Dimming glass control system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a dimming glass control system and method, and the method comprises the steps: obtaining a light transmittance mode or an adaptive mode selected by a user on a UI platform; if a light transmittance mode is selected, a corresponding gear pulse channel is selected according to the light transmittance mode, and the light transmittance parameter of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal electric control dimming film can be recognized by the auxiliary micro-control unit through an internal controller algorithm; the auxiliary micro-control unit corresponding to the light transmittance mode can identify the light transmittance parameter of the dimming glass of the liquid crystal electric control dimming film, analyzes the received light transmittance parameter of the dimming glass, converts the light transmittance parameter into a pulse width modulation pulse signal, and outputs the pulse width modulation pulse signal to a glass color control end to adjust the light transmittance of the dimming glass; finally, the multi-level self-adaptive adjustment of the glass transmittance according to the current environment condition is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive electronic information technology, specifically to a dimming glass control system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Smart glass is a type of intelligent light-controlling glass that utilizes polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology. PDLC smart glass uses an electric field to alter the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymer, thereby adjusting light transmittance. When no electricity is applied, the liquid crystal molecules are randomly distributed, causing light to scatter as it passes through the glass, making it opaque or frosted and obstructing vision. When electricity is applied, the liquid crystal molecules align themselves neatly under the influence of the electric field, allowing light to pass directly through the glass, making it transparent.

[0003] Currently, the application of smart glass in the automotive industry is in its early stages, with limited research on related controllers. Existing automotive smart glass controls adjust between transparent and semi-transparent states, a single adjustment method that cannot meet the diverse needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to propose a diversified dimming glass control system and method that supports adaptive light intensity and UI light intensity modes, and to adaptively adjust the glass transmittance in multiple layers according to the current environmental conditions.

[0005] The present invention provides a dimming glass control system, comprising:

[0006] A sunlight sensor is used to collect real-time data on the current ambient light intensity.

[0007] User interface platform, used to obtain the transmittance mode or adaptive mode specified by the user;

[0008] The main microcontroller unit connects to the sunlight sensor via the controller area network bus, and simultaneously connects to the user interface platform via the user datagram protocol and / or Bluetooth;

[0009] In adaptive mode, the main microcontroller unit obtains the current ambient light intensity data through the sunlight sensor and processes it into light transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal electro-controlled dimming film that can be recognized by the secondary microcontroller unit.

[0010] In transmittance mode, the main microcontroller obtains the transmittance mode selected by the user through the user interface platform, selects the corresponding pulse channel, and modulates the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass of the liquid crystal electronic dimming film to be recognized by the corresponding sub-microcontroller.

[0011] The secondary microcontroller unit is connected to the primary microcontroller unit via a universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter, and parses the received light transmittance parameters of the dimming glass and converts them into pulse width modulation pulse signals.

[0012] The glass color control terminal is connected to the sub-microcontroller unit. Based on the pulse width modulation pulse signal, it drives and controls the corresponding dimming glass transmittance node of the liquid crystal electro-controlled dimming film of the glass color control terminal to dim the glass transmittance.

[0013] Preferably, the light transmittance mode includes a first light transmittance mode, a second light transmittance mode, and a third light transmittance mode, and the level pulse channel includes a first pulse channel corresponding to the first light transmittance mode, a second pulse channel corresponding to the second light transmittance mode, and a third pulse channel corresponding to the third light transmittance mode.

[0014] Preferably, the periods of the first pulse channel, the second pulse channel, and the third pulse channel are the same as the duty cycle of the Common terminal.

[0015] Preferably, the duty cycle of the Channel end of the first pulse channel, the second pulse channel and the third pulse channel is determined according to the preset dimming glass transmittance parameters of the transmittance mode.

[0016] Preferably, the duty cycle of the Channel end is inversely proportional to the transmittance corresponding to the preset dimming glass transmittance parameter.

[0017] Preferably, a low-voltage zone is formed between the sunlight sensor and the main microcontroller unit, and a high-voltage zone is formed between the sub-microcontroller unit and the glass color control terminal. Multiple optocouplers are provided between the low-voltage zone and the high-voltage zone to enable mutual communication.

[0018] The present invention also provides a method for controlling dimming glass, which employs a dimming glass control system as described above. The method for controlling dimming glass includes the following steps:

[0019] Users can manually select either the transmittance mode or the adaptive mode.

[0020] The main microcontroller determines whether the user has selected the transmittance mode or the adaptive mode. If the user selects the adaptive mode, the main microcontroller obtains the current ambient light intensity data through the sunlight sensor and processes it into transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal electro-controlled dimming film that can be recognized by the secondary microcontroller.

[0021] If the user selects a transmittance mode, the main microcontroller unit obtains the transmittance mode selected by the user through the user interface platform, selects the corresponding pulse channel, and modulates the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass of the PDLC corresponding to the transmittance mode.

[0022] The sub-microcontroller unit analyzes the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass and converts them into pulse width modulation (PWM) pulse signals. The glass color control terminal drives and controls the corresponding dimming glass transmittance node of the liquid crystal electro-controlled dimming film of the glass color control terminal according to the PWM pulse signals to adjust the transmittance of the dimming glass.

[0023] This invention proposes a dimming glass control system and method. It acquires the transmittance mode or adaptive mode selected by the user on the UI platform. If adaptive mode is selected, the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal electro-controlled dimming film are processed by an internal controller algorithm based on the current ambient light intensity data and recognized by the sub-microcontroller unit. If transmittance mode is selected, the corresponding pulse channel is selected based on the transmittance mode to modulate the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal electro-controlled dimming film and recognized by the sub-microcontroller unit. The sub-microcontroller unit parses the received transmittance parameters and converts them into pulse width modulation (PWM) pulse signals, which are then output to the glass color control terminal to adjust the transmittance of the dimming glass. Ultimately, this achieves multi-level adaptive adjustment of glass transmittance based on the current environmental conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the topology of a dimming glass control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first pulse channel of a dimming glass control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second pulse channel of a dimming glass control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third pulse channel of a dimming glass control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inverter waveform during current conversion in a dimming glass control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 A flowchart of a dimming glass control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 A detailed flowchart of step S102 of a dimming glass control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0032] This invention provides a dimming glass control system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0033] A sunlight sensor is used to collect real-time data on the current ambient light intensity.

[0034] The main microcontroller unit (MCU) communicates with the sunlight sensor via the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, and simultaneously connects to the user interface (UI) platform via User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and / or Bluetooth.

[0035] The user-specified light transmittance mode or adaptive mode is obtained through the UI platform.

[0036] In adaptive mode, the main MCU acquires the current ambient light intensity data through a sunlight sensor and processes it using an internal controller algorithm to generate transmittance parameters for the dimming glass corresponding to the Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) dimming film, which can be recognized by the secondary MCU. Specifically, the internal controller algorithm works as follows: the sunlight sensor transmits the resistance value of a thermistor, which corresponds to a TCR (Negative Temperature Coefficient) signal. Based on the range of the TCR signal, the appropriate glass dimming level for the current environment is determined.

[0037] In transmittance mode, the main MCU selects the corresponding pulse channel according to the transmittance mode, modulates the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) pulse duty cycle through timer interrupt, and controls the pulse waveform. The corresponding transmittance mode can be recognized by the secondary MCU, which can identify the transmittance parameters of the PDLC dimming glass.

[0038] The light transmittance modes include a first light transmittance mode, a second light transmittance mode, and a third light transmittance mode. The pulse channels for each light transmittance mode include a first pulse channel corresponding to the first light transmittance mode, a second pulse channel corresponding to the second light transmittance mode, and a third pulse channel corresponding to the third light transmittance mode.

[0039] The first, second, and third pulse channels are CH-HI (Channel-High Input), CH-LI (Channel-Low Input), COM-HI (Common-High Input), COM-LI (Common-Low Input), Inverter-HI (Inverter-High Input), and Inverter-LI (Inverter-Low Input), respectively. Channel distinguishes different channels, while Common serves as a common terminal to ensure synchronization between channels. Inverter converts the DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current) waveform.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the first pulse channel cycle is 20ms. Common end: duty cycle 50% (100us dead time reserved for upper and lower MOSFETs). Channel end: duty cycle 8.5%, corresponding to 70% glass transmittance.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the second pulse channel period is 20ms. Common end: duty cycle 50% (100us dead time reserved for upper and lower MOSFETs). Channel end: duty cycle 13.25%, corresponding to 50% glass transmittance.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the third pulse channel period is 20ms. Common end: duty cycle 50% (100us dead time reserved for upper and lower MOSFETs). Channel end: duty cycle 50%, corresponding to 30% glass transmittance.

[0043] Appendix Figure 5 It is an inverter waveform, in which the current is converted from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current).

[0044] The secondary MCU connects to the primary MCU via a Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), parses the received dimming glass transmittance parameters, and converts them into Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) pulse signals.

[0045] The glass color control terminal is connected to the secondary MCU. It drives and controls the corresponding dimming glass transmittance node of the liquid crystal electronic dimming film of the glass color control terminal according to the PWM pulse signal to dim the glass transmittance.

[0046] The main MCU operates at 12V, while the PDLC typically operates at 60V to 110V AC. Therefore, a low-voltage zone is formed between the sunlight sensor and the main MCU, while a high-voltage zone is formed between the secondary MCU and the glass color control terminal. Multiple optocouplers are used between the low-voltage and high-voltage zones to enable communication. Placing the secondary MCU in the high-voltage zone to directly control the light transmittance of the PDLC dimming glass reduces the number of optocouplers.

[0047] The main MCU runs on Automotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR) software. AUTOSAR is an open standard for automotive electronic software architecture, designed to provide a standardized infrastructure for the development of automotive electronic control units (ECUs). It was jointly developed by multiple automakers, suppliers, and software development companies worldwide, aiming to simplify the development and integration of automotive software through modularity, reusability, and hardware independence. AUTOSAR supports different functional modules in automotive electronic systems, such as engine control, powertrain, body electronics, and infotainment systems, ensuring seamless integration of software modules from various suppliers while improving system reliability and safety.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a dimming glass control method, applied to the dimming glass control system, the dimming glass control method comprising the following steps:

[0049] S101: The user manually selects the light transmittance mode or the adaptive mode. If it is the light transmittance mode, the user can further select any one of the first light transmittance mode, the second light transmittance mode, or the third light transmittance mode.

[0050] S102: The main MCU determines whether the user has selected the transmittance mode or the adaptive mode. If the user selects the adaptive mode, the main MCU obtains the current ambient light intensity data through the sunlight sensor and processes it into transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal dispersive liquid crystal (PDLC) that can be recognized by the secondary MCU.

[0051] If the user selects a transmittance mode, the system further determines whether the user has selected the first, second, or third transmittance mode. If the user selects the first transmittance mode, the system selects the first pulse channel and modulates it to the corresponding transmittance parameters of the PDLC dimming glass that can be recognized by the secondary MCU. If the user selects the second transmittance mode, the system selects the second pulse channel and modulates it to the corresponding transmittance parameters of the PDLC dimming glass that can be recognized by the secondary MCU. If the user selects the third transmittance mode, the system selects the third pulse channel and modulates it to the corresponding transmittance parameters of the PDLC dimming glass that can be recognized by the secondary MCU.

[0052] S103: The secondary MCU parses the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass and converts them into PWM pulse signals. The glass color control terminal drives and controls the corresponding dimming glass transmittance node of the liquid crystal electronic dimming film of the glass color control terminal according to the PWM pulse signals to adjust the transmittance of the dimming glass.

Claims

1. A dimming glass control system, characterized in that: include: Sunlight sensor, used to collect current ambient light data in real time; A user interface platform for obtaining a user-specified transmittance mode or an adaptive mode; The main microcontroller unit is connected to the sunlight sensor via a controller area network bus and is also connected to the user interface platform via a user datagram protocol and / or Bluetooth; In the adaptive mode, the main microcontroller obtains the current ambient light illumination data through the sunlight sensor, and uses the internal controller algorithm to process it into the dimming glass transmittance parameters corresponding to the liquid crystal electric dimming film that can be recognized by the sub-microcontroller; In the transmittance mode, the main microcontroller obtains the transmittance mode selected by the user through the user interface platform, selects the corresponding gear pulse channel, and modulates the transmittance mode to the corresponding auxiliary microcontroller to identify the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass of the liquid crystal electric dimming film; The auxiliary micro control unit is connected to the main micro control unit through a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter, analyzes the received transmittance parameters of the dimming glass and converts them into a pulse width modulation pulse signal; The glass color control end is connected to the sub-micro control unit, and drives and controls the dimming glass transmittance node corresponding to the liquid crystal electric dimming film of the glass color control end according to the pulse width modulation pulse signal to adjust the glass transmittance.

2. A dimming glass control system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The transmittance mode includes a first-level transmittance mode, a second-level transmittance mode and a third-level transmittance mode, and the gear pulse channel includes a first-level pulse channel corresponding to the first-level transmittance mode, a second-level pulse channel corresponding to the second-level transmittance mode and a third-level pulse channel corresponding to the third-level transmittance mode.

3. A dimming glass control system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The periods of the first-gear pulse channel, the second-gear pulse channel and the third-gear pulse channel are the same as the duty cycle of the Common terminal.

4. A dimming glass control system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The Channel end duty ratios of the first-gear pulse channel, the second-gear pulse channel, and the third-gear pulse channel are determined according to a preset dimming glass transmittance parameter of a transmittance mode.

5. A dimming glass control system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The duty cycle of the Channel end is inversely proportional to the transmittance corresponding to the preset dimming glass transmittance parameter.

6. The dimming glass control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A low-voltage area is formed between the sunlight sensor and the main micro-control unit, and a high-voltage area is formed between the auxiliary micro-control unit and the glass color control end. Multiple optical couplers are arranged between the low-voltage area and the high-voltage area to achieve mutual communication.

7. A dimming glass control method, characterized in that: Using a dimming glass control system as claimed in claim 1, the dimming glass control method comprises the following steps: The user manually selects the transmittance mode or the adaptive mode; The main microcontroller unit determines whether the user has selected the transmittance mode or the adaptive mode. If the user has selected the adaptive mode, the main microcontroller unit obtains the current ambient light illumination data through the sunlight sensor and uses the internal controller algorithm to process it into the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the liquid crystal electric dimming film that can be recognized by the sub-microcontroller unit; If the user selects the transmittance mode, the main microcontroller obtains the transmittance mode selected by the user through the user interface platform, selects the corresponding gear pulse channel, and modulates the transmittance parameters of the dimming glass corresponding to the transmittance mode to be recognized by the sub-MCU of the PDLC; The auxiliary micro control unit analyzes the dimming glass transmittance parameters and converts them into pulse width modulation pulse signals. The glass color control end drives the dimming glass transmittance node corresponding to the liquid crystal electric dimming film at the glass color control end according to the pulse width modulation pulse signals to adjust the transmittance of the dimming glass.

Images