Method and apparatus for storing lamp data

• US 20070075647A1
• Filed: 09/30/2005
• Published: 04/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA Incorporated (Ushio Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Christie Digital Systems Incorporated (Ushio Incorporated)
• Inventors: Perkins, Mike, Tsintzouras, George
• Granted Patent: US 7,841,724 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/119
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/20 Lamp housings
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/18 via data-bus transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/22 with communication between the lamps and a central unit

Abstract

A lamp memory module is provided for recording lamp serial numbers, providing a ‘lamp-inserted’ interlock for preventing operation of the lamp when the lamp is not properly installed, and for collecting and storing lamp operational data such as lamp use (time), lamp strikes and various system temperatures.

Claims

1. In a projector system having a lamp, the improvement comprising a lamp memory module for storing a lamp serial number and historical operational information for said lamp, said serial number and information being accessible after said lamp is spent.

2. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said information includes at least one of lamp hours information, lamp strike information, lamp position information, and temperature information.

3. The improvement of claim 2, wherein said lamp hours information includes number of hours said lamp has been operated at low power, medium power and high power levels.

4. The improvement of claim 2, wherein said lamp strike information includes total number of successful lamp strikes and total number of attempted lamp strikes.

5. The improvement of claim 2, wherein said temperature information includes lamp compartment temperature, system controller temperature, air exhaust temperature and maximum and minimum ones of said lamp compartment temperature, system controller temperature and air exhaust temperature.

6. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said lamp memory module includes a safety inter-lock system for deactivating said lamp in the event said lamp is not properly installed.

7. In a projector system having a lamp, a method comprising:

providing a lamp memory module pre-programmed with serial number for said lamp; and

collecting historical operational information for said lamp, said serial number and information thereby being accessible for analysis after said lamp is spent.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said information includes at least one of lamp hours information, lamp strike information, lamp position information, and temperature information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said lamp hours information includes number of hours said lamp has been operated at low power, medium power and high power levels.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said lamp strike information includes total number of successful lamp strikes and total number of attempted lamp strikes.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said temperature information includes lamp compartment temperature, system controller temperature, air exhaust temperature and maximum and minimum ones of said lamp compartment temperature, system controller temperature and air exhaust temperature.

12. In a projector system having a lamp, a controller and ballast for powering said lamp upon receipt of a lamp enable signal from said controller, the improvement comprising a safety inter-lock system for deactivating said lamp in the event said lamp is not properly installed.

13. The improvement of claim 12, wherein said ballast derives power from a low voltage source within said controller, and delivered to said ballast through a module connecte to said lamp such that in the event said module is not fully connected to said controller then power is prevented from reaching said ballast.

14. The improvement claim 13, wherein said module includes a first contact for connection to said low voltage source, a second contact for connection to said ballast, and a trace between said contacts, such that in the event either one of said contacts is not properly connected said trace becomes open-circuited.