Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
on a Jacquard loom before being processed. The remaining, inactive fabric is composed of the floating<br />
fibres on the back of the fabric. A third method uses a two-layer adapted basic-velour fabric that<br />
makes optical fibres as visible as possible. Before being woven, the fibres are chemically processed,<br />
enabling the specific dynamic lighting zones to be created. Further, the researchers modified these<br />
techniques and developed a matrix that enables basic information to be displayed in a static and<br />
dynamic way. A variety of light sources can be used for the structure. The choice mainly depends on<br />
the number of fibres connected to each source and the level of power consumption. The LED<br />
technology in this case is the preferred one, as many effects can be generated on the displays. The<br />
first OFFD was displayed on a jacket. With its function to be seen for security and publicity it has a<br />
great potential to be used for fire fighting and police applications. However, besides for clothing<br />
purposes, it might also be used in car interiors to display information to navigate drivers [152, 153].<br />
Communication between garment and wearer has also been realised by France Telecom with a textile<br />
communication device (OFFD). Glass fibres form a flexible screen which is produced by weaving.<br />
Each plastic fibre-optic thread is illuminated by tiny LEDs that are fixed along the edge of the display<br />
panel and controlled by a microchip. An electronic component is integrated into the material and<br />
controls the LEDS, which illuminate groups of glass fibres independent of one another. These light<br />
and dark patches essentially act as pixels for the display screen. A jacket and backpack have been<br />
produced as prototypes [114, 154].<br />
The US company Luminex designs and manufacturers lighting devices by different technologies.<br />
The so-called UniGlo(R) technology uses optical fibre mounted on a back reflector to create lighting<br />
panels. A computer controlled etching process ensures uniform light distribution.<br />
Another technology uses optical fibre woven into a cloth to create layers and is then built up into a<br />
panel or other lighting device. Computer controlled looms create variable micro bends in the optical<br />
fibre as it is woven into a cloth. In this way, it is ensured that the light is emitted uniformly along the<br />
length of backlighting panel. The working principle is illustrated in the following picture [155, 156]:<br />
Fig. 83 Working principle of light emission [156]<br />
90