Abstract: A method for manufacturing light panels consisting of a plate shaped carrier with light conducting fibers fixed therein according to a given pattern. The method includes the steps of inserting the top end of each fiber from a fiber supply through openings in a mold. The mold is then filled with a castable plastic layer which is allowed to set to form a carrier. The carrier retains the fibers with the top ends of the fibers extending above the carrier. The top ends of the fibers extending above the carrier are melted by heat from a laser to form a melted nob at the top end of each fiber to act as a lense. A cover layer is applied on the carrier to embed the top end of each fiber and to protect the carrier. The carrier can be removed from the mold to allow the mold to be refilled with another castable plastic layer to form a next carrier for repeating the process. Removable plugs may be initially inserted into the openings of the mold to facilitate removal of the carrier at a desired angle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing light panels using a plate- or sheet-like carrier having optical fibers therein ending according to a certain pattern. The optical fibers (4) taken from a fiber supply are positioned in accordance with said pattern by means of a pattern plate (5). The optical fibers (4) lying on the side of the pattern plate (5) remote from the fiber supply (21) are introduced into a mould (1) in order to have them surrounded by a layer of a castable or injectable and quickly setting material (3) for forming the carrier. The fibers (4) are held in the desired position at the upper surface of the carrier to be formed within the mould (1) and the fiber ends are deflected in a group out of the mould (1).