Electronic adjustable dimmer and shading bucket based on electrogenerated liquid crystal light valve

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electronic adjustable light reducing mirror and a shading bucket based on an electro liquid crystal light valve, the electronic adjustable light reducing mirror comprises a single-chip microcomputer chip, a modem, an operational amplifier and a light reducing mirror, the single-chip microcomputer chip is electrically connected with the modem, the modem is used for receiving a control command of a camera device, and the operational amplifier is connected with the light reducing mirror. The modem is used for processing the control command into a digital signal; the operational amplifier is electrically connected with the single-chip microcomputer chip and used for receiving a voltage driving signal generated by the single-chip microcomputer chip according to the digital signal, and the value of the voltage driving signal is sine alternating current within the range of 1-6V; the light reducing mirror comprises a liquid crystal light valve body, the liquid crystal light valve body is electrically connected with the operational amplifier, the liquid crystal light valve body comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, and the arrangement mode of the liquid crystal molecules is changed according to the voltage driving signal so as to adjust the light entering amount of the light reducing mirror. According to the electronic adjustable light reducing mirror, precise light reducing control can be achieved, a traditional manual adjusting mode is replaced, the problem of color cast distortion is solved, and the optical performance is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of light-reducing equipment, and in particular to an electronically adjustable light-reducing mirror and a light-shielding bucket based on an electro-liquid light valve. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional photography and videography equipment, when exposed to strong light, can lead to overexposure when using a large aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field or a slow shutter speed to create dynamic images (such as shooting flowing water or drifting clouds). To solve this problem, mechanical ND filters were developed. They adjust the amount of light entering the camera by physically changing the lens elements to different levels of light reduction, providing photographers with some control over the light.

[0003] However, mechanical ND filters have the following drawbacks:

[0004] (1) Cumbersome operation: During the shooting process, if the light reduction level needs to be adjusted, the photographer must manually change the filter at different levels. On the film and television shooting set, the lighting conditions may change at any time. Frequently changing filters not only wastes time, but may also cause the best shooting opportunity to be missed, affecting shooting efficiency.

[0005] (2) Limited functionality: Its light reduction level is fixed and cannot be infinitely adjusted. In actual shooting, different scenes have different requirements for the degree of light reduction. Fixed-level light reduction filters are difficult to accurately match all needs and cannot meet some shooting scenes with high requirements for light control precision.

[0006] (3) Prone to optical defects: When multiple mechanical ND filters are superimposed to reduce light to a greater extent, distortion problems such as color cast and cross-shaped vignetting are likely to occur. Color cast will cause the color of the captured image to not match the actual scene, affecting color reproduction; cross-shaped vignetting will cause obvious darkening in the four corners of the image, destroying the overall aesthetics and integrity of the image and reducing the shooting quality. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the above problems, this utility model provides an electronically adjustable neutral density filter and a light-shielding cup based on an electro-liquid crystal light valve, in order to solve the problems of traditional mechanical ND filters, such as cumbersome operation, limited function, and easy optical defects.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an electronically adjustable neutral density mirror based on an electro-liquid crystal light valve, comprising:

[0009] Microcontroller chip;

[0010] A modem, wherein the microcontroller chip is electrically connected to the modem, the modem is used to receive control commands from the camera device, and the modem is used to process the control commands into digital signals;

[0011] An operational amplifier, electrically connected to the microcontroller chip, is used to receive a voltage drive signal generated by the microcontroller chip based on the digital signal, wherein the voltage drive signal is a sinusoidal alternating current in the range of 1-6V.

[0012] The neutral density filter includes a liquid crystal light valve body, which is electrically connected to the operational amplifier. The liquid crystal light valve body includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, which change their arrangement according to the voltage driving signal to adjust the amount of light entering the neutral density filter.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0014] The display is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip and is used to display the light reduction parameter information corresponding to the current light reduction filter and / or the current working mode of the light reduction filter.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0016] The wireless communication module includes a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module, and the wireless communication module is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0018] The touch module includes buttons or a scroll wheel, and the touch module is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip.

[0019] Furthermore, the control commands of the camera device include multiple levels of light reduction control commands, with different light reduction control commands corresponding to different light reduction effects.

[0020] Furthermore, the modem includes a first modem and a second modem;

[0021] The first modem is used to receive a first control command from the first camera device, process the first control command into a first digital signal, and then send it to the microcontroller chip;

[0022] The second modem is used to receive a second control command from the second camera device, process the second control command into a second digital signal, and then send it to the microcontroller chip.

[0023] Furthermore, the first modem is an SP3485E modem, and the second modem is an SP3232EEN modem.

[0024] Furthermore, the operational amplifier is an RS8421 operational amplifier.

[0025] Furthermore, the operational amplifier also includes a short-circuit relay.

[0026] Furthermore, the microcontroller chip is an STM32F405.

[0027] Unlike existing technologies, the above-described electronically adjustable neutral density (ND) mirror based on an electro-liquid crystal light valve includes a microcontroller chip, a modem, an operational amplifier, and an ND mirror. The microcontroller chip is electrically connected to the modem, which receives control commands from the camera device and processes them into digital signals. The operational amplifier is also electrically connected to the microcontroller chip and receives a voltage drive signal generated by the microcontroller chip based on the digital signals. The voltage drive signal is a sinusoidal alternating current in the range of 1-6V. The ND mirror includes a liquid crystal light valve body, which is electrically connected to the operational amplifier. The liquid crystal light valve body includes multiple liquid crystal molecules that change their arrangement according to the voltage drive signal to adjust the amount of light entering the ND mirror. This electronically adjustable ND mirror enables precise control of light reduction, replacing the traditional manual adjustment mode to eliminate color distortion and optimize optical performance.

[0028] The above description of the utility model is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model and to implement it based on the description and drawings, and to make the above-mentioned objectives and other objectives, features and advantages of this utility model easier to understand, the following description is provided in conjunction with the specific embodiments and drawings of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate the principles, implementation methods, applications, features, and effects of the present invention and other related contents, and should not be considered as limitations on the present invention.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronically adjustable light-reducing mirror based on an electro-liquid light valve, as described in a specific implementation.

[0032] The reference numerals used in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0033] 1. Microcontroller chip;

[0034] 2. Modem;

[0035] 21. First modem;

[0036] 22. Second modem;

[0037] 3. Operational amplifier;

[0038] 4. Neutral density filter;

[0039] 41. Liquid crystal light valve body;

[0040] 5. Monitor;

[0041] 6. Wireless communication module;

[0042] 7. Touch module. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To illustrate in detail the possible application scenarios, technical principles, implementable specific solutions, and achievable objectives and effects of this utility model, the following description, in conjunction with the listed specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, provides a detailed explanation. The embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this utility model and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0044] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this utility model. The term "embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it specifically limit its independence or connection with other embodiments. In principle, in this utility model, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form corresponding implementable technical solutions.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the use of related terms herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, the term "and / or" is used to describe the logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously. Additionally, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" logical relationship.

[0047] In this invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual quantity, hierarchy, or order between these entities or operations.

[0048] Without further limitations, the use of terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or other similar expressions in this invention is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which does not exclude the presence of additional elements in a process, method, or product that includes the stated elements, such that a process, method, or product that includes a series of elements may include not only those defined elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or product.

[0049] Similar to the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this utility model, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple" are also understood in this way, such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the space-related expressions used, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the specific embodiments of this utility model or for the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model.

[0051] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting," as used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral setting; it can be a mechanical connection, a signal connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in a first aspect, this application provides an electronically adjustable neutral density filter based on an electro-liquid crystal light valve, comprising: a microcontroller chip 1, a modem 2, an operational amplifier 3, and a neutral density filter 4;

[0053] The microcontroller chip 1 is electrically connected to the modem 2. The modem 2 is used to receive control commands from the camera device and to process the control commands into digital signals.

[0054] The operational amplifier 3 is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip 1 and is used to receive the voltage drive signal generated by the microcontroller chip 1 according to the digital signal. The voltage drive signal is a sinusoidal alternating current in the range of 1-6V.

[0055] The neutral density filter 4 includes a liquid crystal light valve body 41, which is electrically connected to the operational amplifier 3. The liquid crystal light valve body includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, which change their arrangement according to the voltage driving signal to adjust the amount of light entering the neutral density filter.

[0056] In some embodiments, the electronically adjustable neutral density filter further includes a display 5, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip and is used to display the light reduction parameter information corresponding to the current neutral density filter and / or the current working mode of the neutral density filter.

[0057] The display includes an OLED screen, which receives display data and control signals from a microcontroller and displays the corresponding information on the screen. OLED screens can intuitively present a variety of key information to assist user operation.

[0058] (1) Neutral Density Filter Operating Parameters: Displays the current neutral density filter setting, such as 1 / 32, 1 / 48, etc., allowing users to intuitively understand the degree of light attenuation. It also displays the driving voltage value corresponding to the neutral density setting, such as 4V, 4.5V, so that users can understand the basis for adjusting the neutral density effect.

[0059] (2) System operating status: Displays the operating mode of the neutral density filter, such as manual adjustment mode or automatic control mode via Bluetooth, RS485 / 232 or other communication methods. It also displays the system operating status. If a fault occurs, it will display the specific fault code or type, such as communication failure, driver module abnormality, etc., to facilitate users to quickly troubleshoot the problem.

[0060] (3) Communication connection status: Displays the communication connection status with external devices (such as movie cameras, remote controls). When a Bluetooth, RS485 or RS232 device is successfully connected, the name or identifier of the connected device will be displayed; when the connection is abnormal, information such as connection failure or signal interruption will be displayed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electronically adjustable neutral density filter further includes a wireless communication module 6, which includes a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module, and the wireless communication module is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip.

[0062] In short, control commands can be issued not only by the camera equipment but also by mobile devices connected to the microcontroller chip. The microcontroller chip and the mobile device communicate via a wireless communication module. This module receives external commands and transmits them to the core controller, the STM32F405 microcontroller, such as commands to adjust the neutral density (ND) level or change the drive voltage, enabling precise control of the ND filter. Furthermore, it can feed back system status information to the control equipment, such as the current ND level and operating mode, allowing operators to understand the equipment status and make informed decisions.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electronically adjustable neutral density filter further includes a touch module 7, which includes buttons or a scroll wheel, and the touch module is electrically connected to the microcontroller chip.

[0064] Buttons typically use mechanical contact switches. When a button is pressed, the circuit is activated, generating a voltage level change signal. The microcontroller detects this voltage level change to determine whether the button has been pressed. Scroll wheels generally use encoders. Encoders output pulse signals, and the number and direction of these pulses determine the scroll wheel's rotation.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control commands of the camera device include multiple levels of light reduction control commands, with different light reduction control commands corresponding to different light reduction effects.

[0066] In some embodiments, the modem 2 includes a first modem 21 and a second modem 22;

[0067] The first modem 21 is used to receive a first control command from the first camera device, process the first control command into a first digital signal, and then send it to the microcontroller chip.

[0068] The second modem 22 is used to receive a second control command from the second camera device, process the second control command into a second digital signal, and then send it to the microcontroller chip.

[0069] Preferably, the first modem is an SP3485E modem and the second modem is an SP3232EEN modem.

[0070] The modems (SP3485E and SP3232EEN) function to modulate and demodulate signals from camera devices (such as movie cameras or remote controls), enabling these signals to be transmitted and processed in a format suitable for the RS485 and RS232 interfaces of the microcontroller. This allows for effective control of the STM32F405 microcontroller, thereby ensuring that the entire LCD light valve drive system operates as expected.

[0071] Specifically, the SP3485E, acting as an RS485 communication modem, converts the microcontroller's TTL level signals into RS485 differential signals. Because the RS485 interface features long-distance transmission and strong anti-interference capabilities, it ensures stable signal transmission in film and television shooting scenarios where devices may be far apart. The SP3232EEN, on the other hand, is used for RS232 communication, converting the microcontroller's TTL level signals to RS232 levels. Some film and television equipment uses RS232 interfaces, and this level conversion allows neutral density filters to communicate smoothly with these devices.

[0072] Preferably, the operational amplifier is an RS8421 operational amplifier. The operational amplifier also includes a short-circuit relay.

[0073] The RS8421 operational amplifier plays a crucial role in electronically adjustable neutral density (ND) filters. It precisely outputs a 1-6V sinusoidal AC power supply, providing a stable drive signal to the liquid crystal light valve. By changing the voltage, it allows for precise control of the light transmittance of the liquid crystal light valve, meeting the light reduction requirements of different shooting scenarios. Furthermore, this operational amplifier integrates a short-circuit relay, effectively eliminating interference from the light valve's parasitic capacitance on the drive signal, improving the stability and accuracy of the drive signal, ensuring stable operation of the liquid crystal light valve, and thus ensuring precise light adjustment of the ND filter, stable image quality, and facilitating smooth film and television shooting.

[0074] In an electronically adjustable neutral density (ND) mirror system, the short-circuit relay is integrated into the RS8421 operational amplifier. From a hardware perspective, it consists of a control terminal and an execution terminal. The control terminal connects to the operational amplifier control circuit, and the execution terminal connects to the liquid crystal light valve circuit. When selecting the relay, its rated current, voltage, and other parameters must be determined according to circuit requirements to ensure reliable operation. When the control terminal receives a closing signal, the execution terminal contacts close, short-circuiting the two ends of the liquid crystal light valve. In terms of control logic, the system monitors the drive signal. Because parasitic capacitance causes significant interference at the zero-crossing point of the sinusoidal drive signal, when a similar interference risk point is detected, the system control logic sends a signal to the short-circuit relay control terminal, causing it to activate at that moment and promptly release the charge stored in the parasitic capacitance. This effectively eliminates the interference of parasitic capacitance on the drive signal, ensuring the liquid crystal light valve accurately responds to the drive signal and ensuring stable and reliable ND mirror dimming.

[0075] Preferably, the microcontroller chip is an STM32F405.

[0076] The STM32F405 microcontroller chip is the core of the electronically adjustable neutral density (ND) mirror system. Based on the Cortex-M4 core, it operates at a frequency of up to 168MHz, boasting strong processing capabilities and a fast response to various control commands. The chip integrates abundant resources, such as large-capacity storage and multiple peripherals, facilitating connection to various system modules. Simultaneously, it supports multiple low-power modes, reducing system energy consumption. Furthermore, it features a comprehensive reset and clock management system, ensuring stable electrical performance and adaptability to complex environments, guaranteeing reliable operation of the ND mirror under different conditions and providing strong support for system stability and functional implementation.

[0077] In practical applications, the measurement results of the liquid crystal light valve can be obtained through an oscilloscope (to detect the input), a function generator (to generate an AC voltage signal), and a light transmittance meter (to detect the light valve's transmittance). For example, a 4V AC output corresponds to a 1 / 32 light reduction, and a 4.5V AC output corresponds to a 1 / 48 light reduction. The measured voltage-light reduction level function curve can be imported into an STM32 microcontroller to achieve different light reduction levels. Stepless light reduction can also be achieved through 1024-level voltage steps, allowing the light reduction level to be customized within a precision range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 256, meeting the needs of complex or one-shot shooting.

[0078] Meanwhile, the STM32 microcontroller can read the camera's internal shooting parameters via RS232 or RS485. Based on these parameters, it automatically adjusts the frequency of the light valve drive voltage, typically an integer multiple of the shutter speed (e.g., 1 / 60 shutter speed corresponds to 120Hz, 1 / 100 shutter speed corresponds to 200Hz), to prevent the camera from capturing high-frequency flickering of the light valve. This filter can also be controlled by the camera. When the aperture is increased, the camera controls the liquid crystal light valve to reduce light transmission; conversely, when the aperture is decreased, the camera controls the liquid crystal light valve to increase light transmission, achieving depth-of-field blurring without changing the brightness of the recorded image (this can be done without interrupting camera recording).

[0079] The electronically adjustable neutral density filter involved in the above solution can eliminate screen flicker caused by shutter angle changes by adjusting the voltage amplitude and frequency, and achieve linkage control with devices such as cinema cameras, follow focusers, and lidar, thereby improving the optical transmittance and color reproduction performance of the liquid crystal light valve.

[0080] In a second aspect, this application also provides a light-shielding box, comprising:

[0081] The body of the container is equipped with a filter slot;

[0082] The neutral density filter, placed in the filter slot, is the electronically adjustable neutral density filter based on an electro-liquid light valve as described in the first aspect of this application.

[0083] Preferably, the neutral density (ND) filter of this application is rectangular in shape. The lens hood is designed with dedicated filter slots into which the ND filter can be inserted. The slots are generally located at the end of the lens hood near the lens or between the multiple layers of the lens hood. For example, Nisi's C5 lens hood can accommodate a 4x4-inch filter and a 4x5.65-inch filter, and the user can insert the ND filter into one of the slots.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described in the text and drawings of this utility model, this should not limit the scope of patent protection of this utility model. Any technical solutions resulting from equivalent structural or procedural substitutions or modifications made based on the essential concept of this utility model and utilizing the content described in the text and drawings of this utility model, as well as the direct or indirect application of the technical solutions of the above embodiments to other related technical fields, are all included within the scope of patent protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electronically adjustable light attenuator based on an electroluminescent light valve, characterized in that It comprises: a single-chip microcomputer chip; a modem, which is electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer chip, and is used for receiving a control command of a camera device and processing the control command into a digital signal; an operational amplifier, which is electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer chip, and is used for receiving a voltage drive signal generated by the single-chip microcomputer chip according to the digital signal, the voltage drive signal being a sinusoidal alternating current in a range of 1-6V; a dimmer, which comprises a liquid crystal light valve body, the liquid crystal light valve body being electrically connected to the operational amplifier, and the liquid crystal light valve body comprising a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal molecules changing arrangement modes according to the voltage drive signal to adjust an amount of light entering the dimmer.

2. An electroclinic light valve based electronically variable attenuator as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises: a display, which is electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer chip, and is used for displaying dimmer parameter information corresponding to a current dimmer and / or a working mode of the current dimmer.

3. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as recited in claim 1, wherein, It further comprises: a wireless communication module, which comprises a wifi module or a Bluetooth module, and is electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer chip.

4. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as recited in claim 1, wherein, It further comprises: a touch module, which comprises a key or a scroll wheel, and is electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer chip.

5. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as recited in claim 1, wherein, The control command of the camera device comprises a plurality of dimming control commands of different gears, and different dimming control commands correspond to different dimming effects.

6. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as recited in claim 1, wherein, The modem comprises a first modem and a second modem. The first modem is used for receiving a first control command of a first camera device, processing the first control command into a first digital signal, and sending the first digital signal to the single-chip microcomputer chip. The second modem is used for receiving a second control command of a second camera device, processing the second control command into a second digital signal, and sending the second digital signal to the single-chip microcomputer chip.

7. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first modem is an SP3485E modem, and the second modem is an SP3232EEN modem.

8. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as recited in claim 1, wherein, The operational amplifier is an RS8421 operational amplifier.

9. An electroclinic light valve based variable attenuator as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein, The operational amplifier further comprises a short-circuit relay.

10. A light shield cup, characterized by It comprises: a bucket body, which is provided with a filter slot; a dimmer, which is placed in the filter slot and is an electronic adjustable dimmer based on an electro-optical liquid crystal light valve according to any one of claims 1-9.

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