JP2007108205A - Maintenance system of image display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately judge the change in the characteristics of optical modulation elements used for projectors and to carry out maintenance of the projectors based on the same. <P>SOLUTION: The maintenance system of the image display apparatus comprises the projectors PJ1, PJ2, etc., as the image display apparatus having the optical modulation elements for modulating the light from a light source according to an image signal and a management server SV capable of generating maintenance information for the projectors and transmitting the information to the projectors. Each of the projectors PJ1, PJ2, etc., comprises a load information acquisition apparatus of the optical modulation elements capable of acquiring the load information of the optical modulation elements and a management information input/output controller 19 capable of inputting the output of the load information of the optical modulation elements and the maintenance information from the management server SV. The management server SV has a maintenance information generation section which judges the degree of the change in the characteristics of the optical modulation elements based on the load information of the optical modulation elements from the projectors and generates the maintenance information based on the results of the judgment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image display apparatus maintenance system, an image display apparatus used in the image display apparatus maintenance system, a maintenance information acquisition program for the image display apparatus, a management server used in the image display apparatus maintenance system, and maintenance information generation for the management server. Regarding the program.

In recent years, projection-type image display devices (referred to as projectors) are becoming widespread for applications such as business presentations and home theaters in general households. Accordingly, projectors are required to have high maintainability as well as low cost and high performance.

In conventional projectors, there are known techniques for changing the light intensity of a light source according to the type of content to be displayed and the environment in which the projector is used, and performing image signal conversion according to the color gamut of the projector. Yes. Using this, for example, when using a projector for presentations, use a presentation mode that emphasizes brightness over color reproducibility, and when using it for movie viewing, theaters that emphasize color reproduction over brightness. In many cases, a mode setting function (called a color mode) according to the application is used.

In order to properly realize such a color mode setting function, it is important that there is no significant change in the characteristics of the light modulation element that determines color reproducibility and brightness. However, it is known that the characteristics of the light modulation element change as a result of long-term use. If the characteristics of the light modulation element change, the target color may not be obtained when image signal conversion is performed based on the color reproduction range in the initial stage of the projector (such as immediately after purchase).
Therefore, maintenance is required to appropriately maintain performance such as color reproducibility even when the projector is used for a long period of time.

Currently, projectors using a liquid crystal display element (referred to as a liquid crystal light valve) as a light modulation element are widely used as projectors that are widely used. In this type of projector, the user can replace the lamp as the light source as a replacement part. However, it is not easy to replace the liquid crystal light bulb that greatly affects the performance of the projector.

In particular, in a liquid crystal three-plate projector provided with liquid crystal light valves corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue), the dichroic prism and three liquid crystal light valves are integrated. Many of them are in one unit.

For this reason, when the characteristics of the liquid crystal light valve change due to long-term use of the projector, the liquid crystal light valve itself cannot be replaced by the user, but the manufacturer repairs it as a failure. At this time, the manufacturer generally does not replace only the liquid crystal light valve, but replaces the integrated dichroic prism and the three liquid crystal light valves as they are. This is because it is necessary to adjust the position of the three liquid crystal light valves with high accuracy, and the position adjustment is very difficult.

As a technique for solving this, a technique has been proposed in which the position of the three liquid crystal light valves can be independently adjusted by software. By applying this technique, it is considered that a projector capable of independently replacing three liquid crystal light valves can be provided. However, in order to apply such a technique, it is necessary to be able to objectively predict which liquid crystal panel and how its characteristics change.

Several techniques for objectively predicting how the characteristics of the light modulation element and the light source are changed have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes means for measuring and recording the operating time of a projector, and appropriately updates information for performing image signal conversion according to the operating time.

On the other hand, when it is assumed that the light modulation element can be exchanged on the user side, there is also a technique that enables acquisition of unique control data necessary for properly operating the exchanged light modulation element via the network. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-140060 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-101652

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, even if the characteristics of the liquid crystal light valve change, it is possible to maintain the initial color reproducibility by performing image signal conversion according to the operating time of the projector. I think it can be done.

Further, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 enables acquisition of unique control data for the replaced liquid crystal light valve via a network. According to this, even when the liquid crystal light valve is replaced, It is considered that the initial color reproducibility can be maintained because unique control data corresponding to the newly attached liquid crystal light valve can be acquired.

On the other hand, when the projector is used for a long period of time, the maintenance information such as whether or not the liquid crystal light valve needs to be replaced at the present time and when the light modulation element should be replaced (maintenance information). There is also a request to know.

If such maintenance information can be provided to the user, depending on the content of the provided maintenance information, the user can take measures corresponding to the maintenance information, such as requesting the manufacturer to repair the projector. Can use the projector with confidence. However, the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not provide such maintenance information to the user.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance system for an image display device that can appropriately perform maintenance on the image display device by providing maintenance information on the liquid crystal light valve to the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image display device used in an image display device maintenance system, an image display device maintenance information acquisition program, a management server used in the image display device maintenance system, and a management server maintenance information generation program. And

(1) An image display apparatus maintenance system according to the present invention includes an image display apparatus having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and generates maintenance information for the image display apparatus, and the maintenance A maintenance system for an image display device having a management server capable of transmitting information to the image display device, wherein the image display device is capable of predicting a degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element. A load information acquisition device for the light modulation element that acquires the output, and a management information input / output control unit capable of inputting the load information of the light modulation element and the maintenance information from the management server, The degree of characteristic change of the light modulation element is determined based on the load information of the light modulation element acquired by the image display device, and the result of the determination Zui and characterized by having a maintenance information generating unit which generates the maintenance information.

As described above, according to the maintenance system for the image display device of the present invention, the load information of the light modulation element is obtained on the image display device side, and the load of the light modulation element generated by the image display device is obtained on the management server. Based on the information, determine the degree of characteristic change of the light modulation element,
Maintenance information based on the result of the determination is generated, and the maintenance information is transmitted to the image display device. On the image display device side, maintenance information can be displayed on a display surface, an image display surface, or the like on the operation panel. Thereby, the user who uses the image display apparatus can know the necessity of maintenance appropriately and easily from the displayed maintenance information.

In the maintenance system for an image display device according to the present invention, the determination of the degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element and the generation of maintenance information based on the determination are performed on the management server side.
The calculation burden on the image display device side can be reduced.

(2) In the maintenance system for the image display device according to (1), the image display device and the management server are preferably connected via a network.
As described above, a maintenance system in which the image display device and the management server are connected via a network can easily perform maintenance on a large number of image display devices installed in various places.

(3) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to (1) or (2), a plurality of the light modulation elements are provided corresponding to a plurality of basic colors, and load information of the light modulation elements is: Preferably, the maintenance information is obtained for each of the plurality of light modulation elements, and the maintenance information is generated for each of the plurality of light modulation elements.

Thus, for example, when RGB is used as the basic color, the RG
Load information of each light modulation element of B is acquired. Therefore, on the management server side, RG
Maintenance information for each of the light modulation elements of B can be generated and transmitted to the image display device, so that the user can know the necessity of maintenance for the light modulation elements of RGB appropriately and easily.

(4) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to any one of (1) to (3), the maintenance information includes information indicating necessity of replacement of the light modulation element and / or information regarding replacement timing. It is preferable that

As described above, since the maintenance information is information indicating the necessity of replacing the light modulation element, the user can know whether or not the light modulation element needs to be replaced at the present time. Further, since the maintenance information is information related to the replacement timing of the light modulation element, for example, it is possible to know when the liquid crystal light valve should be replaced.

(5) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to (4), the information related to the replacement time is obtained based on past load information of the plurality of light modulation elements generated every predetermined time. Is preferred.

For example, the degree of change in characteristics per unit period is obtained from the past usage status, and, for example, the remaining usable time of the liquid crystal light valve is obtained based on the obtained degree of change in characteristics per unit period. Thus, by using the remaining usable time obtained in this way, it is possible to predict the replacement time reflecting the use status of the image display device.

(6) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to any one of (1) to (5), the load information of the light modulation element is an accumulation obtained by integrating a load value based on a load applied to the light modulation element. It is a load value.
Thereby, it is possible to obtain a parameter that appropriately represents the degree of change in the characteristics of the light modulation element.

(7) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to (6) above, the load value based on the load applied to the light modulation element is the light intensity of the light source incident on the light modulation element and the image signal. It is preferable that it is obtained based on at least one of information relating to gradation, information relating to the temperature of the light modulation element, and information relating to the operating time of the image display device.

These are all information that can predict the degree of change in the characteristics of the light modulation element, and by accumulating the load value based on at least one of these information to obtain the accumulated load value,
The obtained accumulated load value appropriately represents the degree of change in the characteristics of the light modulation element.
In particular, the cumulative load value obtained by integrating the load value based on the light intensity of the light source and the gradation information of the image signal depends on the light intensity and the image (content), and thus is added to the light modulation element. It represents the load situation more appropriately.

(8) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to any one of (1) to (7), the image display device can be connected to the management server as necessary.

For example, the image display device is connected to the management server only when the load information of the light modulation element is transmitted from the image display device to the management server and when the maintenance information is received from the management server. In addition, it is possible to fulfill the function of the maintenance system for the image display device described in (1) by connecting the image display device to the management server as necessary.

(9) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to any one of (1) to (7), the image display device may be always connected to the management server.

As described above, the image display apparatus can be always connected to the management server. According to this, it is possible to automatically transmit the accumulated load value acquired on the image display device side every predetermined time to the management server without performing an operation of connecting the image display device to the management server each time. In addition, maintenance information generated by the management server can be automatically received at regular intervals.

(10) In the maintenance system for an image display device according to any one of (1) to (10), the light modulation element is preferably a light modulation element using liquid crystal.
Thus, since the light modulation element is a light modulation element using liquid crystal, the present invention can obtain more remarkable effects.

(11) An image display device of the present invention generates an maintenance information for the image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and the maintenance information is An image display device used in a maintenance system for an image display device having a management server capable of transmitting to the image display device, wherein the load information of the light modulation device capable of predicting the degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation device is obtained. And a management information input / output control unit capable of inputting the load information of the light modulation element and the maintenance information from the management server.

By configuring the image display device in such a configuration, it is possible to acquire load information of the light modulation element that can predict the degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element, and to manage the acquired load information of the light modulation element. Can be output to the side. In addition, maintenance information generated by the management server can be input. On the image display device side, maintenance information can be displayed on a display surface, an image display surface, or the like on the operation panel. Thereby, the user who uses the image display apparatus can know the necessity of maintenance at the present time appropriately and easily from the displayed maintenance information.
The image display device of (11) preferably has the characteristics of the maintenance system for the image display devices of (2) to (10).

(12) A maintenance information acquisition program for an image display device of the present invention generates an maintenance information for the image display device having an optical modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, A maintenance information acquisition program for an image display device that causes the image display device used in a maintenance system for an image display device having a management server capable of transmitting the maintenance information to the image display device to acquire the maintenance information. Obtaining the load information of the light modulation element capable of predicting the degree of change in the characteristics of the light modulation element, outputting the load information of the light modulation element to the management server, and from the management server And a step of inputting maintenance information.

By causing the image display apparatus to execute such a maintenance information acquisition program for the image display apparatus, it is possible to acquire maintenance information for the load information of the light modulation element acquired by the image display apparatus from the management server. In addition, the maintenance information acquisition program for the image display device in (12) preferably has the characteristics of the maintenance system for the image display device in (2) to (10).

(13) The management server of the present invention generates an image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, maintenance information for the image display device, and stores the maintenance information in the image A management server used in a maintenance system for an image display device having a management server capable of transmitting to the display device, wherein the characteristics of the light modulation element are based on load information of the light modulation element acquired by the image display device It has a maintenance information generation part which judges the degree of change and generates the maintenance information based on the result of the judgment.

By configuring the management server with such a configuration, it is possible to generate maintenance information according to changes in characteristics of the light modulation element. In addition, determination of the degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element,
Since the maintenance information is generated based on the management server, the calculation load on the image display device can be reduced.
Note that the management server described in (12) also preferably has the characteristics of the maintenance system for the image display device of (2) to (10).

(14) The maintenance information generation program of the management server of the present invention generates an maintenance information for the image display device having an optical modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and A management server maintenance information generation program for causing the management server used in a maintenance system of an image display apparatus having a management server capable of transmitting maintenance information to the image display apparatus to generate the maintenance information, Determining a degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element based on load information of the light modulation element acquired by the image display device; and generating the maintenance information based on a result of the determination. Features.

By executing such a maintenance information generation program of the management server on the management server, appropriate maintenance information for the corresponding image display apparatus can be generated. In the maintenance information generation program of the management server in (14), (
It is preferable to have the characteristics of the maintenance system of the image display device of 2) to (10).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a maintenance system for an image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment is
A network NW, at least one image display device (in the embodiment, a plurality of projectors PJ1, PJ2,...) Connectable to the network NW, and a management server SV connected to the network NW. Yes.

The network NW may be the Internet or an intranet. The projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Are liquid crystal three-plate projectors in which liquid crystal display elements (referred to as liquid crystal light valves) as light modulation elements are provided corresponding to RGB.

By the way, in the present invention, the load information of the light modulation element capable of predicting the characteristic change of the liquid crystal light valve (
This specific example will be described later), whereby projectors PJ1, PJ2
, ... are appropriately maintained. Therefore, in order to realize the present invention, it is necessary to appropriately acquire the load information of the light modulation element.

Note that various types of information can be used as the load information of the light modulation element used in the present invention, but in each embodiment of the present invention, the intensity of the light from the light source and the level of the image signal corresponding to the image to be displayed. The accumulated load value obtained by integrating the load values obtained based on the adjustment information is used as the load information of the light modulation element. First, load information of an optical modulation element used in each embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the projector shown in FIG. 2 shows the projector PJ1, it is assumed that the other projectors PJ2, PJ3,... Have similar components.

As shown in FIG. 2, the projector PJ1 has an image display control unit 1 and an optical system 2. The image display control unit 1 includes an image signal input unit 11, a light modulation element load information acquisition device 12, an image signal conversion unit 13, an output signal processing unit 14, a light modulation element driving unit 15, a control unit 16, and a correction parameter storage unit. 17, a light source driving unit 18, a management information input / output control unit 19, and the like.

The load information acquisition device 12 of the light modulation element includes an image signal analysis unit 121, a load value calculation unit 122,
The accumulated load value storage unit 123 is included.

The image signal analysis unit 121 has a function of supplying the input image signal to the image signal conversion unit 13, analyzing the input image signal, and supplying the analysis result to the load value calculation unit 122.

The load value calculation unit 122 calculates a load value based on a load that causes a change in the characteristics of the light modulation element based on the analysis result given from the image signal analysis unit 121, and integrates the calculated load value. The accumulated load value is stored in the accumulated load value storage unit 123. The specific operation of the load information acquisition device 12 for the light modulation element will be described later.

The image signal input unit 11 has a function of inputting an image signal corresponding to an image to be displayed and performing A / D conversion. The image signal subjected to A / D conversion is an image signal analysis unit. 12
1 and to the image signal conversion unit 13 via the image signal analysis unit 121.

Based on the correction parameter read from the correction parameter storage unit 17 by the control unit 16, the image signal conversion unit 13 converts the image signal from the image signal input unit 11 into liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B as light modulation elements. It has a function of converting as an appropriate image signal to be given to (see FIG. 3).

The output signal processing unit 14 has a function of D / A converting the image signal converted by the image signal conversion unit 13 and supplying the D / A conversion to the light modulation element driving unit 15. The light modulation element driving unit 15 includes the output signal processing unit 1
4 has a function of driving the liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B based on the image signal D / A converted in step 4.

The control unit 16 acquires a correction parameter corresponding to the accumulated load value obtained at that time from the correction parameter storage unit 17 and gives it to the image signal conversion unit 13, and the current projector color mode (presentation tension mode, theater For example, a function for providing a light source control signal corresponding to the obtained color mode to the light source driving unit 18, and a function for providing information indicating the current color mode of the projector to the load value calculating unit 122. .
The light source driving unit 18 has a function of giving a light source control signal for performing on / off control and brightness control to the light source 21 (see FIG. 3).

The management information input / output control unit 19 can output identification information and status information of itself (projector PJ1) (which will be described later) and can also input maintenance information (to be described later) from the management server SV. To do.

The identification information and status information output from the management information input / output control unit 19 can be directly output to the network NW when the projector PJ1 can be connected to the network NW, as shown in FIG. However, when the projector PJ1 is connected to the network NW via a personal computer (PC) (not shown) or the like, the PC
May be output from the PC to the network NW.

Similarly, the maintenance information input to the management information input / output control unit 19 is also input from the network NW to the management information input / output unit 19 when the projector PJ1 can be directly connected to the network NW. When the PJ1 is connected to the network via a PC or the like, it may be input to the management information input / output control unit 19 via the PC.

The maintenance information input to the management information input / output control unit 19 is stored in the projector P
You may make it display on the display surface (not shown) etc. on the operation panel of J1, and you may make it display on a screen (not shown). It is also possible to output by voice.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the optical system 2. The optical system 2 roughly includes a light source 21, a color separation optical system 22 that separates the light from the light source 21 into three color lights of RGB, and each of the three color lights separated by the color separation optical system 22. Three liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B that modulate in accordance with an image signal, and these three liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B
A cross dichroic prism 24 that synthesizes the color light modulated by the light, and a projection optical system 25 that projects the light synthesized by the cross dichroic prism 24 onto a screen (not shown). The color separation optical system 22 includes dichroic mirrors 221 and 2.
22, reflecting mirrors 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, relay lenses 228, 22
9. Field lenses 230R, 230G, and 230B are included.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the load information acquisition procedure of the light modulation element performed by the load information acquisition device 12 of the light modulation element. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flowchart of FIG.
A procedure for obtaining load information of the light modulation element will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the image signal analysis unit 121 obtains gradation information of the image signal. The gradation information of the image signal is obtained by calculating a luminance histogram of each RGB for each frame (step S1 in FIG. 4). FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a luminance histogram for one frame in one RGB color. FIG. 5A shows an example in which the brightness is divided into 8 levels, and the frequency (number of pixels) for each brightness in 8 levels is shown.

The process for obtaining the luminance histogram as shown in FIG. 5A is a process generally performed in a projector having a function of performing adaptive dimming, for example. It is easy to obtain a luminance histogram as shown in FIG.

Next, the load value calculation unit 122 multiplies the weight of the load on the liquid crystal light valve (see FIG. 5B) for each frequency for each luminance (step S2 in FIG. 4). FIG. 5B shows an example of the relationship of the load weight with respect to the luminance level, and the curve is such that the weight becomes relatively small when the luminance is large.

As described above, when the luminance is high, the weight is relatively reduced when the liquid crystal light valve is fully closed (black display) and when the liquid crystal light valve is fully open (white display). This is because the amount of energy to be converted differs. That is, the low brightness means that the degree of light transmission is small, and the energy converted into heat by the liquid crystal light valve is large.
This is because when the luminance is high, the degree of light transmission is large, and the energy converted into heat by the liquid crystal light valve is small.

By preparing a table that can obtain the load weight from the magnitude of such brightness,
A weight for luminance can be easily acquired. Then, the weighted luminance histogram as shown in FIG. 5C is obtained by multiplying the obtained weight by each frequency shown in FIG. 5A (step S3 in FIG. 4).

Then, in the weighted luminance histogram shown in FIG. 5 (c), the sum of the frequencies (the sum of the weights after the weight) is calculated (see FIG. 5 (d)), and the calculation result is used as the first load value. (Step S4 in FIG. 4).

Next, a second load value is obtained by multiplying the obtained first load value by a weight corresponding to the color mode at that time (see FIG. 5E) as a weight corresponding to the light intensity of the light source. (Fig. 4
Step S5). The weight corresponding to the color mode is a weight corresponding to each color mode that can be set in the projector. For example, as shown in FIG. 5E, “dynamic”, “presentation”, “living” ","theater","
When it is assumed that a color mode such as “sRGB” can be set, weights w1, w2,... are given for each color mode.

The color modes such as “dynamic” and “presentation” mentioned here are named for convenience. For example, the color mode of “presentation” is a color that emphasizes brightness rather than color reproducibility. “Theater” indicates that the color mode emphasizes color reproducibility.

As described above, the weight is set for each color mode because the intensity of light incident on the liquid crystal light valve differs depending on the color mode even if the image signal is the same, and the load applied to the liquid crystal light valve may be different. This is because a relatively large weight is set for the color mode with a large load applied to the liquid crystal light valve.

A weight for this color mode is acquired, the acquired weight is multiplied by the first load value to obtain a second load value, and the accumulated load value is obtained by integrating the second load value (step of FIG. 4). S
6). That is, the second load value is the cumulative load value stored so far stored in the cumulative load value storage unit 123 shown in FIG. 2 (the second load value calculated for each frame in the previous frames). Is added to the accumulated load value). FIG. 5F shows the cumulative load value storage unit 12.
3 is a diagram illustrating cumulative load values for each of R, G, and B colors stored in FIG. FIG.
"Xxx" in ()) indicates the cumulative load value for each of the R, G, and B colors.

By the way, if the lifetime of the projector is assumed to be 10,000 hours, the total number of display frames in the projector is, if the frame rate is 30 frames / second,
10,000 (hours) × 3600 (seconds) × 30 (frames) = 1,080,000,00
0 (frame). This is a numerical value that can be expressed by 32 bits = 4,294,967,296. Accordingly, if, for example, 16 bits are used to express the load value (second load value) for each frame, at most 48 bits (6 bits per RGB liquid crystal light valve) are used to express the accumulated load value. Bytes) is sufficient.

As described above, the load applied to each RGB liquid crystal light valve depends on the image (content) to be displayed and also depends on the light intensity of the light source (for example, the color mode of the projector). It is obtained as (second load value), and the obtained load value (second load value) is integrated and stored in the accumulated load value storage unit 123 as an accumulated load value.

Accordingly, each of the RGB liquid crystal light valves 2 stored in the cumulative load value storage unit 123 is stored.
Depending on the cumulative load value for each of 3R, 23G, and 23B, each of the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R,
It is possible to know how much load is applied to the liquid crystal light valve for each of 23G and 23B. As described above, this cumulative load value depends on the image (content) to be displayed and the light intensity of the light source.

For this reason, the cumulative load value more appropriately represents the state of the load applied to the liquid crystal light valve than the conventional usage time alone, and is information for appropriately predicting the degree of change in the characteristics of the light modulation element. . Therefore, by using the accumulated load value stored in the accumulated load value storage unit 123 as the load information of the light modulation element, the light modulation element can be appropriately maintained.

Next, a maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the management server SV shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the management server SV can receive identification information and status information sent from the projectors PJ1, PJ2,...
Management information transmitting / receiving unit 31 capable of transmitting maintenance information to J1, PJ2,..., Authentication information database DB1 storing authentication information of each projector PJ1, PJ2,..., Projectors PJ1, PJ2,. Device information database D for storing device information
B2, a load information database DB3 for storing light modulation element load information for each projector PJ1, PJ2,..., Writing / reading of each of these databases DB1, DB2, DB3, and storage in each of these databases DB1, DB2, DB3 A maintenance information generation unit 32 that performs various controls such as generation of maintenance information based on the stored information.

FIG. 7 shows an authentication information database DB1, a device information database DB2, and a management server SV.
It is a figure which shows the authentication information, apparatus information, and management information preserve | saved at load information database DB3.

FIG. 7A shows the authentication information stored in the authentication information database DB1.
P address, identification ID, user information, projector model number, and the like. User information includes password, service information (maintenance level, maintenance end date, etc.),
This is information related to the user name, installation location, and the like. The maintenance level represents the degree of maintenance service that the user can receive. For example, “level 1”
, “Level 2”, “level 3”, and so on, a plurality of levels can be set.

For example, in the case of “level 1”, only the information regarding the replacement timing of the liquid crystal light valve is presented. In “level 2”, the order of the corresponding parts is automatically ordered. If there is, it is the contents such as dispatch of maintenance personnel. The information regarding the replacement time is, for example, RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, 2
The remaining usable time of 3B, information indicating the replacement time, and the like can be considered. Such a maintenance level can be set in advance for the management server SV by the user.

FIG. 7B shows the device information stored in the device information database DB2, which includes projector model number, component model number, liquid crystal light valve durability information, and the like. The part number is
For example, component information of the liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B for RGB.
In addition, the service life information of the liquid crystal light valve includes RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, 2
3B is information indicating how much cumulative load value is allowed, Rx is the life information of the R liquid crystal light valve 23R, Gx is the life information of the G liquid crystal light valve 23G, and B is the liquid crystal light valve 23B. The service life information is represented as Bx.

FIG. 7C shows the load information stored in the load information database DB3, and has the update date and time and the accumulated load value at that time. This accumulated load value is an accumulated load value for each of the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B, and the R liquid crystal light valve 2
The accumulated load value for 3R is denoted as R accumulated load value, the accumulated load value for G liquid crystal light valve 23G as G accumulated load value, and the accumulated load value for B liquid crystal light valve 23B as B accumulated load value.

As the load information, not only the latest date and time and the accumulated load value of the latest date and time when the accumulated load values for the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G and 23B are updated, but also past information (usage history) The update date and time and the cumulative load value at that time are also stored.
Such past use history can be used when calculating the remaining usable time of the liquid crystal light valve.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an overall processing flow of the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. 8A shows the flow of processing when the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Acquire maintenance information, and FIG. 8B shows the flow of processing when the management server SV generates maintenance information. Is.

In the processing on the side of the projectors PJ1, PJ2,..., As shown in FIG. 8A, first, the projector is connected to the network NW (step S11). Then, the IP address, identification ID, and the like are transmitted as identification information to the management server SV (step S12).
Next, the cumulative load value of each liquid crystal light valve at that time is sent as status information to the management server SV (step S13). At this time, identification information (IP address, identification ID, etc.) is simultaneously sent as status information in addition to the accumulated load value (see FIG. 9).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the management server SV refers to the device information database DB2 based on the identification information (IP address, identification ID, etc.) sent from the projector.
It is determined which projector is a projector to be processed (referred to as a corresponding projector) (step S21). At this time, the service life information on the liquid crystal light valve of the projector (such as information indicating how much cumulative load value each RGB liquid crystal light valve is allowed) is acquired.

Subsequently, the management server SV refers to the load information database DB3 based on the identification information sent from the projector, and stores information related to the projector (such as the cumulative load value stored so far for the projector). Obtain (step S22).

Then, the cumulative load value at that time sent from the projector is compared with the cumulative load value acquired in step S22 (step S23). Based on this comparison result, the degree of characteristic change of each of the liquid crystal light valves of RGB in the corresponding projector is judged, and RG
Maintenance information for each liquid crystal light valve of B is generated (step S24). The generated maintenance information includes, for example, information indicating whether or not replacement is necessary and / or information regarding replacement timing. The information regarding replacement timing includes the remaining use of each of the RGB liquid crystal light valves. It may be possible time, or may be information indicating the replacement time of each liquid crystal light valve obtained from the remaining usage time.

Thereafter, the maintenance information generated in step S24 is transmitted to the projector, and the ordering process of the liquid crystal light valve to be replaced, the dispatch procedure of maintenance personnel, etc. are performed according to the maintenance level set by the user. (Step S25
, S26).

When maintenance information is transmitted from the management server SV to the corresponding projector, the projector that has received the maintenance information displays the maintenance information on a display surface or a screen on the operation panel (step S14).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of identification information and status information transmitted from the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... To the management server SV. As shown in FIG. 9A, the identification information includes an IP address and an identification ID. In addition, a password can be added as necessary. The IP address is used as information for grasping the installation location of the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... And the user who uses the projector. The identification ID and password are used as authentication information.

When the identification information has a data structure as shown in FIG. 9A, when the maintenance system of the image display apparatus according to the present invention functions as, for example, a charged maintenance service system, the usage location of the projector is determined by the IP address. The projector can be restricted / permitted by the identification ID and password.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, the status information includes identification information (IP address, identification I
D) and the cumulative load value of each liquid crystal light valve of RGB.

The IP address as status information is used as a destination when maintenance information is transmitted from the management server SV side to the projector. The identification ID as the status information is used as a key when the management server SV acquires the device information of the projector from the device information database DB2. The cumulative load value is
It is a cumulative load value (R cumulative load value, G cumulative load value, B cumulative load value) for each of the liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, 23B of RGB.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in more detail the flow of processing when the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... In the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment acquire maintenance information. FIG. 10 shows the flow of processing of the projector when connecting to the management server only when necessary. FIG. 10A shows the flow of processing when the projector is turned on, and FIG. The flow of processing when the power supply of is turned off is shown.

In FIG. 10A, if connection to the management server SV is possible (step S31), identification information (IP address, identification ID, etc.) is transmitted to the management server SV as authentication information (step S32). If the transmitted identification information is authenticated by the management server SV (step S33),
Status information (identification information, cumulative load value, etc.) of each of the liquid crystal light valves for RGB is transmitted to the management server SV (step S34). Then, the maintenance information from the management server SV is received (step S35), and the received maintenance information is displayed on a display surface (operation panel or screen) or the like (step S36).

If it is not possible to connect to the management server SV in step S31, reconnection is attempted or the connection to the management server SV is given up and projection is started. If the authentication is not successful in step S33, projection is started after giving up re-authentication or receiving the maintenance service of the management server SV.

Also, the processing when the power is turned off (see FIG. 10B) is almost the same as FIG. 10A, and steps S41 to S46 are the same as steps S31 to S36 of FIG. . However, if it is not possible to connect to the management server in step S41, reconnection is attempted, or the connection to the management server SV is given up and the process ends. Step S4
In step 3, if the authentication is not successful, re-authentication is performed or the processing ends.

FIG. 11 shows the management server S in the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when V produces | generates maintenance information in detail. In FIG. 11, the identification information (see FIG. 9A) from the projector is received (step S51), and the authentication process is started from the identification ID of the received identification information or a password if necessary (step S52). ). As a result, if authentication is possible (step S53),
The projector model number and the maintenance level are acquired from the authentication information database DB1 (step S54), the projector with the corresponding model number (referred to as the corresponding projector) is determined from the device information database DB2, and the RGB liquid crystal light valves in the corresponding projector are used. Information is acquired (step S55).

Next, the cumulative load value at that time is received from the projector (step S56).
Then, the latest cumulative load value corresponding to the corresponding identification ID stored in the load information database DB3 is acquired (step S57). At this time, the current time is also acquired.

Then, the cumulative load value received from the projector is compared with the cumulative load value acquired from the load information database DB3 (the cumulative load value acquired in step S57) (step S58). From the comparison result, the degree of characteristic change of each RGB liquid crystal light valve is determined, and maintenance information of each RGB liquid crystal light valve is generated based on the determination result (step S59).

As described above, the maintenance information is information indicating the necessity of replacement and / or information regarding replacement timing. Accordingly, in step S59, information indicating whether or not the liquid crystal light valve needs to be replaced may be generated as maintenance information, and information regarding the replacement timing of the liquid crystal light valve is generated as maintenance information. Alternatively, both pieces of information may be generated as maintenance information. However, here, it is assumed that both information indicating whether or not the liquid crystal light valve needs to be replaced and information regarding the replacement time are generated.

Then, the maintenance information obtained by the process of step S59 is transmitted to the corresponding projector (step S60), and the update date and time and the accumulated load value corresponding to the projector of the corresponding identification ID in the load information database DB3 are updated (step S61). Then, processing corresponding to the maintenance level set by the user (maintenance level set in the authentication information database DB1) is performed.

When the processing in step S60, that is, when maintenance information is transmitted from the management server SV to the projector, the corresponding projector displays the maintenance information transmitted from the management server SV on the display surface or screen on the operation panel. .

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining processing for generating information for determining whether or not the liquid crystal light valve needs to be replaced as maintenance information. FIG. 12A shows the device information database D.
It is a figure which shows the durable information (information which shows how much accumulated load value is permitted) of each liquid crystal light valve 23R, 23G, 23B of RGB preserve | saved at B2. In FIG. 12A, Rx is the service life information of the R liquid crystal light valve 23R, and Gx is the G liquid crystal light valve 23G.
The service life information Bx is the service life information of the B liquid crystal light valve 23B, and indicates that the accumulated load values up to Rx, Gx, and Bx are allowed.

FIG. 12B shows the cumulative load value of the liquid crystal light valve in the status information sent from the projectors PJ1, PJ2,..., And this cumulative load value is the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G. , 23B is the latest cumulative load value. Ry is the latest cumulative load value of the R liquid crystal light valve 23R, Gy is the latest cumulative load value of the G liquid crystal light valve 23G, and By is the latest cumulative load value of the B liquid crystal light valve 23B. .

Here, the service life information Rx, Gx, and R of the liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B for RGB
The latest accumulated load values Ry, Gy, By obtained from the projector are subtracted from Bx. And when each threshold value is Zr, Zg, Zb,
Rx-Ry <Zr
Gx-Gy <Zg
Bx-By <Zb
If so, it is determined that the degree of characteristic change of the liquid crystal light valve is large, and that the liquid crystal light valve needs to be replaced.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a process for generating information (remaining usable time of the liquid crystal light valve) regarding the replacement time of the liquid crystal light valve as maintenance information. FIG. 13A shows past information (usage history) stored in the load information database DB3, and FIG. 13B shows the accumulation of each liquid crystal light valve in the status information of the projector as in FIG. 12B. This indicates the load value, which is the latest cumulative load value of each of the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B. In FIG. 13A, T1, T2, T3,... Are past update dates and times (update time), and Ty in FIG. 13B is the current time (Ty).

Here, an example of obtaining the remaining usable time of the R liquid crystal light valve 23R will be described. T1, T2, T3,... Are times that go back in the past as the numerical value increases.

First, the degree of characteristic change Dr1, Dr2, Dr3 per unit time indicating how much the characteristic of the R liquid crystal light valve changes per unit time from the past information (usage history) is calculated. Here, for simplification of explanation, an example in which past information (usage history) is used only three times is shown. The degree of change in characteristics Dr1, Dr2, Dr3 per unit time is:
Dr1 = (Ry−R1) / (Ty−T1)
Dr2 = (R1-R2) / (T1-T2)
Dr3 = (R2-R3) / (T2-T3)
It can be asked.

Next, the degree of characteristic change per unit time Dr1, Dr2, Dr obtained as described above
3 is used to obtain the average value Drm of the degree of change in characteristics per unit time. The average value Drm of the degree of characteristic change per unit time is
Drm = (Dr1 + Dr2 + Dr3) / 3
It can be asked.

And the service information Rx of the R liquid crystal light valve 23R from the device information database DB2
Is subtracted by the accumulated load value Ry of the current (latest) R liquid crystal light valve 23R,
Divide it by the average value Drm. That is,
(Rx−Ry) / Drm = Tr
The obtained Tr is set as the remaining usable time of the liquid crystal light valve (R liquid crystal light valve). The above processing is for the R liquid crystal light valve 23R, but this is also performed for the G and B liquid crystal light valves 23G and 23B.

As described above, the information indicating the necessity of replacement of the liquid crystal light valve obtained by the description of FIG. 12 and the information regarding the replacement timing of the liquid crystal light valve obtained by the description of FIG. 13 (remaining use of the liquid crystal light valve) Is transmitted to the projector as maintenance information. The projector that has received the maintenance information displays the maintenance information on the operation panel or screen.

Accordingly, the user can use the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23 of the projector used by the user.
For each of R, 23G, and 23B, it is possible to know whether or not there is a need for replacement at the present time and the remaining usable time of each of the RGB liquid crystal light valves 23R, 23G, and 23B.

Note that the replacement time of the liquid crystal light valve according to the usage status of the user can be predicted from the remaining usable time. Although the user can predict the replacement time by himself / herself, the management server SV can determine the replacement time based on the past usage status of the user and present it to the user as an approximate replacement time.

At this time, if the maintenance level set in the management server SV by the user is “level 1”, the maintenance service provided to the user by the management server SV is to present only maintenance information. If the maintenance level set in the management server SV by the user is “level 2”, the maintenance service provided to the user by the management server SV is that the corresponding parts are automatically ordered. In addition, if the maintenance level set by the user in the management server SV is “level 3”, the maintenance service that the management server SV performs for the user is that the maintenance staff is dispatched.

[Embodiment 2]
In the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment, the projectors PJ1, P
This is an example in which J2,... Are connected to the management server SV as necessary (see FIG. 10). In the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the second embodiment, projectors PJ1, PJ2 are used.
,... Are always connected to the management server SV. Since the configuration of the maintenance system of the image display apparatus and other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the processing procedure corresponding to FIG. 10 used in the description of the first embodiment will be described here.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... In the maintenance system of the image display apparatus according to the second embodiment acquire maintenance information. 14 shows a flow of processing of the projector when the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Are always connected to the management server SV. Steps S71 to S76 in FIG. 14 are the same as steps S31 to S36 in FIG.
FIG. 14 differs from FIG. 10A in that after a user operation and projection start (step S77), a determination is made as to whether or not a fixed time has passed (step S78). It is a point which returns and repeats step S74-S78.

As described above, when the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Are always connected to the management server SV, the projectors PJ1, PJ2 are subjected to background processing during projection.
,... Are transmitted to the management server SV side at regular intervals. Then, the management server SV transmits maintenance information for the status information sent from the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... To the projectors PJ1, PJ2,..., And the projector displays the maintenance information sent. I do.

As shown in FIG. 14, the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Are always connected to the management server SV, so that each time status information is sent from the projector, connection processing with the management server is performed. The status information from the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Is transmitted to the management server SV at regular intervals. If maintenance information is transmitted from the management server SV, the maintenance information can be received and displayed each time.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the accumulated load value obtained by integrating the load value based on the gradation information of the image (content) to be displayed and the light intensity of the light source is used as the load information of the light modulation element. The element load information is not limited to this.

For example, a cumulative load value obtained by integrating a load value based on the temperature applied to the liquid crystal light valve can be used as load information of the light modulation element, and a projector operating time obtained by simply accumulating the projector usage time is used as the light modulation element. It can also be used as load information.
It is also possible to use these load information in combination with the gradation information of the image (content) used in the above-described embodiment and the light intensity of the light source.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the information indicating whether or not each of the liquid crystal light valves for RGB needs to be replaced and the information regarding the replacement time are the maintenance information. However, the maintenance information is not limited to these, for example, Other elements such as information representing the degree of characteristic change of each liquid crystal light valve in a plurality of stages can also be used as maintenance information.

Further, the image display device maintenance system according to each embodiment of the present invention does not connect the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... To the network NW as shown in FIG.
Although illustration is omitted, for example, the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... May be connected to a network via a PC or the like. The load information acquisition device for the light modulation element may be provided on the PC side.

As shown in FIG. 15, if the projector PJ1 can be connected to the mobile phone CP1, a network NW such as the Internet or an intranet via the mobile phone network NW ′.
It is good also as a structure which can be connected to.

In the image display apparatus maintenance system according to the first embodiment, the projectors PJ1, PJ2,... Can be connected to the management server SV as necessary, and the image display apparatus maintenance system according to the second embodiment. In the projector PJ1, PJ
2 and so on have been described as being always connected to the management server SV. However, in each embodiment, it is optional whether individual projectors can be connected as necessary or always connected. Of course, it can be set to.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a maintenance system for an image display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the projector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 schematically shows an optical system of the projector shown in FIG. 1. The flowchart which shows the load information acquisition procedure of the light modulation element which the load information acquisition apparatus of a light modulation element performs. The figure for demonstrating the flowchart of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the structure of management server SV shown in FIG. The figure which shows the authentication information stored in authentication information database DB1, management information database DB2, load information database DB3 of management server SV, apparatus information, and management information. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall processing flow of the maintenance system for the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the identification information and status information which a projector transmits to a management server. 5 is a flowchart showing in more detail the flow of processing when the projector in the maintenance system of the image display apparatus according to Embodiment 1 acquires maintenance information. 5 is a flowchart showing in more detail the flow of processing when the management server in the maintenance system of the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment generates maintenance information. The figure explaining the process which produces | generates the information which judges the presence or absence of the necessity for replacement | exchange of the liquid crystal light valve as maintenance information. The figure explaining the process which produces | generates the information (remaining usable time of a liquid crystal light valve) regarding the replacement time of the liquid crystal light valve as maintenance information. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a projector in the maintenance system for an image display apparatus according to Embodiment 2 acquires maintenance information. The figure which shows the example which connects a projector to the internet etc. via a mobile telephone network.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image display control part, 2 ... Optical system, 11 ... Image signal input part, 12 ... Load information acquisition apparatus of a light modulation element, 13 ... Image signal conversion part, 14 ...・ Output signal processor,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Light modulation element drive part, 16 ... Control part, 17 ... Correction parameter memory | storage part, 1
8 ... Light source drive unit, 19 ... Management information input / output control unit, 31 ... Management information transmission / reception unit,
32... Maintenance information generator 121. Image signal analyzer 122. Load value calculator 123 123 Cumulative load value storage PJ 1, PJ 2.
NW ... Network, SV ... Management server, DB1 ... Authentication information database,
DB2 ... device information database, DB3 ... load information database

Claims (14)

An image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and a management server capable of generating maintenance information for the image display device and transmitting the maintenance information to the image display device A maintenance system for an image display device comprising:
The image display device includes: a load information acquisition device for a light modulation element that acquires load information of the light modulation element capable of predicting a degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element; and output and management of the load information of the light modulation element A management information input / output control unit capable of inputting the maintenance information from the server;
The management server determines the degree of characteristic change of the light modulation element based on the load information of the light modulation element acquired by the image display device, and generates maintenance information based on the determination result An image display apparatus maintenance system comprising a generation unit. In the maintenance system of the image display device according to claim 1,
A maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the image display device and the management server are connected via a network. In the maintenance system of the image display device according to claim 1 or 2,
A plurality of the light modulation elements are provided corresponding to a plurality of basic colors, load information of the light modulation elements is obtained for each of the plurality of light modulation elements, and the maintenance information is stored in the plurality of light modulation elements. A maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the maintenance system is generated for each of the light modulation elements. In the maintenance system of the image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3,
The maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the maintenance information is information indicating necessity of replacement of the light modulation element and / or information regarding replacement timing. In the maintenance system of the image display device according to claim 4,
The image display apparatus maintenance system is characterized in that the information regarding the replacement time is obtained based on past load information of the plurality of light modulation elements generated every predetermined time. In the maintenance system of the image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-5,
The load information of the light modulation element is a cumulative load value obtained by integrating a load value based on a load applied to the light modulation element. In the maintenance system of the image display device according to claim 6,
The load value based on the load applied to the light modulation element is information on the intensity of light of the light source incident on the light modulation element and the gradation of the image signal, information on the temperature of the light modulation element, operation of the image display device A maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the maintenance system is obtained based on at least one of time-related information. In the maintenance system of the image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-7,
A maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the image display device can be connected to the management server as needed. In the maintenance system of the image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-7,
A maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the image display device is always connected to the management server. In the maintenance system of the image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9,
A maintenance system for an image display device, wherein the light modulation element is a light modulation element using liquid crystal. An image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and a management server capable of generating maintenance information for the image display device and transmitting the maintenance information to the image display device The image display device used in a maintenance system for an image display device having:
Light modulation element load information acquisition device that acquires load information of the light modulation element that can predict the degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element, output of the load information of the light modulation element, and the maintenance information from the management server And a management information input / output control unit capable of inputting the information. An image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and a management server capable of generating maintenance information for the image display device and transmitting the maintenance information to the image display device A maintenance information acquisition program for an image display device that causes the image display device used in a maintenance system for the image display device to execute acquisition of the maintenance information,
Obtaining load information of the light modulation element capable of predicting the degree of characteristic change of the light modulation element;
Outputting load information of the light modulation element to the management server;
Inputting the maintenance information from the management server;
A maintenance information acquisition program for an image display device. An image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and a management server capable of generating maintenance information for the image display device and transmitting the maintenance information to the image display device The management server used in a maintenance system for an image display device having:
A maintenance information generation unit configured to determine a degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element based on the load information of the light modulation element acquired by the image display device and generate the maintenance information based on a result of the determination; Management server characterized by An image display device having a light modulation element that modulates light from a light source according to an image signal, and a management server capable of generating maintenance information for the image display device and transmitting the maintenance information to the image display device A maintenance information generation program for a management server that causes the management server used in the maintenance system of the image display apparatus to generate the maintenance information,
Determining a degree of change in characteristics of the light modulation element based on load information of the light modulation element obtained by the image display device;
Generating the maintenance information based on a result of the determination;
A maintenance information generation program for a management server, comprising:

Images