WS281x Panel Layout and Highlighting System

General
1

Hey everyone, I’m working on a project that involves creating a WS281x LED panel to help highlight specific parts in a magazine. The layout is a bit tricky because it’s not a standard rectangle—it has a diagonal cut on the top left due to the roof structure. Here’s what I’m trying to achieve and the challenges I’m facing:

The Goal

I want to use the panel to highlight specific boxes in the magazine. For example, if I want to highlight Box 37, the system should light up Row 3 and Column 7. This is similar to how Excel uses blue marker lines to highlight rows and columns.

The Setup

  • LED Density: I’m using two different LED densities—30 LEDs per meter and 66 LEDs per meter. The 30 LEDs/m setup sometimes places LEDs behind the box borders, while the 66 LEDs/m setup has a 1.6 cm spacing, which means two LEDs can be hidden behind a box.
  • Panel Layout: The panel is connected in a specific order, creating a staggered pattern that alternates between rows and columns. This alternation is important for the highlighting effect but adds complexity to the setup.

What I’ve Tried

I came across ESPHome’s Light Partitions feature, which seems promising. It allows me to define specific areas (or partitions) on the panel and control them individually. I thought this could be the solution for highlighting rows and columns. Additionally, WLED also supports partitions, which might help manage the alternating row directions.

Challenges

  1. LED Placement: The uneven spacing and potential hiding of LEDs behind boxes make it difficult to ensure consistent highlighting across the panel.
  2. Non-Rectangular Shape: The diagonal cut on the top left complicates the grid system. I need a way to account for this irregularity in the layout.
  3. Alternating Rows: The staggered pattern means that even rows go one way and odd rows go the opposite. This requires careful programming to ensure the correct LEDs light up for each row and column.

Seeking Input

Has anyone worked on a similar project? I’m particularly interested in how others have handled non-rectangular panels or achieved consistent highlighting with uneven LED spacing. Any tips, resources, or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!