JP2007011246A - Liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a life prediction system capable of predicting the life of a liquid crystal display device with high precision. <P>SOLUTION: When the life of an LCD panel is predicted, the life is judged by the standard that maximum luminance (Lm) does not reach predetermined limit luminance (Lt). The relational expression between a PWM value and a luminance relative value for an inverter circuit controlling a back light is represented as maximum luminance (Lm)=acquired luminance (Ls)/(a×PWM value+b) because of luminance relative value=acquired luminance (Ls)/maximum luminance (Lm)=a×PWM value+b. The obtained maximum luminance (Lm) is used to calculate a maximum use time (Ts) which is a use time up to when the maximum luminance of the back light 113 of the LCD panel 133 reaches the limit luminance (Lt) from a Lehmann's expression of maximum luminance (Lm)=Lm(0)(exp(-√(t/τ))). Therefore, the time of the rest of the life indicating the time from the present to the maximum use time (Ts) is represented as (time of rest of life)=Ts-T(n). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a device for predicting the lifetime of a liquid crystal display device.

  As a light source lamp life prediction system, there is a lamp life expectancy calculation apparatus 100 that predicts the life of a halogen lamp in an endoscope apparatus. The lamp life expectancy calculation apparatus 100 calculates the lamp life expectancy corresponding to the remaining usable period of the halogen lamp based on the lamp voltage applied to the halogen lamp.

  Specifically, the lamp life expectancy calculating apparatus 100 sets the index value N to an initial value when replacing the halogen lamp, and subtracts a predetermined value ΔN corresponding to the lamp voltage from the set index value N every predetermined time ΔT. To calculate the lamp life expectancy. The subtraction of the predetermined value ΔN from the index value N is performed while power is supplied to the halogen lamp.

JP 2003-180632 A

  The conventional lamp life expectancy calculating apparatus 100 has the following problems. In the lamp life expectancy calculating apparatus 100, the predetermined value ΔN is a value considering the lamp voltage. However, the remaining life time is calculated by subtracting the cumulative value of the predetermined value ΔN corresponding to the unit usage time from the index value N corresponding to the total life time. In the lamp life expectancy calculating apparatus 100, the total life time is set in advance.

  On the other hand, the original lifetime of a light source such as a halogen lamp is when the light source cannot emit a predetermined luminance. The total lifetime is not set in advance.

  That is, since the preset total lifetime is a predicted value, there is a problem that the life expectancy calculated based on the total lifetime is not out of the predicted range.

  Further, since the predetermined value ΔN is subtracted every unit usage time ΔT, there is also a problem that a temporal accumulation error occurs.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a life prediction system that can predict the life of a liquid crystal display device with high accuracy.

  Means for solving the problems relating to the present invention and effects of the present invention will be described below.

  The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes an illumination unit that provides brightness to the liquid crystal display unit, a measurement unit that measures brightness of the illumination unit and generates measurement information, and the illumination based on the measurement information A control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling the brightness of the unit to a predetermined set value, an illumination control unit that controls the brightness of the illumination unit to the set value based on the control information, and the control Based on the information, the maximum value calculating unit that calculates the maximum brightness information that can be provided by the lighting unit at present, and the lifetime of the lighting unit is predicted based on the maximum brightness information. A life prediction unit.

  Thereby, the lifetime of the illumination unit can be predicted without actually measuring the maximum brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present. In other words, in order to accurately predict the lifetime, the brightness of the illumination unit must be maximized, but the contradiction that the lifetime of the illumination unit is shortened by using the brightness of the illumination unit as maximum has been resolved. Accurate life prediction is possible.

  In general, in order to measure the brightness of the illumination unit, it takes time until the brightness is stabilized. Therefore, even if the brightness value of the illumination unit is obtained by changing from the currently used brightness to the maximum brightness, the accurate brightness value cannot be obtained immediately. On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the maximum brightness information, which is the maximum value of the brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit, is calculated based on the measurement information indicating the brightness of the current illumination unit, and the lifetime is predicted. I do. In other words, since it is not necessary to maximize the brightness of the illumination unit, it is possible to immediately perform life prediction. Furthermore, since the lifetime is predicted based on the already stable current brightness, an accurate lifetime can be predicted.

  Furthermore, since the control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value is used, there is no need to ask the user for a special operation such as newly acquiring the brightness of the illumination unit. That is, it is possible to predict the life without causing the user to feel a burden.

The lifetime prediction system according to the present invention is a lifetime prediction system for a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display device and a lifetime prediction device connected to each other via a network so that data can be transmitted and received with each other. An illumination unit that provides brightness to the display unit;
A measurement unit that measures the brightness of the illumination unit and generates measurement information, and a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value based on the measurement information A lighting control unit that controls the brightness of the lighting unit to the set value based on the control information, a providing unit that provides the control information, and the life prediction apparatus acquires the control information. A maximum value calculation unit that calculates maximum brightness information that is a maximum value of brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit based on the acquired control information, and based on the maximum brightness information, A life prediction unit for predicting the life is provided.

  As a result, even when the liquid crystal display device and the life prediction device are connected via a network, it is possible to accurately predict the life while eliminating the contradiction described above.

  In the liquid crystal display device or the lifetime prediction system according to the present invention, the maximum value calculation unit uses linearity between the control information and the brightness of the illumination unit when calculating the maximum brightness information.

  Thereby, the maximum brightness information of an illumination part can be calculated easily.

  In the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to the present invention, the illumination when the first auxiliary information and the control information, which are the ratio of the change in brightness of the illumination unit to the change in the control information, are set to zero. An auxiliary information storage unit that stores second auxiliary information that is a brightness value of the unit, and the maximum value calculation unit includes the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information stored in the auxiliary information storage unit The maximum value is calculated using auxiliary information.

  Thereby, the maximum brightness information of an illumination part can be calculated easily.

  In the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to the present invention, the life prediction unit also uses the measurement information in predicting the life of the illumination unit.

  This makes it possible to predict the lifetime taking into account the brightness provided by the current illumination unit.

  In the liquid crystal display device or the lifetime prediction system according to the present invention, the measurement unit measures the brightness of the illumination unit via the liquid crystal display unit when generating the measurement information.

  Thereby, since the brightness via the liquid crystal display part which can be acquired easily is used, life prediction can be performed with a simple configuration.

  In the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to the present invention, the measurement unit directly measures the brightness of the illumination unit when generating the measurement information.

  Thereby, since the brightness of an illumination part can be acquired directly, without disturbing the visibility of a liquid crystal display part, it becomes possible to perform lifetime prediction easily.

  In the liquid crystal display device or lifetime prediction system according to the present invention, the measurement unit generates the measurement information based on the brightness of the illumination unit that is directly measured and generates the illumination via the liquid crystal display unit. The brightness of the part is calculated.

  Thereby, since it is possible to perform life prediction by directly measuring the brightness of the illumination unit without acquiring the brightness of the illumination unit via the liquid crystal display unit, it is possible to easily perform life prediction. it can.

  In the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to the present invention, the control information is a current value for controlling the brightness provided by the illumination unit.

  Thereby, since it is not necessary to newly acquire information for life prediction, life prediction can be easily performed.

  In the liquid crystal display device or life prediction system according to the present invention, the control information is a voltage value for controlling the brightness provided by the illumination unit.

  Thereby, since it is not necessary to newly acquire information for life prediction, life prediction can be easily performed.

  The liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to the present invention includes a life prediction result display unit that generates life prediction result display information for displaying the result of the life prediction.

  Thereby, the user can know the result of lifetime prediction easily.

  A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a backlight that provides brightness to a liquid crystal panel, a photosensor that measures the amount of light of the backlight and generates measurement information, and the backlight based on the measurement information. A luminance control unit that calculates a PWM value for controlling the luminance to a predetermined setting value, an inverter circuit that controls the brightness of the backlight to the setting value based on the PWM value, and a change in the PWM value Auxiliary information storage unit that stores slope information that is a ratio of change in brightness of the backlight and intercept information that is a value of brightness of the backlight when the PWM value is 0, the PWM value, A maximum value calculation unit that calculates maximum brightness information that is a maximum value of brightness that the backlight can currently provide based on inclination information and the intercept information; Based on the serial measurement information and said maximum brightness information has lifetime prediction unit predicts the lifetime of the lighting unit.

  Thereby, since life prediction can be performed using a PWM value, life prediction can be easily performed with a simple configuration.

  The life prediction system for a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display device and a life prediction device connected via a network so that data can be transmitted and received with each other. The apparatus includes a backlight that provides brightness to the liquid crystal panel, a photo sensor that measures the amount of light of the backlight and generates measurement information, and a luminance of the backlight based on the measurement information. A luminance control unit that calculates a PWM value for controlling the inverter, an inverter circuit that controls the brightness of the backlight to the set value based on the PWM value, a communication unit that provides the measurement information and the PWM value The lifetime prediction device includes the measurement information and the acquisition unit for acquiring the PWM value, the change in the PWM value An auxiliary information storage unit that stores slope information that is a ratio of change in brightness of the backlight and intercept information that is a value of brightness of the backlight when the PWM value is 0, the PWM value, and the slope information And based on the intercept information, based on the maximum value calculation unit that calculates the maximum brightness information that is the maximum value of the brightness that the backlight can currently provide, the measurement information, and the maximum brightness information, A life prediction unit for predicting the life of the illumination unit;

  Thereby, even when the liquid crystal display device and the life prediction device are connected by a network, the life prediction can be performed using the PWM value, so that the life prediction can be easily performed with a simple configuration. it can.

  Here, the correspondence relationship between the elements described in the claims and the elements in the embodiment is shown. The liquid crystal display device life prediction system corresponds to the liquid crystal display device life prediction system 1, the liquid crystal display device corresponds to the LCD monitor 11, and the life prediction device corresponds to the life prediction device 21.

  The liquid crystal display unit is the LCD panel 133, the illumination unit is the backlight 113, the measurement unit is the optical sensor 115, the control information generation unit is the CPU 121 and the memory 123, the illumination control unit is the CPU 121 and the inverter circuit 111, and the providing unit is This corresponds to the CPU 121 and the USB circuit 129, respectively.

  The acquisition unit is in the USB circuit 218, the maximum value calculation unit is in the CPU 211 and the memory 212, the life prediction unit is in the CPU 211 and the memory 212, the life prediction result display unit is in the CPU 211 and the memory 212, and the auxiliary storage unit is in the hard disk 213. Correspond.

  The control information generation unit executes the processes of steps S2 and S201 to S211.

  Further, the maximum value calculation unit executes the processes of steps S12 and S1203 to S1217, the life prediction unit executes the processes of steps S14 and S1403 to S1413, and the life prediction result display unit executes the processes of steps S16 and S1603 to S1613. .

  The measurement information corresponds to the acquired luminance (Ls) acquired by the optical sensor 115, the control information corresponds to the PWM value, and the maximum brightness information corresponds to the maximum luminance (Lm).

  The first auxiliary information corresponds to the tilt information (a), and the second auxiliary information corresponds to the Y-intercept information (b).

  Examples of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention will be described below.

1. Outline In a life prediction system M1 for explaining an outline of a liquid crystal display device life prediction system according to the present invention using the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device M11 and the life prediction device M21 can transmit and receive data to and from each other. Are connected via a network.

  The liquid crystal display device M11 includes a liquid crystal display unit m10, an illumination unit m11, a measurement unit m13, a control information generation unit m15, an illumination control unit m17, and a provision unit m19. The illumination unit m11 provides brightness to the liquid crystal display unit m10. The measurement unit m13 measures the brightness of the illumination unit m11 and generates measurement information. The control information generation unit m15 generates control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit m11 to a predetermined setting value based on the measurement information. The illumination control unit m17 controls the brightness of the illumination unit m11 to a set value based on the control information. The providing unit m19 provides control information.

  The life prediction apparatus M21 includes an acquisition unit m21, a maximum value calculation unit m23, a life prediction unit m25, a life prediction result display unit m27, and an auxiliary storage unit m29. The acquisition unit m21 acquires control information. The maximum value calculation unit m23 calculates maximum brightness information, which is the maximum value of brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit m11 at present, based on the acquired control information. The life prediction unit m25 predicts the life of the illumination unit m11 based on the maximum brightness information. The life prediction result display unit m27 generates life prediction result display information for displaying the result of life prediction. The auxiliary storage unit m29 is a brightness value of the illumination unit m11 when the first auxiliary information and control information, which is the ratio of the change in brightness of the illumination unit m11 with respect to the change in control information, is “0”. Some second auxiliary information is stored.

  Thereby, the lifetime of the illumination unit can be predicted without actually measuring the maximum brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present. In other words, in order to accurately predict the lifetime, the brightness of the illumination unit must be maximized, but the contradiction that the lifetime of the illumination unit is shortened by using the brightness of the illumination unit as maximum has been resolved. Accurate life prediction is possible.

  In general, in order to measure the brightness of the illumination unit, it takes time until the brightness is stabilized. Therefore, even if the brightness value of the illumination unit is obtained by changing from the currently used brightness to the maximum brightness, the accurate brightness value cannot be obtained immediately. On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the maximum brightness information, which is the maximum value of the brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit, is calculated based on the measurement information indicating the brightness of the current illumination unit, and the lifetime is predicted. I do. In other words, since it is not necessary to maximize the brightness of the illumination unit, it is possible to immediately perform life prediction. Furthermore, since the lifetime is predicted based on the already stable current brightness, an accurate lifetime can be predicted.

  Furthermore, since the control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value is used, there is no need to ask the user for a special operation such as newly acquiring the brightness of the illumination unit. That is, it is possible to predict the life without causing the user to feel a burden.

  Furthermore, even when the liquid crystal display device and the life prediction device are connected via a network, it is possible to accurately predict the life while eliminating the above-described contradiction.

  Furthermore, the maximum brightness information of the illumination unit can be easily calculated.

  Furthermore, the maximum brightness information of the illumination unit can be easily calculated.

  Furthermore, it is possible to predict the lifetime considering the brightness provided by the current illumination unit.

  Furthermore, since the brightness through the liquid crystal display unit that can be easily obtained is used, the lifetime can be predicted with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to newly acquire information for life prediction, life prediction can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, the user can easily know the result of the lifetime prediction.

  Furthermore, since the life prediction can be performed using the PWM value, the life prediction can be easily performed with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, even when the liquid crystal display device and the life prediction device are connected by a network, the life prediction can be performed using the PWM value, so the life prediction can be easily performed with a simple configuration. .

2. Hardware Configuration The hardware configuration of the liquid crystal display device lifetime prediction system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The liquid crystal display device life prediction system 1 includes an LCD monitor 11 and a life prediction device 21. Here, the life prediction apparatus 21 is a personal computer.

  Further, the LCD monitor 11 and the life prediction apparatus 21 can transmit and receive data to and from each other via USB. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the LCD monitor 11 and the life prediction apparatus 21 will be described.

2.1. Hardware Configuration of LCD Monitor 11 The hardware configuration of the LCD monitor 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The LCD monitor 11 includes an inverter circuit 111, a backlight 113, an optical sensor 115, a CPU 121, a memory 123, a backlight on timer circuit 125, a backlight aging timer circuit 127, a display output circuit 131, and an LCD panel 133. ing.

  The inverter circuit 111 controls the brightness of the backlight 113 to a predetermined brightness based on the PWM value. The PWM value refers to a current value for controlling the inverter circuit 111. The backlight 113 provides brightness to the LCD panel 133. The optical sensor 115 is provided as an external sensor for the LCD panel 133. Thereby, the optical sensor 115 measures the brightness (luminance) of the backlight 113 via the LCD panel 133 and generates the acquired luminance (Ls).

  The CPU 121 performs processing based on other applications such as a brightness control program recorded in the memory 123. Based on the acquired luminance (Ls), the CPU 121 generates a PWM value for controlling the brightness of the backlight 113 to the target luminance set by the user.

  The memory 123 provides a work area for the CPU 121. Further, the memory 123 stores tilt information (a), Y intercept information (b), usage time (T), and the like. The data stored in the memory 123 will be described later.

  The backlight-on-timer circuit 125 measures the usage time during which the backlight 113 is lit between the set time and the present time. In this embodiment, the factory default is used as the set time. The backlight on timer circuit 125 newly calculates the usage time by adding the time measured by the backlight on timer circuit 125 this time to the previous usage time, and temporarily stores the calculated usage time.

  The backlight aging timer circuit 127 measures the time from when the power source of the LCD monitor 11 is turned on to the present time. The backlight aging timer circuit 127 temporarily stores the measured time as a backlight aging count value.

  The USB circuit 129 provides the PWM value to the life prediction apparatus 21. In addition, the USB circuit 129 receives image data from the providing unit lifetime prediction device 21.

  The display output circuit 131 generates an image to be displayed on the LCD panel 133. The LCD panel 133 displays the image generated by the display output circuit 131.

2.2. Hardware Configuration of Life Prediction Device 21 The hardware configuration of the life prediction device 21 will be described with reference to FIG. The life prediction apparatus 21 includes a CPU 211, a memory 212, a hard disk 213, and a USB circuit 218. In addition, a keyboard 214, a mouse 215, a display 216, and a CD-ROM drive 217 are connected to the life prediction apparatus 21.

  The CPU 211 performs processing based on other applications such as an operating system (OS) and a life prediction program recorded in the hard disk 213. Based on the PWM value, the CPU 211 calculates the maximum luminance (Lm) that is the maximum brightness that the backlight 113 can currently provide. In addition, the CPU 211 predicts the lifetime of the backlight 113 based on the maximum luminance (Lm).

  The memory 212 provides a work area for the CPU 211. The hard disk 213 records and holds data such as an operating system (OS), a brightness control program, other applications such as a life prediction program, and a life diagnosis file. The data such as the life diagnosis file recorded on the hard disk 213 will be described later.

  The USB circuit 218 acquires a PWM value from the LCD monitor 11. In addition, the USB circuit 218 transmits image data to the LCD monitor 11.

  The keyboard 214 and the mouse 215 accept external commands. The display 216 displays an image such as a user interface. The CD-ROM drive 217 reads data from the CD-ROM, such as reading each program from the CD-ROM 210 in which the brightness control program and the life prediction program are recorded, and other application programs from other CD-ROMs. I do.

3. Data The data stored in the memory 123 of the LCD monitor 11 and the data stored in the hard disk 213 of the life prediction apparatus 21 will be described below.

3.1. Inclination information (a) and Y-intercept information (b)
The tilt information and Y intercept information stored in the memory 123 of the LCD monitor 11 will be described. Here, the correspondence between the PWM value and the brightness (luminance) of the backlight will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the correspondence between the PWM value when the PWM value is actually changed and the brightness (luminance) of the backlight for a certain LCD panel 133. As shown in FIG. 5, the luminance of the backlight corresponding to each PWM value is a relative value (hereinafter referred to as a luminance relative value) with respect to the maximum luminance (Lm) of the acquired luminance (Ls). Here, the acquired luminance (Ls) refers to the luminance of the backlight actually acquired using the optical sensor 115. The maximum luminance (Lm) is the maximum luminance that can be output by the backlight 113 at that time.

  As is clear from FIG. 5, the change in the relative luminance value with respect to the change in the PWM value has linearity in a predetermined section. In the section having the linearity, the slope a indicating the ratio of the change in the luminance relative value to the change in the PWM value, and the section in which the PWM value and the luminance relative value are linear are extended to all PWM values. In this case, the value b of the Y intercept is calculated.

  The relational expression between the PWM value and the luminance relative value at this time is

  It becomes.

  The calculated inclination value is stored in the memory 123 as inclination information (a), and the value of the Y intercept is stored as Y piece information (b).

  Since the tilt information and the Y-intercept information are different for each LCD panel 133, the relationship between the PWM value and the luminance relative value is acquired for each LCD panel 133 at the time of shipment from the factory, the above-described values are calculated, and the LCD monitor 11 is stored in the memory 123. Further, the maximum luminance that can be output by the backlight 113 at the time of factory shipment is stored and held in the memory 123 as the initial maximum luminance.

3.2. Life Diagnosis File Next, the life diagnosis file stored in the hard disk 213 of the life prediction apparatus 21 will be described with reference to FIG. The life diagnosis file is a file in which data used for the life diagnosis of the LCD panel 133 is described. As shown in FIG. 6, the life diagnosis file has a [number] column, a [maximum luminance (Lm)] column, an [acquired luminance (Ls)] column, and a [use time (T)] column. The maximum luminance (Lm), the acquired luminance (Ls), and the usage time (T) are stored as a set, and are recorded in the life diagnosis file in order from the oldest acquired time.

  In the [number] column, the order in which each data is acquired is described. In the “maximum luminance (Lm)” column, the value of the maximum luminance (Lm) calculated using the inclination information, the Y intercept information, and the acquired luminance (Ls) is described. In the [acquired luminance (Ls)] column, the luminance value acquired at that time is described. The [Usage Time (T)] column describes the accumulated time that the LCD panel 133 has been used, that is, the usage time (T) measured by the backlight on timer circuit 125 and stored in the memory 123. The

3.3. Other data The memory 123 of the LCD monitor 11 stores and holds the usage time. The usage time is the cumulative time when the backlight 113 is turned on after the maximum brightness PWM value is stored in the memory 123 of the LCD monitor 1 at the time of shipment from the factory.

  The backlight aging timer circuit 127 temporarily stores and holds the backlight aging count value while the power of the LCD monitor 11 is on. The backlight aging count value refers to the time from when the LCD monitor 11 is turned on until the present time.

  Further, the limit luminance (Lt) is stored and held in the memory 123 of the LCD monitor 11. The limit luminance (Lt) is a value serving as a reference for determining the life of the LCD panel 133.

4). Overview of Life Prediction In life prediction of the LCD monitor 11 according to the present invention, the criterion for determining the life is that the maximum luminance that the backlight 113 can output does not reach a preset limit luminance (Lt). Therefore, first, it is necessary to obtain the maximum luminance of the backlight 113 at that time.

  In this embodiment, in calculating the maximum luminance, linearity between the PWM value and the luminance of the backlight 113 is used. That is, the maximum luminance (Lm) can be calculated based on the above-described equation (1). From equation (1)

  As described above, the maximum luminance can be calculated by using the inclination information (a), the Y intercept information (b), the luminance of the backlight 113 at that time, and the PWM value at that time.

  Then, when calculating when the backlight 113 reaches the end of its lifetime using the maximum luminance (Lm), the Lahmann equation is used. The Lehmann's formula is a formula generally used for predicting the lifetime of the backlight 113 in the LCD panel 133.

  The Lahmann equation is shown below.

  Here, the initial maximum luminance (Lm (0)) and the Laman coefficient (τ) are calculated as follows.

  Maximum brightness (Lm (1)) acquired the oldest in terms of time, use time (T (1)), maximum brightness acquired recently in terms of time (Lm (n)), use time (T (n)) ) Is acquired from the life diagnosis file stored in the memory 123. Substituting these values into equation (2) gives

From the above two formulas,
Substituting the limit luminance (Lt) into the maximum luminance (Lm) in the equation (1), Lm (0) and τ are calculated.

  Using the calculated Lm (0) and τ, Equation (1) is solved for t.

  T shown in the equation (3) is the maximum use time (Ts) that is the use time until the maximum brightness of the backlight 113 of the LCD panel 133 reaches the limit brightness (Lt).

  Therefore, the remaining life time indicating the time from the present to the maximum use time (Ts) is

  Can be calculated.

5. Operation of LCD monitor 11 5.1. Outline An outline of operations performed by the CPU 121 of the LCD monitor 1 will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 121 determines that the power of the LCD monitor 1 is turned on (S1), the CPU 121 executes an automatic brightness correction process (S2), a usage time measurement process (S3), an aging process (S4), and a data providing process (S5). To do. If the CPU 121 determines that the power of the LCD monitor 1 has been turned off (S8), it executes an end process (S9). In the following, automatic brightness correction processing (S2), usage time measurement processing (S3), aging processing (S4), data provision processing (S5), and termination (S9) processing will be described.

5.2. Luminance Correction Process The automatic brightness correction process in this embodiment uses Japanese Patent No. 3193315 (Nanao Co., Ltd.). In the following, an outline of the automatic brightness correction processing when Japanese Patent No. 3193315 applied by the CPU 121 is applied to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The CPU 121 acquires the current acquired luminance (Ls) from the optical sensor 115 (S201). Next, the CPU 121 acquires a user-set luminance ratio value set by the user via the luminance setting unit (S203). The user-set luminance ratio value is a value indicating what percentage the user wants to use with respect to the initial maximum luminance. The CPU 121 calculates the target brightness based on the initial maximum brightness and the user-set brightness ratio value stored and held in the memory 123 (S205).

  The CPU 121 compares the acquired luminance (Ls) acquired in step S201 with the target luminance (S207). If the CPU 121 determines that the acquired luminance (Ls) matches the target luminance, the process ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 121 determines that the acquired luminance (Ls) does not match the target luminance, the CPU 121 controls the inverter circuit 111 so that the acquired luminance (Ls) acquired by the optical sensor 115 approaches the target luminance. The PWM value is calculated (S209). Then, the CPU 121 outputs the calculated PWM value to the inverter circuit 111 (S211). The inverter circuit 111 adjusts the brightness of the backlight 113 and causes the backlight 113 to emit light with a substantially constant light amount corresponding to the target luminance.

5.3. Usage Time Measurement Processing Next, usage time measurement processing performed by the CPU 121 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 121 obtains the usage time from the memory 123 (S301). The CPU 121 sets the acquired usage time in the memory of the backlight on timer circuit 125 (S303). Then, the CPU 121 starts timing by the backlight on timer circuit 125 (S305).

5.4. Aging Time Measurement Processing Next, aging time measurement processing performed by the CPU 121 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The CPU 121 sets “0” to the backlight aging count value of the backlight aging timer circuit 127 (S401). Then, the CPU 121 starts measuring time by the backlight aging timer circuit 127 (S403).

5.5. Data Provision Processing Data provision processing performed by the CPU 121 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When determining that the first data collection request has been acquired (S501), the CPU 121 provides the backlight aging count value to the lifetime prediction apparatus 21 (S502). Further, when the CPU 121 determines that the second data collection request has been acquired (S503), it provides the current acquired luminance (LS), the PWM value, and the current usage time (T) to the life prediction apparatus 21 (S504). .

  When the CPU 121 determines that the lifetime prediction request is acquired (S505), the CPU 121 provides the limit luminance (Lt) to the lifetime prediction device 21 (S507). Further, when the CPU 121 determines that the life prediction result display request has been acquired (S509), it provides the limit brightness (Lt) and bibliographic items to the life prediction device 21 (S511). The data collection request, life prediction request, and life prediction result display request will be described later.

5.6. End Process Next, the end process performed by the CPU 121 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 121 determines that the power of the LCD monitor 1 has been turned off (S9: see FIG. 4), the CPU 121 stores the usage time of the backlight on timer circuit 125 in the memory 123 (S901). Then, the CPU 121 turns off the power of the LCD monitor 1 (S903).

6). Operation of life prediction apparatus 21 6.1. Outline An outline of operations performed by the CPU 211 of the life prediction apparatus 21 will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 211 determines that the luminance check command has been acquired (S11), the CPU 211 executes a life prediction data acquisition process (S12). Further, when the CPU 211 determines that a life prediction start command has been acquired (S13), it executes a life prediction process (S14). Further, when the CPU 211 determines that the life prediction result display command has been acquired (S15), the CPU 211 executes a life prediction result display process (S16). If the CPU 121 determines that another command has been acquired, the CPU 121 executes a corresponding process (S17). Hereinafter, the life prediction data acquisition process (S12), the life prediction process (S14), and the life prediction result display process (S16) will be described.

6.2. Life Prediction Data Collection Processing Life prediction data collection processing performed by the CPU 121 based on the life prediction program will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. If the CPU 121 determines that the luminance check command has been acquired (S11: see FIG. 12), it transmits a first life prediction data collection request to the LCD monitor 11 via the USB circuit 218 (S1203). The first life prediction data collection request is a request for the LCD monitor 11 to transmit a backlight aging count value.

  When the CPU 211 determines that the backlight aging count value has been acquired (S1205), the CPU 211 determines whether the backlight aging count value is greater than a predetermined value, that is, whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S1207). ). When the CPU 121 determines that the backlight aging count value is smaller than the predetermined value, that is, the predetermined time has not elapsed, the CPU 121 determines that the backlight brightness is not yet stable, and obtains the life prediction data thereafter. Do not do.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 121 determines that the backlight aging count value is larger than the predetermined value, that is, a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 121 sets the screen gradation of the LCD panel 133 as the predetermined gradation (S1209). In this embodiment, each gradation of RGB is set to 255.

  Then, the CPU 211 transmits a second life prediction data collection request to the LCD monitor 11 (S1211). The second life prediction data collection request is a request for the LCD monitor 11 to transmit the current acquired luminance (Ls), the current PWM value, and the current usage time (T).

  When the CPU 211 determines that the current acquired luminance (Ls), the current PWM value, and the current usage time (T) have been acquired (S1213), the CPU 211 obtains the inclination information (a) and the Y intercept information (b) from the hard disk 213. A value is acquired (S1215). Next, the CPU 121 uses the acquired luminance (Ls) acquired in step S1213, the PWM value, and the slope information (a) and Y intercept information (b) acquired in step S1215 to determine the maximum luminance value (Lm ) Is calculated (S1217).

  The CPU 121 associates the maximum luminance value (Lm) calculated in step S1217, the usage time (T) acquired in step S1213, and the acquired luminance (Ls), and is stored in the memory 123 as the latest data. The life diagnosis file is described (S1219).

6.3. Life Prediction Processing Next, life prediction processing performed by the CPU 121 based on the life prediction program will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 121 determines that a life prediction start command has been acquired (S13: see FIG. 12), it transmits a life prediction request to the LCD monitor 11 via the USB circuit 218 (S1403). The life prediction request is a request for the LCD monitor 11 to transmit a limit luminance (Lt) that is data necessary for life prediction.

  When the CPU 211 determines that the limit luminance (Lt) has been acquired via the USB circuit 218 (S1405), the oldest data (Lm (1), Ls (1), T (1)) and The newest data (Lm (n), Ls (n), T (n)) is acquired (S1407).

  Based on the oldest data (Lm (1), Ls (1), T (1)) and the newest data (Lm (n), Ls (n), T (n)) acquired in step S1407. Then, the initial maximum luminance (Lm (0)) and the Lehmann coefficient (τ) are calculated (S1409). In the calculation, the above-described Lahmann equation is used.

  Further, the CPU 121 uses the maximum luminance (Lm (0)) calculated in step S1409, the Lehman coefficient (τ), and the limiting luminance (Lt) acquired in step S1405 to calculate the limiting luminance (Lt) based on the Laman equation. The maximum use time (Ts) until is calculated (S141411). Based on the maximum usage time (Ts) calculated in step S1411 and T (n) acquired in step S1405, the CPU 121 calculates the remaining life time related to the backlight 113 of the LCD panel 133 (S1413). Note that the above-described Lahmann equation is used for the calculation of each data.

6.4. Life Expectation Time Display Processing Next, life prediction result display processing performed by the CPU 121 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 121 determines that the life prediction result display command has been acquired (S15: see FIG. 12), it transmits a life prediction result display request to the LCD monitor 11 by USB communication via the USB circuit 218 (S1603). The life prediction result display request is a request to transmit the limit luminance (Lt) and bibliographic items, which are data necessary for displaying the life prediction result on the LCD monitor 11. Here, the bibliographic items refer to the model number (type), manufacturing number, and the like of the LCD monitor 11.

  When the CPU 211 determines that the target brightness (Kt) and bibliographic items have been acquired (S1605), the CPU 211 acquires the remaining life time from the memory 123 (S1607). In addition, the CPU 1211 acquires the previous measurement result from the life diagnosis file stored in the memory 123 (S1609). Then, the CPU 1211 generates a LEA (Life Expectation Analyzer) result screen (S1611). Further, the CPU 211 transmits the generated LEA result screen to the LCD monitor 11 via the display output circuit 131 (S1613).

  An example of the LEA result screen in which the life prediction result is displayed on the LCD panel 133 is shown in FIG. The LEA result screen has a set value display area A1, a measurement result display area A3, a history display area A5, a bibliographic item display area A7, and a life graph display area A9.

  The limit brightness (Lt) value is displayed in the set value display area A1. In the measurement result display area A3, the remaining life time calculated by the current life prediction and the usage time thus far are displayed. In the history display area A5, the result of life prediction performed in the past is displayed. In the bibliographic item display area A7, bibliographic items such as a life prediction execution date, a type number of the LCD monitor 1, a manufacturer name, a model name, and a manufacturing number are displayed.

In the life graph display area A9, a life prediction curve based on the calculated Lahmann equation is displayed. In the lifetime graph, the horizontal axis represents usage time, and the vertical axis represents luminance (cd / m ² ). Further, the maximum luminance (Lm) and the acquired luminance (Ls) calculated this time and in the past are displayed on the life graph. Further, the lifetime prediction based on the Lahmann equation is displayed with a solid line, and the limit luminance (Lt) is displayed with a dotted line.

[Other Examples]
(1) Hardware Configuration In the first embodiment described above, the life prediction system is configured by the LCD monitor 11 and the life prediction device 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it the LCD monitor 11 have all the functions which the lifetime prediction apparatus 21 has.

  In the first embodiment, the life prediction system is configured by one life prediction device 21 for one LCD monitor 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of LCD monitors 11 may be associated with one life prediction device 21. Thereby, in the lifetime prediction apparatus 21, the lifetime management of the several LCD monitor 11 is attained.

(2) Method for Obtaining Acquired Luminance (Ls) In Example 1 described above, the obtained luminance (Ls) is obtained via the optical sensor 115 provided outside the LCD panel 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the acquired luminance (Ls) can be obtained. For example, an optical sensor may be provided inside the LCD monitor. In this case, the optical sensor is provided on the back side of the backlight 113. Thus, by providing the optical sensor inside, it is possible to eliminate the influence of visibility and the like due to the external optical sensor being provided to the user, but it is not possible to directly obtain the backlight luminance. . Therefore, the acquired luminance is calculated by applying a predetermined correction to the AD value acquired through the optical sensor. Specifically, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-389900 (Nanao Co., Ltd.) may be used.

When the LCD monitor is a monochrome monitor, in addition to the data stored in the memory 123 in the first embodiment, self-correction luminance data, self-correction AD data, self-correction gradation data, and LUT (Look Up Table) are stored. Use. The luminance data for self-correction is the luminance (L _MH ) of the surface of the LCD panel 33 when the brightness is maximum (100%) and the luminance of the surface of the LCD panel 33 when the brightness is minimum (0%). Refers to luminance (L _ML ). The self-correction AD data includes the output value (AD _H ) of the optical sensor 115 ′ when the brightness is maximum (100%) and the output value (AD _L ) of the optical sensor 115 ′ when the brightness is minimum (0%). ).

  The self-correction gradation data is data obtained by normalizing the result of measuring the luminance of the LCD panel 33 with a luminance meter for each input level with luminance corresponding to white. As a result, it is possible to obtain the brightness ratio of the intermediate gradation of the LCD panel 33 based on the brightness of white.

  The LUT is a table describing a correspondence relationship between an input level (gradation) and an output level (gradation).

  The acquisition luminance (Ls) is calculated as follows.

  Here, the backlight luminance is the luminance at which the LUT is set to the maximum with respect to the maximum input level. The self-correction gradation data corresponding to the maximum LUT is self-correction gradation data corresponding to the maximum input level.

  Further, the backlight luminance is calculated as follows.

  Note that AD refers to the AD value of the optical sensor acquired when calculating the acquired luminance (Ls).

  Further, in the case of a color monitor, in addition to the data used in the monochrome monitor, data (RR, GR, BR) indicating the ratio of R solid, G solid, and B solid luminance is used. A LUT is prepared for each color of RGB.

  The acquisition luminance (Ls) is calculated as follows.

Note that the backlight luminance is calculated in the same manner as in the case of a monochrome monitor. In the case of using a color monitor, the color temperature setting (e.g.,), _L MH _used, L _ML, AD H, may be changed to the value of AD _L.

(3) Data Collection In the first and second embodiments, data collection is not performed until the backlight on count value has passed a predetermined time after the LCD monitor 1 is turned on. It was. However, if data such as a PWM value is stable, data collection may be performed before a predetermined time elapses.

(4) PWM value In the first embodiment, the lifetime of the backlight 113 is predicted using the PWM value. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the inverter circuit 111 can be controlled. For example, it may be a voltage value given to the inverter circuit 111 in order to control the brightness of the backlight 113 to be constant. In this case, a table or the like for converting voltage values into PWM values may be prepared. Furthermore, a function that can predict the life from the voltage value may be used.

(5) Display of predicted life result In the above-described first embodiment, the predicted life time is displayed. However, together with or instead of displaying the predicted life time, an LCD monitor usage plan based on the predicted life time is displayed. You may make it do. For example, when the user inputs a period during which the LCD monitor is used, the daily usage time for using the LCD monitor within the period may be calculated and displayed.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the Lahmann equation is displayed as a graph. However, only data such as the calculated maximum luminance is displayed in the graph, and the user can predict the life curve from the displayed data value. You may do it. As a result, it is possible to perform life prediction using human knowledge effectively.

  Furthermore, a part of the Lahmann equation displayed on the graph may be corrected. In this case, the displayed Lahmann equation may be corrected with a mouse or the like. As a result, it is possible to perform life prediction using human knowledge effectively.

(6) Automatic brightness correction processing In the first embodiment described above, the automatic brightness correction processing is performed based on Japanese Patent No. 3193315. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as automatic brightness correction processing can be performed.

It is a functional block diagram of the liquid crystal display device in this invention. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the lifetime prediction system 1 of a liquid crystal display device. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an LCD monitor 11. FIG. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the lifetime prediction apparatus. It is the figure which showed the correspondence of a PWM value and the brightness (luminance) of a backlight. It is the figure which showed the life diagnosis file. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation performed by a CPU 121 of the LCD monitor 1. It is the flowchart which showed the brightness | luminance automatic correction process. It is the flowchart which showed the usage time measurement process. It is the flowchart which showed the aging time measurement process. It is the flowchart which showed the data provision process. It is the flowchart which showed the end process. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation performed by a CPU 211 of the life prediction apparatus 21. It is the flowchart which showed the lifetime prediction data collection process. It is the flowchart which showed the lifetime prediction process. It is the flowchart which showed the lifetime prediction result display process. It is the figure which showed the LEA result screen.

Explanation of symbols

M1... Liquid crystal display device life prediction system M11... Liquid crystal display device M21... Life prediction device M
m10: Liquid crystal display unit m11: Illumination unit m13: Measurement unit m15: Control information generation unit m17: Illumination control unit m19: Providing unit m21 ... acquisition unit m23 ... maximum value calculating unit m25 ... life prediction unit m27 ... life prediction result display unit m29 ... auxiliary storage unit

Claims (17)

An illumination unit that provides brightness to the liquid crystal display unit;
A measurement unit that measures the brightness of the illumination unit and generates measurement information;
A control information generating unit that generates control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value based on the measurement information;
An illumination control unit that controls the brightness of the illumination unit to the set value based on the control information;
Based on the control information, a maximum value calculation unit that calculates maximum brightness information that is the maximum value of brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present.
A life prediction unit that predicts the life of the illumination unit based on the maximum brightness information;
A liquid crystal display device. In a life prediction system for a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display device and a life prediction device connected via a network so that data can be transmitted and received between each other,
The liquid crystal display device
An illumination unit that provides brightness to the liquid crystal display unit;
A measurement unit that measures the brightness of the illumination unit and generates measurement information;
A control information generating unit that generates control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value based on the measurement information;
An illumination control unit that controls the brightness of the illumination unit to the set value based on the control information;
A providing unit for providing the control information;
Have
The life prediction apparatus is
An acquisition unit for acquiring the control information;
Based on the acquired control information, a maximum value calculation unit that calculates maximum brightness information that is the maximum value of brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present,
A life prediction unit that predicts the life of the illumination unit based on the maximum brightness information;
Having a life prediction system. In either the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 or the life prediction system according to claim 2,
The maximum value calculation unit
In calculating the maximum brightness information, utilizing linearity between the control information and the brightness of the illumination unit,
It is characterized by. Either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 3, further comprising:
The first auxiliary information that is the ratio of the change in brightness of the illumination unit to the change in the control information and the second auxiliary information that is the brightness value of the illumination unit when the control information is 0 An auxiliary information storage unit for storing
Have
The maximum value calculation unit
Calculating the maximum value using the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information stored in the auxiliary information storage unit;
It is characterized by. Either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 1,
The life prediction unit further includes:
In predicting the lifetime of the illumination unit, the measurement information is also used.
It is characterized by. In either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 1-5,
The measuring unit is
In generating the measurement information, measuring the brightness of the illumination unit via the liquid crystal display unit,
It is characterized by. In either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 1-5,
The measuring unit is
In generating the measurement information, directly measuring the brightness of the illumination unit,
It is characterized by. Either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 7,
The measuring unit is
In generating the measurement information, calculating the brightness of the illumination unit via the liquid crystal display unit based on the brightness of the illumination unit directly measured,
It is characterized by. Either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 1,
The control information is a current value for controlling the brightness provided by the illumination unit,
It is characterized by. Either of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to claim 1,
The control information is a voltage value for controlling the brightness provided by the illumination unit;
It is characterized by. In any one of the liquid crystal display device or the life prediction system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A life prediction result display unit for generating life prediction result display information for displaying the result of the life prediction;
Have A lifetime prediction program for predicting the lifetime of an illumination unit that provides brightness to a liquid crystal display unit,
Measuring the brightness of the illumination unit and generating measurement information;
Generating control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value based on the measurement information;
Based on the control information, controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to the set value,
Based on the control information, calculating the maximum brightness information that is the maximum brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present,
Predicting the lifetime of the illumination unit based on the maximum brightness information;
Life prediction program that runs A liquid crystal display device connected via a network so that data can be transmitted and received between each other, an illumination unit providing brightness to the liquid crystal display unit, measuring the brightness of the illumination unit, and measuring information A measurement unit to be generated, a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling the brightness of the illumination unit to a predetermined set value based on the measurement information, and a brightness of the illumination unit based on the control information In a life prediction program for predicting the life of a liquid crystal display device having an illumination control unit that controls the brightness to the set value, for a computer,
Obtaining the control information;
Based on the acquired control information, a step of calculating maximum brightness information that is a maximum value of brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present.
Predicting the lifetime of the illumination unit based on the maximum brightness information;
Life prediction program that runs Backlight that provides brightness to the LCD panel,
A photosensor that measures the amount of light of the backlight and generates measurement information;
A luminance control unit that calculates a PWM value for controlling the luminance of the backlight to a predetermined setting value based on the measurement information;
An inverter circuit for controlling the brightness of the backlight to the set value based on the PWM value;
Auxiliary information storage for storing inclination information, which is a ratio of change in brightness of the backlight to change in the PWM value, and intercept information, which is a value of the brightness of the backlight when the PWM value is 0 Part,
A maximum value calculation unit that calculates maximum brightness information, which is the maximum value of brightness that the backlight can currently provide, based on the PWM value, the tilt information, and the intercept information;
A lifetime prediction unit that predicts the lifetime of the illumination unit based on the measurement information and the maximum brightness information.
A liquid crystal display device. In the life prediction system in a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display device and a life prediction device connected via a network so that data can be transmitted and received with each other,
The liquid crystal display device
Backlight that provides brightness to the LCD panel,
A photosensor that measures the amount of light of the backlight and generates measurement information;
A luminance control unit that calculates a PWM value for controlling the luminance of the backlight to a predetermined setting value based on the measurement information;
An inverter circuit for controlling the brightness of the backlight to the set value based on the PWM value;
A communication unit for providing the measurement information and the PWM value;
Have
The life prediction apparatus is
An acquisition unit for acquiring the measurement information and the PWM value;
Auxiliary information storage for storing inclination information, which is a ratio of change in brightness of the backlight to change in the PWM value, and intercept information, which is a value of the brightness of the backlight when the PWM value is 0 Part,
A maximum value calculation unit that calculates maximum brightness information, which is the maximum value of brightness that the backlight can currently provide, based on the PWM value, the tilt information, and the intercept information;
A lifetime prediction unit that predicts the lifetime of the illumination unit based on the measurement information and the maximum brightness information.
A system for predicting the lifetime of a liquid crystal display device. Measuring the brightness of an illuminating unit that provides brightness to the liquid crystal display unit, generating measurement information, and controlling the brightness of the illuminating unit to a predetermined set value based on the generated measurement information A life prediction method for a liquid crystal display device that generates control information and controls the brightness of the illumination unit to the set value based on the generated control information,
Based on the control information, the maximum brightness information that is the maximum brightness that can be provided by the illumination unit at present is calculated,
Predicting the lifetime of the illumination unit based on the maximum brightness information;
A method for predicting the life of a liquid crystal display device. The life prediction method for a liquid crystal display device according to claim 16, further comprising:
Calculating the maximum brightness information using linearity between the control information and the brightness of the illumination unit;
A method for predicting the life of a liquid crystal display device.

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