GB2533546A

GB2533546A - A controller device

Info

Publication number: GB2533546A
Application number: GB1418371.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jackson Colin
Original assignee: Esg Group Ltd
Current assignee: ESG GROUP LIMITED
Priority date: 2014-10-16
Filing date: 2014-10-16
Publication date: 2016-06-29
Also published as: GB201418371D0

Abstract

A controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film from a transparent state to a translucent state which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprises; a voltage controller for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; a duty cycle controller for varying the duty cycle of an electrical supply provided by the voltage controller to control a LC film from a transparent state to an opaque state and vice versa, this arrangement allows the opacity of the LC film to be varied between 0-100% in small increments of 0.5%. In alternative embodiments the controller device comprises an information storage device or a frequency sensor.

Description

A Controller Device

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a controller adapted to regulate the opacity of a Liquid Crystal [LC] film; and in particular to a controller that controls the transparency of a LC film from a transparent state to a translucent state and vice versa.

liackgrialiSILP the Invention A known controller for controlling a LC film provides an electrical output supply to a LC film, whi& comprises an adjustable Alternating Current (AC) voltage with a duty cycle fixed to 100% for controlling the opacity/transparency of a LC Mai device. However, this type of controller is known to have at least one of the following disadvantages when controlling an LC film; 0 LC film devices are known to be particularly non-linearin their response to any control signals as most of the change from an opaque (OFF' state) to a transparent (ON state) will occur within the first 5% to 10% of an applied control voltage; si 1.0 film devices are known to have a reduced life expectancy and short long-term transparency if they are not periodically turned off; 0 during normal operating conditions a LC film can increase its power requirements substantially. This can lead to the failure of the LC film busbars, blow fuses and require expensive engineering visits or even an entire glass replacement if powered from an unregulated electrical supply; and 0 the internal clock generators of a known controller can operate at iightly different frequency to that of the lighting adjacent to the LC Earn, This is a natural phenornomen as supply frequencies vary depending on the time of day, Le, the current 'loading level' of the electrical supply network, This can have the effect of creating a teat-frequency' of the difference between the LC film update time and the rnains supply update lime. This can be observed as a unintentional pulsing effect on the LC film attached to a glass sheet, objective of the invention to overcome at least some of these known oroblems Surnmarv of the invention ad independent aspect, the invention provides a controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a Liquid Crystal [LC film which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprises a duty cycle control means for regulating the duty cycle of an electrical supply provided by said voltage control means to control a LC film from a transparent state to a translucent state and vice versa, This configuration provides the controller with an improved means of controlling the opacity of a LCD film over the whole range of 0% to 100% transparency, This is achieved by the regulation of the duty cycle in addition to the regulation of the voltage supplied to a nonlinear LCD film, Therefore, the duty cycle controls a region within the transparency range of a LC film, to provide improved transparency and opacity levels, which are not achievable adjustable by the regulation of the supply voltage to the LC film, Preferably, said duty cycle control means provides a fixed on period and said voltage control means provides an adjustable voltage.

This configuration provides the controller with a linear visual opacity adjustment which subsequently communicated to a non-linear LC film; whereby the majority of the transition from opaque [off state] to transparent [on state] occurs within the first '5, to 10% of the applied voltage.

io Preferably, said duty cycle provides an on period of 2 and said adjustable votta adjustable within a range of 0 to IS volts.

This configuration provides the controller with an adjustable opacity range to 75% transparency.

Preferably, said duty cycle control means provides a duty cycle further comprising adjustable on period and said voltage control means provides a fixed This configuration provides the controller with a linear visual opacity adjustment which is subsequently communicated to a non-linear LC film; whereby the remainder of the transition from opaque [off state] to transparent [on state] occurs with the adjustment of the duty cycle when no other adjustment is available.

Preferably, said duty cycle control means provides a duty cycle on period within a range of 25% to 100% and said voltage control means provides a voltage of 75 volts, This configuration provides the controller with an adjustable opacity rang 75% 100%.

Preferably, said voltage control means and said duty cycle regulate an electrical supply to LC film to provide an opacity range of 0% to 100%, which is adjustable in 03% increments.

This configuration enables the controller to provide a small adjustment to the opacity of the LC to accurately obtain a particular opacity. E.g. two hundred small adjustment steps are available over the full range of 0% to 100%.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprising an information storing means for storing information indicative of a time duration for when an electrical supply is communicated to a LC film.

This configuration enables the time duration for when the LC film is be totatised, logged and recorded within the controller device.

is Preferably, a controller device further comprises a swaching means for disconnecting an electrical supply to a LC film.

This configuration enables the controller to remotely disconnect the electrical supply to the LC film Preferably, said switching means disconnect electrical suppLy to a I CD film for a time duration of at Least four in a twenty four time duration.

This configuration enables the controller to turn off the LC film for at least a combined or continuous period of at least 4 hours over a monitored 24 hour period. This preserves the LC film and extends its effective life span.

in a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is attached to a transparent dement, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprises an information storage means for storing information indicative of the area of a LC film.

This enables the user of the controller to select the size / type of LC film, and therefore provide the expected electrical load characteristics for the particular LC film configuration.

Preferably, a controller device further comprises an electrical power control means, which regulates the electrical power supplied to a LCD film, whereby said regulation of electrical power is determined by said information indicative of an area of a LC film.

This enables the controller to monitor the electrical power being supplied to the IC film and regulate the electrical power to ensure that it is within the expected load characteristics for a particular LC film configuration.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, the I provides a controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a IC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprising a frequency sensing means for sensing the frequency of an Alternating Current [AC] electrical supply to said device.: This enables the controller to monitor the frequency of the AC electrical supply th powers the controller.

Preferably, a controller device her comprises u ncy synchronisation means for synchronising the frequency of an electrical supply to a LC film to the frequency of an AC electrical supply to said device.

This configuration prevents the frequency of the AC electrical supply for powering the controller from being out of synchronisation with the AC electrical supply that powers the LC film Le, prevents the generation of beat frequency]; therefore preventing the LC film from being turned 'on' during the negative cycle of the AC electrical supply.

In a fifth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised by or more of the folloving.] * said controller device further comprises a duty cycle control means for regulating the duty cycle of an electrical supply provided by said voltage control means to control a LC film from a transparent state to a translucent and vice versa; * said controller device further comprising an information storing means for storing information indicative of a time duration for when an electrical supply is communicated to a LC film; ts said controller device further comprises an information storage means for id storing information indicative of the area of a LC firm; and * said controller device further comprising a frequency sensing means for sensing the frequency of an Alternating Cu-rent [AC] electrical supply to said device.

This configuration provides a controller device with an adjustable duty cycle means, a logging means for logging the time duration for when the LC is powered on, A means for ing the actual size of the LC film and a frequency synchronising means for synchronising the frequency of the electrical output from the controller to electrical supply frequency connected to the controller, Preferabiy, a controller device further prises a communication interface means.

This enables the controller be connected to a data network, either wired, or wireless, whereby the controller can be uniquely addressed to provide monitoring and control of an associated L.0 film, via this port.

Preferably, an LC film device comprising said controller in accordance with any of the above features.

This configuration provides a LC film device which incorporates the controller with the above features, Preferably, a method of controlling the opacity of LC film with said controller in accordance with any of the above features, This configuration provides,a method of controlling a LC film by employing the controller which incorporates the above features.

Preferably, an apparatus adapted to control theopacity of LC film with sad controLler in accordance with any of the above features.

re.7 This configuration provides an apparatus/system which h adapted to control the opaci a LC by employing the controller which incorporates the above features, fide f e Fitres Figure la shows an electrical waveform for 25% transparency, b shows an electrical waveform for SO% transparency.

Figure ic shows an electrical waveform for transparency.

Figure id shows an electrical waveform for 100% transparency, Figure 2 shows a side view of the controller device in on/off mode. Figure 3 shows a side view of the controller device in two input mode; Figure 4 shows network diagram for multiple controllers; Figure 5 shows a screen shot of the software programming tool prior to the onfiguration of a controller device.

Figure 6 shows a screen shot of the software programming tool subsequen configuration a controller device.

Detailed Descr tion of the FigureS Figure la shows the duty cyde of the electrical supply communicated from the controller, to a LC film, which is generally indicated by 10. The duty cycle comprises a 25% transparency setting, where the duty cycle is fixed and the AC voltage is adjusted to a Low voltage setting 111 Figure lb shows the duty cycle of the electrical supply communicated from the controller" to a LC film, which is generally indicated by 12. The duty cycle comprises a SO% transparency setting, where the duty cycle is fixed and the AC voltage is adjusted to a voltage setting 13 greater than Figure it Figure lc shows the duty cycle of the electrical supply communicated from the controller, to a IC film, which is generally indicated by 14, The duty cycle comprises a 75% /3 transparency setting, where the duty cycle is fixed and the AC voltage is adjusted to a voltage setting 15 greater than Figure lb. Figure id shows the duty cycle of the electrical supply communicated from the controller, to a l.0 film, which is generally indicated by 16. The duty cycle comprises a 50% transparency setting, where the duty cycle has been set with 50% 'ON' and 'OFF' periods and the AC voltage is adjusted to a maximum voltage setting (Le. 75 Volts AC).

Figure 2 shows an end view of the controller 21 which is generally indicated by 20. The controller is installed in the ON/OFF mode of operation. The controller incorporates a 230 volts AC supply port 22, a high voltage control input 23, a RS 485 comrns*only port 25 ( a non-F.thernet port), a low voltage control port 28 and a LCD electrical supply port 24. The high voltage control port 23 is intended to receive a signal from a switch 26, which is connected in line with the live wire of a 230 Volts AC electrical supply. The closed state of the switch 26 is indicative of a 'i.CD Clear" demand to the LC film. The open state of the switch 26 is indicative of a "LCD Opaque'. demand to the LC film. The low voltage control port 28 is intended to receive a Low voltage signal, which is provided by the controller 21, from a switch 27 that is connected in line with the low voltage supply. The closed state of the switch 27 is indicative of a "LCD clear" demand to the LC film, The open state of the switch 27 is indicative of a "LCD opaque" demand to the LC film.

shows an end view 21 of the controller generally indicated by 20. The controller led in the two input mode of operation. The high voltage port 23 is intended to receive a signal from a first switch 35, which is connected in line with the live wire of a 230 Volts AC electrical supply, and a second switch 33 that is also connected in line with the 230 Volts AC electric:a.. supply The dosed state of the first switch 35 is indicative a "Clear' demand to the LC film. The closed state of the second switch 33 is indicative of opaque demand to the LC film. The low voltage control port 23 is intended to receive a low voltage signal, which is provided by the controller 21, from a first switch 31 that is connected in line with the low voltage supply, and a second switch 32 that is also connected in line with the low voltage supply. The dosed state of the first switch 31 is indicative of a 'Clear demand to the LC filrn. The closed state of the second switch 32 is indicative of opaque demand to the LC film Figure 4 shows multiple controller devices 41 configured in a network generally indicated by 40 whereby a master controller device 42 is connected to control three slave controller devices 43. The connections 44 between each controller 41 is via a computer network cable [Le. a CAT 3 standard cable or above} and each controller 41 is connected to an associated LC film.

Figure 5 shows a screen shot of the configuration software used the controller, prior to any configuration of a controller device. d programme Figure 6 is a screen shot of the configuration software used to set up and programme the controller, subsequent to the configuration of a controller device, In use, the controller device is to be connected to a 230 volt AC power supply. The LCD output state from the controller is then controlled by the control inputs of the controller.

The controller can be operated by either switched to 230 volt AC signals, or simple contacts depending on what is most convenient to the installer/end user of the controller. There are two control inputs that determine how the unit operates, namely CLEAR and OPAQUE. Both the high voltage and low voltage clear and opaque inputs function the same but allow different physical connections. There are also two operating modes that are set up by the configuration software, these are the "ON / OFF mode" and the "TWO INPUT mode, The high and low inputs can be used simultaneously, but they are functionally ORed [logic] together inside the controller, E,g, if the low voltage CLEAR input or the high voltage CLEAR input is on, the controller will transition the IC film to the clear condition, Both high and low voltages should be off for the controller to function as no input on.

When in the ON /OFF mode, the LCD will transition to transparent when the CLEAR input is driven and transition to opaque when the CLEAR input is off, The control can be accomplished by applying 230 volts AC to the high voltage input or completing the connection on the low voltage input. The transition time will be between 1 to 30 seconds depending on the software configuration of the controller, When in the TWO INPUT mode, the LC fihn will transition to transparent when the CLEAR input is drivertand transition to opaque when the OPAQUE input is driven: When neither input is on, the level of transparency will be maintained at the level when bath inputs, become in the off state, This control can be accomplished by applying 230 volts AC to the high voltage control inputs or completing the connection on the /ow voltage inputs. The transition time will be between 'I to 30 seconds depending on the software configuration of the controller.

The controller may be fitted with a personal area network [PAN] wireless receiver [IEEE s32.15.1], such as a Bluetoothn, receiver, which allows the controller to operate either the opaque or transparent settings for the LC film by a software program which is installed on either a an ANDROin. or 105 operating system of a mobile communication device; such a mobile phone, tablet, phablet or any other portable computer device, The PAN wireless receiver is installed during the manufacture of the controller, ao, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the controller is be fitted with p WiFt receiver (a wireless network receiver) which allows the control/Er to operate either the:opaque or transparent settings of the the LC film by a software program which is installed on either a an ANDROID or OS operating system of a mobile communication device; such a mobile phone, tablet, phablet or any other portable computer device. It also allows the controller to be connected to a computer netwotk, which facilitates the control of the controller from a conventional computer device: It is important to know that IP addressing and ensure that the WiFi module is installed correctly to work with other network devices: The wifi module can be assigned an IP address by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol [DHCP] server or can be configured with a static Internet Protocol [IP] address. it is recommended that a static IP address is implemented: Again, the BiLietoothn" module is used and fitted within the controller during its manufacture.

Instructions and software application(s) may be downtoadable from the Internet in regards to to the use and configuration of the controller via scariable Quick Response [Qin codes which supply a Uniform Resource Locator to the relevant websites.

The controller can be fitted with a low power radio receiver allow the controller to be operated by a simple transmitter: Transmitters are battery powered and are available with multiple buttons for controlling more than one controller and can be fixed to any wail when required.

There are four Light Emitting Diodes [LED's] on the controller device, such as: 1 PWR -This is illuminated whenever the power is connected to the controller 2, DATA N --This is illuminated whenever data is received by the controller 3. DATA OUT -This is illuminated whenever data is transmitted by the controller 4. STATUS -This is off when the controller is operating normally, but will flash a number of times and are separated by an off period whenever the status is changed from normal such as: Power down required LCD short Number of fleshes 0 (LED Status reset reciwrements it operating normally Automatic oller over temperature Power down required LCD power limiting (LCD Automatic N/A i rcuft S protection) Power down re uired Supply volts too low 6 LCD preservation shutdown Automatic 7 Controller power Limiting, Automatic When installing a LC film installation, which comprises many sections of LC film, they all need to he controlled simultaneously by controllers which can then be /inked together. This configuration allows one master controller to control up to 100 slave control units that will didve each LC film connected to each controller to the same level as the master.

The slave controllers are "normal" control units, but a master control unit is set up during manufacture. The method of connecting the controllers is by:inking the controllers together via the use of computer network cables of CAT 3 standard or above.

o The controller is configured and monitored by using a bespoke configuration software application which is incorporated within a conventiona: computer operating system [such as Windows Thq. A suitable interface cable is required and is connected between the computer and the controller before running the configuration software. It is important to ensure that other communication connectors on a controller are vacant. During the configuration, it is necessary to select the PC port to use for the communication to the controller device. This will depend upon the port of your computer which has been assigned to the interface cable. To check if correct computer port has been selected and the controller is able to communicate with the controller click on the "Read from controller" button. If everything is OK the display will show updated information similar to that shown in Figure 6.

In regards to Figure 6, the information on the left column is the data read from the controller. The information in the white boxes is the information that can be changed and "sent" to the controller. The information from the controller is described in the table below.

Controller software version This is the version offirmware that is inside the controfl& The ESGLCDconfig software may insist the controller,are is updated for correct operation, Contact ESC; if this occurs, Internal temperature The coniroller aionitors its own internal temperature in order to protect itself. Excessive temperatures may be caused by poor 1 ventilation or a fault. The unit will shut down if internal temperatures exceed? 1 0oC, Average LCD current This is the current connected LCD panel(s) are drawing the controller.

Controller supply voltage This is the internal voltage of the controller. The unit will shut down if internal voltages drop below SW LCD panel temperature The controller will estimate the temperature of the LCD panel by measuring the current and the area of LCD. This should only be considered as a rough guide, Time LCD on On last 24 hours) This information is associated with the LCD preservation. LCD preservation when selected ensures the LCD panel is unpowered for a minimum of 4 hours in any 24 hour period. The controller with totalise the on and off times and if necessary will force the LCD panel to be off for the balance of the off time starting at the time detailed 'Approximate period reset timer, NOTE The time IS only accurate if power is always maintained to the controller and Supply sync is selected. The on/off time will be reset to 0 minutes upon power off The approximate period reset time will then change to the time power is restored, Time LCD off (in last 24 hours) Approximate period reset time Controller a This gives a textual description of the status of the controller, More information is available under the LED section of this datasheet, Total LCD panel area This is the LCD panel area RI dmi the controller is driving, ("Irri2. 100dm2). This is a configurable option which allows the controller to calculate the approximate LCD panel temperature and restrict power to the LCD panel when the pane; become hot or example in the sun (LCD protection).

LCD drive frequency Frequencies of 25, 40 at 50 Hz are available along with Supply sync. Select the best frequency that provides flicker free operation. For most applications Supply sync is recommended, Transition time This is the time in seconds that the LCD will traverse from tally opaque to fully transparent when a control input requests a change. The range of adjustment is 1-30 seconds.

Operating mode The controller can operate in.either ON/OFF mode or Two input mode. See the description earlier in this datasheet for a fuller description.

LCD This can be enabled or disabled. If enabled the controller ensure the LCD panel is off for a minimum of 4 hours in each 24 hour period, Transparency The glass is opaque (off) when this is set to O. The glass is at maximum clarity when at 100%. All settings in between are available.

KEY

The options set in the white areas of the configuration software are sent to the controller when the 'Write to controller " button is pressed These parameters are permanently stored within the controller and are the start-up conditions after power up. Therefore the controller can for example be set up with the LC Film fully opaque, fully clear or a value in-between.

to When wishing to modify existing parameters in a controller the best procedure is to use the 'Read from controller" button to get the current status. Then press ">>> Copy values and >»" button to transfer the current status into the configurable section. Then modify the parameter(s) required. Then finally press the "Write to controller" button to send all of the parameters to the controller.

If the "Continuous read" tick box can be set and the controller status will then be continually read every OS seconds and updated on the screen. This is useful when monitoring a controller.

In addition to the functional options set using the configuration software, there are some physical switches inside the controller device, upon removal of the lid these switches can be revealed.

Please note that the controller has high voltages inside so extreme care must be taken if power is connected and moved.

There are two switches labelled MSTR (Master) at RST (Reset) located on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) within the controller device. The MSTR switch should be placed in the 'ON° to position when the controller is the master of a daily chain set of controllers working together. The RST switch should be set when advance communications features have been set using the software configuration which then means the controller will not c.ornmunicate with the software configuration tool.

When communication cannot be established with the software configuration tool, power down the controller, put he MSTR switch to off and the RST switch to on.

Power on the controller, and communication with the software configuration too/ will now be achievable.

The LC film controller employs both variabLe a voltage means and a variable duty cycle means to improve the range of adjustment available for the LC film. Whilst the opacity of LC film is subjective, the range of visual opacity is 0-100%. The controller achieves the 0-75% transparency by fixing the duty cycle with a 25% on period then varying the amplitude of the voltage. 75% to 100% transparency is achieved by fixing the voltage to the maximum amplitude and the on period for the duty cycle duty cycle is varied from 25% to 100%, The controller can vary the opacity of the LC film from 0-100% in increments of as%, so In an atternacive embodiment invention, The LC film controller provides LC film preservation. This ensures the long term life of a LC film by totatising the on and off periods the user has operated the LC film for in the last 24 hour period. The controller will then turn off the film for the balance of the remaining off time (if not already achieved by normal use). This off period will typically be during the night when the is not being actively used.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the LC Rim controller provides LC film protection. This is achieved by programming the controller with the square meter-age of LCD glass/ film connected to it meaning it can then calculate the correct current/power that is expected to be used. The controller constantly monitors the power drawn by the LC film so that if it starts to draw too much power the controller will safely limit the power drawn thus protecting both the LC film and all the cabling, fuses etc. This maintains correct o operation whilst ensuring protection.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the LC film controller provides an electrical supply output to the LC film which is synchronised to the AC electrical supply to the controller. This is achieved by the output waveform from the controller, which drives the LCD glass/film will follovv° the mains supply variations thus removing the problem of the previously mentioned pulsing LCD glass/film in another alternative embodiment of the invention, the LC film controller comprises a RS485 communications port, which provides the controller with the ability of linking/connecting to communication networks. The controller has been engineered to allow for extensive monitoring and control via this communication port. Each controller can be uniquely addressed allowing for integration onto a Bunging Management System I. A simple widely available network * allows a network of controllers to be connected to a normal. Ethernet Transmission Control Procedure:TCPj network

Claims

Claims 1. A controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voli.age of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprises a duty cycle control means for regulating the duty cycle of an electrical supply provided by said voltage control means to control a LC film from a transparent state to a translucent state and vice versa.
2 A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein said duty cycle control means provides a fixed on period and said voltage control means provides an adjustable voltage.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said duty cycle provides an on period of is 25% and said adjustable voltage is adjustable within a range of 0 to 75 volts.

4; A device according to claim 1, wherein said duty cycle control means provides,a duty cycle further comprising an adjustable on period and said voltage control means provides a fixed voltage 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said duty cycle control means provides a duty cycle on period within a range of 25% to 100% and said voltage control means provides a voltage of 75 VOLtS 6. A device according to any of ng claims, wherein said voltage control means and said duty cycle regulate an electrical supply to a LC film to provide an opacity range of 0% to 100%, which is adjustable in 03% increments.7. A controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprising an information storing means for storing information indicative of a time duration for when an electrical supply is communicated to a LC film, 8, A device according to claim 7, further comprising a switching means for disconnecting an electrical supply to a LC film, 9. A device according to claims 7 an wherein said switching means disconnects an electrical supply to a LC film for a time duration of at Least four in a twenty four time duration, 10. A controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is cc attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; char. erised in th sai controller device further comprises an information storage means for stonng information indicative of the area of a LC film, 11, A device according to claim 10, further comprising an electrical power control means, which regulates the electrical power supplied to a LC film, whereby said regulation of electrical power is dateBFlined by said information indicative of an area of a LC film, 11. A controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use is attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a LC film; characterised in that said controller device further comprising a frequency sensing means for sensing the frequency of an Alternating Current [AC] electrical supply to said device.13. A device according to claim 12, further comprising a frequency synchronisation means for synchronising the frequency of an electrical supply to a LC film to the frequency of an AC electrical sup* to said device.14, A controller device adapted to regulate the opacity a LC film which in use attached to a transparent element, comprising an voltage control means for regulating the voltage of an electrical supply to a IL film; characterised by or more of the following: * said controller device further comprises a duty cycle control means for regulating the duty cycle of an electrical supply provided by said voltage control means to control a LC film from a transparent state to a translucent and vice versa; * said controller device further comprising an information storing means for storing information indicative of a time duration for when an electrical supply is communicated to a LC film; * said controller device further comprises an information storage means for storing information indicative of the area of a LC film; and to * said controller device further comprising a frequency sensing means for sensing the frequency of an Alternating Current [AC] electrical supply to said device.15. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication interlace means, 16. An IC film device comprising said controller in accordance with any of the preceding claims.17. A method of controlling the opacity of a LC film with said controller in accordance with any of the preceding claims.18. An apparatus adapted to control the opacity of a LC film with said controller in accordance with any of the preceding claims, 19. A controller device as herein before described in the accompanying text and or Figures.