Abstract: A color imaging system for use as an electronic still camera, for example, includes a color separator for separating the optical image of a subject from a lens into a plurality of different color images, an optical shutter selectively openable for transmitting the optical image of the subject to the color separator, a photoconductive layer for converting the different color images into respective electric charge images, and an information recording medium for recording images corresponding to the electric charge images under an electric field developed between the photoconductive layer and the information recording medium. The timing with which the optical shutter is opened and the timing with which the electric field is generated by the power supply, are controlled by a control unit depending on imaging conditions selected by the user. The color imaging system also has an optical viewfinder for allowing the user to visually observe the optical image of the subject introduced by the lens.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises first electrode, color-separation filter, recording, carrier generation, carrier transport, and second electrode layers which are laminated in order of mention. The recording layer and carrier generation layer may be separated at a given space. The recording layer comprises carrier retaining layer or a photo-modulation layer. Light image from an object is projected on the carrier generation layer through the first electrode, color-separation, and recording layers via an object lens enters the carrier generation layer. Carrier generated in the carrier generation layer in response to the light image are transported to the second electrode in response to application of a given voltage between the first and second electrodes. Discharge caused by application of the given voltage transfers a latent carrier image to the recording layer. The first electrode, color-separation filter and recording layers may be used for recording medium.

Abstract: A photo-to-photo transducer is composed by laminating a photoconductive layer member and a photo-modulation layer member including liquid crystals of scattering type each other and disposing the members between two transparent electrodes. The transducer is operated as follows: a specified voltage is applied across the electrodes to operate the photo-modulation layer member in the vicinity of operation threshold level thereof; an electro-magnetic radiation beam for writing information is projected onto the photoconductive layer member through the electrode at the side thereof; and an electro-magnetic radiation beam for reading the information is projected onto the photo-modulation layer member through the electrode at the side thereof, thus the electro-magnetic radiation beam for reading the information is modulated accordingly with intensity of the electro-magnetic radiation beam for writing the information.

Abstract: A image pickup device having a rewritable recording member on which optical patterns are repeatedly recorded as electrostatic images using a writing head with an electric potential applied between the head and recording member. Each image recorded on the recording member is erased prior to recording a subsequent image by application of an alternating voltage or an electric potential of opposite polarity between the writing head and recording member.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing information carried by an electro-magnetic radiation beam. The apparatus includes a charge holding member for storing a charge latent image, a generator for generating an electro-magnetic radiation beam which is a superimposition of a plurality of electro-magnetic radiation beams with different wavelength ranges, a filter for separating the superimposed beam into the plurality of electro-magnetic radiation beams and a photo-conductive member provided adjacent to the charge latent image holding member and having an impedance which varies according to the intensity of each of the plurality of beams separated by the filter. Charge latent images corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are thus recorded on the charge latent image holding member. The charge latent images thus recorded on the charge latent image holding member are reproduced by means of a photo-modulation member provided instead of a photo-conductive member.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for reproducing a charge latent image prerecorded on a recording medium composed of at least a photo-modulation layer and a charge holding layer laminated thereto and holding said charge latent image. The apparatus has two electrodes interposing the recording medium therebetween. The electrodes are connected to each other and one of which is spaced from the recording medium. A reading light is allowed to permeate the photo-modulation layer. The apparatus also has a vibrator which vibrates one of the electrodes to modulate an electric field generated between the electrodes by the charge latent image prerecorded on the recording medium. The reading light is then electro-optically modulated to reproduce the charge latent image.

Abstract: A portable prepaid card is disclosed comprising a substrate on which a photoconductive layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a transparent electrode plate are built up in this order. When an optical image is radiated on the photoconductive layer through the liquid crystal layer, the exposed regions and the unexposed regions of the photoconductive layer have different volume resistances. In this state, if a predetermined voltage is applied from the outside between the electrode plate and the photoconductive layer, a visible image corresponding to the radiated optical image is fixed in the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A device for detecting a charge latent image on a recording medium includes a photo-modulation member having a composite film of high polymer material and a liquid crystal material dispersed in the high polymer material, preferable liquid crystal material having refraction anisotropy higher than 0.18 and droplet size of less than 0.5 micron.

Abstract: Provided is an optical information medium containing an information layer comprised of a 1-phenyl substituted naphthalocyanine. Also provided is a method for easily synthesizing the naphthalocyanine chromophore used in the information layer. The use of such naphthalocyanine chromophores in the information layer of an optical information medium provides one with many advantages. In the manufacture of the medium, these advantages arise due to the increased solubility exhibited by the chromophore in conventional organic solvents. As well, the chromophores exhibit excellent and unique optical properties useful in the recording of optical information.

Abstract: An optical logic device consists of a bistable liquid crystal layer (BOD 1) of the thermally-induced birefringent (TIB) type settable by one or more write beams and rfead by a beam of a different wavelength or different light polarization. Thus the read and write beams are optically decoupled. Two such devices (BOD 1 and BOD 2) in tandem form a 3-input AND gate. Here beams A and B are write beams for the first device, (BOD 1), and beam C is the read beam for the first device. For the second device (BOD 2) the write beams are the output of the first device (BOD 1) and beam D, the read beam being beam E. The two read beams have different wavelengths from the write beam. In a second version, the liquid crystal layer is on the base of a prism via which the beams reads it. Write beams go right through the layer, while a read beam is "reflected" from the layer but is modulated by the state thereof. This is an OR gate. Logic assemblies can use combinations of such AND or OR gates.

Abstract: The disclosed liquid crystal electrooptic memory device uses a ferroelectric liquid crystal sandwiched by a pair of molecular oriented films attached to opposite surfaces thereof, and a pair of transparent conductive films are attached to the outside surfaces of the molecular oriented films, respectively. An impedance having a constant electrostatic capacitance and a variable resistance is connected to one of the transparent conductive films. Further, an electric pulse source is connected across the transparent conductive films through the impedance. When a pulse from the pulse source is applied to the transparent conductive films, light transmittance of the ferroelectric liquid crystal is set at different levels depending on the resistance of the impedance. Thus, the resistance of the impedance is memorized in the form of the light transmittance of the ferroelectric liquid crystal. The impedance can be in the form of a photoconductive film attached to the molecular oriented film.

Abstract: A card with a display function and a data storage capability comprises a pair of substrates; a plurality of electrodes on the substrates; a liquid crystal orientation control film on the electrodes; and a liquid crystal material with a strong dielectric property filled between the pair of substrates; wherein the liquid crystal material with the strong dielectric property is utilized to provide for a liquid crystal display region and a data storage region to write in, erase, and rewrite external data by addition of external energy to the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reversible optical data storage using polymeric liquid crystals with mesogenic side groups as a storage medium, arranged to store information by means of selective variation of the order of the polymeric liquid crystals be means of a heat source. The macroscopically oriented film made from the liquid crystal polymer is held in the solid form retaining condition of the liquid crystal polymer in the temperature range below the glass temperature T.sub.g >T.sub.a (room remperature) for the purpose of storing the information. The polymer is then selectively and locally heated by means of the heat source into the isotropic liquid condition and the local information is fixed in the glass condition of the polymer after the heat source is turned off.

Abstract: An improved magneto-optical disc memory writing and reading method with a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is shown. As FLC a chiral smectic liquid crystal is employed to exhibit a hysteresis between a pair of substrates which have easy polarization axes normal to each other. Informations to be recorded are written on the disc in terms of a binary system by use of the hysteresis.

Abstract: An improved magneto-optical disc memory recording and reading system with a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is shown. As FLC a chiral smectic liquid crystal is employed to exhibit a bistability between a pair of substrates which have easy polarization axes normal to each other. Informations to be recorded are written on the disc in terms of a binary system by use of the bistability.

Abstract: An improved magneto-optical disc memory with a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is shown. As FLC a chiral smectic liquid crystal is employed to exhibit a hysteresis between a pair of substrates which have easy polarization axes normal to each other Informations to be recorded are written on the disc in terms of a binary system by use of the hysteresis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal optical element for use in information recording media and displays, which is composed of a polymeric liquid crystal and from 0.01% to 10% by weight, on the basis of the polymeric liquid crystal, of a biphenyl or biphenyl derivative of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X and Y each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an oxyalkyl group, a halogen atom, a nitrile group, or a nitro group. By the addition of the biphenyl or biphenyl derivative, the orientation of the polymeric liquid crystal is improved.

Abstract: A circuit unit is described, comprising an integrated circuit disposed on a substrate as its carrier and coupling elements for energy transfer, data output and, if required, data input.All coupling elements are disposed on the substrate which bears the integrated circuit. The circuit units may be advantageously embedded in identification cards.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for reversible optical information storage by means of a liquid crystal storage medium, whereby the information is stored in a firm of a liquid crystal side chain polymer in an anisotropic phase by means of locally acting heat source in combination with an electric, magnetic or surfaces active field, through local reorientation.

Abstract: An improved magneto-optical disc memory with a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is shown. As FLC a chiral smectic liquid crystal is employed to exhibit a bistability between a pair of substrates which have easy polarization axes normal to each other. Information to be recorded is written on the disc in terms of a binary system by use of the bistability. Reproduction is performed using a polarizing plate and a photodetector.

Abstract: An improved optical memory disc is disclosed which has a liquid crystal layer on which information is written by applying electric field. The liquid crystal layer is sectioned into a plurality of concentric tracks by concentric grooves. When information is written or read, an auto-tracking method can implemented by aid of the grooves.

Abstract: A device, and a corresponding method for its operation, for converting binary electrical signals into optical form and for scrolling the optical signals across an array of liquid crystal cells. The device in its two-dimensional form includes an array of rows of liquid crystal cells of the ferroelectric smectic type, input circuits for applying binary signals to an input cell in each row, and a three-phase clocking circuit connected to the remaining cells in each row, to propagate the states of the input cells rapidly into successive cells across the array, in the same manner as a shift register, but with the signals being stored in optical form for ease of processing in optical processing apparatus.

Abstract: A memory comprises a viologen which shows liquid crystalline properties, and a voltage more than 0.7 V is applied to the viologen so that the electric conductivity of the viologen is changed and the resultant state of said viologen in which the electric conductivity has been changed is used as a memorized state.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell for an image projection apparatus has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between two conductive layers. The layer surface is divided into one or more regions and one of the sandwiching conductive layers is divided into separate sections each matching a different region. Busbars are bonded on the other of these conductive layers along the edges and boundary lines between adjacent regions (resistors) such that negative and positive writing/erasing can be performed in selected region or regions. By applying one or more current pulses in one or more of these resistors, the corresponding region or regions can be more completely erased and a uniform dark background can be created therein.

Abstract: An optical recording medium comprising a pair of substrates each having an electrode, the space between the substrate is filled with a high-dielectric liquid crystal to form a rewritable recording layer. The recording medium comprises radiation absorbing means to provide a change of directional orientation of the liquid crystal upon exposure to a laser beam.

Abstract: An information holding device comprising a pair of substrates whose opposing surfaces are formed with electrodes on one side and electrodes on the other side so that they may oppose and that opposing parts between the electrodes on the one side and those on the other side may form a matrix as a whole, a dielectric which is held between said pair of substrates, means to change a capacitance of the dielectric in any desired one of the opposing parts, and detection means to simultaneously detect the capacitances of at least two of the opposing parts between the electrodes on the one side and those on the other side.

Abstract: An information holding device comprises a pair of substrates having a first electrode and a second electrode oppositely formed on opposing surfaces thereof, and a dielectric material held between the pair of substrates. A capacitance of the dielectric material between the first and second electrodes is changed and a voltage varying with time is applied to the dielectric. A displacement current flowing through the dielectric is then detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for the storage and conversion of a light input into a corresponding output with light from another source. The device includes an improved liquid crystal light valve having as a photosensor layer a deposited memory semiconductor material which is reversibily convertible between a first stable, relatively high electrical resistance condition and a second stable, relatively low electrical resistance condition. Each change of state or condition will remain after cessation of the input until stimulated to reverse to the other state, thereby achieving a storage or memory function.

Abstract: A liquid crystal storage device includes a smectic phase liquid crystalline medium in spaced relationship with at least three separated electrodes, the first of which provides a ground plane and is in contact with the liquid crystal medium; a second electrode, spaced from the first electrode, is arranged in a mesh-like or finger electrode configuration, being likewise in contact with the liquid crystal medium; a third electrode is spaced by a dielectric medium from the second electrode, such third electrode being in either orthogonal or parallel relationship with the second electrode. Voltages are selectively applied to each of the second and third electrodes such that the stable state of the liquid crystalline layer is changed from the ordered (homeotropic) or clear state, to the disordered (focal conic) or dark state.

Abstract: A method of optical data processing employs a modulable source of light which illuminates an optical assembly. A storage location selector is employed to apply a second modulating signal to an address selected storage location of a charge storage register. A charge storage register provides a selected storage cell with a potential of the modulating signal. After storing the predetermined potential variation in the charge storage register the potential of each cell is applied through an optical modulator to the photocell of a photodetector arrangement. The optical properties of each modular element is controlled through the potential of the associated cell of the charge storage resistor in a manner such that the intensity of the light falling on the photocell is a function of the total intensity incident on the optical assembly and also a function of the voltage applied in the respective modular element.

Abstract: An optical erasable liquid crystal disc memory system is provided which includes a rotating liquid crystal information storage medium confined by two surfaces. Various thin films on the surfaces are used to establish the proper conditions within the liquid crystal medium which, in combination with incident radition and applied voltages, accomplish the read, write, and erase functions.The resulting system provides a locally erasable optical disc memory with high density storage, long-term information stability under a wide range of temperature, and read, write, and erase times compatible with modern high speed computers.

Abstract: An optical erasable thermally addressed, liquid crystal information storage and retrieval system is disclosed having an information density and the order of 10.sup.7 bits/cm.sup.2 while using liquid crystal cell thickness of relatively standard dimensions (.about.10 .mu.m). The system includes two substrates containing a smectic-A phase liquid crystal medium, and several thin filing attached to the substrates for establishing the proper conditions within the liquid crystal medium for creating a radiation scattering defect which is small in size (<1.0 .mu.m), and for performing erase functions in conjunction with an optical beam. A device according to the invention has an array of such defects in the liquid crystal medium representing information bits, with the array having a ratio of the shortest distance between individual defects to the thickness of the liquid crystal medium of less than 0.4, for a liquid crystal medium having thickness larger than 5 microns.

Abstract: A system comprising means for emitting an analysis beam and a recording beam, the two beams being deflected by common deflection means. The analysis beam scans the document carrying the image to be analyzed and a detecting photocell provides an electrical signal. The recording beam scans a liquid crystal cell, where it records the image in synchronism with analysis in dependence upon a modulation of the thermo-optical effects induced in the liquid crystal. This modulation is provided by the electrical signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the contrast ratio of the output image from a cholestericnematic (storage mode) light valve. The increase in contrast ratio is achieved by applying a low amplitude voltage across the cell at an erasing frequency thereby causing increased scattering of light in the stored image areas and decreased scattering in the clear area.