U.S. patent application number 11/272644 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for methods and systems for improving operation of a video projector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Optoma Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Yau Wing Chung.
Application Number | 20070024823 11/272644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37693918 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070024823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chung; Yau Wing |
February 1, 2007 |
Methods and systems for improving operation of a video
projector
Abstract
A method of operating a video device includes determining an
operating temperature, determining if the operating temperature is
above normal operating temperature for the video projector, and
setting the video projector in economy mode if the operating
temperature is above the normal operating temperature.
Inventors: |
Chung; Yau Wing; (Fremont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MIN, HSIEH & HACK LLP
8270 GREENSBORO DRIVE
SUITE 630
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Optoma Technology, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37693918 |
Appl. No.: |
11/272644 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60703433 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
353/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 21/16 20130101;
G03B 21/2053 20130101; H04N 9/3144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
353/085 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/20 20060101
G03B021/20 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a video device, comprising: determining
an operating temperature; determining if the operating temperature
is above normal operating temperature for the video projector; and
setting the video projector in economy mode if the operating
temperature is above the normal operating temperature.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein setting the video projector in
economy mode comprises: reducing power supplied to a light source
of the video projector.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the power supplied to the light
is reduced by approximately 20%.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the normal operating temperature
is between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 35
degrees Celsius.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: continually measuring
the operating temperature; and maintaining the video projector in
economy mode until the operating temperature is within normal
operating temperature.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: determining if the
operating temperature is above a critical temperature; powering
down the video projector if the operating temperature is above the
critical temperature.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the critical temperature is
approximately 45 degrees Celsius.
8. The method of claim 5, further comprising: displaying a notice
image before powering down the video projector.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: displaying the notice
image in response to a command to power up after powering down.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an air
pressure within the video projector; and modifying the normal
operating temperature based on the air pressure.
11. A video device comprising: a video projector; a controller
coupled to the video projector; a light source coupled to the
controller for illuminating the video projector to produce video; a
temperature sensor coupled to the controller; logic coupled to the
controller, the temperature sensor, and the light source for
determining an operating temperature; logic coupled to the
controller, the temperature sensor, and the light source for
determining if the operating temperature is above normal operating
temperature for the video projector; and logic coupled to the
controller, the temperature sensor, and the light source for
setting the video projector in economy mode if the operating
temperature is above the normal operating temperature.
12. The video device of claim 11, further comprising: logic coupled
to the controller, the temperature sensor, and the light source for
reducing power supplied to the light source of the video
projector.
13. The video device of claim 11, further comprising: an air
pressure sensor coupled to the controller.
14. The video device of claim 13, further comprising: logic coupled
to the controller, the air pressure sensor, and the light source
for determining an air pressure within the video projector; and
logic coupled to the controller, the air pressure sensor, and the
light source for modifying the normal operating temperature based
on the air pressure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/703,433 filed on Jul. 29, 2005, the
disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference
herein.
FIELD
[0002] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to video
display methods and systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditional video projection devices operate within a
defined temperature range. Traditional devices use a thermal switch
to determine the temperature of the device. Once the device moves
outside of this range, the thermal switch cuts power to the device
in order to prevent the device from overheating. However, a user is
not given warning that the device is about to power down. Also, the
thermal switch doesn't give the video device flexibility in
reducing power instead of powering down. Additionally, the thermal
switch does not take into account other environmental conditions
such as air pressure.
SUMMARY
[0004] Aspects of the present invention concern a method for
operating a video projector. The method includes determining an
operating temperature, determining if the operating temperature is
above normal operating temperature for the video projector, and
setting the video projector in economy mode if the operating
temperature is above the normal operating temperature.
[0005] Additionally, aspects of the present invention concern a
video device. The video device includes a video projector, a
controller coupled to the video projector, a light source coupled
to the controller for illuminating the video projector to produce
video, a temperature sensor coupled to the controller, logic
coupled to the controller, the temperature sensor, and the light
source for determining an operating temperature, logic coupled to
the controller, the temperature sensor, and the light source for
determining if the operating temperature is above normal operating
temperature for the video projector, and logic coupled to the
controller, the temperature sensor, and the light source for
setting the video projector in economy mode if the operating
temperature is above the normal operating temperature.
[0006] Additional aspects of the present invention will be set
forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The aspects of the present invention will be realized
and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
[0007] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following detailed description are
exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the
present invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects
of the present invention and together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for displaying a
video consistent with aspects of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear view diagram illustrating a system for
displaying a video consistent with aspects of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3a is a diagram illustrating a DLP video projector
consistent with aspects of the present invention;
[0012] FIGS. 3b-f are various views illustrating an integrated
video projector and video source consistent with aspects of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3g is a diagram illustrating a DLP video projector
consistent with aspects of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 4a and 4b are diagrams illustrating a display screen
consistent with aspects of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a
video projector consistent with aspects of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and
methods which improve the operation of a video projection device. A
video projection device includes a temperature sensor for measuring
the operating temperature of the device. If the temperature of the
device moves outside a normal operating range but not above a
critical temperature, the device is placed in economy mode instead
of being powered down. Thus, the device may continue to operate at
higher temperatures.
[0017] Further, if the device is operating in economy mode because
it is above normal temperature, the device display displays a
notice image to the user to remind the user that the device is
operating in economy mode. If the device moves above a critical
temperature, the device displays a notice image to warn a user the
device is powering down. Additionally, the device includes an air
pressure sensor to measure air pressure.
[0018] Additionally, the temperature at which the display device
returns to normal mode from economy mode may be set different from
the normal operating range. By setting the temperature at which the
display device returns to normal mode from economy mode different
from the normal operating range, the display device may be
prevented from oscillating between economy and normal modes if the
operating temperature is varying around the limits of the normal
operating range.
[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of
the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for displaying video
consistent with aspects of the present invention. System 100
includes a display screen 102 for viewing video projected from a
video projector 104. System 100 further includes a video source 106
which transmits a video signal to video projector 104. The video
projected onto display screen 102 may be moving video or still
images. Video projector 104 may be any type of video projector
capable of receiving a video signal and converting the video signal
to a viewable image to be displayed on display screen 102. For
example, video projector 104 may be a digital light processing
("DLP") video projector, a liquid crystal ("LCD") video projector,
or cathode-ray tube ("CRT") projector.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, video source 106 supplies video
projector 104 with a video signal to be displayed on video screen
102. Video source 106 may be any standard video equipment capable
of generating a video signal readable by video projector 104. For
example, video source 106 may be a Digital Versatile Disk ("DVD")
player, laser disk player, Compact Disk ("CD") player, Video CD
("VCD") player, VHS player/recorder, Digital Video Recorder
("DVR"), video camera, video still camera, cable receiver box, or
satellite receiver box. Video source 106 may also be a standard
laptop or desktop computer. One skilled in the art will realize
that the preceding list of standard video equipment is exemplary
and video source 106 may be any device capable of generating a
video signal readable by video projector 104. Furthermore, video
source 106 may be integrated with video projector 104.
Additionally, video projector 104 may be coupled to multiple video
sources 106.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a back view of video projector 104 illustrating
input/output ports 200 for sending and receiving signals consistent
with aspects of the present invention. Video source 106 may be
coupled to one of the input/output ports 200. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, input/output ports 200 include a S-video input 202, DVI-I
input 204, component video input 206, VGA input 208, audio input
210, coaxial video input 212, and coaxial audio input 214.
[0023] Input/output ports 200 may include additional input and
output ports. For example, input/output ports 200 may include ports
any number of a S-video input, S-video output, composite video
input, composite video output, component video input, component
video output, DVI-I video input, DVI-I video output, coaxial video
input, coaxial video output, audio input, audio output, infrared
input, infrared output, RS-232 input, RS-232 output, VGA input, or
VGA output. One skilled in the art will realize that the preceding
list of input and output ports is exemplary and that input/output
ports 200 may include any port capable of sending or receiving an
electrical signal. Input/output ports 200 are coupled to the
internal components of video projector 104.
[0024] FIG. 3a illustrates an exemplary DLP video projector 300
which may be used as video projector 104. DLP video projector 300
is an example of one type of projector which may be used with
system 100. One skilled in the art will understand that any type of
video projector may be used with system 100 such as a CRT projector
or an LCD projector.
[0025] DLP video projector 300 may include a controller 318 and a
bus 324. Controller 318 may include components to control and
monitor DLP video projector 300. For example, controller 318 may
include a processor, non-volatile memory, and mass storage. All the
components of DLP video projector 300 may be coupled to bus 324 to
allow all the components to communicate with controller 318 and one
another. DLP video projector 300 includes a fan 322 to cool DLP
video projector 300. Fan 322 may be coupled to bus 324. DLP video
projector 300 also includes a power supply (not shown) coupled to
all the components.
[0026] DLP video projector 300 contains a light source 302 for
generating light to produce a video image. Light source 302 may be,
for example, an ultra-high performance ("UHP") lamp capable of
producing from 50-500 watts of power. Light source 300 may be
coupled to bus 324 to communicate with other components. For
example, controller 318 or DLP circuit board 310 may control the
brightness of light source 302.
[0027] Light generated by light source 302 passes though optics
304, 308 and color filter 306. Optics 304 and 308 may be, for
example, a condenser and a shaper, respectively, for manipulating
the light generated by light source 302. Color filter 306 may be,
for example, a color wheel capable of spinning at various speeds to
produce various colors.
[0028] Video projector 300 also contains a DLP circuit board 310.
DLP circuit board 310 may include a digital micro-mirror device, a
processor, and memory. For example, DLP circuit board 310 may be a
DARKCHIP2 or DARKCHIP3 DLP chip manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS.
DLP circuit board 310 is coupled to bus 324 to receive the video
signal received from input/output ports 320 and to communicate with
controller 318. DLP circuit board 310 reflects light from light
source 302 using the digital micro-mirrors and generates video
based on the video signal to be displayed on video screen 202. DLP
circuit board 310 reflects light not used for the video onto light
absorber 312. Light reflected by DLP circuit board 310 used for the
video passes through lens housing 314 and lens 316. Lens 316
focuses the video to be displayed on display screen 102. Lens
housing 314 may include a manual lens moving mechanism or a motor
to automatically move lens 316. The manual lens moving mechanism or
motor allows the position of lens 316 and, as a result, shift the
position of the video displayed on display screen 102. The shifting
may be achieved by moving lens 316 in any combination of the x, y,
or z directions.
[0029] DLP video projector 300 also includes input/output ports
320. Input/output ports 320 may be a single port or multiple ports.
Input/output ports 320 enables DLP video projector to receive video
signals, receive signals from a remote control device, and output
signals to other sources. For example, input/output ports 320 may
include ports as illustrated in FIG. 2 or any number of a S-video
input, S-video output, composite video input, composite video
output, component video input, component video output, DVI-I video
input, DVI-I video output, coaxial video input, coaxial video
output, audio input, audio output, infrared input, infrared output,
RS-232 input, RS-232 output, VGA input, or VGA output. One skilled
in the art will realize that the preceding list of input and output
ports is exemplary and that input/output ports 320 may include any
port capable of sending or receiving an electrical signal.
Input/output ports 320 are coupled to bus 324. Signals input into
DLP video projector 300 may be transferred to the various
components of DLP video projector 300 via bus 324. Likewise,
signals output of DLP video projector 300 may be transferred to
input/output ports 320 via bus 324.
[0030] As stated above, video source 106 may be integrated with
video projector 104. FIGS. 3b-f are various views of a video
projection system 350 which includes a video source and video
projector integrated into a single housing 352 consistent with
aspects of the present invention. Video projection system 350 may
be utilized as system 104 in video system 100. FIG. 3b is a top
view of video projection system 350 consistent with aspects of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 3b, video projection system 350
includes video projector 354 and a video source 358 in a single
housing. For example, video projector 354 may be a DLP projector
and video source 358 may be a DVD player. Video projection system
350 includes a lens housing 356 located in a front portion of video
projector 354. Lens housing 356 may include various lens used in
projecting video onto a display screen. Further, video source 358
includes a tray 360 for housing media read by video source 358. For
example, if video source 358 is a DVD player, tray 360 may house
DVD discs.
[0031] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, video projection system
350 includes projector controls 362 for operating video projector
354. For example, projector controls 362 may be a power switch,
zoom controls, input/output select controls, and picture mode
controls. Video projection system 350 also includes video source
controls 364. For example, video source controls 364 may be tray
open/close controls, play/stop controls, and video search controls
for operating video source 358. Video projection system 350 may
also be controlled by a remote device (not shown). For example, a
remote device may include redundant projector controls 362 and
video source controls 364. Video projection system 350 also
includes speakers 366 for presenting sounds corresponding to video
generated by video projection system 350.
[0032] FIG. 3c is a front view of video projection system 350. As
shown in FIG. 3c, lens housing 356 is located in the front portion
of housing 352 of video projection system 350. Further, video
source 358 and tray 360 may be housed in the top portion of housing
352 of projection system 350. FIG. 3d is another front view of
video projection system 350. FIG. 3d illustrates video projection
system 350 when tray 360 is open for inserting media to be played
by video source 358.
[0033] FIG. 3e is a rear view of video projection system 350. As
illustrated in FIG. 3e, input/output ports 368 are located in a
rear portion of housing 352 of video projection system 350. For
example, input/output ports 368 may include an S-video input 370,
DVI-I input 372, component video input 374, VGA input 376,
composite video input 378, RS-232 port 380, audio input 382, audio
output 384, and optical audio output 386, and power input 388.
Input/output ports 368 may include additional input and output
ports (not shown). For example, input/output ports 368 may include
ports any number of a S-video input, S-video output, composite
video input, composite video output, component video input,
component video output, DVI-I video input, DVI-I video output,
coaxial video input, coaxial video output, audio input, audio
output, infrared input, infrared output, RS-232 input, RS-232
output, VGA input, or VGA output. One skilled in the art will
realize that the preceding list of input and output ports is
exemplary and that input/output ports 368 may include any port
capable of sending or receiving an electrical signal.
[0034] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3e, speakers 366 are located
in the sides of the rear portion of housing 352 of video projection
system 350. Of course, speakers 366 may also be located in other
portions of housing 352. In addition, video projection system 350
may be coupled to other speakers (not shown) that are external to
housing 352.
[0035] FIG. 3f is a block diagram illustrating internal components
of video projection system 350 consistent with aspects of the
present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3f, video projection
system 350 includes a DLP video projector 354 and a DVD player 358
integrated into a single housing 352. DLP video projector 354 is an
example of one type of projector which may be used with video
projection system 350. One skilled in the art would understand that
any type of video projector may be used with video projection
system 350 such as a CRT projector or an LCD projector. Further,
DVD player 358 is an example of one type of video source which may
be used with video projection system 350. One skilled in the art
will understand that any type of video source may be used with
video projection system 350.
[0036] DLP video projector 354 may include a controller 318 and a
bus 324. Controller 318 may include components to control and
monitor DLP video projector 354. For example, controller 318 may
include a processor, non-volatile memory, and mass storage. All the
components of DLP video projector 354 may be coupled to bus 324 to
allow all the components to communicate with controller 318 and one
another. DLP video projector 354 includes a fan 322 to cool DLP
video projector 354. Fan 322 may be coupled to bus 324. DLP video
projector 354 also includes a power supply (not shown) coupled to
all the components.
[0037] DLP video projector 354 contains a light source 302 for
generating light to produce a video image. Light source 302 may be,
for example, an UHP lamp capable of producing from 50-500 watts of
power. Light source 300 may be coupled to bus 324 to communicate
with other component. For example, controller 318 or DLP circuit
board 310 may control the brightness of light source 302.
[0038] Light generated by light source 302 passes though optics
304, 308 and color filter 306. Optics 304 and 308 may be, for
example, a condenser and a shaper, respectively, for manipulating
the light generated by light source 302. Color filter 306 may be,
for example, a color wheel capable of spinning at various speeds to
produce various colors.
[0039] DLP projector 354 also contains a DLP circuit board 310. DLP
circuit board 310 may include a digital micro-mirror device, a
processor, and memory. For example, DLP circuit board 310 may be a
DARKCHIP2 or DARKCHIP3 DLP chip manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS.
DLP circuit board 310 is coupled to bus 324 to receive the video
signal received from input/output ports 320 and to communicate with
controller 318. DLP circuit board 310 reflects light from light
source 302 using the digital micro-mirrors and generates video
based on the video signal to be displayed on display screen 102.
DLP circuit board 310 reflects light not used for the video onto
light absorber 312. Light reflected by DLP circuit board 310 used
for the video passes through lens housing 356 and lens 316. Lens
316 focuses the video to be displayed on display screen 102. Lens
housing 356 may include a manual lens moving mechanism or a motor
to automatically move lens 316. The manual lens moving mechanism or
motor allows the position of lens 316 and, as a result, shift the
position of the video displayed on display screen 102. The shifting
may be achieved by moving lens 316 in any combination of the x, y,
or z directions.
[0040] DLP video projector 354 also includes input/output ports
368. Input/output ports 368 may be a single port or multiple ports.
Input/output ports 368 enables DLP video projector 354 to receive
video signals, receive signals from a remote control device, and
output signals to other sources. For example, input/output ports
368 may include ports as illustrated in FIG. 3e or any number of a
S-video input, S-video output, composite video input, composite
video output, component video input, component video output, DVI-I
video input, DVI-I video output, coaxial video input, coaxial video
output, audio input, audio output, infrared input, infrared output,
RS-232 input, RS-232 output, VGA input, or VGA output. One skilled
in the art will realize that the preceding list of input and output
ports is exemplary and that input/output ports 368 may include any
port capable of sending or receiving an electrical signal.
Input/output ports 368 are coupled to bus 324 and to audio bus 336.
Signals input into DLP video projector 354 may be transferred to
the various components of DLP video projector 354 via bus 324.
Likewise, signals output of DLP video projector 354 may be
transferred to input/output ports 368 via bus 324.
[0041] DLP video projector 354 also includes DVD player 358. DVD
player 358 is composed DVD reader 326. DVD reader 326 may include a
spindle motor for turning a DVD disc, a pickup head, and a head
amplifier equipped with an equalizer. DVD reader 326 is coupled to
a decoder/error correction circuit 328, a content scrambling system
330 for copy protecting DVD contents, a program stream
demultiplexer ("PS demultiplexer") 332.
[0042] DVD player reads a DVD disc with DVD reader 326 by emitting
laser light from the pickup head in order to irradiate the DVD disc
with a predetermined wavelength. The reflected light is converted
to an electric signal which is then output to the head amplifier.
The head amplifier serves to perform signal amplification, waveform
shaping and digitization while decoder/error correction circuit 328
serves to perform 8-16 decoding and error correction. Next, content
scrambling system 330 performs mutual authentication of the DVD
disc and DVD player 358 in order to confirm the authorization.
[0043] When the authorization is successfully finished, PS
demultiplexer 332 separates the program stream ("PS") as read from
the DVD disc into sound and video data in the form of packetized
elementary streams ("PES"). Audio stream decoder 334 decodes the
PES sound stream with sound compression encoding technology in
order to output audio signals. For example, audio stream decoder
may utilize sound compression formats such as MC, AC3, and MPEG.
DLP circuit board 310 decodes and processes the video PES which
would include video, sub-picture, and navigation data. For example,
DLP circuit board 310 may utilize video compression formats such as
MPEG 2. The decoded sound stream is transferred to DLP circuit
board 310 and DLP circuit board 310 synchronizes sounds, which is
transferred to speakers 366 via sound bus 336 and video, which is
generated by DLP video projector 354.
[0044] One skilled in the art will realize that controller 318 may
be utilized in combination with DLP circuit board 310 for producing
video and sound from DVD player 358. Further, DLP circuit board 310
or controller 318 may perform audio decoding functions similar to
the functions as performed by audio stream decoder 334.
[0045] FIG. 3f is a block diagram illustrating internal components
of DLP video projector 390 consistent with aspects of the present
invention. DLP video projector 390 includes all the components of
DLP video projector 300. In addition, video projection system 390
includes a temperature sensor 392. Temperature sensor 392 may be
any type of sensor capable of measuring the temperature inside of
DLP video projector 390. For example, temperature sensor 392 may be
a thermocouple. DLP video projector 390 also includes an air
pressure sensor 394. Air pressure sensor 394 may be any type of
sensor capable of measuring the air pressure inside DLP video
projector 390. For example, air pressure sensor 394 may be a
piezoelectric crystal sensor. Both temperature sensor 392 and air
pressure sensor 394 may be coupled to bus 324. Temperature sensor
392 and air pressure sensor 394 may be controlled by controller 318
or DLP circuit board 310. One skilled in the art will realize that
DLP video projector 350 may include a temperature sensor 392 and
air pressure sensor 394.
[0046] FIG. 4a illustrates a detailed view of display screen 400
which may be used as display screen 102 consistent with aspects of
the present invention. Display screen 400 is merely an example of
one type of display screen which may be used with system 100. One
skilled in the art would understand that any type of display screen
capable of displaying an image may be used with system 100. Display
screen 400 includes a viewing screen 402 that retracts into a
housing 404. Viewing screen 400 may be constructed of materials
that efficiently reflect the video projected from video projector
104. For example, viewing screen 404 may be constructed of a white
or gray vinyl fabric, glass beaded fabric, VIDEO SPECTRA fabric,
High Contrast fabric, or High Power fabric. One skilled in the art
would realize that the above materials are exemplary and that
viewing screen 402 may be constructed of any material or
combination of materials that reflects light. Optionally, a weight
406 is attached to the bottom of viewing screen 402 to stabilize
viewing screen 402.
[0047] Display screen 400 also includes mounting brackets 408 which
enable display screen 400 to be attached to a wall or ceiling. FIG.
4 illustrates mounting brackets 408 as located on the sides of
housing 404. Mounting brackets 408 may be located on any surface of
housing 404 to facilitate the mounting of display screen 400.
[0048] Viewing screen 402 may be manually or electrically retracted
into housing 404. If viewing screen 402 is manually retracted,
housing 404 contains an inertial locking mechanize and roller (not
shown) attached to viewing screen 402. The inertial locking
mechanize enables a user to apply force to viewing screen 402 in
order to retract or extend viewing screen 402. As the viewing
screen 402 retracts, viewing screen 402 is wound around the
roller.
[0049] If viewing screen 402 is electrically retracted, housing 404
contains an electrical motor and roller (not shown) attached to
viewing screen 404. To electrically operate viewing screen 402,
current is supplied to the electrical motor to activate the motor
and wind viewing screen 402 around the roller in order to retract
or extend viewing screen 402 into housing 402. The current supplied
to the electrical motor may be controlled by a switch (not shown)
located on housing 404. Additionally, a wireless receiver (not
shown) may be attached to the electrical motor to enable the
electrical motor to be controlled remotely. Additionally, a memory
may be attached to the motor in order to store different viewing
screen positions to be recalled when needed.
[0050] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a display screen 450 which
may be used as display screen 102 consistent with aspects of the
present invention. Display screen 450 includes a viewing screen
402, a housing 404, an optional weight 406, and optional mounting
brackets 402 as display screen 400. Display screen 450 functions in
the same manner as display screen 400 except that viewing screen
402 extends upward out of housing 404. Display screen 450 is merely
an example of one type of display screen which may be used with
system 100.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for operating video
projector 104 consistent with aspects of the present invention.
Method 500 determines the operating temperature of video projector
104 and modifies the operation of video projector 104 based on the
reading. Method 500 may be performed in a variety of situations.
For example, video projector 104 may initiate method 500 once video
projector 104 is powered up. Then, video projector 104 may
continually perform method 500 until video projector 104 is powered
down. Further, video projector may perform method 500 in response
to a user command. One skilled in the art will realize that the
above situations for performing method 500 are exemplary and that
method 500 may be performed in any situation in which video
projector 104 may be utilized.
[0052] Method 500 may be performed by any control and processing
hardware, software, or combination thereof contained in video
projector 104. For example, if DLP projector 300 is utilized,
method 500 may be performed by controller 318, by DLP circuit board
310, by software stored in controller 318, by software stored in
DLP circuit board 310, or any combination thereof. One skilled in
the art will realize that method 500 being performed by the
components of DLP projector 300 is exemplary and that method 500
may be performed by any hardware, software, or combination thereof
capable of performing processing and control functions of the
various components of video projector 104.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 5, video projector 104 first
determines the operating temperature of the video projector (stage
502). The operating temperature may be the temperature inside video
projector 104, the temperature of components of video projector
104, the temperature outside video projector 104, the ambient
temperature of the environment, or combinations thereof.
[0054] Video projector 104 may determine the operating temperature
when it is first power up. Likewise, the video projector 104 may
determine the operating temperature anytime after the video
projector is powered up.
[0055] Once video projector 104 determines the operating
temperature, video projector 104 determines if the operating
temperature is above a normal operating temperature range (stage
504). For example, the operating temperature range may be between
approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 35 degrees
Celsius. The temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor,
for example as illustrated in FIG. 3g. One skilled in the art will
realize that the normal operating temperature range may be any
temperature capable of support by video projector 104 without
damaging video projector 104. The normal operating temperature
range may be set by the manufacturer of video projector 104. Also,
a user of video projector 104 may set the normal operating
temperature range.
[0056] If the operating temperature is riot above the operating
temperature range, video projector 104 maintains normal operation
(stage 505). If the operating temperature is above the operating
temperature range, video projector 104 determines if the operating
temperature is above a critical temperature (stage 506). If video
projector is above the critical temperature, video projector 104 is
in danger of overheating. As such, video projector 104 displays a
notice image (stage 508). The notice image is projected as a normal
video from video projector 104. Then, video projector 104 powers
down to prevent any damage (stage 510). For example the critical
temperature may be 45 degrees Celsius.
[0057] One skilled in the art will realize that the critical
temperature may be any temperature capable of support by video
projector 104 without damaging video projector 104. The critical
temperature may be set by the manufacturer of video projector 104.
Also, a user of video projector 104 may set the critical
temperature.
[0058] Video projector stays powered down until the temperature
returns to the normal range (stage 512 and stage 505). Video
projector 104 may also display the notice image if a user attempts
to power up the video projector after video projector 104 has
reached the critical temperature. Video projector 104 may display
an image informing the user that video projector 104 can return to
normal mode.
[0059] If the operating temperature is above the operating
temperature range but below the critical temperature, video
projector 104 sets itself into economy mode (stage 514). In economy
mode, video projector may reduce the brightness of its light source
by reducing the power to its light source. For example, the
brightness may be reduced by 20% to 80% of normal brightness. For
example, if DLP video projector 300 is utilized, controller 318 or
DLP circuit board 310 may reduce the brightness of light source
302.
[0060] While operating in economy mode, video projector 104 display
a reminder image to remind the user that video projector 104 is in
economy mode (stage 516). Video projector 104 may display the
reminder image periodically. Video projector may display the
reminder image every 5 minutes while operating in economy.
[0061] Once the operating temperature returns within the normal
range, video projector 104 returns to normal operation (stage
502-505). Video projector 104 may display an image informing the
user that video projector 104 has returned to normal mode. If the
operating temperature is not above the operating temperature range,
video projector 104 continues to operate normally and will continue
to measure the operating temperature (stage 502).
[0062] Additionally, the temperature at which video projector 104
returns to normal mode from economy mode may be set different from
the normal operating temperature range. For example, the
temperature may be set to a lower value than the upper value of the
normal operating temperature range. For example, if the upper value
is 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature at which video projector 104
returns to normal mode from economy mode may be set to 33 degrees
Celsius. By setting the temperature at which video projector 104
returns to normal mode from economy mode different from the normal
operating temperature range, video projector 104 may be prevented
from oscillating between economy and normal modes if the operating
temperature is varying around the limits of the normal operating
temperature range.
[0063] Optionally, during the method 500, video projector may
measure the air pressure and modify the normal operating
temperature range and the critical temperature. For example, if air
pressure is higher, then the air is "thicker" and video projector
104 will be easier to cool. Accordingly, the normal operating
temperature range and the critical temperature may be increased. If
air pressure is lower, then the air is "thinner" and video
projector will be harder to cool. Accordingly, the normal operating
temperature range and the critical temperature may be decreased.
The air pressure may be measured by an air pressure sensor, for
example as illustrated in FIG. 3g.
[0064] Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification
and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that
the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only,
with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by
the following claims.
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