Abstract: An optical media is provided with an associated persistent electrochromic material. The electrochromic material has at least two states. In a first state, the electrochromic material interferes with the ability of an interrogating laser beam to read data from the optical media, and in a second state, the electrochromic material is substantially transparent, enabling the laser beam to read the disc. Advantageously, the persistent electrochromic material holds a desired optical state without the application of external power. The persistent time period may extend for days, weeks, or years depending on particular constructions, and on application requirements. The optical media has an integrated circuit, which is used to cause the electrochromic material to transition from a first state to the second state. In one example, an integrated circuit acts as the powering circuit for the electrochromic material, as well as providing logic and processing functions.

Abstract: An optical disc is provided with an associated optical shutter. In a first state, the optical media interferes with the ability of an interrogating laser beam to read data from the optical media, and in a second state, the optical media is substantially transparent, enabling the laser beam to read the disc. A powering circuit is used to cause the optical shutter to transition from a first state to the second state. In one example, an integrated circuit acts as the powering circuit, as well as providing logic and processing functions. The integrated circuit also couples to an RF antenna, enabling the integrated circuit to communicate with an associated RF scanning device. The optical shutter may take various geometric shapes, and typically has an electrochromic material for facilitating state change. The electrochromic material may fill the shutter, or the material may form a pattern.

Abstract: An optical media is provided with an associated electro-optic material. The electro-optic material has at least two states. In a first state, the electro-optic material interferes with the ability of an interrogating laser beam to read data from the optical media, and in a second state, the electro-optic material is substantially transparent, enabling the laser beam to read the disc. Advantageously, the electro-optic material may be placed over less than the full data area of the disc. The optical media has an area for placing an integrated circuit, which is used to cause the electro-optic material to transition from a first state to the second state. In one example, an integrated circuit acts as the powering circuit for the electro-optic material, as well as providing logic and processing functions. The integrated circuit also couples to an RF antenna, enabling the integrated circuit to communicate with an associated RF scanning device.