Maintenance method

Abstract

To provide a maintenance method capable of increasing the accuracy of predicting maintenance timing.SOLUTION: The maintenance method includes: (a) a predicting step of the maintenance period of a projector 4 based on changes over time in the output of a light source driver 20 and / or usage conditions of the projector 4; (b) a detection step of detecting the brightness of light emitted from a light source unit 14; and (c) a step of updating the maintenance period predicted in the step (a) based on the detection results in the step (b).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance method for a device equipped with a light source. [Background technology]

[0002] A maintenance method for a device equipped with a light source is known. In the maintenance method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a standard value of the temporal variation of the absorbance of the light source is compared with an actual measured value to predict (calculate) the maintenance timing of the light source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-117746 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-described conventional maintenance method leaves room for improvement in the accuracy of predicting the timing of maintenance.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a maintenance method that can improve the accuracy of predicting the timing of maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The maintenance method disclosed herein is a maintenance method for equipment equipped with a light source, and includes the steps of: (a) predicting the time for maintenance of the equipment based on changes in the output of the light source over time and / or the conditions of use of the equipment; (b) detecting the brightness of the light emitted from the light source; and (c) updating the maintenance time predicted in (a) based on the detection results of (b). [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the maintenance method of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of predicting the timing of maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first mode of the projector. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second mode of the projector. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of operations of the maintenance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for predicting the life of a light source unit in the first mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for predicting the life of a light source unit in the second mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a summary file. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an individual file. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0010] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment) [1. Maintenance system configuration] First, the configuration of a maintenance system 2 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a maintenance system 2 according to an embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the maintenance system 2 includes a projector 4 (an example of a device), a terminal device 6, a server device 8, and a terminal device 10. For convenience of explanation, only one projector 4 is shown in Fig. 1, but in reality, a plurality of projectors 4 are assumed to exist.

[0013] The projector 4 is installed on-site 12, such as a museum or an amusement park, and projects light representing an image (for example, an image explaining an exhibit) onto a projection surface such as a screen. The projector 4 is capable of communicating with a terminal device 6 via a network (not shown), and is used by users who are clients of a management company 38 (described later). The projector 4 has a light source unit 14 (an example of a light source), a projection lens 16, an optical sensor 18, a light source driver 20 (an example of a light source), a microcomputer 22 (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer 22"), and a memory 24.

[0014] The light source unit 14 emits light that represents an image. Although not shown, the light source unit 14 includes an illumination optical system including, for example, a laser diode such as a blue laser diode, a condenser lens, a dichroic mirror, and an image display element such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal display element.

[0015] Light from the light source unit 14 is incident on the projection lens 16. The projection lens 16 enlarges and projects the incident light onto a projection surface. Although not shown, a phosphor wheel is disposed in the optical path between the light source unit 14 and the projection lens 16 to convert blue light from the blue laser diode of the light source unit 14 into yellow light by fluorescent excitation.

[0016] The optical sensor 18 is disposed in the optical path between the light source unit 14 and the projection lens 16, and detects the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14. The brightness detected by the optical sensor 18 is expressed as a numerical value between 0% and 100%, for example.

[0017] The light source driver 20 controls the driving of the laser diode of the light source unit 14. The lighting of the laser diode of the light source unit 14 is controlled by the voltage and current output from the light source driver 20. In this specification, the output of the light source driver 20 means the voltage or current output from the light source driver 20 and input to the laser diode of the light source unit 14. The voltage and current input to the light source unit 14 are controlled by a numerical value between 0% and 100%, for example.

[0018] The microcomputer 22 periodically acquires an optical sensor log, which is data indicating the brightness detected by the optical sensor 18. The microcomputer 22 also periodically acquires a light source control log, which is data indicating the output of the light source driver 20. The microcomputer 22 transmits the acquired optical sensor log and light source control log to the terminal device 6 via the network and stores them in the memory 24.

[0019] The operation of the projector 4 described above can be switched between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) is a graph showing the change over time in the luminance of light from the light source unit 14 in the first mode, and Fig. 2(b) is a graph showing the change over time in the output of the light source driver 20 in the first mode.

[0020] The first mode is a mode in which the light source driver 20 is controlled so that the output of the light source driver 20 is constant. In this first mode, as shown in FIG. 2B, the output of the light source driver 20 is maintained constant, for example, at 100%. However, as shown in FIG. 2A, the luminance of the light from the light source unit 14 gradually decreases from, for example, 100% due to deterioration of the light source unit 14 over time. At this time, the luminance maintenance rate gradually decreases from 100%. Here, the luminance maintenance rate refers to the ratio of the luminance of the light from the light source unit 14 at a given time (e.g., the time when the projector 4 is shipped from the factory) to the luminance of the light from the light source unit 14 at a given time point after the given time point, assuming that the output value of the light source driver 20 is constant. In the first mode, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the luminance of the light from the light source unit 14 decreases to 50% at time T1, for example, this time T1 is determined to be the end of the life of the light source unit 14. The luminance maintenance rate at which the light source unit 14 is determined to have reached the end of its life is not limited to 50% and can be set arbitrarily.

[0021] Next, the second mode will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a graph showing the temporal change in the luminance of light from the light source unit 14 in the second mode, and Fig. 3(b) is a graph showing the temporal change in the output of the light source driver 20 in the second mode.

[0022] The second mode is a mode in which the light source driver 20 is controlled so that the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14 is constant. In this second mode, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the output of the light source driver 20 is gradually increased from, for example, 80%, so that the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14 is maintained constant at, for example, 80%, as shown in FIG. 3(a). At this time, the brightness maintenance rate gradually decreases from 100%. As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the output of the light source driver 20 reaches 100% at time T2, for example, the output of the light source driver 20 cannot be increased any further. Therefore, from time T2 onward, the output of the light source driver 20 is maintained constant at 100%. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14 begins to decrease from 80% at time T2. In the second mode, the time T2 is determined to be the end of the life of the light source unit 14.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1 , the terminal device 6 is, for example, a personal computer, and is installed on-site 12 together with the projector 4. The terminal device 6 is capable of communicating with the projector 4 via a network, and is also capable of communicating with the server device 8 via the Internet 26. The terminal device 6 has a monitoring application 28 (hereinafter referred to as the “monitoring app 28”) and a memory 30.

[0024] The monitoring application 28 is an application for monitoring the projector 4, and receives the optical sensor log and the light source control log transmitted from the projector 4. The monitoring application 28 uploads the received optical sensor log and the light source control log to the server device 8 via the Internet 26 and stores them in the memory 30.

[0025] The server device 8 is installed in the cloud 32. The server device 8 has a web server 34 and a database 36. The server device 8 is capable of communicating with each of the terminal device 6 and the terminal device 10 via the Internet 26.

[0026] The web server 34 receives the optical sensor log and the light source control log transmitted from the terminal device 6. The web server 34 stores the received optical sensor log and light source control log in the database 36. The database 36 stores the optical sensor log and the light source control log for each projector 4.

[0027] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a personal computer, and is installed at a management company 38 located away from the on-site 12. The management company 38 is a company that manages the projector 4 and creates a maintenance plan for the projector 4. The terminal device 10 is capable of communicating with the server device 8 via the Internet 26.

[0028] The terminal device 10 has a web browser 40, a maintenance simulation application 42 (hereinafter referred to as the “maintenance simulation app 42”), a light source life prediction application 44 (hereinafter referred to as the “light source life prediction app 44”), and a memory 46.

[0029] The web browser 40 downloads the optical sensor log and the light source control log from the server device 8 via the Internet 26. The web browser 40 stores the downloaded optical sensor log and light source control log in the memory 46.

[0030] The maintenance simulation application 42 predicts the timing of maintenance of the projector 4 (for example, the timing of replacing the light source unit 14) by executing a simulation based on the change over time in the output of the light source unit 14 and / or the usage conditions of the projector 4 input by an employee of the management company 38 or the like. In this specification, the change over time in the output of the light source unit 14 refers to the deterioration curve of the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14 or the like. Furthermore, the usage conditions of the projector 4 refer to the inherent conditions such as the usage time of the projector 4 and the set brightness of the projector 4, and external conditions such as dust conditions and environmental temperature resulting from the usage environment of the projector 4.

[0031] The maintenance simulation application 42 updates the predicted maintenance timing based on light source life prediction data (described later) (i.e., based on the light sensor log or the light source control log) stored in the memory 46. The maintenance simulation application 42 outputs a summary file and individual files (described later) as maintenance data indicating the updated maintenance timing.

[0032] The light source life prediction application 44 predicts the life of the light source unit 14 of the projector 4 based on the latest value of the optical sensor log or the latest value of the light source control log stored in the memory 46. The light source life prediction application 44 stores in the memory 46 light source life prediction data indicating the predicted life of the light source unit 14.

[0033] [2. Maintenance System Operation] Next, the operation of the maintenance system 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the operation of the maintenance system 2 according to the embodiment.

[0034] 4, the optical sensor 18 of the projector 4 detects the brightness of light from the light source unit 14, and the microcomputer 22 acquires the output of the light source driver 20 (S101). The microcomputer 22 of the projector 4 acquires an optical sensor log from the optical sensor 18 and a light source control log from the light source driver 20, and transmits the acquired optical sensor log and light source control log to the terminal device 6 via the network (S102).

[0035] The monitoring application 28 of the terminal device 6 receives the optical sensor log and the light source control log transmitted from the projector 4 (S103), and uploads the received optical sensor log and the light source control log to the server device 8 via the Internet 26 (S104).

[0036] The web server 34 of the server device 8 receives the optical sensor log and the light source control log transmitted from the terminal device 6, and stores the received optical sensor log and light source control log in the database 36 (S105).

[0037] The maintenance simulation application 42 of the terminal device 10 predicts the maintenance timing of the projector 4 by executing a simulation based on the change over time in the output of the light source unit 14 input by an employee of the management company 38 or the like and / or the usage conditions of the projector 4 (S106). For example, the maintenance simulation application 42 predicts that the replacement date for the light source unit 14 will be "June 1, 2023" as the maintenance timing for the projector 4.

[0038] The web browser 40 of the terminal device 10 downloads the optical sensor log and the light source control log from the server device 8 via the Internet 26 (S107), and stores the downloaded optical sensor log and the light source control log in the memory 46 (S108).

[0039] The light source life prediction application 44 of the terminal device 10 predicts the life of the light source unit 14 of the projector 4 based on the latest value of the light sensor log or the latest value of the light source control log stored in the memory 46 (S109).

[0040] Here, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for predicting the life of the light source unit 14 when the projector 4 is switched to the first mode will be described.

[0041] Fig. 5(a) is a graph showing temporal changes in the brightness of light from the light source unit 14 in the first mode. The horizontal axis of the graph in Fig. 5(a) represents the usage time of the light source unit 14, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the optical sensor log value (actual measured value).

[0042] FIG. 5(b) is a graph showing the degree of deterioration of the light source unit 14 in the present embodiment, in which the external conditions, which mean the environmental conditions of the projector 4, among the usage conditions of the projector 4, are broken down into elements. The three graphs in FIG. 5(b) are graphs showing the degree of deterioration of the light source unit 14 based on element A caused by dust adhering to component A constituting the light source unit 14 of the projector 4, element B caused by dust adhering to component B constituting the light source unit 14, and element C caused by dust other than the above present inside the projector 4. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 5(b) represents the usage time of the light source unit 14, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the luminance maintenance rate (theoretical value) of the light source unit 14. Note that data showing the graph in FIG. 5(b) (hereinafter referred to as "first deterioration degree data") is stored in advance in the memory 46 of the terminal device 10.

[0043] 5(c) is a graph showing the degree of deterioration of the light source unit 14 due to requirement D, which is an inherent condition meaning the usage time and the light source output setting value among the usage conditions of the projector 4. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 5(c) represents the usage time of the light source unit 14, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the luminance maintenance rate (theoretical value) of the light source unit 14. Note that the data showing the graph in FIG. 5(c) (hereinafter referred to as "second deterioration degree data") is stored in advance in the memory 46 of the terminal device 10.

[0044] FIG. 5(d) is a graph (light source life prediction data) in which the predicted results of the life of the light source unit 14 are added to the graph of FIG. 5(a).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5(a), in the first mode, the brightness of light from the light source unit 14 gradually decreases from 100% due to deterioration of the light source unit 14 over time, and is currently 62.5% (18,000 hours later). That is, the latest value of the optical sensor log is 62.5%. It is also assumed that the output of the light source driver 20 is maintained constant at 100%. In this case, the brightness maintenance rate of the light source unit 14 at 18,000 hours is 62.5% (= 62.5% / 100%).

[0046] The light source life prediction application 44 reads the latest value of the optical sensor log, "62.5%, " from the memory 46. Next, the light source life prediction application 44 reads the first deterioration degree data from the memory 46, and reads out a luminance maintenance rate of 96% as the deterioration rate of the light source unit 14 based on element A, a luminance maintenance rate of 91% as the deterioration rate of the light source unit 14 based on element B, and a luminance maintenance rate of 83% as the deterioration rate of the light source unit 14 based on element C, all of which correspond to 18,000 hours, as shown in (b) of FIG.

[0047] Next, the light source life prediction application 44 calculates a luminance maintenance rate of 72% (=62.5% / (96%×91%×83%)) as the deterioration degree of the light source unit 14 based on the factor D, using the luminance maintenance rates of 96%, 91%, and 83% read as described above and the latest value of 62.5% of the optical sensor log. Next, the light source life prediction application 44 reads the second deterioration degree data from the memory 46, and reads out the time (15,000 hours) corresponding to the luminance maintenance rate of 72%, as shown in FIG. 5(c). Here, the light source life prediction application 44 performs so-called time shifting, treating 15,000 hours in the graph of FIG. 5(c) as 18,000 hours. Then, the light source life prediction application 44 generates the graph shown in (d) of FIG. 5 as light source life prediction data by connecting the graph obtained by multiplying the portion of each graph in (b) of FIG. 5 from 18,000 hours onwards with the portion of the graph in (c) of FIG. 5 from 15,000 hours onwards to the graph in (a) of FIG. 5.

[0048] In the graph of Fig. 5(d), the bold line portion is the prediction result. In the graph of Fig. 5(d), the light source life prediction application 44 predicts the time T1 (for example, 20,000 hours) corresponding to 50% brightness as the life of the light source unit 14.

[0049] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a method for predicting the life of the light source unit 14 when the projector 4 is switched to the second mode will be described.

[0050] Fig. 6(a) is a graph showing temporal changes in the brightness of light from the light source unit 14 in the second mode. The horizontal axis of the graph in Fig. 6(a) represents the usage time of the light source unit 14, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the optical sensor log value (actual measured value).

[0051] Fig. 6(b) is a graph showing temporal changes in the output of the light source driver 20 in the second mode. The horizontal axis of the graph in Fig. 6(b) represents the usage time of the light source unit 14, and the vertical axis of the graph represents the light source control log value (actual measured value).

[0052] FIG. 6(c) is a graph showing the predicted results of the life of the light source unit 14 (light source life predicted data).

[0053] As shown in (a) of Fig. 6, in the second mode, the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14 is maintained constant at 70%, and as shown in (b) of Fig. 6, the output of the light source driver 20 gradually increases from 70% to 80% at the present time (18,000 hours). That is, the latest value of the light sensor log is 70%, and the latest value of the light source control log is 80%.

[0054] The light source life prediction application 44 reads the latest value of the light source control log, "80%," from the memory 46. Next, the light source life prediction application 44 reads data predicting the life of the light source unit 14 corresponding to the latest value of the light source control log. As shown in the solid line graph in FIG. 6(c), this data shows that the output of the light source driver 20 increases from 80% to 100% and then becomes constant at 100%. In other words, the time when the output reaches 100% is determined to be the end of the life of the light source unit 14.

[0055] 6(c) shows an example of the data graph indicating the predicted life of the light source unit 14, in which the latest value of the light source control log is 80%, but the memory 46 has a plurality of graphs that differ depending on the latest value of the light source control log, and the graph to be referenced differs depending on the latest value of the light source control log. In other words, the time T2 at which the output of the light source driver 20 reaches 100% differs depending on the latest value of the light source control log.

[0056] 4, after step S109, the light source life prediction application 44 stores the light source life prediction data generated as described above in the memory 46. Then, the maintenance simulation application 42 updates the maintenance timing predicted in step S106 based on the light source life prediction data stored in the memory 46 (S110). For example, the maintenance simulation application 42 updates the replacement date for the light source unit 14 as the maintenance date for the projector 4 from "June 1, 2023" to "July 3, 2023."

[0057] Thereafter, the maintenance simulation application 42 outputs a summary file and individual files as maintenance data including the updated maintenance timing (S111). The output summary file and individual files are provided to the user of the projector 4.

[0058] An example of the summary file will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the summary file.

[0059] The summary file is data indicating the maintenance timings for multiple projectors 4. As shown in Fig. 7, the summary file is table data in which the projector name, the usage time of the projector, the number of days until replacement, the replacement timing, and the scheduled overhaul timing are associated with each other.

[0060] 7, the first line of the summary file stores the projector name "Projector A," the projector usage time "990 hours," the number of days until replacement "796 days," the replacement date "July 3, 2023," and the scheduled overhaul date "January 15, 2025." Projector A corresponds to projector 4 shown in FIG. 1, and the replacement date "July 3, 2023" in the summary file corresponds to the maintenance date updated in step S110 described above.

[0061] Next, an example of an individual file will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an individual file.

[0062] The individual file is data indicating the maintenance timing for one projector 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the individual file is a graph showing the predicted results of the change over time in the brightness of the light from the light source unit 14. The individual file shown in FIG. 8 predicts that for "projector A," in the second mode, the brightness will be maintained constant at 80% until 8000 hours, and will begin to decrease from 8000 hours onwards. The individual file shown in FIG. 8 also predicts that 8000 hours, when the brightness begins to decrease from 80%, is the time to replace the light source unit 14.

[0063] The user of the projector 4 can replace the light source unit 14 at an appropriate time by viewing the provided summary file or individual file.

[0064] [3.Effects] In this embodiment, the maintenance method is a maintenance method for a projector 4 equipped with a light source unit 14. The maintenance method includes the steps of (a) predicting the maintenance timing of the projector 4 based on a change over time in the output of the light source driver 20 and / or the usage conditions of the projector 4, (b) detecting the brightness of the light emitted from the light source unit 14, and (c) updating the maintenance timing predicted in (a) based on the detection result of (b).

[0065] According to this, by updating the maintenance timing based on the brightness detected in real time, it is possible to improve the accuracy of predicting the maintenance timing.

[0066] In this embodiment, the maintenance method further includes the step of (e) outputting the maintenance data indicating the maintenance timing updated in (c).

[0067] This allows maintenance of the projector 4 to be performed at an appropriate time based on the output maintenance data.

[0068] In this embodiment, the projector 4 is a projector that projects light emitted from the light source unit 14 onto a projection surface. The projector 4 is switchable between a first mode in which the light source driver 20 is controlled so that the output of the light source driver 20 is constant, and a second mode in which the light source driver 20 is controlled so that the brightness of the light emitted from the light source unit 14 is constant. In (b), the brightness of the light emitted from the light source unit 14 and the output of the light source driver 20 are detected. In (c), when the projector 4 is switched to the first mode, the maintenance time predicted in (a) is updated based on the brightness detected in (b), and when the projector 4 is switched to the second mode, the maintenance time predicted in (a) is updated based on the output of the light source driver 20 detected in (b).

[0069] This allows the maintenance timing to be updated appropriately regardless of whether the projector 4 is switched to the first mode or the second mode.

[0070] [4. Modifications] Instead of the configuration of the above embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted.

[0071] For example, the projector 4 includes a plurality of parts including the light source unit 14. The maintenance method may further include (d) a step of determining replacement timings for the plurality of parts based on lifespan data indicating the lifespan of each of the plurality of parts so that the replacement timings for each of the plurality of parts are concentrated within a predetermined period.

[0072] According to this, for example, if the lifespan data indicates that the lifespan of part A is "January 15, 2023," the lifespan of part B is "March 20, 2023," and the lifespan of part C is "April 10, 2023," the replacement timings of parts A, B, and C can be determined so that the replacement timings of parts A, B, and C are aggregated into a predetermined period of "January 1 to January 31, 2023." As a result, the replacement work of parts A, B, and C can be aggregated and performed within the predetermined period.

[0073] In (b) above, the luminance of the projection surface may be detected as the luminance of the light emitted from the light source unit 14.

[0074] This allows for consideration of not only factors inside the projector 4 but also factors outside the projector 4, thereby further improving the accuracy of prediction of the maintenance time.

[0075] The maintenance method further includes the step of (f) correcting the output of the light source driver 20 and / or the gamma value of the projector 4 based on the luminance of the projection surface detected in (b).

[0076] This makes it possible to make the deterioration of brightness less visually noticeable.

[0077] (Variations, etc.) As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-described embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0078] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the device is the projector 4, but the device is not limited to this and may be any device equipped with a light source.

[0080] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0081] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the terminal device 10 according to the above-described embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0082] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and for that purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0083] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0084] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The present disclosure is applicable to a maintenance method for projectors used in, for example, museums or amusement parks. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 2 Maintenance System 4 Projector 6,10 Terminal Equipment 8 Server equipment 12 On-site 14 Light source unit 16 Projection lens 18 Optical Sensor 20 Light source driver 22 Microcomputer 24, 30, 46 memory 26 Internet 28 Surveillance Apps 32 Cloud 34 Web Server 36 databases 38 Management Company 40 Web Browser 42 Maintenance Simulation App 44 Light source life prediction app

Claims

1. A maintenance method for a device equipped with a light source, comprising: (a) predicting a maintenance timing for the device based on a change in output of the light source over time and / or a usage condition of the device; (b) detecting the brightness of the light emitted from the light source; (c) updating the maintenance timing predicted in (a) based on the detection result of (b), the device is switchable between a first mode in which the light source is controlled so that the output of the light source is constant, and a second mode in which the light source is controlled so that the brightness of light emitted from the light source is constant; In the method (b), an output of the light source is further detected; In the step (c), when the device is switched to the first mode, the maintenance time predicted in the step (a) is updated based on the luminance detected in the step (b), and when the device is switched to the second mode, the maintenance time predicted in the step (a) is updated based on the output of the light source detected in the step (b). Maintenance methods.

2. the device comprises a plurality of components including the light source; The maintenance method further includes: (d) determining the replacement timings of the plurality of parts based on lifespan data indicating the lifespans of the plurality of parts so that the replacement timings of the plurality of parts are aggregated within a predetermined period. The maintenance method according to claim 1 .

3. The maintenance method further includes: (e) outputting the maintenance data indicating the maintenance timing updated in (c). The maintenance method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the device is a projector that projects light emitted from the light source onto a projection surface; The maintenance method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the step (b), the luminance of the projection surface is detected as the luminance of the light emitted from the light source. The maintenance method according to claim 4.

6. The maintenance method further includes: (f) correcting the output of the light source and / or the gamma value of the projector based on the luminance of the projection surface detected in (b). The maintenance method according to claim 5.

7. A maintenance method for a device having a plurality of components including a light source, comprising: (a) predicting a maintenance timing for the device based on a change in output of the light source over time and / or a usage condition of the device; (b) detecting the brightness of the light emitted from the light source; (c) updating the maintenance timing predicted in (a) based on the detection result of (b); (d) determining the replacement timings of the plurality of parts based on lifespan data indicating the lifespans of the plurality of parts so that the replacement timings of the plurality of parts are aggregated within a predetermined period. Maintenance methods.

8. A maintenance method for equipment equipped with a light source, comprising: (a) predicting a maintenance timing for the device based on a change in output of the light source over time and / or a usage condition of the device; (b) detecting the brightness of the light emitted from the light source and the output power of the light source; (c) updating the maintenance timing predicted in (a) based on the detection result of (b), the device is switchable between a first mode in which the light source is controlled so that the output of the light source is constant, and a second mode in which the light source is controlled so that the brightness of light emitted from the light source is constant; In the step (c), when the device is switched to the second mode, the maintenance time predicted in the step (a) is updated based on the output of the light source detected in the step (b). Maintenance methods.

Images