Customizable light strips and installation methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a customizable light strip 10 mountable to a mounting surface 36, the customizable light strip having an elongated substrate 12, a linear LED array 18 having a plurality of LED nodes 20 mounted on a surface 14a of the elongated substrate, and an interconnect structure 22 electrically interconnecting the plurality of LED nodes, the elongated substrate having partial separation lines 24 between at least some of the plurality of LED nodes of the linear LED array, the partial separation lines extending from one longitudinal edge 16a of the elongated substrate partially across the elongated substrate and not across the interconnect structure, the customizable light strip after partial separation at one or more of the partial separation lines being bendable within the plane of the mounting surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a customizable light strip, and also to a method of mounting such a customizable light strip to a mounting surface. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional adhesive light strips cannot be easily or adequately bent within the plane of the mounting surface to adhere around, for example, televisions, mirrors, cupboard corners, etc.

[0003] US2014029261A1 discloses a printed circuit board provided as an elongated linear strip. The board in US2014029261A1 can be provided in a desired size and shape by using routing, milling, punching, die stamping, or any suitable technique. The board is composed of a plurality of repeat units. The board has a top surface and a bottom surface. LEDs are attached to each repeat unit, and copper traces are printed on the top surface of the board to electrically interconnect the LEDs. The repeat units are designed and connected to allow in-plane deformation or bending of the board. Bridges connect adjacent repeat units such that adjacent edges of adjacent repeat units are separated by a space.

[0004] However, a disadvantage of the printed circuit board in US2014029261A1 is that the large amount of space separating adjacent edges of adjacent repeating units can unduly weaken the board, particularly in configurations other than the ring-like configurations illustrated in US2014029261A1.

[0005] EP2365740 discloses a method for manufacturing multiple types of lighting devices with different specifications at low cost. A substrate includes a flexible common part and multiple units that can be bent relative to the common part, the common part extending horizontally in the plane of the drawing and including pads arranged at predetermined intervals. In the method, a substrate strip is produced by cutting a substrate on which light-emitting elements are attached in a first direction, the common part in the substrate strip is formed according to the lighting device to be manufactured, the relative positions of the individual parts with respect to the formed common part are respectively determined, and wiring for supplying power to the pads in the substrate strip is formed.

[0006] GB2484152 discloses a method for manufacturing an electrical device, the method comprising the successive steps of: (i) providing a flat, plastically deformable circuit board, (ii) attaching one or more electrical components to the flat circuit board and electrically connecting the components in a circuit, and (iii) plastically deforming the circuit board so that it is no longer flat and so that the components remain attached to the circuit board and electrically connected in the circuit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to overcome this problem and provide an improved light strip that is attachable to a mounting surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this and other objects are achieved by a customizable light strip mountable to a mounting surface, the customizable light strip having an elongated substrate, a linear LED (Light Emitting Diode) array comprising a plurality of LED nodes mounted on a surface of the elongated substrate, and an interconnect structure electrically interconnecting the plurality of LED nodes, the elongated substrate having partial separation lines between at least some of the plurality of LED nodes of the linear LED array, the partial separation lines extending from one longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate partially across the elongated substrate and not across the interconnect structure, the customizable light strip after partial separation at one or more of the partial separation lines being bendable in the plane of the mounting surface.

[0009] The customizable light strip further includes data or sense lines connected to at least some of the LED nodes and intersecting the partial separation lines, the LED nodes configured to detect a position of any partially separated partial separation line through an interruption of the data or sense line intersecting the partial separation line.

[0010] Each LED node may here be a combination of LEDs, such as RGB (red, green, blue) or RGBWW (red, green, blue, warm white), to allow each node to render a specific color. An LED node may also consist of a single LED.

[0011] The length to width ratio (L / W) of the elongated substrate may be at least 2, such as at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 100. The linear LED array may have at least 10 LED nodes, such as at least 50 LED nodes or at least 100 LED nodes.

[0012] The present invention is based on the understanding that by providing partial separation lines that do not cross the interconnect structure, a user can select where along the light strip the light strip should be bendable (e.g., to follow corners of the mounting surface) by partially separating the strip at the partial separation lines that correspond to those locations. The remaining partial separation lines may not be separated, so that the light strip is not overly weakened. Furthermore, in a particular application where the light strip is mounted around the television at the rear (mounting surface) of the television, the light strip can be customized by the user to fit a wide range of television sizes, e.g., from 20 inches to 85 inches. In other words, a single type of light strip (=the customizable light strip) can be easily made to fit objects of various sizes. A "user" here generally refers to an end user, or possibly a fitter or installer, and not a person involved in the manufacture of the light strip. Furthermore, the light strips are conveniently supplied off-the-roll and as such can be cut to size using known cut-to-measure principles.

[0013] The partial separation lines may be or may include visual markings (at their locations) for cutting the elongated substrate. The visual markings may for example be dotted or dashed lines printed on the elongated substrate, optionally with a scissors symbol printed therewith to indicate where the user can cut the elongated substrate, for example using scissors, without destroying the connection structures electrically interconnecting the LED nodes. At the end of the partial separation line / visual marking opposite the longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate, the elongated substrate may be provided with warning signs and / or physical structures adapted to prevent the user from cutting too far. The physical structures may for example be embedded metal wires or plastic notches.

[0014] Alternatively, or in addition, the partial separation lines may include perforation lines to allow a user to tear the elongate substrate (at those locations). An advantage of perforation lines is that no tools such as scissors are needed to customize the light strip. Another advantage is that the user does not cut too much because each perforation line stops at the correct location (see previous paragraph).

[0015] A partial separation line of the partial separation lines may be provided between every two adjacent LED nodes of the linear LED array, allowing partial separation / cutting / tear between two adjacent LED nodes anywhere along the elongated substrate, which allows full customization of the light strip with respect to bending in the plane of the mounting surface.

[0016] The LED nodes may be divided into linear LED node groups, and a partial separation line of the partial separation lines is provided between every two adjacent LED node groups of the linear LED array. In other words, the partial separation lines are provided only between linear LED node groups, and not between LED nodes within the groups. Each group may include, for example, 2 to 55 LED nodes. For a particular application where the light strip is mounted around the periphery of a television at the rear of the television, the grouping may be based on common television sizes (such as 55 inches, 65 inches, and 75 inches) to create appropriately sized segments that fit common bends for such common television sizes.

[0017] The interconnect structure has a straight portion and a connecting portion, the straight portion being disposed along the linear LED array, and the connecting portion electrically connecting at least some of the LED nodes of the linear LED array to the straight portion of the interconnect structure. The connecting portion may be, for example, perpendicular to the straight portion. This allows the interconnect structure to have a comb-like layout in which the partial separation lines may be partially interdigitated.

[0018] At least one longitudinal folding line in the elongated substrate may be provided between the straight portion of the interconnect structure and the linear LED array, and the connecting portion of the interconnect structure intersects the at least one longitudinal folding line. Folding at the at least one longitudinal folding line may allow for adjustment of the orientation (angle) of the linear LED array relative to the mounting surface. The at least one longitudinal folding line may be at least one visual marking made on the elongated substrate that indicates to the user where to fold the substrate / light strip. The visual marking may be similar to the aforementioned visual markings for cutting the elongated substrate, but should still be distinguishable from the aforementioned visual markings. Alternatively, the at least one longitudinal folding line may be at least one pre-folded line.

[0019] The elongated substrate may have at least one linear attachment layer, which may be used, for example, to attach / attach the bent light strip to the mounting surface and may also help to form a stable structure when the substrate / light strip is bent as described above. The at least one linear attachment layer may be, for example, at least one adhesive layer or double-sided tape.

[0020] In one embodiment, a second longitudinal fold line in the elongated substrate is disposed between the linear LED array and the longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate, and the at least one linear adhesion layer comprises a first linear adhesion layer disposed on the surface or the opposite surface of the elongated substrate between the second longitudinal fold line and the longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate; and a third longitudinal fold line in the elongated substrate is disposed between the straight portion of the interconnect structure and the opposite longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate, and the at least one linear adhesion layer comprises a second linear adhesion layer disposed on the surface or the opposite surface of the elongated substrate between the third longitudinal fold line and the opposite longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate. Here, the elongated substrate may advantageously be folded to form a triangular prism shape or to include a gable roof shape, and the folded elongated substrate may be attached / mounted to the mounting surface with the linear LED array on one of the sides (of the triangular prism shape or the gable roof shape) that is oblique to the mounting surface, thus achieving adjustment of the direction / angle of the linear LED array relative to the mounting surface.

[0021] In another embodiment, the elongated substrate has a single longitudinal fold line between the straight portion of the interconnect structure and the linear LED array, the at least one linear adhesive layer includes a linear adhesive layer on the opposite surface of the elongated substrate below the linear LED array, and a linear (substantially) upright section of the elongated substrate extending between the single longitudinal fold line and the opposite longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate is diffusely reflective or translucent to manipulate the light emitted by the LED nodes of the linear LED array. This embodiment may be easier for the user to manage since the elongated substrate includes only one longitudinal fold line. Depending on the application, the upright section may be diffusely reflective to direct the light and / or create a sharp cutoff, or translucent (e.g., diffuse to provide a good diffuse light effect on the side opposite the LED nodes). This allows the provision of a light strip with a diffuse light effect, which can be easily bent, even creating sharp corners. "Substantially upright" may be defined as 90°±20°, preferably 90°±10°.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, angular folding lines in the elongated substrate extend from at least some of the predetermined partial separation lines, and the at least one linear adhesion layer comprises a linear adhesion layer on the opposite surface of the elongated substrate. For example, a pair of angular folding lines may extend from each of the predetermined partial separation lines at ±135° to the partial separation line, allowing the light strip to be bent by 90°. The predetermined partial separation lines may correspond to common cutting / tear positions based on common television sizes, for example (55 inches, 65 inches, and 75 inches). The linear adhesion layer may cover the entire opposite surface of the elongated substrate. Furthermore, here, the interconnect structure may be (at least partially) covered with an insulating layer to prevent the occurrence of shortcuts at the folded portions of the strip.

[0023] The customizable light strip further comprises at least one data or sense line connected to at least some of the LED nodes and intersecting the partial separation lines, the LED nodes being configured to detect the position of any partially separated partial separation line through interruption of the at least one data or sense line intersecting that partial separation line, meaning that individual LED nodes can be controlled accordingly.

[0024] For example, the at least one data or detection line may be, for example, a data bus that crosses the partial separation line, and LED nodes on either side of the data bus that is cut / torn may be configured to detect and report where the cut / torn is via the (non-cut / non-torn) interconnect structure.

[0025] In another example, the at least one data or detection line may be a data line from LED node to LED node (daisy chain). If a user cuts / rips a partial separation line, the LED nodes can detect that they are no longer connected via the data line.

[0026] In yet another example, each LED node has a detection line that crosses a partial separation line and electrically connects the LED node to the interconnect structure, and when the user cuts / rips the partial separation line, the detection line becomes open, thereby allowing the LED node to detect that the user has cut / rip the partial separation line.

[0027] In a further example, each LED node has at least one detection line extending from the LED node, intersecting a partial separation line, and returning to the same LED node, thereby allowing the LED node to detect whether the partial separation line is cut / torn.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching a customizable light strip to a planar mounting surface, the method comprising the steps of providing a customizable light strip according to the first aspect, partially separating the elongated substrate of the customizable light strip at one or more of the partial separation lines, bending the customizable light strip at the one or more partial separation lines after separation, and attaching the bent customizable light strip to the planar mounting surface. This aspect may exhibit the same or similar features and technical effects as the previous aspect, and vice versa.

[0029] The planar mounting surface may be the back of an electronic display device such as a television or monitor. The light strip may instead be mounted / attached to the underside of a mirror, the headboard of a bed, a cupboard, the bottom of a couch, around or inside a cabinet, etc.

[0030] The method may further comprise the steps of sequentially activating the LED nodes of the linear LED array after bending, capturing an image of the activation by a remote camera, and analyzing the captured image to determine at least one curved portion of the customizable light strip. For example, if the customized light strip is used to create a background light that dynamically matches the content displayed on a television (such as Ambilight), by determining the curved portion, the individual LED nodes can be controlled accordingly. The remote camera may be, for example, a camera of a smartphone or tablet or the like. The step of analyzing the captured image to determine at least one curved portion of the customizable light strip may be performed, for example, using an app on the smartphone or tablet.

[0031] It is to be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] These and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. [Figure 1] Figure 1a is a top view of a customizable light strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1a' is a top view of a variation of the light strip of Figure 1a with LED node groups, and Figure 1b is a perspective view of the light strip of Figure 1a customized and attached to a mounting surface. [Diagram 2]1 is a flow chart of a method for installing a customizable light strip, according to an aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG 3a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a variation of the folding and attachment of the light strip of FIG 1a or 1a'. FIG 3b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a variation of the folding and attachment of the light strip of FIG 1a or 1a'. FIG 3c is a cross-sectional view illustrating a variation of the folding and attachment of the light strip of FIG 1a or 1a'. FIG 3d is a cross-sectional view illustrating a variation of the folding and attachment of the light strip of FIG 1a or 1a'. [Figure 4] Figure 4a is a top view of a customizable light strip according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4b is a perspective view of the light strip of Figure 4a customized and attached to a mounting surface. [Diagram 5] Figure 5a is a top view of a customizable light strip according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5b is a top view of the light strip of Figure 5a customized and attached to a mounting surface. [Figure 6] The light strip is shown attached to the back of a TV. [Figure 7] Figure 7a is a partial view of an embodiment of a customizable light strip having at least one data or detection line, Figure 7b is a partial view of an embodiment of a customizable light strip having at least one data or detection line, Figure 7c is a partial view of an embodiment of a customizable light strip having at least one data or detection line, and Figure 7d is a partial view of an embodiment of a customizable light strip having at least one data or detection line.

[0033] As illustrated in the drawings, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The present invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are presented for the purposes of completeness and completeness, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] FIG. 1a illustrates a customizable light strip 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The light strip 10 comprises an elongated substrate 12. The elongated substrate 12 may have a length L, for example, in the range of 1 to 4 m (for 3-side mounting), which would fit televisions from 20 to 85 inches. The elongated substrate 12 may alternatively have a length L in the range of 1.4 to 5.9 m for 4-side mounting. The width W of the elongated substrate may be, for example, in the range of 2 to 15 cm. Furthermore, the elongated substrate 12 has a first (major) surface 14a and an opposing second (major) surface 14b. The elongated substrate 12 also has a first longitudinal edge 16a and an opposing second longitudinal edge 16b. The elongated substrate 12 is preferably flexible (e.g., made of a polymer).

[0037] The light strip 10 further comprises a linear LED array 18 comprising a plurality of LED nodes 20 attached to the first surface 14a of the elongated substrate 12. The linear LED array 18 typically extends along (substantially) the entire length L of the elongated substrate 12. The light strip 10 may, for example, comprise between 20 and 200 LED nodes per meter. The LED nodes 20 are adapted to emit (LED) light. Each LED node 20 may be a combination of (individually controllable) LEDs, such as RGB or RGBWW, to enable each node 20 to render a specific color. The LED node 20 may also consist of a single LED.

[0038] The light strip 10 further comprises an interconnect structure 22 that electrically interconnects the LED nodes 20 (power and / or data). The interconnect structure 22 may be adapted to provide power and / or data to the LED nodes 20. The interconnect structure 22 may comprise conductive tracks, for example of copper, on the first surface 14a of the elongated substrate 12 or embedded in the elongated substrate 12. The tracks of the interconnect structure 22 may be arranged in pairs, triplet (as shown), or quadruplet. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1a, the interconnect structure 22 may have a straight portion 22a and a connecting portion 22b. The connecting portion 22b may be perpendicular to the straight portion 22a as shown in FIG. 1a. The connecting portion 22b may instead extend obliquely, for example at 45 degrees, to the straight portion 22a. The straight portion 22a is disposed along the linear LED array 18, and the connecting portion 22b electrically connects the LED nodes 20 to the straight portion 22a.

[0039] According to the present invention, the elongated substrate 12 has a plurality of partial separation lines 24. The partial separation lines 24 may indicate to a user where the customizable light strip 10 / elongated substrate 24 may be partially separated. The partial separation lines 24 may be disposed between at least some of the plurality of LED nodes 20. In FIG. 1a, a partial separation line 24 is provided between every two adjacent LED nodes 20 of the linear LED array 18. Here, the number of partial separation lines 24 may be equal to the number of LED nodes ±1.

[0040] In the variation illustrated in FIG. 1a′, the LED nodes 20 are divided into linear LED node groups 26, and partial separation lines 24 are instead provided between every two adjacent LED node groups 26 of the linear LED array 18. In this variation, the number of partial separation lines 24 can be the same as the number of LED node groups ±1. Also in this variation, the connection portion 22b of the interconnect structure 22 connects the LED node groups 26 to the straight portion 22a. Each linear LED node group 26 can include, for example, 2 to 80 LED nodes 20.

[0041] The partial separation lines 24 extend from a first longitudinal edge 16a of the elongated substrate 12, partially across the substrate 12 to an opposing second longitudinal edge 16b, but do not cross the interconnect structure 22. In other words, there are interconnect-free (partially separable) segments between the LED nodes 20 (or in FIG. 1a′ between the linear LED node groups 26). Preferably, the partial separation lines 24 extend perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge 16a, and thus parallel to the portion 22b of the interconnect structure 22, beyond the linear LED array 18, but terminate short of the straight portion 22a of the interconnect structure 22.

[0042] The partial separation line 24 may be a visual marking that indicates to the user where to cut the elongated substrate 12. The visual marking 24 may be, for example, a dotted line (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1a) printed on the elongated substrate 12, optionally with a scissors symbol 28 printed thereon. At the end of the partial separation line / visual marking 24 opposite the first longitudinal edge 16a, the elongated substrate 12 may be provided with a physical structure 30 adapted to prevent the user from cutting too far. The physical structure 30 may be, for example, an embedded metal wire or a plastic notch. The partial separation line 24 may alternatively be a perforation line (not shown) to allow the user to tear the elongated substrate 12.

[0043] The elongated substrate 12 may further be provided with at least one fold line, such as the longitudinal fold lines 32a-32c in FIG. 1a (or the angled fold lines 46a-46b in FIG. 5a-5b). The at least one fold line may be, for example, at least one longitudinal fold line that extends parallel to the longitudinal edges 16a-16b, the linear LED array 18, and the straight portion 22a of the interconnect structure 22 from a first end of the elongated substrate 12 to an opposite second end of the elongated substrate 12, such as the fold lines 32a-32c in FIG. 1a. The fold line may be a visual marking on the elongated substrate 12 that indicates to a user where to fold the substrate / light strip 10. The visual marking may be similar to the previously described visual marking 24 for cutting the elongated substrate 12, but should still be distinguishable from the previously described visual marking 24. Visual markings such as 32a-32c indicating fold lines may be, for example, dashed lines, whereas visual markings 24 are dotted lines.

[0044] The elongated substrate 12 may further comprise at least one linear adhesive layer, such as the linear adhesive layers 34a-34b in Fig. 1a. The linear adhesive layer may extend along (substantially) the entire length L of the elongated substrate 12. The linear adhesive layer may be, for example, at least one adhesive layer or double-sided tape.

[0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 1a, a first longitudinal fold line 32a of the elongated substrate 12 is provided between the straight portion 22a of the interconnect structure 22 and the linear LED array 18, and a connecting portion 22b of the interconnect structure 22 intersects (at a right angle) with the first longitudinal fold line 32a. A second longitudinal fold line 32b of the elongated substrate 12 is provided between the linear LED array 18 and the first longitudinal edge 16a of the elongated substrate 12. A third longitudinal fold line 32c of the elongated substrate 12 is provided between the straight portion 22a of the interconnect structure 22 and the opposite second longitudinal edge 16b of the elongated substrate 12. Furthermore, a first linear adhesive layer 34a is provided on the first surface 14a of the elongated substrate 12 between the second longitudinal fold line 32b and the first longitudinal edge 16a of the elongated substrate 12. Also, a second linear adhesive layer 34b is provided on the opposite second surface 14b of the elongated substrate 12 between the third longitudinal fold line 32b and the opposite second longitudinal edge 16b of the elongated substrate 12. The first linear adhesive layer 34a and the second linear adhesive layer 34b are now disposed in linear sections other than the section including the linear LED array 18.

[0046] 1b, 2, 3a, and 6, mounting the customizable light strip 10 to the planar mounting surface 36 may include (separately from providing the customizable light strip 10 (S1)) a user partially separating, e.g., cutting, the elongated substrate 12 at one or more of the partial separation lines 24 (step S2). For example, if the customizable light strip 10 is intended to be mounted to the back of a television 38, as shown in FIG. 6, the user may partially cut the elongated substrate 12 at two partial separation lines 24' and 24'' that correspond to positions directly below and inboard of the top corners 40a-40b of the television 38. For a 55-inch television (=121.7 cm x 68.6 cm), the first cut partial separation line 24' may be approximately 60 cm from a first end of the elongated substrate 12, and the second cut partial separation line 24' may similarly be approximately 60 cm from an opposite, second end of the elongated substrate 12. It should be noted that some adjacent partial separation lines 24 may be cut to create smoother (less sharp) bends in the light strip 10 .

[0047] After separation, the user may fold (S3) the light strip 10. For example, the light strip in Fig. 1a may be folded at longitudinal fold lines 32a-32c to form the triangular prism shape illustrated in Fig. 3a, with the linear LED array 18 on one angled side 42a of the triangular prism shape, the linear interconnects 22a on the other angled side 42b, the section comprising the first linear adhesive layer 34a folded inward to form the base of the triangular prism shape such that the first linear adhesive layer 34a can be used to attach the light strip 10 to a mounting surface 36, and the section comprising the second linear adhesive layer 34b folded outward such that the second linear adhesive layer 34b can also be used to attach the light strip 10 to a mounting surface 36.

[0048] In Figures 3b-3d, variations in the folding and attachment of the light strip 10 are shown. Figure 3b is similar to Figure 3a, but here the second linear adhesive layer 34b is on the first surface 14a of the elongated substrate 12, and the section with the second linear adhesive layer 34b is folded inward so that the second linear adhesive layer 34b can be used to attach the light strip 10 to the mounting surface 36, while the first linear adhesive layer 34a is attached to the "back" of the section with the second linear adhesive layer 34b (or vice versa). Figure 3c is similar to Figure 3b, but here the first linear adhesive layer 34a is on the opposite second surface 14b of the elongated substrate 12, and the section with the first linear adhesive layer 34a is folded outward so that the first linear adhesive layer 34a can also be used to attach the light strip 10 to the mounting surface 36. Finally, FIG. 3d is similar to FIG. 3c, but here a second linear adhesive layer 34b is on the second surface 14b of the elongate substrate 12, and the section comprising the second linear adhesive layer 34b is folded outwardly.

[0049] After folding, the user bends light strip 10 at the severed partial separation lines, such as 24' and 24'', in the plane of mounting surface 36 (S4) (see FIG. 1b). In other words, customizable light strip 10 (after being partially separated at one or more of partial separation lines 24) is capable of being bent in-plane, meaning that the plane in which light strip 10 lies is the same before and after bending.

[0050] The user then mounts (S5) the bent, customized light strip 10 on a mounting surface 36, and in FIG. 1b, the bent, customized light strip 10 is attached to the mounting surface 36 by the first linear adhesive layer 34a and the second linear adhesive layer 34b.

[0051] Thus, the linear LED array 18 is able to conform to corners 40a-40b of the television 38 while being attached to the planar back surface 36. An additional advantage is that the folding allows for adjustment of the orientation (angle) of the plane comprising the LED nodes 20 relative to the back surface 36 of the television 36, allowing the linear LED array 18 to be properly aimed at a location preferred by a user on the wall (not shown) behind the television 36.

[0052] The method may further include sequentially activating (S6) the LED nodes 20 of the linear LED array 18, capturing images of the activation by a remote camera (not shown) (S7), and analyzing the captured images to determine at least one curved portion of the customized light strip 10 (e.g., at 24' and 24'').

[0053] For example, if the customized light strip 10 is used to create background lighting that dynamically matches the content displayed on the television 38, by determining the curved portions, the individual LED nodes 20 can be controlled accordingly. The remote camera may be, for example, a camera on a smartphone or tablet or the like. Analyzing the captured images to determine the at least one curved portion of the customizable light strip 10 may be performed, for example, by an app on the smartphone or tablet.

[0054] In other embodiments, the customizable light strip 10 may further have at least one data or detection line that intersects with the partial separation lines 24. That is, if at least one of the partial separation lines 22 is cut / teared, at least one data or detection line may be interrupted. In this manner, the cut / tear location can be detected, which means that when the customized light strip 10 is used to create background lighting that dynamically matches the content displayed on the television 38, the individual LED nodes 20 can be controlled accordingly.

[0055] At least one data or detection line may be, for example, an (additional) data bus 50 connected to the LED nodes 20 and crossing the partial separation line 24 (see FIG. 7a). The LED nodes 20 on either side of the cut / tear data bus 50 may be configured to detect and report where the cut / tear is via the (non-cut / non-tear) interconnect structure 22.

[0056] 7b, at least one data or detection line may be a data line 52 (daisy chain) from LED node 20 to LED node 20. If a user cuts / rips the partial separation line 24, the LED node 20 can detect that it is no longer connected via the data line 52.

[0057] 7c, each LED node 20 has a detection line 54 that crosses the partial separation line 24 and electrically connects the LED node 20 to the interconnect structure 22. When a user cuts / tears the partial separation line 24, the detection line 54 becomes open, thereby allowing the LED node 20 to detect that the user has cut / tear the partial separation line 24.

[0058] 7d, each LED node 20 has a detection line 56 on one or both sides. Each detection line 56 extends from the LED node 20, crosses the partial separation line 24, and returns to the same LED node 20, so that the LED node 20 can detect whether the partial separation line 24 is cut / torn.

[0059] In another embodiment of the customizable light strip 10 shown in Figs. 4a-4b, the elongated substrate 12 has a single longitudinal fold line 32. The longitudinal fold line 32 is located between the straight portion 22a of the interconnect structure 22 and the linear LED array 18. Furthermore, a linear adhesive layer 34 is provided on the opposite second surface 14b of the elongated substrate 12 below the linear LED array 18. Here, the user folds the light strip 10 at the longitudinal fold line 32 to form a linear upright section 44 of the elongated substrate 12 (S3). The linear upright section 44 may be perpendicular to the remaining substrate 12 and extends between the longitudinal fold line 32 and the second longitudinal edge 16b of the elongated substrate 12. When the bent customizable light strip is attached to the mounting surface 36 (S5) and attached to the mounting surface 36 by the linear adhesive layer 34, the linear upright section 44 is perpendicular to the mounting surface. Depending on the application, the upright sections 44 may be diffusely reflective to direct the light emitted by the LED nodes 20 and / or to create a sharp cutoff, or may be translucent (e.g., diffusive to provide a diffuse light effect on the side opposite the LED nodes 20).

[0060] In yet another embodiment shown in Figures 5a-5b, the elongated substrate 12 has angled fold lines 46a-46b on its first surface 14a. The angled fold lines 46a-46b extend from several predetermined partial separation lines 24. Here, a pair of angled fold lines 46a-46b extend from each of the predetermined partial separation lines 24 at ±135° relative to the partial separation line 24. This allows the light strip 10 to be bent 90° in step S4 (see Figure 5b). The predetermined partial separation lines 24 may correspond to common cut / tear locations based on, for example, common television sizes. For a 55-inch TV (=121.7 cm×68.6 cm), the first predetermined partial separation line 24a from which the angled fold lines 46a-46b extend may be approximately 60 cm from a first end of the elongated substrate 12, and the second predetermined partial separation line 24b from which the angled fold lines 46a-46b extend may be approximately 60 cm from a second, opposite end of the elongated substrate 12. Additionally, a linear adhesive layer 48 is provided on the opposite second surface 14b of the elongated substrate 12. The linear adhesive layer 48 may cover the entire second surface 14b.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is in no way limited to the above-described preferred embodiment. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the light strip 10, instead of being attached to the back of a television 38, could in other examples be attached / attached to the back of a monitor, the back of a mirror, the headboard of a bed, a cupboard, the bottom of a couch, around or inside a cabinet, etc.

[0062] Moreover, those skilled in the art can understand and effect variations to the disclosed embodiments in the practice of the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the specification and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprises" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A customizable light strip that can be attached to a surface, A thin board and a linear LED array comprising a plurality of LED nodes attached to a surface of the elongated substrate; and an interconnect structure electrically interconnecting the plurality of LED nodes, the elongated substrate has partial separation lines between at least some of the LED nodes of the linear LED array, the partial separation lines extending from one longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate partially across the elongated substrate and not across the interconnect structure; the customizable light strip after partial separation at one or more of the partial separation lines is bendable within the plane of the mounting surface; the customizable light strip further comprising data or sense lines connected to at least some of the LED nodes and intersecting the partial separation lines; A customizable light strip, wherein the LED nodes are configured to detect the position of every partially separated partial separation line through interruption of the data or detection line that intersects with that partial separation line.

2. The customizable lightstrip of claim 1 , wherein the partial separation lines include visual markings for cutting the elongated substrate.

3. 3. The customizable light strip of claim 1 or 2, wherein the partial separation lines include perforation lines to allow a user to tear the elongated substrate.

4. 3. The customizable light strip of claim 1 or 2, wherein a partial separation line of the partial separation lines is provided between every two adjacent LED nodes of the linear LED array.

5. 3. The customizable light strip of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of LED nodes are divided into linear LED node groups, and a partial separation line among the partial separation lines is provided between every two adjacent LED node groups of the linear LED array.

6. 3. The customizable light strip of claim 1 or 2, wherein the interconnect structure has a straight portion and a connecting portion, the straight portion being disposed along the linear LED array, and the connecting portion electrically connecting at least some of the LED nodes of the linear LED array to the straight portion of the interconnect structure.

7. 7. The customizable light strip of claim 6, wherein at least one longitudinal fold line in the elongated substrate is provided between the straight portion of the interconnect structure and the linear LED array, and the connection portion of the interconnect structure intersects the at least one longitudinal fold line.

8. The customizable lightstrip of claim 1 , wherein the elongated substrate has at least one linear deposition layer.

9. a second longitudinal fold line in the elongated substrate between the linear LED array and the longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate; the at least one linear attachment layer comprises a first linear attachment layer provided on the surface or an opposing surface of the elongate substrate between the second longitudinal fold line and the longitudinal edge of the elongate substrate; a third longitudinal fold line in the elongated substrate between the straight portion of the interconnect structure and an opposite longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate; 9. The customizable light strip of claim 7, wherein the at least one linear adhesive layer includes a second linear adhesive layer provided on the surface or the opposite surface of the elongated substrate between the third longitudinal fold line and the opposite longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate.

10. the elongated substrate has a single longitudinal fold line between the straight portion of the interconnect structure and the linear LED array; the at least one linear deposition layer comprises a linear deposition layer below the linear LED array on an opposing surface of the elongated substrate; 9. The customizable light strip of claim 7, wherein a linear, substantially upright section of the elongated substrate extending between the single longitudinal fold line and an opposite longitudinal edge of the elongated substrate is diffusely reflective or translucent to process light emitted by LED nodes of the linear LED array.

11. 10. A customizable light strip as described in claim 8 and as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein angled fold lines in the elongated substrate extend from predetermined partial separation lines of at least some of the partial separation lines, and wherein the at least one linear adhesive layer includes a linear adhesive layer on an opposite surface of the elongated substrate.

12. 1. A method for mounting a customizable light strip to a planar mounting surface, comprising: Providing a customizable light strip according to claim 1; partially separating the elongate substrate of the customizable light strip at one or more of the partial separation lines; bending the customizable light strip at the one or more partial separation lines after separation; and mounting the curved customizable light strip on the planar mounting surface.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the planar mounting surface is the back surface of an electronic display device.

14. after bending, sequentially activating the LED nodes of the linear LED array; capturing an image of the actuation by a remote camera; 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising: analyzing the captured image to determine at least one curved portion of the customizable light strip.

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