JP2014157823A - Projector and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector capable of displaying an image with unvaried hue even when an LED of each color has a variation in temperature coefficient in a projector that employs an illumination apparatus having a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED as a light source.SOLUTION: In an illumination apparatus 10 of a projector 1, light intensity of illumination light 2 of each color from each of LEDs 11r to 11b of each color is sequentially detected by a common photoelectric conversion element 13, is sampled by a common sample hold circuit 31, and is fed back to drive circuits 12r to 12b of each color by each of comparator circuits 34r to 34b of each color. Since sampling system is made to be common with regard to the illumination light 2 of each color, individual differences of sampling systems may be removed, and even when each of the LEDs 11r to 11b of each color has a variation in temperature coefficient, a projector 1 may be provided which may display an image with unvaried hue.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device using a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED, and more particularly to an illuminating device suitable as a light source for video display such as a projector and a control method thereof.

  In recent years, semiconductor solid-state light-emitting elements or semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs or organic EL with a large amount of light have been developed, and it is considered to use these in various fields as lighting devices.

  Lighting devices using semiconductor light-emitting elements can be used as light sources for projectors that display images. Color images are output by sequentially outputting light of each color from the lighting device, and modulating and projecting light of each color by a light valve. Can be displayed. This method does not require a color filter and can adjust the intensity for each color, and is therefore suitable for a compact projector capable of displaying a clear color image.

  However, since the semiconductor light emitting elements emit light of different colors from the individual semiconductor light emitting elements, the amount of light of each color can be freely controlled, but an intermediate color in which the light of each color is mixed can be displayed as specified. difficult. That is, with a conventional white light source, it is possible to display the color defined by the color filter by passing it through the color filter, and it is also possible to display white when the color filter is through. On the other hand, in an illumination device using a semiconductor light emitting element, a semiconductor light emitting element that outputs light of each color of red R, green G, and blue B is prepared, and white light is obtained by combining light from the semiconductor light emitting elements of each color. indicate. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the amount of light from the semiconductor light emitting elements of each color so that white color is displayed when they are mixed.

  Furthermore, although the amount of light output from a semiconductor light emitting element is increased, the amount of light that can be output from each semiconductor light emitting element is limited, and a desired amount of light can be obtained even with light of one color. In this case, it is necessary to combine a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. The individual differences between the respective semiconductor light emitting elements are relatively large, and the amount of light, change with time, temperature characteristics, and the like are different. Therefore, even if the characteristics of the drive circuit of the semiconductor light emitting element are set so that a desired white color is displayed, the displayed color may change from moment to moment. It is also possible to manually adjust the output of each color semiconductor light emitting element after the lighting device temperature conditions become constant, but it is necessary to leave the projector until it reaches a steady state. It is impractical because there is a waste of power consumption.

  In order to control temperature characteristics and the like, it is possible to individually adjust the output by feeding back the output from the LED or laser. However, there are individual differences in the characteristics of the photodiodes and CCDs that detect the amount of light, and there are also characteristics of the drive circuit. Even if the drive current is controlled by looking at the output of the semiconductor light emitting element, the hue cannot be finely controlled.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a light amount adjusting device capable of controlling the intensity (light amount) of light for each color of a lighting device using a semiconductor light emitting element to a predetermined ratio, and a lighting device and a projector using the same. The purpose is that. Then, an object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device and a projector that can display an image of a desired hue immediately after lighting.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when the light bulb is illuminated by the semiconductor light emitting element, paying attention to the fact that each color light is irradiated sequentially, a common sampling system is provided for each color light, Sampling is performed sequentially according to the timing of light irradiation, so that characteristics or tolerances caused by individual differences on the sampling side can be removed. That is, the light quantity control device of the present invention divides a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements capable of outputting light of different colors and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements into at least light emitting element groups for each color, and sequentially orders each light emitting element group. A light quantity control device for a lighting device having a driving means for supplying a driving current for each group based on a set value for each group, and a common detection capable of detecting the intensity of light output from a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements The sampling means for sampling the light intensity for each group in synchronization with the drive current for each group by the element, and compares the sampled light intensity for each group with the reference value for each group to control the set value for each group. Feedback means.

  Since this light quantity control device sequentially samples the light intensity for each group in synchronization with the drive current for each group, a common detection element such as a photodiode or CCD is provided for all of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to remove at least individual differences between sampling systems, and the feedback means can control the driving means based on the light intensity of each group measured or detected by the same sampling system. For this reason, in the lighting device employing the light amount control device of the present invention, the light amount output from the semiconductor light emitting element is controlled at a predetermined ratio immediately after the lighting device is turned on by controlling the drive current for each group. it can. Furthermore, since the number of sampling systems is one, one detection element or one group is sufficient, and the circuits constituting the sampling means are also common, and the configuration of the light quantity control device is a simple and economical system.

  Accordingly, an illumination device equipped with the light quantity control device of the present invention, or an illumination device having an equivalent function, that is, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements capable of outputting light of different colors and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements at least in color Dividing into each light emitting element group, detecting the intensity of light output from a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and driving means for supplying a driving current for each group based on a set value for each light emitting element group in turn Possible common detection elements, sampling means for sampling the light intensity for each group in synchronization with the drive current for each group, and comparing the sampled light intensity for each group with a reference value for each group In a lighting device having a feedback means for controlling a set value for each group, each semiconductor light emitting element has a variation in temperature coefficient. It can be even with individual differences, such as to illuminate unchanged the intensity ratio of each color. In these lighting devices, in order to output light of each color at a constant ratio, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are divided into at least light emitting element groups for each color, and the driving current for each group in turn with respect to each light emitting element group. Light intensity for each group in synchronism with the drive current for each group by a driving process for supplying the light intensity based on the set value for each group and a common detection element capable of detecting the intensity of light output from a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. And a feedback method for controlling the set value for each group by comparing the light intensity for each group with the reference value for each group, and this control method is also included in the present invention. .

  As described above, since the illumination device of the present invention can constantly output light of different colors with a constant light amount ratio, a projector capable of obtaining an image whose hue does not change by using the illumination device as a light source of the projector. Can provide. That is, the illumination device of the present invention, a light modulation means having a switching region for modulating the illumination light output from the illumination device with image data, and a projection lens for projecting the light modulated by the light modulation means onto the screen Are also included in the present invention.

  In the present invention, it is assumed that the semiconductor light-emitting elements are sequentially lit. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid feedback of light fluctuation due to ringing immediately after lighting to the drive current. For this reason, in the sampling means or process, the light intensity for each group is set at a second timing somewhat delayed from the first timing for starting the output of the driving current for each group within the time when the driving current for each group is supplied. It is desirable to sample.

  There may also be fluctuations in the amount of light during the lighting period. Therefore, in the sampling means or process, it is desirable to output the light intensity for each group obtained by sampling the light intensity for each group a plurality of times and averaging the time within the time when the drive current for each group is supplied. Such processing can be easily executed by realizing the function of the sampling means with digital processing means such as a DSP (digital signal processor). In addition, it is possible to mount the entire function of the light quantity control device on the DSP, and it is also possible to provide the light quantity control device on a single chip.

  In the light quantity control device, it is possible to make the feedback means common to each group. However, most of the functions of the feedback means can be executed by a circuit or a processor, and the factors causing individual differences are small compared to the sampling system. Therefore, the feedback means can be configured by a feedback circuit for each group that controls the set value for each group by comparing the sampled light intensity for each group with the reference value for each group. In this case, the data sampled by the common sampling means can be distributed to the feedback circuit for each group by the switching circuit. Furthermore, since the feedback means is constituted by a feedback circuit for each group, the processing time of each feedback circuit can be afforded. Therefore, the control frequency is less than the frame frequency, for example, about 1 Hz or less, and the processing speed is not so fast. The function of the feedback means can be realized by a simple circuit or processor.

  Further, it is desirable to further provide a reference value updating means or a reference value updating process capable of changing the reference value for each group by an external signal. The external signal may be a signal indicating a user's favorite color or a signal indicating the brightness of an environment in which an image is displayed. In addition, the dimming signal that controls the brightness of the light valve of the projector can also be selected as an external signal. When displaying a dark image, the light bulb gradation can be reduced by reducing the amount of light from the lighting device. It is possible to widen the gradation range. Therefore, it is possible to provide a projector that can express subtle shades and shades even in a dark scene.

  As an illumination device, in addition to an illumination target such as a light valve arranged with semiconductor light emitting elements in one direction, at least one that irradiates the illumination target with the first illumination light from the first direction. A first semiconductor light emitting element group including two groups and a second semiconductor light emitting element group including at least one group that emits the second illumination light from a second direction conjugate with the first direction. Separate lighting devices are also included. When DMD is used as a reflection type light valve, it has a conjugate angle to turn on, so that the amount of semiconductor light emitting elements that can be arranged increases by dividing into two semiconductor light emitting element groups. To do. In particular, since green light has a lower relative visibility than light of other colors, it is easy to balance the light of other colors by arranging it as an independent semiconductor light emitting element group. That is, it is desirable to output light of different colors from the first semiconductor light emitting element group and the second semiconductor light emitting element group.

  In the present invention, the sampling system is common to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and it is necessary to guide the light emitted from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the light valve to the common detection element. Therefore, it is desirable that the light detection element is disposed in the vicinity of the switching region of the light modulation means. One feasible form is to package the light detection element with the light modulation device, and provide a light modulation device package having the light modulation device and the light detection element disposed in the vicinity of the switching region. Can do. It is also useful to provide an optical element that guides light from a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to a common detection element, such as a lens, a prism, or a diffraction element. Furthermore, it is desirable to apply a non-reflective coating corresponding to all the different colors of light from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the common detection element to prevent a reduction in the amount of light due to reflection.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the projector concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which extracts and shows schematic structure of the illuminating device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process of an illuminating device. It is a timing chart which shows the timing which samples. It is a figure which expands and shows schematic structure of an optical switching part. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the different projector which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the further different projector which concerns on this invention.

  The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a projector according to the present invention. The projector 1 includes an illumination device 10 that uses an LED, which is a semiconductor light-emitting element, as a light source, and a light valve that modulates illumination light 2 output from the illumination device 10 using image data φ1 supplied from a host device such as a personal computer. 3 and a projection lens 5 that projects the emitted light 4 modulated by the light valve 3 onto a screen 9. The illumination device 10 includes semiconductor light emitting elements that output light of different colors, that is, a plurality of LEDs 11r that output red light, a plurality of LEDs 11g that output green light, and a plurality of LEDs 11b that output blue light. The LEDs 11r to 11b that output light of each color are grouped for each color, and are controlled to light up simultaneously for each group. The light valve 3 employed in the projector of this example is an optical switching device called a digital micromirror device (DMD) having a switching region 3a in which a plurality of micromirrors are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix. . For example, it is available from Texa Twin Instruments. In this optical switching device 3, the case where the micromirror is tilted by about 10 degrees is in the on state, and the illumination light 2 emitted from the illumination device 10 is reflected as the emitted light 4 in the direction of the projection lens 5. Therefore, the micromirror that constitutes the switching region 3a of the optical switching device 3 has two ON positions inclined in a conjugate direction. In the illumination device 10 of this example, LEDs are arranged in these conjugate two directions. It arrange | positions and illuminates the light valve 3 from two directions.

  In the illumination device 10 of this example, an LED 11r that outputs red light and an LED 11b that outputs blue light are arranged in the first direction, and an LED 11g that outputs green light is arranged in the second direction. Has been. Green light has low specific visibility, and it is necessary to arrange a large number of LEDs 11g for red or blue light. Therefore, like the lighting device 10 of this example, the lighting device in which the red and blue LEDs 11r and 11b are arranged in one direction and the green LED 11g is arranged in the other direction can output the illumination light 2 having a good color balance. it can.

  The projector 1 outputs an illumination light 2, modulates the illumination light 2 with a light valve 3, and outputs it as an emitted light 4 through a lens 5, and a control system 8 that controls the light valve 3 and the LEDs 11 r to 11 b. It is divided into The control system 8 drives the light valve 3 based on the image data φ1 from the host, and turns on the LEDs 11r-11b for each color based on the lighting start signals φ2r-φ2b for each color from the image control unit 20. On the other hand, drive circuits 12r-12b for supplying drive signals or drive currents [phi] 3r- [phi] 3b are provided. Furthermore, a light quantity control unit 30 is provided that controls the intensity of the drive signals φ3r to φ3b output from the drive circuits 12r to 12b based on the intensity (light quantity) of the illumination light 2 of the LEDs 11r to 11b of the respective colors. The light amount control unit 30 samples signals from the photoelectric conversion elements 13 such as photodiodes or CCDs arranged beside the switching region 3a of the light valve 3, and controls the set values 14r to 14b of the drive circuits 12r to 12b. To do. Therefore, in the drive circuits 12r to 12b, the drive signals φ3r to φ3b having the intensity based on the set values 14r to 14b are supplied to the LEDs 11r to 11b, and the LEDs 11r to 11b are turned on at an appropriate timing. Note that the tilting direction (turning direction) of the micromirror that realizes the on state of the pixel during the period when the LED 11r is lit and the period when the LED 11b is lit is the tilt direction of the micromirror that realizes the on state of the pixel during the period when the LED 11g is lit This is the reverse direction of the (turning direction). The “on state” is a state in which light from the LEDs 11r, 11g, and 11b is guided to the screen 9 through the micromirror.

  The control system 8 further includes a current-voltage conversion unit 15 that converts the current signal φi detected by the photoelectric change element 13 into a voltage signal φv. The control system 8 also includes a user interface 21 that performs the overall operation of the projector 1 and sensors 22 that detect the external environment, for example, the brightness of the room. Among such control systems 8, those directly related to the control of the LEDs 11 r to 11 b are the drive circuits 12 r to 12 b, the light amount control unit 30, and the current / voltage changing unit 15 that processes signals from the photoelectric conversion element 13. is there.

  Therefore, the illumination device 10 of the present example includes LEDs 11r to 11b that are light sources using semiconductor light emitting elements, drive circuits 12r to 12b, and light emitting elements LED 11r of the respective colors via the drive circuits 12r to 12b. To the light amount control unit 30 for controlling the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 11b to 11b, the photoelectric conversion element 13 for detecting the light from the light emitting elements LED11r to 11b, and the signal from the photoelectric conversion element 13 to process the light amount control unit 30 And a current / voltage changing unit 15 for sample input.

  FIG. 2 shows the illumination device 10 of this example. The light quantity control unit 30 of the illumination device 10 of this example is realized by digital control by a DSP (digital signal processor). The light quantity control unit 30 is configured to sample a sample hold circuit 31 that samples a digitized light intensity signal φv from the photoelectric conversion element 13 according to a timing φ2t generated by the image control unit 20, and a sampled value S that is sampled. The switching circuit 32 that selectively supplies the comparison circuits 34r to 34b for the respective colors in accordance with the lighting signals φ2r, φ2g, and φ2b, and the sample values distributed by the switching circuit 32 are used as the reference values 33r to light for the respective colors. It has functions as comparison circuits 34r to 34b that compare with 33b and feed back to the drive circuit. The timing (trigger) signal φ2t can also be generated inside the light quantity control unit 30 that is a DSP.

  The comparison circuits 34r to 34b for each color are feedback circuits that compare the supplied sample value S with the reference values 33r to 33b for each color and change the set values 14r to 14b of the corresponding drive circuits 12r to 12b. In this light quantity control unit 30, for example, when the LED 11r is turned on among the three groups, the sample hold circuit 31 uses the light intensity signal φv obtained from the photoelectric conversion element 13 as the sample data S of red light and the image is held by the sample hold circuit 31. Sampling is performed according to the timing signal φ2t supplied from the control unit 20. The sample data S is supplied to the red comparison circuit 34r through the switching circuit 32 in accordance with the lighting signal φ2r supplied from the image control unit 20, and is compared with the red reference value 33r. As a result, if it is determined that the sample data S is larger than the reference value 33r, the set value 14r of the drive circuit 12r is changed so that the drive current φ3r becomes small. Conversely, when the sample data S is smaller than the reference value 33r, the set value 14r is updated or changed. If the sample data S and the reference value 33r are within the allowable range, the set value 14r is not updated.

  Further, the light quantity control unit 30 has a function as a reference value update circuit 35 that can update the reference values 33r to 33b of the respective colors with the external signals φ4 to φ6. The light quantity control unit 30 of this example can change the reference values 33r to 33b according to the user's favorite color inputted from the user interface 21. Further, the reference values 33r to 33b are changed depending on the brightness of the room input from the sensor 22, and when the surroundings are bright, the intensity of the illumination light 2 is increased to project a bright image from the projector 1, and when it is dark, the illumination light 2 A dark image can be projected at a reduced intensity. Furthermore, the reference values 33r to 33b can also be changed by the dimming signal φ6 supplied from the image control unit 20. For example, when a dark image is displayed by the image data φ1 supplied to the image control unit 20, the reference values 33r to 33b are lowered and the intensity of the illumination light 2 is lowered. Thereby, in the light valve 3, the width | variety which reduces the intensity | strength of the illumination light 2 becomes small, and it can widen a gradation gradation range. Therefore, it is possible to project an image that is dark or shaded even when it is dark.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the illumination device 10 including the light amount adjusting unit 30. First, when there is an external signal in step 51 and the reference value needs to be updated, the reference values 33r to 33b are updated in step 52. It is also possible to independently update the reference values 23r to 23b of the respective colors. When changing the hue by the signal φ5 from the user interface 21, the reference values 33r to 33b are individually changed to change the room brightness φ4. When the brightness of the projected image is controlled by the dimming signal φ6, the reference values 33r to 33b are updated at once.

  Next, processing for lighting the LEDs of the respective colors is performed by the lighting signals φ2r to φ2b of the respective colors from the image control unit 20. In the projector 1 of this example, the light valve 3 is sequentially irradiated with the illumination light 2 of each color output from the LEDs 11r to 11b, and the illumination light of each color is modulated by the light valve 3 and projected onto the screen 9. A multicolor image is displayed. For this reason, a signal for driving the LEDs 11 r to 11 b of each color is output from the image control unit 20 in accordance with the timing for controlling the light valve 3. First, in step 53, when the signal φ2r for turning on the red R LED 11r rises, in step 54, the drive current φ3r is output from the red drive circuit 12r to the red LED 11r, and the signal φ2r is in the high period. LED 11r lights up. The illumination light 2 output from the LED 11r hits the photoelectric conversion element 13, and a light intensity signal φv corresponding to the intensity of the illumination light 2 output from the LED 11r is output by the photoelectric conversion element 13. Next, in step 55, the sample hold circuit 31 of the light quantity control unit 30 samples the light intensity signal φv according to the timing signal φ2t. Here, the image processing unit 20 determines the phases of φ2r and φ2t so that the sampling is started after the time td from the start of lighting of the LED 11r. Specifically, φ2t is set so that φ2t rises with a delay of td from the rise of φ2r. Further, in the light quantity control unit 30 of this example, in step 55, the sample hold circuit 31 performs sampling twice during one lighting time to obtain sampling data, respectively. In step 56, the sampling data S, which is the average of the sampling data, is supplied to the red comparison circuit 34r via the switching circuit 32. Lighting signals φ2r, φ2g, and φ2b are supplied to the switching circuit 32. When the lighting signal φ2r is high, the switching circuit 32 electrically connects the output terminal of the sample hold circuit 31 and the input terminal of the comparison circuit 34r. When the lighting signal φ2g is high, the switching circuit 32 electrically connects the output terminal of the sample hold circuit 31 and the input terminal of the comparison circuit 34g. When the lighting signal φ2b is high, the switching circuit 32 electrically connects the output terminal of the sample hold circuit 31 and the input terminal of the comparison circuit 34b. Therefore, the sampling data S is supplied from the sample hold circuit 31 to any of the comparison circuits 34r, 34g, 34b in accordance with the lighting signals φ2r, φ2g, and φ2b.

  FIG. 4 shows the state of sampling during the lighting time of each color LED. When the lighting signal φ2r of the red LED 11r is supplied to the drive circuit 12r at time tr1, the drive circuit 12r supplies the drive current φ3r to the LED 11r to light the LED 11r. A timing signal φ2t generated by the image control unit 20 is supplied to the sample hold circuit 31, and the sample hold circuit 31 samples the light intensity signal φv according to the timing signal φ2t. Here, there is a delay of time td between time tr1 when the lighting signal φ2r rises and time tr2 when the timing signal φ2t rises. This is to prevent sampling of fluctuations in the amount of light such as ringing immediately after the LED 11r is turned on. Further, by sampling the light intensity signal φv again at time tr3, fluctuations within the lighting time are averaged as much as possible so that the intensity of light from the LED 11r does not flicker due to fluctuations in the sampling data S. The same is true when sampling light of other colors, and the first sampling times tg2 and tb2 are delayed by the time td from the lighting times tg1 and tb1. Then, sampling is performed once again at tg3 and tb3 within the lighting time to prevent fluctuation. The number of signings is not limited to twice, but the speed of temperature change and aging change is very slow compared to the lighting cycle, and the light quantity does not fluctuate greatly due to this, so measurement is about twice. The number of times is sufficient. The frequency of the feedback from the light amount control unit 30 to each of the drive circuit 12r, the drive circuit 12g, and the drive circuit 12b is once every one frame period. The “one frame period” is a period corresponding to one frame in the video data φ1 supplied from the host device.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the sample hold circuit 31 outputs the sample data S via the switching circuit 32, the sample hold circuit 31 enters a standby state. In step 57, when the signal φ2g for lighting the green G LED 11g that is sequentially output following the red lighting signal φ2r rises, in step 58, the drive current φ3g is transferred from the green drive circuit 12g to the green LED 11g. The green LED 11g is lit while the lighting signal φg is high. The illumination light 2 output from the LED 11g hits the photoelectric conversion element 13, and a light intensity signal φv corresponding to the intensity of the illumination light 2 output from the LED 11g is output by the photoelectric conversion element 13. Next, at step 59, the sample hold circuit 31 of the light quantity control unit 30 samples the light intensity signal φv according to the timing signal φ2t. Here, the image processing unit 20 determines the phases of φ2g and φ2t so that the sampling is started after time td from the time when the LED 11g starts to light. Specifically, φ2t is set so that φ2t rises with a delay of td from the rising point. Furthermore, in the light quantity control unit 30 of this example, in step 60, the sample hold circuit 31 performs sampling twice during one lighting time, thereby obtaining sampling data, respectively. In step 60, the sampling data S, which is the average of the sampling data, is output via the switching circuit 32 to the green comparison circuit 34g.

  Further, the same applies to the case where the drive circuit 12b detects the signal φ2b for lighting the blue LED 11b output in order following the green color. When the signal φ2b rises in step 61, the blue drive circuit is detected in step 62. The drive current φ3b is output from 12b to the blue LED 11b, and the blue LED 11b is turned on. In step 63, when the sample hold circuit 31 of the light quantity control unit 30 samples the light intensity signal φv at a time delayed by the time td from the rising time of the lighting signal φ2b, sample data of the light intensity of blue light is obtained. The sampling data S averaged in step 64 is output to the blue comparison circuit 34b via the switching circuit 32.

  As described above, the sample hold circuit 31 sequentially samples the light intensity signal φv output from the photoelectric conversion element 13 at the timing when the LEDs 11r to 11b are turned on, and generates sampling data indicating the light intensity of each color. . Therefore, the system for sampling the light intensity of each color is common to each color, that is, each group of LEDs to be controlled, from the photoelectric conversion element 13 to the switching circuit 32, and the light intensity of each color is sampled under the same conditions. Can be evaluated. For this reason, it becomes possible to compare the ratio of the intensity of light of each color without being influenced by temperature or individual differences of elements and circuits, and the intensity of light output from the LEDs 11r to 11b of each color can be always set to a desired ratio. Can be controlled to be Furthermore, since the sampling system is common to the light of each color, the sampling data can be acquired with a simple circuit configuration, which is economical.

  On the other hand, the data S sampled by the sample and hold circuit 31 is individually processed by the comparison circuits 34r to 34b that perform feedback for each color unit. That is, when the sampling data S is received at step 65, the comparison circuit 34r compares it with the reference value 33r at step 66, and updates or changes the set value 14r of the drive circuit 12r based on the comparison result at step 67. Similarly, when the sampling data S is received at step 68, the comparison circuit 34g compares it with the reference value 33g at step 69, and updates the set value 14g of the drive circuit 12g at step 70 based on the comparison result. Further, when the sampling data S is received at step 71, the comparison circuit 34b compares it with the reference value 33b at step 72, and updates the set value 14b of the drive circuit 12b at step 73 based on the comparison result.

  Thus, in the light quantity control unit 30, the comparison circuits 34r to 34b perform comparison processing independently. Further, it is not always necessary to process all the sampling data supplied from the sample hold circuit 31 and feed it back to the drive circuit. Therefore, the processing cycle of the comparison circuits 34r to 34b may be slow with respect to sampling and does not need to be synchronized with the frame processing. However, it is desirable to maintain a control band that can follow changes in temperature and changes over time, and it is possible to cope with processing speeds that are generally lower than the frame frequency. For this reason, the processing speeds other than the sample hold circuit 31 do not need to be so high, and even with a DSP with a low processing speed, the light amount control unit 30 of this example can be realized and is economical.

  FIG. 5 shows an enlarged schematic configuration of the optical switching unit 80 including the light valve 3. In the illumination device 10 of this example, the sampling system is common to the light of each color. Therefore, it is necessary for each color of light to strike the photoelectric conversion element 13. Since the light path of the projector 1 is designed so that the illumination light 2 of each color hits the switching region 3a of the light valve 3, by arranging the photoelectric conversion element 13 in the vicinity of the switching region 3a, all the LEDs 11r to 11b are arranged. The illumination light 2 can be captured. For this reason, in the optical switching unit 80 of this example, the light valve 3 and the photoelectric conversion element 13 are accommodated in the package 89 in a state where they are arranged adjacent to each other in advance.

  The package 89 has a transparent sealing plate 88 on the side where the illumination light 2 is input and the modulated emission light 4 is output, and the illumination light is applied to the sealing plate 88 side of the photoelectric conversion element 13. A microlens 81 for condensing light on the photoelectric conversion element 13 is disposed. With the microlens 81, even illumination light that is substantially focused on the light valve 3 can be guided to the photoelectric conversion element 13, and each color illumination light 2 can be reliably detected by the photoelectric conversion element 13. it can. Further, the surface of the microlens 81 is provided with a non-reflective coating 82 that has a small reflection coefficient for red, green, and blue light emitted from the LEDs 11r to 11b. In other words, the light reflected from the surface does not return to the light valve 3 to deteriorate the image quality.

  As described above, the illumination device 10 of the present example and the projector 1 including the illumination device 10 include a common sampling system including the photoelectric conversion element 13 common to the illumination light 2 of each color, and the sampling system Without being influenced by individual differences or fluctuations, the illumination light 2 of each color can be compared under common conditions, and the drive circuits 12r-12b of the LEDs 11r-11b of each color can be controlled. Accordingly, even if the LEDs 11r to 11b of the respective colors have variations caused by individual differences such as temperature coefficients or circuits, it is possible to display an image whose hue does not change due to temperature or changes with time. Further, in the illumination device 10 of this example and the projector 1 having the same, the light quantity ratio of the illumination light 2 of each color is automatically processed, so that the user does not need to manually perform color adjustment each time. By setting a favorite color, it is possible to easily enjoy an image of that color even if the temperature changes or the time elapses. Further, since the sampling system is common to each color, that is, the LEDs grouped for each color, the circuit is simplified, and it is possible to provide a lighting device and a projector having an automatic color tone adjustment function at low cost. .

  FIG. 6 shows examples of different illumination devices and projectors according to the present invention. In the above example, a microlens is used for condensing the illumination light 2 on the photoelectric conversion element 13, but it is used as an optical element for condensing the prism 83 as in the projector 1 of this figure. Is also possible. It is also possible to use an optical element using a diffraction phenomenon such as a diffraction grating.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of another lighting device and projector according to the present invention. In the above description, the lighting device in which the LEDs 11r to 11b are divided and arranged in two directions has been described as an example. However, as shown in FIG. 7, it is of course possible to arrange the LEDs 11r to 11b in one direction. Furthermore, if the photoelectric conversion element 13 can be arranged sufficiently close to the switching region 3a, sufficiently accurate sampling data can be obtained without arranging an optical element for guiding illumination light to the photoelectric conversion element 13. Can do.

  In the above description, the present invention has been described by taking a projector using a tilt mirror type light valve as an example. However, the present invention is also applied to a projector using another type of light valve such as a reflective liquid crystal panel. Is applicable. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a projector including a transmissive light valve such as a transmissive liquid crystal panel. Further, the present invention has been described based on an example in which an LED is used as a light source as a semiconductor light emitting element. However, the present invention is also applied to an illumination device and a projector using another semiconductor light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser or an organic EL as a light source. Is applicable. Further, the present invention has been described above with the light quantity control unit realized by the DSP, but the present invention is not limited to the DSP, and is a general purpose processor, a hardware logic circuit such as a gate circuit, or an analog circuit. Can also implement the present invention.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the light bulb of the projector is illuminated by the illumination device including the semiconductor light emitting element, the light of each color is irradiated sequentially, so that the light of each color is synchronized with the timing. The light intensity is sampled. Therefore, it is possible to detect the intensity of light of each color and feed back it to control the intensity ratio of light of each color simply by providing a common sampling system for the light of each color. Therefore, by employing the lighting device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a projector that can display an image that does not change in hue even if the semiconductor light emitting element has variations in temperature coefficient or change with time. In addition, since the sampling system is common, the configuration required for sampling is simplified, and a projector capable of displaying an image with stable hue at low cost can be provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector, 2 ... Illumination light, 3 ... Light valve, 4 ... Output light, 5 ... Projection lens, 7 ... Optical system, 8 ... Control system, 9 ... Screen, 10 ... Illumination device, 11 ... LED, 12 ... Drive Reference numeral 20 is an image controller, 30 is a light intensity controller, 31 is a sample hold circuit, 32 is a switching circuit, 33 is a reference value for each color, and 34 is a comparison circuit (feedback circuit).

Claims (31)

A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements capable of outputting light of different colors and the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are divided into at least light emitting element groups for each color, and a driving current for each group is sequentially assigned to each of the light emitting element groups. A light amount control device for a lighting device having a driving means for supplying the light source based on the set value of
Sampling means for sampling the light intensity for each group in synchronization with the drive current for each group by a common detection element capable of detecting the intensity of light output from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements,
A light quantity control device comprising: feedback means for comparing the sampled light intensity for each group with a reference value for each group and controlling a set value for each group.   2. The sampling unit according to claim 1, wherein the sampling unit is configured to output the driving current for each group at a second timing delayed from a first timing for starting output of the driving current for each group within a time during which the driving current for each group is supplied. Light quantity control device that samples light intensity.   The digital processing unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least a digital processing unit having a function as the sampling unit, wherein the digital processing unit sets the light intensity for each group a plurality of times within a time during which the driving current for each group is supplied. A light amount control device that outputs the light intensity of each group that has been sampled and averaged. 2. The feedback means according to claim 1, further comprising: a feedback circuit for each group that controls the set value for each group by comparing the sampled light intensity for each group with a reference value for each group. And
Furthermore, the light quantity control apparatus which has a switching circuit which distributes the sampled data from the said sampling means to the feedback circuit for every said group.   5. The light quantity control device according to claim 4, wherein a control frequency of the feedback circuit for each group is equal to or less than a frame frequency.   2. The light quantity control device according to claim 1, further comprising reference value updating means capable of changing the reference value for each group by an external signal. A light amount control device according to claim 1;
A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements capable of outputting light of different colors;
A lighting device comprising: driving means for dividing the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements into at least light emitting element groups for each color, and sequentially supplying a driving current for each group based on a set value for each of the light emitting element groups. . A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements capable of outputting light of different colors;
Driving means for dividing the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements into at least light emitting element groups for each color, and sequentially supplying a driving current for each group based on a set value for each light emitting element group;
A common detection element capable of detecting the intensity of light output from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements;
By this detection element, sampling means for sampling the light intensity for each group in synchronization with the driving current for each group, and
A lighting device comprising: feedback means for comparing the sampled light intensity for each group with a reference value for each group and controlling a set value for each group.   9. The sampling unit according to claim 8, wherein the sampling means outputs the driving current for each group at a second timing delayed from the first timing for starting to output the driving current for each group within a time during which the driving current for each group is supplied. A lighting device that samples light intensity.   9. The illumination device according to claim 8, wherein the sampling unit outputs the light intensity for each group obtained by sampling and averaging the light intensity for each group a plurality of times within a time when the driving current for each group is supplied. In Claim 8, the said drive means is provided with the drive circuit for every group which outputs the drive current for every said group,
The feedback means includes a feedback circuit for each group that controls the set value for each group by comparing the sampled light intensity for each group with a reference value for each group for each group.
And a switching circuit that distributes the sampled data from the sampling unit to the feedback circuit for each group.   12. The lighting device according to claim 11, wherein a control frequency of the feedback circuit for each group is equal to or lower than a frame frequency.   9. The lighting device according to claim 8, further comprising reference value updating means capable of changing the reference value for each group by an external signal.   9. The first semiconductor light emitting element group according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements include at least one group that irradiates the illumination target with the first illumination light from a first direction. The illumination device is divided into a second semiconductor light emitting element group including at least one group that irradiates the second illumination light from a second direction conjugate with the direction of the above.   15. The illumination device according to claim 14, wherein the first semiconductor light emitting element group and the second semiconductor light emitting element group output light of different colors.   9. The illumination device according to claim 8, further comprising an optical element that guides light from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the common detection element.   9. The illuminating device according to claim 8, wherein the common detection element is provided with a non-reflective coating corresponding to light of all different colors from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. A method for controlling a lighting device having a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements capable of outputting light of different colors,
A driving step of dividing the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements into at least light emitting element groups for each color, and sequentially supplying a driving current for each group based on a set value for each of the light emitting element groups;
A sampling step of sampling the light intensity for each group in synchronization with the drive current for each group, by a common detection element capable of detecting the intensity of light output from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements,
A control method for an illuminating device, comprising: a feedback step of comparing the light intensity for each group with a reference value for each group and controlling a set value for each group.   19. The sampling step according to claim 18, wherein, in the sampling step, a second timing delayed from a first timing for starting output of the drive current for each group within a time during which the drive current for each group is supplied. A method for controlling a lighting device that samples light intensity.   19. The lighting device according to claim 18, wherein in the sampling step, the light intensity for each group is output by sampling and averaging the light intensity for each group a plurality of times within a time period during which the drive current for each group is supplied. Control method.   The method for controlling an illumination device according to claim 18, further comprising a reference value updating step in which the reference value for each group can be changed by an external signal.   8. The illumination device according to claim 7, a light modulation unit including a switching region for modulating illumination light output from the illumination device according to image data, and projection for projecting light modulated by the light modulation unit onto a screen. A projector having a lens.   23. The projector according to claim 22, wherein the light detection element is disposed in the vicinity of a switching region of the light modulation unit.   23. The projector according to claim 22, wherein a plurality of micromirrors that modulate illumination light at different angles are arranged in the switching region of the light modulation means.   25. The lighting device according to claim 24, wherein the lighting device includes a first semiconductor light emitting element group including at least one group that irradiates the switching region with a first illumination light from a first direction, and the first direction. A projector comprising: a second semiconductor light emitting element group including at least one group that emits second illumination light from a conjugate second direction.   26. The projector according to claim 25, wherein the illuminating device includes a reference value updating unit capable of changing a reference value for each group by an external signal.   27. The projector according to claim 26, wherein the external signal supplied to the reference value update unit is a dimming signal of the light modulation unit.   An optical modulation device package comprising: an optical modulation device including a switching region that modulates illumination light output from an illumination device according to image data; and a light detection element disposed in the vicinity of the switching region.   29. The light modulation device package according to claim 28, wherein the light detection element is disposed in the same package as the light modulation device.   29. The light modulation device package according to claim 28, wherein the lighting device includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and includes an optical element that guides light from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements to the common detection element.   29. The illumination device according to claim 28, comprising a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and the common detection element is provided with a non-reflective coating corresponding to light of all different colors from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. Light modulation device package.

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