Control device, control method, medium, and system for a tunable optical device

Abstract

The application discloses a control device, a control method, a medium, a controller and a system of an adjustable light device. The control device comprises a microcontroller and an adjustable voltage output module connected with the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to provide an analog adjustment signal of an output specified voltage to the adjustable voltage output module after receiving an external dimming instruction, and the adjustable voltage output module is configured to output a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal. The microcontroller is further configured to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module, and when the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output the voltage to the adjustable light device to drive the adjustable light device to dim. The application can effectively improve the dimming efficiency of the adjustable light device and meet the demand of high-power high-voltage driving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electro-optic modulation technology, and in particular to a control device, control method, medium and system for a tunable device. Background Technology

[0002] Electro-optic modulation technology alters the physical or chemical properties of a medium by applying an external electric field, thereby changing the intensity and frequency of a light beam emitted through that medium, thus achieving beam modulation. In recent years, devices utilizing electro-optic modulation technology, such as liquid crystal displays and electrochromic (EC) tunable devices, have been increasingly applied in various fields, including electronic devices, wearable devices, transportation, and architecture.

[0003] Currently, dimming of electrochromic devices is mainly achieved by driving them with a fixed power supply voltage. However, the color change of most dimming devices is usually related to the voltage level. In particular, for dimming devices with larger areas or higher color change rate requirements (such as ECs), the required driving voltage is also higher. Driving the dimming of electrochromic devices (ECs) with a fixed power supply voltage will be difficult to meet the voltage driving requirements of these dimming devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a control device, control method, medium, and system for a dimmable device to at least solve one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a control method for a dimmable device is provided, characterized in that it is applied to a control device, the control device comprising a microcontroller and an adjustable voltage output module, the control method comprising:

[0006] After receiving an external dimming command, the microcontroller provides an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module to output a specified voltage, and the adjustable voltage output module outputs a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal.

[0007] The microcontroller reads the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module;

[0008] When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0009] In one possible design of the first aspect, the adjustable voltage output module is a DC-DC conversion module.

[0010] In one possible design of the first aspect, the control device further includes a digital-to-analog converter module, wherein the microcontroller provides an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module to output a specified voltage, including:

[0011] The microcontroller provides the digital-to-analog converter module with a digital adjustment signal that outputs a specified voltage.

[0012] The digital-to-analog converter module converts the digital adjustment signal into an analog adjustment signal that outputs a specified voltage, and provides the analog adjustment signal that outputs the specified voltage to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0013] In one possible design of the first aspect, the control device further includes a voltage divider network for adjusting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module, a first terminal of the voltage divider network being connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, a second terminal of the voltage divider network being connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module, and a third terminal of the voltage divider network being connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module; the digital-to-analog converter module provides the adjustable voltage output module with the analog adjustment signal for outputting a specified voltage, including:

[0014] The digital-to-analog converter module provides the analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module through the voltage divider network.

[0015] In one possible design of the first aspect, the control device further includes an analog-to-digital conversion module, and the microcontroller reads the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module, including:

[0016] The microcontroller converts the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module into a digital signal through the analog-to-digital converter module in order to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module.

[0017] In one possible design of the first aspect, the control device further includes a switching module, wherein the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output a voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim, including:

[0018] The microcontroller controls the corresponding switch of the switching module to control the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0019] In one possible design of the first aspect, the switch module includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. One end of the first switch is connected to one end of the third switch, and the other end of the first switch is grounded. A connecting wire between the first switch and the third switch is connected to one end of a first conductive wire, and the other end of the first conductive wire is used to connect to the negative terminal of the dimmable device. One end of the second switch is connected to one end of the fourth switch, and the other end of the second switch is grounded. A connecting wire between the second switch and the fourth switch is connected to one end of a second conductive wire, and the other end of the second conductive wire is used to connect to the positive terminal of the dimmable device. The other ends of the third switch and the fourth switch are both connected to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0020] The microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim, including:

[0021] The microcontroller controls the first and fourth switches to close, and controls the second and third switches to open, so that the second conductive wire is conductive, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a positive voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to forward dimming; or...

[0022] The microcontroller controls the first switch and the fourth switch to be open, and the second switch and the third switch to be closed, so that the first conducting wire is conducting, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a reverse voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to reverse dimming.

[0023] In one possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes: the microcontroller controlling the first switch and the second switch to close, and the third switch and the fourth switch to open, so as to control the positive and negative terminals of the dimmable device to be short-circuited, thereby controlling the dimmable device to reverse dimming.

[0024] In one possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0025] Real-time acquisition of current data in the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device;

[0026] Based on the current data, it is determined whether the dimmable device has completed dimming;

[0027] When the dimmable device completes dimming, it controls the adjustable voltage output module to stop outputting voltage.

[0028] In one possible design of the first aspect, a sampling resistor is provided on the connection line between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device, with both ends of the sampling resistor connected to one end of the current sampling module and the other end of the current sampling module connected to the controller;

[0029] The real-time acquisition of current data in the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device includes:

[0030] The voltage across the sampling resistor is collected in real time by the current sampling module to obtain the current data of the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device.

[0031] In one possible design of the first aspect, the adjustable voltage output module is connected to the tunable light device via a switching module, and the sampling resistor is disposed on the conductive wire between the switching module and the tunable light device.

[0032] In one possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0033] When the external dimming command carries a fast dimming signal, a second driving signal is sent to the driving module connected to the switch module. The second driving signal is used to instruct the driving module to drive the corresponding switch of the switch module to control the formation of a short circuit structure between the dimmable device and the switch module, so that the dimmable device can perform fast dimming.

[0034] In one possible design of the first aspect, the second drive signal is a drive signal that controls the first and second switches of the switch module to close and the third and fourth switches to open.

[0035] When the first and second switches of the switching module are closed, and the third and fourth switches are open, a short circuit is formed between the dimmable device and the switching module.

[0036] In one possible design of the first aspect, determining whether the dimmable device has completed dimming based on current data includes at least one of the following:

[0037] Determine whether the current data is less than a preset current threshold; if so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0038] Determine whether the total power corresponding to the current data has reached the dimming power threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0039] Determine whether the charging time corresponding to the current data has reached the charging time threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0040] In one possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0041] When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module does not reach the specified voltage, the microcontroller adjusts the analog adjustment signal according to the output voltage; and, based on the adjusted analog adjustment signal, adjusts the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module.

[0042] In one possible design of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0043] Real-time acquisition of external temperature information;

[0044] Referring to the external temperature information, and based on the different dimming strategies corresponding to the temperature, the voltage output is adjusted under the corresponding dimming strategy to output an adjusted analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0045] According to a second aspect of this application, a control device for a dimmable device is provided, the control device comprising a microcontroller and an adjustable voltage output module connected to the microcontroller, the microcontroller being configured to provide an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module to output a specified voltage, and the adjustable voltage output module being configured to output a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal;

[0046] The microcontroller is also used to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module. When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0047] In one possible design of the second aspect, the adjustable voltage output module is a DC-DC conversion module, and the input terminal of the DC-DC conversion module is used to receive the power supply voltage provided by the external power supply or the microcontroller.

[0048] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a digital-to-analog converter module connected to the microcontroller and the adjustable voltage output module;

[0049] The digital-to-analog converter module is used to receive a digital adjustment signal for a specified output voltage provided by the microcontroller, convert the digital adjustment signal into an analog adjustment signal for a specified output voltage, and provide the analog adjustment signal for the specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0050] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a voltage divider network for adjusting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module, wherein a first end of the voltage divider network is connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, a second end of the voltage divider network is connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module, and a third end of the voltage divider network is connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module.

[0051] The digital-to-analog converter module is used to provide the analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module through the voltage divider network.

[0052] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes an analog-to-digital converter module connected to the output of the adjustable voltage output module;

[0053] The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module into a digital signal;

[0054] The microcontroller is used to convert the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module into a digital signal through the analog-to-digital converter module, so as to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module.

[0055] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a switching module, which is connected to the microcontroller and the dimmable device respectively;

[0056] The microcontroller is used to control the corresponding switch of the switching module to control the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0057] In one possible design of the second aspect, the switch module includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch.

[0058] The positive terminal of the adjustable device is connected to one end of the first switch and one end of the third switch, respectively, and the other end of the first switch is grounded;

[0059] One end of the second switch is connected to one end of the fourth switch, and the other end of the second switch is grounded; the negative terminal of the adjustable device is connected to one end of the second switch and one end of the fourth switch, respectively, and the other end of the second switch is grounded; the other ends of the third switch and the other ends of the fourth switch are both connected to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0060] The microcontroller is specifically configured to: control the first switch and the fourth switch to close, and control the second switch and the third switch to open, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a positive voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to perform forward dimming; or, control the first switch and the fourth switch to open, and control the second switch and the third switch to close, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a reverse voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to perform reverse dimming.

[0061] In one possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller further includes: the microcontroller controlling the first switch and the second switch to close, and the third switch and the fourth switch to open, so as to control the positive and negative terminals of the dimmable device to be short-circuited, thereby controlling the dimmable device to reverse dimming.

[0062] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a current acquisition device connected to the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the dimmable light device;

[0063] The current acquisition device is used to acquire the current data of the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device in real time.

[0064] The microcontroller is used to determine, based on the current data, whether the dimmable device has completed dimming; when the dimmable device has completed dimming, it controls the adjustable voltage output module to stop outputting voltage.

[0065] In one possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0066] Determine whether the current data is less than a preset current threshold; if so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0067] Determine whether the total power corresponding to the current data has reached the dimming power threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0068] Determine whether the charging time corresponding to the current data has reached the charging time threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0069] In one possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller is further used for:

[0070] When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module does not reach the specified voltage, the analog adjustment signal is adjusted according to the output voltage; and the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module is adjusted based on the adjusted analog adjustment signal.

[0071] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a temperature acquisition device electrically connected to the microcontroller;

[0072] The temperature acquisition device is used to acquire external temperature information in real time;

[0073] The microcontroller is also used to, with reference to the external temperature information, adjust the voltage output according to the different dimming strategies corresponding to the temperature, so as to output the adjusted analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0074] The first aspect of this application provides a control method for a dimmable device, which realizes dimming of the dimmable device based on the control device for the dimmable device provided in the second aspect above.

[0075] According to a third aspect of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, wherein the computer program, when run on an arithmetic unit, executes the control method of the dimmable device provided in any of the first aspects above.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a controller is provided, the controller comprising:

[0077] At least one processor; and

[0078] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0079] The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the control method for the dimmable device provided in any of the first aspects above.

[0080] According to a fifth aspect of this application, a control system for a dimmable device is provided, comprising a control device as provided in the second aspect above, and a terminal platform and a dimmable device electrically connected to the control device, wherein...

[0081] The terminal platform is used to send dimming commands to the control device and communicate with the control device.

[0082] The dimmable device is used to receive the voltage output by the control device according to the adjustable voltage output module, so as to perform dimming based on the voltage.

[0083] The control device, method, medium, and system for the dimmable device provided in this application utilize a microcontroller that, upon receiving an external dimming command, provides an analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to an adjustable voltage output module. The adjustable voltage output module outputs a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal. The microcontroller reads the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module, and when the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output a voltage to the dimmable device to drive it to dim. In this process, by using the microcontroller to output an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module, causing the adjustable voltage output module to output a corresponding voltage to the dimmable device and drive it to dim, the voltage regulation efficiency can be effectively improved, and the requirements for high-power, high-voltage drive can be met. Attached Figure Description

[0084] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, the drawings used in the description of each embodiment in the specific implementation will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0085] Figure 1 This is one of the schematic flowcharts of a control method for a dimmable device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the voltage divider network in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 3 This is a second schematic flowchart of a control method for a dimmable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the adjustment of the analog adjustment signal in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of the switch module in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 6 This is one of the schematic flowcharts of another control method for a dimmable device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0091] Figure 7 This is a second schematic flowchart of another control method for a dimmable device in the embodiments of this application;

[0092] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the formation of a short-circuit structure in the dimming device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 9This is a schematic block diagram of a control device for a dimmable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a control system for a dimmable device provided in this application.

[0095] Figure 11 This is a schematic curve illustrating the conversion efficiency of the DC-DC conversion module in the embodiments of this application;

[0096] Figure 12 This is one of the schematic block diagrams of the chip provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0097] Figure 13 This is a second schematic block diagram of the chip provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0098] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a computer-readable storage medium and an arithmetic unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0100] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0101] In this application's embodiments, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0102] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more items, "more than one" refers to two or more items; "at least one of..." or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, "at least one selected from a, b or c", or "at least one selected from a, b and c", can both represent: a, b, c, ab (i.e. a and b), ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be a single item or multiple items.

[0103] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and similar expressions are used only for descriptive purposes, to distinguish objects, such as substances, from one another, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application, "first XX" can also be referred to as "second XX," and similarly, "second XX" can also be referred to as "first XX." Thus, features defined with "first," "second," and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0104] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "having," and their cognates are intended only to indicate a specific feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination of the foregoing, and should not be construed as excluding the existence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of the foregoing, or adding the possibility of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of the foregoing.

[0105] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. Some or all steps may be executed in parallel or sequentially. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0106] Before detailing the embodiments of this application, for ease of understanding, the technical concept of this application will be briefly described first:

[0107] In related technologies, controllers typically use a stable power supply voltage to drive dimmable devices for dimming. However, for dimmable devices with larger areas (such as electrochromic devices, EC) or those requiring higher color-changing rates, the required drive current or voltage is larger. Existing controllers cannot meet the demand for high-power, high-voltage drive. If the drive voltage needs to be changed, the power supply needs to be replaced or an adjustable power supply needs to be used, resulting in lower dimming efficiency or higher cost for dimmable devices. This makes it difficult to meet the dimming requirements of dimmable devices with different areas or color-changing rates in practical applications.

[0108] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a control device, method, medium, and system for a dimmable device. Upon receiving an external dimming command, an analog adjustment signal is output to an adjustable voltage output module electrically connected to a controller. This analog adjustment signal instructs the adjustable voltage output module to output a specified voltage, which drives the dimmable device to dim. The output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module is read, and when the output voltage reaches the specified voltage, the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module is controlled to drive the dimmable device to dim based on the output voltage. In this process, by using the controller to output an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage, causing the adjustable voltage output module to output a corresponding voltage to the dimmable device and drive it to dim, voltage regulation efficiency can be effectively improved to meet the requirements of high-power, high-voltage driving.

[0109] The following description uses an electrochromic device (EC) as an example of a dimming scenario for an EC, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes the technical solution of the embodiments of this application.

[0110] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a dimmable device according to an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a control device, which may include a microcontroller (MCU) and an adjustable voltage output module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method may include steps S101-S103.

[0111] Step S101: After receiving an external dimming command, the microcontroller provides an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module to output a specified voltage. The adjustable voltage output module outputs a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal.

[0112] In this embodiment, the external dimming command can be obtained through communication signals between the user terminal and the communication interface, or it can be obtained by the MCU receiving the button signal when the user triggers a function button. The dimming command can carry the specified voltage data (e.g., 15V) indicated by the user, or the MCU can store voltage data corresponding to different dimming commands internally, and the MCU determines the specified voltage data according to the dimming command.

[0113] In one possible design, the method may further include the step of receiving a dimming command in response to a trigger signal from a dimming command element in an external circuit of the control device; wherein the dimming command element includes at least one of the following: a switch, a button, and a communication interface, and the trigger signal includes at least one of the following: a switch signal, a button signal, and a communication signal.

[0114] The dimming command element can be any one or more of a switch, button, or communication interface. When a user or external system needs to dim a dimmable device (such as an EC), trigger signals can be issued through these elements. For example, a switch signal is generated when the user toggles or presses a corresponding switch (which may include multiple switches, each corresponding to a specified voltage); or a button signal is generated when the user presses a button (which may also include multiple buttons); or a digital signal is transmitted through a communication interface (such as a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), Inter-Integrated Circuit Communication (I2C), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), etc.) to transmit dimming commands.

[0115] In response, it is used to indicate the conditions or states on which the operation performed depends. When the conditions or states on which it depends are met, one or more operations performed can be performed in real time or with a set delay. Unless otherwise specified, there is no restriction on the order in which the multiple operations are performed.

[0116] It should be noted that, in addition to the methods described above, dimming commands can also be received in other ways. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this method. For example, they can also be received via voice input, wireless communication, and so on.

[0117] In this way, by receiving dimming commands in response to the trigger signal of the external dimming command element, the control device can flexibly respond to the dimming needs of the user or the external system, thereby achieving precise control of the dimmable device.

[0118] Next, after receiving the dimming command, the MCU needs to convert the digital signal corresponding to the dimming command into an analog adjustment signal and output it to the adjustable voltage output module for voltage regulation in order to ensure that the adjustable voltage output module can accurately output the corresponding voltage. The adjustable voltage output module can be a DC-DC converter module (e.g., a DC-DC converter chip or DC-DC converter), such as the ATI3610 DC-DC converter module. In some embodiments, the DC-DC converter chip used in the system can be diverse, not limited to a specific brand or model, because the functional principles of DC-DC converter chips are generally the same, and the selection range is quite wide. The input terminal of the DC-DC converter module receives the power supply voltage, which can be provided by an external power supply of the control device or by the microcontroller. Specifically, the input terminal of the DC-DC converter module can be connected to an external power supply, which provides a stable input voltage to the DC-DC converter module. The DC-DC converter module, in conjunction with the adjustable voltage signal from the MCU, converts the input voltage into the desired output voltage. Alternatively, the input terminal of the DC-DC converter module can also be connected to the power output terminal of the MCU (such as the MCU's GPIO pin), allowing the MCU to provide the power supply voltage to the DC-DC converter module. The adjustment terminal of the DC-DC converter module (such as the feedback pin of the DC-DC converter module) is connected to the control terminal of the MCU to realize the MCU's adjustment and control of the DC-DC converter module. The MCU can provide the adjustable voltage signal and the power supply voltage to the DC-DC converter module through different terminals.

[0119] In some embodiments, the adjustable voltage output module may employ not only a DC-DC converter module, but also other components capable of adjustable voltage output, such as a digitally programmable voltage source, etc.

[0120] Understandably, after receiving a voltage adjustment command, the MCU outputs an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module via the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) not directly outputting the specified voltage (e.g., 15V), but rather a voltage signal proportional to the specified voltage. This is because the adjustable voltage output module typically requires a control signal to adjust its output voltage, rather than directly receiving the target voltage value.

[0121] In this embodiment, the MCU can integrate a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) module to convert the digital signal corresponding to the dimming command into an analog adjustment signal. Alternatively, an external DAC module can be used to transmit the analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module. For example, in one possible design, the MCU can be electrically connected to the adjustable voltage output module via the DAC module. The step described above, where the microcontroller provides an analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module, includes: the microcontroller providing a digital adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the DAC module.

[0122] The digital-to-analog converter module converts the digital adjustment signal into an analog adjustment signal that outputs a specified voltage, and provides the analog adjustment signal that outputs the specified voltage to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0123] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an electronic device that converts digital signals into analog signals. In this embodiment, the MCU is electrically connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module via the DAC to achieve analog voltage input. Exemplarily, the DAC can be connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module. This feedback pin can be used to regulate and stabilize the output voltage. Specifically, the feedback pin can monitor the output voltage and compare it with an internal or external reference voltage (i.e., the voltage at the feedback pin terminal). Through this comparison, the DC-DC converter can adjust its switching duty cycle to regulate the output voltage.

[0124] This design enables the conversion between digital and analog voltages, and allows for the analog voltage input and adjustable voltage output of the DC-DC converter module.

[0125] Furthermore, this embodiment incorporates an adjustable voltage output module (taking a DC-DC conversion module as an example) and a digital-to-analog converter.

[0126] A voltage divider network is set up between the (DAC) modules to adjust the voltage input to the feedback pin (FB) of the DC-DC converter module, thereby achieving real-time adjustment of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter module. Specifically, the control device also includes a voltage divider network for adjusting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module. The first end of the voltage divider network is connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, the second end of the voltage divider network is connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module, and the third end of the voltage divider network is connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module. The digital-to-analog converter module provides the adjustable voltage output module with the analog adjustment signal that outputs a specified voltage, including:

[0127] The digital-to-analog converter module provides the analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module through the voltage divider network.

[0128] For example, the voltage divider network can consist of three resistors R1, R2, and R3, such as... Figure 2 As shown, one end of R1 (the third end of the voltage divider network) is connected to the output (Vout) of the DC-DC converter module, the other end of R1 is connected to one end of R2, the other end of R2 is grounded, one end of R3 (the first end of the voltage divider network) is connected to the DAC module, and the other end (the second end of the voltage divider network) is connected to the feedback (FB) pin of the DC-DC converter module through the connecting wire between R1 and R2. This voltage divider network enables adjustable voltage at the feedback pin (FB), thereby achieving real-time adjustment of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter module. In other words, this embodiment outputs an adjustable analog voltage from an independent DAC module to the voltage divider network composed of R1, R2, and R3, which is then input to the FB feedback pin of the DC-DC converter module. The adjustable output of the DC-DC converter module is achieved based on the voltage at the FB feedback pin. Under this voltage divider network, the output voltage Vout of the DC-DC converter module can be calculated using the following formula:

[0129]

[0130] After formula conversion, we can obtain:

[0131]

[0132] In the formula, V DAC The analog adjustment signal input to the MCU via the DAC module, V REF This is the reference voltage for the DC-DC converter module, specifically the reference voltage at the feedback pin (FB) of the DC-DC converter module, V. out This represents the output voltage of the DC-DC converter module. R1, R2, and R3 can be adjustable resistors; by adjusting the value of one or more resistors, the output voltage of the DC-DC converter module can be adjusted.

[0133] In some embodiments, besides designing a voltage divider network, other methods can be used to make the output voltage of the DC-DC converter module adjustable. For example, an analog adjustment signal can be directly input to the DC-DC converter module to make its output voltage adjustable, but this may lead to risks such as breakdown or damage to the DC-DC converter module when the voltage is too high; or a digital potentiometer, programmable gain amplifier, etc. can be used to control the feedback voltage to make the output of the DC-DC converter module adjustable, which is more expensive than a voltage divider network.

[0134] In some embodiments, the voltage divider network can be composed of resistors R1, R2, and R3, or it can be composed of other numbers of resistors. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the specific structure of the voltage divider network.

[0135] Thus, by setting up a voltage divider network to make the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module adjustable, it is possible to effectively ensure that the range, stability and protection measures of the input voltage meet the requirements of the adjustable voltage output module, improve the flexibility and stability of voltage regulation, and effectively avoid problems such as high voltage breakdown.

[0136] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Step S102: The microcontroller reads the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module.

[0137] To ensure that the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module matches the specified voltage to be adjusted, thereby enabling precise adjustment of the driving voltage of the tunable optical device (such as an EC), this embodiment reads the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module after adjustment to determine whether it matches the specified voltage.

[0138] Since the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module is an analog adjustment signal, in order to achieve efficient reading of the output voltage by the MCU, in one possible design, the control device may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The MCU can be electrically connected to the output pin of the adjustable voltage output module through the ADC. Reading the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module by the microcontroller may include the following steps: the microcontroller converts the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module into a digital signal through the ADC to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module. In this way, the accurate output voltage can be read.

[0139] Besides reading the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), other methods can be used, such as using a voltage comparator (which compares the output voltage with a reference voltage to generate a digital signal; this method is less accurate than ADC conversion, typically detecting whether the voltage is above or below a certain threshold, and cannot provide a very precise voltage value), or a digital potentiometer (which adjusts the voltage in the feedback path and indirectly infers the output voltage from the MCU's known settings). Accordingly, the ADC conversion module can also be integrated within the MCU.

[0140] In some embodiments, when the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module does not meet the specified voltage, the MCU can adjust the analog adjustment signal according to the magnitude of the output voltage, enabling the adjustable voltage output module to make further adjustments based on the new analog adjustment signal, thereby outputting a more accurate output voltage. Specifically, the method provided in this embodiment may further include the following steps: when the output voltage does not reach the specified voltage, adjusting the analog adjustment signal according to the output voltage; adjusting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module based on the adjusted analog adjustment signal.

[0141] For example, the MCU can compare the read output voltage with a specified target voltage and calculate the error value. If the output voltage does not reach the specified voltage, the MCU can adjust the analog adjustment signal based on the error value, for example, by adjusting the amplitude of the output reference signal, so that the adjustable voltage module can get closer to the target voltage. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 This example illustrates the initial state where, after receiving a dimming command, the MCU begins executing the dimming task (which may involve adjusting analog adjustment signals) until dimming is complete. For instance, upon receiving an external dimming communication command or button signal, the MCU, based on its current operating state, drives the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to adjust the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module in real time. The DAC collects and feeds this data back to the MCU, which then continues to drive the DAC to adjust the output of the adjustable voltage output module based on the feedback value until a preset voltage value is reached. The process of adjusting the analog adjustment signal is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0142] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Step S103: When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0143] In this embodiment, the MCU can continuously monitor the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module to accurately reflect the current voltage state. For example, the output voltage can be compared with a preset specified voltage. When the output voltage reaches or approaches the specified voltage (e.g., the output voltage is the specified voltage ± 0.02V), the MCU can control the adjustable voltage output module to output the current output voltage to ensure that the output voltage can meet the voltage driving requirements of the actual tunable optical device.

[0144] In one possible design, the adjustable voltage output module can be connected to the dimmable device via a switching module. The switching module allows for flexible on / off switching, thereby controlling the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module to drive the dimmable device to dim. Specifically, the control device may further include a switching module, and the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive it to dim, including:

[0145] The microcontroller controls the corresponding switch of the switching module to control the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0146] In this embodiment, the MCU reads the current output voltage of the adjustable voltage module. If the current output voltage reaches a specified voltage, the MCU can send a first drive signal to the drive module connected to it to drive the switch module to turn on, so that a conduction loop is formed between the adjustable voltage output module and the dimmable device. The adjustable voltage output module outputs the current output voltage to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0147] In some embodiments, the MCU can also directly drive the switching module. However, since the control voltage output by the MCU to the switching module is relatively low, when the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module is greater than the control voltage of the MCU to the switching module, the MCU's control voltage is too low to drive the opening and closing of each switch in the switching module. In this case, by adding a driving module, the opening and closing of each switch can be effectively controlled. Therefore, considering some high-voltage scenarios, this embodiment uses a driving module to drive the switching module, which can effectively control each switch in the switching module.

[0148] Specifically, the MCU sends a first drive signal to the drive module. This signal can be the start command of the control process, responsible for triggering subsequent operations. After receiving the first drive signal from the MCU, the drive module converts the control signal into an operation signal that can activate the switching module, thereby activating the corresponding switch in the switching module. The switching module typically consists of multiple switches, each of which can control different circuit paths or voltage outputs.

[0149] For example, the switch module may include a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. One end of the first switch is connected to one end of the third switch, and the other end of the first switch is grounded. A connecting wire between the first switch and the third switch is connected to a first conductive wire, which is used to connect to the negative terminal of the dimmable device. One end of the second switch is connected to one end of the fourth switch, and the other end of the second switch is grounded. A connecting wire between the second switch and the fourth switch is connected to a second conductive wire, which is used to connect to the positive terminal of the dimmable device. The other ends of the third switch and the fourth switch are both connected to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0150] In the above steps, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim, which may include the following steps: the microcontroller controls the first switch and the fourth switch to close, and controls the second switch and the third switch to open, so that the second conducting wire is conducting, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a positive voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim in the forward direction.

[0151] Regarding the design of the aforementioned switch module, a diagonal approach is used, meaning that four switches are controlled diagonally (simultaneously controlling the first and fourth switches, and the second and third switches). This approach allows for flexible circuit control and path selection. Specifically, combined with... Figure 5As shown, taking the electrochromic device EC as an example of a dimmable device, the four switches in this embodiment are configured in two diagonal combinations: the first switch K1 and the fourth switch K4 form one group, and the second switch K2 and the third switch K3 form another group. Using a diagonal closing method, when the first switch K1 and the fourth switch K4 are closed, a current path is formed, allowing current to flow through a specific conductive wire (i.e., the second conductive wire EC_P connected to the wires connected to the second switch K2 and the fourth switch K4); when the second switch K2 and the third switch K3 are closed, another current path is formed, allowing current to flow through another conductive wire (i.e., the first conductive wire EC_N connected to the wires connected to the first switch K1 and the third switch K3). In practical applications, the MCU drives the closed or open state of the diagonal switches through a driver module to flexibly control the current flow path. This configuration allows the circuit to achieve different functions in different switching states, providing flexible path selection, allowing multiple functions to be implemented in the same circuit, and easily switching circuit functions by simply changing the switch states. Furthermore, the diagonal approach reduces the number of independently controlled switches; complex circuit control can be achieved by controlling only the states of two sets of diagonal switches. Simultaneously, since each functional mode only requires the closing of two switches, system reliability is improved, as even if one switch fails, the other diagonal switch combination can still provide a backup path. Specifically, regarding the design of the driver module, based on the driving requirements of high-voltage dimmable devices, the output switch driver module allows the output voltage to reach above 10V, meeting the higher voltage requirements of future dimmable devices such as EC products.

[0152] In practical applications, if it is necessary to perform forward dimming on a dimmable device, such as driving an electrochromic device (EC) from an opaque or dark state to a transparent or light state, the MCU can send a drive signal to the drive module to close the first switch K1 and the fourth switch K4, and open the second switch K2 and the third switch K3. After receiving the drive signal, the drive module drives the first switch K1 and the fourth switch K4 to close, so that the second conducting wire EC_P is turned on. The adjustable voltage output module can output to the positive terminal of the dimmable device through the second conducting wire EC_P, thereby driving the dimmable device to perform forward dimming.

[0153] In another example, the microcontroller can also control the first and fourth switches to open and the second and third switches to close, so that the first conducting wire is conductive, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a reverse voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to reverse dimming. Continuing with... Figure 5The example switch module is used for illustration. If it is necessary to reverse the dimming of the dimmable device, such as driving the electrochromic device (EC) from a transparent or light state to a dark state, the output is reversed (K2 and K3 are closed, K1 and K4 are open) to the EC electrochromic device. The control principle of the MCU can be referred to the forward dimming process when K1 and K4 are closed, which will not be elaborated here.

[0154] It's understandable that forward dimming refers to applying a forward voltage to an electrochromic device, while reverse dimming refers to applying a reverse voltage. For electrochromic devices with different electrochromic materials, applying a forward or reverse voltage results in different color-changing directions. For example, applying a forward voltage to some electrochromic devices can change them from an opaque or dark state to a transparent or light state, while reverse dimming can change the oxidation state of the electrochromic material, leading to a decrease in light transmittance. Conversely, applying a forward voltage to other electrochromic devices will decrease their light transmittance, while applying a reverse voltage will increase it.

[0155] In another example, the microcontroller can also control the first and second switches to close, and the third and fourth switches to open, to short-circuit the positive and negative terminals of the dimmable device, thereby controlling the dimmable device to reverse dimming. By controlling the above-mentioned switch combination to close and open to form a short-circuit structure, rapid discharge of the dimmable device can be achieved, thereby improving the reverse dimming efficiency.

[0156] In some embodiments, in addition to the structure described above, the switch module may also employ other switch structures, such as fewer than four switches (e.g., only one pair of switches to drive forward and reverse dimming respectively), or more than four switches, and so on.

[0157] By employing the aforementioned switch configuration and conduction path selection, the system enables effective control of dimmable devices, allowing for both forward and reverse dimming as needed. This design is typically used in complex lighting systems to provide flexible control over light intensity and direction.

[0158] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another control method for a dimmable device provided in this application embodiment. Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment collects loop current data in real time during the dimming process of the dimmable device to determine whether the dimmable device has completed dimming, thereby efficiently controlling the adjustable voltage output module to stop outputting voltage and realizing precise control of the adjustment process of the dimmable device. Specifically, in addition to the above steps S101-S103, the method provided in this embodiment may also include the following steps S601-S603.

[0159] Step S601: Real-time acquisition of current data in the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device.

[0160] For example, a sampling resistor can be set on the connection line between the adjustable voltage output module and the tunable optical device. The two ends of this sampling resistor are connected to one end of a current sampling module, and the other end of the current sampling module is connected to the MCU. One end of the current sampling module includes two interfaces, and the two ends of the sampling resistor are connected to the two interfaces respectively. The real-time acquisition of current data in the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the tunable optical device in the above steps can be achieved as follows: the voltage across the sampling resistor is acquired in real time by the current sampling module to obtain the current data of the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the tunable optical device.

[0161] Optionally, the sampling resistor can be placed at any position in the line between the adjustable voltage output module and the dimmable device. By collecting the current through this sampling resistor, the current data of the loop can be obtained. In some examples, considering rapid discharge scenarios, the resistor can be placed in front of the dimmable device, that is, between the dimmable device and the switching module (when the two form a short circuit), in order to quickly collect current data, thus achieving rapid discharge and efficient acquisition of current data.

[0162] The current sampling module can use current samplers such as shunt resistors and Hall effect sensors; this embodiment does not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0163] By setting up a sampling resistor and a current sampling module, efficient current acquisition in the loop can be achieved with high accuracy. In other examples, besides using a sampling resistor and current sampling module to acquire current data in the loop, other methods can be used, such as integrating a current sensor chip into the loop to acquire the current. The current sampling module can be a standalone analog-to-digital converter (ADC) chip or a combination of an MCU's internal ADC chip and an external operational amplifier circuit. Using a standalone ADC chip achieves higher sampling accuracy, while the sampling accuracy of the MCU's internal ADC chip + external operational amplifier circuit solution is limited by the MCU's internal ADC chip.

[0164] Next, the design of the sampling resistor will be further described. Referring to the above embodiment, the adjustable voltage output module is connected to the tunable optical device via a switching module. The sampling resistor can be placed on the conductive wire between the switching module and the tunable optical device. By placing the sampling resistor on the conductive wire between the switching module and the tunable optical device, the current sampling module can still collect short-circuit current data even when the tunable optical device is short-circuited.

[0165] Furthermore, the MCU can quickly dim the dimmable device according to the dimming command, thereby improving the dimming flexibility. Specifically, the method provided in this embodiment may also include the following steps: when the external dimming command carries a fast dimming signal, a second driving signal is sent to the driving module connected to the switching module. The second driving signal is used to instruct the driving module to drive the corresponding switch of the switching module to control the formation of a short circuit structure between the dimmable device and the switching module, so that the dimmable device can perform fast dimming.

[0166] The second driving signal can be a driving signal that controls the first and second switches of the switching module to close and the third and fourth switches to open; when the first and second switches of the switching module are closed and the third and fourth switches are open, a short circuit structure is formed between the dimmable device and the switching module.

[0167] By short-circuiting the positive and negative terminals of a dimmable device (such as an EC), the electrical charge inside the EC electrochromic film can be rapidly released, and the released current can be collected in real time to calculate the actual released electrical charge value. This achieves the effect of rapid dimming of the EC electrochromic film. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 5 By closing the first switch K1 and the second switch K2, and opening the third switch K3 and the fourth switch K4, the two ends of the dimmable device are short-circuited, forming a short-circuit structure. This allows for rapid charging / discharging of the dimmable device, thus achieving a rapid dimming effect. Understandably, in dimmable devices (such as ECs), color changes are achieved through ion migration and charge redistribution. When the two ends are short-circuited, the circuit forms a closed loop, allowing the charge to rapidly rebalance within the glass. This rapid charge rebalancing accelerates changes in color or transparency.

[0168] In an optional example, the above example of current sampling can be combined with... Figure 7 As shown, firstly, K1 and K2 are closed, and K3 and K4 are opened, short-circuiting the positive and negative terminals of the dimmable device. During this process, the current acquisition module collects the current in the circuit in real time and determines whether the current is less than the preset current threshold (or whether the dimming of other segments is completed). If not, the acquisition is repeated. If so, K1 and K2 are controlled to open to end the dimming process of the dimmable device.

[0169] To facilitate understanding of the short-circuit structure formed in this scheme, combined with Figure 8As shown, the current sampling resistor is placed at the very beginning of the output of the dimmable device (such as EC), i.e., in the EC drive line loop. When the MCU (such as MCU) controls the switch to close, the positive and negative terminals form a discharge loop to achieve rapid discharge, thereby achieving the effect of electrochromic rapid dimming. During this process, the current value in the loop can be collected in real time, and the MCU can quickly collect the discharged power of the EC in the short-circuit control mode. While achieving rapid dimming, it also provides accurate power statistics for the subsequent EC charging / discharging. The current sampling module can also use a Hall current sensor.

[0170] In some embodiments, when the design of the switch module is not as described... Figure 5 When the structure of K1 to K4 is shown, the MCU can send the corresponding drive signal to the switch module to drive the relevant switch to close or open, so that the dimmable device forms a short circuit structure, and the above technical effect can be achieved. This embodiment does not make any special limitation on this.

[0171] Step S602: Based on the current data, determine whether the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0172] In one example, the dimming device can be determined to have completed dimming by checking if the current data is less than a preset current threshold. It is understood that during the dimming process of a dimming device, changes in current are directly related to changes in optical characteristics. When dimming approaches the target state, the current tends to stabilize or decrease to a lower level. Therefore, this embodiment can efficiently determine whether the dimming device has completed dimming by checking if the current data tends to stabilize.

[0173] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can adapt the preset current threshold by combining practical applications and existing technologies.

[0174] In another example, the dimming device can be determined to have completed dimming by checking if the total power consumption corresponding to the current data reaches a dimming power consumption threshold. Specifically, during the dimming process, current and time can be collected in real time, and the power consumption output to the dimming device in both forward and reverse directions can be calculated by integration. If the power consumption reaches a preset value, dimming is considered complete. This example utilizes the relationship between power consumption and the dimming process; that is, the dimming process is complete when the power consumption reaches a certain value.

[0175] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can adapt the preset current threshold by combining practical applications and existing technologies.

[0176] In another example, it is determined whether the charging time corresponding to the current data has reached a charging time threshold. If so, it is determined that the dimmable device has completed dimming. In this example, the dimming time is used to determine whether to stop, based on a preset dimming time calculation. It can also be used to determine whether to stop charging, calculate the output power, and determine whether the dimmable device has reached the target transmittance.

[0177] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can adaptively determine the charging time threshold by combining practical applications and existing technologies.

[0178] In some examples, it is also possible to determine whether the dimmable device has completed dimming by combining any combination or all of the examples mentioned above. Furthermore, besides the examples above, other methods can be used to determine whether the dimmable device has completed dimming. For example, optical sensors or voltage changes can be used to determine whether dimming is complete, or other external electronic devices can be used to determine whether dimming is complete. By communicating with the MCU, the controller can determine whether the dimmable device has completed dimming based on the communication information.

[0179] Step S603: When the dimmable device completes dimming, control the adjustable voltage output module to stop outputting voltage.

[0180] For example, when the MCU determines that the dimming device has completed dimming, it controls the adjustable voltage output module to stop outputting the output voltage. It can send a drive signal (third drive signal) to drive the corresponding switch of the switch module to open through the drive module, such as controlling K1 and K2 to open.

[0181] If it is determined that the dimmable device has not completed dimming, no operation is required. The adjustable voltage output module continues to output voltage and perform corresponding feedback adjustment to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0182] In some embodiments, the method enters the operating state by monitoring power-on in the initial stage and monitoring external dimming. Specifically, the method may further include the following steps: in response to the startup of the system power module that provides power to the MCU, monitoring whether an external dimming command is received.

[0183] Specifically, upon receiving external power, the system power module first converts the external input power to the voltage range required for system operation, and the system starts normally. At this point, the MCU starts and initializes all peripheral interfaces, ensuring initial values ​​are within acceptable limits and then enters standby mode to detect whether an external dimming command has been received. Upon receiving the dimming command, the MCU begins executing the dimming task. This process ensures a stable power supply during system startup and effectively prevents uncertain states or erroneous operations by the MCU during startup, thus improving system reliability.

[0184] In some embodiments, considering that temperature can affect the dimming speed of the dimmable device, in order to further optimize the dimming effect of the dimmable device, the method may further include the following steps: real-time acquisition of external temperature information; referring to the external temperature information, adjusting the voltage output according to different dimming strategies corresponding to the temperature, so as to output the adjusted analog voltage signal to the adjustable voltage output module.

[0185] In this embodiment, temperature serves as an auxiliary condition for dimming control, effectively improving dimming efficiency and accuracy. For example, the MCU can invoke different dimming strategies based on different temperatures (e.g., for different temperatures, a pre-set analog adjustment signal corresponding to a specified voltage is used; upon detecting external temperature information, the signal can be quickly adjusted to the corresponding analog adjustment signal) to adjust the voltage output, achieving superior dimming performance and effectively protecting dimmable devices such as EC electrochromic products.

[0186] Furthermore, the real-time acquisition of external temperature information in the above steps can be achieved as follows: The resistance value of the thermistor in the external circuit of the MCU is acquired in real time, and the external temperature information is obtained based on the resistance value. By utilizing the advantages of thermistors, such as low cost, high sensitivity, and fast response, external temperature information can be efficiently detected. The MCU can then quickly adjust the analog adjustment signal based on the temperature information acquired by the thermistor.

[0187] In other embodiments, in addition to using thermistors to collect external temperature information, other methods can be used to collect external temperature information, such as thermocouples, semiconductor temperature sensors, etc.

[0188] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a dimmable device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 may include a microcontroller 901 and an adjustable voltage output module 902 connected to the microcontroller 901. The microcontroller 901 is used to provide an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module 902 to output a specified voltage. The adjustable voltage output module 902 is used to output a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal.

[0189] The microcontroller 901 is also used to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module 902, and when the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module 902 reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller 901 controls the adjustable voltage output module 902 to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0190] In one possible design of the second aspect, the adjustable voltage output module 902 is a DC-DC conversion module, the input of which is used to receive a power supply voltage provided by an external power source or by the microcontroller 901.

[0191] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a digital-to-analog converter module, which is connected to the microcontroller 901 and the adjustable voltage output module 902, respectively.

[0192] The digital-to-analog converter module is used to receive a digital adjustment signal output by the microcontroller 901 that provides a specified output voltage, convert the digital adjustment signal into an analog adjustment signal that provides a specified output voltage, and provide the analog adjustment signal that provides a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module 902.

[0193] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a voltage divider network for adjusting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module 902, wherein a first end of the voltage divider network is connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, a second end of the voltage divider network is connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module 902, and a third end of the voltage divider network is connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module 902.

[0194] Specifically, the digital-to-analog conversion module is used to provide the analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module 902 through the voltage divider network.

[0195] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes an analog-to-digital converter module connected to the output of the adjustable voltage output module 902;

[0196] The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module 902 into a digital signal;

[0197] The microcontroller 901 is specifically used to convert the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module 902 into a digital signal through the analog-to-digital conversion module, so as to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module 902.

[0198] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a switching module, which is connected to the microcontroller 901 and the dimmable device, respectively.

[0199] The microcontroller 901 is specifically used to control the switch corresponding to the switch module, so as to control the adjustable voltage output module 902 to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

[0200] In one possible design of the second aspect, the switch module includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. One end of the first switch is connected to one end of the third switch, and the other end of the first switch is grounded. A connecting wire between the first switch and the third switch is connected to one end of a first conductive wire, and the other end of the first conductive wire is used to connect to the negative terminal of the dimmable device. One end of the second switch is connected to one end of the fourth switch, and the other end of the second switch is grounded. A connecting wire between the second switch and the fourth switch is connected to one end of a second conductive wire, and the other end of the second conductive wire is used to connect to the positive terminal of the dimmable device. The other ends of the third switch and the fourth switch are both connected to the adjustable voltage output module 902.

[0201] The microcontroller 901 is specifically used to control the first switch and the fourth switch to close, and control the second switch and the third switch to open, so that the second conducting wire is conducting, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module 902 to output a positive voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim in a forward manner; or, controlling the first switch and the fourth switch to open, and the second switch and the third switch to close, so that the first conducting wire is conducting, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module 902 to output a reverse voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim in a reverse manner.

[0202] In one possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller 901 further includes: controlling the first switch and the second switch to close, and the third switch and the fourth switch to open, so as to control the positive and negative terminals of the dimmable device to be short-circuited, thereby controlling the dimmable device to reverse dimming.

[0203] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a current acquisition device (i.e., the current sampling module mentioned above), which is connected to the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the dimmable light device;

[0204] The current acquisition device is used to acquire the current data of the loop between the adjustable voltage output module 902 and the adjustable optical device in real time.

[0205] The microcontroller 901 is specifically used to determine whether the dimmable device has completed dimming based on the current data; when the dimmable device has completed dimming, it controls the adjustable voltage output module 902 to stop outputting voltage.

[0206] In one possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller 901 is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0207] Determine whether the current data is less than a preset current threshold; if so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0208] Determine whether the total power corresponding to the current data has reached the dimming power threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0209] Determine whether the charging time corresponding to the current data has reached the charging time threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

[0210] In one possible design of the second aspect, the microcontroller 901 is further configured to:

[0211] When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module 902 does not reach the specified voltage, the analog adjustment signal is adjusted according to the output voltage; and the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module 902 is adjusted based on the adjusted analog adjustment signal.

[0212] In one possible design of the second aspect, the control device further includes a temperature acquisition device electrically connected to the microcontroller 901;

[0213] The temperature acquisition device is used to acquire external temperature information in real time;

[0214] The microcontroller 901 is further configured to, with reference to the external temperature information, adjust the voltage output according to the different dimming strategies corresponding to the temperature, so as to output the adjusted analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module 902.

[0215] The apparatus provided in this embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the control method in the above method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0216] It should be noted that the division of the various modules in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, these modules can be implemented entirely in software via processing element calls; they can be fully implemented in hardware; or some modules can be implemented by processing element calls to software, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, the digital-to-analog conversion module can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip in the above device. Alternatively, it can be stored as program code in the memory of the above device, and its functions can be called and executed by a processing element. The implementation of other modules is similar. Moreover, these modules can be fully or partially integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above modules can be completed through the integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the processor element or through software instructions.

[0217] Figure 10 A control system for a dimmable device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 10 As shown, the system includes a controller 101 for performing the control method of the dimmable device provided in the above-described method embodiments, and a terminal platform 102 and a dimmable device 103 electrically connected to the controller 101, wherein the controller 101 is electrically connected to the dimmable device 103.

[0218] The terminal platform 102 is used to send dimming commands to the controller 101 and communicate with the controller 101.

[0219] The dimmable device 103 is used to receive the voltage output by the controller 101 according to the adjustable voltage output module, so as to perform dimming based on the voltage.

[0220] For example, the adjustable voltage output module can employ a DC-DC conversion module, such as the ATI3610 DC conversion chip (the DC conversion chip is not limited to this model; other models are similarly used. The specific model shown here is only for illustrating the parameter characteristics of such chips). Using a DC conversion chip can achieve high power and high efficiency output, effectively improving high-voltage driving capability, thereby meeting the voltage driving requirements of high-power, large-area tunable optical devices. Figure 11As shown, in automatic adjustment mode, assuming the output voltage (Vout) = 5V, the switching frequency (fsw) = 2.2MHz, the bias voltage (Vbias) is connected to the output voltage (Vout), and the inductance (L) = 0.56μH (DC resistance DCR = 2.6mΩ), in this example, with an input voltage of 12V and an output of 5V, the load output current of 2-11A is greater than 90%. However, if other methods are used, such as a low-voltage regulator (LDO), the efficiency is less than 50%. This efficiency refers to the conversion efficiency, i.e., the ratio of output power to input power.

[0221] For example, the terminal platform may include, but is not limited to, computers, smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, Moving Picture Experts Group audio layer III (MP3) players, Moving Picture Experts Group audio layer IV (MP4) players, portable computers, in-vehicle computers, wearable devices, desktop computers, set-top boxes, smart TVs, etc.

[0222] It should be noted that the system provided in this embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the control method in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0223] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the chip 120 includes a pin module 121 and a functional module 122 electrically connected to the pin module 121. The pin module 121 includes a first input pin 1211, a second input pin 1212, and an output pin 1213. The functional module 122 includes a microcontroller 1221 for executing the technical solution of the above-described method embodiment and an adjustable voltage output module 1222 electrically connected to the microcontroller 1221.

[0224] The first input pin 1211 has one end connected to the external power supply 110 and the other end connected to the microcontroller 1221, and is used to receive the input of the external power supply 110 and supply power to the microcontroller 1221.

[0225] The second input pin 1212 has one end electrically connected to the external dimming command element 130 and the other end electrically connected to the microcontroller 1221, and is used to receive external dimming commands and transmit them to the microcontroller 1221.

[0226] The output pin 1213 has one end connected to the microcontroller 1221 through the adjustable voltage output module 1222, and the other end electrically connected to the external dimmable device 140. It is used to receive the voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module 1222 controlled by the microcontroller 1221, and output the voltage to the dimmable device 140 to drive the dimmable device 140 to dim.

[0227] In this embodiment, the adjustable voltage output module 1222 can be a DC conversion chip. For related details, please refer to the above method embodiment; further explanation is not required here. It is understood that the input pins in this embodiment are used to receive signals from external circuits or devices, and the output pins are used to send signals to external circuits or devices.

[0228] By integrating various electronic components into a single chip, the physical size of the circuit is significantly reduced, miniaturization is achieved, and system design and circuit board layout are simplified. This allows devices used to control the dimming of dimmable devices to be designed to be more compact and portable, facilitating the promotion and use of the products.

[0229] The following is combined with Figure 13 The chip provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described as follows:

[0230] In one possible design, functional module 122 may further include a system power module 1223 for monitoring and processing external power input. The other end of the first input pin (A1) 1211 is connected to the microcontroller 1221 via the system power module 1223. For example, upon being stimulated by an external power source, the system power module 1223 can convert the external input power to the voltage range required for system operation, allowing the system to start normally. At this time, the microcontroller 1221 starts initializing all peripheral interfaces, ensuring the initial values ​​are in a reasonable state, and then enters a standby state to guarantee stable chip operation.

[0231] In one possible design, the dimming command element 130 may include a switch K5 and a communication interface 1242, wherein the trigger signal (in some embodiments, the dimming command element may also employ other designs, such as function buttons, etc.). The functional module 122 may further include a communication module 1224 for enabling communication between the microcontroller 1221 and the communication interface 1241, with the other end of the second input pin (A3) 1212 connected to the microcontroller via the communication module 1224.

[0232] Alternatively, switch K5 can be connected to the microcontroller via input pin A4, the other end of which is grounded. The user controls the closing or closing of K5, and the chip sends a dimming command.

[0233] Understandably, for dimming instruction elements with communication interface types, the chip uses a communication module to interact with external components. This communication module can be a cellular communication module such as an LTE / 4G / 5G module, or a wireless communication module such as an Ethernet module, a WIFI module, and so on.

[0234] In one possible design, functional module 122 further includes a digital-to-analog converter (i.e., DAC module) 1225 for converting the digital voltage signal corresponding to the external dimming command into an analog adjustment signal, and the microcontroller 1221 is connected to the adjustable voltage output module 1222 through the DAC conversion module 1225.

[0235] By employing a DAC module combined with a DC-DC converter module, high-power, high-efficiency, and low-heat driving capabilities can be achieved. In some embodiments, the ADC module can also be integrated into a microcontroller to perform analog-to-digital conversion of digital voltage signals.

[0236] In one possible design, functional module 122 further includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) module 1226 for converting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module into a digital voltage signal so that the microcontroller can read the corresponding value. One end of the ADC module 1226 is connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module 1222, and the other end is connected to the microcontroller 1221.

[0237] By designing an ADC module at the output of the adjustable voltage output module, the microcontroller 1221 can quickly read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module.

[0238] In one possible design, functional module 122 further includes a switch module 1227 and a drive module 1228 for driving the switch module 1227. The switch module 1227 has a first end connected to the adjustable voltage output module 1222, a second end connected to the drive module 1228, and a third end connected to the output pin 1213. It is used to drive the corresponding switch based on the driving action of the drive module 1228 to control the adjustable voltage output module 1222 to output the output voltage. The drive module 1228 has one end connected to the microcontroller 1221 and the other end connected to the second end of the switch module 1227. It is used to receive a first drive signal from the microcontroller 1221 and drive the corresponding switch of the switch module 1227 based on the first drive signal. The first drive signal is sent by the microcontroller 1221 to the drive module 1228 when it reads that the output voltage has reached a specified voltage.

[0239] In this embodiment, in order to improve the driving output voltage and meet the driving requirements of high-voltage dimmable devices, an output switch driving module is designed so that the output voltage can reach more than 10V, which can effectively meet the higher voltage requirements of future dimming products.

[0240] In one possible design, output pin 1213 includes a first output pin B3 for connection to the positive terminal (e.g., the P terminal of EC) of the dimmable device 140, and a second output pin B4 for connection to the negative terminal (e.g., the N terminal of EC) of the dimmable device 140; the switching module includes a first switch K1, a second switch K2, a third switch K3, and a fourth switch K4; wherein, one end of the first switch K1 is connected to one end of the third switch K3, and the other end is grounded; the connecting wire between the first switch K1 and the third switch K3 is connected to the first conducting wire EC_N, and so on. The first conducting wire EC_N is connected to the second output pin B4 for connecting to the negative terminal of the dimmable device 140; one end of the second switch K2 is connected to one end of the fourth switch K4, and the other end is grounded; the connecting wire between the second switch K2 and the fourth switch K4 is connected to the second conducting wire EC_P, and the second conducting wire EC_P is connected to the first output pin B3 for connecting to the positive terminal of the dimmable device 140; the other ends of the third switch K3 and the fourth switch K4 are respectively connected to the adjustable voltage output module 1222;

[0241] Optionally, when the first switch K1 and the fourth switch K4 are closed, and the second switch K2 and the third switch K3 are open, the second conducting wire EC_P is turned on, so as to drive the dimmable device 140 to perform forward dimming based on the output voltage transmitted by the second conducting wire EC_P.

[0242] Optionally, when the first switch K1 and the fourth switch K4 are open, and the second switch K2 and the third switch K3 are closed, the first conducting wire EC_N is turned on, so as to drive the dimmable device 140 to perform reverse dimming based on the output voltage transmitted by the first conducting wire EC_N.

[0243] By employing the diagonal switch control method described above, a flexible dimming drive process for dimmable devices (such as ECs) can be achieved. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when K1 and K2 are closed and K3 and K4 are open, the dimmable device can form a short-circuit structure for rapid charging / discharging, thereby enabling rapid dimming and current acquisition of the dimmable device. For related explanations, please refer to the relevant content in the method embodiments; further details will not be elaborated here.

[0244] In one possible design, functional module 122 further includes a current sampling module 1229; one end of the current sampling module (i.e., current acquisition device) 1229 is connected to the two ends of the sampling resistor R on the connection line between the adjustable voltage output module 1222 and the output pin 1213 (which can be B3 or B4, and B3 is used as an example in this embodiment), and the other end is connected to the microcontroller 1221. It is used to collect the current data of the loop between the adjustable voltage output module 1222 and the adjustable optical device 140 in real time and feed it back to the microcontroller 1221, so that the microcontroller 1221 controls the adjustable voltage output module 1222 to continue or stop outputting the output voltage according to the current data.

[0245] Optionally, the microcontroller can control the adjustable voltage output module to continue or stop outputting the output voltage based on the current data by opening or closing a corresponding switch in the driving switching module, thereby controlling whether the output voltage is output. The specific process has been described above; please refer to the above for further explanation.

[0246] In one possible design, pin module 121 further includes a third input pin B1, one end of which is connected to an external thermistor NTC (i.e., temperature acquisition device), and the other end of which is connected to the microcontroller 1221. This is used to acquire the resistance value of the thermistor in real time and transmit the resistance value to the microcontroller 1221, so that the microcontroller 1221 can obtain the external temperature information based on the resistance value and adjust the analog adjustment signal based on the external temperature information.

[0247] By using NTC as an auxiliary condition for dimming control, the microcontroller can call different dimming strategies according to different temperatures to achieve the best dimming effect and effectively protect dimmable devices such as EC electrochromic products.

[0248] In some embodiments, the pin module may include more or fewer pins in addition to the input and output pins described above. This embodiment does not impose a particular limitation on the number of pins. For example, besides the input pins A1, A3, A4, B1, B3, and B4, other input pins may be included, such as input pin A2. The system power module connects to an external power source through input pins A1 and A2. In other words, the chip receives power through two pins, one for positive voltage (VCC) and the other for ground (GND). These two input pins provide a complete current loop, allowing current to flow between the chip and the power source. Another example is the ground pin B2, which forms a complete current path by grounding a thermistor, allowing current to flow through the thermistor and thus generating a measurable voltage drop at the microcontroller end.

[0249] Understandably, functional module 122 is the control device 900, for example... Figure 12 The structural portion formed by the microcontroller 1221 and the adjustable voltage output module 1222 corresponds to one possible example of the control device 900 in the above embodiment. Figure 13 Another possible example of the control device 900 corresponding to the functional module 122 (which may include other devices in addition to the microcontroller 1221 and the adjustable voltage output module 1222).

[0250] It should be noted that the chip provided in this embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the control method in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0251] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the controller includes: at least one processor 141; and a memory 142 communicatively connected to the at least one processor 141; wherein,

[0252] The memory 142 stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor 141, which, when executed, enable the at least one processor 141 to perform the control method for the dimmable device provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0253] The memory 142 can be connected to the processor 141 via the system bus 143 and complete communication between them.

[0254] Optionally, the processor 141 can be a general-purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), etc.; it can also be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. This embodiment does not particularly limit the type of processor 141.

[0255] Optionally, the system bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The system bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Memory may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0256] It should be noted that the controller provided in this embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the control method in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0257] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which executes the control method for the dimmable device provided in the above-described method embodiments when run on a computing unit.

[0258] It should be noted that the storage medium provided in this embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the control method in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0259] Figure 15 A schematic block diagram of a computer-readable storage medium and arithmetic unit provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 15 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium 151, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program runs on the arithmetic unit 152, it executes the control method for the dimmable device provided in the above embodiment. It should be understood that the description of the control method embodiment corresponds to the description of the device embodiment. Therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the device embodiment above, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0260] In this embodiment, the type of computer-readable storage medium 151 is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 151 may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0261] In this embodiment, the type of arithmetic unit 152 is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the arithmetic unit 152 may include a controller, mobile phone, computer, or other smart device.

[0262] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control device for a dimmable device, characterized in that, The control device includes a microcontroller and an adjustable voltage output module connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is used to provide an analog adjustment signal to the adjustable voltage output module to output a specified voltage after receiving an external dimming command. The adjustable voltage output module is used to output a voltage based on the analog adjustment signal. The microcontroller is also used to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module. When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module reaches the specified voltage, the microcontroller controls the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable voltage output module is a DC-DC conversion module, and the input terminal of the DC-DC conversion module is used to receive the power supply voltage provided by the external power supply or the microcontroller.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device further includes a digital-to-analog converter module, which is connected to the microcontroller and the adjustable voltage output module. The digital-to-analog converter module is used to receive a digital adjustment signal for a specified output voltage provided by the microcontroller, convert the digital adjustment signal into an analog adjustment signal for a specified output voltage, and provide the analog adjustment signal for the specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control device further includes a voltage divider network for adjusting the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module. The first end of the voltage divider network is connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, the second end of the voltage divider network is connected to the feedback pin of the adjustable voltage output module, and the third end of the voltage divider network is connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module. The digital-to-analog converter module is used to provide the analog adjustment signal with a specified output voltage to the adjustable voltage output module through the voltage divider network.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device further includes an analog-to-digital converter module, which is connected to the output terminal of the adjustable voltage output module and the microcontroller. The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module into a digital signal; The microcontroller is used to convert the analog voltage output by the adjustable voltage output module into a digital signal through the analog-to-digital converter module, so as to read the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device further includes a switch module, which is connected to the microcontroller and the dimmable device. The microcontroller is used to control the corresponding switch of the switching module to control the adjustable voltage output module to output voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to dim.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switch module includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The positive terminal of the adjustable device is connected to one end of the first switch and one end of the third switch, respectively, and the other end of the first switch is grounded; The negative terminal of the adjustable device is connected to one end of the second switch and one end of the fourth switch, respectively, and the other end of the second switch is grounded; The other end of the third switch and the other end of the fourth switch are both connected to the adjustable voltage output module; The microcontroller is used to control the first switch and the fourth switch to close, and to control the second switch and the third switch to open, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a positive voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to forward dimming; or, to control the first switch and the fourth switch to open, and the second switch and the third switch to close, thereby controlling the adjustable voltage output module to output a reverse voltage to the dimmable device to drive the dimmable device to reverse dimming.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The microcontroller controls the first and second switches to close and the third and fourth switches to open, thereby controlling the positive and negative terminals of the dimmable device to be short-circuited, thus controlling the dimmable device to reverse dimming.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The control device also includes a current acquisition device, which is connected to the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the dimmable light device; The current acquisition device is used to acquire the current data of the loop between the adjustable voltage output module and the adjustable optical device in real time. The microcontroller is used to determine, based on the current data, whether the dimmable device has completed dimming; when the dimmable device has completed dimming, it controls the adjustable voltage output module to stop outputting voltage.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The microcontroller is specifically used for at least one of the following: Determine whether the current data is less than a preset current threshold; if so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming. Determine whether the total power corresponding to the current data has reached the dimming power threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming. Determine whether the charging time corresponding to the current data has reached the charging time threshold. If so, determine that the dimmable device has completed dimming.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The microcontroller is also used for: When the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module does not reach the specified voltage, the analog adjustment signal is adjusted according to the output voltage; and the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output module is adjusted based on the adjusted analog adjustment signal.

12. A control method for a dimmable device, characterized in that, The dimming of the dimming device is realized by the control device of the dimming device according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on the arithmetic unit, executes the control method for the dimmable device as described in claim 12.

14. A control system for a dimmable device, characterized in that, Includes the control device as described in any one of claims 1-11, and a terminal platform and a dimmable device electrically connected to the control device, wherein, The terminal platform is used to send dimming commands to the controller and communicate with the control device. The dimmable device is used to receive the voltage output by the control device according to the adjustable voltage output module, so as to perform dimming based on the voltage.

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