Information processing apparatus, output method of amount of claim, and program product

Abstract

Information processing apparatus, output method of payment amount, and program product. A payment amount is output in accordance with degradation information of a projection device. An information processing apparatus performs: acquiring at least one of identification information indicating a projection device and identification information indicating a user of the projection device; acquiring degradation information related to degradation of image quality of the projection device for a first period; acquiring cost information related to a usage cost of the projection device; and outputting a payment amount related to the projection device for the first period in accordance with the degradation information and the cost information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a method for outputting payment requests, and a program product. Background Technology

[0002] The service of lending projection devices such as projectors to users according to contracts is well-known. Patent Document 1 discloses the paid rental of spare parts such as electronic whiteboards, projectors, and copiers. In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses that the rental fee for spare parts is determined by a simple time-based system based on the possession time of the spare parts.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-174391

[0004] Previous lending services had the following problem: the deterioration of the projection device was not taken into account when determining the amount requested.

[0005] For example, projectors age over time. Therefore, in cases where a projector is rented for an extended period, the quality of service provided to the user may differ immediately after the projector is rented and after a considerable period has elapsed. In such situations, if the billing amount is determined solely based on time-based rates, it may not be possible to provide service commensurate with the billing amount. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An example of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is performed as follows: acquiring at least one of identification information representing a projection device and identification information representing a user of the projection device; acquiring degradation information related to the degradation of the image quality of the projection device during a first period; acquiring fee information related to the usage fee of the projection device; and outputting the amount of the claim related to the projection device during the first period based on the degradation information and the fee information.

[0007] An example of the method for outputting the claim amount of the present invention includes: obtaining at least one of identification information representing a projection device and identification information representing a user of the projection device; obtaining degradation information related to the degradation of the image quality of the projection device during a first period; obtaining fee information related to the usage fee of the projection device; and outputting the claim amount related to the projection device during the first period based on the degradation information and the fee information.

[0008] An example of the program product of the present invention causes a computer to perform: obtaining at least one of identification information representing a projection device and identification information representing a user of the projection device; obtaining degradation information related to the degradation of the image quality of the projection device during a first period; obtaining cost information related to the usage cost of the projection device; and outputting the amount of the claim related to the projection device during the first period based on the degradation information and the cost information. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a structural example of the projection device management system 1 that includes Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a structural example of the registration processing device 10.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a structural example of the payment processing device 30.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example of the structure of the storage device 12 of the registration processing device 10.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an example of the structure of the storage device 32 of the payment processing device 30.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a structural example of the projection device 40.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a structural example of registration information 122.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a structural example of contract information 322.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the workflow for outputting performance reports in the projection device management system 1.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an example of a work performance report.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the requisition form output processing flow in the projection device management system 1.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an example of the structure of a payment request form.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a structural example of contract information from variation example 1.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a structural example of the projection device management system 1, which includes variation 2.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for processing the payment request output in Variation 3.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a graph illustrating an example of cost information for variation 4.

[0025] Label Explanation

[0026] 1 Projection device management system; 10 Registration processing device (information processing device); 11 Processing device; 12 Storage device; 13 Communication device; 14 Input device; 15 Output device; 20 Terminal (information processing device); 30 Payment request processing device (information processing device); 31 Processing device; 32 Storage device; 33 Communication device; 34 Input device; 35 Output device; 40 Projection device; 41 Control unit; 42 Storage unit; 43 Light source; 44 Light modulation device; 46 Communication unit; 47 Drive device; 48 Camera (video recording device); 50 Projection area; 60 Projected image; 121 Program; 122 Registration information; 321 Program; 322 Contract information. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Implementation Method 1]

[0029] Figure 1 An example of the structure of a projection device management system 1 incorporating Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown. The projection device management system 1 includes a registration processing device 10, a terminal 20, and a payment request processing device 30. The projection device management system 1 manages one or more projection devices 40. The payment request processing device 30 is an example of an information processing device in this embodiment.

[0030] Registration processing device 10 and terminal 20 are connected via a communication network. Terminal 20 and payment processing device 30 are connected via a communication network. The communication network may include a wired communication network. Alternatively, the communication network may also include a wireless communication network.

[0031] The projection device 40 is, for example, a projector. The projection device 40 includes a light source. The projection device 40 modulates the light from the light source using a light modulation device. Thus, the projection device 40 projects a projected image 60 onto a projection area 50. The projection area 50 is, for example, a projection screen installed in a conference room. However, the projection area 50 is not limited to a projection screen. The projected image 60 may also include a still image. The projected image 60 may also include a moving image. In addition to projecting the projected image 60, the projection device 40 may also output sound.

[0032] The projection device 40 can also be a projection device other than a projector. Furthermore, the projection device 40 can replace the projection of the projected image 60, or, based on this, display an image independent of projection. For example, the projection device 40 can also be a projection device equipped with a liquid crystal display device, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device, etc.

[0033] The projection device 40 can also be lent out. For example, the holder of the projection device 40 can be a business engaged in the rental industry. Additionally, the user of the projection device 40 can be a customer, i.e., an end user, who accepts the projection device 40 from its holder. Hereinafter, the term "holder" will sometimes refer to the holder of the projection device 40. Similarly, the term "user" will sometimes refer to the user of the projection device 40.

[0034] The form of lending is arbitrary. Lending can be in the form of a short-term rental or a long-term lease. Alternatively, the user may be granted the right to purchase the projection device 40 after the lending period ends.

[0035] Terminal 20 can also function as an interface terminal for accessing at least one of the registration processing device 10 and the payment processing device 30. Terminal 20 is operated, for example, by the holder of the projection device 40. Terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal. Specific examples of terminal 20 are personal computers, smartphones, or tablet terminals.

[0036] The user is requested a fee in connection with the use of the projection device 40. The fee may be, for example, related to the lending of the projection device 40. For instance, a fee related to lending may be requested on a monthly basis. As described in this specification, the projection device management system 1 executes a method for outputting the requested amount. Specifically, in this embodiment, the method for outputting the requested amount is executed by the request processing device 30.

[0037] Figure 2 An example of the structure of a registration processing apparatus 10 is shown. The registration processing apparatus 10 has a hardware structure known as that of a computer. The registration processing apparatus 10 includes, for example, a processing unit 11 and a storage unit 12. The processing unit 11 includes, for example, a processor. The processor can be manufactured using integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. The storage unit 12 includes a storage medium. The storage medium includes, for example, a semiconductor memory device, a disk drive, etc. Part or all of the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium.

[0038] The registration processing device 10 includes a communication device 13. The communication device 13 is, for example, a network interface. The communication device 13 communicates with external devices via a communication network, thereby sending and receiving information. The external devices include, for example, the projection device 40 and the terminal 20. The external device may also be another computer. The communication device 13 is capable of at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0039] The registration processing device 10 includes an input device 14 and an output device 15. The input device 14 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The output device 15 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and a printing device. Furthermore, a communication device 13 can also function as part of the input device 14. Additionally, the communication device 13 can also function as part of the output device 15.

[0040] The hardware structure of the registration processing device 10 is not limited to Figure 2 The structure shown is different from that of a computer with other structures. For example, the registration processing device 10 may also have a structure that is a known mobile terminal. Known mobile terminals include, for example, mobile phones, personal computers, smartphones, or tablet terminals.

[0041] Figure 3 An example of the structure of a payment request processing apparatus 30 is shown. The payment request processing apparatus 30 has a hardware structure known as that of a computer. The payment request processing apparatus 30 includes, for example, a processing device 31 and a storage device 32. The processing device 31 includes, for example, a processor. The storage device 32 includes a storage medium.

[0042] The payment processing device 30 includes a communication device 33. The communication device 33 communicates with external devices via a communication network, thereby sending and receiving information. The external device is, for example, a terminal 20. The external device could also be another computer. The communication device 33 is capable of at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0043] The payment processing device 30 has an input device 34 and an output device 35. Furthermore, the communication device 33 can also function as part of the input device 34. Additionally, the communication device 33 can also function as part of the output device 35.

[0044] The hardware structure of the payment processing device 30 is not limited to... Figure 3 The structure shown is correct. The payment processing device 30 can also be a computer with other structures. For example, the payment processing device 30 can have a structure that is known as a mobile terminal.

[0045] Figure 4An example of the structure of the storage device 12 of the registration processing apparatus 10 is shown. The storage device 12 stores, for example, a program 121 and registration information 122. The program 121 specifies the operation of the registration processing apparatus 10. By executing the program 121, the registration processing apparatus 10 performs the functions described in this embodiment. That is, the program 121 enables the computer to function as the registration processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 5 An example of the structure of the storage device 32 of the payment request processing device 30 is shown. The storage device 32 stores, for example, a program 321 and contract information 322. The program 321 specifies the operation of the payment request processing device 30. By executing the program 321, the payment request processing device 30 performs the functions described in this embodiment. That is, the program 321 enables the computer to function as the payment request processing device 30 of this embodiment.

[0047] The structure of terminal 20 is not specifically illustrated. Terminal 20 can have a structure that is known as a mobile terminal.

[0048] Figure 6 An example of the structure of the projection device 40 is shown. The projection device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a light source 43, a light modulation device 44, a communication unit 46, and a drive unit 47. The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the projection device 40.

[0049] Storage unit 42 stores information. Storage unit 42 may also store programs (not shown) executed by control unit 41. Light source 43 emits light. Light modulation device 44 modulates the light from light source 43 according to the image to be projected. Light modulation device 44 may, for example, include a liquid crystal panel. Alternatively, light modulation device 44 may, for example, include a digital micromirror device. The projected image 60 is displayed on projection area 50 using the light transmitted through light modulation device 44.

[0050] The communication unit 46 is, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 46 communicates with external devices via a communication network, thereby sending and receiving information. The external device is, for example, the registration processing device 10. The communication unit 46 is capable of at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0051] The driving device 47 is a device that shifts the position of the pixels of the light modulation device 44, and may include, for example, an actuator.

[0052] Figure 7 An example of the structure of registration information 122 is shown. Registration information 122 contains information related to at least one projection device. For each projection device, registration information 122 associates information related to that projection device with identification information representing that projection device. Identification information representing the projection device is, for example, a projection device ID.

[0053] Information related to the projection device includes the name of the projection device, identification information indicating the owner of the projection device (owner's name), identification information indicating the user of the projection device (user's name), and information about the degradation of the projection device. The name of the projection device is, for example, the model name of the projector. The owner's name is, for example, the name of the business operating the rental service. The user's name is, for example, the name of the end user who lends the projection device.

[0054] Degradation information is information related to the degradation of image quality from the projection device. Degradation information includes information related to the operating time of the projection device, i.e., operating time information. For example, degradation information includes information related to the operating time of the light source of the projection device, as operating time information. Since the light source degrades due to prolonged operation, the operating time of the light source can be considered an example of information related to the degradation of the light source possessed by the projection device.

[0055] Besides the operating time of the light source, or alternatively, the degradation information may include other information related to the degradation of the image quality of the projection device. For example, the degradation information may also include information related to the operating time of the light modulation device or the operating time of the driving device as operating time information. Since the light modulation device also degrades due to prolonged operation, its operating time can be considered an example of information related to the degradation of the light modulation device in the projection device. Similarly, since the driving device also degrades due to prolonged operation, its operating time can be considered an example of information related to the degradation of the driving device in the projection device.

[0056] In particular, when the degradation information includes at least one of information related to the degradation of the light source, information related to the degradation of the light modulation device, and information related to the degradation of the driving device, the degradation of the projection device over time can be properly evaluated, and therefore, the amount requested can be properly determined.

[0057] In addition, degradation information may also include information indicating the degradation rate of the light source. The evaluation and measurement methods for the degradation rate can be arbitrarily designed by those skilled in the art based on known technologies.

[0058] Degradation information can also be represented by each period. For example, the operating time of the light source and the operating time of the light modulation device can be stored daily or monthly. Alternatively, degradation information can also be represented by the latest state. For example, the degradation rate of the light source can be the last measured degradation rate.

[0059] In registration information 122, if the holder's name and the user's name match, it can also indicate that the projector is in stock with the holder. In this case, it can be said that the projector can be lent out at will according to a contract with a new end user.

[0060] The projection device ID, name, holder name, and username in the registration information 122 are entered into the registration processing device 10 via the terminal 20, as follows: First, the holder of the projection device logs into the registration processing device 10 via the terminal 20. Next, the holder enters information related to one or more projection devices into the registration processing device 10 via the terminal 20. The registration processing device 10 associates the entered projection device ID with the entered name, holder name, and username and stores them in the registration information 122.

[0061] With registration information 122 already stored, the holder can update the registration information 122 at will. For example, the terminal 20 can also display the registration information 122 at a glance based on the holder's operation. Furthermore, for example, when lending a projection device to an end user, the holder can also change the user of the projection device from the holder to the end user via the terminal 20. Additionally, when returning a projection device from an end user to the holder, the holder can also change the user of the projection device from the end user to the holder via the terminal 20.

[0062] The degradation information in registration information 122 is obtained, for example, by registration processing device 10. Registration processing device 10 obtains the degradation information from each projection device 40, for example, via a communication network. Registration processing device 10 stores the obtained degradation information in registration information 122, associating it with the projection device ID. The timing of obtaining the degradation information can be arbitrarily designed. For example, registration processing device 10 may also obtain the degradation information periodically. Or, for example, registration processing device 10 may also obtain the degradation information when certain conditions are met. As a specific example, as described later, registration processing device 10 may also obtain the degradation information during execution... Figure 9 Deterioration information is obtained during processing.

[0063] Figure 8 The structure of contract information 322 is shown as an example. Contract information 322 contains information related to contracts entered into between the owner of the projection device and at least one user. For each contract, contract information 322 associates the signatory's name (i.e., the user's name of the projection device) with information related to that contract.

[0064] Contract-related information includes cost information. This information may also include the contract plan name, which indicates the type of contract. Cost information pertains to the cost of using the projection device. Cost information includes information related to discounts. For example, cost information includes details of discount terms and discount rates.

[0065] The discount conditions include the name of the monitored item (i.e., the monitoring item name) used as the reference for determining whether or not a discount is applied, the threshold used as the judgment benchmark, and information indicating the comparison method used for the judgment.

[0066] The monitoring items can also correspond to the degradation information items stored in the registration information 122. For example, the monitoring item is the operating time of the light source. Another example is the operating time of the light modulation device. Yet another example is the degradation rate of the light source. Monitoring items other than these can also be defined.

[0067] The threshold is set appropriately based on the monitored item. When the monitored item is the operating time of the light source, the threshold is expressed as time, for example. In this case, the threshold is, for example, 100,000 hours. Furthermore, when the monitored item is the operating time of the light source, the comparison method is specified as "above".

[0068] Furthermore, when the monitored item is the operating time of an optical modulation device, the threshold is also represented by time, for example. In this case, the threshold is, for example, 250,000 hours. Additionally, when the monitored item is the operating time of an optical modulation device, the comparison method is specified as "above".

[0069] When the monitored item is the degradation rate of the light source, the threshold is expressed as a ratio, for example. In this case, the threshold is, for example, 20%. Furthermore, when the monitored item is the degradation rate of the light source, the comparison method is specified as "above".

[0070] As a comparison method, you can also specify "below", "exceeding", "less than", "equal to", etc., depending on the monitored item.

[0071] exist Figure 8 In the case of Customer A, the cost is reduced by 10% when the operating time of the light source is over 100,000 hours. Similarly, in the case of Customer B, the cost is reduced by 5% when the operating time of the light modulation device is over 250,000 hours. Likewise, in the case of Customer C, the cost is reduced by 10% when the degradation rate of the light source is over 20%.

[0072] Contract information 322 is input into the payment processing device 30 via terminal 20 as follows: First, the holder of the projection device logs into the payment processing device 30 via terminal 20. Next, the holder inputs information related to one or more users into the payment processing device 30. The payment processing device 30 stores the input information as contract information 322. With contract information 322 already stored, the holder can update it at will. For example, terminal 20 can also display the contract information 322 at a glance based on the holder's actions.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the workflow for outputting work performance reports in the projection device management system 1. This workflow is performed, for example, by the registration processing device 10. Figure 9 The processing begins in step S1 by registering the processing device 10 to accept the request to generate a work performance report.

[0074] A performance report generation request may be input by the holder of the projection device via terminal 20. Upon receiving the performance report generation request, terminal 20 sends it to registration processing device 10. Upon receiving the performance report generation request, registration processing device 10 processes it.

[0075] The performance report generation request may include information such as identification information, target period, and monitoring item name. Identification information includes at least one of the projection device ID and user name. The target period may include a start point and an end point. The target period may be, for example, period 1. The monitoring item name may include, for example, any one of the monitoring item names defined in contract information 322. Multiple identification information entries are possible. Multiple target periods are also possible. Multiple monitoring item names are also possible.

[0076] Next, in step S2, the registration processing device 10 obtains identification information from the work performance report generation request. As described above, the identification information includes at least one of the following: the projection device ID, which represents the identification information of the projection device, and the username, which represents the identification information of the user of the projection device.

[0077] Next, in step S3, the registration processing device 10 obtains the degradation information of the projection device. For example, the degradation information is obtained during the first period, that is, during the period when the object specified in the work performance report generation request is generated.

[0078] Here, if the projection device ID is obtained in step S2, the registration processing device 10 retrieves the registration information 122 based on the projection device ID, thereby obtaining the degradation information of the projection device. Furthermore, if the username is obtained in step S2, the registration processing device 10 retrieves the registration information 122 based on the username, thereby extracting one or more projection devices, and then further obtaining degradation information for each projection device.

[0079] Next, in step S4, the registration processing device 10 generates a work performance report.

[0080] Figure 10 This shows an example of a performance report. The performance report is generated, for example, per user. The performance report includes the username, output period, and performance information for one or more projection devices. The username has been obtained in step S2 or can be obtained based on the projection device ID obtained in step S2. The output period is the object period included in the performance report generation request.

[0081] The performance information includes the projection device ID, the projection device name, and the value of the monitoring item corresponding to the monitoring item name included in the performance report generation request. The monitoring item value is obtained, for example, by retrieving registration information 122 based on the projection device ID. As a specific example, if the monitoring item is named "Working Time of the Light Source," the monitoring item value is obtained in units of time or seconds.

[0082] As an example, if a username is entered in step S1, performance information is output for all projection devices associated with that username in registration information 122. As another example, if more than one projection device ID is entered in step S1, performance information is output for each projection device corresponding to the obtained projection device ID.

[0083] exist Figure 10 In the example, the cumulative value of the monitored items, i.e., the total operating time of the light source, includes, for example, the total operating time of the light source from the start of the loan of each projection device to November 30, 2025, i.e., the total usage time. As a variation, the performance information may also include the cumulative value of the monitored items within a specified period. For example, it may also include the value of the operating time of each projection device only in November 2025, or the value of the total operating time of the light source from the manufacture of each projection device to November 30, 2025.

[0084] Next, in step S5, the registration processing device 10 outputs a work performance report. The output of the work performance report in the registration processing device 10 is performed, for example, by sending the work performance report to the terminal 20. The format of the transmission is arbitrary. For example, an HTML file can be used. Alternatively, a CSV file can also be used.

[0085] Terminal 20 obtains this information by receiving a work performance report. Terminal 20 then outputs the work performance report. The output of the work performance report in Terminal 20 is, for example, through a display. Figure 10 The screen shown is used to execute the commands. Terminal 20 can also store work performance reports.

[0086] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for processing payment request output in the projection device management system 1. This process is performed, for example, by the payment request processing device 30. Figure 11 The processing begins in step S11 when the payment processing device 30 accepts the payment request generation request.

[0087] A request for payment receipt generation is input, for example, by the holder of the projection device via terminal 20. In response to receiving the request, terminal 20 sends the request to payment receipt processing device 30. Payment receipt processing device 30, upon receiving the request, processes it.

[0088] The reimbursement request generation request may include, for example, a work performance report. The work performance report can be used, for example, in... Figure 9 The report obtained by terminal 20 in step S5.

[0089] Next, in step S12, the payment processing device 30 obtains a work performance report. For example, as described above, the work performance report includes the payment request generated in step S11.

[0090] Next, in step S13, the payment processing device 30 obtains the expense information. This expense information is obtained, for example, by retrieving contract information 322 based on the usernames included in the work performance report.

[0091] Next, in step S14, the payment processing device 30 obtains the basic payment amount from the expense information. The basic payment amount is the amount recorded in the contract information 322 when the holder requests payment from the user during the target period, such as the payment amount before discount. Alternatively, the basic payment amount can also be calculated as the amount during the target period included in the performance report. The basic payment amount can also be calculated for each projection device based on the values ​​of the monitored items included in the performance report.

[0092] Next, in step S15, the payment request processing device 30 calculates the discounted payment request amount. Step S15 is the payment request amount output step. For example, for each projection device, the payment request processing device 30 determines whether the value of the monitored item meets the discount conditions based on the degradation information of that projection device. Moreover, if the value of the monitored item meets the discount conditions, the payment request processing device 30 performs a discount by reducing the payment request amount.

[0093] For example, in Figure 8 In the example, regarding customer A's projection devices, if the cumulative operating time of the light source of a projection device exceeds 100,000 hours, a 10% depreciation is applied to that projection device. If the cumulative operating time of the light source of that projection device is less than 100,000 hours, no depreciation is applied to that projection device.

[0094] Here, degradation information may be sent to the payment processing device 30 as part of a payment request generation request or a work performance report. Alternatively, the payment processing device 30 may communicate with the registration processing device 10 based on the payment request generation request to obtain degradation information for each projection device. For example, if the monitoring project includes the total usage time of the light source but the work performance report does not include the total usage time of the light source, the degradation information may be obtained by receiving the total usage time of the light source from the registration processing device 10.

[0095] Next, in step S16, the payment request processing device 30 outputs a payment request form. The output method of the payment request form can be arbitrarily designed. For example, it can be output by printing using a printing device connected to the payment request processing device 30. Alternatively, it can be output by sending the data representing the payment request form to a destination specified by the user.

[0096] The payment request form outputs the requested amount. As described above, the requested amount is output as the payment amount for the projection device during the target period, based on the degradation information and cost information.

[0097] In this way, the payment processing device 30 outputs the payment request amount based on the degradation information of the projection device. Therefore, for example, it is possible to appropriately determine the payment request amount based on the degradation of the projection device over time.

[0098] Figure 12 This example shows the structure of a payment request form. For instance, a payment request form is generated for each user. The form includes the user's name, holder's name, and the amount requested. The amount requested includes the total amount requested for that user and payment details. The payment details include the basic amount requested for each projection device, the total of the basic amounts requested, and the amount of any discount applied.

[0099] exist Figure 12In the example, customer X, as the user, requests payment for two projection devices. The basic payment amount for each projection device is 2200 yen. The total basic payment amount is 4400 yen. Furthermore, for any one projection device, a 5% reduction of 110 yen is applied based on degradation information, resulting in a total discounted payment amount of 4290 yen.

[0100] Although Figure 12 The details of the discount may not be shown, but they can be output. For example, it could show which projection device received the discount. Furthermore, it could also show, for example, the cost of the discount and degradation information. This way, the user could, for example, know that a discount was applied because the total usage time of a projection device's light source exceeded a threshold.

[0101] As explained above, according to Embodiment 1, the payment request processing device 30 outputs the payment request amount based on the degradation information of the projection device. Therefore, for example, the payment request amount can be appropriately determined based on the degradation of the projection device over time.

[0102] [Variation Example 1]

[0103] Modification 1 is an embodiment in which the projection device management system 1 is modified to consider multiple discount conditions in Embodiment 1. Modification 1 will be described below. In the following description, parts common to Embodiment 1 are sometimes omitted.

[0104] Figure 13 The structure of contract information in Variation 1 is shown as an example. Additionally, for ease of illustration, in... Figure 13 The middle section shows a portion of the discount terms. The contract information includes multiple discount terms. Figure 13 In the example, discount condition A and discount condition B are included. Furthermore, in the contract information, weights are associated with each discount condition. For example, a weight might be defined as a total of 1 for each user.

[0105] exist Figure 13 In the example, regarding the projection device for customer A, if discount condition A is met, the 8% value corresponding to the weight of discount condition A within the 10% discount rate is reduced. Similarly, if discount condition B is met, the 2% value corresponding to the weight of discount condition B within the 10% discount rate is reduced. Furthermore, if both discount conditions A and B are met, the entire discount rate of 10% is reduced.

[0106] According to Variation 1, various discount conditions can be combined to provide flexible contract terms.

[0107] [Variation Example 2]

[0108] Modification 2 is an embodiment in which the method for obtaining degradation information is changed from Embodiment 1 or Modification 1. Modification 2 will be described below. In the following description, parts common to Embodiment 1 or Modification 1 may sometimes be omitted.

[0109] Figure 14 The diagram shows a structural example of a projection device management system 1 including Modified Example 2. The projection device 40 includes a camera 48. The camera 48 is an example of a camera device. The camera 48 acquires a captured image by capturing the projected image 60.

[0110] The degradation information in Modification 2 is, for example, the degradation rate of the light source of the projection device. The degradation rate of the light source is measured, for example, by the calibration operation of the projection device 40. Those skilled in the art can design calibration operations arbitrarily based on known techniques. Hereinafter, an example of calibration work is described.

[0111] The registration processing device 10 periodically sends start-up requests and calibration requests to each projection device. Each projection device starts up by executing a start-up sequence upon receiving a start-up request. Furthermore, each projection device performs calibration actions based on received calibration requests.

[0112] The calibration process includes, for example, processing to estimate the degradation rate of the light source's brightness. In the calibration process, firstly, the projection device 40 projects a white image as a projection image 60 onto the projection area 50. This white image is the image projected onto the projection area with the brightness of the projection device 40 set to its maximum value. Next, the projection device 40 acquires a captured image by capturing the projection image 60, i.e., the white image, using a camera 48. Then, the projection device 40 calculates the average brightness of the area occupied by the white image in the captured image. The projection device 40 retrieves the maximum brightness value from the storage unit 42. Here, the maximum brightness value is the average brightness value of the area occupied by the white image in the captured image, obtained through a calibration process performed at the time the projection device 40 is manufactured. Next, the projection device 40 calculates the degradation rate of the light source based on the following formula (1).

[0113] [Deterioration rate of light source] = 1 - ([Average brightness] / [Maximum brightness]) Equation (1)

[0114] The degradation rate of the light source calculated in this way can be considered as information representing the degree of degradation in the image quality of the projected image 60 projected by the projection device 40, i.e., projected image degradation information. Furthermore, this projected image degradation information is calculated based on the image captured by the camera 48.

[0115] Furthermore, the calibration action described above is just one example. Specific examples of calibration actions are not limited to the one described above. Additionally, values ​​other than the degradation rate of the light source's brightness can be used as the degradation rate of the light source.

[0116] After obtaining the degradation rate of the light source as described above, the payment amount can be calculated in the same manner as in Implementation Method 1. For example, in Figure 8 In the case of customer C, a 10% discount was offered when the degradation rate of the light source was above 20%.

[0117] Thus, in Modification 2, the degradation information is degradation information related to brightness. Specifically, this degradation information is calculated based on data from images captured by the camera 48 of the projection device 40. With this structure, the requested amount can be appropriately determined based on the time-dependent degradation related to the brightness of the projection device 40.

[0118] Alternatively, other sensors can be used instead of camera 48. For example, the projection device 40 can also have a sensor for measuring the light beam within the device, along the optical path from the light source 43 to the projection lens. With such a sensor, degradation information related to the brightness of the projection device 40 can also be obtained.

[0119] Modification 1 and Modification 2 can also be combined. For example, the degradation information of the first discount condition can include information related to the working time of the projection device, i.e., working time information, and the degradation information of the second discount condition can include the aforementioned degradation information of the projected image. In this case, in step S15, i.e., the payment request amount output step, the payment request processing device 30 can output the payment request amount based on the projected image degradation information and the working time information.

[0120] Based on this combination, the payment processing device 30 can evaluate the degradation of the projection device over time from various perspectives, and therefore can appropriately determine the payment amount.

[0121] [Variation Example 3]

[0122] Modification 3 is an embodiment in which the projection device management system 1 outputs information related to the maintenance of the projection device, as described in Embodiment 1, Modification 1, or Modification 2. Modification 3 will be described below. In the following description, parts common to Embodiment 1, Modification 1, or Modification 2 may sometimes be omitted.

[0123] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the reimbursement form output processing flow for Modified Example 3. This processing is performed, for example, by the reimbursement processing device 30. Figure 15 The illustrations of steps S11 to S16 are omitted, but they can be compared with... Figure 11 same.

[0124] Following step S16, in step S17, the payment processing device 30 determines whether any one of the projection devices meets the discount condition. If none of the projection devices meets the discount condition, Figure 15 The processing is now complete.

[0125] If any projection device meets the discount conditions, in step S18, the payment processing device 30 outputs maintenance information for that projection device. The maintenance information, for each projection device that meets the discount conditions, includes the projection device ID and information indicating that maintenance work is required for that projection device. Maintenance work may include, for example, replacing the projection device. Alternatively, maintenance work may include, for example, repairing the projection device. The information indicating that maintenance work is required is, for example, represented as a message.

[0126] The output of maintenance information in the payment processing device 30 is performed, for example, by sending maintenance information to the terminal 20. The format of the transmission is arbitrary. For example, an HTML file can be used. Alternatively, email can be used.

[0127] Terminal 20 obtains maintenance information by receiving it. Terminal 20 outputs maintenance information. The output of maintenance information in terminal 20 is, for example, by displaying the maintenance information on a screen. Here, since whether the discount conditions are met is determined based on the deterioration information, the payment processing device 30 can output maintenance information based on the deterioration information.

[0128] According to Variation 3, the holder can be aware of the deterioration of the projection device. Furthermore, the holder can be aware that maintenance work is required for the projection device. Therefore, the holder can recommend maintenance work to the user of the corresponding projection device. As a result, user satisfaction is improved.

[0129] [Variation Example 4]

[0130] Modification 4 is a further modification of Modification 2, in which multiple degradation information is combined to determine the discount rate. Typically, in projection devices, the rate of degradation over time sometimes varies depending on the usage method. For example, in a projection device operating with a brightness-related setting of 100 and a projection device operating with a brightness-related setting of 50, the latter degrades more slowly over time. In Modification 4, this tendency is taken into account, and multiple degradation information is combined to determine the discount rate.

[0131] The following description will explain variation 4. In the following description, some parts that are common to variation 2 will be omitted.

[0132] Figure 16 This is a chart illustrating an example of cost information in Variation 4. This chart, for example, can replace... Figure 8 The cost information shown is used for this purpose. Charts can be presented using tables or functions. The horizontal axis represents the operating time of the light source, and the vertical axis represents the degradation rate of the light source. Each curve represents the boundary of the discount rate.

[0133] For example, for a certain projection device, the operating time of the light source is t1 hours. If the degradation rate of the light source in this projection device is y1%, the discount rate of the projection device is determined to be 0%, i.e., no discount is applied. If the degradation rate of the light source in this projection device is y2%, y3%, or y4%, the discount rate of the projection device is determined to be 5%, 10%, or 15%, respectively.

[0134] Thus, in Modification 4, the degradation information includes information related to the operating time of the projection device, namely, operating time information. The operating time information includes at least one of the following: information related to the operating time of the light source in the projection device, information related to the operating time of the light modulation device in the projection device, and information related to the operating time of the driving device in the projection device that shifts the pixels of the light modulation device. Furthermore, the degradation information includes the degradation rate of the light source, i.e., the projected image degradation information. And, in step S15, the request amount output step, the request processing device 30 can output the request amount based on the projected image degradation information and the operating time information.

[0135] Based on this determination method, a larger discount rate is applied to projection devices that operate under more stable conditions, i.e., those with a lower rate of light source degradation. Thus, even if different projection devices operate for the same amount of time, the discount rate can vary depending on usage. This allows for a proper evaluation of the projection device's degradation over time, and consequently, a more accurate determination of the requested amount.

[0136] Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily add, modify, or delete constituent elements in Embodiment 1 and its variations. Furthermore, the units constituting the hardware of the projection device management system 1 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, a single computer, i.e., a single information processing device, can constitute the entire projection device management system 1, including the registration processing device 10, the terminal 20, and the payment request processing device 30. Alternatively, for example, multiple computers can constitute any one of the registration processing device 10, the terminal 20, and the payment request processing device 30. In this case, multiple computers can constitute a single information processing device.

[0137] In implementation method 1, Figure 9 The output processing of the work performance report shown and Figure 11 The payment request output processing shown begins execution according to different operations. As a variation, they can also be executed continuously. For example, step S11 can be executed after step S5 without waiting for the holder's operation. In this case, the information required after step S11, such as work performance reports, can be appropriately designed to be obtained by the payment request processing device 30.

[0138] (Postscript)

[0139] The following is a summary published in this note.

[0140] (Postscript 1)

[0141] An information processing apparatus performs the following actions: acquiring at least one of identification information representing a projection device and identification information representing a user of the projection device; acquiring degradation information related to image quality degradation of the projection device during a first period; acquiring fee information related to usage fees of the projection device; and outputting a claim amount related to the projection device during the first period based on the degradation information and the fee information.

[0142] According to the information processing device in Appendix 1, the requested amount is output based on the degradation information and cost information of the projection device. Therefore, for example, the requested amount can be appropriately determined based on the degradation of the projection device over time.

[0143] (Postscript 2)

[0144] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, the degradation information includes at least one of the following: information related to the degradation of the light source of the projection device; information related to the degradation of the light modulation device of the projection device; and information related to the degradation of the driving device of the projection device that shifts the pixels of the light modulation device.

[0145] According to the information processing apparatus in Appendix 2, the degradation information includes at least one of the following: information related to the degradation of the light source provided by the projection device, information related to the degradation of the light modulation device provided by the projection device, and information related to the degradation of the driving device provided by the projection device that shifts the pixels of the light modulation device. Therefore, the degradation of the projection device over time can be properly evaluated, and the requested amount can be properly determined.

[0146] (Note 3)

[0147] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1 or 2, it also performs the following: outputting maintenance information based on the deterioration information.

[0148] According to the information processing device in Appendix 3, by outputting maintenance information based on degradation information, the owner can be aware that the projection device requires maintenance. Therefore, the owner can recommend maintenance to the user of the corresponding projection device. This improves user satisfaction.

[0149] (Postscript 4)

[0150] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Annexes 1 to 3, wherein the degradation information includes projection image degradation information indicating the degree of degradation of the image quality of the projection image projected by the projection device, the projection device having a camera device that acquires a captured image by taking a picture of the projection image, and the projection image degradation information being information calculated based on the captured image.

[0151] According to the information processing device in Appendix 4, the degradation information includes projected image degradation information calculated from the captured image, thereby enabling an appropriate evaluation of the degradation of the projection device over time. Therefore, the requested amount can be appropriately determined based on the degradation over time related to the brightness of the projection device.

[0152] (Note 5)

[0153] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 4, the degradation information includes operating time information related to the operating time of the projection device, the operating time information including at least one of the following: information related to the operating time of the light source of the projection device; information related to the operating time of the light modulation device of the projection device; and information related to the operating time of the driving device of the projection device that shifts the pixels of the light modulation device. The information processing apparatus outputs the requested amount based on the projected image degradation information and the operating time information.

[0154] According to the information processing device in Appendix 5, by outputting the requested amount based on the projection image degradation information and working time information, the information processing device is able to appropriately determine the requested amount based on the time-dependent degradation of the projection device, taking into account the working time information.

[0155] (Note 6)

[0156] A method for outputting a claim amount includes: obtaining at least one of identification information representing a projection device and identification information representing a user of the projection device; obtaining degradation information related to image quality degradation of the projection device during a first period; obtaining fee information related to the usage fee of the projection device; and outputting the claim amount related to the projection device during the first period based on the degradation information and the fee information.

[0157] According to the method for outputting the reimbursement amount in Appendix 6, the reimbursement amount is output based on the degradation information and cost information of the projection device. Therefore, for example, it is possible to appropriately determine the reimbursement amount based on the degradation of the projection device over time.

[0158] (Note 7)

[0159] A program product that causes a computer to perform: obtaining at least one of identification information representing a projection device and identification information representing a user of the projection device; obtaining degradation information related to image quality degradation of the projection device during a first period; obtaining cost information related to the usage cost of the projection device; and outputting a claim amount related to the projection device during the first period based on the degradation information and the cost information.

[0160] According to the procedure described in Appendix 7, the requested amount is output based on the degradation information and cost information of the projection device. Therefore, for example, the requested amount can be appropriately determined based on the degradation of the projection device over time.

Claims

1. An information processing device that performs: Obtain at least one of the identification information representing the projection device and the identification information representing the user of the projection device; Obtain degradation information related to the degradation of image quality of the projection device during the first period; Obtain cost information related to the usage costs of the projection device; and Based on the degradation information and the cost information, output the amount of the payment request related to the projection device during the first period.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The degradation information includes at least one of the following: Information related to the degradation of the light source of the projection device; Information relating to the degradation of the optical modulation device of the projection device; Information relating to the deterioration of the driving mechanism of the projection device that shifts the pixels of the light modulation device.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The information processing device also performs: Maintenance information is output based on the aforementioned degradation information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The degradation information includes projected image degradation information that indicates the degree of degradation in the image quality of the projected image projected by the projection device. The projection device includes a camera, which acquires a captured image by photographing the projected image. The projected image degradation information is calculated based on the captured image.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The degradation information includes operating time information related to the operating time of the projection device. The working time information includes at least one of the following: Information related to the operating time of the light source in the projection device; Information related to the operating time of the light modulation device of the projection device; Information related to the operating time of the driving device that shifts the pixels of the light modulation device in the projection device. The information processing device outputs the requested amount based on the projected image degradation information and the working time information.

6. A method for outputting the requested amount, comprising: Obtain at least one of the identification information representing the projection device and the identification information representing the user of the projection device; Obtain degradation information related to the degradation of image quality of the projection device during the first period; Obtain cost information related to the usage costs of the projection device; and Based on the degradation information and the cost information, output the amount of the payment request related to the projection device during the first period.

7. A program product that causes a computer to execute: Obtain at least one of the identification information representing the projection device and the identification information representing the user of the projection device; Obtain degradation information related to the degradation of image quality of the projection device during the first period; Obtain cost information related to the usage costs of the projection device; and Based on the degradation information and the cost information, output the amount of the payment request related to the projection device during the first period.

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