Liquid Crystal Light Dimmer Module with Transmittance Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal light dimmer elements face challenges in accurately controlling light transmittance due to nonlinear VT characteristics and variations in drive voltage, leading to difficulties in achieving desired light transmittance levels.
Innovation Solution
A light dimmer module incorporating a liquid crystal layer between electrodes and a transmittance sensor that detects light transmittance, allowing for precise adjustment of the drive voltage based on the sensor's signal, thereby enabling high-accuracy control of light transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a liquid crystal light dimmer element is used to adjust light transmittance, then the device can be downsized for space saving, but it becomes difficult to obtain desired light transmittance due to nonlinear VT characteristics and drive voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the light transmittance detected by the imaging element is fed back to the light dimmer control section. The control section adjusts the drive voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer based on this feedback to achieve the desired light transmittance. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for the nonlinear VT characteristics and drive voltage variations, enabling accurate light transmittance control in a downsized device.
2Ease of operation
If the drive voltage magnitude is specified based on VT characteristics, then light transmittance can be controlled, but actual desired light transmittance cannot be obtained due to nonlinear characteristics and voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the actual light transmittance measured by the imaging element is continuously monitored and fed back to the control section. The control section compares the actual transmittance with the desired transmittance and adjusts the drive voltage accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the impact of nonlinear VT characteristics and drive voltage variations, achieving both ease of operation and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of precisely controlling drive voltage based on pre-characterized VT curves with an electronic feedback control system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical voltage regulation, the system uses electronic feedback to dynamically adjust the drive voltage, substituting complex mechanical control with simpler electronic regulation that achieves higher precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for accurate adjustment of light transmittance, even in cases with steeply inclined VT characteristics, and enables the setting of low absolute transmittance levels, such as 1% or less, while also downsizing the module for applications in imaging devices like digital cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer disposed between a pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a transmittance sensor that detects light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a light dimmer module including a liquid crystal layer disposed between a pair of electrodes, and a transmittance sensor that detects light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer.