JP2007128776A - Remaining life evaluation method and remaining life evaluation system of high-pressure sodium lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remaining life evaluation method of a high-pressure sodium lamp, with which the remaining life of the high-pressure sodium lamp can be predicted in a comparatively short time, while keeping a lighted state. <P>SOLUTION: This method is for evaluating the remaining life of the high-pressure sodium lamp, regarding a high-pressure sodium lamp of the same specification as that of the high-pressure sodium lamp of the evaluation object, in which while the relation between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is obtained beforehand, the color characteristics of the high-pressure sodium lamp of the evaluation object is measured; and the remaining life of the high-pressure sodium lamp of the evaluation object is predicted, by comparing the evaluation result with the relation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remaining life evaluation method and a remaining life evaluation system for a high-pressure sodium lamp, and more particularly to a method and system for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp in a contactless manner while the lamp is lit.

High-pressure sodium lamps having an orange light color are mainly used as illumination light sources for tunnels and highways. This is because the high-pressure sodium lamp has high lamp efficiency, and the orange-colored light is excellent in transparency, so that the field of view is not easily blocked by exhaust gas or fog.
By the way, in places where vehicles such as tunnels and expressways come and go, it is difficult to change lamps frequently. This is because the replacement work in the vicinity of the vehicle is dangerous for the worker and the replacement work hinders traffic. Therefore, even if a lamp goes off, do not replace only one lamp, but provide opportunities for regular lamp replacement, and replace all lamps in a defective state at once. Yes.

However, it is not preferable that the lamp is not lit in a tunnel, a highway, or the like because the visibility of an obstacle or the like is lowered. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to create an environment where it is difficult for non-lighted lamps to exist, and for this purpose, the lamps must be replaced before they turn off.
When replacing the lamp before it is not lit, it is economical to select and replace only the lamp having a short remaining life, and for this purpose, a method capable of evaluating the remaining life of the lamp is required. As a method for evaluating the remaining life of the lamp, for example, in Patent Document 1, a current lower than the rated current is passed through the lamp, and the voltage swing is measured by detecting the voltage of the lamp at that time. An evaluation method for predicting the remaining life from the width value is disclosed.
JP 2003-323990 A

  However, the evaluation method of Patent Document 1 requires a current lower than the rated current to flow through the lamp for a certain period of time for the remaining life evaluation, and is not suitable for implementation in a place where the lamp is lit all day long, such as a tunnel. It is. In addition, the evaluation method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a contact-type evaluation method in which the current control means and the voltage detection means must be connected to the lamp one by one. It is unsuitable for implementation in places where special work is required.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides a high-pressure sodium lamp remaining life evaluation method and a remaining life evaluation system capable of evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp in a relatively short time without changing lighting conditions. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention is a method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp. For the lamp, the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is determined, the color characteristics of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated are measured, and the measurement result is compared with the relation to compare the measurement results with the high-pressure sodium lamp of the evaluation target. It is characterized by predicting the remaining life.

In a specific aspect of the method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention, chromaticity is measured as a color characteristic.
Furthermore, in a specific aspect of the method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention, the chromaticity coordinates obtained as the measurement result are subjected to regression analysis for each predetermined lifetime consumption rate, and displayed as a regression curve on the chromaticity diagram. Thus, the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is obtained.

Furthermore, in a specific aspect of the remaining life evaluation method for a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention, the chromaticity diagram is a chromaticity diagram of an XYZ color system.
Furthermore, in a specific aspect of the remaining life evaluation method for a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention, the chromaticity diagram is a chromaticity diagram of a Luv color system.
Furthermore, in a specific aspect of the remaining life evaluation method for a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention, the chromaticity diagram is a chromaticity diagram of a Lu * v * color system.

Furthermore, a specific aspect of the method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention is characterized in that a relationship between a color characteristic and a lifetime consumption rate is grasped by a chromaticity difference with respect to chromaticity at the time of initial lighting.
In another specific aspect of the method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention, the emission peak intensity of two specific wavelengths is measured as a color characteristic.

  The system for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention includes a measuring means for measuring the color characteristics of a high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated, and the color characteristics and life consumption of a high-pressure sodium lamp of the same standard as the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated. A storage means for storing a relationship with the rate, and a color characteristic of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated measured by the measuring means in light of the relationship stored by the storage means, and a surplus of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated And a prediction means for predicting the lifetime.

  The method for measuring the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention measures the color characteristics of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated and predicts the remaining life from the measurement result. Therefore, the remaining lifetime can be evaluated while maintaining the lighting state without changing the lighting condition of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated. Further, in order to predict the remaining life based on the color characteristics that can be measured in a non-contact manner, for example, as in the evaluation method of Patent Document 1 for measuring voltage, the current control means and the voltage detection means are turned on each time for the high-pressure sodium lamp lighting circuit. The remaining life can be evaluated in a relatively short time.

Hereinafter, a remaining life evaluation method and a remaining life evaluation system of a high pressure sodium lamp (hereinafter simply referred to as “lamp”) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The remaining life evaluation method according to the present invention is a method using the characteristics of a high pressure sodium lamp whose light color changes in proportion to the remaining life, and before starting the evaluation in advance, the same standard as the high pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated The relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate of the high-pressure sodium lamp is determined, and the color characteristics of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated are measured at the time of evaluation. This is to predict the remaining life of the sodium lamp.

In the present invention, the color characteristic means a unique property of the color that can be expressed by numerical values such as chromaticity and emission peak intensity at a specific wavelength, and can be objectively recognized.
The lifetime means the cumulative lighting time until the lamp is not lit, and the remaining life means the remaining time until the lamp is not lit. Further, the lifetime consumption rate means the lifetime consumption rate at a certain point in time when the lifetime consumption rate when the lamp reaches the lifetime is 100%.

  In this type of high-pressure sodium lamp, the envelope is made of alumina ceramic, and the luminescent substance sodium is sealed in an alloy with mercury (sodium amalgam). As the lighting time of the high-pressure sodium lamp elapses, sodium as the encapsulating substance and alumina ceramic react. This reaction causes sodium that contributes to light emission to disappear as a reactant, and as a result, the ratio of mercury in the sodium amalgam increases. When the ratio of mercury increases, the vapor pressure of mercury during lighting increases, and the lamp voltage increases accordingly. When the lamp voltage rises to a certain level, the discharge cannot be maintained and the above-described non-lighting is caused.

(1) First Embodiment In the evaluation method according to the first embodiment, obtaining the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is to create a relationship diagram representing the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate. Means. The relationship diagram is indispensable for the prediction of the remaining life, and the evaluator predicts the remaining life while checking the measurement result of the lamp to be evaluated against the relationship diagram.

The relationship diagram is created based on the measurement result obtained in the lighting test of the lamp. In the lighting test, the lamp is turned on and the color characteristic of the lamp is measured at a certain lighting time during the period from the initial lighting to the non-lighting, and the measurement result is obtained.
The lighting test is performed using a lamp of the same standard as the lamp to be evaluated. The lamp of the same standard is not limited to the same type of lamp as the lamp to be evaluated, but also includes a lamp having a life characteristic comparable to that of the lamp to be evaluated. Specifically, it is sufficient that the design of the arc tube of the lamp is regarded as equivalent, and the ballast for lighting the lamp is equivalent. For example, if the parts used in the arc tube, the composition of the material, the dimensions, etc. are designed to be the same as the lamp to be evaluated, lamps having different lamp shapes, that is, outer shapes can be used. Here, the lamp shape (outer shape) includes, for example, a general shape, a straight tube shape, a reflector shape, and a double die shape.

Further, as the lighting ballast, a ballast corresponding to the rated power of the lamp is used. For example, a ballast such that the electric power applied to the high-pressure sodium lamp is 110 W, 180 W, 220 W, 270 W, 360 W is used.
The lighting test may be performed in a place where the lamp to be evaluated is used, but may also be performed in a laboratory or the like. When performing a lighting test in a laboratory or the like, it is preferable to light the lamp under the same conditions as the place where the lamp to be evaluated is used.

In the lighting test, for example, 30 lamps are used to create one relationship diagram. The number of lamps used is arbitrary, but if the number is large, it is possible to create a relationship diagram that can predict the remaining life with higher accuracy.
The measurement of the color characteristic is performed, for example, every approximately 1000 hours of the cumulative lighting time from the initial lighting to the non-lighting. In addition, it is conceivable that the color characteristics are measured with the measurement point fixed, for example, at a position 1 m away from the light emission center of the lamp. By fixing the measurement points, measurement errors can be reduced, and a relationship diagram with higher prediction accuracy can be created.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between color characteristics and lifetime consumption rates according to the first embodiment. The relationship diagram of FIG. 1 measures chromaticity as a color characteristic, obtains chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of an XYZ color system, and obtains chromaticity and life obtained from these chromaticity coordinates (x, y). A regression curve representing the relationship with the consumption rate is created on the chromaticity diagram of the XYZ color system. The relationship diagram of FIG. 1 relates to a 360 W straight-tube high-pressure sodium lamp (NHT360LS) as an example of a lamp to be evaluated, and the relationship diagram is created for each lamp standard.

The chromaticity is measured using, for example, a color illuminometer (CL-100 manufactured by Konica Minolta Sensing Co., Ltd.). The chromaticity is measured by measuring the spectral distribution using, for example, an instantaneous spectrometer (MCPD-2000 manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.) and converting the spectral distribution data into chromaticity coordinates (x, y). May be.
The relationship diagram of FIG. 1 displays regression curves of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% lifetime consumption rates on the chromaticity diagram of the XYZ color system. Each regression curve is obtained by performing regression analysis of chromaticity coordinates (x, y) obtained as a measurement result for each predetermined lifetime consumption rate. Specifically, for example, when obtaining a regression curve with a lifetime consumption rate of 50%, only the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) at which the lifetime consumption rate is 50% among the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) obtained as a measurement result. And the extracted chromaticity coordinates (x, y) are obtained by regression analysis. Similarly, regression curves are obtained for lifetime consumption rates of 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%, and the obtained regression curves are displayed on the chromaticity diagram of the XYZ color system.

Each regression curve is obtained, for example, by inputting three or more chromaticity coordinates (x, y) into the following Equation 1 and making a, b, and c constant.
y = ax ² + bx + c (Formula 1)
In the relationship diagram of FIG. 1, the coordinate area on the chromaticity diagram is divided into a plurality of areas by a regression curve. The evaluator measures the chromaticity of the lamp to be evaluated at the same measurement point as in the lighting test, and determines in which region on the relation diagram the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) obtained as a result of the measurement are located. Confirming and predicting the lifetime consumption rate of the lamp.

  For example, when the obtained chromaticity coordinates (x, y) are located in the lower right region of the regression curve having a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, the lifetime consumption rate of the lamp to be evaluated is predicted to exceed 90%. can do. Further, when the obtained chromaticity coordinates (x, y) are located in a region between a regression curve with a lifetime consumption rate of 80% and a regression curve with a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, the lifetime consumption rate of the lamp to be evaluated Can be predicted to be in the range of 80-90%.

  If the accumulated lighting time of the lamp to be evaluated can be grasped and the lifetime consumption rate of the lamp to be evaluated can be predicted, the remaining life of the lamp to be evaluated can be accurately predicted. For example, if the cumulative lighting time is 21600 hours and the chromaticity at that time is on a line with a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, the remaining lifetime of the lamp is 2400 hours (21600 hours × (100% −90%) / 90% ).

  Even when the cumulative lighting time of the evaluation target lamp cannot be grasped, if the life consumption rate of the evaluation target lamp can be predicted and the standard life is known, the remaining life of the evaluation target lamp can be predicted. For example, if the standard lifetime is 24000 hours and the chromaticity is on the line with a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, the remaining lifetime of the lamp is predicted to be 2400 hours (24000 hours × (100% −90%)). it can.

  Here, the standard lifetime refers to the standard value of the cumulative lighting time until the lamp to be evaluated is not lit in the environment in which it is used, and is calculated from the cumulative results of test data in the environment in which it is used. It is what is done. These are determined by the allowable non-lighting rate in the environment in which they are used, and 3%, 10% non-lighting occurrence time, average life, etc. are used as standard life values. If the relationship between the regression curve on the chromaticity coordinates and the remaining life is known in the environment where the evaluation target lamp is used, the remaining life of the evaluation target lamp can be predicted from the interval between the regression curves. .

  Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to replace the lamp by comparing the remaining life predicted in this way with the time until the next lamp replacement. For example, if the next lamp replacement is performed after 2400 hours, it is unlikely that a lamp with a remaining life of 2400 hours or more will not be turned off before the next lamp replacement. It can be determined that no replacement is required.

The determination of the necessity of such replacement is made in the lower right of the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of the lamp to be evaluated, with respect to a regression curve having a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, that is, a regression curve having a remaining lifetime of 2400 hours. This can be done easily depending on whether it is located in the side area.
That is, when the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) are in the lower right region of the regression curve having a life consumption rate of 90%, the remaining life of the lamp to be evaluated is less than 2400 hours, so that the lamp can be replaced. It can be determined that it is necessary. On the other hand, if the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of the measurement result is in the upper left region of the regression curve with a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, or on the regression curve, the remaining lifetime is 2400 hours or more. Therefore, it can be determined that the lamp may be replaced at the next and subsequent occasions.

The evaluator determines whether or not replacement is necessary for each lamp, and replaces only the lamp that has been determined that replacement is necessary.
In the remaining life evaluation method according to the first embodiment, since the remaining life is evaluated based on the coordinate position on the relationship diagram, the determination is objective compared to the case where the human visually observes the light color and evaluates the remaining life. Is possible. Further, the determination can be performed relatively easily because it is only necessary to confirm the position of the chromaticity coordinates on the relationship diagram. The relationship diagram may be displayed on a personal computer display or the like, or printed on paper.

  In the remaining life evaluation method according to the first embodiment, since the regression curve is displayed in the relationship diagram, the remainder can be simply obtained by comparing the positions of the regression curve and the chromaticity coordinates (x, y). Lifespan can be evaluated. Note that the regression curve is not limited to the case of displaying the life consumption rates of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%, and it is arbitrary which regression curve of the life consumption rate is displayed.

On the other hand, in the remaining life evaluation method according to the present invention, it may be considered that a regression curve is not displayed. In that case, the lifetime consumption rate at a predetermined coordinate position on the relationship diagram may be clarified, and the lifetime consumption rate of the lamp to be evaluated may be predicted from the relationship between the coordinate position where the lifetime consumption rate is obvious and the measurement result.
In the remaining life evaluation method according to the first embodiment, the chromaticity was measured as the color characteristic, and the relationship diagram was created by obtaining the chromaticity coordinates of the XYZ color system as the measurement result. For example, it is also conceivable to create by the method shown in the first to third modifications.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate according to the first modification. In the first modification, chromaticity is measured as a color characteristic, and the measurement result is obtained as chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of the XYZ color system, and then the initial lighting is performed based on the chromaticity coordinates (x, y). A chromaticity difference (Δx, Δy) with respect to the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) at the time is calculated. Then, a regression curve having a predetermined lifetime consumption rate is obtained with respect to the chromaticity difference (Δx, Δy), and these regression curves are displayed on an XY plan view with the chromaticity difference Δx on the X axis and the chromaticity difference Δy on the Y axis. Display and create the relationship diagram of FIG.

In the relational diagram of FIG. 2 created as described above, the chromaticity variation at the time of initial lighting between the lamps is eliminated, and therefore effective when evaluating a lamp having a large variation in color characteristics at the time of initial lighting. It is.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate according to the second modification. In the second modification, chromaticity is measured as a color characteristic, and the measurement result is obtained as chromaticity coordinates (u, v) of the Luv color system. Then, from the obtained chromaticity coordinates (u, v), a regression curve having a predetermined lifetime consumption rate is obtained, and these regression curves are displayed on the chromaticity diagram of the Luv color system, and the relationship diagram of FIG. 3 is created. To do. Even using the relationship diagram of FIG. 3, the remaining life evaluation similar to that of the first embodiment can be performed.

As a similar modification, the measurement result is obtained as chromaticity coordinates (u *, v *) of the Lu * v * color system, and a predetermined lifetime consumption is obtained from the chromaticity coordinates (u *, v *). It is also conceivable to obtain rate regression curves and display these regression curves on a chromaticity diagram of the Lu * v * color system.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate according to the third modification. In Modification 3, chromaticity is measured as a color characteristic, and the measurement result is obtained as chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of the XYZ color system, and the color temperature is obtained from the chromaticity coordinates (x, y). Then, for the y component and color temperature of the chromaticity coordinates (x, y), a regression curve of a predetermined lifetime consumption rate is obtained, and these regression curves are expressed as the y component of the chromaticity coordinates (x, y), The relationship diagram of FIG. 4 is created by displaying on the XY plan view with the Y axis as the color temperature. Even using the relationship diagram of FIG. 4, the remaining life evaluation similar to that of the first embodiment can be performed.

2 to 4 are for a 360 W straight tube type high pressure sodium lamp (NHT360LS) as an example of a lamp to be evaluated, and the relationship diagram is prepared for each lamp standard.
In addition to the above modifications, the x component or y component for the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of the XYZ color system, the u component or the v component for the chromaticity coordinates (u, v) of the Luv color system. A relation diagram may be created by combining any two of the u * component or v * component and the color temperature for the chromaticity coordinates (u *, v *) of the Lu * v * color system. Conceivable.

  Furthermore, it is also conceivable to measure the emission peak intensity as a color characteristic and create a relationship diagram based on the measurement result. Specifically, the emission peak intensity of two specific wavelengths is measured as a color characteristic, a regression curve of a predetermined lifetime consumption rate is obtained from the measurement result, and these regression curves are represented by the emission peak intensity of one wavelength on the X axis, A relationship diagram is created by displaying the Y axis on the XY plan view with the emission peak intensity of the other wavelength. The remaining life evaluation similar to that of the first embodiment can be performed using such a relationship diagram. In addition, as the specific two wavelengths, for example, a combination of 565 nm and 615 nm is preferable because it is a combination of one having almost no intensity change during the lifetime and one having a large intensity change.

Furthermore, in addition to the emission peak intensity, color characteristics represented by other spectral distribution expression methods such as the emission peak area may be measured, and a relationship diagram may be created based on the measurement result. Further, the relationship diagram may be created by combining the emission peak intensity and the emission peak area, or combining the emission peak intensity or emission peak area and the chromaticity component.
The measurement of the emission peak intensity and the emission peak area may be to measure the spectral distribution using an instantaneous spectrometer (MCPD-2000 manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.), for example.

Furthermore, a method of measuring chromaticity by combining a color filter that cuts off a specific wavelength region and an illuminometer is also conceivable.
This is done by using two types of color filters with different light blocking wavelengths, measuring the illuminance of the lamp light passing through each color filter, and creating a relationship diagram of the change over time with the cumulative lighting time of the illuminance ratio for each filter. This is a method of estimating the remaining life.

(2) Second Embodiment In the remaining life evaluation method for sodium according to the second embodiment, the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is expressed by a relational expression, and the remaining life evaluation system uses the relational expression. Predict remaining life.
First, the structure of the remaining life evaluation system of the high-pressure sodium lamp used in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the remaining life evaluation system according to the present invention. The remaining life evaluation system 1 according to the present invention includes a measuring unit 2 and a personal computer 7 including an input unit 3, a storage unit 4, a prediction unit 5, and a display unit 6.

The measuring means 2 has a function for measuring the color characteristics of the lamp to be evaluated, and is composed of, for example, a color illuminometer that measures chromaticity as the color characteristics.
The input means 3 has a function for inputting conditions necessary for evaluation of the remaining life (hereinafter referred to as “evaluation conditions”) and measurement results obtained by the measurement means 2 to the personal computer 7, and is constituted by a keyboard, for example. . Specifically, the evaluation conditions are a lamp standard and a reference life consumption rate. The evaluation condition and the measurement result are each manually input by an evaluator. Note that the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit 2 may be input by communication between the measuring unit 2 and the input unit 3.

The storage unit 4 has a function for storing a relational expression representing the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate, and a standard lifetime, and is configured by a memory, for example. Specifically, for each lamp standard, the relational expressions for the life consumption rates of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% and the standard life are stored in the form of a table.
The prediction means 5 has a function of determining the necessity of lamp replacement by substituting the measurement result input from the input means 3 into the relational expression stored in the storage means 4, and is composed of a CPU and software. The The processing content of the prediction means 5 will be described later.

The display means 6 has a function of displaying the determination result of necessity of lamp replacement by the prediction means 5 and transmitting it to the evaluator, and is configured using a display.
Next, the remaining life evaluation procedure using the evaluation system having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the evaluation processing procedure.
First, the evaluator inputs the lamp standard of the lamp to be evaluated from the input means 3 (step S1). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the same lamp standard as the lamp to be evaluated is selected from a plurality of lamp standards listed in the lamp standard input field 11 on the screen 10 of the display unit 6. When the lamp standard is input, the selected lamp standard is displayed in the lamp standard display field 12 on the screen 10.

  When the lamp standard is input, the prediction unit 5 reads the standard life information about the lamp standard input from the storage unit 4 and displays the standard life in the standard life display column 13 on the screen 10. . The evaluator determines the reference life consumption rate with reference to the standard life displayed in the standard life display column 13, and inputs the reference life consumption rate from the input means 3 (step S2). Specifically, an appropriate reference life consumption rate is selected from a plurality of life consumption rates listed in the reference life consumption rate input field 14 on the screen 10.

  For example, when the next lamp replacement is performed after 2400 hours, a lamp having a remaining life of less than 2400 hours must be replaced. In a lamp having a standard life of 24,000 hours, the remaining life is less than 2400 hours when the life consumption rate exceeds 90%. Therefore, in such a case, the reference life consumption rate is set to 90%. When the reference life consumption rate is input, the reference life consumption rate is displayed in the reference life consumption rate display column 15 on the screen 10.

When the accumulated lighting time for each lamp to be evaluated can be grasped, the evaluator may determine the reference life consumption rate with reference to the accumulated lighting time. In this case, a reference life consumption rate is determined for each lamp to be evaluated, and the reference life consumption rate is input from the input unit 3 (step S2).
Next, the evaluator measures the chromaticity of the lamp to be evaluated using the measuring unit 2 (step S3), and inputs the obtained measurement result from the input unit 3. Specifically, the measurement result is input to the measurement result entry fields 16 and 17 on the screen 10 (step S4). Then, the measurement results are displayed in the measurement result display fields 18 and 19 on the screen 10.

  When the measurement result is input from the input unit 3, the prediction unit 5 determines whether the lamp needs to be replaced, and the determination result is displayed in the determination result column 20 on the screen 10. Specifically, “◯” is displayed when lamp replacement is not necessary, and “X” is displayed when lamp replacement is necessary. The evaluator confirms the determination result column 20 (step S5), and if “X” is displayed, the lamp is replaced. If “O” is displayed, the lamp need not be replaced.

In this way, the lamps to be evaluated are sequentially evaluated. When the lamp is evaluated for the second time or later, the step of inputting the lamp standard (step S1) and the step of inputting the reference life consumption rate (step S2) are unnecessary, and the step of measuring the chromaticity of the lamp What is necessary is just to repeat from (step S3) to the step (step S5) which confirms a determination result.
Next, the processing content of the prediction means 5 is demonstrated. First, when the prediction unit 5 receives the lamp standard information input from the input unit 3 (step S11), the prediction unit 5 reads the standard life information about the lamp standard from the storage unit 4 (step S12) and displays it on the display unit 6. The standard life is displayed (step S13).

Next, the predicting means 5 receives the information on the reference life consumption rate input from the input means 3 (step S14), and reads the relational expression about the reference life consumption rate from the storage means 4 (step S15). The relational expression is expressed as the following Expression 2, for example, and the constants a, b, and c are determined for each lamp standard and lifetime consumption rate.
y ≧ ax ² + bx + c (Formula 2)
Thereafter, when the prediction unit 5 receives the measurement result input from the input unit 3 (step S16), the prediction unit 5 substitutes the measurement result into the relational expression and determines whether or not the relational expression is satisfied (step S17).

When the relational expression is established (“YES” in step S17), the predicting unit 5 displays the determination result “◯” on the display unit 6 (step S18). On the other hand, when the relational expression is not satisfied (“NO” in step S17), the predicting unit 5 displays the determination result “x” on the display unit 6 (step S19).
Although the remaining life evaluation method and the remaining life evaluation system according to the second embodiment have been specifically described above, the remaining life evaluation method and the remaining life evaluation system according to the second embodiment are described above. It is not limited to.

  For example, the remaining life evaluation system may display not only the necessity of lamp replacement but also the life consumption rate. For example, by sequentially substituting measurement results into the relational expressions for 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% lifetime consumption rates, and confirming at which point the relational expression is valid The lifetime consumption rate may be specified in increments of 10%, and the result may be displayed on the display means 6.

  Further, when the accumulated lighting time can be grasped for each of the evaluation target lamps, if the cumulative lighting time and the lifetime consumption rate of the evaluation target lamp can be predicted, the remaining life of the evaluation target lamp can also be predicted. For example, if the cumulative lighting time is 21600 hours and the chromaticity at that time is on a line with a lifetime consumption rate of 90%, the remaining lifetime of the lamp is 2400 hours (21600 hours × (100% −90%) / 90% ).

  The remaining life evaluation method and remaining life evaluation system for a high-pressure sodium lamp according to the present invention can be used for a high-pressure sodium lamp having an orange light color, as well as general lamps whose light color changes over time. Is available.

It is a figure which shows the relationship between the color characteristic which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a lifetime consumption rate. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the color characteristic which concerns on a 1st modification, and a lifetime consumption rate. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the color characteristic which concerns on a 2nd modification, and a lifetime consumption rate. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the color characteristic which concerns on a 3rd modification, and a lifetime consumption rate. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a remaining life evaluation system. It is a figure which shows the procedure of remaining life evaluation. It is a figure which shows the screen of a display means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a prediction means.

Explanation of symbols

1 Remaining life evaluation system 2 Measuring means 4 Storage means 5 Predicting means

Claims (9)

A method for evaluating the remaining life of a high pressure sodium lamp,
For the high-pressure sodium lamp of the same standard as the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated in advance, the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is obtained,
Remaining life evaluation of the high pressure sodium lamp characterized by measuring the color characteristics of the high pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated and comparing the measurement result with the relationship to predict the remaining life of the high pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated Method.   2. The method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to claim 1, wherein chromaticity is measured as a color characteristic.   The chromaticity coordinates obtained as the measurement result are subjected to regression analysis for each predetermined lifetime consumption rate, and are displayed as a regression curve on a chromaticity diagram to obtain a relationship between color characteristics and lifetime consumption rate. The remaining life evaluation method of the high pressure sodium lamp of description.   4. The method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to claim 3, wherein the chromaticity diagram is a chromaticity diagram of an XYZ color system.   4. The method for evaluating the remaining life of a high pressure sodium lamp according to claim 3, wherein the chromaticity diagram is a chromaticity diagram of a Luv color system.   4. The method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to claim 3, wherein the chromaticity diagram is a chromaticity diagram of a Lu * v * color system.   3. The method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to claim 2, wherein the relationship between the color characteristics and the lifetime consumption rate is grasped by the chromaticity difference with respect to the chromaticity at the time of initial lighting.   2. The method for evaluating the remaining life of a high-pressure sodium lamp according to claim 1, wherein the emission peak intensity of two specific wavelengths is measured as the color characteristic. Measuring means for measuring the color characteristics of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated;
Storage means for storing the relationship between color characteristics and lifetime consumption rate of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated and the high-pressure sodium lamp of the same standard;
Prediction means for predicting the remaining life of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated in light of the relationship stored in the storage means with respect to the color characteristics of the high-pressure sodium lamp to be evaluated measured by the measuring means. A system for evaluating the remaining life of high-pressure sodium lamps.

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