Projection device, control method, and control program

Abstract

Provided is a projection device that can be flexibly installed.　A projection device (1) comprises: a body part (10) that includes a light source (101) and a first cooling fan (102); a head part (20) that includes a light valve (103), a projection lens (104), and a second cooling fan; and an optical fiber (30) through which light outputted from the light source (101) is transmitted to the head part (20). In the projection device (1), a housing of the body part (10) and a housing of the head part (20) are connected via the optical fiber (30). Consequently, a projection device that can be flexibly installed becomes possible.

Description

Projection device, control method, and control program

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device, a control method, and a control program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a projector that includes a light source device, a projector head, and an optical fiber connecting the two, employing three laser light sources as the light source of the light source device and three single-mode fibers as the optical fibers, with a fluorescent light emitter that converts the laser light into visible light of three colors, RGB, at the end face of the optical fiber on the projector head side, and the projector head having a DMD (digital micromirror device), a triangular prism, a projection lens, a diaphragm, and an enlarging optical system, and synchronizing the switching of the laser light source with the operation of the DMD.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes an LCD projector that includes a base, a light guide that holds an optical fiber and a signal line inside, and a light projection unit, in which the light emitted from a high-brightness lamp housed in the base is irradiated onto the input end of the optical fiber via a condenser lens, and when it is emitted from the output end, it passes through a condenser lens, an LCD panel, and a projection lens in the light projection unit and is projected as an image onto a screen.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a liquid crystal projector in which the light source section and the liquid crystal panel section are constructed separately, the light from the light source lamp is illuminated onto the focusing section of an optical fiber and emitted from the light emitting section, the emitted light is separated into three color lights of RGB by a color separation chromatic achromatic mirror within the liquid crystal panel section, and is irradiated onto a liquid crystal panel driven by a three-color image signal, and the image lights modulated by the image signals are transmitted from the liquid crystal panel, combined by a color combination chromatic achromatic prism, and projected onto a screen through a lens.

[0005] Patent document 4 describes a projector that includes a main body, an optical fiber, a flexible arm, and a projection optical system, where the main body has a lighting device, a color separation and light guiding optical system, a condenser lens, a light modulation unit, and a light combining unit, the optical fiber passes through the inside of the flexible arm and guides light from the light modulation unit to the projection optical system, and the projection optical system has a built-in projection lens and projects the light from the optical fiber unit as a projection image.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-178767 Publication Japanese Patent Publication No. 02-267535 Publication Japanese Patent Publication No. 02-118624 Publication Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-115558

[0007] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides a projection device, a control method, and a control program that allow flexible installation.

[0008] (1) A projection device comprising: a main body including a light source and a first cooling device; a head including a light valve, a projection lens, and a second cooling device; and an optical transmission unit that transmits light output from the light source to the head, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are connected via the optical transmission unit.

[0009] (2) The projection device according to (1), wherein the head unit emits the light transmitted by the optical transmission unit through the light valve and the projection lens.

[0010] (3) The projection device according to (1) or (2), wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are installed at different positions.

[0011] (4) The projection device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the optical transmission section has flexibility.

[0012] (5) The projection device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the main body includes a rotating body that transmits or reflects light, and outputs the light output from the light source to the optical transmission unit via the rotating body.

[0013] (6) The projection device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the head unit includes a rotating body that transmits or reflects light, and the light transmitted by the optical transmission unit is output via the rotating body, the light valve, and the projection lens.

[0014] (7) The projection device according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a processor, wherein the head unit includes a first temperature sensor, and the processor controls a setting value of the second cooling device based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, and controls the output power of the light source based on the setting value of the second cooling device.

[0015] (8) The projection device according to (7), wherein the processor performs control to reduce the output power of the light source when the setting value of the second cooling device reaches a predetermined value.

[0016] (9) The projection device according to (8), in which the first cooling device and the second cooling device are cooling fans.

[0017] (10) The projection device according to (8) or (9), wherein the predetermined value is variable.

[0018] (11) The projection device according to (9), wherein the processor is capable of switching between a control for reducing the output power of the light source when the rotation speed of the second cooling device reaches a first predetermined value and a control for reducing the output power of the light source when the rotation speed of the second cooling device reaches a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value.

[0019] (12) The projection device according to any one of (7) to (11), wherein the first temperature sensor includes a temperature sensor of the light valve and an outside air temperature sensor of the head unit, and the processor controls the output power of the light source based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the light valve and the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor of the head unit.

[0020] (13) The projection device according to any one of (7) to (12), wherein the first temperature sensor includes a temperature sensor of the light valve, and the processor controls the output power of the light source based on correspondence information between a change in output power of the light source and a change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the light valve.

[0021] (14) The projection device according to any one of (7) to (13), wherein the processor controls to reduce the output power of the light source, and then controls to increase the output power of the light source based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor.

[0022] (15) The projection device according to (14), wherein the main body includes a second temperature sensor, the first cooling device is a cooling fan, and the processor controls the number of rotations of the first cooling device based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor after performing control to increase the output power of the light source.

[0023] (16) A projection device according to any one of (7) to (15), wherein the main body includes a first communication unit, the head includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the first communication unit, and the processor performs control using communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

[0024] (17) A control method by a control device of a projection device comprising: a main body including a light source and a first cooling device; a head including a light valve, a projection lens, a second cooling device, and a first temperature sensor; and an optical transmission unit that transmits light output from the light source to the head, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are connected via the optical transmission unit, wherein a processor of the control device controls a setting value of the second cooling device based on a temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, and controls the output power of the light source based on the setting value of the second cooling device.

[0025] (18) A control program for a projection device comprising: a main body including a light source and a first cooling device; a head including a light valve, a projection lens, a second cooling device, and a first temperature sensor; and an optical transmission unit that transmits light output from the light source to the head, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are connected via the optical transmission unit, the control program causing a processor of the projection device to execute the following processes: controlling a setting value of the second cooling device based on a temperature measured by the first temperature sensor; and controlling the output power of the light source based on the setting value of the second cooling device.

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a projection device, a control method, and a control program that can be flexibly installed.

[0027] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a projection device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the projection device 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a DLP-type projection device 1. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of a DLP-type projection device 1. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of a DLP-type projection device 1. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a head unit 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an intake fan and an exhaust fan provided in the head unit 20. FIG. 21 is a diagram of the head unit 20 shown in FIG. 7 viewed from the ceiling 5 side. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a main body unit 10. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement in which two main bodies are installed side by side. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a DLP-type projection device 1 is equipped with a sensor. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of fan control by a control unit 131. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of fan control following FIG. 22. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a modified example of fan control shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a modified example of fan control shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a modified example of fan control shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a modified example of fan control shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of the second modified example shown in FIG. 20.

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] <Projection device 1 according to an embodiment> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a projection device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the projection device 1 includes a main body 10, a head 20, and an optical fiber 30. The optical fiber 30 is an example of the "optical transmission section" in the present invention.

[0030] The main body 10 and head 20 of the projection device 1 are each provided in an independent housing. The main body 10 is installed, for example, on the floor 4 of a room. The head 20 is installed, for example, by being suspended from the ceiling 5 of the room via a mounting bracket 6. The housing of the main body 10 installed on the floor 4 and the housing of the head 20 installed on the ceiling 5 are connected via an optical fiber 30. The projection device 1 is a separate projector in which the housing of the main body 10 and the housing of the head 20 are installed separately in different positions. The projection device 1 projects a projection image 3 from the head 20 toward a projection surface, such as a wall 2 of a room.

[0031] The head unit 20 is a device that includes a projection lens and the like that projects the projection image 3 toward the wall 2 of a room. For this reason, the head unit 20 is installed in a location (such as the ceiling 5) that is not far from an observer in the room who views the projection image 3. On the other hand, the main body unit 10 is a device that includes a light source and the like, and light output from the light source is transmitted to the head unit 20 via an optical fiber 30. For this reason, the main body unit 10 can be installed in a location farther away from the observer in the room than the head unit 20, such as at the back end of the room or in an adjacent room.

[0032] <Configuration of Projection Device 1> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the projection device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the projection device 1 has a main body 10 including a light source 101, a first cooling fan 102, and a connector 11. The projection device 1 also has a head 20 including a light valve 103, a projection lens 104, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 21.

[0033] The light source 101 may be, for example, a laser (LD) light source, a liquid crystal (LED) light source, or a mercury lamp light source. The first cooling fan 102 is a fan for cooling the light source 101. The first cooling fan 102 is an example of the "first cooling device" in the present invention. The connector 11 is a connector to which the optical fiber 30 can be connected.

[0034] The light valve 103 is a device that modulates light from the light source 101 based on image data. For example, the light valve 103 is a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device: registered trademark) in a DLP (Digital Lighting Processing: registered trademark) projector, or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display: registered trademark) in an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projector. The light output from the light valve 103 is projected from a projection lens 104.

[0035] The projection lens 104 projects an image onto a projection surface. The second cooling fan 105 is a fan for cooling the light valve 103. The second cooling fan 105 is an example of a "second cooling device" in the present invention. The connector 21 is a connector to which an optical fiber 30 can be connected. The head unit 20 projects light transmitted from the main body unit 10 by the optical fiber 30, via the light valve 103 and the projection lens 104, onto a projection object such as a screen, thereby performing projection.

[0036] As described above, the optical fiber 30 is a fiber that connects the housing of the main body 10 and the housing of the head 20. The housing of the main body 10 and the housing of the head 20 are not directly connected to each other, but are connected via the optical fiber 30. In other words, the main body 10 and the head 20 can be installed in different positions.

[0037] This allows for flexible installation of the projection device 1. For example, it is possible to install the head unit 20 in a position suitable for projection (a position close to the viewer and a position that is easily visible to the viewer), and install the main body unit 10 in a position far from the viewer and a position that is difficult for the viewer to see.

[0038] The optical fiber 30 also functions as an integrator that can uniformize the unevenness of the light transmitted from the main body 10 to the head 20. The optical fiber 30 is also a flexible connecting member.

[0039] According to the projection device 1 configured as described above, the head unit 20 is separated from the main body unit 10, which allows the head unit 20 to be made smaller and allows the relative positional relationship between the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20 to be changed. This allows the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20 to be flexibly installed in suitable locations, and makes them easy to remove, facilitating maintenance.

[0040] <Configuration Example of DLP Projection Apparatus 1> A configuration example of the DLP projection apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG.

[0041] [First Configuration Example] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a DLP type projection device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, in the projection device 1 of the first configuration example, the main body 10 includes an LD (Laser Diode) 111, a PW (phosphor wheel) 112, a CW (color wheel) 113, a first cooling fan 102, and a connector 11. In addition, in the projection device 1 of the first configuration example, the head 20 includes a TIR (TRI prism: Total Internal Reflection Prism) 114, a DMD 115, a projection lens 104, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 21.

[0042] In this example, a blue LD is used for the LD 111. The PW 112 transmits the blue light output from the LD 111 to generate yellow light. The CW 113 transmits the blue and yellow lights output from the PW 112 to generate red and green lights. The PW 112 and CW 113 are examples of the "rotating body" in the present invention. The rotating body transmits or reflects light. The LD 111, PW 112, and CW 113 correspond to the light source 101 described in FIG. 2. The red, green, and blue (RGB) light generated in the main body 10 is transmitted to the head 20 via the optical fiber 30. The first cooling fan 102 and the connector 11 are as described in FIG. 2.

[0043] The TIR 114 is, for example, a combination of two triangular prisms, and disperses and changes the optical path of the light transmitted from the main body 10 so that it is incident on the DMD 115. The DMD 115 generates RGB light by repeating high-speed switching in synchronization with the rotation of the CW 113. The DMD 115 corresponds to the light valve 103 described in FIG. 2. The light output from the DMD 115 is projected from the projection lens 104. The second cooling fan 105 and the connector 21 are as described in FIG. 2.

[0044] [Second Configuration Example] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of a DLP-type projection device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, in the projection device 1 of the second configuration example, the main body 10 includes an LD 111, a PW 112, a first cooling fan 102, and a connector 11. In addition, in the projection device 1 of the second configuration example, the head 20 includes a CW 113, a TIR 114, a DMD 115, a projection lens 104, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 21. The projection device 1 of the second configuration example differs from the projection device 1 of the first configuration example shown in Fig. 3 in that the CW 113, which is a rotating body, is provided in the head 20. The projection device 1 of the second configuration example is used, for example, when the output light amount of the light source is high.

[0045] [Third Configuration Example] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of a DLP-type projection device 1. As shown in Figure 5, in the projection device 1 of the third configuration example, the main body 10 includes an LD 111, a first cooling fan 102, and a connector 11. In addition, in the projection device 1 of the third configuration example, the head 20 includes a PW 112, a CW 113, a TIR 114, a DMD 115, a projection lens 104, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 21. The projection device 1 of the third configuration example differs from the projection device 1 of the first configuration example shown in Figure 3 in that the rotating bodies PW 112 and CW 113 are provided in the head 20. The projection device 1 of the third configuration example is used when the output light amount of the light source is high, similar to the second configuration example.

[0046] According to the first to third configuration examples of the DLP type projection device 1, the head unit 20 can be made smaller and the relative positional relationship between the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20 can be changed, making installation and removal easy and maintenance easy.

[0047] <Intake / Exhaust Fans of Head Unit 20> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the head unit 20. As shown in Fig. 6, the head unit 20 has a housing 20A formed, for example, in a box shape. In the housing 20A, the surface on which the projection lens 104 is provided is referred to as the front surface 20a, and the surface on which the mounting bracket 6 for installing the head unit 20 is provided is referred to as the top surface 20b. For example, if the head unit 20 is attached to the ceiling 5 of a room via the mounting bracket 6, the surfaces on which the intake fan of the head unit 20 can be arranged are the front surface 20a, side surfaces 20c and 20d, rear surface 20e, and bottom surface 20f, excluding the top surface 20b on which the mounting bracket 6 is provided.

[0048] Furthermore, the surfaces of the head unit 20 on which an exhaust fan can be placed are the side surfaces 20c and 20d, the rear surface 20e, and the bottom surface 20f, excluding the front surface 20a on which the projection lens 104 is provided and the top surface 20b on which the mounting bracket 6 is provided. In the case of a compact head unit 20, it is difficult to secure space for a fan on the top surface 20b on which the mounting bracket 6 is provided. Furthermore, it is preferable not to provide an exhaust fan for exhausting warm air on the front surface 20a on which the projection lens 104 is provided.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an intake fan and an exhaust fan provided in the head unit 20. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the head unit 20 shown in Fig. 7 as seen from the ceiling 5 (upper surface 20b) side. In the head unit 20 shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the intake fan 105a is provided on the right side surface 20c of the housing 20A, and the exhaust fan 105b is provided on the left side surface 20d of the housing 20A.

[0050] <Intake / Exhaust Fans of Main Body 10> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the main body 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the main body 10 has a housing 10A formed, for example, in a box shape. In the housing 10A, the surface to which the optical fiber 30 is connected is referred to as an upper surface 10b, and the surface to be placed on the floor 4 of a room is referred to as a lower surface 10f.

[0051] For example, when the main body 10 is installed on the floor 4 of a room, the surfaces of the main body 10 on which an intake fan and an exhaust fan can be arranged are the front surface 10a, the top surface 10b, the side surfaces 10c and 10d, and the rear surface 10e, excluding the bottom surface 10f facing the floor 4. However, the surfaces on which an exhaust fan can be arranged may also be the front surface 10a, the side surfaces 10c and 10d, and the rear surface 10e, excluding the top surface 10b to which the optical fiber 30 is connected and the bottom surface 10f facing the floor 4. Considering the temperature characteristics of the optical fiber 30, an exhaust fan for exhausting warm air may not be provided on the top surface 10b.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which two main units are installed side by side. When the main unit 110 and the main unit 210 are installed side by side as shown in Fig. 10, the left side surface 10d of the main unit 110 faces the right side surface 10c of the main unit 210. Therefore, when two main units are installed side by side, an intake fan and an exhaust fan are not provided on each of the opposing surfaces.

[0053] Therefore, in this example, the surfaces of the main body 110 on which an intake fan and an exhaust fan can be arranged are the front surface 10a, the top surface 10b, the side surface 10c, and the rear surface 10e, excluding the bottom surface 10f facing the floor 4 and the left side surface 10d facing the adjacent main body 210. Also, the surfaces of the main body 210 on which an intake fan and an exhaust fan can be arranged are the front surface 10a, the top surface 10b, the side surface 10d, and the rear surface 10e, excluding the bottom surface 10f facing the floor 4 and the right side surface 10c facing the adjacent main body 110. However, as in the case of Figure 9, an exhaust fan may not be provided on the top surface 10b to which the optical fiber 30 is connected.

[0054] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a DLP projection device 1 equipped with sensors. In the projection device 1 of this example, the main body 10 includes an LD 111, a PW 112, a CW 113, a first cooling fan 102, a connector 11, a temperature sensor 121, a rotation speed sensor 122, an outside air temperature sensor 123, a control unit 131, and a communication unit 132. In addition, in the projection device 1 of this example, the head unit 20 includes a TIR 114, a DMD 115, a projection lens 104, a second cooling fan 105, a connector 21, a temperature sensor 124, a rotation speed sensor 125, an outside air temperature sensor 126, and a communication unit 133.

[0055] The temperature sensor 121 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the LD 111. The temperature sensor 121 is an example of a "second temperature sensor" in the present invention. The rotation speed sensor 122 is a sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102. The outside air temperature sensor 123 is a sensor for measuring the temperature around the housing of the main body 10. For example, the outside air temperature sensor 123 is provided near the air intake of the main body 10 and measures the temperature of the air sucked into the housing from the air intake. The outside air temperature sensor 123 is an example of a "second temperature sensor" in the present invention.

[0056] The temperature sensor 124 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the DMD 115. The temperature sensor 124 is an example of a "first temperature sensor" in the present invention. The rotation speed sensor 125 is a sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105. The outside air temperature sensor 126 is a sensor for measuring the temperature around the housing of the head unit 20. For example, the outside air temperature sensor 126 is provided near the air intake of the head unit 20 and measures the temperature of the air sucked into the housing from the air intake. The outside air temperature sensor 126 is an example of a "first temperature sensor" in the present invention.

[0057] The control unit 131 controls the operations of the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20. The control unit 131 is an example of the "processor" of the present invention.

[0058] For example, the control unit 131 controls the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 124 or the outside air temperature sensor 126, and controls the output power of the LD 111 based on the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 131 performs control to reduce the output power of the LD 111 when the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 reaches a predetermined value. "Reaching the predetermined value" means that the rotation speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The cases where the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 reaches the predetermined value include, for example, when the rotation speed is increased to a predetermined value by control (described later in FIG. 12 ) and when the rotation speed is increased by a constant amount and reaches or exceeds the predetermined value as a result (described later in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 ).

[0060] The control unit 131 can also switch between a control to reduce the output power of the LD 111 when the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 reaches a first predetermined value and a control to reduce the output power of the LD 111 when the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 reaches a second predetermined value that is higher than the first predetermined value. The predetermined value of the rotation speed can be changed by setting. "Switchable" means that the control can be switched by, for example, a user setting.

[0061] The control unit 131 also controls the output power of the LD 111 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 124 and the temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor 126. For example, the control unit 131 reduces the output power of the LD 111 when the temperature of the temperature sensor 124 reaches a predetermined value (Th1) and the temperature of the ambient temperature sensor 126 reaches a predetermined value (Th2). Th1 is an example of a temperature threshold value (e.g., upper operating temperature limit) for the DMD 115. Th2 is an example of an ambient temperature threshold value (e.g., upper ambient temperature limit) for the head unit 20.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 131 controls the output power of the LD 111 based on correspondence information between a change in the output power of the LD 111 and a change in the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 124. For example, the control unit 131 reduces the output power to a level at which it is expected that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 124 will drop to a temperature slightly (by a margin) lower than a predetermined value (Th1). The correspondence information is generated, for example, by simulation or experiment at the design stage, or by calibration after manufacture or installation.

[0063] Furthermore, after performing control to reduce the output power of the LD 111, the control unit 131 performs control to increase the output power of the LD 111 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 124 or the outside air temperature sensor 126. Increasing the output power means, for example, returning the output power to the level before it was reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, after performing control to increase the output power of the LD 111 , the control unit 131 controls the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 121 or the outside air temperature sensor 123 .

[0065] The communication unit 132 is an interface capable of communicating with the communication unit 133 of the head unit 20. The communication unit 132 is an example of a "first communication unit" in the present invention. The communication unit 133 is an interface capable of communicating with the communication unit 132 of the main body unit 10. The communication unit 133 is an example of a "second communication unit" in the present invention. The control unit 131 controls the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20 using communication between the communication units 132 and 133. For example, the control unit 131 receives sensor information acquired by the sensors 124 to 126 on the head unit 20 side and transmits control signals that control the rotation of the second cooling fan 105 on the head unit 20 side. Communication between the communication unit 132 and the communication unit 133 may be wired communication or wireless communication. Note that in this example, the control unit 131 is provided on the main body unit 10 side, but is not limited thereto and may be provided on the head unit 20 side, for example.

[0066] For example, if the control unit 131 is provided in the main body 10 or an external device (e.g., a personal computer) connected to the main body 10, the control unit 131 uses communication with the head unit 20 to acquire the temperature of the temperature sensor 124 of the head unit 20, control the output power of the LD 111 based on the acquired temperature, and control the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 of the head unit 20 based on the acquired temperature. Also, if the control unit 131 is provided in the head unit 20, communication is used to acquire the temperature of the temperature sensor 121 of the main body 10, control the output power of the LD 111 of the main body 10 based on the acquired temperature, and control the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102 of the main body 10 based on the acquired temperature.

[0067] 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an example of fan control by the control unit 131. The control unit 131 starts this process when the projection device 1 is started, for example.

[0068] First, the control unit 131 acquires the temperature of the DMD 115 measured by the temperature sensor 124 of the head unit 20 via the communication units 132 and 133 (step S11).

[0069] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the temperature of the DMD 115 acquired in step S11 has risen to, for example, Th1 [° C.] or higher (step S12). Th1 is an example of the upper limit operating temperature of the DMD 115.

[0070] If the temperature of the DMD 115 has not risen to or exceeded Th1 in step S12 (step S12: No), the control unit 131 performs control to reduce the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 that cools the DMD 115 in accordance with the temperature of the DMD 115 acquired via the communication units 132 and 133 (step S13). For example, if the temperature of the DMD 115 is sufficiently lower than Th1, the control unit 131 slightly reduces the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105. After reducing the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105, the control unit 131 returns to step S11 and repeats each process. Note that the control unit 131 may omit the process of step S13.

[0071] In step S12, if the temperature of DMD 115 rises above Th1 (step S12: Yes), control unit 131 acquires the outside air temperature of head unit 20 measured by outside air temperature sensor 126 of head unit 20 via communication units 132 and 133 (step S14).

[0072] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the ambient temperature of the head unit 20 acquired in step S14 has risen to, for example, Th2 [°C] or higher (step S15). Th2 is an example of the upper limit ambient temperature of the head unit 20.

[0073] In step S15, if the ambient temperature of the head unit 20 is not equal to or higher than Th2 (step S15: No), the control unit 131 controls the second cooling fan 105 to increase its rotation speed, for example, to Lm1 [rpm] via the communication units 132 and 133 (step S16). Lm1 is an example of a specified value for the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105. The specified value is a recommended rotation speed of the fan that is acceptable in terms of the level of noise caused by fan rotation. After increasing the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 to Lm1, the control unit 131 returns to step S11 and repeats each process.

[0074] In step S15, if the ambient temperature of the head unit 20 is equal to or higher than Th2 (step S15: Yes), the control unit 131 controls the second cooling fan 105 via the communication units 132 and 133 to increase the rotation speed to, for example, Lm2 [rpm] (step S17). Lm2 is an example of an allowable upper limit of the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105. The allowable upper limit is, for example, the limit rotation speed just before the level at which the noise caused by the fan rotation becomes unacceptable.

[0075] Next, the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of FIG. 13 and again acquires the temperature of the DMD 115 measured by the temperature sensor 124 of the head unit 20 (step S18).

[0076] Next, the control unit 131 reduces the light output of the LD 111 in accordance with the temperature of the DMD 115 acquired in step S18 (step S19). For example, the control unit 131 reduces the output power of the LD 111 so that the temperature of the DMD 115 becomes slightly lower than Th1. The control unit 131 reduces the output power based on correspondence information that records the relationship between the change (decrease) in the output power of the LD 111 and the change (decrease) in the temperature of the DMD 115.

[0077] Next, the control unit 131 again acquires the temperature of the DMD 115 measured by the temperature sensor 124 of the head unit 20 (step S20).

[0078] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the temperature of the DMD 115 acquired in step S20 is equal to or lower than Th3 [°C] (step S21). Th3 is a temperature lower than Th1. Th3 is a temperature at which the temperature of the DMD 115 is not expected to exceed Th1 even if the output of the LD 111, which was reduced in step S19, is restored to its original output.

[0079] In step S21, if the temperature of the DMD 115 has not become equal to or lower than Th3 (step S21: No), the control unit 131 returns to step S20 and repeats each process.

[0080] In step S21, if the temperature of the DMD 115 is equal to or lower than Th3 (step S21: Yes), the control unit 131 returns the output of the LD 111 to the output before step S19 (step S22).

[0081] Next, the control unit 131 acquires the temperature of the LD 111 measured by the temperature sensor 121 (step S23). When acquiring the temperature of the LD 111, the control unit 131 waits until the temperature has stabilized to a certain extent before measuring. In particular, the control unit 131 waits until the temperature has stabilized to a certain extent immediately after changing the rotation speed of the fan or the output of the LD 111, because fluctuations may occur.

[0082] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the temperature of the LD 111 acquired in step S23 is equal to or lower than Th4 [°C] (step S24). Th4 is an example of a temperature threshold value of the LD 111 (for example, an upper operating temperature limit).

[0083] In step S24, if the temperature of the LD 111 is not equal to or lower than Th4 (step S24: No), the control unit 131 increases the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102 (LD fan) that cools the LD 111 to a specified value (step S25). The specified value is an example of an upper limit of the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102. After increasing the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102 to the specified value, the control unit 131 proceeds to step S26 and determines whether or not a termination condition for this process is satisfied (step S26). The termination condition is, for example, that the power of the projection device 1 is turned off.

[0084] In step S24, if the temperature of the LD 111 is equal to or lower than Th4 (step S24: Yes), the control unit 131 proceeds to step S26 and determines whether or not the termination condition for this process is satisfied (step S26).

[0085] If the termination condition of this process is not satisfied in step S26 (step S26: No), the control unit 131 returns to step S11 in Fig. 12 and repeats each process. If the termination condition of this process is satisfied in step S26 (step S26: Yes), the control unit 131 terminates this process.

[0086] With the projection device 1 equipped with a cooling fan in this way, the head unit 20 can be made smaller and the relative positional relationship between the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20 can be changed, so that, for example, the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 on the head unit 20 side can be controlled to be kept at an allowable upper limit Lm2 so as not to cause noise to the surrounding area, and the rotation speed of the first cooling fan 102 on the main body unit 10 side can be increased to its upper limit. This makes it possible to efficiently manage temperature rises in the main body unit 10 and head unit 20 of the projection device 1.

[0087] <Modifications of Fan Control by Control Unit 131> FIGS. 14 to 16 are flowcharts showing modifications of fan control by the control unit 131. FIG.

[0088] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the fan control described in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 14, the processes from step S11 to step S13 are the same as the processes from step S11 to step S13 described in Fig. 12.

[0089] If the temperature of DMD 115 has risen to or exceeds Th1 in step S12 (step S12: Yes), control unit 131 controls second cooling fan 105, which cools DMD 115 in head unit 20, via communication units 132 and 133 to increase the rotation speed of second cooling fan 105 by, for example, a predetermined amount (step S31). After performing this control, control unit 131 acquires the rotation speed of second cooling fan 105 measured by rotation speed sensor 125 from head unit 20 via communication units 132 and 133. Note that control unit 131 may calculate the rotation speed of second cooling fan 105 based on the control value used by control unit 131 to increase the rotation speed of second cooling fan 105.

[0090] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is equal to or greater than, for example, Lm2 [rpm] (step S32). As described above, Lm2 is an example of an allowable upper limit that does not cause noise.

[0091] In step S32, if the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is not equal to or greater than Lm2 (step S32: No), the control unit 131 returns to step S11 and repeats the respective processes. In step S32, if the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is equal to or greater than Lm2 (step S32: Yes), the control unit 131 proceeds to step S18 in FIG.

[0092] According to the control of this modified example, it is possible to gradually increase the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 while measuring the temperature of the DMD 115, so that the temperature rise of the projection device 1 can be managed more efficiently.

[0093] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the fan control described in Fig. 14. This modified example differs from the modified example described in Fig. 14 in that it is possible to select a mode in which the rotation sound of the second cooling fan 105 can be heard as noise. As shown in Fig. 15, the processes from step S11 to step S13 and step S31 are the same as the processes from step S11 to step S13 and step S31 described in Fig. 14.

[0094] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the noise ignore mode is enabled in the projection device 1 (step S33). As described above, the noise ignore mode is a mode in which the rotation sound of the second cooling fan 105 is ignored even if it is heard as noise. The noise ignore mode is enabled, for example, by a user operation.

[0095] If the noise ignore mode is not enabled in step S33 (step S33: No), the control unit 131 determines whether the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is equal to or greater than, for example, Lm2 [rpm] (step S34). Lm2 is an example of an allowable upper limit value that does not cause noise from the second cooling fan 105. If the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is not equal to or greater than Lm2 (step S34: No), the control unit 131 returns to step S11 and repeats the respective processes. If the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is equal to or greater than Lm2 (step S34: Yes), the control unit 131 proceeds to step S18 in FIG. 13 .

[0096] On the other hand, if the noise ignore mode is enabled in step S33 (step S33: Yes), the control unit 131 determines whether the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is equal to or greater than, for example, Lm3 [rpm] (step S35). Lm3 is a rotation speed greater than Lm2 and is an example of an upper limit of the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105. If the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is not equal to or greater than Lm3 (step S35: No), the control unit 131 returns to step S11 and repeats each process. If the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 is equal to or greater than Lm3 (step S35: Yes), the control unit 131 proceeds to step S18 in FIG. 13 .

[0097] According to the control of this modified example, it is possible to switch the upper limit value of the rotation speed of the second cooling fan 105 provided on the head unit 20 side, thereby making it possible to manage temperature rise more efficiently depending on the installation status of the head unit 20.

[0098] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the fan control described in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 16, the processes from step S18 to step S22 are the same as the processes from step S18 to step S22 described in Fig. 13.

[0099] Next, the control unit 131 acquires the outside air temperature of the main body unit 10 measured by the outside air temperature sensor 123 of the main body unit 10 via the communication units 132 and 133 (step S51).

[0100] Next, the control unit 131 determines whether the outside air temperature of the main body 10 acquired in step S51 is equal to or lower than Th5°C (step S52). Th5 is an example of an outside air temperature threshold value (e.g., an upper ambient temperature limit) on the main body 10 side.

[0101] The processes of steps S25 and S26 after the determination process in step S52 are the same as the processes of steps S25 and S26 described with reference to FIG.

[0102] According to the control of this modified example, the output of the LD 111 can be controlled in accordance with the temperature outside the main body 10, so that the temperature rise of the projection device 1 can be managed efficiently.

[0103] <Configuration Example of LCD-Type Projection Device 1> Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an LCD-type projection device 1. As shown in Fig. 17, the LCD-type projection device 1 has a main body 10 including an LD 111, a PW 112, a first cooling fan 102, and a connector 11. The LCD-type projection device 1 also has a head 20 including a dichroic mirror 141, an LCD 142, a projection lens 104, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 21. The housing of the main body 10 and the housing of the head 20 are connected by an optical fiber 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0104] The LD 111 and PW 112 correspond to the light source 101 described in FIG. 2. The dichroic mirror 141 separates the light transmitted from the main body 10 via the optical fiber 30 into three colors of RGB and outputs each light to the LCD 142. The LCD 142 transmits each light individually through three TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal panels and then combines the light using a prism. The LCD 142 corresponds to the light valve 103 described in FIG. 2.

[0105] Even in the case of an LCD-type projection device 1, as with a DLP-type projection device, the head unit 20 can be made smaller and the relative positional relationship between the main body unit 10 and the head unit 20 can be changed, making maintenance easier.

[0106] <Modifications of the Configuration of Projection Device 1> [First Modification] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a first modification of the configuration of the projection device 1. Compared to the projection device 1 shown in Fig. 2 , the projection device 1 of the first modification is configured such that the light valve 103 is provided in the main body 10 in order to make the head unit 20 even smaller. As shown in Fig. 18 , in the projection device 1 of the first modification, the main body 10 includes a light source 101, a first cooling fan 102, a light valve 103, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 11. Furthermore, in the projection device 1 of the first modification, the head unit 20 includes a projection lens 104 and a connector 21.

[0107] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the first modified example shown in Fig. 18. The projection device 1 of the first modified example is an LCD-type projection device that uses an LCD 151 as the light valve 103. Although not shown, a dichroic mirror (see Fig. 17) that is provided in an LCD-type device is also provided on the main body 10 side.

[0108] 19, in the projection device 1, each optical fiber in the bundle of optical fibers 30 is optically connected to each pixel of the LCD 151. Pixel information for each pixel is transmitted to the head unit 20 via one fiber. This makes it possible to transmit information for each pixel to the head unit 20 efficiently via one optical fiber at a time.

[0109] [Second Modification] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a second modification of the configuration of the projection device 1. Compared to the projection device 1 of the first modification shown in Fig. 18 , the projection device 1 of the second modification has an intermediate lens 106 provided in the main body 10. The intermediate lens 106 is a lens for creating an intermediate image in the space on the main body 10 side. As shown in Fig. 20 , in the projection device 1 of the second modification, the main body 10 includes a light source 101, a first cooling fan 102, a light valve 103, the intermediate lens 106, a second cooling fan 105, and a connector 11. Furthermore, in the projection device 1 of the first modification, the head unit 20 includes a projection lens 104 and a connector 21.

[0110] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the second modified example shown in Fig. 20. The projection device 1 of the second modified example may be an LCD-type projection device using an LCD 151 as the light valve 103, or may be a DLP-type projection device using a DMD 115 as the light valve 103. As shown in Fig. 21, in the projection device 1, each optical fiber in the bundle of optical fibers 30 is optically connected to each pixel of the intermediate image 152 generated by the intermediate lens 106. Since it is possible to form the intermediate image 152 of a size that matches the diameter, number, and other conditions of the optical fibers 30, it is possible to efficiently transmit information for each pixel to the head unit 20 via each optical fiber.

[0111] The control method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared control program on a computer. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the control program may be included in the control device, or may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that can communicate with the control device, or may be included in a server device that can communicate with these control devices and electronic devices.

[0112] Although various embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0113] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2023-165954) filed on September 27, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0114] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Projection device 2 Wall 3 Projected image 4 Floor 5 Ceiling 6 Installation bracket 10, 110, 210 Main body 10A, 20A Housing 10a, 20a Front 10b, 20b Top 10c, 10d, 20c, 20d Side 10e, 20e Rear 10f, 20f Bottom 11, 21 Connector 20 Head 30 Optical fiber 101 Light source 102 First cooling fan 103 Light valve 104 Projection lens 105 Second cooling fan 105a Intake fan 105b Exhaust fan 106 Intermediate lens 111 LD 112 PW 113 CW 114 TIR 115 DMD 121, 124 Temperature sensor 122, 125 RPM sensor 123, 126 Outside air temperature sensor 131 Control unit 132, 133 Communication unit 141 Dichroic mirror 142, 151 LCD 152 Intermediate image

Claims

1. A projection device comprising: a main body including a light source and a first cooling device; a head including a light valve, a projection lens, and a second cooling device; and an optical transmission section that transmits light output from the light source to the head, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are connected via the optical transmission section.

2. A projection device according to claim 1, wherein the head unit emits the light transmitted by the optical transmission unit through the light valve and the projection lens.

3. A projection device according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are installed at different positions.

4. A projection device according to claim 1, wherein the optical transmission section is flexible.

5. A projection device according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes a rotating body that transmits or reflects light, and outputs light output from the light source to the optical transmission section via the rotating body.

6. A projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head unit includes a rotating body that transmits or reflects light, and the light transmitted by the optical transmission unit is output via the rotating body, the light valve and the projection lens.

7. A projection device according to claim 1, comprising a processor, the head portion including a first temperature sensor, the processor controlling a setting value of the second cooling device based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, and controlling the output power of the light source based on the setting value of the second cooling device.

8. A projection device according to claim 7, wherein the processor controls to reduce the output power of the light source when the set value of the second cooling device reaches a predetermined value.

9. The projection device according to claim 8, wherein the first cooling device and the second cooling device are cooling fans.

10. A projection device according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined value is variable.

11. A projection device as described in claim 9, wherein the processor is capable of switching between a control for reducing the output power of the light source when the rotation speed of the second cooling device reaches a first predetermined value, and a control for reducing the output power of the light source when the rotation speed of the second cooling device reaches a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value.

12. A projection device according to claim 7, wherein the first temperature sensor includes a temperature sensor of the light valve and an outside air temperature sensor of the head unit, and the processor controls the output power of the light source based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the light valve and the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor of the head unit.

13. A projection device according to claim 7, wherein the first temperature sensor includes a temperature sensor of the light valve, and the processor controls the output power of the light source based on correspondence information between a change in output power of the light source and a change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the light valve.

14. A projection device according to claim 7, wherein the processor controls to increase the output power of the light source based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor after controlling to decrease the output power of the light source.

15. A projection device as described in claim 14, wherein the main body includes a second temperature sensor, the first cooling device is a cooling fan, and the processor controls the rotation speed of the first cooling device based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor after performing control to increase the output power of the light source.

16. A projection device as described in any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the main body unit includes a first communication unit, the head unit includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the first communication unit, and the processor performs control using communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

17. A control method by a control device of a projection device comprising a main body including a light source and a first cooling device, a head including a light valve, a projection lens, a second cooling device, and a first temperature sensor, and an optical transmission unit that transmits light output from the light source to the head, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are connected via the optical transmission unit, wherein a processor of the control device controls a setting value of the second cooling device based on a temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, and controls the output power of the light source based on the setting value of the second cooling device.

18. A control program for a projection device comprising a main body including a light source and a first cooling device, a head including a light valve, a projection lens, a second cooling device, and a first temperature sensor, and an optical transmission unit that transmits light output from the light source to the head, wherein the housing of the main body and the housing of the head are connected via the optical transmission unit, the control program causing a processor of the projection device to execute processing to control a setting value of the second cooling device based on a temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, and to control the output power of the light source based on the setting value of the second cooling device.

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