Method for controlling dimming device, dimming device, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a method for controlling a dimming device, the dimming device and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: determining that a first input signal or a second input signal for controlling the dimming device is received; in response to the received first input signal, controlling the dimming level of the dimming device to rise to a threshold dimming level or a previously stored dimming level or start to rise from the threshold dimming level or a current dimming level based on the on or off state of the dimming device and the duration of the first input signal; and in response to the received second input signal, on the basis that the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the second input signal, enabling the dimming device to be turned off or enabling the dimming level to be reduced from the current dimming level or enabling the dimming level to be reduced to the threshold dimming level from the current dimming level. In this way, the user can experience the friction-free dimming process, and therefore the customer experience can be further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical devices, and more particularly to a method for controlling a dimming device, a 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 includes: determining that a first input signal or a second input signal for controlling the dimming device is received; in response to receiving the first input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the first input signal, controlling the dimming level of the dimming device to rise to a threshold dimming level or a previously stored dimming level or to rise from a threshold dimming level or a current dimming level; in response to receiving the second input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the second input signal, causing the dimming device to be turned off or the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level or the dimming level to decrease to the threshold dimming level.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the off state, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to a threshold dimming level; and

[0006] In response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to a threshold dimming level, the dimming level is increased from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: in response to the first input signal being terminated after the dimming level rises to be at a threshold dimming level, maintaining the dimming level at the threshold dimming level.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a transient signal, immediately increasing the dimming level to a previously stored dimming level.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on or off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to a threshold dimming level; and in response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, causing the dimming level to rise from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to rise from the current dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state, causing the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level; and in response to the second input signal still being received for a predetermined duration after the dimming level decreases to the threshold dimming level, causing the dimming device to be turned off.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: in response to the second input signal being terminated when the dimming level has not dropped to the threshold dimming level, maintaining the dimming level at the dimming level when the second input signal is terminated.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level until the second input signal is terminated.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a transient signal, turning off the dimming device.

[0015] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a dimming device is provided. The device includes: a control circuit configured to: determine that a first input signal or a second input signal for controlling the dimming device is received; in response to receiving the first input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the first input signal, control the dimming level of the dimming device to rise to a threshold dimming level or a previously stored dimming level or to rise from a threshold dimming level or a current dimming level; in response to receiving the second input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the second input signal, the dimming device is turned off or the dimming level starts to decrease from the current dimming level or the dimming level decreases to the threshold dimming level.

[0016] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an off state, immediately increase the dimming level to a threshold dimming level; and

[0017] In response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to a threshold dimming level, the dimming level is increased from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the first input signal being terminated after the dimming level rises to be at a threshold dimming level, maintain the dimming level at the threshold dimming level.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an off state and the first input signal being a transient signal, immediately increase the dimming level to a previously stored dimming level.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an off state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, cause the dimming level to immediately rise to a threshold dimming level; and in response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, cause the dimming level to rise from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an on state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, increase the dimming level from the current dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an on state, cause the dimming level to drop from the current dimming level; and in response to the dimming level dropping to the threshold dimming level and still receiving the second input signal for a predetermined period of time, cause the dimming device to be turned off.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the second input signal being terminated when the dimming level has not dropped to the threshold dimming level, maintain the dimming level at the dimming level when the second input signal is terminated.

[0024] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an on state and the second input signal being a continuous signal or a transient signal, cause the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level until the second input signal is terminated.

[0025] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit is further configured to: in response to the dimming device being in an on state and the second input signal being a transient signal, turn off the dimming device.

[0026] 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 first aspect.

[0027] It will be understood from the following description that according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dimming process of the dimming device can be controlled by determining the current state of the dimming device and the duration of receiving the input signal. In this way, users can experience a frictionless dimming process, which is conducive to further improving the customer experience. Other benefits will be described below in conjunction with the corresponding embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an example environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an example workflow of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an example workflow of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an example workflow of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an example workflow of a dimming device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0034] 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

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] As briefly mentioned above, with the development of digital technology, dimmers (hereinafter also referred to as "dimming devices") 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 achieves precise control of 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.

[0038] The dimmer is connected in series with the load to the power supply. The power supply can supply power to the load. The dimmer includes a switch circuit that can be turned on or off so that the dimmer works in conjunction with the load. Thus, the dimmer works in conjunction with the load to meet the different dimming needs of the user. According to the brightness level set by the user, the phase-controlled dimmer will open the switch 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.

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an example environment 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Figure 1 As shown, the dimming device 110 is connected to a load 120 (eg, a light source). A user 130 can input a control signal 102 to the dimming device 110 for adjusting the brightness of the load 120 (eg, a light source).

[0040] The dimming device 110 includes a controller 111. The controller 111 can control the dimming level of the dimming device 110 based on the received control signal, so that the load 120 (eg, a light source) can present a corresponding degree of brightness or darkness.

[0041] In some conventional solutions, the user 130 is often not flexible enough in controlling the dimming level of the dimming device 110. For example, when the dimming device 110 is turned off, once the user 130 inputs a signal for starting the dimming device, the dimming device 110 will first increase the dimming level to a threshold dimming level, and then slowly increase it to a previously stored dimming level (e.g., the dimming level when the dimming device was last used and / or last turned off). During this period, if the user 130 wants to change the dimming level, he can only wait for the dimming level to increase to the previously stored dimming level before adjusting it, which is not good for user experience.

[0042] In order to solve or at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems or other potential problems of the dimmer of the conventional solution, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for controlling a dimming device. In the dimming device, if a first input signal for controlling the dimming device is received and the dimming device is in an on or off state, based on the duration of the first input signal, the dimming device is controlled so that the dimming level of the dimming device rises to a threshold dimming level or a previously stored dimming level or starts to rise from the threshold dimming level or the current dimming level. If a second input signal for controlling the dimming device is received and the dimming device is in an on state, based on the duration of the second input signal, the dimming device is controlled so that the dimming device is turned off, the dimming level starts to decrease from the current dimming level, or the dimming level decreases to a threshold dimming level.

[0043] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dimming process of the dimming device can be controlled by determining the current state of the dimming device and the duration of receiving the input signal. In this way, users can experience a frictionless dimming process, which is conducive to further improving the customer experience.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In order to more clearly understand the operation of the dimming device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 To describe an example workflow of the dimming device 110. Figure 2 , which shows an example working process of the dimming device 110 according to an exemplary embodiment when a first input signal is received.

[0046] First, in step 210, the dimming device 110 receives a first input signal. The first input signal is a signal for turning on the dimming device and / or increasing the dimming level. The first input signal can be input by the user 130 via a knob, a switch or a remote controller, for example.

[0047] In step 220, in some embodiments, if it is determined that the dimming device 110 is in the off state, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is immediately increased to the threshold dimming level in step 230. For example, the threshold dimming level may enable the load 120 to present the lowest brightness.

[0048] In step 250, if it is determined that the first input signal is terminated immediately after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is maintained at the dimming level when the first input signal is terminated, that is, the threshold dimming level. If it is determined that the first input signal is still received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level immediately, in step 270, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 continues to rise until the first input signal is terminated.

[0049] On the contrary, in some other embodiments, if it is determined in step 220 that the dimming device 110 is in the on state, then in step 240, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is immediately increased from the current dimming level. In step 250, if the first input signal is terminated, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is maintained at the dimming level when the first input signal is terminated.

[0050] Figure 3 An exemplary workflow of the dimming device 110 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown in the case where a first input signal is received.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, first, in step 310, the dimming device 110 receives a first input signal. The first input signal is a signal for turning on the dimming device and / or increasing the dimming level. The first input signal can be input by the user 130 via a knob, a switch or a remote controller, for example.

[0052] In step 320, in some embodiments, if it is determined that the dimming device 110 is in the off state, then in step 330, the dimming device 110 determines whether the first input signal is a transient signal. For example, a transient signal may be a signal whose signal reception duration is less than or equal to a predetermined duration. For example, a signal input by a user momentarily clicking, pressing, or touching a switch. Correspondingly, a continuous signal may be a signal whose signal reception duration is greater than a predetermined duration. For example, a signal input by a user pressing or touching a switch for a long time.

[0053] If the first input signal is determined to be a transient signal, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is immediately increased to a previously stored dimming level at step 340. The previously stored dimming level may be, for example, a dimming level frequently used by the user or a dimming level when the dimming device was last turned off.

[0054] If it is determined at step 330 that the first input signal is a continuous signal, then at step 350, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is immediately increased to the threshold dimming level. Next, at step 360, the dimming device 110 may determine whether the first input signal is still continuously received. If it is determined that the first input signal is still continuously received, then at step 370, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 continues to increase until the first input signal is terminated.

[0055] Returning to step 320, in some other embodiments, if it is determined that the dimming device 110 is in the on state, then in step 380, the dimming device 110 determines whether the first input signal is a transient signal. If it is determined that the first input signal is a continuous signal, then in step 390, the dimming device 110 is immediately increased from the current dimming level until the first input signal stops. If it is determined that the first input signal is a transient signal, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is still maintained at the current dimming level.

[0056] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary workflow of the dimming device 110 according to an exemplary embodiment when the second input signal is received.

[0057] First, in step 410, the dimming device 110 receives a second input signal. The second input signal is a signal for turning off the dimming device and / or reducing the dimming level. The second input signal can be input by the user 130 via a knob, a switch or a remote controller, for example.

[0058] In step 420, in some embodiments, if it is determined that the dimming device 110 is in the on state, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is immediately decreased from the current dimming level in step 430. In step 440, the dimming device 110 determines whether the second input signal is terminated before the dimming level decreases to the threshold dimming level.

[0059] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the second input signal ceases before the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, then at step 450 , the dimming level is maintained at the dimming level at the time when the second input signal ceases.

[0060] In other embodiments, if it is determined that the second input signal is not terminated before the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, then in step 460, the dimming device 110 determines whether the second input signal is still received for a predetermined time after the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, and if it is determined that the second input signal is still received for a predetermined time after the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, then the dimming device is directly turned off in step 470. If it is determined that the second input signal received after the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level does not reach the predetermined time, the dimming level is maintained at the threshold dimming level. That is, within the predetermined time after the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, even if the dimming device 110 still receives the second input signal, the dimming level is maintained at the threshold dimming level.

[0061] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary workflow of the dimming device 110 according to another exemplary embodiment when a second input signal is received.

[0062] First, in step 510, the dimming device 110 receives a second input signal. The second input signal is a signal for turning off the dimming device and / or reducing the dimming level. The second input signal can be input by the user 130 via a knob, a switch or a remote controller, for example.

[0063] In step 520, in some embodiments, if it is determined that the dimming device 110 is in the on state, then in step 530, it is determined whether the second input signal is a transient signal. If it is determined that the second input signal is a transient signal, then in step 540, the dimming device 110 is immediately turned off. If it is determined that the second input signal is a continuous signal, then in step 550, the dimming level of the dimming device 110 is decreased from the current dimming level until the second input signal stops.

[0064] According to the above-mentioned embodiments of controlling the dimming device, the solution of the present disclosure provides a variety of mechanisms for controlling the dimming device, so that the dimming level of the dimming device can be adjusted to different degrees based on whether the dimming device is turned on or off and the duration of the received input signal, thereby providing a flexible operating experience for the user.

[0065] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process 600 for controlling a dimming device 110 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 600 may be implemented, for example, at the dimming device 110 or at its controller 111. Figure 2 , 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.

[0066] In step 610 , the dimming device 110 determines whether to receive the first input signal or the second input signal.

[0067] In step 620, if the dimming device 110 determines that the first input signal is received, then in step 630, based on whether the dimming device 110 is in the on or off state and the duration of the first input signal, the dimming level of the dimming device is controlled to rise to a threshold dimming level or a previously stored dimming level, or to start rising from the threshold dimming level or the current dimming level.

[0068] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on or off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the off state, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to a threshold dimming level; and in response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, causing the dimming level to rise from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0069] In some embodiments, the process 600 further includes: in response to the first input signal being discontinued after the dimming level rises to a threshold dimming level, maintaining the dimming level at the threshold dimming level.

[0070] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a transient signal, immediately increasing the dimming level to a previously stored dimming level.

[0071] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on or off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to a threshold dimming level; and in response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, causing the dimming level to rise from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0072] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to increase from the current dimming level until the first input signal is terminated.

[0073] In step 640, if the dimming device 110 determines that a second input signal is received, then in step 630, based on whether the dimming device 110 is in an on or off state and the duration of the second input signal, the dimming device is turned off or the dimming level starts to decrease from the current dimming level or the dimming level decreases to the threshold dimming level.

[0074] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state, causing the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level; and in response to the second input signal still being received for a predetermined duration after the dimming level decreases to the threshold dimming level, causing the dimming device to be turned off.

[0075] In some embodiments, the process 600 further includes: in response to the second input signal being terminated when the dimming level has not dropped to the threshold dimming level, maintaining the dimming level at the dimming level when the second input signal is terminated.

[0076] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level until the second input signal is terminated.

[0077] In some embodiments, controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on or off state and the duration of the second input signal includes: in response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a transient signal, turning off the dimming device.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the flow charts and / or step diagrams of the methods, devices, equipment, and program products implemented according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that each of the steps in the flow charts and / or step diagrams and the combination of the steps in the flow charts and / or step diagrams can be implemented by machine-readable program instructions.

[0080] 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 steps in the flowchart and / or step 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 steps in the flowchart and / or step diagram.

[0081] 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 steps in the flowchart and / or step diagram.

[0082] The flowchart and step diagram in the accompanying drawings show the possible architecture, functions and operations of the system, method and program product according to multiple implementations of the present disclosure. In this regard, each square step in the flowchart or step diagram can represent a part of a module, program segment or instruction, and a part of the module, program segment or instruction contains one or more executable instructions for realizing the specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the square steps can also occur in an order different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive square steps can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each square step in the step diagram and / or the flowchart, and the combination of the square steps in the step diagram and / or the flowchart can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and machine instructions.

[0083] 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: determining that a first input signal or a second input signal for controlling a dimming device is received; In response to receiving the first input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the first input signal, controlling the dimming level of the dimming device rises to a threshold dimming level; rises to a previously stored dimming level; or Rising from the threshold dimming level or current dimming level; and In response to receiving the second input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the second input signal, The dimming device is turned off; or The dimming level decreases from the current dimming level; or The dimming level decreases to be at the threshold dimming level.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the off state, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to the threshold dimming level; as well as In response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is increased from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: In response to the first input signal being discontinued after the dimming level rises to be at the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is maintained at the threshold dimming level.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a transient signal, the dimming level is immediately increased to a previously stored dimming level.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to the threshold dimming level; as well as In response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is increased from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the first input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the on state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, the dimming level is increased from the current dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the on state, causing the dimming level to decrease from the current dimming level; as well as In response to the second input signal still being received for a predetermined period of time after the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, the dimming device is turned off.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: In response to the second input signal being terminated when the dimming level has not dropped to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is maintained at the dimming level at which the second input signal was terminated.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a continuous signal, the dimming level is decreased from the current dimming level until the second input signal is stopped.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the dimming device based on whether the dimming device is in the on state or the off state and the duration of the second input signal comprises: In response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a transient signal, the dimming device is turned off.

11. A dimming device, comprising: The control circuit is configured as follows: determining that a first input signal or a second input signal for controlling a dimming device is received; In response to receiving the first input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the first input signal, controlling the dimming level of the dimming device rises to a threshold dimming level; rises to the previously stored dimming level; or starting from the threshold dimming level or the current dimming level; as well as In response to receiving the second input signal, based on whether the dimming device is in an on or off state and the duration of the second input signal, The dimming device is turned off; or The dimming level decreases from the current dimming level; or The dimming level decreases to be at the threshold dimming level.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the off state, causing the dimming level to immediately rise to the threshold dimming level; and In response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is increased from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the first input signal being discontinued after the dimming level rises to be at the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is maintained at the threshold dimming level.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a transient signal, the dimming level is immediately increased to a previously stored dimming level.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the off state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, causing the dimming level to rise immediately to the threshold dimming level; and In response to the first input signal being continuously received after the dimming level rises to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is increased from the threshold dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the on state and the first input signal being a continuous signal, the dimming level is increased from the current dimming level until the first input signal is stopped.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the on state, decreasing the dimming level from the current dimming level; and In response to the second input signal still being received for a predetermined period of time after the dimming level drops to the threshold dimming level, the dimming device is turned off.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the second input signal being terminated when the dimming level has not dropped to the threshold dimming level, the dimming level is maintained at the dimming level at which the second input signal was terminated.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a continuous signal, the dimming level is decreased from the current dimming level until the second input signal is stopped.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: In response to the dimming device being in the on state and the second input signal being a transient signal, the dimming device is turned off.

21. 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 10.

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