Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

This information processing apparatus comprises: a storage unit that associates and stores a plurality of models of devices, a plurality of usage environments of the devices, and degradation information indicating a state corresponding to the usage time of the devices; and a control unit that receives inputs of scheduled environment information pertaining to an environment in which the devices are scheduled to be used and a scheduled usage time pertaining to the usage time for which the devices are scheduled to be used, and narrows down, on the basis of the degradation information and the scheduled usage time, one or more models associated with a usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the scheduled environment information from among the plurality of usage environments.

Description

Information processing device and information processing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for narrowing down device models.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known techniques for predicting the lifespan of equipment in an installation environment. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a device that predicts the lifespan of equipment according to the installation environment based on sensor information output from a sensor that measures physical quantities in the installation environment.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-219515

[0004] However, even if the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, the user of the device can only know the predicted lifespan of the device, making it difficult for the user to select an appropriate model depending on the environment in which the device will be used.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can support selection of a more suitable model depending on the environment in which the device is used.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing device comprising: a memory unit that associates and stores multiple models of equipment, multiple usage environments for the equipment, and degradation information indicating a state of the equipment according to usage time of the equipment; and a control unit that accepts input of planned environment information regarding the environment in which the equipment is planned to be used and planned usage time regarding the usage time in which the equipment is planned to be used, and narrows down, based on the degradation information and the planned usage time, one or more models of equipment associated with a usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information from among the multiple usage environments.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method executed by an information processing device that associates and stores multiple models of equipment, multiple usage environments for the equipment, and degradation information indicating the state of the equipment according to the usage time of the equipment, the information processing method accepting input of planned environment information regarding the environment in which the equipment is planned to be used and planned usage time regarding the usage time during which the equipment is planned to be used, and narrowing down one or more models associated with the usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information from among the multiple usage environments based on the degradation information and the planned usage time.

[0008] It is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an environment checker. It is a diagram showing an example of reference data stored in a storage unit. It is a flowchart showing an example of a narrowing-down process executed by the control unit of FIG.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of identical or equivalent components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment. The information processing device 10 can be configured, for example, by a computer or a server device. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 assists a user in selecting a specific model from multiple device models. Specifically, the information processing device 10 narrows down the models based on specific conditions. As a result, the information processing device 10 extracts models that meet the specific conditions from the multiple models. By extracting models that meet the conditions, it is possible to assist the user in selecting a more suitable model.

[0011] In this embodiment, the device may be an appropriate electronic device, such as a display device capable of displaying information. The display device may be, for example, a device capable of displaying information on a display provided in the display device, or may be a device capable of displaying information by projecting an image onto a screen or the like. In this embodiment, the device is described as a projector capable of displaying information by projecting an image onto a screen or the like. However, the device does not necessarily have to be a projector. The device may be another display device, or another electronic device other than a display device.

[0012] In recent years, projectors have been increasingly used in a variety of environments, not only indoors but also for semi-outdoor signage. Non-indoor environments tend to have higher ambient temperatures and more dust in the air than indoor environments. Generally, the higher the ambient temperature and the more dust there is, the higher the risk of equipment failure and the faster the deterioration of illuminance and brightness. Therefore, non-indoor environments can be considered more challenging for display devices than indoor environments.

[0013] When purchasing a projector, a display device, users often select a projector based on its price, specifications, and other factors. However, it is difficult for users to know how quickly the projector's illuminance and brightness will deteriorate after use. Furthermore, because the conditions in the projector's installation environment, such as dust and ambient temperature, vary from user to user, it is difficult for projector sellers to predict the deterioration rate. Even if a projector has a dustproof structure and undergoes environmental testing, it is impossible to guarantee the device's aging and performance in various installation environments. On the other hand, if a user selects a projector that can withstand environments more severe than the expected installation environment, depending on the user's usage, the projector's cost and specifications may be excessive, failing to meet the user's needs for the installation environment and usage method.

[0014] Therefore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 10 narrows down the models to present a more suitable model to the user, thereby assisting in model selection.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 includes, as functional blocks, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an input unit 15.

[0016] The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire information processing device 10, including each functional unit of the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 performs various controls, for example, by running an information processing program stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 11 narrows down the models based on specific conditions. This allows the control unit 11 to extract a model that meets the specific conditions from among multiple models. Details of the narrowing-down process (hereinafter also referred to as the "narrowing down process") performed by the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0017] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 12 stores, for example, a program for operating the control unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores an information processing program for executing the narrowing-down process described in this specification.

[0018] The storage unit 12 may store data used in the narrowing-down process (hereinafter also referred to as "reference data"). For example, the storage unit 12 stores information about multiple models of devices to be narrowed down in the narrowing-down process. The information about the multiple models includes, for example, specification information about each of the multiple models. For example, the storage unit 12 stores information about multiple usage environments of the devices (hereinafter also referred to as "environmental information"). For example, the storage unit 12 stores deterioration information indicating the state of the device depending on the usage time. The storage unit 12 associates and stores multiple models of devices, multiple usage environments of the devices, and deterioration information indicating the state of the device depending on the usage time. Specific examples of the information stored in the storage unit 12 will be described later.

[0019] The communication unit 13 executes information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13 executes information communication with, for example, an environment checker described below. The communication unit 13 executes information communication, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives various information through information communication. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13 receives information about the environment in which the device is planned to be used (hereinafter also referred to as "planned environment information") from the environment checker.

[0020] The display unit 14 is a device that displays images. The display unit 14 may be configured with a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). The display unit 14 displays various information under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 14 displays the results of a narrowing-down process performed by the control unit 11.

[0021] The input unit 15 is a mechanism capable of receiving operation input from a user to the information processing device 10. The input unit 15 may be configured, for example, by a group of operation buttons provided on the main body of the information processing device 10. When the display unit 14 is provided with a touch sensor, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 14 may function as the input unit 15.

[0022] [Environment Checker] The environment checker is a device that measures environmental information. The environment checker is, for example, a portable device that measures environmental information at the location where it is installed. The environment checker is used, for example, to measure expected environmental information that is used when a narrowing-down process is performed by the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10. The environment checker may also be used to generate reference data that is used in the narrowing-down process. In this embodiment, the environment checker 20 can measure the ambient temperature and the flow rate of gas passing through it as environmental information.

[0023] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the environment checker 20. The environment checker 20 includes a cylindrical device body 21. Inside the cylindrical device body 21, a filter 22, a fan 23, a flow rectifier 24, and a flow meter 25 are provided, in this order, from one end 21a to the other end 21b. The one end 21a of the device body 21 functions as a gas inlet, and the other end 21b functions as a gas outlet. That is, gas flows inside the environment checker 20 from the one end 21a to the other end 21b, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2.

[0024] The filter 22 removes fine particles from the gas taken in from the one end 21a. An appropriate filter can be used as the filter 22 depending on the size of the fine particles to be removed, such as an Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filter. The fan 23 sends the gas taken in from the one end 21a to the other end 21b. The flow straightening plate 24 equalizes the distribution of the gas sent downstream (other end 21b) across the cross section of the device body 21. The flow meter 25 measures the flow rate of the gas sent from the upstream (one end 21a) to the downstream side within the device body 21. This allows the flow meter 25 to measure the flow rate of the gas passing through the environment checker.

[0025] In this embodiment, the device main body 21 is further equipped with a vibrometer 26 and a thermistor 27. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the device main body 21 is provided with a control board 28, and the vibrometer 26 and thermistor 27 are attached to the control board 28.

[0026] The vibration meter 26 detects vibrations of the environment checker 20. The thermistor 27 measures the temperature (environmental temperature) around the environment checker 20 based on changes in electrical resistance. The control board 28 controls the rotation speed of the fan 23.

[0027] The environment checker 20 further includes a storage unit and / or a communication unit (not shown). The control board 28 measures various parameters using the environment checker 20. The control board 28 can store the measured parameters in the storage unit as environmental information or transmit them to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit. The control board 28 acquires, as parameters, for example, the rotation speed of the fan 23, the operating time of the environment checker 20, the flow rate measured by the flow meter 25, and the environmental temperature measured by the thermistor 27. Note that the configuration of the environment checker 20 is not limited to that described here, and the parameters measurable by the environment checker 20 are not limited to those exemplified here. The environment checker 20 can measure appropriate environmental information in the environment in which the environment checker 20 is placed, and may be configured to measure the appropriate environmental information.

[0028] [Reference Data Used in the Narrowing-Down Process] As described above, for example, the storage unit 12 stores reference data used in the narrowing-down process. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores multiple device models, multiple device usage environments, and degradation information indicating the device's status depending on the device's usage time, in association with each other. The association between the multiple device models, the multiple device usage environments, and the degradation information indicating the device's status depending on the device's usage time may be direct or indirect. Furthermore, the reference data is not limited to the example described in this embodiment, and may be any data used in the narrowing-down process.

[0029] In this embodiment, the devices are projectors, and there are three models: Xp, Yq, Zr, and Ws (p, q, r, and s are each an integer greater than or equal to 1). In this specification, the group consisting of model Xp is referred to as the X group, the group consisting of model Yq as the Y group, the group consisting of model Zr as the Z group, and the group consisting of model Ws as the W group. That is, the X group includes a series of models such as X1, X2, and X3. The same applies to the Y group, Z group, and W group. The X group, Y group, Z group, and W group are devices of increasingly higher-end models, in that order. That is, projectors in the X group are the lowest-end models, and projectors in the W group are the highest-end models. Higher-end models generally have higher performance than lower-end models, for example, higher dustproof performance. Models belonging to the same group have the same dustproof performance. Furthermore, higher-end models are generally more expensive than lower-end models.

[0030] The memory unit 12 stores information on multiple device models, such as information identifying the X, Y, Z, and W groups of devices (e.g., device name or model number), specifications of each device, and price of each device.

[0031] In this embodiment, the usage environment includes parameters such as usage time, flow rate, and environmental temperature. The usage time is the time the projector is used in a specific environment and can be measured, for example, using the operating time of the environment checker 20. The flow rate is the flow rate measured by the flow meter 25 of the environment checker 20. Specifically, the flow rate is the flow rate at the point in time when the environment checker 20 has been operated for the usage time as a parameter. The environmental temperature is the environmental temperature measured by the thermistor 27 of the environment checker 20. The environmental temperature here can be the average value of the environmental temperatures measured by the thermistor 27 of the environment checker 20, i.e., the average environmental temperature. Note that the parameters of the usage environment are not limited to those described here, and other parameters may be used.

[0032] In this embodiment, the degradation information may be, for example, a status indicating whether or not the device is broken. Alternatively, the degradation information may be information indicating how much the illuminance or brightness of the projector has decreased compared to its initial state (e.g., an unused state). The degradation information may be information indicating the device state itself, or information indicating a change in the device state.

[0033] 3 is a diagram showing an example of reference data stored in the storage unit 12. The reference data is created in advance before the narrowing down process is executed and stored, for example, in the storage unit 12 or a device external to the information processing device 10. The reference data is created for each specific usage time of the projector. For example, reference data is created for a usage time of 10,000 hours, a usage time of 15,000 hours, and a usage time of 20,000 hours. Here, FIG. 3 shows the reference data for a usage time of 10,000 hours.

[0034] The reference data shown in FIG. 3 is created as a matrix represented by rows and columns. In the reference data of FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the environmental temperature, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate. The flow rate is expressed as a percentage of the flow rate after a specific period of use (in this example, a state corresponding to when the projector has been used for 10,000 hours) when the flow rate in the initial state (for example, the state when the environment checker 20 is installed in a specific environment) is set to 100%. In the example shown in FIG. 3, each square constituting the matrix is ​​divided into specific ranges of environmental temperature and flow rate. For example, the environmental temperature is divided into 5°C ranges, and the flow rate is divided into 10% ranges. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the environmental temperature is divided into 9 sections from 0°C to 45°C, and the flow rate is divided into 10 sections from 0% to 100%, resulting in a total of 90 squares.

[0035] In this embodiment, each square in the matrix is ​​represented by assigning letters A to I starting from the left of the rows and numbers 1 to 10 starting from the top of the columns. Therefore, for example, the leftmost square in the top row is represented as A1, the second leftmost square in the top row is represented as A2, and the leftmost square in the second row from the top is represented as B1. The same applies to the other squares.

[0036] Each cell in the matrix is ​​associated with a specific environment (i.e., usage time, flow rate, and environmental temperature). For example, the reference data shown in FIG. 3 is reference data for a usage time of 10,000 hours, and is therefore associated with the usage time of 10,000 hours. In the reference data shown in FIG. 3, cell A1 is associated with an environment where the flow rate is 90-100% and the environmental temperature is 0-5°C. Similarly, for example, cell C5 is associated with an environment where the flow rate is 50-60% and the environmental temperature is 10-15°C, cell F7 is associated with an environment where the flow rate is 30-40% and the environmental temperature is 25-30°C, and cell H9 is associated with an environment where the flow rate is 10-20% and the environmental temperature is 35-40°C. The cells shown here are all examples, and the other cells are also associated with the flow rate and environmental temperature corresponding to each cell.

[0037] Furthermore, each square of the matrix is ​​associated with a projector model. The model associated with a square is determined based on deterioration information. Here, the deterioration information may include a failure life, which is the usage time until the projector model breaks down. The failure life indicates, for example, the usage time until a specific model (in this example, X group, Y group, Z group, or W group) breaks down in a specific environment. When the model associated with a square is determined based on the failure life, each square is associated with, for example, a model in a state where the device is not broken in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with the square. Each square may be associated with the lowest model of the models in a state where the device is not broken in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with the square. In this embodiment, it is described that each square is associated with only the lowest model of the models in a state where the device is not broken in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with the square.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the models associated with each square in the matrix are indicated by areas separated by thick lines. That is, in FIG. 3 , the squares in area a are associated with model group X, the squares in area b are associated with model group Y, the squares in area c are associated with model group Z, and the squares in area d are associated with model group W. The models associated with each square are models that are in a state where the equipment is not malfunctioning in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with that square, and therefore can generally be said to be models that can withstand use in the environment associated with that square. In particular, if the model associated with each square is the lowest-end model among models that are in a state where the equipment is not malfunctioning in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with that square, it can be said to be the least expensive model that can withstand use in the environment associated with that square.

[0039] In this way, by associating a model based on deterioration information with each square of the matrix associated with environmental information, multiple models of equipment, usage environments, and deterioration information can be stored in association with each other.

[0040] For example, the cell A1 is associated with the model group X. That is, the cell A1 is associated with a model called the X group, an operating environment including 10,000 hours of use, an ambient temperature of 0 to 5°C, and a flow rate of 90 to 100%, and degradation information indicating that the failure life of the X group is 10,000 hours or more in the operating environment. Therefore, in the environment associated with the cell A1, which includes 10,000 hours of use, an ambient temperature of 0 to 5°C, and a flow rate of 90 to 100%, the X group can be used without failure. Note that in the environment associated with the cell A1, the Y group, Z group, and W group models, which are higher-ranking than the X group models, can also be used. However, because the Y group, Z group, and W group models are generally more expensive than the X group models, the X group model is considered to be the most suitable for users.

[0041] On the other hand, for example, the C5 cell is associated with model group Y. That is, the C5 cell is associated with a model group Y, an operating environment including 10,000 hours of use, an ambient temperature of 10-15°C, and a flow rate of 50-60%, and degradation information indicating that the failure life of the Y group is 10,000 hours or more in the operating environment. Therefore, in the environment associated with the C5 cell, which includes 10,000 hours of use, an ambient temperature of 10-15°C, and a flow rate of 50-60%, the Y group can be used without failure. In the environment associated with the C5 cell, for example, the X group model is not suitable for use because its failure life exceeds the X group model. Furthermore, in the environment associated with the C5 cell, the Z group and the W group models, which are higher-ranking than the Y group model, can also be used, but the Z group and the W group models are generally more expensive than the Y group model. Therefore, the Y group model is considered to be the most suitable for the user in the environment associated with the C5 cell. The same approach is used to determine the appropriate model for the other squares.

[0042] In the above example, a breakdown lifespan is used as the degradation information. However, the degradation information is not limited to a breakdown lifespan, and other examples may be used. For example, the degradation information may include a guaranteed lifespan, which is the usage time until the brightness of the display of a projector, which is a device, decreases to a predetermined level. The guaranteed lifespan indicates, for example, the usage time until the display brightness of a specific model (in this example, X group, Y group, Z group, or W group) decreases to a predetermined level in a predetermined environment. The brightness level of the projector's display may be determined, for example, by a predetermined percentage (e.g., several tens of percent) of the projector's illuminance or brightness relative to its initial state. When the model associated with each square is determined based on the guaranteed lifespan, each square is associated with, for example, a model whose display brightness is at or above a predetermined level in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with that square. When the guaranteed lifespan is used as the degradation information, the above example can be similarly applied by appropriately replacing the part indicating device failure with the part indicating device brightness decreasing to a predetermined level.

[0043] In the above example, each square of the matrix is ​​associated with only the lowest-end model among models in a state where the equipment is not malfunctioning in the environment associated with that square. However, each square of the matrix does not have to be associated with only models in the lowest-end model group. For example, each square of the matrix may be associated with all models in a state where the equipment is not malfunctioning in the environment associated with that square. In this case, the models associated with each square include all models that can withstand use in the environment associated with that square. Alternatively, each square of the matrix may be associated with a portion of models in a state where the equipment is not malfunctioning in the environment associated with that square that meet certain conditions. In this case, an appropriate model that can withstand use in the environment associated with that square is associated with each square depending on the conditions.

[0044] The reference data shown in FIG. 3 has been described as being reference data for a usage time of 10,000 hours. In addition to the reference data for a usage time of 10,000 hours shown in FIG. 3 , the storage unit 12 can store reference data for different usage times. For example, the storage unit 12 can store reference data for usage times of 15,000 hours and 20,000 hours. Note that the areas indicating the model associated with each square in the matrix may be different for each of the reference data for usage times of 10,000 hours, 15,000 hours, and 20,000 hours. That is, in FIG. 3 , the thick lines indicating the areas indicating the model associated with each square in the matrix may be different for each of the reference data for usage times of 10,000 hours, 15,000 hours, and 20,000 hours.

[0045] 3 for ease of understanding, the reference data does not necessarily have to be stored in a matrix format in the storage unit 12. The format of the reference data is not important as long as the storage unit 12 stores, in association with each other, a plurality of device models, a plurality of device usage environments, and degradation information indicating the state of the device according to the usage time of the device.

[0046] Furthermore, the flow rate does not necessarily have to indicate the rate of flow rate after a specific usage time, such as 10,000 hours, as shown in the example above. For example, the flow rate may be measured using the environment checker 20 for a fixed period of time, such as 24 hours, to provide a flow rate that allows each square constituting the matrix to be distinguished or identified.

[0047] [Generation of Reference Data] The reference data described above is generated by an appropriate method. For example, the reference data may be generated using the information processing device 10, or may be generated using another device such as a computer. For example, the reference data may be generated based on test data obtained by conducting a test. Alternatively, the reference data may be generated by collecting performance data obtained when the projector is actually used.

[0048] For example, the environment checker 20 is installed in a certain environment, and environmental information for that environment is obtained using the environment checker 20. For example, the environment checker 20 measures the environmental temperature in that environment using the thermistor 27. The environment checker 20 also measures the flow rate using the flow meter 25 in conditions equivalent to when the projector is operated in that environment for 10,000 hours, 15,000 hours, and 20,000 hours. Generally, the greater the decrease in flow rate in an environment, the more likely the filter 22 is clogged with dust, and so the decrease in flow rate is proportional to the amount of dust.

[0049] Furthermore, degradation information is obtained when each model of projector is operated in the environment for 10,000 hours, 15,000 hours, and 20,000 hours. The degradation information is obtained, for example, by inspection by an engineer or by measurement using a specific device. The degradation information can be obtained, for example, as a case where a failure occurs due to clogging of the projector's intake and exhaust ports caused by dust or accumulation of dust on the power supply or circuit board (failure life), or as a case where the projector is still operating but the illuminance or brightness has deteriorated significantly, reaching the end of its life as a display device (guaranteed life).

[0050] Based on the environmental information and degradation information thus acquired, the relationship between the environmental information and degradation information can be acquired, thereby generating reference data for each model that associates the usage environment with the degradation information.

[0051] When generating reference data, it is preferable to collect a large amount of test data or performance data for the same environmental information. For example, even in the same environment, there may be cases where a projector breaks down and cases where it does not. Therefore, by collecting a large amount of data, it is possible to more accurately determine the degradation information for each environment. Furthermore, when collecting multiple pieces of data, it is also possible to generate, as degradation information for each environment, not only whether or not a projector breaks down, but also the probability of failure.

[0052] It should be noted that when generating the reference data, it is not necessary to acquire environmental information and degradation information for all environments for all models. For example, for some environments, degradation information may be determined based on estimation.

[0053] As an example, suppose a projector malfunctions after being operated for a predetermined period of time in a certain environment. In this case, the flow rate F1 at which the projector is operated for the predetermined period of time at the environmental temperature T1 of the environment is acquired as environmental information, and the operating time until malfunction is acquired as the malfunction life. Based on this, deterioration information indicating that the device will malfunction if the predetermined period of time is used at the environmental temperature T1 and the flow rate F1 is generated. That is, deterioration information indicating a malfunction is associated with these usage environments. In this case, deterioration information indicating a malfunction may be associated with an environment where the flow rate F2 at the time of operation for the predetermined period of time is lower than the flow rate F1 at the same environmental temperature T1. That is, if deterioration information indicating a malfunction is associated with an environment with the flow rate F1, it is expected that the same model of projector will malfunction in an environment with a flow rate F2 that has more dust. Therefore, without collecting test data or actual data in the environment with the flow rate F2, deterioration information indicating a malfunction can also be associated with the environment with the same environmental temperature T1 and the same predetermined period of time at the same flow rate F2. In an environment where the flow rate F3 after the predetermined operation time at the environmental temperature T1 is higher than the flow rate F1, the deterioration information "failure" is not necessarily associated because the deterioration does not necessarily occur. For an environment where the flow rate is F3, the deterioration information can be associated based on separate test data or performance data, and "unconfirmed" is associated as the deterioration information until the deterioration information is associated due to, for example, the inability to obtain test data or performance data.

[0054] As another example, suppose that a projector of model Y group breaks down in an environment where the flow rate after the projector has been operated for the predetermined time at environmental temperature T1 is flow rate F1. In this case, deterioration information indicating a breakdown can be associated with the environmental information for model Y group, and also deterioration information indicating a breakdown can be associated with model X group, which is a lower-level model than model Y group. This is because the dustproof performance of model X group, which is a lower-level model, is lower than the dustproof performance of model Y group, which is a higher-level model, and therefore it is thought that projectors of model X group will also break down in the same environment.

[0055] It is preferable that the reference data be complete before being used in the narrowing-down process in this embodiment. However, the narrowing-down process can be performed even if the reference data is incomplete before being used in the narrowing-down process, for example, if some information is missing. Even after the narrowing-down process is performed, test data and / or performance data are accumulated, and degradation information for each model in each environment is obtained, thereby filling in missing information in the reference data and improving the accuracy of the narrowing-down process.

[0056] [Narrowing Down Process] Next, details of the narrowing down process executed by the control unit 11 will be described. In the narrowing down process, the control unit 11 accepts input of planned environment information regarding the environment in which a device (a projector in this embodiment) is planned to be used and planned usage time regarding the planned usage time for which the device is planned to be used, and narrows down, based on the degradation information and the planned usage time, one or more models associated with the usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information from among the multiple usage environments stored in the storage unit 12. Here, the description will be given assuming that the model associated with each square of the reference data is determined based on the failure life.

[0057] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a narrowing-down process executed by the control unit 11 of FIG. 1 . The control unit 11 first accepts input of planned environment information (step S11). For example, a user who wishes to use a projector installs the environment checker 20 in the environment (location) where the projector is planned to be used. The environment checker 20 acquires environmental information of the installed environment (i.e., planned environment information). The environment checker 20 acquires, for example, flow rate and environmental temperature as the planned environment information. The environment checker 20 transmits the acquired planned environment information to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 acquires the planned environment information from the environment checker 20 placed in the planned environment. In this way, the control unit 11 accepts input of the planned environment information. The control unit 11 may store the received planned environment information in the storage unit 12.

[0058] The control unit 11 also accepts input of a planned usage time (step S12). For example, a user who wishes to use the projector inputs the planned usage time using the input unit 15 of the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the user inputs the planned usage time into another device, such as a smartphone or a computer, and transmits the input planned usage time to the information processing device 10, thereby inputting the planned usage time into the information processing device 10. The planned usage time is the planned usage time for which the projector is to be used, such as the time for which the projector can be used without malfunctioning. Alternatively, the planned usage time is the time for which the projector can be used without the brightness of the display by the projector decreasing to a predetermined level. In this embodiment, the planned usage time is the time for which the projector can be used without malfunctioning. As an example, it is assumed here that the user inputs 10,000 hours as the planned usage time. When the user inputs the planned usage time, the control unit 11 accepts the input.

[0059] The control unit 11 does not necessarily have to accept the input of the planned environment information and the planned use time in the order shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4. The control unit 11 may accept the input of either the planned environment information or the planned use time first, or may accept these inputs simultaneously.

[0060] When the control unit 11 receives the input of the planned environment information and the planned use time, it refers to the reference data stored in the storage unit 12 and identifies, in the reference data, a use environment that corresponds to the planned environment information input in step S11 (step S13). At this time, the control unit 11 can use the information on the planned use time input in step S12 as part of the planned environment information. In step S13, the control unit 11 can identify a use environment that corresponds to the environment indicated by the planned environment information.

[0061] For example, the control unit 11 refers to the reference data stored in the storage unit 12 for which the usage time matches the input planned usage time. In this example, the planned usage time is 10,000 hours, so the control unit 11 refers to the reference data for which the usage time is 10,000 hours from the reference data stored in the storage unit 12. An example of the reference data for which the usage time is 10,000 hours is as shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] If the control unit 11 does not store any reference data in the memory unit 12 whose usage time matches the input planned usage time, the control unit 11 references the reference data whose usage time is longer than the input planned usage time and is the shortest. For example, as in the above example, the memory unit 12 stores reference data for usage times of 10,000 hours, 15,000 hours, and 20,000 hours. Also, assume that the input planned usage time is 8,000 hours. In this case, the control unit 11 references the reference data for the usage time of 10,000 hours, which is longer than the input planned usage time of 8,000 hours and is the shortest. If the input planned usage time is 11,000 hours, the control unit 11 references the reference data for the usage time of 15,000 hours, which is longer than the input planned usage time of 11,000 hours and is the shortest. In this way, the control unit 11 can refer to the applicable reference data stored and execute subsequent processing.

[0063] When the control unit 11 determines the reference data to be referenced, it identifies a square in the matrix of the reference data that corresponds to the input planned environmental information. For example, suppose the input planned environmental information is a flow rate of 67% and a temperature of 24°C. This planned environmental information corresponds to square E4 in the reference data shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, in step S13, the control unit 11 identifies square E4 in the matrix of the reference data as the usage environment corresponding to the planned environmental information. For example, suppose the input planned environmental information is a flow rate of 26% and a temperature of 28°C. This planned environmental information corresponds to square F8 in the reference data shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, in step S13, the control unit 11 identifies square F8 in the matrix of the reference data as the usage environment corresponding to the planned environmental information.

[0064] Next, the control unit 11 identifies the model associated with the usage environment identified in step S13 (step S14). In this embodiment, the control unit 11 can identify the model associated with the identified usage environment by identifying the model associated with the square identified in step S13.

[0065] For example, as exemplified in the description of step S13, it is assumed that the control unit 11 identifies cell E4. In the reference data shown in FIG. 3, cell E4 belongs to area b. In this embodiment, the cells in area b are associated with model group Y, so the control unit 11 identifies model group Y in step S14. That is, the control unit 11 can narrow down the model group Y. Alternatively, it is assumed that the control unit 11 identifies cell F8 as exemplified in the description of step S13. In this case, cell F8 belongs to area c in the reference data shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the cells in area c are associated with model group Z, so the control unit 11 identifies model group Z in step S14. That is, the control unit 11 can narrow down the model group Z.

[0066] In this way, in steps S13 and S14, the control unit 11 can narrow down one or more models associated with a usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information among multiple usage environments based on the deterioration information and the planned usage time, based on the planned usage time and the planned environmental information. In particular, in the example described here, the model associated with each cell of the reference data is determined based on the lifespan, so the control unit 11 can narrow down models with a lifespan longer than the planned usage time. That is, in the above example, each cell of the matrix is ​​associated with a model that is in a state where the device is not broken in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with that cell. Therefore, the model identified by the control unit 11 in steps S13 and S14 is a model that will not break down even if used for the planned usage time in the environment indicated by the planned environmental information. Therefore, in the above example, the model identified (narrowed down) by the control unit 11 is a model with a lifespan longer than the planned usage time.

[0067] The control unit 11 presents the model identified in step S14 (step S15). The control unit 11 can present the identified model, for example, by displaying it on the display unit 14, or by transmitting information about the identified model to an external device via the communication unit 13 and displaying it on the display screen of the external device. The presented model is a model that can be used without malfunction for the planned usage time in the planned usage environment. Therefore, by presenting the model, the information processing device 10 can present the user with a model that is suitable for use in the planned usage environment. In this way, the information processing device 10 can assist the user in selecting a model that is more suitable for the device's usage environment. By checking the presented model, the user can know the model that is suitable for use in the planned usage environment, which can be used as a reference, for example, when selecting a model.

[0068] In particular, if each cell is associated with the lowest-end model among models that are in a state where the device is not malfunctioning in the environment indicated by the environmental information associated with that cell, the presented model is the lowest-end model that can be used without malfunctioning for the planned usage time in the planned usage environment. Therefore, in this case, the user can know, for example, the cheapest model among models that are suitable for use in the planned usage environment.

[0069] In the above example, the flowchart of Fig. 4 was described for a case where the model associated with each cell of the reference data is determined based on the lifespan to failure. However, the flowchart of Fig. 4 can also be applied to cases other than when the model associated with each cell of the reference data is determined based on the lifespan to failure. For example, the flowchart of Fig. 4 can also be applied to a case where the model associated with each cell of the reference data is determined based on the guaranteed lifespan.

[0070] If the model associated with each cell of the reference data is determined based on a guaranteed lifespan, the user inputs the expected usage time as the time during which the projector can be used without the brightness of the display decreasing to a predetermined level, and the control unit 11 accepts the input of the expected usage time (step S12). The control unit 11 executes the processes of steps S13 and S14 using the input expected usage time, thereby narrowing down the models whose guaranteed lifespan is longer than the expected usage time.

[0071] 4, the control unit 11 may execute different processing depending on whether degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is stored in the storage unit 12. In this example, a case where degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is stored in the storage unit 12 means a case where one or more models are associated with the square identified by the control unit 11 in step S13.

[0072] More specifically, in this example, the usage environment identical to the environment indicated by the planned environment information is a square in the reference data matrix identified by the control unit 11 based on the planned usage time and the planned environment information. In other words, in this embodiment, since each usage environment is associated with a square in the reference data matrix, the usage environment identical to the environment indicated by the planned environment information refers to a square in the matrix associated with the environment indicated by the planned environment information. In this embodiment, the degradation information is indicated by the model (specifically, the model associated with the square) that can be used in the environment associated with each square. Therefore, if one or more models are associated with the square identified in step S13, the control unit 11 determines that degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0073] When deterioration information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 11 narrows down the list of one or more models based on the deterioration information associated with the same usage environment and the planned usage time. In other words, when one or more models are associated with the cell identified in step S13, the control unit 11 narrows down the list of one or more models by identifying one or more models associated with the cell, as described with reference to step S14 of the flowchart in FIG. 4.

[0074] On the other hand, if no model is associated with the cell identified in step S13, the control unit 11 determines that degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the expected environment information is not stored in the storage unit 12. This case may occur, for example, when no model is associated with at least some of the cells in the reference data matrix due to a lack of test data or performance data.

[0075] If the deterioration information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is not stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 11 narrows down the search to one or more models based on the deterioration information and planned usage time associated with a usage environment similar to the planned environment information among the multiple usage environments. In other words, if one or more models are not associated with the square identified in step S13, the control unit 11 narrows down the search to one or more models based on the deterioration information and planned usage time associated with a usage environment similar to but not identical to the environment indicated by the planned environment information.

[0076] A usage environment similar to the planned environment information can be a usage environment in which at least a portion of one or more types of information (in this embodiment, flow rate and environmental temperature) included in the planned environment information matches the planned environment information, but the rest does not match the planned environment information. In this case, the difference between the planned environment information and the information that does not match the planned environment information can be limited to a predetermined range.

[0077] For example, in the example of the reference data shown in Fig. 3, suppose that the cell corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information is cell E4, and that no model is associated with cell E4. In this case, in step S13 of Fig. 4, the control unit 11 identifies a usage environment similar to the environment associated with cell E4 as the usage environment corresponding to the planned environment information.

[0078] Here, the usage environment associated with cell E4 has a flow rate of 60-70% and an environmental temperature of 20-25°C. The control unit 11 identifies, as a usage environment similar to the planned environment information, a usage environment in which one of the flow rate and the environmental temperature matches the planned usage environment, but the other does not match the planned usage environment, as a "usage environment corresponding to the planned environment information." Here, the control unit 11 identifies, as a "usage environment corresponding to the planned environment information," a usage environment in which the flow rate matches but the environmental temperature does not match the planned usage environment. In this case, for an environmental temperature that does not match the planned environment information, the difference from the planned environment information can be limited to a predetermined range; for example, the difference from the planned environment information can be limited to a range of 5°C. In this case, the environmental temperature associated with cell E4, which corresponds to the environment indicated by the planned environment information, is 20-25°C, so the environmental temperature of the similar usage environment includes the ranges of 15-20°C and 25-30°C. In the reference data shown in FIG. 3, the cell where the flow rate is 60-70% and the environmental temperature is 15-20°C is cell D4, and the cell where the flow rate is 60-70% and the environmental temperature is 25-30°C is cell F4. Therefore, the control unit 11 identifies cells D4 and F4 as usage environments similar to the planned environmental information. That is, the control unit 11 identifies cells D4 and F4 in step S13 of FIG. 4. Note that the control unit 11 may also identify a usage environment where the flow rate does not match but the environmental temperature matches as a "usage environment equivalent to the planned environmental information" as a usage environment similar to the planned environmental information. Note that the method of identifying a similar usage environment described here is merely an example, and other identification methods may be used.

[0079] In step S14, the control unit 11 identifies a model associated with a usage environment similar to the planned environment information. In the example described above, the control unit 11 identifies cells D4 and F4 as usage environments similar to the planned environment information, and therefore identifies a model associated with at least one of cells D4 or F4.

[0080] 3, the control unit 11 may identify a cell adjacent to a cell corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information as a usage environment similar to the planned environment information. For example, in the case of the reference data shown in FIG. 3, if the cell corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information is cell E4, some or all of the adjacent cells D4, F4, E3, and E5 may be identified as usage environments similar to the planned environment information.

[0081] If no model is associated with the square identified in step S13, the control unit 11 may execute processing by another method. For example, if degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information among multiple usage environments is not stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 11 may estimate degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information based on degradation information associated with usage environments similar to the planned environment information, and narrow down one or more models based on the estimated degradation information and the planned usage time.

[0082] For example, in the example of reference data shown in Figure 3, suppose that the cell corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information is cell E4, and that cell E4 is not associated with a model. In this case, the control unit 11 identifies cells D4 and F4 as usage environments similar to the planned environment information, for example, using a method similar to the method described above. Based on the degradation information associated with the identified cells D4 and F4, the control unit 11 estimates the degradation information associated with cell E4, which is the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information.

[0083] In the reference data shown in FIG. 3 , model group X is associated with cell D4, and model group Y is associated with cell F4. The control unit 11 may estimate one of the models associated with cells D4 and F4 as the model associated with cell E4. For example, the control unit 11 may determine that model group Y, which is a higher-end model, is the model associated with cell E4. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may assign a specific weight to the models associated with cells D4 and F4 to determine the model associated with cell E4. Note that if the models associated with cells D4 and F4 are the same, the control unit 11 estimates the same model as the model associated with cell E4. The control unit 11 may identify the estimated model as the "model associated with the identified usage environment" in step S14 of FIG. 4 .

[0084] Through the above-described processing, the control unit 11 can narrow down the list to one or more models even if, among multiple usage environments, degradation information associated with the same usage environment as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is not stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can present appropriate models with a certain degree of accuracy, and can therefore support the selection of a more appropriate model depending on the usage environment of the device.

[0085] [Other Examples of Reference Data] In the above embodiment, the reference data is described as being created for each usage time. However, the reference data does not have to be created for each usage time. For example, instead of creating reference data for discontinuous usage times of 10,000 hours, 15,000 hours, and 20,000 hours as in the above example, continuous reference data may be created in the range from 10,000 hours to 20,000 hours.

[0086] Alternatively, reference data may be generated based on the presence or absence of specific substances in the environment that affect the failure or lifespan of the device. The specific substances may be, for example, iron powder, PM2.5, or other suitable substances. These specific substances may be present in the actual environment in which the device is used. The presence of specific substances in the environment or the amount of specific substances in the environment exceeding a certain level may accelerate the deterioration or failure of the device. For example, in an environment where a large amount of iron powder is present, the adhesion of iron powder to the power supply or circuit board of a display device may cause the device to fail. Note that the presence of a large amount of iron powder means the presence of an amount exceeding the device's failure threshold. Furthermore, in an environment where a large amount of PM2.5 is present, PM2.5 may penetrate into devices equipped with filters or dustproof structures designed for a normal dusty environment (where PM2.5 is not present in large amounts) and adhere to optical components, resulting in accelerated degradation of illuminance and a shortened lifespan. Therefore, in an environment containing specific substances, it is not appropriate to perform a narrowing-down process under the same conditions as in a normal environment (where a specific substance is not present).

[0087] Therefore, reference data for an environment containing a specific substance may be generated in advance as reference data, and if the planned usage environment is an environment containing a specific substance, the narrowing-down process described in the above embodiment may be performed using the reference data generated for the environment containing the specific substance. This enables the information processing device 10 to support the selection of a more suitable model even in an environment containing a specific substance.

[0088] The presence or absence of a specific substance can be detected, for example, by mounting a sensor in the environment checker 20 that can measure the amount of the specific substance contained in the environment and using the sensor.

[0089] The information processing device 10 and the information processing method disclosed in this specification can be applied to devices and methods that narrow down the model range in general.

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing device 11 Control unit 12 Memory unit 13 Communication unit 14 Display unit 15 Input unit 20 Environment checker 21 Device body 21a One end 21b Other end 22 Filter 23 Fan 24 Straightening plate 25 Flow meter 26 Vibration meter 27 Thermistor 28 Control board

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a memory unit that associates and stores multiple models of equipment, multiple usage environments for the equipment, and deterioration information indicating the condition of the equipment according to the usage time of the equipment; and a control unit that accepts input of planned environment information regarding the environment in which the equipment is planned to be used and planned usage time regarding the usage time in which the equipment is planned to be used, and narrows down one or more models associated with the usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information from among the multiple usage environments based on the deterioration information and the planned usage time.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the degradation information includes a failure life, which is the usage time until the model breaks down, and the control unit narrows down models whose failure life is longer than the planned usage time.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a display device that displays information, the degradation information is a guaranteed lifespan, which is the usage time at which the brightness of the display by the device will decrease to a predetermined level, and the control unit narrows down models whose guaranteed lifespan is longer than the expected usage time.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein said information processing device acquires said planned environment information from an environment checker that is placed in said planned environment and is capable of measuring environmental information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein said environment checker is capable of measuring the ambient temperature and the flow rate of gas passing through the inside as said environmental information.

6. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the degradation information associated with a usage environment among the multiple usage environments that is the same as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is stored in the memory unit, narrows down the one or more model types based on the degradation information associated with the same usage environment and the planned usage time, and when the degradation information associated with a usage environment among the multiple usage environments that is the same as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is not stored in the memory unit, narrows down the one or more model types based on the degradation information associated with a usage environment among the multiple usage environments that is similar to the planned environment information and the planned usage time.

7. The information processing device described in claim 6, wherein, if the deterioration information associated with a usage environment among the multiple usage environments that is the same as the environment indicated by the planned environment information is not stored in the memory unit, the control unit estimates the deterioration information associated with the same usage environment based on the deterioration information associated with the similar usage environment, and narrows down the one or more models based on the estimated deterioration information and the planned usage time.

8. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that associates and stores multiple models of equipment, multiple usage environments for the equipment, and deterioration information indicating the state of the equipment according to the usage time, the information processing method comprising: accepting input of planned environment information regarding the environment in which the equipment is planned to be used and planned usage time regarding the usage time in which the equipment is planned to be used; and narrowing down one or more models associated with the usage environment corresponding to the environment indicated by the planned environment information from among the multiple usage environments based on the deterioration information and the planned usage time.

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