US3631411A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electrically and optically accessible memory
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1969-10-15
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Granted: 1971-12-28
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Expires: 1989-10-15
Abstract
Abstract A computer memory system is disclosed which includes a randomly and electrically accessible semiconductor ''''page'''' memory. The semiconductor page memory is an array of memory units each of which includes an electrically accessible flip-flop for storing a binary information bit. In addition, each flip-flop is provided with a photodiode by which the flip-flop can be set in response to received light, and is provided with a liquid crystal light valve controlled by the electrical state of the flip-flop. The page array of memory units is constructed as a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit. Each memory unit includes a flip-flop transistor having a drain which is extended over an area of opposite-conductivity material to form a photodiode. A liquid crystal material and a transparent electrode are positioned over the photodiode to form a light vale. The page array of memory units is used as a page-at-a-time electrical input-output unit for a great many pages of information stored optically on an erasable holographic storage medium.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter Frank Kosonocky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:02
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/34; G11C11/40; G11C11/401; G11C11/402; G11C11/4023; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/136; G02F1/1362; G02F1/136277; G11C11/41; G11C11/412; G11C13/00; G11C13/04; G11C13/042; G11C13/048
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
45 words
The combination of an integrated planar array of electrically and optically accessible memory units, each memory unit including a semiconductor bistable storage element, and a light valve responsive to the output of said bistable storage element and operative to control the passage of incident light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of an integrated planar array of electrically and optically accessible memory units, each memory unit including a semiconductor bistable storage element, and a light valve responsive to the output of said bistable storage element and operative to control the passage of incident light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said light valve is a liquid crystal light valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination defined in claim 2 wherein said liquid crystal light valve controls the passage through said planar array of said incident light.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination defined in claim 2 wherein said liquid crystal light valve controls the reflection from said planar array of said incident light.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination defined in claim 2 wherein said liquid crystal light valve includes a light scattering liquid crystal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination defined in claim 2 wherein said liquid crystal light valve includes a light-absorbing liquid crystal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination defined in claim 2 wherein said liquid crystal light valve includes a light-polarization-rotating liquid crystal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination defined in claim 7, and in addition, an optical system including collimating lenses on both sides of said array of memory units.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
The combination of an integrated planar array of electrically and optically accessible memory units, each memory unit including a semiconductor bistable storage element, a photosensor responsive to light and having an output connected to a set input of said bistable storage element, and a light valve responsive to the output of said bistable storage element and operative to control the passage of incident light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
The combination of an integrated planar array of electrically and optically accessible memory units, each memory unit including a semiconductor bistable storage element, a photosensor responsive to light and having an output connected to a set input of said bistable storage element, and a light valve responsive to the output of said bistable storage element and operative to control the passage of incident light.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said photosensor and said light valve are constructed to be in substantially coextensive overlapping relationship.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination defined in claim 10 wherein said light valve is a liquid crystal light valve.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination defined in claim 11 wherein said photosensor is a PN-diode and wherein one of the P- and N-layers of the diode constitutes one electrode of said liquid crystal light valve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination as defined in claim 12 wherein the other electrode of said liquid crystal light valve is constituted by a transparent conductive sheet.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination as defined in claim 12 wherein said integrated planar array is covered with a layer of liquid crystal material confined in place by a transparent conductive sheet electrode, and in addition, a light mask having openings coextensive with said photodiodes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
60 words
The combination defined in claim 10, and in addition, optical means on one side of said array of memory units including means to direct incident light at an acute angle therewith to said light valves from which the light may be reflected at an angle of reflection, and means to direct light to said photosensors at said angle of reflection
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 15 wherein said optical means includes a lens positioned to pass both incident and reflected light.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2727685A
Cited
US3341274A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-27 | 1975-06-28 | 1975-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-27 | 1979-06-28 | 1979-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-27 | 1983-06-28 | 1983-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |