US4075610A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of storing optical information
Assignee: RCA Corp
•
Filing: 1976-10-26
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Granted: 1978-02-21
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Expires: 1996-10-26
Abstract
Abstract Optical information is stored in a member which includes a layer of electrochromic material and an electrolyte in contact with the electrochromic material. The electrolyte has particles of photoconductive material therein. The member is exposed to optical information such that electron-hole pairs are formed in the photoconductive material. The creation of the electron-hole pairs produces persistent coloration in the electrochromic material in an area which corresponds to the optical information. If desired, the stored information can be erased by applying an electric field to the member.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Seely Crandall
- 👤 Brian Wilfred Faughnan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:35
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C13/00; G11C13/04; G11C13/041; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/15; G02F1/1514; G02F1/1523; G03; G03G; G03G17/00; G03G17/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of storing optical information, comprising the steps of: providing a storage member having a layer of electrochromic material and an electrolyte in contact therewith, said electrolyte containing photoconductive material in particle form with at least some of said particles being in contact with said layer of electrochromic material, said photoconductive material being capable of creating electron-hole pairs when exposed to said optical information; and exposing said member to said optical information whereby said layer of electrochromic material colors in an area which corresponds to said optical information, said coloration occurring solely due to said exposure to said optical information.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of storing optical information, comprising the steps of: providing a storage member having a layer of electrochromic material and an electrolyte in contact therewith, said electrolyte containing photoconductive material in particle form with at least some of said particles being in contact with said layer of electrochromic material, said photoconductive material being capable of creating electron-hole pairs when exposed to said optical information; and exposing said member to said optical information whereby said layer of electrochromic material colors in an area which corresponds to said optical information, said coloration occurring solely due to said exposure to said optical information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 in which said photoconductive material has a band gap which is less than or equal to the energy of said optical information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 in which said particles of photoconductive material are less than about 1 micron in diameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 in which said electrolyte comprises greater than 80% by volume of said photoconductive material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 in which said photoconductive material comprises silicon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 in which said photoconductive material comprises titanium dioxide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 in which said electrochromic material comprises tungsten oxide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 which includes the step of erasing said coloration which corresponds to said optical information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 8 in which said step of erasing includes subjecting said member to an electric field.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method in accordance with claim 9 in which said member includes a first electrode in contact with said layer of electrochromic material and a second electrode in contact with said electrolyte, said first electrode being substantially transparent to said optical information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method in accordance with claim 10 in which said first electrode comprises tin doped indium oxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 10 in which said second electrode comprises graphite disposed on a layer of stainless steel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3691533A
Cited
US3745538A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-02-20 | 1981-08-22 | 1982-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-20 | 1985-08-22 | 1986-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-20 | 1989-08-22 | 1990-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |