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