Method of manufacture of a fabric based on optical fibers

摘要

The process for making a woven fabric containing optical fibres for at least part of the warp (1) and/or weft (2) yarns, treated so that they can diffuse light perpendicular to their lengthwise axes and at least in zones on the outside of the fabric, uses a Jacquard weave motif (5) to form a separation and identification matrix. The feed ends of a predetermined number of the optical fibres are grouped into a bundle and connected to the same light source, such as an LED, after cutting with a hot blade. The weave can incorporate optical fibres of one color for the weft and a different color for the warp yarns; the other yarns in the fabric can be of cotton, silk or other material. The Jacquard system is more suited to weaving with optical fibres as it can operate at a slower speed.