Patent ID: 8202598

Claim:
A method of changing a functionality of an optical article, comprising: exposing the optical article to an external stimulus, the optical article comprising: an optical data layer storing data; and an electrically responsive layer disposed over the optical data layer, wherein the electrically responsive layer transforms from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure of the optical article to the external stimulus such that the optical article irreversibly transforms from a pre-activated state of functionality, in which the data is unable to be read, to an activated state of functionality, in which the data is readable, the electrically responsive layer comprising: a binder material; an electrically responsive material; an electrolyte; and at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the electrically responsive layer, wherein each of the electrodes includes a plurality of sub-electrodes that are interdigitated and disposed on the electrically responsive layer, the electrodes having an orientation generally parallel to a surface of the optical article.