Dimming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium

Abstract

According to the embodiment of the invention, a dimming device, a method for controlling the dimming device and a storage medium are provided. The method includes detecting a driving voltage provided to a switching circuit of the dimming device in response to the dimming device being enabled, where the switching circuit is connected to a load such that a voltage applied to the load is controlled by switching on or off of the switching circuit; and setting a maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on a comparison of the driving voltage and a threshold voltage, the maximum dimming range relating to an on-time of the switching circuit in a unit duty cycle; and performing a dimming operation for the load based on the maximum dimming range. In this manner, the maximum dimming range of the dimming device can be adaptively adjusted based on the detected driving voltage, so that compatibility of the dimming device with various types of loads can be advantageously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical devices, and more particularly to a dimming device, a method for controlling the dimming device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] A dimmer is a device or system used to control the brightness of a light. It can adjust the brightness of a lighting device by changing the voltage, current or power supplied to the lamp to meet the lighting needs in different scenarios. The dimmer operates according to various dimming parameters to achieve dimming for the load. Due to differences in electrical parameters, current dimmers are sometimes not compatible with different types of lamps, causing the lamps to flicker when illuminated. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dimming device, a method for controlling the dimming device, and a storage medium.

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a dimming device is provided. The method comprises: in response to the dimming device being enabled, detecting a driving voltage provided to a switch circuit of the dimming device, wherein the switch circuit is connected to a load so that a voltage applied to the load is controlled by turning on or off the switch circuit; and setting a maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on a comparison between the driving voltage and a threshold voltage, wherein the maximum dimming range is related to the turn-on time of the switch circuit within a unit duty cycle; and performing a dimming operation for the load based on the maximum dimming range.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, detecting the driving voltage includes: detecting the driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is enabled.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, detecting the driving voltage includes: detecting the driving voltage provided to the switching circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is adjusted from a predetermined minimum threshold to a predetermined maximum threshold in response to the dimming device being enabled.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, setting the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison includes: in response to the driving voltage not being lower than the threshold voltage, setting the maximum dimming range to have a default value.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, setting the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison includes: in response to the driving voltage being equal to or lower than the threshold voltage, setting the maximum dimming range based on a current value of the maximum dimming range or a predetermined maximum threshold.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a dimming device is provided. The device includes: a switch circuit, adapted to be connected to a load so that a voltage applied to the load is controlled by turning the switch circuit on or off; a detection circuit, configured to detect a driving voltage provided to the switch circuit in response to the dimming device being enabled; and a control circuit, configured to set a maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on a comparison between the driving voltage and a threshold voltage, the maximum dimming range being related to the on-time of the switch circuit within a unit duty cycle; and performing a dimming operation for the load based on the maximum dimming range.

[0010] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the detection circuit is further configured to detect the driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is enabled.

[0011] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the detection circuit is further configured to detect the driving voltage provided to the switching circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is adjusted from a predetermined minimum threshold of the maximum adjustment range to a predetermined maximum threshold in response to the dimming device being enabled.

[0012] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the driving voltage not being lower than the threshold voltage, set the maximum dimming range to have a default value.

[0013] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the driving voltage being equal to or lower than the threshold voltage, set the maximum dimming range based on a current value of the maximum dimming range or a predetermined maximum threshold.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a machine-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a program is stored on the machine-readable storage medium, and the program can be executed by a processor to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0015] It will be understood from the following description that according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving voltage of the switch circuit is detected by the detection circuit and compared with the preset threshold voltage. Based on the comparison, the control circuit can determine the maximum dimming range of the dimming device through the detected driving voltage. In this way, it is possible to achieve a corresponding reasonable maximum dimming range for different types of lamps, avoid unstable situations such as flickering of the lamp during lighting, and ensure that the lamp is always in a safe, reasonable, stable and reliable working state. This also improves the compatibility of the dimming device with various types of lamps. Other benefits will be described below in conjunction with the corresponding embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The relevant voltage waveform of a conventional dimmer dimming an incandescent lamp is shown;

[0018] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The relevant voltage waveform of a conventional dimmer dimming a light emitting diode (LED) lamp is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an example structure of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an example workflow of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an example workflow of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 6 A flow chart of an example process for controlling a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "including" and similar terms should be understood as open inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The term "some embodiments" should be understood as "at least some embodiments". Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below. The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0025] As briefly mentioned above, with the development of digital technology, dimmers have also played an important role in energy conservation and environmental protection. For example, a phase-controlled dimmer, also known as a dimming switch or electronic dimmer, is a device used to control the brightness of a lamp. The dimmer precisely controls the brightness of the lamp by changing the voltage supplied to the lamp by the AC power supply and the duty cycle of the input signal. The phase-controlled dimmer uses zero-crossing detection technology to accurately detect and record the zero point position of the sine wave. When the user sends a dimming signal through a knob, switch, or remote control, the phase-controlled dimmer receives the signal and decodes it.

[0026] The dimmer is connected in series with the load on the main power supply. The dimmer includes a switch unit, a switch driving power supply, a control unit and a control unit power supply. The switch driving power supply is used to drive the switch unit to turn on or off so that the dimmer works with the load. The control unit power supply supplies power to the control unit. The main power supply supplies power to the switch driving power supply and the control unit power supply, and also supplies power to the load. In this way, the dimmer cooperates with the load to meet the different dimming requirements of users.

[0027] According to the brightness level set by the user, the phase-controlled dimmer will open the circuit to supply power to the bulb near the zero point of the next AC cycle. This can reduce the risk of shock and damage caused by the sudden application of high voltage and maintain precise control of the output energy of the bulb. By continuously delaying the opening time, a gradual effect at different brightness levels can be achieved. In addition, it also has the advantages of lower power consumption, easy installation and operation. Phase-controlled dimmers are widely used in home, commercial and industrial lighting systems to provide users with customized lighting experience and achieve the goals of energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0028] In practice, phase-controlled dimmers may be applied to different types of loads, such as incandescent lamps, LED lamps, etc. Figure 1A and Figure 1B , which shows the relevant voltage waveform of a conventional phase-controlled dimmer configuration operating on an incandescent lamp load. Specifically, Figure 1A The voltage waveform 110 of the incandescent lamp and the input voltage 120 of the dimmer are shown in this case, which corresponds to the case where the switch unit of the dimmer is turned on. The incandescent lamp is set in the maximum dimming range, and the average input voltage of the dimmer is 57.3V, for example. Figure 1B The figure corresponds to the case where the switch unit of the dimmer is turned off, and shows the output voltage waveform 130 of the switch unit power supply and the input waveform 140 of the dimmer in this case. When the switch unit is turned off, the average input voltage of the dimmer is, for example, 57.1V, and the average output voltage of the switch driving power supply is, for example, 8.18V.

[0029] As a comparison, Figure 2A 2 shows the relevant voltage waveforms when the same phase-controlled dimmer is configured to work on an LED lamp. The same dimmer is connected in series to the LED lamp. Figure 2A The voltage waveform 210 of the LED lamp and the input voltage 220 of the dimmer are shown in the case where the switch unit of the dimmer is turned on. When the switch unit is turned on, the LED lamp is set in the maximum dimming range, and the average input voltage of the LED lamp is 39.5V, for example. Figure 2A This corresponds to the case where the switch unit of the dimmer is turned off, and shows the output voltage waveform 230 of the switch unit power supply and the input waveform 240 of the dimmer in this case. When the switch unit is turned on, the average input voltage of the dimmer is, for example, 39.5V, and the average output voltage of the switch drive power supply is, for example, 5.59V.

[0030] Therefore, if a conventional phase-controlled dimmer is configured on an LED lamp and maintains the maximum dimming range unchanged, the input voltage of the dimmer is less than or equal to 39.5V. At the same time, the output voltage of the switch driver power supply will also drop. In some cases, this reduced voltage causes the operating voltage of the dimmer to be insufficient, which in turn causes the LED, etc. to flicker at the maximum dimming range. In other cases, this reduced voltage may even cause the dimmer to fail to start. Because the dimmer has a minimum startup voltage requirement (for example, the voltage of the switch driver power supply must be at least higher than 5V), if the output voltage of the switch driver power supply drops below the required minimum voltage, the dimmer may not work properly. Conventional phase-controlled dimmers have poor compatibility, especially with some LED lamps.

[0031] To solve this problem, in some traditional solutions, the maximum dimming range is reduced to ensure the compatibility of the dimmer with LED lamps. However, the reduction of the maximum dimming range is not conducive to achieving the widest possible lamp brightness adjustment. Therefore, the traditional phase-controlled dimmer cannot adaptively meet the needs of various LED lamps.

[0032] In order to solve or at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems or other potential problems of the phase-controlled dimmer of the conventional solution, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dimming device and a control scheme thereof. In the dimming device, the on and off of the load is controlled by turning on and off the switch circuit, and the driving voltage of the switch circuit is detected by the detection circuit. The detection circuit detects the driving voltage of the switch circuit and compares it with a preset threshold voltage. Based on the comparison result, the control circuit can determine the maximum dimming range of the dimming device through the detected driving voltage.

[0033] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a corresponding reasonable maximum dimming range can be achieved for different types of lamps, avoiding unstable situations such as flickering of the lamps during lighting, and ensuring that the lamps are always in a safe, reasonable, stable and reliable working state. This also improves the compatibility of the dimming device with various types of lamps.

[0034] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Please note that in some descriptions of the embodiments, certain specific values ​​may be involved in order to better help readers understand. These values ​​are exemplary and may vary according to specific application scenarios, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0035] The following will be combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 To describe the exemplary structure and workflow of the dimming device 301. Figure 3 The dimming device 301 is installed in the power environment 300. The dimming device 301 and the load 370 are connected in series to a main power supply 350, such as a mains power supply. The dimming device 301 generally includes a switch circuit 310, a detection circuit 360, a control circuit 340, and an optional power supply circuit 330. The main power supply 350 supplies power to the load 370 while supplying power to the power supply circuit 330 of the dimming device 301. The voltage Vcc1 output by the power supply circuit 330 is provided to the control circuit 340, and the driving voltage Vcc2 output by the power supply circuit 330 is provided to the switch circuit 310 to turn the switch circuit 310 on or off.

[0036] In some embodiments, the power circuit 330 is bridged to the main power supply 350, so that the AC signal of the main power supply 350 is converted into a DC signal through the bridge and stored in the power circuit. The bridge circuit uses two diodes in the same direction, such as Figure 3 The diode 320 is shown. The anode of the diode 320 is connected to the main power supply 350, and the cathode is connected to the power supply circuit 330.

[0037] It should be understood that Figure 3The bridge circuit and power supply circuit 330 shown are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the bridge circuit and power supply circuit 330 may have any suitable structure.

[0038] The detection circuit 360 is configured to detect the driving voltage Vcc2 provided to the switch circuit 310. For example, the detection circuit 360 can measure the voltage of the Vcc2 branch in the power circuit 330.

[0039] In order to detect the driving voltage Vcc2, the detection circuit 360 may have any suitable structure, such as a proportional circuit. Figure 3 As an example without any limitation, the detection circuit 360 is composed of two resistors 3601 connected in series, one end of which is connected to the Vcc2 branch of the power supply circuit 330, and the other end is grounded, so that the resistor 3601 close to the ground end is connected in parallel with a capacitor 3602. In addition, the power supply circuit 330 is also grounded.

[0040] The switch circuit 310 is connected to the load 370 so that a voltage applied to the load 370 is controlled by turning on and off the switch circuit 310. The switch circuit 310 receives the driving voltage Vcc2 to perform a turning on and off action.

[0041] exist Figure 3 As an example without any limitation, the switch circuit 310 includes two field effect transistors (also referred to as MOS tubes or MOSFETs) connected back to back and two resistors connected in series therebetween. Specifically, the source of the first field effect transistor 3101 is connected in series to one end of the two resistors 3102 connected in series, and the two resistors 3102 are grounded. The other ends of the two resistors 3102 are connected in series to the source of the second field effect transistor 3102. The drains of the first field effect transistor 3101 and the second field effect transistor 3102 are respectively connected to the input and output ends of the main power supply 350. It should be understood that the switch circuit 310 can have any suitable circuit structure, and is not limited to Figure 3 shown.

[0042] The control circuit 340 is coupled to the switch circuit 310 and the detection circuit 360, and performs a dimming operation for the load 370 based on various dimming parameters. The dimming parameters include a maximum dimming range. The maximum dimming range is related to the on-time of the switch circuit 310 within a unit duty cycle, for example, it can be a proportion of half a duty cycle, such as 80%, 75%, etc.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, the control circuit 340 is coupled to the output of the detection circuit 360, so that the detected driving voltage Vcc2 can be obtained. In turn, the control circuit 360 can set the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison between the detected driving voltage Vcc2 and the threshold voltage (e.g., 5V), and then can perform a dimming operation for the load 370 based on the set maximum dimming range. The threshold voltage is related to the switch circuit 310. The threshold voltage may depend on the structure of the switch circuit and the specifications of the components (e.g., transistors) included.

[0044] For example, the control circuit 340 may control the on-time of the switch circuit 310 within a unit duty cycle according to a comparison between the detected driving voltage Vcc2 and a threshold voltage (eg, 5V) to achieve the setting of the maximum dimming range.

[0045] In some embodiments, in order to make the maximum dimming range finally set as large as possible (for example, while ensuring that the dimming device can work normally and the load 370 does not flicker), the control circuit 360 can adjust the maximum dimming range in the following manner. Specifically, when the dimming device 301 is enabled, for example, when the dimming device 301 starts to power on, the detection circuit 360 detects the driving voltage Vcc2. The detection circuit 360 provides the detection value of the driving voltage Vcc2 to the control circuit 340. The control circuit 340 can compare the driving voltage detected by the detection circuit 360 in real time with the threshold voltage. If the detected driving voltage is reduced to the threshold voltage or reduced to less than the threshold voltage, the control circuit 340 can be set to have a target value based on the current value of the maximum dimming range, for example, the current value is fixed as the target of the maximum dimming range. Optionally, the control circuit 34 can also set the maximum dimming range based on a predetermined maximum threshold (for example, a theoretical maximum value). If the detected driving voltage is reduced to a threshold voltage greater than the threshold voltage, the control circuit 340 can set the maximum dimming range to have a default value (for example, a default value set at the factory).

[0046] In other embodiments, the control circuit 360 can also adjust the maximum dimming range in the following manner. When the dimming device 301 is enabled and the dimming range of the dimming device 301 is adjusted from a predetermined minimum threshold to a predetermined maximum threshold, the detection circuit 360 detects the driving voltage Vcc2. The detection circuit 360 provides the detection value of the driving voltage Vcc2 to the control circuit 340. The control circuit 340 can compare the driving voltage detected by the detection circuit 360 in real time with the threshold voltage. If the detected driving voltage Vcc2 is reduced to the threshold voltage or reduced to less than the threshold voltage, the control circuit 340 can be set to have a target value based on the current value of the maximum dimming range, for example, the current value is fixed as the target of the maximum dimming range. Optionally, the control circuit 34 can also set the maximum dimming range based on a predetermined maximum threshold (e.g., a theoretical maximum value). If the detected driving voltage is reduced to a threshold voltage greater than the threshold voltage, the control circuit 340 can set the maximum dimming range to have a default value (e.g., a factory default value).

[0047] As an example only and without any limitation, when the main power supply 350 is a 50Hz mains power supply, half a duty cycle is 10ms, and the predetermined value of the maximum dimming range can be 80% of the half duty cycle, i.e. 8ms. The control circuit 340 can gradually reduce the maximum dimming range from 8ms, and monitor the comparison result of the driving voltage Vcc2 and the threshold voltage in real time. For example, when the maximum dimming range is reduced to 7.5ms, the driving voltage Vcc2 is reduced to the threshold voltage or slightly below the threshold voltage. At this point, it can be considered to be critical. Accordingly, the control circuit 340 can set the maximum dimming range to 7.5ms or another value slightly less than 7.5ms (such as 7.3ms). It should be understood that the numerical values ​​in the example are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0048] In this embodiment, by measuring the driving voltage Vcc2 at the power-on moment or when the dimming range of the dimming device is adjusted to the limit of the predetermined maximum threshold, and setting the maximum dimming range based on the comparison between the driving voltage Vcc2 and the threshold voltage (such as 5V), it is possible to avoid unstable situations such as flickering of the lamp during lighting, thereby ensuring that the lamp is always in a safe, reasonable, stable and reliable working state.

[0049] The above describes an example operation of the control circuit 340. The control circuit 340 may be implemented in any suitable analog or digital circuit. In some embodiments, the control circuit 340 may be a single chip microcomputer, such as a microprocessing unit (MCU), a microcontroller, or the like.

[0050] In order to more clearly understand the operation of the dimming device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 and Figure 4The exemplary working process 400 of the dimming device 301 is described as follows. First, at block 410 , the dimming device 301 is started. The power circuit 330 is charged by the main power source 350 through the first diode 320 and the second diode 520 connected in a bridge.

[0051] At box 420, the driving voltage Vcc2 of the switch circuit is detected. Next, at box 430, the detected value of the driving voltage Vcc2 is compared with the threshold voltage. If it is determined that the detected driving voltage Vcc2 is reduced to the threshold voltage or reduced to less than the threshold voltage, then at box 440, the maximum dimming range is fixed. For example, the fixed maximum dimming range can be the current value of the dimming device 301 or a predetermined maximum threshold of its dimming range. If it is determined that the detected driving voltage Vcc2 is higher than the threshold voltage, then at box 450, the maximum dimming range of the dimming device 301 is set to the default value set at the factory.

[0052] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 3 and Figure 5 The exemplary working process 500 of the dimming device 301 is described as follows. First, at block 510 , the dimming device 301 is started. The power circuit 330 is charged by the main power source 350 through the first diode 320 and the second diode 520 connected in a bridge.

[0053] In block 520 , the dimming range of the dimming device 301 is automatically increased from a predetermined minimum threshold to a predetermined maximum threshold, and then in block 530 , the driving voltage Vcc2 of the switch circuit is detected.

[0054] Next, at block 540, the detected value of the driving voltage Vcc2 is compared with the threshold voltage. If it is determined that the detected driving voltage Vcc2 is reduced to the threshold voltage or reduced to less than the threshold voltage, then at block 550, the maximum dimming range is fixed. For example, the fixed maximum dimming range may be the current value of the dimming device 301 or a predetermined maximum threshold value of its dimming range.

[0055] If it is determined that the detected driving voltage Vcc2 is higher than the threshold voltage, then in block 560 , the maximum dimming range of the dimming device 301 is set to a factory default value.

[0056] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process 600 for controlling a dimming device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 600 may be implemented, for example, at the dimming device 301 or at the control circuit 340 thereof. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5Process 600 is described. It should be appreciated that process 600 may include additional acts not shown and / or may omit acts shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0057] In response to the dimming device being enabled at block 610 , a driving voltage provided to a switch circuit of the dimming device is detected at block 620 , wherein the switch circuit is connected to a load so that a voltage applied to the load is controlled by turning the switch circuit on or off.

[0058] In block 6 , 30 , a maximum dimming range of the dimming device is set based on the comparison between the driving voltage and the threshold voltage, wherein the maximum dimming range is related to the on-time of the switch circuit within a unit duty cycle.

[0059] At block 640 , a dimming operation for the load is performed based on the maximum dimming range.

[0060] In some embodiments, detecting the driving voltage includes detecting the driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is enabled.

[0061] In some embodiments, detecting the driving voltage includes detecting the driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is adjusted from a predetermined minimum threshold to a predetermined maximum threshold in response to the dimming device being enabled.

[0062] In some embodiments, setting the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison includes: in response to the driving voltage not being lower than the threshold voltage, setting the maximum dimming range to have a default value.

[0063] In some embodiments, setting the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison includes: in response to the driving voltage being equal to or lower than the threshold voltage, setting the maximum dimming range based on a current value of the maximum dimming range or a predetermined maximum threshold.

[0064] According to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, a machine-readable storage medium is also provided, on which machine-executable instructions are stored, wherein the machine-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method described above. According to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, a program product is also provided, which is tangibly stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium and includes machine-executable instructions, and the machine-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method described above.

[0065] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices, equipment and program products implemented according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by machine-readable program instructions.

[0066] These machine-readable program instructions can be provided to a processing unit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a server, a single-chip microcomputer and its cluster or other programmable data processing device, so as to produce a machine, so that when these instructions are executed by the machine, the programmable data processing device and / or other equipment, a device that implements the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram is generated. These machine-readable program instructions can also be stored in a machine-readable storage medium, and these instructions make the machine, the programmable data processing device and / or other equipment work in a specific way, so that the machine-readable medium storing the instructions includes a manufactured product, which includes instructions for implementing various aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0067] Machine-readable program instructions may be loaded onto a machine, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the machine, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to produce a machine-implemented process, thereby causing the instructions executed on the machine, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to implement the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0068] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings show the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and program product according to multiple implementations of the present disclosure. In this regard, each square frame in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a part of a module, program segment or instruction, and a part of a module, program segment or instruction comprises one or more executable instructions for realizing the logical function of the specification. In some implementations as replacements, the function marked in the square frame can also occur in a sequence different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two continuous square frames can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can also be executed in the opposite order sometimes, depending on the function involved. It should also be noted that each square frame in the block diagram and / or flow chart, and the combination of the square frames in the block diagram and / or flow chart can be realized by a special hardware-based system that performs the function or action of the specification, or can be realized by a combination of special hardware and machine instructions.

[0069] The above descriptions of various implementations of the present disclosure are exemplary, non-exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed implementations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described implementations. The selection of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the implementations, practical applications, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a dimming device, comprising: In response to the dimming device being enabled, detecting a driving voltage provided to a switch circuit of the dimming device, wherein the switch circuit is connected to a load so that a voltage applied to the load is controlled by turning the switch circuit on or off; as well as Setting a maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on a comparison between the driving voltage and the threshold voltage, wherein the maximum dimming range is related to a turn-on time of the switch circuit within a unit working cycle; as well as A dimming operation for the load is performed based on the maximum dimming range.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein detecting the driving voltage comprises: The driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is enabled is detected.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein detecting the driving voltage comprises: The driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming range of the dimming device is adjusted from a predetermined minimum threshold to a predetermined maximum threshold in response to the dimming device being enabled is detected.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein setting the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison comprises: In response to the driving voltage not being lower than the threshold voltage, the maximum dimming range is set to have a default value.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein setting the maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on the comparison comprises: In response to the driving voltage being equal to or lower than the threshold voltage, the maximum dimming range is set based on a current value of the maximum dimming range or a predetermined maximum threshold value.

6. A dimming device, comprising: a switch circuit adapted to be connected to a load so that a voltage applied to the load is controlled by turning the switch circuit on or off; a detection circuit configured to detect a driving voltage provided to the switch circuit in response to the dimming device being enabled; as well as a control circuit configured to set a maximum dimming range of the dimming device based on a comparison between the driving voltage and a threshold voltage, wherein the maximum dimming range is related to a turn-on time of the switch circuit within a unit working cycle; as well as A dimming operation for the load is performed based on the maximum dimming range.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the detection circuit is further configured to: The driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is enabled is detected.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the detection circuit is further configured to: The driving voltage provided to the switch circuit of the dimming device when the dimming device is adjusted from a predetermined minimum threshold to a predetermined maximum threshold of the maximum adjustment range in response to the dimming device being enabled is detected.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the driving voltage not being lower than the threshold voltage, the maximum dimming range is set to have a default value.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the driving voltage being equal to or lower than the threshold voltage, the maximum dimming range is set based on a current value of the maximum dimming range or a predetermined maximum threshold value.

11. A machine-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, wherein the program can be executed by a processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images