ES2885770A1 - SYNCHRONIZING DEVICE FOR LIQUID CRYSTAL FILMS (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, used as a laminated or adhesive coating to provide normally transparent structural elements, such as glass, crystal, polycarbonate, etc ..., with the possibility of regulating their transparency or opacity, from a total transparency up to total opacity. This controller that is presented allows you to synchronize the operation of liquid crystal films with an external multimedia device and other auxiliary elements, promoting the performance of activities such as projection of advertising videos, images, movies, sounds, etc., through one or various liquid crystal films that can become opaque or transparent depending on the moment. The invention presented provides the main advantage of allowing advertising or multimedia applications, being easily adaptable for operation with any type of liquid crystal film, regardless of the manufacturer. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Synchronization device for liquid crystal films

This specification refers, as its title indicates, to a synchronization device for liquid crystal films capable of synchronizing the transparency or opacity of liquid crystal sheets with audiovisual content, thus improving the effectiveness of the message of said audiovisual content. , in addition to allowing the use of surfaces equipped with liquid crystal films, such as shop windows, windows or separating glass, as an advertising screen.

This device that is presented allows synchronizing the operation of the liquid crystal films with an external multimedia device and optionally with other auxiliary elements, facilitating the performance of activities such as the projection of advertising videos, images, films, sounds, etc... through of one or several liquid crystal films that can become opaque or transparent depending on the moment. It is also easily adaptable to work with any type of liquid crystal film, regardless of manufacturer.

field of invention

The invention relates to the field of power and control devices for liquid crystal films, such as PDLC, PNLC, SPD or any other electrically switchable liquid crystal film, intended to control transparency or opacity, and their synchronization with multimedia equipment.

Current state of the art

Currently, liquid crystal films are known, which are usually used laminated between two glasses, acrylics, polycarbonates, etc. or as a laminated or adhesive coating, to provide those normally transparent elements, such as glass, crystal, polycarbonate, etc..., with the possibility of regulating their transparency or opacity, from almost total transparency to total visual opacity. When applying electric current, the liquid crystal particles are ordered and allow visibility through the glass, when the energy is removed, the particles return to their normal state and the film becomes opaque. This also happens in reverse, or with a boost, all in a fraction of a second. This allows the realization of structural elements such as windows, doors, shop windows, windshields, etc. in which, for example, by means of a simple command or switch, we can control its degree of transparency depending on the circumstances, being able to switch to total opacity in case, for example, that we want absolute privacy. They are of special application to regulate the light that enters, allowing to reflect the excess of light that creates heat, and reject to a large extent the ultraviolet and infrared rays, making the spaces cooler.

Examples of this type of liquid crystal film can be found described, for example, in patents

US2017355908 "Metal organic liquid crystal dyes", US2018252950 "Solar reflective and absorptive electrically-switchable film and glazing", WO2015170318 "Device for producing and testing electrically switchable glasses and method of doing the same" and CN103676257 "Transparent liquid crystal display screen capable of regulating transparency"

These liquid crystal films have special power supply voltage requirements, in many cases different depending on the manufacturer, which require the use of controllers or power supplies exclusive to each manufacturer, as for example contained in WO2012042518A1 "Dimmer and switch suitable for driving a capacitive or complex capacitive-resistive load such as liquid crystal film" and in KR20180020345 "PDLC Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal cotrolling apparatus for furniture".

These controllers only allow an on/off state, corresponding to transparent and opaque, selectable by means of a switch. In some cases, by means of a potentiometer, the transparency can be adjusted. But they all have the drawback that they do not provide for any type of synchronization of operation with other devices, which could lead to a synchrony between the transparency or opacity of the liquid crystal sheets with audiovisual content, or the use of said surfaces as an advertising screen, In all cases, the regulation or activation must be carried out completely manually.

Description of the invention

In order to solve the problems that currently exist in the use of liquid crystal films, allowing synchronization with audiovisual content and the automation of its transparency regulation and improving the current state of the art, the synchronization device for films has been devised liquid crystal object of the present invention, capable of synchronizing the transparency or opacity of glass sheets liquid with audiovisual content, thus improving the effectiveness of the message of said audiovisual content, in addition to allowing the use of surfaces equipped with liquid crystal films, such as shop windows, windows or separating glass, as an advertising screen.

Liquid crystal films are usually used laminated, between two glasses, acrylics, polycarbonates, etc. or as a laminated or adhesive coating, and allow to provide those normally transparent elements, such as glass, crystal, polycarbonate, etc..., with the possibility of regulating their transparency or opacity, from almost total transparency to visual opacity total. For this, they necessarily need a controller, which is a device that is responsible, at least, for supplying the supply voltage in the form, frequency, amplitude and power required by the liquid crystal films for their operation.

The device presented comprises

- a control module, which takes information from at least one multimedia equipment and optionally from external sensors, and can control both the operation of the external multimedia equipment and optionally external actuators, in addition to providing one or more regulation signal outputs in the form of a continuous analog voltage that varies between 0 and a maximum value, depending on both the multimedia content and the information provided by external sensors.

- one or more power modules with one or more outputs providing a power supply signal, preferably alternate, for the liquid crystal films, with adjustable amplitude by means of, at least, the control signals coming from the control module, and/or from a potentiometer or external control.

For this, the control module incorporates, in turn, means of communication with at least one external multimedia equipment, input means for external sensors, output means for external actuators, one or more regulation signal outputs, a microcontroller with software specific, a real time clock, and at least one digital communications module.

The connection with the multimedia equipment is made through an interface, which can be external and independent or integrated into the synchronization device itself.

This interface allows the contents of a video, audio, etc. to be synchronized in milliseconds and then communicates it to the synchronization device so that it can make the transparencies or opacity according to the indications of the interface.

Obviously, the entire assembly has the appropriate power supply means for the previous modules from a power source, which can be external or integrated into the synchronization device itself.

External sensors can be buttons, switches, keyboards, motion sensors, lux meters and infrared sensors, or any other element that allows both the programming of parameters and operating sequences, as well as their synchronization with external events, such as the passage of a person. , ambient light, etc. External actuators can be lighting lamps, fans, blind motors, electromechanical relays and solid-state relays, and allow the operation of complementary elements to the multimedia projection, both in sync with it and independently.

Each power module incorporates means for, from an input from an external source of energy, such as the DC voltage of the electrical network, or the DC voltage of a vehicle battery, to give its outputs, for movies liquid crystal, a square or pulsed alternating current signal with variable amplitude depending on the regulation signal coming from the control module. Optionally, it can incorporate a manual regulation element to regulate the transparency of the load.

This device, depending on the multimedia signal that is executed in the external multimedia equipment, and depending on the state of the external sensors, gives the appropriate commands to the external actuators and provides the necessary power signal for the liquid crystal films, regulated according to the transparency and opacity required at that moment and for that multimedia signal, performing a perfect synchronization as programmed internally.

Advantages of the invention

This synchronization device for liquid crystal films that is presented provides many advantages over currently available equipment, the most important being that it allows synchronizing and automating the operation of any device with liquid crystal films with a multimedia device, promoting activities such as projection of advertising videos, images, movies, sounds, etc... through a device that can become opaque, transparent or semi-transparent depending on the audiovisual content.

In other words, the most remarkable thing is that the device, together with the interface separately or all in one, can make the liquid crystal screen transparent, opaque or gradual as indicated or programmed for that audiovisual content, also interacting with each other with the equipment. or external multimedia equipment. Thus, the liquid crystal screen can be made transparent and projecting audiovisual content on it to simulate a transparent OLED or a transparent LCD, make it opaque and projecting on it to simulate an LCD TV, normal LED, or generate gradual transparencies, alternating the two simulations of OLED, transparent LCD and LCD, Led, normal opaque OLED and even with intermediate states between the two.

It is especially useful in the case of shop windows, dividing screens, etc. since it allows the projected multimedia content to be compatible with the possibility of also seeing what is behind them through said elements, without blocking the vision.

It also allows even preparing specific content to use the screen in a transparent state to simulate holographic content.

It also allows synchronizing the device to become opaque in order to use it as a projection or rear projection screen. It can also be projected in a transparent state, or in any semi-transparent state in between.

It should be noted that it is capable of synchronizing the transparency or opacity of liquid crystal sheets with audiovisual content, thus improving the effectiveness of the message of said audiovisual content, in addition to allowing the use of surfaces equipped with liquid crystal films, such as shop windows, windows or separating glass, as an advertising screen.

We must emphasize that this controller opens doors for a combined application of liquid crystals in shop windows or windows, as a means of regulating their transparency as a curtain, for example with advertising projections inside the window, in such a way that the window becomes opaque or transparent in synchronization with the audiovisual content, to enhance it.

It is also noteworthy that a single synchronization device can control multiple screens with liquid crystal films.

Another important advantage is that by incorporating a real-time clock, this synchronization of operation can be programmed at the desired intervals or durations, achieving a fully automated operation.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the power module allows its operation both with any alternating current network, from 90 to 240V, both with 50Hz and 60Hz, as well as with a suitable direct current, such as 12, 15, or 24V, allowing its application both in static installations, for example in shops or companies, and in mobile installations, for example mounted on a truck or other vehicle.

It is important to highlight that this controller is universal, since it can be easily adapted or programmed, by selecting and changing its parameters, for operation with the various alternating voltages required, 24V, 36V, 48V, 65V, 80V, 90V, 110V. , etc.. according to the voltage demand required by different types of liquid crystal films, or by different manufacturers, avoiding the need for a different controller for each manufacturer.

Another of the most important advantages to be highlighted is that, by incorporating wired, wireless or a combination of digital communication media, the programming of the device's operation, its operation sequences, times, operating parameters, etc. can be easily done remotely.

Likewise, another added advantage is that it allows the connection of external sensor elements, such as buttons, switches, movement sensors, which allows synchronization and regulation with various external operating parameters.

Another advantage is that the possibility of connecting to a lux meter facilitates the regulation of the level of transparency or opacity depending on the ambient light.

It should be noted that the possibility of using external actuators allows, in addition to the transparency and opacity of the liquid crystal film, to program and control the operation of, for example, lighting lamps, fans, shutter motors, electromechanical relays and solid state relays to activate any other device.

Description of the figures

In order to better understand the object of the present invention, the attached plan shows a preferred practical embodiment of a synchronization device for liquid crystal films.

In said plane, figure -1- shows a simplified block diagram of the complete controller assembly, multimedia device, several auxiliary elements, and several liquid crystal films, to highlight the synchronization effect of audiovisual content with transparencies and opacities in the films. liquid crystal

Figure -2- shows a simplified block diagram of the control module.

Figure -3- shows a simplified block diagram of the power module.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

The constitution and characteristics of the invention may be better understood with the following description made with reference to the attached figures. As can be seen in figure 1, the synchronization device for liquid crystal films, of the type used to regulate their transparency, comprises

- a control module (2), which takes information from at least one external multimedia equipment (5) through an interface (32), and optionally from external sensors (6), and controls both the operation of the multimedia equipment ( 5), through the interface (32), as optionally some external actuators (7), in addition to providing one or more regulation signal outputs (17), depending on both the multimedia content generated in the multimedia equipment (5) and of the information provided by the external sensors (6), and

- one or more power modules (3) with one or more outputs for the liquid crystal films (4) providing a power supply signal (28), preferably alternating, with adjustable amplitude by the control module (2) by means of the signal regulation (17). This power supply signal (28) can be both of the pulsating type, only active in certain periods of time, or continuous over time.

The interface (32) is responsible for receiving and sending communications according to a digital protocol, and generating the appropriate orders for the external multimedia equipment (5), such as on, off, regulation of brightness levels, contrast, color, timing, etc... This interface (32) can be an external module and independent of the synchronization device, although it is alternatively provided that it can be included within the control module (2).

As illustrated in figure 2, the control module (2) comprises,

- communication means (11) with at least one external multimedia equipment (5), - input means (12) for external sensors (6),

- output means (13) for external actuators (7),

- one or more regulation signal outputs (17),

- a microcontroller (9) with specific software (10),

- a real time clock (14), and

- at least one digital communications module (15).

The means of communication (11) with the external multimedia equipment or equipment (5) are bidirectional, allowing both to control the operation of said equipment, and to receive information on its status, and can be either any digital communications bus, or a group of individual lines, or ports, of input and output.

The digital communications module (15) can be wired, such as Ethernet, USB, RS-232, RS-485 or any other protocol, or wireless, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc. ...

The control signal or signals (17) are continuous analog voltages with a variable amplitude between 0 and a maximum value. This maximum value will preferably be 5V.

The external sensors (6) can preferably be buttons, switches, keyboards, movement sensors, sound sensors, voice sensors, lux meters, infrared sensor, or any other type of sensor that is needed, and allow both the programming of parameters and operating sequences, such as their synchronization with external events, such as the passage of a person, the ambient light, etc.

The external actuators (7) are chosen from the group formed by lighting lamps, fans, blind motors, electromechanical relays and solid state relays, and allow the operation of complementary elements to the multimedia projection, both in sync with it and independently.

Figure 3 shows us that each power module (3) comprises:

- an input for the external power source (8), which supplies a direct current signal (20),

- a converter (21) of the direct current signal (20) to an alternating current signal (22) of the same voltage,

- an electronic transformer (23) with regulation in the primary, obtaining at the output a square alternating current signal (24), with variable amplitude,

- a converter (25) of the alternating current signal (24) to a direct current signal (26),

- a converter (27), preferably of the Buck type, from the direct current signal (26) to the alternating power signal (28) for the liquid crystal films (4), this power signal (28) being of frequency different from the alternating current signal (24) but with the same amplitude,

- an integrated control circuit (29), which has as inputs a regulation signal (17) coming from the control module (2), and a feedback of the direct current signal (26), and has as output a control signal regulation of the primary of the electronic transformer (23).

In the event that the external power source (8) is an alternating current network, each power module (3) comprises an input transformer (19) that converts the signal supplied by the external power source (8) into the direct current signal (20). This input transformer (19) will be capable of working with an alternating current network with voltages between 90V and 240V, and with frequencies of 50Hz and 60Hz.

The direct current signal (20) is preferably between 9V and 24V, although it can be adapted to work with any other level of continuous signal.

The alternating current signals (22, 24) have a frequency preferably between 30 and 100 Khz, and more preferably 70 Khz.

The alternating current signal (28) supplied at the outputs to feed the liquid crystal films (4) is square and has an amplitude between 0 and a maximum working voltage value stored in the integrated control circuit (29) and recommended for each liquid crystal film by its manufacturer, which can be 48V, 90V, 110V, etc... This alternating current signal (28) has a frequency between 15Hz and 60Hz, preferably 50Hz.

It is planned that, optionally, each power module (3) has a manual transparency adjustment element (31) connected as an input to the integrated control circuit (29), promoting manual use compatible with the synchronized one.

Obviously, the entire assembly has the appropriate power supply means for the previous modules from a power source, which can be external or integrated into the synchronization device itself.

This device, depending on the multimedia signal that is executed in the external multimedia equipment (5), and depending on the state of the external sensors (6), gives the appropriate orders to the external actuators (7) and provides the signal of power supply (28) necessary for the liquid crystal films (4), regulated according to the transparency and opacity required at that moment and for that multimedia signal, carrying out a perfect synchronization according to what is internally programmed.

The person skilled in the art will readily understand that he can combine features of different embodiments with features of other possible embodiments, provided that such a combination is technically possible.

All information referring to examples or embodiments forms part of the description of the invention.

Claims (1)

1 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, of the type used to regulate their transparency based on multimedia content, characterized in that it comprises - a control module (2), provided with communication means (11) with at least one external multimedia equipment (5) through an interface (32), input means (12) for external sensors (6), means output (13) for external actuators (7), and one or more regulation signal outputs (17), and - one or more power modules (3) with one or more outputs for the liquid crystal films (4) providing a power signal (28) with adjustable amplitude by the control module (2) by means of the regulation signal (17 ). 2 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control module (2) comprises - a microcontroller (9) with specific software (10), - a real time clock (14), and - at least one digital communications module (15). 3 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (2) comprises the interface (32), being directly connected to the external multimedia equipment (5) 4 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital communications module (15) is wired. 5 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the digital communications module (15) is wireless. 6 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power signal (28) with adjustable amplitude is alternate. 7 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control signal or signals (17) are continuous analog voltages of variable amplitude between 0 and a maximum value. 8 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external sensors (6) are chosen from the group consisting of buttons, switches, keyboards, motion sensors, sound sensors, voice sensors, lux meters and infrared sensor. 9 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external actuators (7) are chosen from the group consisting of lighting lamps, fans, blind motors, electromechanical relays and solid state relays. 10 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each power module (3) comprises: - an input for the external power source (8), which supplies a direct current signal (20), - a converter (21) of the direct current signal (20) to an alternating current signal (22) of the same voltage, - an electronic transformer (23) with regulation in the primary, obtaining at the output a square alternating current signal (24), with variable amplitude, - a converter (25) of the alternating current signal (24) to a direct current signal (26), - a converter (27) of the direct current signal (26) to the power signal (28) for the liquid crystal films (4), this power signal (28) being of a different frequency than the alternating current signal (24) but with the same amplitude, - an integrated control circuit (29), which has as inputs a regulation signal (17) coming from the control module (2), and a direct current signal feedback (26). ), and its output is a regulation signal from the primary of the electronic transformer (23). 11 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event that the external source of power (8) is an alternating current network, each power module (3) comprises an input transformer (19) that converts the signal supplied by the external power source (8) into the direct current signal (20). 12 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alternating current signals (22, 24) have a frequency between 30 and 100 Khz. 13 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alternating current signal (28) is square and has an amplitude between 0 and a maximum working voltage value stored in the integrated circuit control (29) and recommended for each liquid crystal film by its manufacturer. 14 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alternating current signal (28) has a frequency between 15Hz and 60Hz. 15 - Synchronization device for liquid crystal films, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each power module (3) comprises a manual regulation element (31) of the transparency connected as input to the integrated control circuit (29) .