Patent ID: 8057886
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: G11B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for altering a functionality of an optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state, comprising: the optical article comprising an optical data layer having data; an external radiation source configured to generate an external stimulus adapted to interact with the optical article, such interaction causing a change in optical accessibility of the data; and a directing material comprising a metal foil disposed on the optical article, wherein the metal foil has an opening configured to allow the external stimulus to be directed toward a first portion of the optical article and a second portion of the optical article is protected from the external stimulus by the metal foil covering the second portion; and a convertible element at the first portion of the optical article, wherein the convertible element is capable of responding to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter the optical accessibility of the data in the optical data layer such that the optical article changes from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality, and wherein the convertible element comprises a color-shift dye, a magnetic material, a thermo-chromic material, a magneto-optical material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material, dye aggregates, or combinations thereof.