The term “Guided-light” applies to a new concept of internal light utilization applicable primarily to opaque-faced, “edge-lighted,” plastic panels.
Manufacturing techniques based on this concept make possible the production of “one-piece” illuminable cockpit and control console panels that have unprecedented efficiency and “light-throw” yet retain the dimensions and conventional appearance of the “single panel” types. It is estimated that Guided-Light panels require less than 25% of the number of embedded lamps that are now used in state-of-the-art, embedded lamp, single panels.
Some of the techniques of “guided-light” light distribution are related to those that have been developed for the Duo-Panel but others are unique. This paper lays the ground work for early industrial application to aero-space indicating instruments. Optical efficacy of candidate combinations of materials may be determined through use of the curves presented.
