catoptron 11b of the light that will radiate from illuminator 11a to liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B lateral reflection.Wherein, illuminator 11a is equivalent to lamp.

The light that penetrates from light source 11 is being converted to roughly uniform light of Luminance Distribution by not shown integrator (integrator) optical system, and be separated into the various coloured light compositions of 3 primary colors of light that is redness (R), green (G), blue (B) by not shown color separation optical system after, inject respectively liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B.

In addition, light source 11 consists of as the unit that can change.

Liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B are made of liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal of having packed between a pair of transparency carrier etc.In liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B, be formed with and be arranged in rectangular a plurality of pixels (not shown), can apply driving voltage according to each pixel for liquid crystal.

If 14 pairs of each pixels of unit apply the driving voltage corresponding with the image information of inputting, then each pixel is set the transmittance corresponding with image information.Therefore, the light that penetrates from light source 11 sees through and modulated from above-mentioned liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B, forms the image light corresponding with image information according to every kind of coloured light.

The versicolor image light that forms after being synthesized according to pixel by not shown color combining optical and becoming colored image light, by projecting lens 13 enlarging projections in screen SC etc.

In addition, in the present embodiment, illustration image projection unit 10 used light source 11 and as the projection optical system of the through mode liquid crystal mode of 3 liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G of optic modulating device, 12B, but also can adopt other the optic modulating device of display mode such as reflection type liquid crystal display mode, micro-mirror device mode (photoswitch display mode).

Control module 20 possesses not shown CPU(Central Processing Unit), be used for the RAM(Random Access Memory of the temporary transient storage of various data etc.) etc., and move according to the control program that is stored in storage unit 21 (not shown), thus control is unified in the action of projector 1.In other words, control module 20 is brought into play function with storage unit 21 as computing machine.

Control module 20 comprises pattern setup unit 201, and its setting can be used the normal mode of projector 1 in usually moving, perhaps projector 1 is applied the use unrestricted model that uses restriction.

In addition, control module 20 possesses the timer 20a that is equivalent to light time instrumentation unit, and the lighting the time of instrumentation illuminator 11a.The time of lighting that measures is lighted time 21a as lamp to be kept in the storage unit 21.

If projector 1 starts, and light source control unit 22 indicated give me a little bright light source lamp 11a, then control module 20 begins to utilize timer 20a timing, timing and the time of the lighting lamp that is added to storage unit 21 light time 21a.

Timer 20a is when using unrestricted model at projector 1, also is used for measuring using binding hours.

Ferroelectric storage) etc. storage unit 21 is by flash memory, FeRAM(Ferroelectric RAM: rewritable non-volatile storer consists of.In storage unit 21, store the various setting datas of the control program for the action of controlling projection instrument 1, the operation condition of regulation projector 1 etc. etc.

In the present embodiment, will light time 21a as the lamp that the time is lighted in the accumulation of illuminator 11a is saved in the storage unit 21.

Though the diagram of omission, input operation unit 23 possess a plurality of operating keys that carry out various indications for projector 1 for for the user.

As the operating key that input operation unit 23 possesses, be useful on power key that the connection of Switching power alternately disconnects, be used for switching to the input switch key of a plurality of image input terminals of picture signal input block 5 inputs, overlapping demonstration and be used for carrying out the Menu key, user of the setting menu of various settings from the cursor key of menu setecting setting item, decision key, ESC Escape, help button etc.

If the user operates the various operating keys of input operation unit 23, then input operation unit 23 is to the control module 20 outputs operation signal corresponding with user's content of operation.And input operation unit 23 can constitute to have remote controllers (telepilot) signal receiving units (not shown) and can carry out remote-operated remote controllers (not shown).In this situation, remote controllers send the operation signals such as infrared ray corresponding with user's content of operation, and the remote controller signal receiving element receives this signal, and is sent to control module 20 as control information.

Lamp is changed detecting unit 30 and is made of mechanical switch or electric switch etc., light source 11 detected from the situation that projector 1 is removed, and notice control module 20.

Particularly, lamp is changed detecting unit 30 according to the indication of control module 20, is configured to lamp and changes monitored state, if light source 11 is removed, then becomes lamp and changes detected state.Control module 20 is changed detecting unit 30 according to lamp to be become lamp and changes detected state and come taking off light source 11, and the situation of again installing detects.

As mentioned above, picture signal input block 5 possesses a plurality of image input terminals, utilizes each image input terminal, from the outside image output device such as video play device, personal computer via not shown cable input image information.

Image signal processing unit 3 will convert from the image information of picture signal input block 5 inputs the image information of the gray scale of each pixel that represents liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B to.Here, the image information after the conversion becomes respectively R, G, B coloured light, is made of a plurality of pixel values corresponding with whole pixels of each liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B.Pixel value determines the transmittance of corresponding pixel, utilizes this pixel value regulation to see through each pixel and the power (gray scale) of the light that penetrates.

OSD processing unit 4 carries out be used to making the OSD(On Screen Display screen menu type regulative modes such as menu image, message image according to the indication of control module 20) doubling of the image is presented at the processing on the projected image.OSD processing unit 4 possesses not shown OSD storer, and the OSD image information such as figure, font that expression is used to form the OSD image is stored.

If the overlapping demonstration of control module 20 indication OSD images, then OSD processing unit 4 is read required OSD image information from the OSD storer, and make this OSD image information with synthetic from the image information of image signal processing unit 3 inputs, so that the overlapping OSD image of the assigned position on projected image.Export the image information of having synthesized the OSD image information to unit 14.In addition, do not indicate at control module 20 in the situation of overlapping OSD image, OSD processing unit 4 will export unit 14 to from the image information of image signal processing unit 3 inputs with keeping intact.

If unit 14 drives liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B according to the image information from 4 inputs of OSD processing unit, then liquid

crystal light valve

12R, 12G, 12B form the image corresponding with image information, and utilize this image of projecting lens 13 projections.

Supply with the electric power such as AC100V to power supply unit 7 via power supply terminal 6 from the outside.Power supply unit 7 converts the AC power such as source power supply the direct supply of assigned voltage to, thereby to each supply capability of projector 1.And, power supply unit 7 is according to the indication of control module 20, can be supplied to the state (power connection state) of each one and stop to move the state (holding state) that the supply of electric power comes etc. to be ready to use in the operation of power connection the electric power that the projection of image is required (action electric power) to switch.

Light source control unit 22 is according to the indication of control module 20, to for the supply of the electric power of light source 11 with stop to control, and the lighting and extinguish of toggle lights lamp 11a.And (for example setting the sensation high brightness brighter than normal mode, the sensation low-light level darker than normal mode for) changed in the brightness when light source control unit 22 also can be to the lighting of illuminator 11a.

Owing to consist of as described above the projector 1 of present embodiment, if so feed cable (not shown) is connected with power supply terminal 6, and to power supply unit 7 supply capabilities, then power supply unit 7 carries out the supply of electric power (stand-by electric) to control module 20, storage unit 21, input operation unit 23 at least, and control module 20 is accepted this electric power supply and begun to carry out the action corresponding with control program.

After just having supplied with electric power, projector 1 is that holding state (also claims " power-off state ".), and keep the state that illuminator 11a is extinguished.And if the user operates the power key that input operation unit 23 possesses, then 20 pairs of power supply units 7 of control module are indicated and are begun to each one or/and each unit to supply with action electric power, and make projector 1 move to the power connection state.

Next, describe in conjunction with the action to the projector 1 of present embodiment of the process flow diagram of Fig. 2 ~ Fig. 4.

(power connection operation)

Fig. 2 is the process flow diagram of the action of expression projector 1 when power connection.

As shown in Figure 2, in the holding state of projector 1, if detect power connection (ON) operation (step S101) by input operation unit 23, then control module 20 inspection lamps are changed detecting unit 30 and whether are detected light source 11(illuminator 11a) replacing (step S102).Change detecting unit 30 at lamp and detect in the situation that light source 11 changes (step S102: be), be transferred to step S103.Change detecting unit 30 at lamp and do not detect in the situation that light source 11 changes (step S102: no), be transferred to step S105.

In step S103,20 pairs of lamps of control module are lighted time 21a and are resetted, and lamp is changed detecting unit 30 be set as lamp replacing monitored state, and be transferred to step S104.

In step S104, control module 20 is set as normal mode with pattern setup unit 201, and is transferred to step S105.

In step S105, control module 20 utilizes light source control unit 22 to light illuminator 11a, makes projector 1 move to the power connection state, and is transferred to step S106.

In step S106, control module 20 checks whether pattern setup unit 201 is set as the use unrestricted model.Pattern setup unit 201 being set as in the situation of using unrestricted model (step S106: be), be transferred to step S107.Pattern setup unit 201 be not set as in the situation of using unrestricted model, namely is being set as in the situation of normal mode (step S106: no), be transferred to step S109.

In step S107, control module 20 utilizes light source control unit 22 that the brightness settings of lighting of illuminator 11a is low-light level, and is transferred to step S108.

In step S108, control module 20 utilizes image projection unit 10 that lamp is changed alert message M1 projection, and is transferred to step S110.Fig. 5 (b) illustrates the example of the lamp replacing alert message M1 of this moment.

In step S109, control module 20 utilizes light source control unit 22 that the brightness settings of lighting of illuminator 11a is high brightness, and is transferred to step S110.

In step S110, control module 20 begins to utilize timer 20a that the time is carried out timing, and is transferred to step S111.

In step S111, control module 20 begins to utilize image projection unit 10 projections from the view data of picture signal input block 5 inputs, and finishes this motion flow.

(through use binding hours)

Fig. 3 is expression projector 1 using during unrestricted model moves, and the timing of timer 20a has been passed through as the use binding hours T1(of official hour for example 30 minutes) time the process flow diagram of action.

As shown in Figure 3, if in projector 1 moves, the timing of timer 20a reaches uses binding hours T1(step S201), then control module 20 utilizes image projection unit 10 that power supply is disconnected notification message M2 projection stipulated time (step S202), and is transferred to step S203.Fig. 5 (a) illustrates the example of the power supply disconnection notification message M2 of this moment.

In step S203, control module 20 utilizes light source control unit 22 to extinguish illuminator 11a, disconnects the power supply of projector 1, and is transferred to step S204.

In step S204, control module 20 makes projector 1 move to holding state, and finishes this motion flow.

(arriving the warning time in lamp life-span)

Fig. 4 is illustrated in the action of projector 1, and lamp is lighted the process flow diagram that time 21a reaches the action of lamp life-span warning during the time.

As shown in Figure 4, if in the projection of projector 1, control module 20 detects lamp and lights time 21a and reached the lamp life-span warning time (step S301), and then control module 20 is set as pattern setup unit 201 and uses unrestricted model (step S302), and is transferred to step S303.

In step S303, control module 20 utilizes image projection unit 10 projections to be used for notification light and lights the lamp replacing alert message M1 that time 21a has reached the warning time in lamp life-span, and is transferred to step S304.Fig. 5 (b) illustrates the example of the lamp replacing alert message M1 of this moment.

In step S304, finish this motion flow.

As described above, according to the projector 1 of present embodiment, light in the situation that time 21a surpassed the predetermined warning time in lamp life-span at lamp, projector 1 is set as the use unrestricted model, and it is restricted in use.Thus, can urge the replacing of illuminator 11a, and can be before changing illuminator 11a during, restrictively use projector 1.

For example, entered at projector 1 in the situation of use unrestricted model, the time that can use continuously is restricted.Thus, can prevent that lamp from lighting time 21a and reach the warning time in lamp life-span after, the user continues to use for a long time the situation of projector 1.And, owing to can only use the required MIN time, so can urge the user to change as early as possible illuminator 11a.

In addition, owing to entered at projector 1 in the situation of use unrestricted model, the brightness of lighting of illuminator 11a is set to low-light level, so after lamp is lighted time 21a and reached the warning time in lamp life-span, can use with the load that low-light level suppresses illuminator 11a.

In addition, behind the replacing illuminator 11a, pattern setup unit 201 is set to normal mode, uses restriction to be disengaged, and the user need not change setting especially, just can use projector 1 with common state.

In addition, can change above-mentioned embodiment like that as shown below.

Variation 1

In the above-described embodiment, pattern setup unit 201 is being set as in the situation of using unrestricted model, deenergization in the situation of the illuminator 11a use binding hours T1 that has used projector 1, and be low-light level with the brightness settings of lighting of illuminator 11a, but in the situation of using unrestricted model, can set in use needs cipher authentication.Thus, owing to after reaching the warning time in lamp life-span, only know that the supvr of password and the user of appointment can use, thus can urge the supvr to change as early as possible lamp, and can prevent from continuing to use projector 1.

Variation 2

In addition, as the variation of light valve, can replace the liquid crystal light valve of through mode and adopt reflective liquid crystal light valve, also can adopt digital micromirror device.

Symbol description

1 ... projector, 3 ... image signal processing unit, 4 ... the OSD processing unit, 5 ... the picture signal input block, 6 ... power supply terminal, 7 ... power supply unit, 10 ... image projection unit, 11 ... light source, 12R, 12G, 12B ... liquid crystal light valve, 13 ... projecting lens, 14 ... unit, 20 ... control module, 201 ... the pattern setup unit, 21 ... storage unit, 21a ... lamp is lighted the time, 22 ... light source control unit, 23 ... the input operation unit, 30 ... lamp is changed detecting unit.

Claims

1. A projector comprising: an image projection unit that modulates and projects light emitted from a lamp based on image information; and a lighting time measurement unit that measures the lighting time of the lamp ,

This projector has:

a mode setting unit that sets a normal mode that can generally use the projector or a use-restricted mode that sets a limit when using the projector; and

a control unit which controls the action of the projector,

In the case where the lighting time exceeds the lamp life warning time, the control unit causes the image projection unit to project a first warning message prompting replacement of the running lamp, and sets the mode setting unit to the Use restricted mode.

2. The projector of claim 1, wherein:

The control unit causes the image projection unit to project a second warning message and disconnects the projector when the mode setting unit is set to the usage restriction mode and the projector is used for a predetermined time. power supply.

3. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

When the mode setting unit is set to the usage restriction mode, the control unit sets the lighting brightness of the lamp to be lower than that of the normal mode.

4. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that,

The projector further includes a lamp replacement detection unit that detects that the lamp has been replaced,

When the replacement of the lamp is detected by the lamp replacement detection unit, the control unit changes and sets the mode setting unit from the usage restriction mode to the normal mode.

5. The projector of claim 1, wherein:

In the usage restriction mode, password input is required when using the projector.

6. A method for controlling a projector, wherein the projector includes an image projection unit that modulates and projects light emitted from a lamp based on image information, and a lighting time unit that measures the lighting time of the lamp. measuring unit,

The control method for this projector has:

a mode setting step of setting a normal mode in which the projector can generally be used or a usage restriction mode in which a restriction is set when using the projector; and

life judging step, judging whether the lighting time of the lamp exceeds the lamp life warning time,

In the mode setting step, when it is judged in the life judging step that the lamp lighting time has exceeded the lamp life warning time, the image projection unit is caused to project a first message prompting replacement of the running lamp. warning message, and set the usage restriction mode as described.

7. The method for controlling a projector according to claim 6, wherein:

In the mode setting step, when the usage restriction mode is set and the projector is used for a predetermined time, the image projection unit is caused to project a second warning message, and the projector is turned off. power supply.

8. A projector characterized by changing the lamp from a high brightness mode to a low brightness mode when the life of the lamp is approaching.