Abstract: A method of changing a functionality of an optical article is provided. The method includes exposing the optical article to an external stimulus. The optical article includes an electrically responsive layer being configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to the external stimulus. The electrically responsive layer is configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an external stimulus, and is capable of irreversibly transforming the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality.

Abstract: A method of printing comprising, placing a plurality of optically detectable marks on an optical article using a ink-jet printing method, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.

Abstract: An optical article with a plurality of optically detectable marks on a first surface of the optical article, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a mark disposed on the optical article; wherein the mark comprises an optical state change material; wherein the optical state change material undergoes a change in its optical state when exposed to an activation signal selected from one or more of a laser, thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, and mechanical energy; wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when an authorized activation method is used; and wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an incorrectly activated state when an unauthorized activation method is used. A method and a system for changing the functionality of the optical article are also provided.

Abstract: A system for altering a functionality of an optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state, comprising an optical article comprising an optical data layer for storing data, an external radiation source for generating an external stimulus adapted to interact with the optical article, such interaction causing a change in optical accessibility of optically stored data, a directing material, wherein said directing material is for directing the external stimulus to selective portions of the optical article, thereby altering the functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state; a convertible element capable of responding to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality, wherein said 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,

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes a plurality of optically detectable marks disposed on a surface of the optical article; wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks are in a pre-determined combination of a first state and a second state; and at least one first control logic comprising at least one sector; wherein each optically detectable mark is associated with a particular first control logic; wherein each first control logic is executed only when its associated optically detectable mark is in a pre-determined state; and wherein a customized player-readable code is determined using a combination of the plurality of optically detectable marks and their associated first control logic. A method of making the optical article, a method of customizing the optical article, a method and a system for the playback of the optical article are also included.

Abstract: An electrically responsive ink composition comprising at least one electrically responsive optical-state change material, at least one electrolyte material, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material, wherein the ink composition has a viscosity between about 0.1 centipoise and about 10,000 centipoise, and a maximum optical absorbance in a range from about 200 nanometers to about 800 nanometers; and wherein the ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an electrical stimulus. The electrically responsive ink composition may be used to deposit an electrically responsive coating composition, which may be used as part of an anti-theft system for optical articles. Articles comprising electrically responsive coating compositions are also disclosed, as are methods for activation.

Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition comprises at least one thermochromic optical-state change material, at least one thermally responsive pH modifier, and at least one base and at least one binder material. The quantity of the thermally responsive pH modifier is less than or equal to about 0.25 milli moles based on the amount of optical-state change material. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to a thermal stimulus. The thermochromic ink composition may comprise a nitro dye. A thermochromic coating composition formed using the thermochromic ink composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wirelessly powered flexible tag configured to be in contact with a substrate is provided. The tag includes a coupling layer configured to couple the tag to the substrate. An electrical circuit disposed on the coupling layer and configured to interact wirelessly with an external stimulus. The tag further includes at least one electrode or at least one heating element in operative association with the electrical circuit, and configured to generate electrical energy or thermal energy, respectively. Upon wireless interaction with the external stimulus the tag is configured to induce an electrical response, a thermal response, or a combination of both in the substrate.

Abstract: A thermally responsive ink composition consisting of at least one halochromic optical-state change material, at least one base, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material. The pH of the ink composition is such that the halochromic optical-state change material remains in its basic state until it is acted upon by a thermal stimulus. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon a change in pH caused by exposure to a thermal stimulus. A thermally responsive ink composition consisting of at least one quaternary onium salt of an halochromic optical-state change material, at least one solvent, and at least one binder material is also disclosed. Coating compositions prepared using these ink compositions and optical articles comprising these coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical article configured to transform from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes an optical data layer for storing data, wherein the data is read from the optical data layer in an activated state of functionality, and a material capable of undergoing a morphological transformation being disposed on the optical data layer and adapted to irreversibly alter from a first morphology to a second morphology upon interaction with the external stimulus to alter the state of functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to the activated state.

Abstract: A method of electronically administering instructions, includes receiving a new instruction; creating new instruction metadata from the new instruction; comparing the new instruction metadata to a data set of existing instruction metadata to identify existing instructions corresponding to the new instruction; determining whether the new instruction metadata indicates that the new instruction revises an existing instruction; comparing the new instruction to any corresponding existing instructions, where the new copy instruction metadata does not indicate that the new instruction revises an existing instruction, to determine if the new instruction revises the existing instructions; initiating revision workflow where the new instruction is determined to revise an existing instruction; and storing the new instruction metadata in the data set of existing instruction metadata and the new instruction in a corresponding data set of existing instructions.