JP2006171602A - Method of determining lamp lifetime of projector, and the projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of determining the lamp lifetime of a projector and the projector, which allow the lamp lifetime as a light source to be accurately determined, regardless of the changes in the projection environment. <P>SOLUTION: A control part 14 superposes an all black test pattern video on a video signal by a video signal correction part 8 and causes a CCD 2 to image a projected video and causes an image analyzing part 19 to analyze the imaged video, to detect a luminance value of the all black test pattern video and detects luminance values of videos of red, green, and blue test patterns in the same manner and calculates the converted luminance values of respective colors, which are obtained, by subtracting the luminance value of the all black test pattern video from the detected luminance values of respective color test patterns, and compares the converted luminance values with luminance lower limit value of the lamp per color test pattern in the storage part and superimposes a warning display about the lamp lifetime on the projected video in the case that the converted luminance values of all color test pattern videos are equal to or lower than the lamp luminance lower limit values. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for determining a lamp life as a light source of a projector that projects an image, and a projector.

2. Description of the Related Art Projection projectors used for projecting movies for viewing and presentations such as conferences use discharge-type lamps that provide high brightness as a light source. Examples of the discharge-type lamp include a high-pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, and a halogen lamp. Although these lamps have improved technology and extended their service life, the light emission brightness gradually decreases as the service life approaches, so it is necessary to project images unless they are replaced at an appropriate time. The brightness cannot be secured.
As a technique for detecting the lamp replacement timing, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a projection apparatus that determines the lamp life from the cumulative lamp lighting time and the number of times the lamp is lit, and notifies the replacement time. In Patent Document 2, a test pattern having all white or a specific color tone is projected onto a screen, and the brightness value of the projected test pattern is measured by a brightness measuring unit and compared with a reference brightness value. A projector for deriving the lamp life due to a decrease in luminance value is disclosed.

JP-A-8-106128 JP 2000-147659 A

However, as in Patent Document 1, a method of calculating the lamp life from the cumulative lamp lighting time and the number of lamps that can be lit based on the durability test result of the same type of lamp is a statistical detection method. Therefore, quality variations within the same variety and individual differences due to the environment used have not been taken into account, and it has been difficult to determine an appropriate lifetime for each lamp.
Also, in the case of a projection type projector, the environment in which the image is projected is not always the same, so the distance from the projector to the screen, the size of the image to be projected, whether the image is in focus, the screen surface The influence of the projection environment, such as the color tone and ambient brightness, must be taken into account. The method for determining the lamp life based on the brightness of the projected test pattern image shown in Patent Document 2 is excellent in that the measurement is based on an index that directly represents the lamp life, which is the brightness. Impact is not considered. For this reason, for example, when the lamp life determination is performed in a situation where the projection distance is long and a large image is projected, the luminance value is lowered by measuring the luminance in a state where the light is expanded and dispersed, Even though the lamp life and the brightness are sufficient, there is a possibility that the lamp life is erroneously determined.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a method for determining the lamp life of a projector and a projector that can accurately determine the life of a lamp as a light source even if the projection environment changes. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for determining the lamp life of a projector according to the present invention is a method for determining the life of a lamp as a light source of a projected image of a projector that projects an image on a screen, Projecting a black image and measuring the luminance value of the projected all-black image, and projecting and projecting an image based on a predetermined test pattern with a gradation value higher than that of all black A predetermined test pattern based on the relative luminance measurement process for measuring the luminance value of the image, the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image measured in the relative luminance measurement process, and the luminance value of the all black image measured in the environmental luminance value measurement process A converted luminance derivation step for calculating the converted luminance value of the video, a converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern video calculated in the converted luminance derivation step, and a predetermined test pattern The lamp reaches the end of its life when the converted brightness value of a given test pattern image is less than or equal to the brightness lower limit value. And a life determination step for determining that it has been performed.

In the environmental brightness measurement step, an all-black image is projected, and the brightness value of the projected all-black image is measured. An all-black image is an image having the lowest gradation value among the images projected by the projector, and the projector uses the luminance value detected here as a reference for luminance. The luminance value of the all black image detected here includes noise due to the influence of the projection environment such as the focus state of the test pattern image at the time of image projection, the color tone of the screen surface, and the ambient brightness.
According to this lamp life determination method, in the converted luminance deriving step, the luminance due to the influence of the projection environment such as the focus state of the test pattern image when projecting the predetermined test pattern image, the color tone of the screen surface, and the ambient brightness. It is used to determine the life from the brightness value of the predetermined test pattern image measured in the relative brightness measurement process including the change and the brightness value of the all-black image corresponding to the brightness value of the noise part due to the influence of the projection environment. A converted luminance value is calculated. Therefore, it is possible to derive the luminance value as the ability of the lamp excluding the influence of the projection environment.

Furthermore, in the lifetime determination step, the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image calculated in the converted luminance derivation step, and a luminance lower limit value that is a luminance value required for the lamp defined according to the predetermined test pattern, Are compared, and it is determined that the lamp has reached the end of its life when the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is equal to or lower than the luminance lower limit value. Therefore, since the life is determined based on the actual luminance value of the lamp, the lamp life can be accurately determined.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for determining the lamp life of a projector that can accurately determine the life of a lamp as a light source even if the projection environment changes.

  According to the method for determining the lamp life of the projector according to the present invention, the predetermined test pattern includes a plurality of test patterns for each color tone including a single-color solid surface in any color tone of white, red, green, and blue. In the relative luminance measurement process, an image of a test pattern having a plurality of tones is projected from a predetermined test pattern, and the luminance value for each test pattern image is measured. The calculated brightness value for each test pattern is calculated, and in the life determination process, the converted brightness value for each test pattern video of multiple tones derived in the converted brightness derivation process and the lamp specified for each test pattern color tone If the number of test patterns below the lower limit of brightness is less than half of all measured test patterns, the lamp It is preferable to determine that it has reached its life.

According to this lamp life judging method, in the life judging process, the converted brightness value for each test pattern video of a plurality of tones derived in the converted brightness deriving process and the brightness of the lamp defined for each tone of the test pattern Compared to the lower limit value, if the number of test patterns below the lower brightness limit is more than half of all the measured test patterns, it is determined that the lamp has reached the end of its life. Or, unlike the conventional method of determining the lamp life based on the measured brightness of only one test pattern with a specific color tone, the life is more strictly determined from the brightness measurement results of the test patterns of multiple tones including the three primary colors of light. Determine. In addition, since the proportion affected by the projection environment differs for each test pattern of multiple tones, the effect of the projection environment can be further reduced by comprehensively determining the lifetime based on the luminance measurement results of the test patterns of multiple tones. The excluded determination result can be obtained.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for determining the lamp life of the projector that can more accurately determine the life of the lamp as the light source even if the projection environment changes.

  According to the method for determining the lamp life of a projector according to the present invention, the converted luminance deriving step is defined as a reference for luminance measurement by correcting a luminance value that changes in accordance with the magnification ratio and projection distance of the projected image. The brightness value for adjusting the brightness value measured in the environmental brightness process and the relative brightness measurement process to the measurement condition of the reference brightness value, using the brightness value in the reference measurement condition based on the magnification ratio and projection distance of the projected image as the reference brightness value The correction value for correcting the brightness value according to the magnification and projection distance of the projected image when the image is measured is assigned from the correction value table that stores the correction value according to the magnification and projection distance of the projected image. A luminance value obtained by correcting a correction value using the correction value assigned in the correction value assigning step and the correction value assigned in the correction value assigning step, and using the calculated luminance value as the converted luminance value Preferably further includes a positive step.

According to this lamp life determination method, in the correction value assigning step, the measured brightness value that changes depending on the projection environment conditions such as the distance from the projector to the screen and the size of the projected image is corrected to the brightness value in the reference measurement conditions. The correction value for performing is assigned from the correction value table.
Further, in the luminance correction step, the luminance value corrected by the corrected luminance value assigned in the correction value assigning step is calculated, and the calculated luminance value is used as the converted luminance value. It is possible to derive a converted luminance value as the ability of the lamp converted into.
Therefore, a converted luminance value as an accurate lamp actual luminance value excluding the influence of the projection environment can be derived from the correction value.

  The method for determining the lamp life of the projector according to the present invention includes a warning process for issuing a warning by display or sound for prompting replacement of the lamp when it is determined in the life determination process that the lamp has reached the end of its life. Furthermore, it is preferable to include.

  According to this lamp life determination method, in the warning process, when it is determined in the life determination process that the lamp has reached the end of its life, a warning with a display or sound for prompting replacement of the lamp is issued. It is possible to inform the user that the lamp has reached the end of life by a display or sound for prompting replacement of the lamp.

  According to the method for determining the lamp life of the projector according to the present invention, the lighting timing process for counting the accumulated lighting time excluding the lamp turning-off time, the time during which the lighting state continues after the lamp is turned on, and The lamp lighting time in the time determination process that determines whether the cumulative lighting time of the lamp timed in the lighting timing process is equal to or longer than the standard service life defined as the estimated time that the lamp can be lit. It is preferable to include a life determination execution step of performing a lamp life determination process by the lamp life determination method after it is determined that is equal to or longer than a reference time.

According to this lamp life determination method, in the time determination step, after it is determined that the lamp lighting time is equal to or longer than the reference time defined as the estimated time during which the lamp can be lit, the lamp life determination process is executed. The lamp life determination process is not performed before the reference time is reached.
Accordingly, an unnecessary process is not performed until the lamp life determination process is required, and a projector lamp life determination method capable of performing the lamp life determination process from the time when it is estimated to be necessary can be provided. .

  According to the method for determining the lamp life of the projector according to the present invention, the time determination step includes the reference duration as the time required for the lighting state of the lamp to be stabilized in the continuous lighting time counted in the lighting timing step. It is preferable to further include a continuous lighting timing step for determining whether or not this is the case, and when it is determined that the continuous lighting time of the lamp is equal to or longer than the reference duration time of the lamp, it is preferable to perform the life determination execution step.

According to this lamp life determination method, in the continuous lighting timing process, it is determined whether the continuous lighting time is equal to or longer than the reference duration as the time required for the lamp lighting state to be stable, and the lamp reference duration When it is determined as described above, a life determination execution step is performed.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for determining the lamp life of the projector that can accurately perform the lamp life determination process in a stable lighting state where the actual luminance of the lamp appears.

  According to the projector lamp life determination method according to the present invention, the life determination execution step stops the operation of the projector that is started by using the end operation as a trigger when the operation for ending the projection of the image by the projector is performed. Therefore, it is preferable to execute the lamp life determination process prior to the closing process including the lamp extinguishing operation.

According to this lamp life determination method, in the life determination execution step, when an operation for ending projection of an image by the projector is performed, the lamp for turning off the projector that is started with the end operation as a trigger is turned off. Since the lamp life determination process is executed prior to the termination process including the operation, the lamp life determination process is not performed during the viewing of the video.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for determining the lamp life of the projector that can perform the lamp life determination processing at a timing that does not hinder the viewing of the video.

  A projector according to the present invention is a projector that projects an image defined by a video signal onto a screen, a lamp as a light source of the projected video, a video signal correction unit that superimposes a predetermined test pattern on the video signal, and a lamp An optical unit that emits modulated light representing a video of a test pattern represented by the video signal by modulating the light from the video signal with a predetermined test pattern superimposed thereon, and modulated light emitted from the optical unit A projection unit for projecting the projected image onto the screen as projection light, an imaging unit for imaging a predetermined test pattern image projected by the projection light on the screen, and a luminance of the predetermined test pattern image captured by the imaging unit. The image analysis unit to analyze and the brightness lower limit value, which is the brightness value required for the lamp specified according to the predetermined test pattern, are recorded. And a control unit that causes the video signal correction unit to perform a process of superimposing a predetermined test pattern on the video signal. , The projected image is picked up by the image pickup unit, and the image analysis unit analyzes the picked-up image to detect the luminance value of the all-black test pattern video, and then the video signal correction unit detects the video signal. The image of a predetermined test pattern having a gradation value higher than that of all black is superimposed, the projected image is captured by the imaging unit, and the captured image is analyzed by the image analysis unit. The luminance value is detected, and the converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is calculated from the detected luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image and the luminance value of the all black image. When the converted luminance value of the test pattern image is compared with the lower luminance limit value of the lamp in the storage unit and the converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is less than or equal to the lower luminance limit value of the lamp, It is characterized by superimposing a display for warning.

According to this configuration, the control unit detects the brightness value of the all-black test pattern image by causing the imaging unit to capture the projected all-black test pattern image and causing the image analysis unit to analyze the captured image. To do. An all-black image is an image having the lowest gradation value among the images projected by the projector, and the projector uses the luminance value detected here as a reference for luminance. The luminance value of the all black image detected here includes noise due to the influence of the projection environment such as the focus state of the test pattern image at the time of image projection, the color tone of the screen surface, and the ambient brightness. Therefore, it is possible to measure the environmental basic luminance value including a noise portion due to the influence of the projection environment.
The control unit determines the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image including the change in luminance due to the influence of the projection environment such as the focus state of the test pattern image when projecting the predetermined test pattern image, the color tone of the screen surface, and the ambient brightness. Then, a converted luminance value used for life determination is calculated from the luminance value of the all-black image corresponding to the luminance value of the noise part due to the influence of the projection environment. Therefore, it is possible to derive the luminance value as the ability of the lamp excluding the influence of the projection environment.

Further, the control unit compares the converted luminance value with the lower luminance limit value of the lamp in the storage unit, and if the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is less than or equal to the lower luminance value of the lamp, the control unit increases the lamp life. Overlay the display for warning. Therefore, the lamp life can be accurately determined because the life is determined based on the luminance value as the ability of the lamp excluding the influence of the projection environment. Furthermore, since a display indicating that the lamp has reached the end of life is superimposed on the projected image, the lamp life can be visually warned.
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a projector that can accurately determine and warn the life of a lamp as a light source even when the projection environment changes.

  According to the projector of the present invention, the predetermined test pattern includes a plurality of test patterns for each color tone including a solid single-color surface in any one of white, red, green, and blue, and video signal correction The unit projects a video image of a plurality of color tone test patterns from a predetermined test pattern, and the imaging unit and the image analysis unit image each test pattern video and measure a luminance value for each test pattern video, The control unit calculates a converted luminance value for each test pattern of a plurality of tones from the measured luminance value for each test pattern image and the luminance value for all black images, and calculates the calculated converted luminance value and the test pattern color tone. The number of test patterns that became lower than the lower limit of brightness was compared with the lower limit of brightness specified for each lamp, and more than half of all the measured test patterns were measured. In the case, it is preferable to perform the warning display.

According to this configuration, the control unit calculates a converted luminance value for each test pattern of a plurality of tones, and compares the calculated converted luminance value with a lower luminance limit value of the lamp defined for each tone of the test pattern. If the number of test patterns below the lower limit of brightness is less than half of all measured test patterns, it is determined that the lamp has reached the end of its life and a warning is displayed. Or, unlike conventional projectors, where the lamp life is determined based on the measured brightness of only one test pattern with a unique color tone, the lifetime is more strictly determined from the brightness measurement results of multiple color tone test patterns including the three primary colors of light. Judgment. In addition, since the proportion affected by the projection environment differs for each test pattern of multiple tones, the effect of the projection environment can be further reduced by comprehensively determining the lifetime based on the luminance measurement results of the test patterns of multiple tones. The excluded determination result can be obtained.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a projector capable of more accurately determining the life of a lamp as a light source and displaying a warning even when the projection environment changes.

  According to the projector of the present invention, the magnification of the projected image and the projection distance that is the distance from the projection unit to the screen are included in the projection unit, and the magnification of the projection image and the focus of the projection image are adjusted. And a projection lens adjustment unit that detects from the movement amounts of the plurality of lenses, and the storage unit is a luminance measurement reference for correcting a luminance value that changes in accordance with the magnification ratio and projection distance of the projected image. The luminance value in the standard measurement condition based on the specified image magnification and projection distance is set as the reference luminance value, and the luminance value is corrected according to the image magnification and projection distance when measuring the luminance value by the test pattern. The brightness correction value table storing the correction value to be applied is stored, and the control unit responds to the magnification and the projection distance detected by the projection lens adjustment unit from the brightness correction value table. And provision of correction values to calculate a luminance value corrected by the correction value reserve by the correction value provision process the converted luminance values, it is preferable to the calculated brightness value and the converted luminance value.

According to this configuration, the control unit is detected by the projection lens adjustment unit from the luminance correction value table storing the correction value for correcting the luminance value that changes in accordance with the magnification ratio and the projection distance of the projected image. Since the correction value according to the enlargement factor and the projection distance is allocated, the luminance value corrected by the correction value allocated in the correction value allocation step is calculated, and the calculated luminance value is used as the converted luminance value. It is possible to derive a converted luminance value as the ability of the lamp obtained by converting the projection environment condition into the reference measurement condition. Therefore, a converted luminance value as an accurate lamp actual luminance value excluding the influence of the projection environment can be derived from the correction value.
Further, the control unit compares the calculated luminance value with the lower luminance limit value of the lamp in the storage unit, and when the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is less than or equal to the lower luminance limit value of the lamp, Overlay the display for warning the life. Therefore, the lamp life can be determined more accurately because the life is determined based on the luminance value as the ability of the lamp excluding the influence of the projection environment. Furthermore, since a display indicating that the lamp has reached the end of life is superimposed on the projected image, the lamp life can be visually warned.

  The projector according to the present invention further includes a lighting detection unit for detecting lighting and extinguishing of the lamp, and the control unit counts the lighting time of the lamp in synchronization with the lighting and extinguishing detection of the lamp of the lighting detection unit. A black test pattern for determining the lamp life when the cumulative lighting time of the lamp by the time counting unit is longer than the standard service life of the lamp specified as the estimated time that the lamp can be lit It is preferable to perform a series of processes starting from image projection.

According to this configuration, the control unit performs the process related to the lamp life determination after it is determined that the cumulative lighting time of the lamp by the time measuring unit is equal to or longer than the reference time defined as the estimated time during which the lamp can be lit. Therefore, the lamp life determination process is not performed before the reference time is reached.
Therefore, an unnecessary process is not performed until the lamp life determination process is required, and a projector capable of performing the lamp life determination process from the time estimated to be necessary can be provided.

  According to the projector of the present invention, the control unit determines the lamp life when the continuous lighting time of the lamp by the time measuring unit is equal to or longer than a reference operation time necessary for the lamp lighting state to be stable. Therefore, it is preferable to perform a series of processes starting from projection of an all black test pattern image.

According to this configuration, the control unit performs the process related to the lamp life determination when the continuous lighting time of the lamp by the time measuring unit is equal to or longer than the reference operation time necessary for the lighting state of the lamp to be stable. Execute.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a projector that can accurately perform the lamp life determination process in a stable lighting state where the actual luminance of the lamp appears.

  According to the projector of the present invention, when the operation for ending the projection of the image is performed, the control unit performs the lamp life before the closing process including the lamp turning-off operation that starts with the end operation as a trigger. It is preferable to perform a series of processes starting from projection of an all-black test pattern image for determining the above.

According to this configuration, when an operation for ending the projection of an image is performed, the control unit relates to the lamp life determination prior to the closing process including the lamp extinguishing operation that starts with the end operation as a trigger. Since the process is executed, the lamp life determination process is not performed during the viewing of the video.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a projector that can perform a lamp life determination process at a timing that does not hinder viewing an image.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
《Usage overview, brightness difference due to differences in projection environment》
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the use of a projector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The projector 100 is provided on a screen SC provided in the conference room so that an image can be projected by a video signal from, for example, a PC (personal computer) 1 as a video signal supply device.
The image projected in FIG. 1 is, for example, an all-black test pattern image used when determining the life of a lamp (not shown) as a light source of the projector 100. Although the details will be described later, this all-black test pattern image is generated inside the projector 100 and projected as one step in the lamp life determination process for determining the lamp life. Note that an all-black test pattern image has a certain luminance because it is a black image by projection even though it is all-black.

The projected test pattern image of all black is imaged by a CCD (Charge Couple Device) 2 as an imaging unit built in the projector 100. In the all-black test pattern image, the place imaged by the CCD 2 is an imaging area A near the center of the projected image. The imaging area A has a rectangular shape similar to the shape of the sensor part of the CCD 2.
The brightness of the image projected by the projector 100 includes the distance from the projector 100 to the screen SC, the size of the projected image, whether the projected image is in focus, the color tone of the screen SC surface, the brightness of the projection environment, and the like. Changes according to the projection environment.

For example, in the situation shown in FIG. 1, when it is desired to project a larger image, the image is projected using a large wall behind the screen SC without using the screen SC. In such a case, if there is no change in the installation location of the projector 100, the projection distance becomes long and the size of the projected image also increases. Therefore, the luminance value detected by analyzing the test pattern image captured by the CCD 2 Becomes lower than the luminance value detected by the screen SC. Furthermore, even if the color tone of the projection surface of the screen SC and the color tone of the wall surface are the same in white, the reflectance and subtle color tone differ depending on the material, etc., so these projection environment factors are also detected. Affects the brightness.
Even if the projection environment changes in this way, the projector 100 eliminates the influence of the projection environment by using the configuration and the lamp life determination method described later, and the brightness of the projected image as an index for determining the lamp life. It is possible to detect accurately.

<Projector configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the projector 100. Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the projector 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
The projector 100 separates the light emitted by the lamp 3 as the light source into three primary color components of red light, blue light, and green light, and the liquid crystal light valve 5R for each color light as a light modulation element for each color light. , 5G, and 5B, the so-called “liquid crystal three-plate projector” that modulates the video signal in accordance with the video signal, synthesizes it again, and projects it onto the screen SC.
The projector 100 includes a lamp 3, an optical unit 4, a video signal processing unit 6, a frame memory 7, a video signal correction unit 8, a video pattern memory 9, a liquid crystal panel driving unit 10, an operation unit 11, an operation receiving unit 12, and a power supply unit 13. , Control unit 14, storage unit 15, warning display unit 16, RTC 17, notification unit 18, image analysis unit 19, lamp drive unit 20, lighting detection unit 21, projection unit 22, projection lens adjustment unit 23, and the like. .

The CCD 2 described above is included in the image analysis unit 19, and the liquid crystal light valves 5 R, 5 G, and 5 B are included in the optical unit 4.
The lamp 3 is a discharge-type lamp capable of obtaining high luminance such as a high-pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, and a halogen lamp. The lamp 3 has a lifetime, and the emission luminance gradually decreases as the lifetime approaches, so that it is necessary to replace the lamp 3 at an appropriate timing in order to ensure the luminance necessary for image projection.

The optical unit 4 includes an integrator optical system that converts white light emitted from the lamp 3 into substantially parallel light having a stable luminance value distribution, and red, green, and blue that are the three primary colors of light. A separate optical system (none of which is shown) that separates each color light component and supplies it to the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, 5B for each color light, and will be described later for each color light by the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, 5B. And a combining optical system that combines again each color light modulated according to the video signal Dout.
The modulated light for each color light from the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B includes a dichroic film that reflects blue light and transmits green light, and a dichroic film that reflects red light and transmits green light. The light is synthesized by a cross dichroic prism CP as a system and is emitted as a substantially parallel modulated light in a full color modulated in accordance with the video signal Dout.

The video signal processing unit 6 converts the video signal Vin from the analog signal to a digital signal so that the analog video signal Vin supplied from the video signal supply device 1 can be subjected to various video signal processing described later. It includes a video converter (not shown) that performs A / D conversion processing for converting to A / D.
The video signal processing includes scaling processing that matches the resolution of the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B by enlarging and reducing the video represented by the video signal, and frame rate conversion that indicates the number of drawing updates per second. Is included.
The analog video signal Vin is digitized by a video converter, and then subjected to such video signal processing and output as a digital video signal Dsc.

The video signal correction unit 8 converts the gradation value of the video signal Dsc into a gradation value suitable for displaying on the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B into the digital video signal Dsc from the video signal processing unit 6. Gamma correction and color unevenness correction processing due to luminance unevenness inherent to the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B are performed and output as a video signal Dout.
Further, when performing the lamp life determination process described later, the video signal correction unit 8 reads a designated test pattern from the video pattern memory 9, generates a video signal representing the read test pattern, and outputs it as a video signal Dout. To do. The video signal Dsc is subjected to OSD (On-Screen Display) processing for superimposing characters such as “computer” indicating the selected video source, and is output as the video signal Dout.

The video pattern memory 9 is not input with a plurality of test patterns used when performing lamp life determination processing, OSD display information such as “computer” superimposed on the projected video in the OSD function, and video signals. The standby screen display of the time is stored.
The liquid crystal panel driving unit 10 supplies the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B with the video signal Dout input from the video signal correction unit 8, the driving voltage, and the like, and displays the images on the liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B.
The operation unit 11 includes a “power button” for starting and stopping the projector 100, and a “cross key” and a “cross key” for selecting a desired operation content from an operation menu displayed on the projected image by the OSD function. The button has a plurality of buttons such as a “decision button” for executing the operation selected in “” and a “zoom adjustment button” for adjusting the size of the projected image. The projector 100 is operated by operating these operation buttons. The remote controller 25 for remotely operating the projector 100 also includes a plurality of similar buttons, and the projector 100 can be operated in the same manner by operating the remote controller 25 as an operation unit.

The operation accepting unit 12 is an interface circuit that accepts an operation when an operation on the operation unit 11 or an operation on the remote controller 25 is performed, and sends operation signals serving as triggers for various operations to the control unit 14 described later.
The power supply unit 13 is stabilized by introducing AC power from the external power supply 26 from a plug and performing transformation, rectification, and smoothing in a built-in AC / DC conversion unit (both not shown). A DC voltage is supplied to each part of the projector 100.
The control unit 14 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), exchanges signals with each unit via the bus line Bus, and controls the operation of each unit in accordance with an operation signal from the operation receiving unit 12. . The control unit 14 has a timekeeping function as a timekeeping unit by a built-in counter or the like.

The storage unit 15 is configured by a non-volatile memory capable of rewriting data, such as a flash memory, for example. The storage unit 15 includes, for example, a projector including various programs for performing a startup process when starting the projector 100, a termination process for terminating image projection and turning off the power, a lamp life determination process described later, and the like. Various information for performing 100 operation controls is stored. The various information includes information related to the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 13 and a luminance correction value table described later.
The warning display unit 16 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) capable of displaying green and red. The LED is provided on the exterior surface of the projector 100 and displays the life of the lamp 3 by the color tone at the time of lighting. In the vicinity of the LED, for example, a letter “Lamp Life Display” is printed. The warning display unit 16 includes a lighting circuit for turning on the LED. The warning display unit 16 turns on the LED in a predetermined color tone by a lighting command from the control unit 14 and turns off the LED by a turn-off command.

The RTC 17 is a real-time clock, and includes a dedicated power source such as a button-type lithium battery. Since the RTC 17 has a dedicated power source, the clock is always on even when the power of the projector 100 is not turned on. When the control unit 14 is activated, it reads time information at that time from the RTC 17 and measures, for example, the lighting time of the lamp 3 until the closing operation is performed by a time measuring function such as a counter as a time measuring unit inside the control unit 14. Manage timekeeping functions such as. In addition, at the time of the end, the control unit 14 stores time information such as the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 3 in the storage unit 15 and then performs the end process.
The notification unit 18 is an amplifier and includes a speaker SP for generating a warning sound. The notification unit 18 generates a warning sound from the speaker SP in response to a warning signal from the control unit 14.
The image analysis unit 19 analyzes the brightness, contrast, color tone, and the like of the image data of the CCD 2 that has captured the projected test pattern video, and sends the analysis information to the main CPU 14.

The lamp driving unit 20 is supplied with electric power from the power supply unit 13 and generates an igniter circuit for forming a discharge path by generating a high voltage for lighting the lamp 3 as a discharge lamp, and a stable lighting state after lighting. Is provided with a ballast circuit (none of which is shown).
The lighting detection unit 21 includes a photodiode FD as an optical sensor that senses light emitted from the lamp 3. The photodiode FD is installed at a location where a part of the light emitted from the lamp 3 enters the light receiving portion of the photodiode FD when the lamp 3 is lit. While the projector 100 is in operation, the lighting detection unit 21 constantly monitors changes in the detected current indicating lighting and extinguishing of the lamp 3 from the photodiode FD, and sends information on lighting and extinguishing of the lamp 3 to the control unit 14. . The control unit 14 measures the lighting time of the lamp 3 starting from the lighting information from the lighting detection unit 21 due to activation, until the closing operation is performed and the extinguishing information comes.

The projection unit 22 includes a plurality of concavo-convex lenses and the like, and expands the modulated light from the cross dichroic prism CP into projection light, and projects an image on the screen SC. The projection unit 22 has a zoom function for adjusting the size of the projected image and a focus function for adjusting the focus of the projected image.
The projection lens adjustment unit 23 is joined to piezoelectric motors MZ and MF as actuators for moving a plurality of concave and convex lenses corresponding to the zoom and focus functions of the projection unit 22 and the rotation shafts of the respective piezoelectric motors MZ and MF. The rotary encoders ZSe and FSe as rotation sensors for detecting the rotation speed of the piezoelectric motor are included.
As for the zoom function of the projector 100, when the “zoom adjustment button” of the operation unit 11 is operated, the piezoelectric motor MZ is driven in accordance with the operation, and the interlocking lens moves to obtain an image of a desired size. . The focus function adjusts the focal length by executing “automatic focus adjustment” stored in the storage unit 15 when the image size is determined.

In “automatic focus adjustment”, for example, a test pattern in which white and black lines are alternately and repeatedly arranged is projected, and the projected test pattern is captured by the CCD 2 while changing the focal length of the test pattern, and the captured test is performed. A place where the contrast, which is the difference in luminance between the white portion of the pattern and the black portion, is maximized is derived as the optimum focal length.
The rotation speed detection signals from the rotary encoders ZSe and FSe adjusted and driven by the “zoom adjustment button” and “automatic focus adjustment” are sent to the control unit 14 via the projection lens adjustment unit 23. The rotation speed detection signal from the rotary encoder ZSe is proportional to the image enlargement ratio, and the rotation speed detection signal from the rotary encoder FSe is proportional to the focal length. The enlargement ratio is proportional to the size of the projected image, and the focal length is proportional to the distance from the projection unit 22 to the screen SC.

The brightness of the image projected on the screen SC decreases as the image enlargement ratio and projection distance increase. For this reason, in order to accurately measure the luminance of the light emitted from the lamp 3, the reference luminance at the time of luminance measurement and the reference luminance at the projection distance are set to 1, depending on the enlargement ratio of the image and the projection distance. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the luminance value.
The storage unit 15 stores a brightness correction value table indicating brightness correction values according to the enlargement ratio of the video and the projection distance. The control unit 14 can assign a luminance correction value corresponding to the detection signals from the rotary encoders ZSe and FSe from the luminance correction value table.
FIG. 4 is an example of a brightness correction value table showing brightness correction values according to the enlargement ratio of the video and the projection distance. In the luminance correction value table H shown in FIG. 4, the correction value is 1.00 when the enlargement ratio and projection distance of the image serving as a reference at the time of luminance measurement are 1.00. In the luminance correction value table H, the “...” Part represents that numerical values are omitted. Further, for example, the # part of “1.7 #” indicated by a projection distance of 0.50 and an enlargement ratio of 0.80 also means omission of numerical values.

<Lamp life judgment processing>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a lamp life determination process of projector 100. Hereinafter, the lamp life determination process in the projector 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 as appropriate.
Projector 100 finishes a presentation that takes one hour in a conference room as shown in FIG. 1, and the user is about to perform a closing operation to end projection of an image. The LED of the warning display unit 16 is lit in green indicating that the lamp 3 can be used. The lifetime of the lamp 3 is nominally 5,000 hours, for example.

In step S <b> 1, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 3 has reached the reference service life, and the lighting time that has been counted since the start and the cumulative lighting time stored in the storage unit 15. Judge using the total time. The standard service life of the lamp 3 is set to 2,500 hours, which is half the nominal life. When the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 3 has not reached the reference service time, it waits for the reference time to be reached. Here, since the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 3 has passed the reference service time, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S1 corresponds to a lighting timing process, a time determination process, and a life determination execution process.
In step S <b> 2, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the lighting time after starting the lamp 3 has reached the reference continuation time, based on the lighting time measured after starting. The reference duration of the lamp 3 is set to 5 minutes. Since a discharge lamp requires a certain time from the start of lighting until the brightness is stabilized, it is possible to measure a stable brightness by checking the reference duration. When the lighting time of the lamp 3 has not reached the reference duration, it waits for the reference time to be reached. Here, since the lighting duration of the lamp 3 has passed the reference duration, the process proceeds to step S3. Step S2 corresponds to a continuous lighting timing process and a life determination execution process.

In step S <b> 3, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a final operation has been performed by operating the “power button” of the operation unit 11 or the like, based on an operation signal from the operation receiving unit 12. When the closing operation is not performed, it continues to wait for the closing operation. Here, since the closing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S4. Steps S1 to S3 described so far correspond to the determination process of the execution timing of the lamp life determination process. Hereinafter, steps S4 to S14 are a lamp life determination processing routine.
In step S <b> 4, the control unit 14 causes the video signal correction unit 8 to generate a video signal representing an all black test pattern stored in the video pattern memory 9 and causes the projection unit 22 to project an all black image. The gradation of the projected image of the projector 100 is represented by 8 bits, and the all-black test pattern is projected with a gradation value of zero, but actually has a constant luminance.
In step S <b> 5, the control unit 14 causes the image analysis unit 19 to capture the all-black projection image on the CCD 2, analyzes the captured image, and stores it in the storage unit 15 as a luminance value. Steps S4 and S5 correspond to an environmental luminance measurement process.

In step S <b> 6, the control unit 14 causes the video signal correction unit 8 to sequentially generate video signals representing the test patterns of each color stored in the video pattern memory 9, and causes the projection unit 22 to project video of each color. Each color test pattern is a solid test pattern of single colors of red, green, and blue. The tone value of the test pattern for each color is a tone value 255 that is the highest luminance among the 8 bits.
In step S <b> 7, the control unit 14 causes the image analysis unit 19 to capture a projected image of each color test pattern on the CCD 2, analyzes the captured image, and stores the image as a luminance value in the storage unit 15.

In steps S6 and S7, when the red test pattern is projected in step S6, the luminance measurement in step S7 is performed. Subsequently, the green test pattern is projected in step S6, and the luminance measurement is performed in step S7. Repeat for the number of colors. Steps S6 and S7 correspond to a relative luminance measurement process.
In step S8, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the projection of each image and the luminance measurement by the red, green, and blue test patterns in steps S6 and S7 have been completed based on the presence / absence of luminance data of each color in the storage unit 15. To do. When the projection and luminance measurement of each image are not completed, the process returns to step S6. Here, since the projection of the red, green, and blue images and the luminance measurement are completed, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the control unit 14 subtracts the luminance value based on the all-black test pattern determined in step S5 from the luminance value based on the test pattern for each color determined in step S7 stored in the storage unit 15. Is calculated for each color. The luminance value calculated here may be a converted luminance value described later.
In step S10, the control unit 14 determines the image enlargement ratio and projection distance when the test patterns of all black and each color are projected from the brightness correction value table H shown in FIG. The brightness correction value corresponding to the detection signal from the rotary encoder ZSe or FSe is assigned. Step S10 corresponds to a correction value assigning step.
In step S11, the control unit 14 multiplies the luminance value for each color obtained in step S9 by the luminance correction value corresponding to the image size and projection distance assigned in step S10, thereby converting each color. A luminance value is calculated. The converted brightness value is the brightness value when the magnification ratio and projection distance of the projected image when the brightness measurement test pattern is projected are converted into the reference image magnification ratio and projection distance when measuring the brightness. is there. Step S11 corresponds to a luminance correction step, and is included in the converted luminance measurement step of steps S9 to S11.

In step S12, the control unit 14 compares the luminance lower limit value for each color stored in the storage unit 15 with the converted luminance value for each color calculated in step S11 for each color.
In step S13, the control unit 14 determines whether the converted luminance values of all the colors red, green, and blue are equal to or lower than the respective luminance lower limit values as a result of the comparison in step S12. If even one of the three colors exceeds the lower limit of luminance, the process proceeds to the final processing routine in step S15. Here, since the converted luminance values of all three colors are equal to or lower than the respective luminance lower limit values, the process proceeds to step S14. Steps S12 and S13 correspond to a life determination step.
In step S14, the control unit 14 determines that the life of the lamp 3 has come to an end because the converted luminance values of all three colors are equal to or lower than the respective luminance lower limit values in step S13. The LED is switched from green to red, and the OSD function superimposes the words “Lamp life. Please replace the lamp” on the projected image. Step S14 corresponds to a warning process.
In step S15, since the lamp life determination process is completed, the control unit 14 executes a closing process program including cooling and extinguishing of the lamp 3 in the storage unit 15, and turns off the power of the projector 100.

  Note that the time required to project and capture the test pattern image of each color is within 0.5 seconds, and therefore the time required from step S1 to step S14 is about 3 seconds.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The control unit 14 controls each color test pattern image including the change in luminance due to the influence of the projection environment such as the focus state of the test pattern image when projecting each color test pattern image, the color tone of the screen surface, and the ambient brightness. The luminance value used for the life determination is calculated by subtracting the luminance value of the all-black image corresponding to the luminance value of the noise part due to the influence of the projection environment from the luminance value. Therefore, it is possible to derive the luminance value as the ability of the lamp that eliminates the influence of the projection environment such as the focus state of the test pattern image, the color tone of the screen surface, and the ambient brightness.
Further, the control unit 14 compares the luminance lower limit value for each color stored in the storage unit 15 with the converted luminance value for each color calculated in step S11 for each color, and determines all red, green, and blue colors. It is determined whether or not the converted luminance value of the color is equal to or lower than each luminance lower limit value, and the determination result is used for the life determination. Therefore, since the life is determined based on the actual luminance value of the lamp, the lamp life can be accurately determined.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a projector lamp life determination method and a projector 100 that can accurately determine the life of a lamp as a light source even when the projection environment changes.

(2) The control unit 14 represents the enlargement ratio and the projection distance of the image when the test pattern of all black and each color is projected from the brightness correction value table H shown in FIG. 4 stored in the storage unit 15, for example. The brightness correction value corresponding to the detection signals from the rotary encoders ZSe and FSe is assigned, the brightness value for each color obtained in step S9, and the brightness correction value corresponding to the image size and projection distance assigned in step S10. Are multiplied to calculate a converted luminance value for each color.
Therefore, an accurate actual brightness value of the lamp that eliminates the influence of the projection environment such as the image enlargement ratio and the projection distance can be derived from the correction value.

(3) As a result of the comparison in step S12, the control unit 14 determines whether the converted luminance values of all the colors of red, green, and blue are equal to or less than the respective luminance lower limit values, and the converted luminance values of all three colors. However, it is determined that the lamp 3 has reached the end of its service life when it is below the respective lower limit of luminance.
Therefore, it is possible to determine the lamp life more strictly from the luminance measurement result by the test patterns having a plurality of tones including the three primary colors of light. In addition, since the proportion affected by the projection environment differs for each test pattern of multiple tones, the effect of the projection environment can be further reduced by comprehensively determining the lifetime based on the luminance measurement results of the test patterns of multiple tones. The excluded determination result can be obtained.

(4) The control unit 14 determines that the life of the lamp 3 has come to an end when the converted luminance values of all three colors are equal to or lower than the respective luminance lower limit values in step S13, and turns on the LED of the warning display unit 16. In addition to switching from green to red, the OSD function superimposes the words “Lamp life. Please replace the lamp” on the projected image.
Therefore, the user can be informed that the lamp 3 has reached the end of its life from a warning by a display for prompting replacement of the lamp 3.

(5) The control unit 14 adds up the lighting time measured since the start and whether or not the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 3 has reached the reference service time and the cumulative lighting time stored in the storage unit 15. If the accumulated lighting time of the lamp 3 has exceeded the reference service life, the process for determining the life of the lamp 3 is performed. Therefore, the lamp life determination process is not performed before the cumulative lighting time of the lamp 3 reaches the reference time.
Therefore, an unnecessary process is not performed until the lamp life determination process is necessary, and the lamp life determination process execution timing determination method that can perform the lamp life determination process from the time estimated to be necessary, and A projector 100 can be provided.

(6) The control unit 14 determines whether or not the lighting time since the start of the lamp 3 has reached the reference duration, based on the lighting time measured since the start, and the lighting time of the lamp 3 is the reference When the duration time has elapsed, a process for determining the life of the lamp 3 is performed.
Accordingly, it is possible to accurately perform the lamp life determination process in a stable lighting state where the actual luminance of the lamp appears.

(7) The control unit 14 determines whether or not the final operation by the operation of the “power button” such as the operation unit 11 has been performed based on the operation signal from the operation receiving unit 12. 3 is performed. Therefore, the lamp life determination process is not performed while viewing the video.
Therefore, the lamp life determination process can be performed at a timing that does not hinder the viewing of the image.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modification will be described below.

(Modification 1)
In step S6 of FIG. 3, the projected test pattern is not limited to red, green, and blue, and may be, for example, all white. When using an all-white test pattern, luminance measurement may be performed using four-color test patterns in addition to the red, green, and blue test patterns. For example, instead of blue, all white may be used. May be.
According to this configuration, since the proportion affected by the projection environment is different for each test pattern of a plurality of tones, the lifetime is determined based on the luminance measurement result based on the test patterns of a plurality of tones. Thus, it is possible to provide a projector lamp life determination and a projector capable of obtaining a strict lamp life determination result in which the influence of the above is eliminated.

(Modification 2)
In Steps S4 and S6 in FIG. 3, the projected test pattern is not limited to a solid pattern of black, red, green, and blue. For example, a partial solid pattern including the imaging area A in FIG. It may be a test pattern by video. According to this configuration, for example, a test pattern based on a partial solid image can be superimposed on the image being viewed, so that the lamp life determination process can be performed even while the image is being viewed. Further, as described above, since the time required for the lamp life determination process is about 3 seconds, it does not hinder the video appreciation.

(Modification 3)
If it is determined in step S14 in FIG. 3 that the lamp 3 has reached the end of its life, a visual warning such as changing the lighting color of the LED of the warning display unit 16 and superimposing characters using the OSD function is performed. The warning is not limited to, but may be a warning by sound, for example. When performing a warning by sound, if it is determined in step S14 that the lamp 3 has reached the end of its life, the control section 14 causes the speaker SP of the notification section 18 to notify a beep sound that indicates the lamp life for several seconds. Further, both visual warning and sound warning may be performed.
According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a method for determining the lamp life of a projector and a projector capable of notifying the user that the lamp 3 has reached the end of its life from a sound warning for prompting replacement of the lamp 3. it can.

(Modification 4)
In the lamp life determination process of the projector 100 shown in FIG. 3, as a condition step for performing the lamp life determination process, the lamp life determination process is further performed in addition to the reference life time and the reference duration time. It is also possible to add a reference elapsed time that is a certain elapsed time. As described above, since there are individual differences in the life of the lamp 3, not only lamps that have a lifetime immediately after the reference service life is exceeded. In addition, since the luminance value, which is an indicator of the lifetime, slowly decreases over time, for example, it is troublesome to perform the lamp lifetime determination process every time it is used for one hour. Therefore, for example, by setting the reference elapsed time as, for example, 50 hours, the execution frequency of the lamp life determination process can be reduced.
According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an execution timing determination method for a lamp life determination process for a projector and a projector capable of performing the lamp life determination process at an appropriate frequency.

(Modification 5)
In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the projector 100 has been described as including three liquid crystal light valves 5R, 5G, and 5B for each color light of red light, blue light, and green light as light modulation elements. It is not limited. For example, the light modulation element of the projector 100 has a configuration using a single-plate liquid crystal light valve having the same number of liquid crystal cells as the resolution for each color light in which red, blue, and green color filters are regularly arranged in a grid pattern. There may be. Further, a configuration using a reflective liquid crystal display device or a tilt mirror device may be used. Even if it is these structures, the effect similar to the said embodiment and each modification can be acquired.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of use of the projector according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector. The flowchart of a lamp life determination process. An example of a brightness correction value table.

Explanation of symbols

CCD as an imaging unit ... 2, lamp as a light source ... 3, optical unit ... 4, liquid crystal light valve ... 5R, 5G, 5B, video signal processing unit ... 6, video signal correction unit ... 8, video pattern memory ... 9, Liquid crystal panel drive unit ... 10, operation unit ... 11, operation receiving unit ... 12, power supply unit ... 13, control unit with timing unit ... 14, storage unit ... 15, warning display unit ... 16, RTC ... 17, notification unit 17, image analysis unit 19, lamp driving unit 20, lighting detection unit 21, projection unit with multiple lenses 22, projection lens adjustment unit 23, screen SC, brightness correction value table H

Claims (13)

A method for determining the life of a lamp as a light source of a projected image of a projector that projects an image on a screen,
An environmental luminance measurement process for projecting an all black image as a test pattern and measuring the luminance value of the projected all black image;
Relative luminance measurement step of projecting an image with a predetermined test pattern having a gradation value higher than that of all black and measuring the luminance value of the projected predetermined test pattern image;
A converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is calculated from the luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image measured in the relative luminance measuring step and the luminance value of the all black image measured in the environmental luminance value measuring step. Conversion luminance deriving step,
The converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image calculated in the converted luminance deriving step is compared with the lower limit luminance value that is a luminance value required for the lamp defined according to the predetermined test pattern. And a life determining step for determining that the lamp has reached the end of its life when the converted brightness value of the predetermined test pattern image is equal to or lower than the brightness lower limit value. Judgment method. The predetermined test pattern includes a plurality of test patterns for each color tone including a single-color solid surface in a color tone of white, red, green, or blue,
In the relative luminance measurement step, a video with a plurality of color tone test patterns is projected from the predetermined test pattern, and a luminance value for each test pattern video is measured.
In the converted luminance derivation step, the converted luminance value for each of the plurality of color tone test patterns is calculated,
In the life determination step, the converted luminance value for each test pattern image of a plurality of tones derived in the converted luminance deriving step is compared with the lower luminance limit value of the lamp defined for each tone of the test pattern. The lamp is determined to have reached the end of its life when the number of test patterns that are less than or equal to the lower limit of luminance is more than half of all the measured test patterns. The method for determining the lamp life of the projector described above. The converted luminance deriving step corrects a luminance value that changes in accordance with an image enlargement factor and a projection distance of the projected image, and is based on a reference measurement condition based on a prescribed image enlargement factor and a projection distance serving as a reference for luminance measurement. Using the luminance value as a reference luminance value, the luminance value measured in the environmental luminance step and the relative luminance measurement step is matched with the measurement condition of the reference luminance value, and the projected image when the luminance value is measured A correction value assigning step of assigning a correction value for correcting the luminance value according to the image enlargement ratio and the projection distance from a correction value table storing the correction value according to the image enlargement ratio and the projection distance of the projection image; ,
The method further comprises: calculating a luminance value obtained by correcting the converted luminance value by the correction value assigned in the correction value assigning step, and using the calculated luminance value as a converted luminance value. 3. A method for determining a lamp life of a projector according to 1 or 2.   2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a warning step of issuing a display or sound warning for prompting replacement of the lamp when it is determined in the life determination step that the lamp has reached the end of its life. The method for determining the lamp life of the projector according to claim 1. A lighting timing process for timing the accumulated lighting time excluding the lamp turning off time, and the time during which the lighting state continues after the lamp is turned on;
A time determination step of determining whether the cumulative lighting time of the lamp timed in the lighting time measuring step is equal to or longer than a reference lifetime defined as an estimated time that the lamp can be lit, and
In the time determination step, after it is determined that the lamp lighting time is equal to or longer than a reference time, at least the environmental luminance measurement step, the relative luminance measurement step, the converted luminance derivation step, and the lifetime determination step are performed. The lamp life determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:   The time determination step further includes a continuous lighting timing step of determining whether the continuous lighting time measured in the lighting timing step is equal to or longer than a reference duration as a time necessary for the lighting state of the lamp to be stable. Including, after it is determined that the continuous lighting time of the lamp is equal to or longer than a reference duration of the lamp, at least the environmental luminance measurement step, the relative luminance measurement step, the converted luminance derivation step, and the life determination step. 6. The method for determining a lamp life of a projector according to claim 1, wherein the lamp life is determined.   When an operation for ending projection of an image by the projector is performed, prior to a closing process including an operation of turning off the lamp to stop the operation of the projector that is started using the ending operation as a trigger, The method for determining a lamp life of a projector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an environmental luminance measurement step, the relative luminance measurement step, the converted luminance derivation step, and the lifetime determination step are performed. . A projector that projects an image defined by a video signal onto a screen,
A lamp as a light source of the projected image;
A video signal correction unit for superimposing a predetermined test pattern on the video signal;
An optical unit that emits modulated light representing an image of a test pattern represented by the video signal by modulating light from the lamp with a video signal on which the predetermined test pattern is superimposed;
A projection unit for enlarging the modulated light emitted from the optical unit and projecting it onto the screen as projection light;
An imaging unit for imaging a predetermined test pattern image projected by projection light on the screen;
An image analysis unit for analyzing the luminance of a predetermined test pattern image captured by the imaging unit;
A storage unit that stores a luminance lower limit value that is a luminance value required for the lamp defined according to the predetermined test pattern;
A control unit that causes the video signal correction unit to perform a process of superimposing the predetermined test pattern on the video signal;
The control unit causes the video signal correction unit to superimpose an all-black test pattern video on the video signal, causes the projected video to be captured by the imaging unit, and causes the image analysis unit to analyze the captured video. To detect the brightness value of the all-black test pattern image,
Next, the video signal correction unit superimposes a video image based on a predetermined test pattern having a gradation value higher than that of all black on the video signal, the projected video image is captured by the imaging unit, and the captured video image is The luminance value of a predetermined test pattern image is detected by analyzing the image analysis unit,
A converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image is calculated from the detected luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image and the luminance value of the all black image, and the calculated converted luminance value of the predetermined test pattern image Comparing the brightness lower limit value of the lamp of the storage unit with a warning value indicating a lamp life when the converted brightness value of the predetermined test pattern image is equal to or lower than the brightness lower limit value of the lamp. A projector characterized by superimposing a display. The predetermined test pattern includes a plurality of test patterns for each color tone including a single-color solid surface in a color tone of white, red, green, or blue,
The video signal correction unit projects a video image having a plurality of color tone test patterns from the predetermined test pattern, and the imaging unit and the image analysis unit image each test pattern video and Measure the brightness value,
The control unit calculates a converted luminance value for each test pattern of the plurality of tones from the measured luminance value for each test pattern image and the luminance value of the all-black image, and the calculated converted luminance value, Compared to the lower limit of brightness of the lamp defined for each color tone of the test pattern, when the number of test patterns that became less than the lower limit of brightness is more than half of all measured test patterns, The projector according to claim 8, wherein the warning display is performed. The projection unit includes an enlargement factor of the projected image and a projection distance that is a distance from the projection unit to the screen, and includes a plurality of magnifications for adjusting the enlargement factor of the projection image and the focus of the projection image. A projection lens adjustment unit that detects from the amount of lens movement;
The storage unit corrects a luminance value that changes in accordance with an image enlargement factor and a projection distance of the projected image, in a reference measurement condition based on a prescribed image enlargement factor and a projection distance that serves as a reference for luminance measurement. A luminance correction value table storing correction values for correcting the luminance values according to the enlargement ratio and projection distance of an image when the luminance values are measured as luminance values based on the test pattern is stored. ,
The control unit allocates the correction value according to the magnification and the projection distance detected by the projection lens adjustment unit from the luminance correction value table, and corrects the converted luminance value in the correction value allocation step. The projector according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a brightness value corrected by the value is calculated, and the calculated brightness value is used as the converted brightness value. A lighting detection unit for detecting lighting and extinguishing of the lamp;
The control unit has a built-in time measuring unit that measures the lighting time of the lamp in synchronization with the lighting and extinguishing detection of the lamp of the lighting detecting unit, and the cumulative lighting time of the lamp by the timing unit is an estimated time that the lamp can be lit. A series of processes starting from projection of an all-black test pattern image for determining the lamp life according to any one of claims 8 to 10 when the lamp has reached a reference life time defined as follows. A projector characterized by performing.   The said control part is any one of Claims 8-10 when the continuous lighting time of the lamp | ramp by the said time measuring part becomes more than the reference | standard operation time required in order for the lighting state of the said lamp to become stable. The projector according to claim 11, wherein a series of processes starting from projection of an all-black test pattern image for determining a lamp life of the lamp is performed. The control unit according to any one of claims 8 to 10, prior to an end process including an operation for turning off the lamp, which is triggered by the end operation when an operation for terminating the projection of the video is performed. The projector according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a series of processing starting from projection of an all-black test pattern image for determining the lamp life according to claim 1 is performed.

Images