The Boeing Company
Fiber optic twinkling star patterns by means of light engine and specialized optics

Abstract:

Systems, methods, and apparatus for fiber optic lighting panels that produce twinkling star patterns by means of a light engine and specialized optics are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed panel for creating a lighted scene comprises a substrate comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a plurality of apertures through the first and second surfaces. The panel further comprises an optical lens disposed on the first surface within each of the apertures. Also, the panel comprises a light distribution unit (LDU) comprising a plurality of light sources coupled to the second surface. Further, the panel comprises a bundle of optical fibers coupled to each of the light sources, where each of the optical fibers is in communication with one of the optical lenses for transferring light emitted by the light sources to create the lighted scene.