Flash Imaging Devices, Methods for Making and Using the Same

• US 20070273951A1
• Filed: 09/17/2004
• Published: 11/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Segan Industries Inc.
• Original Assignee: Segan Industries Inc.
• Inventors: Ribi, Hans
• Granted Patent: US 7,813,025 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/237
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 15/022 combined with permanently fastened sound-producing or light-emitting means or carrying sound records
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/0081 Electric or magnetic properties
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/01 for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour G02F1/29, G02F1/35 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/0121 Operation of devices; Circuit arrangements, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/0147 based on thermo-optic effects G02F1/132 takes precedence

Abstract

The invention provides flash imaging devices that include an optical change component that undergoes a change in response to an applied stimulus, a substrate and a stimulus element. Also provided are articles that include the subject devices, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Claims

1. A flash imaging device comprising:

(a) an optical change component that changes an optical property in response to an applied stimulus;

(b) a substrate; and

(c) a stimulus element for applying a stimulus in a controlled manner to said optical component of said device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said optical change component comprises an optical change agent present in a solid medium.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said optical change component comprises an optical change agent present in a fluid medium.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is a solid substrate.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said solid substrate is a rigid substrate.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein said solid substrate is a pliable substrate.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said stimulus element is a thermal stimulus element.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said thermal stimulus element comprises a conductive medium.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said conductive medium comprises an electrical circuit.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises a planar structure.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said device displays an image on a surface of said planar structure.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises a contoured structure.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein said device displays an image on a surface of said contoured structure.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device has a wire configuration.

15. A sensor comprising a flash imaging device according to claim 1.

16. The sensor according to claim 15, wherein said flash imaging device is a passive component of said sensor.

17. The sensor according to claim 15, wherein said flash imaging device is an active component of said sensor.

18. A method comprising:

contacting;

(a) an optical change component that changes an optical property in response to an applied stimulus;

(b) a substrate; and

(c) a stimulus element for applying a stimulus in a controlled manner to an optical component;

with each other to produce a flash imaging device.

19. A method comprising using a flash imaging device comprising:

(a) an optical change component that changes an optical property in response to an applied stimulus;

(b) a substrate; and

(c) a stimulus element for applying a stimulus in a controlled manner to said optical component of said device.