DE102017106811A1 - Device and associated method for autonomous address configuration of configurable, flexible LED strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to methods and devices for making the assembly of flexible LED chains on fabrics and film-like circuit carriers, but also sensor chains on the same and mixed LED sensor chains on such circuit carriers. For assemblability, a suitable topology is disclosed. Furthermore, a suitable data bus is specified and a method for auto-addressing of the individual components. The invention is particularly suitable for use in vehicle interiors, garments and in fabrics. For the mass production of intelligent fabrics, which can be assembled after production, the invention is particularly advantageous.

Description

preamble

The invention is directed to freely configurable mixed sensor and LED bands for illumination and measurement of vehicle interiors and for integration into clothing and a method for fully automatic addressing of the individual lamps and sensor groups of these mixed sensor and LED bands.

General introduction

In the design of modern vehicle interiors, mechanically flexible LED light strips are increasingly being used. At the same time, the desire for ever more precise knowledge of the conditions in the passenger compartment is expressed.

If LED tapes are to be used as a light source and as a sensor system at the same time as being configurable in length, completely new problems arise. In particular, when used in automobiles or when used in clothing, there is a problem that the LED tapes have to be made different in length. Increasingly, however, the desire for a free configurability of such LED light chains is loud. Conventional LED strings, as known at the time of this disclosure, typically employ shift register chains to transfer the lighting data to the individual drivers of the respective LED drivers. Such simple daisy-chain chains have several disadvantages. On the one hand, the required data rate is too high for longer chains. On the other hand, a synchronization problem arises when changing the illuminance of the individual LEDs. But more important for the automotive industry is the correct functioning of such a LED chain over the life of the automobile. For this purpose, a feedback capability of the LED chains to the controlling controller is required. This return line must be freely configurable. The present disclosure has such a freely configurable LED string and the corresponding addressing method to the content.

State of the art LED chains are a known part of the prior art. Such an exemplary LED chain from the prior art preferably has a flexible, cut-off, band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) on or in which electronic components and electrical lines are applied and at least partially connected to one another mechanically and electrically. The electronic components and electrical lines can also be located wholly or partially within the material of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).

It is conceivable to arrange a plurality of such band-shaped circuit carriers (BST) as a network of the same. Therefore, LED mats are also a known part of the prior art. Such an exemplary LED mat of the prior art preferably has a flexible, cut-off, planar circuit carrier (FST) on which electronic components and electrical lines are applied and are at least partially mechanically and electrically connected to one another. The electronic components and electrical lines may also be located wholly or partially within the material of the sheet-like circuit carrier (FST).

A sheet-like circuit carrier (FST) in the sense of this disclosure has at least piecewise a thickness d and a width b and a length L. The width b is at least a factor of 3 greater than the thickness d. The length L is less than or equal to the factor 3 in comparison to the width b. To determine these quantities, reference is made to the method of measurement described.

With regard to the definition of flexibility and tradeability and its method of measurement, reference is made to the corresponding chapters in the following text.

The strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST) has at least one connection point (AP), at which electrical energy can be supplied and / or at which data can be fed in or removed.

For the later description of the invention we need a coordinate system on the surface of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). We therefore define a band direction (BVR) for the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). The band progression direction (BVR) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) is always defined here by the connection point (AP) on the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) pointing away. The connection point (AP) is therefore the origin of the coordinates. In the case of a band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), the band-direction (BVR) is defined parallel to the longitudinal side of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) in the sense of this disclosure.

If the band-shaped circuit carrier has several connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ ,... AP _m ), then there are several conceivable ones Bandverlaufsrichtungen (BVR ₁ , BVR ₂ , ... BVR _m ) which can be assigned to the respective connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , ... AP _m ). For the purposes of this disclosure, however, it is sufficient if one of these multiple belt travel directions (BVR ₁ , BVR ₂ ,... BVR _m ) can be selected as the belt travel direction (BVR), so that the features defined in the claims apply.

The band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) has a longitudinal side (LS) and a broad side (BS). The length of the longitudinal side (LS) is the length (L) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). The length of the broad side (BS) is the width (b) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).

The band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this prior art band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) has a positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) along the band direction (BVR) or in the circuit carrier ( BST) or on or in a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). In this case, this line, like all other lines, may be incorporated on or in the strip-shaped circuit carrier. Furthermore, it has a negative supply voltage line (GND) along the band running direction (BVR) on the circuit carrier (BST) or on a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).

Furthermore, the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) has a data line (BUS) along the band direction (BVR) on the circuit carrier (BST) or on a part (BST). T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).

The data line (BUS) is divided from the connection point (AP) pointing away in n consecutively arranged with a data bus section number numberable data line sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ). n here is a whole positive number greater than 1. Each of the n consecutive data line sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) in each case has a first end and a second end.

Furthermore, the data line (BUS) at the first end of the first data bus section (BUS ₁ ) of the n data bus sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) has a data connection (D _INOUT ). The band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) has n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) on the circuit carrier (BST) and / or on parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) , A first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) on the circuit carrier (BST) has a first data _terminal (CTR _1IOA ) and a second data _terminal (CTR _1IOB ). Its first data _terminal (CTR _1IO ) is connected to the second end of the first data line section (BUS ₁ ). It is further connected to the positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) and the negative supply voltage line (GND) for power supply.

The strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and / or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST) furthermore has at least one subsequent i-th drive circuit (CTR _i ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ..., CTR _i , ... CTR _n ) on this circuit carrier (BST) and / or this part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). In this case, 2 <i ≦ n. N is again the said whole positive number which represents the number of sections (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... A _n ) on the ribbon-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and / or a part (( Also, this i-th drive circuit (CTR _i ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ..., CTR _j , ... CTR _n ) is one of T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). has at least a first data _terminal (CTR _iIOA ) and a second data _terminal (CTR _iIOB ), provided that the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) from a preceding part (T ₁ ) into two subsequent parts (T ₂ , T ₃ ) in an i- th segment (A _i) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) branched, it is useful if the i th driving circuit (CTR _i) more than two data ports (CTR _iIOA, CTR _iIOB) has. the first data terminal (CTR _iIOA) of this i -th drive circuit (CTR _i ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ..., CTR _i , ... CTR _n ) is connected to the second end d the previous ith data line section (BUS _i ). This previous i-th data line section (BUS _i) is, in turn, with its first end to the second data terminal (CTR _{(i-1) IO)} of the preceding (i - 1) th driving circuit (CTR _(i-1)), respectively. The i-th drive circuit (CTR _i ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ..., CTR _i , ... CTR _n ) is also connected to the positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) and to the negative supply voltage line (GND) connected to the power supply. Each jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) with 1 ≤ j ≤ n is connected to a respective positive positive integer k _j of LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) are electrically connected. This positive integer k _j on LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) is in the same j-th section (A _j ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or in the same j th portion (A _j) of the corresponding part (T _1, T _2, T ₃₎ of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST) mounted on or in the same or introduced. Each of these LED groups (LEDj, l, 1≤j≤n, 0≤l≤k;) consists of one or more LEDs connected in series and / or in parallel and / or complex, but at least one LED. Their number per LED group may vary from LED group to LED group. The types of LEDs can also be different from LED group to LED group and within one LED group. Preferably, however, are identically constructed LED groups. Most preferably, they are LEDs for emitting white light or three, four, five or more LEDs per LED group for dispensing a mixture of three, four or five primary colors.

At least two control circuits (CTR _o , CTR _p ) (with 1 ≦ o ≦ n, 1 ≦ p ≦ n, o ≠ p) receive the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) via the data bus (FIG. BUS) lighting data. At least these two drive circuits (CTR _o , CTR _p ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) supply at least two of the two drive circuits (CTR _o , CTR _p ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) LED groups (LED _{o, l} , LED _{p, m} ) with electrical energy in response to these received illumination data with electrical energy.

A major disadvantage of the prior art is that such LED chains are not freely configurable. If such an LED chain is shortened, the control unit, which controls the emission of electromagnetic energy via the data connection (D _INOUT ), must be able to detect the length of the chain. This is not the case today. Instead, shift register chains are used. A feedback of quality data, for example, failure data of individual LEDs can not be done because the data connection in the prior art is not bidirectional. A combination with sensors is excluded due to lack of feedback capability of the system. A re-adjustment of the color appearance in RGB light bands is not possible. Thus, a control unit is not able to detect the separation point and display light pattern flush to this separation point or to capture sensor data. For automotive applications and flexible sensors, therefore, the prior art is unsuitable.

A freely configurable LED chain is for example from the US 5 559 681 known. With such a technique, however, the luminous intensity of the individual LED groups can not be set exactly. These also depend on the respective remaining chain length. Error detection and treatment is not possible and provided. The LED chain disclosed there has no feedback capability.

The same applies to the DE 10 2009 008 095 A1 ,

From the DE 10 2009 019 285 A1 a device is known in which the dependence on the length is reduced by a Steckerkodierung. The addressing of individual LEDs is not possible. Feedback on errors on the LEDs is not possible. Setting the LED brightness independently of the chain length is only possible with precise calibration.

The US 4,173,035 discloses a configurable LED string which allows adjustment of periodically recurring brightnesses. With the help of such a chain, it is possible, for example, when using three types of LEDs in the primary colors, uniformly set RGB values on the entire LED chain length. The addressing of individual LEDs is not possible. Feedback on errors on the LEDs is not possible. Adjusting the LED brightness regardless of the chain length is only possible with calibration.

From the US Pat. No. 9,101,017 B2 an LED chain is known in which groups of LEDs each have a detector (reference numeral 208 of the US Pat. No. 9,101,017 B2 ), which detects an interruption of the light strip and connects the cathode of the LED chain with the supply ground, whereby the circuit is closed again. The addressing of individual LEDs is not possible. Feedback on errors on the LEDs to a control unit (ECU) is not possible. Setting the LED brightness independently of the chain length is only possible with precise calibration.

The WO 2015/048 073 A2 discloses a similar technique.

From the DE 10 2007 003 809 B4 a device is known, which is based essentially on the previously described prior art. The addressing of individual LED groups is possible. Feedback on errors on the LEDs is not provided.

Various concepts for the use of light bulbs as part of the measuring system or sensor network are known from the literature, which can afford this. Exemplary here would be the DE 10 2013 005 788 A1 and the DE 10 2013 022 275 A1 to call.

It is a special form of the more general HALIOS ^® process for use in lamps in connection with sensor tasks. The HALIOS ^® process is known for example from the following disclosures:
EP 2 016 480 B1 . EP 2 598 908 A1 . WO 2013 113 456 A1 . EP 2 594 023 A1 . EP 2 653 885 A1 . EP 2 405 283 B1 . EP 2 602 635 B1 . EP 1 671 160 B1 . EP 2 016 480 B1 . WO 2013 037 465 A1 . EP 1 901 947 B1 . US 2012 0 326 958 A1 . EP 1 747 484 B1 . EP 2 107 550 A3 . EP 1 723 446 B1 . EP 1435 509 B1 . EP 1410 507 B1 . EP 801 726 B1 . EP 1 435 509 B1 . EP 1 269 629 B1 . EP 1 258 084 B1 . EP 801 726 B1 . EP 1 480 015 A1 . EP 1 410 507 B1 . DE 10 2005 045 993 B4 . DE 4 339 574 C2 . DE 4 411 770 C1 . DE 4 411 773 C2 . WO 2013 083 346 A1 . EP 2 679 982 A1 . WO 2013 076 079 A1 . WO 2013 156 557 A1 . EP2679982A1 . EP 2 631 674 A1 . WO 2014 096 385 A1 . DE 10 2014 002 194 A1 . DE 10 2014 002 788 A1 . DE 10 2014 002 486 A1 ,

From the DE 10 2013 000 376 A1 and the DE 10 2013 019 660 A1 Devices and methods for measuring biometric quantities are known.

From the DE 103 37 940 A1 For example, a fabric structure and panel structure having a processor arrangement is known. However, this does not solve the problem of Abschneidbarkeit in the way that always a maximum operability of one of the two resulting sections is guaranteed. The same applies to the DE 10 2005 052 005 A1 and the WO 03 048 953 A2 , The use of electronics in textiles is also out Weber. W. et al. "Electronics in textiles the next stage in man machine interaction", Proc. Of the 2nd CREST Workshop on Advanced Computing and Communicating Techniques for Wearable Information Playing, pp. 35-41, Nara Japan, May 2003 known. Again, this problem is not addressed.

Object of the invention

• • Keine Rückmeldung von Ergebnissen einer Funktionsüberwachung oder von Messwerten an die Steuereinheit (ECU);
• • Keine Darstellbarkeit von Leuchtmustern bündig zur Trennstelle;
• • Ggf. keine freie Konfigurierbarkeit bei Verwendung einer Schieberegisterleitung mit einer Rückleitung zum Steuergerät.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a solution which does not have the above disadvantages of the prior art. These disadvantages are summarized

• • No feedback from results of a function monitoring or measured values to the control unit (ECU);
• • no visualization of luminous patterns flush with the separation point;
• • Possibly. no free configurability when using a shift register line with a return to the controller.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and by methods of the associated subclaims.

Solution of the problem of the invention

In a band-shaped combined LED and sensor chain of the type described above, the object is achieved in that the band-shaped LED and sensor chain in n consecutively along the band direction (BVR) arranged linearly countable arranged sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , ... A _n ), each having a first end and a second end along the band running direction (BVR) from the connection point (AP) can be divided away. Each jth section (A _j ) with 1 ≤ j ≤ n is preferably assigned exactly one jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) to the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _n ) More specifically, placed on the band-shaped circuit carrier in this jth section (A _j ). All k _j LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) which are supplied with electrical energy by exactly this jth drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n), are also assigned to this section (A _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n), more precisely placed within this j-th section (A _j ). Likewise, all f _j sensor groups (S _{j, 1} , S _{j, 2} ,... S _{j, fj} ) whose measured values are _detected by precisely this j th drive _circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≦ j ≦ n), associated with this section (A _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n), more precisely placed within this j-th section (A _j ). In this j-th section (A _j ), no further drive circuit (CTR _{(j ± x)} , 1 ≤ (j ± x) ≤ n) is placed, ie assigned to this section (A _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n). Is that portion (A _j, 1 ≤ j ≤ n) now again in (l _j = k _j + f _j + 1) one after another along the tape running direction (BVR) linearly arranged Subsections (U _{j, 1,} D _{j, 2,.} .. U _{Aj, lj} ). This subdivision is virtual in nature and serves only for orientation. In the first subsection (U _{Aj, 1} ) of this j-th section (A _j ) is then the j-th and this j-th section (A _j ) associated drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _n ). In the following _lj -1 = _kj + _fj subsections (U _{Aj, l} , 2 ≤ l ≤ l _j ) there are then exactly one of the k _j LED groups in k _{j of} these subsections (U _{Aj, l} ) (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) of this j-th section (A _j ) and in other f _{j of} these subsections (U _{Aj, l} ) exactly one of the f _j sensor groups ( S _{j, 1} , S _{j, 2} , ... S _{j, fj} ) of this j-th section (A _j ).

The joint placement of a sensor group (S _i ) of the f _j sensor groups (S _{j, 1} , S _{j, 2} , ... S _{j, fj} ) and an LED group (LED _i ) of the k _j LED groups ( LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) in a common subsection (U _{Aj, i} ) of a section (A _j ) is expressly not excluded in the sense of this disclosure. A subsection (U _{Aj, i} ) of a section (A _j ) can therefore well be a sensor group (S _i ) of the f _j sensor groups (S _{j, 1} , S _{j, 2} , ... S _{j, fj} ) as well an LED group (LED _i ) of the k _j LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) have.

In order to be able to connect the LED sensor chain, preferably in the first subsection (U _A1,1 ) of the first section (A ₁ ) the first data _port (D _INOUT ) and the connection for the positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) and the Connection for the negative supply voltage line (GND). There is the connection point (AP) of the LED sensor chain. The active connection point (AP) of the LED sensor chain is in the sense this disclosure always where the data _port (D _INOUT ) is located, via which the data is transmitted from and to the control unit (ECU). This active connection point (AP) defines the reference point for the band direction direction (BVR). The band progression direction (BVR) typically always points away from the active connection point (AP). If the active connection point (AP) is located, for example, in the middle of a band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), then this band-shaped circuit carrier is transformed into a first part (T ₁ ) and a second part (T ₂ ) through the connection point (AP) in this example. divided. Thus, the band-shaped circuit carrier, in this example in its first part (T ₁₎ a first band-running direction (BVR ₁₎ and in its second part (T ₂₎ a second band-running direction (BVR _2), opposite to the first band-running direction (BVR ₁₎ is. The electrical supply voltage can be fed in at another connection point, which, however, still has to be electrically connected to the active connection point (AP) after the strip-shaped circuit carrier has been shortened.

Now, the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) transversely to the band direction (BVR) in an n_ _new section (A _{n_neu} ) between an I-th subsection (U _{An_new, I} ) and an (I + 1) -th subsection (U _{An_neu , (I + 1)} ), at which there is no LED group or a sensor group and no drive circuit of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _n ), so must after this shortening of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) by means of such a separation of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) in the selected for the cut n _new -th section (A _{n_new} ) in the I-th subsection (U _{An_neu + 1, I} ) of the same n _{in the new nth} section (A _{n_new} ), the _new nth drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) of this n _new -nth section (A _{n_new} ) _performs a power-on or command-on procedure that determines the number (I _{n_new} ) of the respective one remaining subsections (U _{An_neu, In_neu} ) of the last n n _{new -ten} section (A _{n_new} ) and outputs via the data _port (D _INOUT ). If the first subsection (U _A1,1 ) has no LED group or sensor group, the _Ith subsection (U _{An_new, I} ) of the n _new section (A _{n_new} ) is typically not the first subsection (U _{A1 , 1} ) of the first section (A ₁ ).

Advantage of the invention

At the same time, such an LED sensor chain allows free configurability and at the same time feedback of error messages to a control unit, for example in the event of a failure of an LED or an LED group, as well as the return of measurement data of the sensor groups.

Description of the developments / embodiments of the invention

In a first embodiment of the invention, the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) at least in a region per subsection (U _{Aj, 1} , U _{Aj, 2} , ... U _{Aj, lj} ), which comprises the entire width of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) , no line intersections or superposed lines.

This allows a severing of the band-shaped circuit carrier, for example with a pair of scissors, without causing shorts by blurring metal.

A further embodiment of the invention includes a method for carrying out the addressing of the individual drive circuits and the LED and sensor groups which are connected to these drive circuits. The method according to the invention is intended for use in a device as described above. It is in the remaining drive circuit (CTR _{n_neu)} of the remaining n _new th portion (A _{n_neu)} for detecting the number of I _{n_neu} of the remaining subsections (U _{An_neu, 1,} U _{An_neu, 2,} U _{An_neu, In_neu)} of n _new - section (A _{n_new} ). That is, based on the applicable part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), it is executed in the subsection which is at most far from the active terminal point (AP).

The n _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) has q _{n_new} connections for connecting the k _{n_new} LED groups (LED _{n_new, 1} , LED _{n_new, 2} , ... LED _{n_new, kn_new} ). Of course, k _{n_new} ≤ q _{n_new holds} for this to be possible. The n_ _new -th drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) also has r _{n_neu} connections for connecting the f _{n_new} sensor groups (S _{n_new, 1} , S _{n_new, 2} , ... S _{n_new, fn_new} ). Of course, here too f _{n_new} ≤ r _{n_new has to apply} , so that this is possible. The n_ _new -th drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) is designed to provide the k _{n_neu} LED groups (LED _{n_new, 1} , LED _{n_new, 2} , ... LED _{n_new, kn_neu} ) with energy and set their lighting data and the measured values the f _{n_new} sensor groups (S _{n_new, 1} , S _{n_new, 2} , ... S _{n_new, fn_new} ) to be _detected and transmitted to the control unit (ECU). The method then includes the steps of: performing a test on an idle at q _{n_neu} terminals of the _new n_ th driving circuit (CTR _{n_neu)} through the _newly n_ th Control _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ), which are provided for the connection of k _{n_neu} LED groups (LED _{n_new, 1} , LED _{n_new, 2} , ... LED _{n_new, kn_new} ), provided that the LED sensor chain such LED groups ( LED _{n_neu, 1,} LED _{n_neu, 2,} ... LED _{n_neu, kn_neu)} and conducting a test on an idle _{n_neu} at r _{n_neu} terminals of the _new n_ th driving circuit (CTR) through the _newly n_ th driving circuit (CTR _{n_neu} ), which are provided for the connection of the f _{n_new} sensor groups (S _{n_new, 1} , S _{n_new, 2} , ... S _{n_new, fn_new} ) if the LED sensor chain contains such sensor groups (S _{n_new, 1} , S _{n_neu, 2,} ... S _{n_neu, fn_neu)} comprises counting terminals of said q and r _{n_neu} terminals _{n_neu} terminals of the _new n_ th driving circuit (CTR _{n_neu),} which are intended or suitable for each LED group of k _{n_neu} LED groups (LED _{n_new, 1} , LED _{n_new, 2} , ... LED _{n_new, kn_new} ) can be supplied with electrical energy or the acquisition of the measured values can be made ls sensor group of f _{n_new} sensor groups (S _{n_new, 1} , S _{n_new, 2} , ... S _{n_new, fn_new} ) and which are not idle. This count is preferably carried out by or with the aid of the _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ). In this case, this count by the _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) can also mean that the actual count is made by another auxiliary device, for example a control unit (ECU), with the aid of the _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ).

The advantage of this configuration is that the number of the _newly n_ th portion (A _{n_neu)} remaining the k _{n_neu} LED groups (LED _{n_neu, 1,} LED _{n_neu, 2,} ... LED _{n_neu, kn_neu)} and f _{n_neu} sensor Groups (S _{n_new, 1} , S _{n_new, 2} , ... S _{n_new, fn_new} ) can be determined on the basis of the idle / no idle count criterion. For this purpose, the drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) each preferably have a sub-device for determining such idling. Such a sub-device can for example impress the current and / or the voltage and then determine the voltage and / or the current. If the drive device (CTR _j ) is only designed and configured to send or receive data to an LED group or sensor group, a correct data transmission and / or a correct bus termination can be used as a criterion, for example.

However, this method is only suitable for determining how many LED groups q _{n_new} or sensor groups r _{n_new are} connected to the last drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ). Therefore, there is still a need for a unique software address to all LED groups and sensor groups.

• • Zurücksetzen aller Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}) durch das Einschalten der Energieversorgung der Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}) oder auf Anforderung, insbesondere der Steuereinheit (ECU). Eine solche Anforderung kann beispielsweise per Softwarebefehl oder über eine Rücksetzleitung erfolgen. Durch das Zurücksetzen werden die zweiten Datenanschlüsse (CTR_1IOB, CTR_1IOB, .... CTR_{n_neuIOB}) aller Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}) abgeschaltet;
• • Vergeben eines Basiswertes für die Ansteuerschaltkreisadresse des ersten Ansteuerschaltkreises (CTR₁)
• • Vorgeben eines Basiswertes für eine erste LED-Adresse;
• • Vorgeben eines Basiswertes für eine erste Sensor-Adresse (ggf. kann ein gemeinsamer Adressraum für die Sensor-Adresse und die LED-Adresse vorgesehen werden);
• • Bestimmen des ersten Ansteuerschaltkreises (CTR₁) als aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_j) (j = 1)
• • Durchführung der folgenden Schritte bis alle n__neu Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}) eine Ansteuerschaltkreisadresse erhalten haben und bis alle LED-Gruppen und Sensor-Gruppen dieser Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}) eine LED-Adresse bzw. Sensor-Adresse erhalten haben; a. Festlegen des ersten aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CTR₁) als aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_j) b. Zuweisen des Basiswertes für die Ansteuerschaltkreisadresse des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CTR_j); c. Zuweisen des Basiswertes für die aktuelle LED-Adresse; d. Zuweisen des Basiswertes für die aktuelle Sensor-Adresse; e. Durchführung der folgenden Schritte bis alle bis alle LED-Gruppen und Sensor-Gruppen des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CTR_j, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}) eine LED-Adresse bzw. Sensor-Adresse erhalten haben; i. Zeitlich parallele und/oder sequentielle Tests auf einen Leerlauf • an allen möglichen q_j Anschlüssen des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CRT_j) der verbliebenen n__neu Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}), die dazu vorgesehen oder geeignet sind, eine LED-Gruppe mit elektrischer Energie zu versorgen und • an allen möglichen r_j Anschlüssen des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CRT_j) der verbliebenen n__neu Ansteuerschaltkreise (CTR₁, CTR₂, ... CTR_{n_neu}), die dazu vorgesehen oder geeignet sind, Messwerte einer Sensor-Gruppe erfassen oder eine solche Erfassung zu ermöglichen. (Dieser Test wird typischerweise durch den aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CRT_j) durchgeführt und das Ergebnis an die Steuereinheit (ECU) über die Datenleitung (BUS) übermittelt.) ii. Für jeden der q_j + r_j Anschlüsse iii. Für den Fall dass es sich um einen der q_j Anschlüsse für LED-Gruppen der aktuellen Ansteuereinheit (CTR_j) handelt: Zuweisen des Basiswerts für die aktuelle LED-Adresse als LED-Adresse einer dieser q_j LED-Gruppen und dem dieser LED-Gruppe zugehörigen Anschluss des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CRT_j). Diese Zuweisung geschieht jedoch nur, wenn dieser Anschluss des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CRT_j) sich nicht im Leerlauf befindet. Nur in diesem Fall ändert dann auch die Steuereinheit (ECU) den Basiswert für die nun nächste LED-Adresse bzw. die nun nächste Sensoradresse auf einen noch nicht vergebenen Wert; iv. Für den Fall dass es sich um einen der r_j Anschlüsse für Sensor-Gruppen der aktuellen Ansteuereinheit (CTR_j) handelt: Zuweisen des Basiswerts für die aktuelle Sensor-Adresse als Sensor-Adresse einer dieser r_j Sensor-Gruppen und dem dieser Sensor-Gruppe zugehörigen Anschluss des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CRT₁). Diese Zuweisung geschieht jedoch nur, wenn dieser Anschluss des aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreises (CRT_j) sich nicht im Leerlauf befindet. Nur in diesem Fall ändert dann auch die Steuereinheit (ECU) den Basiswert für die nun nächste LED-Adresse bzw. die nun nächste Sensoradresse auf einen noch nicht vergebenen Wert; f. Prüfung auf Vorhandensein eines nachfolgenden Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_(j+1)) durch den aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_j) und Übermittlung des Prüfergebnisses an die Steuereinheit (ECU); g. Sofern das Vorhandensein eines nachfolgenden Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_(j+1)) durch den aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_j) festgestellt wird, folgt: i. Bestimmung des nachfolgenden Ansteuerschaltkreises (CTR_(j+1)) zum neuen aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_j) und ii. Änderung des Basiswertes der Ansteuerschaltkreisadresse auf einen noch nicht vergebenen Wert durch die Steuereinheit (ECU); und iii. Fortsetzung des Verfahrens bei Schritt e; h. Sofern das Vorhandensein eines nachfolgenden Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_(j+1)) durch den aktuellen Ansteuerschaltkreis (CTR_j) nicht festgestellt wird, wird das Verfahren beendet.

Another refinement is a method of use with a device as described above. Preferably, a control unit (ECU) executes the method. This control unit (ECU) is connected to the data line (BUS) of the device described above, the LED chain, via a data line and the connection point (AP) for data exchange. The method is used to determine the number of remaining subsections of all remaining sections (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... A _{n_neu} ) of the circuit carrier (BST) or the relevant part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the circuit carrier (BST). , In the context of this method, the control unit (ECU) preferably determines a light source address for each remaining LED group and a sensor address for each sensor group. The method comprises the steps:

• • Resetting all drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_neu} ) by switching on the power supply of the drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_neu} ) or on request, in particular the control unit (ECU). Such a request can be made, for example, by software command or via a reset line. By resetting the second data ports (CTR _1IOB , CTR _1IOB , .... CTR _{n_neuIOB} ) of all drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_neu} ) are turned off;
• Assigning a base value for the drive circuit address of the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ )
• • Specifying a base value for a first LED address;
• • Specifying a base value for a first sensor address (if necessary, a common address space for the sensor address and the LED address can be provided);
• Determining the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) as the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) (j = 1)
• • Carry out the following steps until all _new drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) have received a drive _{circuit address} and until all LED groups and sensor groups of these drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _{n_neu} ) have received an LED address or sensor address; a. Setting the first current drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) as the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) b. Assigning the base value for the drive circuit address of the current drive circuit (CTR _j ); c. Assigning the base value for the current LED address; d. Assigning the base value for the current sensor address; e. Performing the following steps until all but all LED groups and sensor groups of the current drive _circuit (CTR _j , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_neu} ) have received an LED address or sensor address; i. Temporally parallel and / or sequential tests to an idling • at all possible q _j terminals of the current driving circuit (CRT _j) of the remaining n_ _new drive circuits (CTR _1, CTR _2, ... CTR _{n_neu),} which are intended or suitable to supply an LED group with electrical energy and • at all possible r _j terminals of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) of the remaining n_ _neu drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) which are intended or suitable for detecting measured values of a sensor group or such a detection to enable. (This test is typically performed by the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) and the result is communicated to the control unit (ECU) via the data line (BUS).) Ii. For each of the q _j + r _j connections iii. In the case that it is one of the q _j connections for LED groups of the current control unit (CTR _j ): Assigning the base value for the current LED address as the LED address of one of these q _j LED groups and that of this LED Group associated connection of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ). However, this assignment only happens if this port of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle. Only in this case then also changes the control unit (ECU) the base value for the now next LED address or the next sensor address to a value not yet assigned; iv. In the event that it is one of the r _j connections for sensor groups of the current control unit (CTR _j) assigning the base value for the current sensor address as the sensor address of one of these r _j sensor groups and this sensor Group associated connection of the current drive circuit (CRT ₁ ). However, this assignment only happens if this port of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle. Only in this case then also changes the control unit (ECU) the base value for the now next LED address or the next sensor address to a value not yet assigned; f. Checking for the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) by the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) and transmitting the test result to the control unit (ECU); G. If the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) is detected by the current drive circuit (CTR _j ), it follows that: i. Determination of the subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) to the new current drive circuit (CTR _j ) and ii. Changing the base value of the drive circuit address to an unallocated value by the control unit (ECU); and iii. Continuing the process at step e; H. Unless the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) is detected by the current drive circuit (CTR _j ), the process is terminated.

As a result, a complete addressing of the LED sensor chain is achieved. Of course, the method can also be performed with a common sensor LED address. Other methods for address assignment are conceivable.

• • Diese versorgen mindestens zwei LED-Gruppen auf oder in dem bandförmigen Schaltungsträger (BST) mit elektrischer Energie oder
• • können die mindestens zwei Messwerte von mindestens zwei Sensorgruppen erfassen oder
• • können gleichzeitig mindestens eine LED-Gruppe mit Energie versorgen und den Messwert mindestens einer Sensorgruppe erfassen.

Based on these advantages of the embodiment, the characteristics of the invention can be summarized as follows: A device according to the invention is a configurable, band-shaped LED sensor chain comprising a flexible, cut-off, band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and at least one or two drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) on or in the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).

• These supply at least two LED groups on or in the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) with electrical energy or
• • the at least two measured values of at least two sensor groups can be captured or
• • can simultaneously supply at least one LED group with energy and record the measured value of at least one sensor group.

The special feature of the invention is now the bidirectional and in contrast to the prior art simultaneously configurable in length, ie cut-off data bus (BUS) for bidirectional transmission of illumination data and / or state data and / or error data and / or measured values from and to the at least a drive circuit (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ). A suitable data bus is, for example, as a whole, in its components and in the associated methods in the German patent applications still unpublished at the time of this application DE 10 2016 100 837.0 . DE 10 2016 100 839.7 . DE 10 2016 100 838.9 ; DE 10 2016 100 840.0 . DE 10 2016 100 841.9 . DE 10 2016 100 842.7 . DE 10 2016 100 843.5 . DE 10 2016 100 844.3 . DE 10 2016 100 845.1 . DE 10 2016 100 847.8 and DE 10 2016 101 181.9 whose content and claimed scope is the full extent of this German patent application.

In a further configuration, the invention comprises a flexible band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and at least one or two drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ). Either these provide at least two LED groups on or in the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) with electrical energy or they capture the measured values of at least two sensor groups on or in the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or at the same time they detect at least one measured value of at least one sensor Group and at the same time provide at least one LED group with energy. Here, the data bus (BUS) is used for the transmission of compressed image data to the at least one drive circuit (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ). For such compressed data, image compression methods can be used. The images are preferably but not just one-dimensional. A simple procedure here is the compression by means of Fourier transformation and reduction of the transmission to the changes. However, if video formats such as MPEG4 are to be used, the computational power and resource consumption increase dramatically, making such control circuits limited to a few pixels extremely expensive. In order to be able to translate this image data stream into illumination information for a single pixel, the at least one or the at least two drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) each have an image decompression unit in order to generate illumination data for at least one connected LED group. This measure massively reduces the required data rate and thus the EMC load in the automobile for setting the lighting scenes. Of course, this can be transferred to general lighting networks. This variant is particularly interesting for pure LED chains without sensor functionality.

A further configuration of the invention is characterized in that the LED sensor chain has a flexible, cut-off, ribbon-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and that it has sub-devices, in particular a data bus (BUS) and the at least one or two drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ), in order to detect a fault condition of at least one LED group or a plurality of LED groups or at least one sensor group or several sensor groups and to signal to a control unit (ECU).

In general, the device according to the invention differs from the prior art in that it has a flexible, cut-off, band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and at the same time a preferably bidirectional data bus (BUS) for transmitting status data to a control unit (ECU). Only this combination allows the use in automobiles.

As already indicated, such configurable LED sensor chains can particularly preferably be used as transmitters for sensor networks, since they have a return line. For example, it is conceivable to place one or more photodiodes in a subsection in each section or in regularly spaced sections as a sensor group and to detect their measured values in the respective section by a drive circuit (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) allow. As a result, for example, such lighting networks can be used as sensor fields. Reference has already been made to suitable patent literature. For this purpose, the relevant control circuit must have a suitable sub-device for measured value detection and possibly control. The measured values of the respective sensor group (S _j ) would then be transmitted to the associated control circuit (CTR _j ) via the data bus (BUS) to the control unit (ECU). Other sensors, such as color sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, CO ₂ sensors, etc. are conceivable as a sensor group or as part of the same. Also, not all LEDs of an LED sensor chain need to radiate in the visible range. For measurement purposes, it may be useful if a part of the LEDs of an LED group or entire LED groups in the non-visible area, for example in the NIR range, radiates.

After the device and the method used are sufficiently described, some applications of the device according to the invention will be mentioned. The first is the use in vehicles where there is a need for very high quality. In air shows, it makes sense, for example, permanently to check all electrical consumers for malfunctions in order to recognize dangers in good time and to be able to control other maintenance work targeted and thus to be able to offer the customer a maximum of service. One field of application is therefore the application in a vehicle, such a device being integrated in an interior of the vehicle, in particular by gluing, inserting or sewing in, for example, a lining or a cover. Another application is in a garment, with a corresponding device integrated into the garment, in particular by gluing, inserting or sewing or weaving. In this case, it makes sense if the device is an essential part of a device or even such a device that determines a biometric measured value. Here, essential part means that the device is essential for the determination of the biometric value and the biometric value can not be determined without using this device. For example, it is conceivable that an LED group sends light into the skin of the garment wearer and the backscattered light is detected by a sensor group and used for the determination of a biometric parameter, for example by the control unit (ECU).

The particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that it can be integrated into the fabric of the garment already in the weaving mill during the production of the fabric. This is possible only through the configurability of the LED sensor chain according to the invention.

List of figures

1 shows schematically and greatly simplified on the basis of the outer shape of an LED chain according to the prior art.

2 equals to 1 with the difference that the connection point (AP) is now approximately in the middle of the LED chain. It corresponds to the state of the art.

3 essentially corresponds to the 1 and the 2 with the difference that now three connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP ₃ ) are provided. It corresponds to the state of the art.

4 represents a variant of 1 The strip-shaped circuit carrier here has a branch in the plane of width b and length L in the middle. It corresponds to the state of the art.

5 represents a variant of 1 The band-shaped circuit carrier has here in the middle of a branch in the plane of thickness d and length L on. It corresponds to the state of the art.

6 Signature b schematically shows parts of an exemplary band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) with several detail drawings (a, ba, bb, bc).

7 shows the process for addressing.

8th shows 6 with an exemplary mixed assembly of sensor groups.

9 shows 6 with an exemplary, pure construction of sensor groups.

Description of the figures

Fig. 1

1 shows schematically and greatly simplified on the basis of the external shape of an LED chain according to the prior art in the top and side view. The LED chain has a width b, a length L and a thickness d. At one end, it has the connection point (AP) for connecting the supply voltage and the data line at the data input (D _INOUT ). Due to the position of the connection point, a single band direction (BVR) is specified here.

Fig. 2

2 equals to 1 with the difference that the connection point (AP) is now approximately in the middle of the LED chain. As a result, the circuit carrier of the LED chain is virtually divided into a first part (T ₁ ) and a second part (T ₂ ). This results for the first part (T ₁ ) a first band direction (BVR ₁ ) and for the second part (T ₂ ) a second band direction (BVT ₂ ), which is opposite to the first band direction (BVT ₁ ).

Fig. 3

3 essentially corresponds 1 and 2 with the difference that now three connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP ₃ ) are provided. These virtually divide the circuit carrier of the LED chain again into a first part (T ₁ ) and a second part (T ₂ ). This results in a first band direction (BVR ₁ ) for the first part (T ₁ ) if the first connection point (AP ₁ ) is the current connection point (AP) and a second band direction (BVR ₂ ) if the second connection point (AP ₂ ) or the third connection point (AP ₃ ) is the current connection point (AP). For the second part (T ₂ ), a third band direction (BVR ₃ ) results if the second connection point (AP ₂ ) or the third connection point (AP ₃ ) is the current connection point (AP) and a fourth band direction (BVR ₄ ), when the third connection point (AP ₃ ) is the current connection point (AP). The current connection point is always the connection point at which the data input (D _INOUT ) is connected to the control unit (ECU).

Fig. 4

4 represents a variant of 1 The strip-shaped circuit carrier here has a branch in the plane of width b and length L in the middle. This results in three parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the circuit carrier. Each of these parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) in this example has its own width (b ₁ , b ₂ , b ₃ ). The band direction (BVR) is uniquely determined by the position at the end of the first part (T ₁ ) of the circuit carrier and continues only in the second and third part.

Fig. 5

5 represents a variant of 1 The band-shaped circuit carrier has here in the middle of a branch in the plane of thickness d and length L on. This results in again three parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the circuit substrate. Each of these parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) in this example has its own thickness (d ₁ , d ₂ , d ₃ ). The band direction (BVR) is uniquely determined by the position at the end of the first part (T ₁ ) of the circuit carrier and continues only in the second and third part.

Fig. 6

The 6 schematically shows parts of an exemplary band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) with an exemplary pure installation of LED groups, ie without sensor capabilities. 6b shows several sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ ) and a connection point (AP) at the beginning of such a circuit carrier (BST). The 6a shows a single portion (A _j ) as an example of any portion of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). The 6 ba . 6bb and 6bc show enlarges the respective area of the 6b In order to clarify the exemplary arrangement of the terminals on the respective drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , CTR ₃ ), which in 6b would not be possible without loss of clarity.

Fig. 6a

6a shows a j-th, so any exemplary portion (A _j ) of the band-shaped circuit substrate as a rough sketch. It is a circuit carrier (BST) with an exemplary single-layer metallization. The positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) leads at the top along the upper longitudinal side (LS ₁ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) along. The negative supply voltage line (GND) leads down to the lower longitudinal side (LS ₂ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) along. The jth data line (bus _j ) is connected to the first data _terminal (CRT _jIOA ) of the jth drive circuit (CRT _j ). This j-th drive circuit (CRT _j ) is located in the first subsection (U _{Aj, 1} ) of the j-th section (A _j ). The second data _terminal (CRT _jIOB ) of the jth drive _circuit (CRT _j ) is connected to the next data line (bus _{(j + 1)} ). This leads horizontally to the subsequent drive circuit (CRT _{(j + 1)} ) from the drawing. The jth drive circuit (CRT _j ) controls a first associated LED group (LED _{j, 1} ) located in the second subsection (U _{Aj, 2} ). The jth drive circuit (CRT _j ) controls a second associated LED group (LED ₂ ) located in the third subsection (U _{Aj, 3} ). The jth drive circuit (CRT _j ) controls a third associated LED group (LED _{j, 3} ) located in the fourth subsection (U _{Aj, 4} ) of the j-th section (A _j ).
in the figure, exemplary section lines (SL ₀ , SL ₁ , SL ₂ , SL ₃ ) for shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) are located.

Fig. 6b

6b shows several sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ ) and an exemplary connection point (AP) at the beginning of such a circuit carrier (BST). In this example, each section (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) is divided into four subsections (U _A1 , U _A2 , U _A3 , U _A4 ). The number of sections not shown (A ₄ , A ₅ , ... A _n ) can be arbitrary. In the respective first subsection (U _A1 ) of the respective section (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ ) there is a control circuit (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , CTR ₃ ) associated with the respective section.

A positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) and a negative supply voltage line (GND) supply the components and in the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) with electrical energy.

The first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) is connected via the first data line section (bus ₁ ) and its first data connection (CTR _1IOA ) to the data connection (D _INOUT ) of the connection point (AP), which in this example is also in the first subsection (U _A1 ). of the first section (A ₁ ). (Please refer 6 ba )

The first drive circuit (CRT ₁ ) is connected to the second drive _circuit (CRT ₂ ) and its first data _terminal (CTR _2IOA ) via the second data line section (bus ₂ ) and its second data _terminal (CTR _1IOB ). (Please refer 6 ba and 6bb )

The second drive circuit (CRT ₂ ) is connected to the third drive _circuit (CRT ₃ ) and its first data _terminal (CTR _3IOA ) via the third data line section (bus ₃ ) and its second data _terminal (CTR _2IOB ). (Please refer 6bb and 6bc )

The third drive circuit (CRT ₃ ) is connected via the fourth data line section (bus ₄ ) and its second data connection (CTR _3IOB ) to the fourth drive circuit (CRT ₄ ) not drawn and its first data connection (CTR _4IOA ), which is no longer drawn. (Please refer 6bc )

The first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ) in the first subsection (U _A1,1 ) of the first section (A ₁ ) supplies in this example a first LED group (LED _1,1 ) in the second subsection (U _A1,2 ) and a second one LED group (LED _1,2 ) in the third subsection (U _A1,3 ) and a third LED group (LED _1,3 ) in the fourth subsection (U _A1,4 ) with electrical energy that depends on illumination _data , the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) via the data bus (Bus) receives.

The second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ) in the first subsection (U _A2,1 ) of the second section (A ₂ ) supplies in this example a first LED group (LED _2,1 ) in the second subsection (U _A2,2 ) and a second one LED group (LED _2,2 ) in the third subsection (U _A2,3 ) and a third LED group (LED _2,3 ) in the fourth subsection (U _A2,4 ) with electrical energy that depends on illumination _data , the second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) via the data bus (Bus) receives.

The third drive _circuit (CTR ₃ ) in the first subsection (U _A3,1 ) of the third section (A ₃ ) supplies in this example a first LED group (LED _3,1 ) in the second subsection (U _A3,2 ) and a second one LED group (LED _3.2 ) in the third subsection (U _A3.3 ) and a third, no longer drawn LED group (LED _3.3 ) in the fourth subsection (U _A3,4 ) with electrical energy from the illumination _data depends which the third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) over the data bus (bus) receives.

Fig. 7

7 shows the process flow for addressing. (See also the list of reference numbers).

Fig. 8

8th shows 6 with an exemplary mixed structure of sensor groups (S _{j, 2} , S _1,2 , S _2,2 , S _3,2 ) and LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 3} , LED _1,1 , LED _1.3 , LED _2.1 , LED _2.3 , LED _3.1 ).

Fig. 9

9 shows 6 with an exemplary, pure installation of sensor groups, ie without actuator or lighting capabilities.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 1 first addressing step comprising preparing the addressing. Among other things, this typically includes resetting all drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) and setting a base value for the drive _{circuit address of} the first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the first section (A ₁ ) as the current drive _{circuit address} , since this first, and providing a base value for the current LED address, specifying a base value for the current sensor address, or alternatively, providing a base value for a common LED / sensor address - in short, satellite baseline - and determining the first one Drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) as the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) (that is, initially set to j = 1) and assigning the base value to the drive circuit address of the current drive circuit (CTR _j ).
• 2 second addressing step comprising testing the ports of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) for idle to determine the number of connected LED groups and / or sensor groups. This process step comprises the temporally parallel and / or sequential tests to idling at all possible q _j LED groups ports and r _j sensor groups terminals of the current driving circuit (CRT _j) of the possibly remaining after a shortening n_ _new drive circuits ( CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ), which are intended or suitable for supplying one LED group with electrical energy or for enabling the acquisition of measured values in each case of a sensor group or a sensor or for its measurement enable.
• 3 third process step for addressing comprising processing the test result from step 2. This step may be carried out in whole or in part in parallel with step 2 or alternately with step 2 or alternately with parts of step 2. In the case of LED groups port this step 3 comprises assigning the current LED address as an LED address to one of the q _j LED groups and the said one LED group associated terminal of the current driving circuit (CRT _j) when Connection of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle, as well as the immediate subsequent change of the current LED address to an unallocated value, if this terminal of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle. In the case of a sensor group connection, this step 3 comprises assigning the current sensor address as sensor address to one of the _r.sub.j sensor groups and the connection (sensor group connection) of the current control circuit associated with this one sensor group (CRT _j ), if this terminal of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle, and the immediately following change of the current sensor address to an unallocated value, if this terminal of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle. This process step is preferably carried out in whole or in part as part of the process step 2.
• 4 the fourth process step for addressing comprising a test for the presence of the current drive circuit (CTR _j) following drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1))} by the current drive circuit (CTR _j) and if transmission of the test result to the control unit (ECU) ,
• 5 Branch in the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) to process step 6 otherwise branch to process step 8
• 6 sixth addressing step comprising determining the subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) to the new current drive circuit (CTR _j ). This will be the current current drive circuit (CTR _j ) to the preceding drive circuit (CTR _(j-1) ).
• 7 seventh process step of addressing comprising firstly, assigning the drive circuit address of the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) (as the value content of a variable of the drive circuit address to be given next) to the new current drive circuit (CTR _j ) as its drive circuit address and secondly typically subsequent change drive circuit address of the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) (to understand as value-wise content of the variable of the drive circuit address to be given next) to an unallocated value by the control unit (ECU). From here continue with process step 2.
• 8 Stop the process
• A ₁ first section
• A ₂ second section
• A ₃ third section
• A _j j-th section
• A _nth section
• A _{n_neu} section in which the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) is cut. This section is after cutting the last section of the now on n _{_neu} sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , ... A _{n_neu} ) shortened ribbon-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• AP Connection point at which the electrical energy is supplied and / or data is added and removed. At least the data _port (D _INOUT ) must be present at this point to be the active port point.
• AP ₁ first connection point
• AP ₂ second connection point
• AP ₃ third connection point
• AP _j j-ter connection point
• AP _m m-ter connection point. In this context, m is the maximum number of connection points on a circuit carrier (BST)
• b Width of the circuit carrier (BST)
• BS broadside of the band-shaped circuit carrier
• BST flexible, cut-off, band-shaped circuit carrier. An exemplary possibility are circuit carriers made of ^Kapton® coated on one or two sides with copper or other conductive materials, or similar preferably flexible materials. Also multi-layer circuit carriers are conceivable. Another possibility is the realization as a fabric, for example with woven cables.
• Bus data line
• Bus ₁ first data line section of the data line (bus) between the data input (D _INOUT ) and the first data connection (CTR _1IOA ) of the first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ),
• Bus ₂ second data line section of the data line (bus) between the second data _terminal (CTR _1IOB ) of the first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ) and the first data _terminal (CTR _2IOA ) of the second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ),
• Bus ₃ second data line section of the data line (bus) between the second data _terminal (CTR _2IOB ) of the second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ) and the first data _terminal (CTR _3IOA ) of the third drive _circuit (CTR ₃ ),
• Bus ₄ fourth data line _{portion of} the data line (bus) between the second data _terminal (CTR _3IOB ) of the third drive _circuit (CTR ₃ ) and the first data _terminal (CTR _4IOA ) of the fourth drive _circuit (CTR ₄ ),
• Bus _n n-th data line portion of the data line (bus) between the second data terminal (CTR _{(n-1) IOB} ) of the (n-1) th drive circuit (CTR _(n-1) ) and the first data _terminal (CTR _nIOA ) of nth drive circuit (CTR _n ),
• BVR band direction
• BVR ₁ first possible band direction
• BVR ₂ second possible banding direction
• BVR ₃ third possible banding direction
• BVR ₄ fourth possible banding direction
• BVR _m m-th possible band direction
• CTR control circuit
• CTR ₁ first drive circuit. The first drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _{1 , 1} ) of the first section (A ₁ ) of the band-shaped Circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).
• CTR ₂ second drive circuit. The second drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _A2,1 ) of the second section (A ₂ ) of the _strip -shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST).
• CTR ₃ third drive circuit. The third drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _A3,1 ) of the third section (A ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).
• CTR ₄ fourth drive circuit. The fourth drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _A4,1 ) of the second section (A ₄ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).
• CTR _(j-1) (j-1) -th drive circuit. The (j-1) -th drive circuit is in the first subsection (U _{A (j-1), 1} ) of the (j-1) -th section (A _(j-1) ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a Part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).
• CTR _j j-th drive circuit. The jth drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _{Aj, 1} ) of the j-th section (A _j ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) ,
• CTR _1IOA first data _{terminal of} the first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ), which is connected via the first data line section (BUS ₁ ) to the data input (D _INOUT ) of the active connection point (AP).
• CTR _1IOB second data _{terminal of} the first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ), which is connected via the second data line section (BUS ₂ ) to the first data _terminal (CTR _2IOA ) of the second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ).
• CTR _2IOA first data _{terminal of} the second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ) which is connected to the second data _terminal (CTR _1IOB ) of the first drive _circuit (CTR ₁ ) via the second data line section (BUS ₂ ).
• CTR _2IOB second data _{terminal of} the second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ), which is connected via the third data line section (BUS ₃ ) to the first data _terminal (CTR _3IOA ) of the third drive _circuit (CTR ₃ ).
• CTR _3IOA first data _{terminal of} the third drive _circuit (CTR ₃ ) which is connected to the second data _terminal (CTR _2IOB ) of the second drive _circuit (CTR ₂ ) via the third data line section (BUS ₃ ).
• CTR _3IOB second data _{terminal of} the third drive _circuit (CTR ₃ ), which is connected via the fourth data line section (BUS ₄ ) to the first data _terminal (CTR _4IOA ) of the fourth drive _circuit (CTR ₄ ).
• CTR _jIOA first data _{terminal of} the jth drive _circuit (CTR _j ) connected to the jth data line section (BUS) with the second data terminal (CTR _{(j-1) IOB} ) of the (j-1) th drive circuit (CTR _{(j -1)} ) of the (j-1) th drive circuit (CTR _(j-1) ) when j> 1 or connected to the data input (D _INOUT ) of the active terminal (AP) when j = 1 is.
• CTR _nIOB second data _{terminal of the} nth drive _circuit (CTR _n ). Since it is the nth and thus last drive circuit of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ), this is either not present or is idle.
• CTR _{n_newIOB} second data _{port of} the n_ _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ). Since it is the n_ _new -th and thus after shortening of the band-shaped circuit substrate last drive circuit after shortening only n_ _new control circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_neu} ), this is after shortening either not present or is idle.
• CTR _jIOA first data _{terminal of} the jth drive _circuit (CTR _j ) connected to the jth data line section (BUS) with the second data terminal (CTR _{(j-1) IOB} ) of the (j-1) th drive circuit (CTR _{(j -1)} ) of the (j-1) th drive circuit (CTR _(j-1) ) when j> 1 or connected to the data input (D _INOUT ) of the active terminal (AP) when j = 1 is.
• CTR _jIOB second data _{terminal of} the jth drive _circuit (CTR _j ) connected to the first data terminal (CTR _{(j + 1) IOA} ) of the (j + 1) via the (j + 1) th data line section (BUS _{(j + 1)} ) 1) -th drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) of the (j + 1) -th drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) when j <(n + 1), and which is preferably idle when j = n, where n is the number of sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , ... A _n ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) means.
• CTR _{(j + 1)} (j + 1) th driving circuit. The (j + 1) th drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _{A (j + 1), 1} ) of the (j + 1) th section (A _{(j + 1)} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or one Part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).
• CTR _{(j ± x)} (j ± x) th driving circuit. The (j ± x) th drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _{A (j ± 1), 1} ) of the j-th section (A _{(j ± x)} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). So he's around
• x subsection positions in front of or behind the jth drive circuit (CTR _j )
• CTR _nth drive circuit. The nth drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _{An, 1} ) of the nth section (A _n ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). ,
• CTR _{n_new} n_ _new -ter control _circuit . The n_ _new -th drive circuit is located in the first subsection (U _{An-new, 1} ) of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped Circuit carrier (BST) after passing through the band-shaped circuit carrier.
• d thickness of the circuit carrier (BST)
• D _{INOUT Data port} at the active connection point (AP)
• ECU control unit
• f ₁ Number of subsections (U _A1,1 , U _A1,2 , ... U _{A1, f1} ) in the first section (A ₁ ) with sensor groups
• f _j Number of subsections (U _{Aj, 1} , U _{Aj, 2} , ... U _{Aj, f1} ) in the j-th section (A _j ) with sensor groups
• f _{n_new} the number of subsections (U _{An-new, 1} , U _{new, 2} , ... U _{new, In_new} ) of the _{new sub} -section (A _{n_new} ) with sensor groups remaining after the cut-through
• FST flexible, cut-off, area-shaped circuit carrier. An exemplary possibility are circuit carriers of one or two sides coated with copper or other conductive materials Kapton or similar preferably flexible materials. Also multi-layer circuit carriers are conceivable. Particularly preferred are circuit carriers made of a fabric.
• k ₁ Number of subsections (U _A1,1 , U _A1,2 , ... U _{A1, l1} ) in the first section (A ₁ ) with LED groups
• k _j Number of subsections (U _{Aj, 1} , U _{Aj, 2} , ... U _{Aj, lj} ) in the j-th section (A _j ) with LED groups
• k _{n_new} the number of the respective subsections (U _{An_new, 1} , U _{An_new, 2} , ... U _{An_new, lj} ) of the _{new subsection} (A _{n_new} ) remaining after the separation with LED groups
• L length of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• LED An LED in the sense of this disclosure is a light-emitting diode or a series or parallel connection of such light-emitting diodes. It can also be a combination of series and parallel circuits. It is also conceivable that it is other bulbs, such as, but not only to electroluminescent components, etc.
• LED _1.1 first LED group in the first section (A ₁ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the second subsection (U _A1,2 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), which by the associated first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n Control _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is controlled.
• LED _1.2 second LED group in the first section (A ₁ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the third subsection (U _A1,3 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _1.3 third LED group in the first section (A ₁ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the fourth subsection (U _A1,4 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _2.1 first LED group in the second section (A ₂ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the second subsection (U _A2,2 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _{2 , 2} second LED group in the second section (A ₂ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the third subsection (U _A2,3 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _{2 , 3} third LED group in the second section (A ₂ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the fourth subsection (U _A2,4 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _3.1 first LED group in the third section (A ₃ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the second subsection (U _A3,2 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _3.2 second LED group in the third section (A ₃ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the third subsection (U _A3,3 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _3.3 third LED group in the third section (A ₃ ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the fourth subsection (U _A3,4 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) controlled by the associated third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• LED _{j, 1} first LED group in the j-th section (A _j ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the second subsection (U _{Aj, 2} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), which by the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is controlled.
• LED _{j, 2} second LED group in the j-th section (A _j ) and there in the case of a pure LED chain in the third subsection (U _{Aj, 3} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), which by the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is controlled.
• LED _{j, kj} k _j th LED group in the j-th portion (A _j), where in the case of a pure LED chain in the (k _j + 1) th sub-section (U _{Aj, (kj + 1))} of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), which is controlled by the assigned j-th drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is controlled.
• LED _{n_new, 1} first LED group in the second subsection (U _{An_new, 2} ) of the n_ _new section (A _{n_new} ) after shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) by cutting through.
• LED _{n_new, 2} second LED group in the case of a pure LED chain in the third subsection (U _{An_new, 3} ) of the n_ _new section (A _{n_new} ) after shortening the _strip -shaped circuit carrier (BST) by cutting through.
• LED _{n_neu, kn_neu} kn_neu-th LED group in the case of a pure LED chain in the (k _{(n_neu)} + 1) _th sub-section (U _{An_neu, (kn_neu + 1))} of the _new n_ th portion (A _{n_neu)} to shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) by cutting.
• I ₁ number of subsections (U _A1,1 , U _A1,2 , ... U _{A1, I1} ) in the first section (A ₁ ) (I ₁ = k ₁ + r ₁ + 1)
• l _j number of subsections (U _{Aj, 1} , U _{Aj, 2} , ... U _{A1, lj} ) in the j-th section (A _j ) (l _j = k _j + r _j + 1) I _{n_new} the number of respective subsections (U _{n_new, In_new} ) remaining after the _{transection of} the n _new -th section (A _{n_new} ) (I _{n_new} = k _{n_new} + r _{n_new} + 1)
• LS longitudinal side of the band-shaped circuit carrier
• n number of sections (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... A _n ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• n_ _new Number of sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , ... A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) after the separation of some sections. In this case, the remaining sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , ... A _{n_neu} ) _include the connection point (AP).
• q ₁ Number of connections of the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) for connection of the k ₁ LED groups (LED _1,1 , LED _1,2 , ... LED _{1, k1} ) in the first section (A ₁ ).
• q _j number of terminals of the j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) for connecting the k _j LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , ... LED _{j, kj} ) in the j-th section (A _j ) ,
• q _{n_neu} number of terminals of the _new n-th driving circuit (CTR _{n_neu)} to connect the k _{n_neu} LED groups (LED _{n_neu, 1,} LED _{n_neu, 2,} ... LED _{n_neu, kn_neu)} n_ in _newly th Abchnitt (A _{n_new} ).
• r ₁ Number of terminals of the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) for connecting the f ₁ sensor groups (S _1,1 , S _1,2 , ... S _{1, k1} ) in the first section (A ₁ ).
• r _j number of terminals of the j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) for connecting the k _j LED groups (S _{j, 1} , S _{j, 2} , ... S _j, k _j ) in the j-th section (A _j ) ,
• r _{n_neu} number of terminals of the _new n-th driving circuit (CTR _{n_neu)} for connecting the f _{n_neu} sensor groups (S _{n_neu, 1,} S _{n_neu, 2,} ... S _{n_neu, kn_neu)} n_ in _newly th portion (A _{n_new} ).
• S A sensor in the sense of this disclosure is a device for detecting a measured value of a physical quantity with the capability of signaling this measured variable to a terminal of an associated drive circuit. It may, for example, be a photodiode whose voltage is detected by the evaluation circuit during irradiation.
• S _1.1 first sensor group in the first section (A ₁ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the second subsection (U _A1,2 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _1,2 second sensor group in the first section (A ₁ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the third subsection (U _A1,3 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _1.3 third sensor group in the first section (A ₁ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the fourth subsection (U _A1,4 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _2.1 first sensor group in the second section (A ₂ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the second subsection (U _A2,2 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _2.2 second sensor group in the second section (A ₂ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the third subsection (U _A2,3 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _2.3 third sensor group in the second section (A ₂ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the fourth subsection (U _A2,4 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _3.1 first sensor group in the third section (A ₃ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the second subsection (U _A3,2 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _3.2 second sensor group in the third section (A ₃ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the third subsection (U _A3,3 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _3.3 third group of sensors in the third section (A ₃ ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the fourth subsection (U _A3,4 ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is detected by the associated third drive circuit (CTR ₃ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ).
• S _{j, 1} first sensor group in the j-th section (A _j ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the second subsection (U _{Aj, 2} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is determined by the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is detected.
• S _{j, 2} second sensor group in the j-th section (A _j ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in the third subsection (U _{Aj, 3} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) whose measured value is determined by the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is detected.
• S _{j, fj} fj-th sensor group in the j-th section (A _j ) and there in the case of a pure sensor chain in (f _j + 1) th subsection (U _{Aj, (fj + 1)} ) of the band-shaped Circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), the measured value by the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _jn ) is detected.
• S _{n_new, 1} first sensor group in the case of a pure sensor chain in the second subsection (U _{An_new, 2} ) of the n_ _new section (A _{n_new} ) after shortening the _strip -shaped circuit carrier (BST) by severing.
• S _{n_new, 2} second sensor group in the case of a pure sensor chain in the third subsection (U _{An_new, 3} ) of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_new} ) after shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) by cutting.
• S _{n_neu, fn_neu} f _{n_neu} th LED group in the case of a pure sensor-chain in the (f _{(n_neu)} + 1) th sub-section (U _{An_neu, (fn_neu + 1))} of the _new n_ th portion (A _{n_neu)} after shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) by cutting.
• SL _j0 exemplary possible intersection line between (j-1) -th section (A _(j-1) ) and j-th section (A _j ) for cutting the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) for the purpose of shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). By cutting at this point, the (j-1) th section (A _{( j-1 )} ) is separated from the j-th section (A _j ).
• SL _j1 exemplary first possible cutting line in the j-th section (A _j ) for the separation of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) for the purpose of shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). By a cut at this point, the first subsection (U _{Aj, 1} ) of the j-th section (A _j ) is separated from the second sub-section (U _{Aj, 2} ) of the j-th section (A _j ). A reduction at this point typically only makes sense if the connection point (AP) in the remaining direction is to be used.
• SL _j2 example second possible intersecting line in the j-th section (A _j ) for cutting the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) for the purpose of shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). By a cut at this point, the second subsection (U _{Aj, 2} ) of the j-th section (A _j ) is separated from the third sub-section (U _{Aj, 3} ) of the j-th section (A _j ).
• SL _j3 exemplary first possible cutting line in the j-th section (A _j ) for cutting the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) for the purpose of shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). By a cut at this point, the third subsection (U _{Aj, 3} ) of the j-th section (A _j ) is separated from the fourth sub-section (U _{Aj, 4} ) of the j-th section (A _j ).
• T ₁ first band-shaped subsection of the circuit carrier (BST)
• T ₂ second band-shaped subsection of the circuit carrier (BST)
• T ₃ third band-shaped section of the circuit carrier (BST)
• T _n n-th band-shaped section of the circuit carrier (BST)
• U _A1,1 first subsection in the first section (A ₁ ) of the _strip -shaped circuit carrier (BST) or of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _A1,2 second subsection in the first section (A ₁ ) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _{A1, I1} I ₁ th sub-section in the first section (A ₁₎ of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST) or a part (T _1, T _2, T ₃₎ of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST)
• U _{Aj, 1} first subsection in the j-th section (A _j ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _{Aj, 2} second subsection in the j-th section (A _j ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _{Aj, l} l-th subsection in the j-th section (A _j ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _{j, lj} l _j -th sub-section in the j-th portion (A _j) of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST) or a part (T _1, T _2, T ₃₎ of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST)
• U _{An -new, 1} first subsection (U _{An -new, 1} ) of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST )
• U _{An -new, 2} second subsection (U _{An -new, 2} ) of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST )
• U _{An_neu, fj} f _j -th sub-section of n_ _new th portion (A _{n_neu)} of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST) or a part (T _1, T _2, T ₃₎ of the band-shaped carrier circuit (BST)
• U _{an_new, kj} k _j -ter subsection of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_new} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _{An_new, lj} l _j -ter subsection of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST)
• U _{An_neu, I} I-th subsection of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) behind which the band-shaped circuit carrier ( BST) is severed.
• U _{An_neu, (I + 1)} (I + 1) -ter subsection of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST ), in front of which the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) is severed.
• U _{An_neu, In_neu} I _{n_neu} -ter subsection of the n_ _new -th section (A _{n_neu} ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), in front of which the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) is severed.
• V _requested positive supply voltage line

glossary

The Property List clarifies the meaning of the adjectives and nouns used in the claims.

cut to length

Cuttable in the sense of this disclosure means that the circuit carrier (BST) can be separated into two parts by at least one mechanical or chemical or other physical method, so that at least one first and one second circuit carrier is formed, wherein in the sense of this disclosure at least one of at least two circuit board parts remain functional.

AP connection point.

At a connection point electrical energy and / or data can be fed. A circuit carrier (BST) can have more than one connection point (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP ₃ ). If the connection point (AP) is that of the connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP ₃ ) to which the band direction (BVR) is related, the connection point (AP) lies in the first section (A ₁ ) of the circuit carrier (BST) or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the circuit carrier (BVT) based on this band direction (BVR). Preferably, but not necessarily, the connection point (AP) comprises the data port (D _INOUT ). A connection point of the connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP ₃ ) must comprise the data connection (D _INOUT ), which after shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and / or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped Circuit carrier (BST), the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) this data _port (D _INOUT ) still includes.

band-like

A band-shaped circuit carrier in the sense of this disclosure is characterized in that it has a thickness d, a width b and a length L at least in a partial section (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) and that its width is at least three times as wide as its thickness is thick, and that the length is at least three times as long as its width is wide.

components

Electronic components are in the sense of this disclosure in addition to typical electronic components such as transistors, diodes, resistors and electrical lines, connections, etc. and other components in the broadest sense, which result in their interaction an electrical or electronic circuit. This should include sensors and actuators, such as inductors, motors, etc., so electrical components in the broadest sense.

biometric

Biometric measurements are measurements obtained on living beings by measurement with the aid of the device.

BVR band direction

The band path direction is defined outwards from the connection point (AP). If the strip-shaped circuit carrier has several connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP _m ), then there are several conceivable strip path directions (BVR ₁ , BVR ₂ ,... BVR _m ) which correspond to the respective connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP _m ). can be assigned. For the purposes of this disclosure, however, it is sufficient if one of these multiple, band-passing directions (BVR ₁ , BVR ₂ ,... BVR _m ) can be selected as the band-passing direction (BVR), so that the features defined in the claims apply. The band direction (BVR) is typically parallel to one of the longitudinal sides (LS) of the band-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the longitudinal sides (LS) of one of the parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , ... T _m ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST).

data port

The data connection is intended and / or intended to be connected to a data processing device and / or a data transmission device such that data can be exchanged or exchanged with this data processing _device and / or this data transmission device via this data connection (D _INOUT ). The data _port (D _INOUT ) is part of a connection point (AP). It does not have to be part of all connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP ₃ ).

data line

The data line (BUS) is a line for the preferred bidirectional transmission of data on the circuit carrier (BST) and / or on a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , ... T _m ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). This data transmission is preferably bidirectional between components which are located on or in the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST). It is conceivable that one or both supply voltage lines (V _bat , GND) can be used as data bus lines. The data bus line (BUS) is divided into several, for example here by way of n data line sections (BUS _1, BUS _2, bus _3, ... BUS _n) partitioned. The data line within the meaning of this disclosure may also be a plurality of parallel individual data lines.

Data line section

A data bus line section (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ ,... BUS _n ) is a part of the at least one data line (bus) in exactly one section (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... A _n ) of the ribbon-shaped circuit carrier (BST) and / or a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) is located. The respective data line section (BUS _j ) of the n data line sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ ,... BUS _n ) can be assigned a number j indicating its data line section position from the connection point in the direction of the selected band propagation direction (BVR), thus Data line sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) are numbered. Each data line section (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) has a first end and a second end. The first end of a j-th data line section (BUS _j ) (1 <j <n) is preferably connected to the second end of at least one preceding data line section (BUS _(j-1) ) by a j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ). The second end of this j-th data line section (BUS _j ) is connected to the first end of at least one subsequent data line section (BUS _{(j + 1)} )), preferably through a (j + 1) -th drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) , The second end of a first data line section (BUS ₁ ) is connected to the first end of at least one subsequent data line section (BUS ₂ ), preferably by a second drive circuit (CTR ₂ ). The first end of an n-th data line section (BUS) is connected to the second end of at least one preceding data line section (BUS _(n-1) ), preferably through an n-th drive circuit (CTR _n ).

vehicle

Vehicles is a generic term for mobile means of transport for the transport of goods (goods traffic), tools (machines or aids) or persons (passenger transport).

surface shaped

A sheet-like circuit carrier in the sense of this disclosure is characterized in that it has a thickness d, a width b and a length L at least in a partial section (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) and that its width is at least three times as wide, as its thickness is thick, and that the length is less than three times as long as its width is wide.

Flexible

The term "flexible" is used in the claims in the sense that during normal use of the circuit carrier (BST) can be provided locally in areas between the components at least once with a mechanical curvature of the circuit substrate perpendicular to the surface normal of the ribbon-shaped circuit substrate, the zero is different without the functionality and / or reliability of the circuit substrate is impaired in terms of its intended use in terms of its electrical functions for the period of intended life. An alternative definition is that, when used as intended, the circuit carrier (BST) can be provided locally in regions between the components at least once with a mechanical curvature of the circuit carrier perpendicular to the surface normal of the strip-shaped circuit carrier in such a way that the break line is at least in one area the area formed by the width and the length is located.

tissue

Tissue is the generic term for manually or mechanically produced weaving products in the form of textile fabrics comprising at least two crossed yarn systems which can also comprise wires for the purpose of wiring. A tissue is suitable as a circuit carrier in the sense of this disclosure.

LED

An LED in the sense of this disclosure is understood to mean a luminous means that is connected to at least one drive line to a drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) with 1≤j≤n and located in the same section (A _j ) as this jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ), but preferably but not necessarily in another subsection (U _{Aj, i} ) with 2 ≤ i ≤ l _{j of} this section (A _j ). The light-emitting means is designed and provided in dependence on a signal of the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) its radiated light in color and / or brightness and / or temporal modulation and / or emission direction and / or shape or pattern of the emission angle to change. For this purpose, the light source can be combined with optical and / or micro-optical and / or micromechanical devices as actuators. Preferably, the LED is a device having a radiating PN junction in a semiconductor. The LED may have fluorescent and / or phosphorescent layers. However, it may also be an organic LED and / or an electroluminescent lamp and / or a conventional lamp. An LED within the meaning of this disclosure can also be a planar illuminant. The LED can be a light source with a substantially point-shaped emission character, which is combined with optical aids for changing the emission behavior. A punctiform radiation behavior in the sense of this disclosure is present when the area radiating the useful radiation has a geometric maximum diameter smaller than 5 mm. These optical aids can be provided, for example, to produce a planar impression of the radiation in the viewer. The radiation can take place in the visible and / or non-visible wavelength range (eg IR / UV). A light source in the sense of this disclosure thus radiates electromagnetic waves. Such a luminous means is referred to herein as LED, as the use of an LED is preferred in the current state of the art.

LED groups port

By LED group terminal is meant a terminal of a drive circuit (CRT _j ) which is intended to supply power to an associated LED group or to transmit illumination data to such an associated LED group.

LED group

An LED group in the sense of this disclosure consists of one or more LEDs according to the above description under the keyword LED. Such an LED group typically includes more than one light source. But it can also be just a bulb. Several lamps are preferably bulbs that emit electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, which may be visible and invisible. This can be done for lighting purposes, but also for measurement purposes. Each light source per se but also several subgroups of light sources of such a light source group (LED group) can each have a control line with a particular j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) with 1 ≤ j ≤ n be connected to at least one control line. This jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) is located in same j-th section (A _j ) of the n sections (A ₁ , A ₂ ... A _n ) as the relevant LED group. This jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) is preferably, but not necessarily, in another subsection (U _{Aj, i} ) with 2 ≤ i ≤ l _j j-th section (A _j ) is located. The light sources of the LED group are designed and provided depending on one or more signals of the associated jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ) their respective radiated light for example, in color and / or brightness and / or temporal modulation and / or emission direction and / or shape or pattern of the emission angle to change. For this purpose, all or part of the light sources of an LED group and / or the LED group may be combined as a whole or in part with optical and / or micro-optical and / or micromechanical devices as actuators or static devices. Preferably, a part of the lighting means or all lighting means are devices which have a radiating PN junction in a semiconductor. One or more or all of the light sources of the LED group or an optical window lying in a beam path of the LED group can have fluorescent and / or phosphorescent layers. However, one and / or more and / or all light sources can also be organic LEDs and / or electroluminescent light sources and / or a conventional light source. One or more or all lamps in the sense of this disclosure may also be a planar illuminant. One or more or all lamps can have a substantially punctiform emission character. The LED group can therefore also comprise optical aids for changing the emission behavior of one or more or all of the light sources of the LED group. A punctiform radiation behavior in the sense of this disclosure is present when the area of a luminous means radiating the useful radiation has a geometric maximum diameter smaller than 5 mm. These optical aids can be provided, for example, to produce a planar impression of the radiation in the viewer. The radiation of individual light sources of the light source group can take place in the visible and / or non-visible wavelength range (eg IR / UV). Illuminants of a group of bulbs in the sense of this disclosure radiate electromagnetic waves. Such a luminous means is referred to herein as LED, as the use of an LED is preferred in the current state of the art. Accordingly, the corresponding light source group is referred to herein as LED group in the sense of this disclosure without thereby limiting an LED group to a group of light-emitting diodes. The light sources of a light source group can be electrically connected in parallel, serially or in a combination thereof. The light-emitting means group can have its own control device, which receives, for example, a compressed image signal as the control signal from the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _n ), completely or partially decompressing this image signal in order to generate an image signal consisting of pixel signals for the different pixels of the transmitted image, extracted control information in the form of extracted pixel signals for one or more pixels from this image signal corresponding to a pixel coordinate deposited in the own controller of the LED group from the image signal and at least a lighting means of the lighting means group in response to this extracted control signal controls. This control preferably relates to the control of the amplitude and / or color emitted by the illuminant in question and the time profile of these parameters.

Neutral

The idling of a terminal of a drive circuit (CTR _j ) is present when no component is electrically connected.

circuit support

A circuit carrier in the sense of this disclosure is a device in or on the surface of electronic components mounted and / or grown and / or installed. The circuit carrier is preferably flexible. Typically, it consists of at least one non-conductive foil, on which lines are applied on one or both sides. In the film, it may be a Kapton ^® film, for example. Other non-conductive materials such as a Teflon film are conceivable as a carrier material of the circuit substrate. The band-shaped circuit carrier may also be a multilayer material. This can also be located within the film lines. The ribbon-shaped circuit carrier, if it is two-layered or multi-layered, typically also has plated-through holes. In a further variant, it is conceivable that the band-shaped circuit carrier consists of woven conductive and non-conductive threads, wherein the electrically conductive threads are typically provided with an insulation.

sensor

For the purposes of this disclosure, a sensor is understood to mean a device which is provided and suitable for converting a physical variable into an electrical signal or a variable that can be detected by means of an electrical device convert. It is relevant that a j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) with 1 ≤ j ≤ n with at least one measuring line is connected to the sensor and the sensor same portion (A _j ) as this j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ), but preferably in another subsection (U _{Aj, i} ) with 2 ≤ i ≤ l _{j of} this section (A _j ). The sensor is designed and provided to provide a physical quantity measurement to the associated j-th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ). The sensor can be combined with optical and / or micro-optical and / or micromechanical devices. Examples of suitable sensors include but are not limited to: photodiodes, color sensors, humidity sensors, conductivity sensors, temperature sensors, biometric sensors with biometric reagents, hydrogel sensors, pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, sensors for measuring the angle of inclination, giros, microphones, sensors for mechanical stress and bending (in particular the band-shaped circuit carrier itself), flame sensors, smoke sensors, etc.

Sensor groups port

By sensor group connection is meant a connection of a drive circuit (CRT _j ), which is provided to allow the acquisition of measurements of a sensor group or a sensor or to allow its measurement.

negative supply voltage line

The negative supply voltage line is a second electrical line for supplying the electrical and electronic components on the circuit carrier (BST) with electrical energy. It defines a negative electrical potential in the sense of this disclosure. It is typically arranged along one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST). In this case, the distance to the other longitudinal side of the band-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) may be smaller than to the longitudinal side of the band-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), to which it is arranged longitudinally.

positive supply voltage line

The positive supply voltage line is a first electrical line for supplying the electrical and electronic components on the circuit carrier (BST) with electrical energy. It defines a positive electrical potential within the meaning of this disclosure. It is typically arranged along one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of the strip-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST). In this case, the distance to the other longitudinal side of the band-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) may be smaller than to the longitudinal side of the band-shaped circuit carrier and / or one of the two longitudinal sides (LS) of a part (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of this band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), to which it is arranged longitudinally.

Reset to default

The reset of the drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) means that they are brought into a predefined state. This particularly relates to the passage of data through a drive circuit (CTR _j ) to a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ). This routing preferably takes place only when the relevant drive circuit (CTR _j ) has an assigned drive circuit address.

Usable measuring methods

Determination of clipping ability

For the determination of the ability to cut, the circuit carrier is tested for functionality. If this is given with a separation method, which is arbitrary, the circuit carrier or one of its sections (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) divided at a separation point into two parts, so that the length L of these parts is shorter than the original length L of the circuit carrier (BST). Is there any separation method and any separation point on at least one circuit carrier of the corresponding class of circuit carriers or one of its subsections (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ), which leads to a part of these resulting two parts of the circuit carrier after the division even for themselves is fully or partially functional, so all circuit carriers of this class of circuit carriers are cut off.

Determination of the band direction

The band direction (BVR) is always defined from the connection point (AP) to the outside. Indicates the band-shaped circuit carrier a plurality of connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP _m ) and / or the strip-shaped circuit carrier (BST) has several parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ), then there are several conceivable strip course directions (BVR ₁ , BVR ₂ ,. .. BVR _m ) which the respective connection points (AP ₁ , AP ₂ , AP _m ) and / or parts (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) can be assigned. For the purposes of this disclosure, however, it is sufficient if one of these multiple band path directions (BVR ₁ , BVR ₂ ,... BVR _m ) can be selected as a band progression direction (BVR) for a division of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) into two parts by truncation, so that the features defined in the claims apply.

Determination of flexibility

For the purposes of this disclosure, the circuit carrier is considered to be flexible if it or one of its subsections (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ) can be provided reversibly or not reversibly at least once with a radius of curvature that differs infinitely, the curvature being such in the Circuit carrier can be introduced, that the axis of curvature of this curvature is then parallel to the plane which is given by the broad side and longitudinal side of the circuit carrier (BST) or the relevant subsection (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ).

Mechanical length measures

Mechanical length dimensions such as the width b, the length L and the thickness d can be measured, for example with the aid of a vernier caliper. Examples of applicable standards would be the DIN 862 and / or the DIN 863 with variants.

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QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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• EP 2679982 A1 [0027, 0027]
• WO 2013076079 A1 [0027]
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• DE 102014002194 A1 [0027]
• DE 102014002788 A1 [0027]
• DE 102014002486 A1 [0027]
• DE 102013000376 A1 [0028]
• DE 102013019660 A1 [0028]
• DE 10337940 A1 [0029]
• DE 102005052005 A1 [0029]
• WO 03048953 A2 [0029]
• DE 102016100837 [0046]
• DE 102016100839 [0046]
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• DE 102016100847 [0046]
• DE 102016101181 [0046]

Cited non-patent literature

• Weber. W. et al. "Electronics in textiles the next stage in man machine interaction", Proc. Of the 2nd CREST Workshop on Advanced Computing and Communicating Techniques for Wearable Information Playing, pp. 35-41, Nara Japan, May 2003 [0029]
• DIN 862 [0108]
• DIN 863 [0108]

Claims (9)

Device that is a band-shaped LED chain, - with a flexible, cut-off, band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), • are applied to the electronic components and electrical lines and partially connected to each other and • which has a band direction (BVR) and • the one Length (L) and a width (B) which is at least three times smaller than the length (L), - with a positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) along the band running direction (BVR) on the circuit carrier (BST) and - with a negative Supply voltage line (GND) along the band running direction (BVR) on the circuit carrier (BST) and - with a data line (BUS) along the band direction (BVR) on the circuit carrier (BST), • wherein the data line (BUS) in n arranged one behind the other with a Data bus section number numberable data line sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) is divided, where n is a whole positive number greater than 1, and wherein each of the n consecutive data line sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) each have a first end and a second end, and wherein the data line (BUS) at the first End of the first data bus section (BUS ₁ ) of the n data bus sections (BUS ₁ , BUS ₂ , BUS ₃ , ... BUS _n ) has a data _terminal (D _INOUT ), - n drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) on the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST), - with a first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) on the circuit carrier (BST), • a first data _terminal (CTR _1IOA ) and a second data _port (CTR _1IOB ) and • whose first data _port (CTR _1IOA ) is connected to the second end of the first data _{link section} (BUS ₁ ), and • which is connected to the one with the positive power supply line (V _bat ), and the one with the negative supply with at least one subsequent i-th drive circuit (CTR _i ) (1 <i ≤ n) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , CTR _i , ... CTR _n ) on the circuit carrier ( BST), where 1 <i ≤ n and n is said whole positive number and • has a first data _port (CTR _iIOA ) and a second data _port (CTR _iIOA ) and • its first data _port (CTR _iIOA ) with the second End of the preceding i-th data line section (BUS _i ), which in turn has its first end connected to the second data connection (CTR _{( i-1 ) IO} ) of the preceding (i-1) -th drive circuit (CTR _(i-1) ) connected to the positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) and connected to the negative supply voltage line (GND), each j th drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) with 1 ≤ j ≤ n is connected to respective positive number k _j of LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , .... LED _{j, kj} ), and wherein each of the LED groups (LED _{j, l} , 1 ≦ j ≦ n, 0 ≦ l ≦ k _j ) consists of one or more LEDs connected in series and / or in parallel, but at least one LED, and wherein at least two drive circuits (CTR _o , CTR _p ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) are adapted to receive illumination data via the data bus (BUS), and - wherein at least these two drive circuits (CTR _o , CTR _p ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , .. CTR _n ) are adapted to the LED groups connected to these two drive circuits (CTR _o , CTR _p ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _n ) (LED _{o, l} , LED _{p, m} ) to supply in dependence on these illumination data with electrical energy, - wherein the band-shaped LED chain in n consecutively along the band running direction (BVR) l Inear countably ordered arranged portions (A ₁ , A ₂ , ... A _n ) each having a first end and a second end along the band direction (BVR) can be divided and - wherein each j-th section (A _j ) with 1 ≤ j ≤ n, exactly one jth drive circuit (CTR _j ) can be assigned to the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _j , ... CTR _n ) and - where all k _j LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , .... LED _{j, kj} ), which are supplied with electrical energy from this very jth drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n), this section (A _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) without having to assign another driving circuit (CTR _{(j ± x)} , 1 ≤ (j ± x) ≤ n) to this section (A _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) and that Section (A _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) again in l _j > k _j successively along the band direction (BVR) linearly arranged subsections (U _{Aj, 1} , U _{Aj, 2} , ... U _{Aj, (kj + 1)} ), Wherein in the first subsection (U _{Aj, 1} ) of this section (A _j ) the jth drive circuit (CTR _j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n) associated with that section (A _j ) of the n drive circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , .... CTR _j , .... CTR _jn ) and • where in the following l _j - 1 subsections (U _{Aj, l} , 2 ≤ l ≤ l _j ) if, then exactly one of k _j LED groups (LED _{j, 1} , LED _{j, 2} , .... LED _{j, kj} ) is located, - that in the first subsection (U _A1,1 ) of the first section (A ₁ ) of the first data _port (D _INOUT ) and the connection for the positive supply voltage line (V _bat ) and the connection for the negative supply voltage line (GND) are located and - That after shortening the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) by means of separation of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) in a selected n _new -th section (A _{n_new} ) in a subsection (U _{An_neu, 1} ) of the same n- _new section (A _{n_new} ) of remaining n- _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) of this n _new -th section (A _{n_new} ) is _{adapted to perform} a method after power-on or on command, the number I _{n_new of} the respective remaining subsections (U _{An_new, In_new} ) of the _new nth section (A _{n_new} ) and outputs via the data _port (D _INOUT ). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that - the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST) at least in a region per subsection (U _{Aj, 1} , U _{Aj, 2} , ... U _{Aj, lj} ), the entire width of the band-shaped circuit carrier (BST ), has no line intersections or superimposed lines, and vehicle Wherein a device according to claim 1 in an interior of the vehicle is integrated in particular by gluing or inserting or sewing in a panel or a cover. clothing - In which a device according to claim 1 is integrated into the clothing piece in particular by gluing or inserting or sewing. Garment according to claim 4 - The device according to claim 4 is a part of a device or even such a device which determines a biometric measured value. tissue - An apparatus according to claim 4 is integrated into the fabric in particular by gluing or inserting or sewing or weaving. Method for use in a device according to claim 1 for execution in the remaining drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) of the remaining n _new section (A _{n_new} ) for determining the number (I _{n_new} = k _{n_new} + 1) of the remaining subsections (U _{An_new , 1} , U _{An_new, 2} , ... U _{An_new, kj} , U _{An_new, In_new} ) of the _new nth section (A _{n_new} ) - where n is the _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) q _{n_new Ports} for connecting the k _{n_new} LED groups (LED _{n_new, 1} , LED _{n_new, 2} , ... LED _{n_new, kn_new} ) comprising the steps of: - performing a test for an open circuit on _{qn_new} terminals of the n _new drive circuit ( _{CTRn_new} ), which are intended or suitable for supplying an LED group with electrical energy; Counting of the terminals of these _{n_new} terminals of the n _new drive _circuit (CTR _{n_new} ) which are intended or suitable for supplying an LED group with electrical energy and which are not idle; - Possibly. Transmission of the result to a control unit (ECU). Method for use together with a device according to claim 1 for implementation in a control unit (ECU) connected to the device according to claim 1 via a data line for data exchange, for determining the number of remaining subsections of all remaining sections (A ₁ , A ₂ , .... A _{n_neu} ) and for determining a luminous _{flux address} for each remaining LED group comprising the steps of - resetting all the driving _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ); - setting a base value for the drive circuit address of the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) of the first section (A ₁ ) as the current drive circuit address; - Specifying a base value for the current LED address; - determining the first drive circuit (CTR ₁ ) as the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) (j = 1); Assigning the base value for the drive circuit address of the current drive circuit (CTR _j ); Performing the following steps until all the _new drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _{n_new} ) have received a drive _{circuit address} and until all the LED groups of these drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ ,... CTR _{n_new} ) have an LED Address received; • Label 1: Perform the following two steps until all LED groups of the current control _circuit (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) have received an LED address; Step one: Test for an open circuit at one of the possible q _j terminals of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) of the remaining n _new drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) provided or suitable for each, one Supply LED group with electrical energy; Step two: Assign the current LED address as the LED address to this LED group at this one of the possible q _j terminals of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) and to this terminal of the possible q _j terminals of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) if this terminal of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle, and changing the current LED address to an unallocated value if that terminal of the current drive circuit (CRT _j ) is not idle; Check for the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) by the current one Control circuit (CTR _j ) and optionally transmitting the test result to the control unit (ECU); • performing the following three steps if the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) is detected by the current drive circuit (CTR _j ), • Step 1: determining the subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) to the new current one Drive circuit (CTR _j ); and Step 2: Assign the drive circuit address of the current drive circuit (CTR _j ) as drive circuit address of this new drive circuit (CTR _j ) and change drive circuit address of the drive circuit (CTR _j ) to a value not yet assigned by the control unit (CTR _j ). ECU) and • Step 3: Continue the process at the step labeled Label 1; If the presence of a subsequent drive circuit (CTR _{(j + 1)} ) is not detected by the current drive circuit (CTR _j ), the method is terminated at least temporarily. Method for use in a device according to claim 1, comprising - determining the number n _{new of} the connected drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ); For each of the connected drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ), assign a drive _{circuit address} ; - For each drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the connected drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) determining the number q _{j of} the terminals • provided or adapted to supply an LED group with electrical energy and • that are not idle; - For each drive circuit (CTR _j ) of the connected drive _circuits (CTR ₁ , CTR ₂ , ... CTR _{n_new} ) and each of these terminals Assign an LED address.

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