Automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) and its control method
The ADF with two positive-type liquid crystal sheets and a dual signal control method addresses the inefficiencies of three-sheet designs by achieving wide shading coverage with reduced cost, size, and power consumption, enhancing protection in arc welding and gas cutting environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TECMEN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing automatic dimming filters (ADF) with three liquid crystal sheets are costly, large in size, heavy, and consume high power due to the need for additional power supply to negative-type intermediate liquid crystal sheets for high shading degrees, limiting their application to DIN 14 and above.
An ADF design using two positive-type liquid crystal sheets with a control method that switches between low-voltage high-frequency and high-voltage low-frequency signals to achieve shading degrees DIN 14 to 15, reducing cost, size, and power consumption.
The ADF effectively covers a wide range of shading degrees from DIN 14 to 15 while minimizing cost, dimensions, and power usage, offering a more efficient and economical solution for arc welding and gas cutting applications.
Smart Images
Figure 2026515020000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of optoelectronic technology, and particularly to an automatic dimming filter (ADF) with low cost and large shading numbers, and a control method thereof. Specifically, it relates to an automatic dimming filter (ADF) that can cover the shading number range of DIN 4 to 13 and provide shading numbers of DIN 14 to 15 at low cost, and a control method thereof.
[0002] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310487625.4, titled "Automatic Dimming Filter (ADF) and Control Method Thereof", filed on April 28, 2023, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202310643910.0, titled "Automatic Dimming Filter (ADF) and Control Method Thereof", filed on June 1, 2023.
Background Art
[0003] In the production operations of arc welding or gas cutting, in order to protect the eyes of workers from the harm caused by strong visible light with respect to the generated electric arc light or intense flame, it is necessary to use an automatic dimming filter (the above ADF) using a liquid crystal light valve. With the ADF, a bright and clear field of view is provided to the worker before arc striking, so that the welding joint can be accurately positioned by the ADF. Once the arc is struck, the worker does not need to manually cut off, and the ADF can automatically and quickly darken, so that the intensity of visible light in the worker's field of view is reduced, and the ultraviolet and infrared rays of the electric arc light can be effectively blocked, preventing the worker's eyes from being burned.
[0004] One of the optical performance indicators of an ADF (Anti-Directional Filter) is the shading degree number. The shading degree number represents the level of transmittance of the filter. Depending on the magnitude of the shading degree number, the operator selects a corresponding different ADF. Therefore, the accuracy of the shading degree number has a significant impact on the quality of the welded product and the protection of the operator's eyes. The shading degree number of a corresponding ADF is usually selected according to the magnitude of the current in welding. For example, in a TIG (non-container electrode inert gas protected arc welding) welding scenario, if the current range is 40A to 350A, the required shading degree number range is DIN 9 to 13. In some extreme scenarios such as heavy metal MIG (container electrode inert gas protected arc welding) welding and MAG (container electrode active gas protected arc welding) welding, the current can reach 400 to 600A. In this case, the required shading degree number must reach at least DIN 14.
[0005] In commonly used ADFs with light-shielding numbers from DIN 4 to 13, a liquid crystal box with two positive liquid crystal sheets positioned on the inside and outside (i.e., a solution using two liquid crystal sheets) is used. Some ADFs with light-shielding numbers of DIN 14 or higher typically use a liquid crystal box with one additional intermediate liquid crystal sheet in addition to the two positive liquid crystal sheets positioned on the inside and outside (i.e., a solution using three liquid crystal sheets).
[0006] According to various application examples, in a solution using three liquid crystal sheets, the intermediate liquid crystal sheet may be a positive-type liquid crystal sheet or a negative-type liquid crystal sheet. In a solution using a negative-type intermediate liquid crystal sheet (i.e., a solution using three liquid crystal sheets, including one negative-type liquid crystal and two positive-type liquid crystal sheets), generally, when the shading degree number range is DIN 11 to 13, power needs to be supplied to the negative-type intermediate liquid crystal sheet of the ADF in order to maintain a high light transmittance for the negative-type intermediate liquid crystal sheet. Power is not supplied to the negative-type intermediate liquid crystal sheet only when the shading degree number is DIN 14 or higher (i.e., a high shading degree number). However, the operating time for high shading degree numbers is relatively short. Therefore, a solution using three liquid crystal sheets, including two positive-type liquid crystal sheets and one negative-type liquid crystal sheet, increases the power consumption of the ADF. In the solution using positive-type intermediate liquid crystal sheets (i.e., the solution using three positive-type liquid crystal sheets), when the ADF is in standby mode and the shading degree number is DIN14 or higher, power is not supplied to the three positive-type liquid crystal sheets. When the ADF is in operation and the shading degree number is one of DIN4 to 8, power is supplied to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets located on the inside and outside. When the shading degree number increases to DIN9 or higher, power is supplied to the positive-type intermediate liquid crystal sheet. The solution using three positive-type liquid crystal sheets can cover a large shading degree number range, but when the shading degree number is DIN9 or higher, the positive-type intermediate liquid crystal sheet must be used. Therefore, although the two solutions using three liquid crystal sheets in the prior art can cover the shading degree number range of DIN14 or higher, the use of three liquid crystal sheets results in a high cost for the ADF, large dimensions and weight for the ADF, and increased power consumption for the ADF.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an implementation solution for automatic light-shielding filters (ADFs) that are low-cost, consume little power, and cover a wide range of shading degrees. [Overview of the Initiative]
[0008] To solve the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure provides an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) using two positive-type liquid crystal sheets and a control method thereof, thereby enabling the ADF to cover light-shielding degree numbers DIN 14 to 15 (i.e., large light-shielding degree numbers), reducing the cost, size, and weight of the ADF, and reducing the power consumption of the ADF when the light-shielding degree number is large.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) is provided, the ADF comprising two positive liquid crystal sheets, a control device configured to output an original liquid crystal control signal and a modulable drive voltage, and a liquid crystal control circuit configured to control the two positive liquid crystal sheets in accordance with the received original liquid crystal control signal. The control device is further configured to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 1 for outputting the control signal for operation mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF is in operation mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operation mode 1 is to be used, or to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 2 for outputting the control signal for operation mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF is in operation mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operation mode 2 is to be used. The above liquid crystal control circuit is A liquid crystal signal control circuit is configured to generate a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a first control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 1 output by the control device, or to generate a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a second control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 2 output by the control device. A liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit is configured to receive the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the first control voltage, or the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the second control voltage, output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit, as well as the modulable drive voltage output by the control device, generate a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1 or a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2, and output the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, thereby enabling the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets to receive the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and set to the shading degree number intended to be used within the shading degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1, or to receive the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and set to the shading degree number intended to be used within the shading degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2.
[0010] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) is provided, the ADF comprising two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, a control device configured to output an original liquid crystal control signal and a moduloable drive voltage, and a liquid crystal control circuit configured to control the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets according to the received original liquid crystal control signal, the liquid crystal control circuit comprising a liquid crystal signal control circuit and a liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the control method is, If the above ADF is in an operating mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operating mode 1 is to be used, the control device enables liquid crystal signal control mode 1 for outputting the control signal for operating mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal, or if the above ADF is in an operating mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operating mode 2 is to be used, the control device enables liquid crystal signal control mode 2 for outputting the control signal for operating mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal, a step to generate an operating mode, A liquid crystal control signal generation step, wherein the liquid crystal signal control circuit generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a first control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 1 output by the control device, or generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a second control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 2 output by the control device, A liquid crystal drive signal generation step in which the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit receives the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the first control voltage output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit, or the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the second control voltage, and the modulable drive voltage output by the control device, generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1 or a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2, and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, The liquid crystal drive step includes receiving the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit using the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, so that the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets have a light-shielding number within the range of light-shielding number corresponding to operation mode 1 and are intended to be used, or receiving the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit using the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, so that the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets have a light-shielding number within the range of light-shielding number corresponding to operation mode 2 and are intended to be used.
[0011] Preferably, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 include DIN4 to 13, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 include DIN13 to 15. There are multiple application combination examples, including but not limited to the following two combination examples: In the first combination example, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 include DIN4 to 12, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 include DIN13 to 14; In the second combination example, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 include DIN4 to 13, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 include DIN14 to 15. The shade degree number ranges corresponding to operation modes 1 and 2, respectively, are predetermined by the liquid crystal signal control circuit by adjusting the circuit parameters.
[0012] Preferably, the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5V and a frequency range of 10Hz to 60Hz, and the first control voltage is within the range of 4.5 to 5.5V. The high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20V and a frequency range of 0.05Hz to 20Hz, and the second control voltage is within the range of 6 to 20V. The low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 1.2 to 5V and a frequency range of 10Hz to 60Hz. The high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20V and a frequency range of 0.05Hz to 20Hz.
[0013] The automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) and its control method provided in this disclosure provide the following improved technical effects: The ADF uses a liquid crystal box that has only two positive liquid crystal sheets but covers light-shielding degree numbers from DIN 4 to 15. Therefore, the ADF can cover light-shielding degree numbers from DIN 14 to 15 (i.e., larger light-shielding degree numbers), reducing the cost, dimensions, and weight of the ADF, and reducing the power consumption of the ADF when the light-shielding degree number is within DIN 14 to 15 (i.e., larger light-shielding degree numbers). [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the control method for an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the control method for an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure are described below clearly and completely, in conjunction with the drawings. It is obvious that the embodiments described are only a selection, and not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments that can be obtained without inventive effort by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments disclosed herein are included within the scope of protection of this application.
[0016] It should be noted that the terms “includes” and “composes,” as well as their variations, in the specification, claims, and drawings of this disclosure are intended to include comprehensive inclusion. For example, a process, method, product, or apparatus comprising a set of steps or units includes not only the steps or units specified, but also steps or units that are not specified or that are inherently present in the process, system, product, or apparatus.
[0017] As shown in Figure 1, an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The ADF 100 comprises two positive liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104, a control device 106 configured to output an original liquid crystal control signal and a modulable drive voltage within a voltage range of 1.2 to 5V, and a liquid crystal control circuit 108 configured to control the two positive liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 according to the received original liquid crystal control signal.
[0018] The control device 106 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 110, which is configured to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 1 for outputting control signals for operation mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF 100 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, modes such as welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN 4 to 12 (i.e., the shade number range corresponding to operation mode 1) is to be used (in this embodiment, DIN 10 is to be used), or to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 2 for outputting control signals for operation mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF 100 is in an operating mode and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN 13 to 14 (i.e., the shade number range corresponding to operation mode 2) is to be used (in this embodiment, DIN 14 is to be used).
[0019] The liquid crystal control circuit 108 comprises a liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 and a liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114.
[0020] The liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 is configured to generate a low-voltage and high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a first control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 1 output by the MCU 110, or to generate a high-voltage and low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a second control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 2 output by the MCU 110.
[0021] The above-mentioned low-voltage and high-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5 V (5 V is selected in this embodiment) and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 60 Hz, and the first control voltage is within the range of 4.5 to 5.5 V (5 V is selected in this embodiment). The above-mentioned high-voltage and low-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave or a DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20 V (12 V is selected in this embodiment) and a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 20 Hz, and the second control voltage is within the range of 6 to 20 V (12 V is selected in this embodiment).
[0022] The liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 receives the low-voltage and high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the first control voltage output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, and the adjustable drive voltage (within the voltage range of 1.2 to 5V) output by the MCU 110, generates a low-voltage and high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to the operation mode 1, and is configured to output the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. Thereby, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are within the range of light-shielding degree numbers corresponding to the operation mode 1 and are the light-shielding degree numbers to be used (that is, in this embodiment, DIN10 is planned to be used), or receive the high-voltage and low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the second control voltage, and the adjustable drive voltage (within the voltage range of 1.2 to 5V) output by the MCU 110, generates a high-voltage and low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to the operation mode 2, and is configured to output the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. Thereby, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are within the range of light-shielding degree numbers corresponding to the operation mode 2 and are the light-shielding degree numbers to be used (that is, in this embodiment, DIN14 is planned to be used).
[0023] The above-mentioned low-voltage and high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 1.2 to 5V and a frequency range of 10Hz to 60Hz. The above-mentioned high-voltage and low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave or a DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20V (12V is selected in this embodiment) and a frequency range of 0.05Hz to 20Hz.
[0024] When the ADF100 is in a standby state (i.e., a non-welding, non-cutting, or non-polishing state), no power is supplied to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104, and they remain lit. When the ADF100 is in an operating state (including, but not limited to, welding, cutting, or polishing states), in operation mode 1, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are within the light-shielding degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 (i.e., in this embodiment, the light-shielding degree number range of DIN4 to 12) and have the light-shielding degree number intended for use (i.e., DIN10 in this embodiment), or in operation mode 2, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are within the light-shielding degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 (i.e., in this embodiment, the light-shielding degree number range of DIN13 to 14) and have the light-shielding degree number intended for use (i.e., DIN14 in this embodiment).
[0025] Further modifications of the first embodiment of this disclosure are provided (not shown), the differences between these modifications and the first embodiment being as follows:
[0026] In this modified example, the control device 106 of the automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) 100 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 110, which is configured to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 1 for outputting control signals for operation mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF 100 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, modes such as welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any light-shielding number within the light-shielding number range of DIN 4 to 13 (i.e., the light-shielding number range corresponding to operation mode 1) (in this modified example of the first embodiment, DIN 11), or to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 2 for outputting control signals for operation mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF 100 is in an operating mode and any light-shielding number within the light-shielding number range of DIN 14 to 15 (i.e., the light-shielding number range corresponding to operation mode 2) (in this modified example of the first embodiment, DIN 15).
[0027] When the ADF100 is in operation (including, but not limited to, welding, cutting, or polishing), in operation mode 1, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are within the light-shielding degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 (i.e., the light-shielding degree number range DIN4 to 13 in this modified example of the first embodiment) and have the light-shielding degree number intended to be used (i.e., DIN11 in this modified example of the first embodiment), or in operation mode 2, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are within the light-shielding degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 (i.e., the light-shielding degree number range DIN14 to 15 in this modified example of the first embodiment) and have the light-shielding degree number intended to be used (i.e., DIN15 in this modified example of the first embodiment).
[0028] In the first embodiment and its modifications, the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 (i.e., the shade degree number range of DIN4 to 12 or the shade degree number range of DIN4 to 13) and the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 (i.e., the shade degree number range of DIN13 to 14 or the shade degree number range of DIN14 to 15) are predetermined by the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 by adjusting circuit parameters. In the first embodiment, the shade degree number range covered by the ADF 100 is DIN4 to 14 (including the shade degree numbers of DIN4 to 12 and the shade degree numbers of DIN13 to 14). In the modifications of the first embodiment, the shade degree number range covered by the ADF 100 is DIN4 to 15 (including the shade degree numbers of DIN4 to 13 and the shade degree numbers of DIN14 to 15).
[0029] As shown in Figure 2, an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The ADF 200 is basically the same as the ADF 100 according to the first embodiment and its modifications thereof, the difference being that the ADF 200 further includes a photoelectric sensor 116 configured to detect whether the ADF 200 is in an operating state (including, but not limited to, states such as welding, cutting, or polishing) and output a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110 (i.e., control device 106).
[0030] When the ADF200 is in a standby state (i.e., a non-welding, non-cutting, or non-polishing state), power is not supplied to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104, and they remain lit.
[0031] If the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN4~12 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN4~13 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is not in an operating state (including, but not limited to, welding state, cutting state, or polishing state), outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110, and the MCU 110 outputs a control signal for operating mode 1 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. The liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs only the first control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 and does not output a liquid crystal control signal. The liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 does not output a liquid crystal drive signal, and as a result, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are not driven and show a bright state.
[0032] When the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN4~12 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN4~13 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is in an operating state (including, but not limited to, a welding state, cutting state, or polishing state), outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110, which outputs the control signal for operating mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. The liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs a first control voltage and a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. The liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1 and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. As a result, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 have a light-shielding degree number within the range of DIN 4 to 12 that is intended to be used (corresponding to the first embodiment), or a light-shielding degree number within the range of DIN 4 to 13 that is intended to be used (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment).
[0033] If the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN13~14 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN14~15 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is not in an operating state (including, but not limited to, welding state, cutting state, or polishing state), outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110, and the MCU 110 outputs a control signal for operating mode 2 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. The liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs only the second control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 and does not output the liquid crystal control signal. The liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 does not output a liquid crystal drive signal, and as a result, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are not driven and show a bright state.
[0034] When the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN13~14 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade number within the shade number range of DIN14~15 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is in an operating state (including, but not limited to, welding state, cutting state, or polishing state), outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110, which outputs the control signal for operating mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. The liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs a second control voltage and a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. The liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2 and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. As a result, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 have a light-shielding degree number within the range of DIN 13 to 14 that is intended to be used (corresponding to the first embodiment), or a light-shielding degree number within the range of DIN 14 to 15 that is intended to be used (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment).
[0035] Further modifications of the second embodiment of this disclosure are provided (not shown), the only difference between these modifications and the second embodiment being that the control device 106 of the ADF200 in the modifications further comprises an ADF operation parameter configuration control circuit (not shown) configured to complete the configuration of the operation parameters of the ADF200 when the ADF200 is in a standby state, the operation parameters include, but are not limited to, shade, sensitivity, delay, etc. The microcontroller unit 110 is further configured to complete the configuration of the operation mode of the ADF200 when the ADF200 is in a standby state, the operation mode includes, but is not limited to, a welding mode, a cutting mode, a polishing mode, etc.
[0036] As shown in Figure 3, a control method 300 for an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The control method 300 is performed by an ADF 100 according to the first embodiment or a modified version thereof of the present disclosure and includes an operating mode generation step 302, a liquid crystal control signal generation step 304, a liquid crystal drive signal generation step 306, and a liquid crystal drive step 308.
[0037] In the operation mode generation step 302, if the ADF 100 is in an operation mode (including, but not limited to, modes such as welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN 4 to 12 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or if any shade number within the shade number range of DIN 4 to 13 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, the MCU 110 enables liquid crystal signal control mode 1 to output the control signal for operation mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal. Alternatively, if the ADF 100 is in an operation mode (including, but not limited to, modes such as welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN 13 to 14 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or if any shade number within the shade number range of DIN 14 to 15 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, the MCU 110 enables liquid crystal signal control mode 2 to output the control signal for operation mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal.
[0038] In the liquid crystal control signal generation step 304, the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a first control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 1 output by the MCU 110, or generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a second control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 2 output by the microcontroller unit 110. The low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5V (5V is selected in this embodiment) and a frequency range of 10Hz to 60Hz, and the first control voltage is within the range of 4.5 to 5.5V (5V is selected in this embodiment). The high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20V (12V is selected in this embodiment) and a frequency range of 0.05Hz to 20Hz, and the second control voltage is within the range of 6 to 20V (12V is selected in this embodiment).
[0039] In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step 306, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 receives the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and first control voltage output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, as well as a moduloable drive voltage (within the voltage range of 1.2V to 5V) output by the MCU 110, generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1, and outputs this liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104, or receives the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and second control voltage output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, as well as a moduloable drive voltage (within the voltage range of 1.2V to 5V) output by the MCU 110, generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2, and outputs this liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. The low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 1.2 to 5V and a frequency range of 10Hz to 60Hz, while the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20V (12V is selected in this embodiment) and a frequency range of 0.05Hz to 20Hz.
[0040] In the liquid crystal driving step 308, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 receive a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal driving signal output by the liquid crystal driving multiplexing circuit 114 and set to a shading degree number within the range of DIN 4 to 12 corresponding to the control signal for operation mode 1 (corresponding to the first embodiment), or set to a shading degree number within the range of DIN 4 to 13 corresponding to the shading degree number (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment). Alternatively, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 receive a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal driving signal output by the liquid crystal driving multiplexing circuit 114 and set to a shading degree number within the range of DIN 13 to 14 corresponding to the control signal for operation mode 2 (corresponding to the first embodiment), or set to a shading degree number within the range of DIN 14 to 15 corresponding to the shading degree number (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment).
[0041] As shown in Figure 4, a control method 400 for an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The control method 400 is implemented by the ADF 200 in the second embodiment of the present disclosure and is essentially the same as the control method 300 in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between the control method 400 and the control method 300 is that the control method 400 further includes an operating state monitoring step 310 before the operating mode generation step 302.
[0042] In the operational status monitoring step 310, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects whether the ADF 200 is in an operational state (including, but not limited to, states such as welding, cutting, or polishing) and outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110.
[0043] When the ADF200 is in standby mode (i.e., non-welding, non-cutting, or non-polishing state), power is not supplied to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104, and they remain lit.
[0044] If the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN4~12 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade number within the shade number range of DIN4~13 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, then in the operating state monitoring step 310, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is not in an operating state (including, but not limited to, welding state, cutting state, or polishing state) and outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110. In the operating mode generation step 302, the microcontroller unit 110 outputs a control signal for operating mode 1 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step 304, the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs only the first control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 and does not output a liquid crystal control signal. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step 306, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 does not output the liquid crystal drive signal. In the liquid crystal drive step 308, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are not driven and show a bright state.
[0045] If the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, modes such as welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode), and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN4~12 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade number within the shade number range of DIN4~13 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, then in the operating state monitoring step 310, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is in an operating state (including, but not limited to, states such as welding state, cutting state, or polishing state), and outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110. In the operating mode generation step 302, the MCU 110 outputs the control signal for operating mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step 304, the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs a first control voltage and a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step 306, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1 so that the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 have a light-shielding number within the range of DIN 4 to 12 that is intended to be used (corresponding to the first embodiment), or a light-shielding number within the range of DIN 4 to 13 that is intended to be used (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment), and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. In the liquid crystal driving step 308, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are either within the range of light-shielding number numbers DIN4 to 12 and have a light-shielding number that is intended to be used (corresponding to the first embodiment), or within the range of light-shielding number numbers DIN4 to 13 and have a light-shielding number that is intended to be used (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment).
[0046] If the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode) and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN13~14 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade degree number within the shade degree number range of DIN14~15 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, then in the operating state monitoring step 310, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is not in an operating state (including, but not limited to, welding state, cutting state, or polishing state) and outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110. In the operating mode generation step 302, the MCU 110 outputs a control signal for operating mode 2 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step 304, the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs only the second control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 and does not output a liquid crystal control signal. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step 306, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 does not output a liquid crystal drive signal. In the liquid crystal drive step 308, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are not driven and show a bright state.
[0047] If the ADF200 is in an operating mode (including, but not limited to, modes such as welding mode, cutting mode, or polishing mode), and any shade number within the shade number range of DIN13~14 (corresponding to the first embodiment) is to be used, or any shade number within the shade number range of DIN14~15 (corresponding to a modified version of the first embodiment) is to be used, then in the operating state monitoring step 310, the photoelectric sensor 116 detects that the ADF200 is in an operating state (including, but not limited to, states such as welding state, cutting state, or polishing state), and outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the MCU 110. In the operating mode generation step 302, the MCU 110 outputs the control signal for operating mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112, and outputs a moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step 304, the liquid crystal signal control circuit 112 outputs a second control voltage and a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step 306, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit 114 generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2 so that the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 have a light-shielding number within the range of DIN 13 to 14 that is intended to be used (corresponding to the first embodiment), or a light-shielding number within the range of DIN 14 to 15 that is intended to be used (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment), and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104. In the liquid crystal driving step 308, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets 102 and 104 are either within the range of light-shielding degrees number DIN 13 to 14 and have a light-shielding degree number intended for use (corresponding to the first embodiment), or within the range of light-shielding degrees number DIN 14 to 15 and have a light-shielding degree number intended for use (corresponding to a modified example of the first embodiment).
[0048] In a modified version (not shown) of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the control device 106 of the ADF 200 further comprises an ADF operation parameter configuration control circuit (not shown). The control method 300 of the modified version further comprises an operation parameter configuration step (not shown) prior to the operation state monitoring step 310. In the operation parameter configuration step, if the ADF 200 is in a standby state, the ADF operation parameter configuration control circuit completes the configuration of the operation parameters of the ADF 200, which include, but are not limited to, light shielding degree, sensitivity, time delay, etc. In the operation mode generation step 302, the MCU 110 further completes the configuration of the operation mode of the ADF 200 in a standby state, which includes, but is not limited to, a polishing mode, a welding mode, a cutting mode, etc.
[0049] According to the automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) and its control method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the ADF uses a liquid crystal box comprising only two positive-type liquid crystal sheets and can cover a light-shielding degree number range of DIN 4 to 15. Furthermore, the ADF can cover light-shielding degree numbers of DIN 14 to 15 (i.e., including higher light-shielding degree numbers). In addition, the cost, dimensions, and weight of the ADF can be reduced, and the power consumption of the ADF can be reduced when the light-shielding degree number is within the range of DIN 14 to 15 (i.e., a higher light-shielding degree number).
[0050] It should be understood that the specific implementations described above are merely illustrative examples to illustrate the principles of this disclosure and do not limit the scope of protection provided by this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, partial combinations, and substitutions are possible depending on the applicable requirements and other factors. Any modifications, substitutions with equivalents, improvements, etc., made within the gist and principles of this disclosure are included within the scope of protection provided by this disclosure.
Claims
1. An automatic light-shielding filter (ADF) comprising two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, a control device configured to output an original liquid crystal control signal and a moduloable drive voltage, and a liquid crystal control circuit configured to control the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets according to the received original liquid crystal control signal, The control device is further configured to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 1 for outputting the control signal for operation mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF is in operation mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operation mode 1 is to be used, or to enable liquid crystal signal control mode 2 for outputting the control signal for operation mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal when the ADF is in operation mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operation mode 2 is to be used. The aforementioned liquid crystal control circuit is A liquid crystal signal control circuit is configured to generate a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a first control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 1 output by the control device, or to generate a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a second control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 2 output by the control device, A liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit is configured to receive the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the first control voltage, or the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the second control voltage, output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit, and the modulable drive voltage output by the control device, generate a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1 or a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2, and output the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, thereby enabling the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets to receive the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and set the light-shielding number to be used within the light-shielding number range corresponding to operation mode 1, or to receive the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and set the light-shielding number to be used within the light-shielding number range corresponding to operation mode 2. An automatic light-shielding filter characterized by comprising the following features.
2. The shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 include DIN 4 to 13, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 include DIN 13 to 15. There are multiple application examples, including but not limited to the following two application combination examples. In the first example, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 1 include DIN 4 to 12, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 2 include DIN 13 to 14. In the second example, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 include DIN 4 to 13, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 include DIN 14 to 15. The automatic light-shielding filter according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding degree number ranges corresponding to the operating modes 1 and 2 are predetermined by the liquid crystal signal control circuit by adjusting the circuit parameters.
3. The low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5 V and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 60 Hz, and the first control voltage is within the range of 4.5 to 5.5 V, and the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20 V and a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 20 Hz, and the second control voltage is within the range of 6 to 20 V, or The automatic light-shielding filter according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 1.2 to 5 V and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 60 Hz, and the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20 V and a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 20 Hz.
4. The automatic light-shielding filter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a photoelectric sensor configured to detect whether the ADF is in operation and to output a corresponding sensing signal to the control device.
5. If the ADF is in an operating mode and any shading degree number within the shading degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 1 is to be used, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is not in an operating state and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device, the control device outputs the control signal for the operating mode 1 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit and outputs the modulable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs only the first control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and does not output the liquid crystal control signal, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit does not output the liquid crystal drive signal, and as a result the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are not driven and show a bright state, as described in claim 4.
6. If the ADF is in an operating mode and any shading degree number within the shading degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 1 is to be used, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is in an operating state and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device, the control device outputs the control signal for the operating mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit and outputs the modulable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs the first control voltage and the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit generates the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to the operating mode 1 and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, thereby the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets become the shading degree number that is to be used and within the shading degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 1, as described in claim 4.
7. If the ADF is in an operating mode and any shading degree number within the shading degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 2 is to be used, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is not in an operating state and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device, the control device outputs the control signal for the operating mode 2 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit and outputs the modulable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs only the second control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and does not output the liquid crystal control signal, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit does not output the liquid crystal drive signal, and as a result the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are not driven and show a bright state, as described in claim 4.
8. When the ADF is in an operating mode and any shading degree number within the shading degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 2 is to be used, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is in an operating state and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device, the control device outputs the control signal for the operating mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit and outputs the modulable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs the second control voltage and the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit generates the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to the operating mode 2 and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, thereby the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets become the shading degree number that is to be used and within the shading degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 2, as described in claim 4.
9. A control method for an automatic light-shielding filter (ADF), wherein the ADF comprises two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, a control device configured to output an original liquid crystal control signal and a moduloable drive voltage, and a liquid crystal control circuit configured to control the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets according to the received original liquid crystal control signal, the liquid crystal control circuit comprising a liquid crystal signal control circuit and a liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, If the ADF is in an operating mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operating mode 1 is to be used, the control device enables liquid crystal signal control mode 1 for outputting the control signal for operating mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal, or if the ADF is in an operating mode and any shade number within the shade number range corresponding to operating mode 2 is to be used, the control device enables liquid crystal signal control mode 2 for outputting the control signal for operating mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal, a step of generating an operating mode; A liquid crystal control signal generation step, wherein the liquid crystal signal control circuit generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a first control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 1 output by the control device, or generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and a second control voltage according to the control signal of operation mode 2 output by the control device, A liquid crystal drive signal generation step, in which the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit receives the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the first control voltage, or the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal and the second control voltage output by the liquid crystal signal control circuit, and the modulable drive voltage output by the control device, generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 1 or a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to operation mode 2, and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets, A liquid crystal drive step is performed in which the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets receive the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, and the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets become the light-shielding number intended to be used within the light-shielding number range corresponding to operation mode 1, or the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets receive the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal output by the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit, and the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets become the light-shielding number intended to be used within the light-shielding number range corresponding to operation mode 2. A control method including
10. The shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to the operation mode 1 include DIN 4 to 13, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to the operation mode 2 include DIN 13 to 15, and there are multiple application examples, including but not limited to the following two combination examples. In the first example, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 1 include DIN 4 to 12, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to the operating mode 2 include DIN 13 to 14. In the second example, the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 include DIN 4 to 13, and the shade degree numbers within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 include DIN 14 to 15. The control method according to claim 9, wherein the light-shielding degree number ranges corresponding to the operating modes 1 and 2 are predetermined by the liquid crystal signal control circuit by adjusting the circuit parameters.
11. The low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5 V and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 60 Hz, and the first control voltage is within the range of 4.5 to 5.5 V, and the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20 V and a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 20 Hz, and the second control voltage is within the range of 6 to 20 V, or The control method according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave having an operating voltage range of 1.2 to 5 V and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 60 Hz, and the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal is a square wave or DC voltage having an operating voltage range of 6 to 20 V and a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 20 Hz.
12. The control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the ADF further comprises a photoelectric sensor, and before the operation mode generation step, further comprises an operation state monitoring step, wherein the photoelectric sensor detects whether the ADF is in an operation state and outputs a corresponding sensing signal to the control device.
13. If the ADF is in operation mode and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 is to be used, In the aforementioned operating state monitoring step, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is not in an operating state and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device. In the operation mode generation step, the control device outputs the control signal of operation mode 1 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit and outputs the moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs only the first control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and does not output the liquid crystal control signal. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit does not output the liquid crystal drive signal. The control method according to claim 12, wherein in the liquid crystal driving step, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are not driven and show a bright state.
14. If the ADF is in operation mode and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 1 is to be used, In the operation state monitoring step, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is in operation and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device. In the operation mode generation step, the control device outputs the control signal of operation mode 1 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit, and outputs the moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs the first control voltage and the low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit generates a low-voltage, high-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to the operation mode 1 such that the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are within the range of light-shielding degree numbers corresponding to the operation mode 1 and the light-shielding degree number to be used, and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets. The control method according to claim 12, wherein in the liquid crystal driving step, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are within the range of light-shielding degree numbers corresponding to the operation mode 1 and are the light-shielding degree numbers that are to be used.
15. If the ADF is in operation mode and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 is to be used, In the aforementioned operating state monitoring step, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is not in an operating state and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device. In the operation mode generation step, the control device outputs the control signal of operation mode 2 to the liquid crystal signal control circuit and outputs the moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs only the second control voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit and does not output the liquid crystal control signal. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit does not output the liquid crystal drive signal. The control method according to claim 12, wherein in the liquid crystal driving step, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are not driven and show a bright state.
16. If the ADF is in operation mode and any shade degree number within the shade degree number range corresponding to operation mode 2 is to be used, In the operation state monitoring step, the photoelectric sensor detects that the ADF is in operation and outputs the corresponding sensing signal to the control device. In the operation mode generation step, the control device outputs the control signal of operation mode 2 and the original liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal signal control circuit, and outputs the moduloable drive voltage to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit. In the liquid crystal control signal generation step, the liquid crystal signal control circuit outputs the second control voltage and the high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal control signal to the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit. In the liquid crystal drive signal generation step, the liquid crystal drive multiplexing circuit generates a high-voltage, low-frequency liquid crystal drive signal corresponding to the operation mode 2 such that the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are within the range of light-shielding degree numbers corresponding to the operation mode 2 and the light-shielding degree number to be used, and outputs the liquid crystal drive signal to the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets. The control method according to claim 12, wherein in the liquid crystal driving step, the two positive-type liquid crystal sheets are within the range of light-shielding degree numbers corresponding to the operation mode 2 and are the light-shielding degree numbers to be used.