Semiconductor optical storage device and uses thereof

A semiconductor memory device contains graphic information which is viewable both by direct, visual observation of the memory and electrically, e.g., via a TV screen. The device contains a semiconductor chip having a surface and an array of electrically addressable memory cells therewithin. A photograph is made on the chip for storing graphic information projected onto the chip. The photograph comprises pixels which themselves comprise variable value circuit elements of the cells, or which are optically coupled to cell circuit elements for controlling the values thereof in correspondence with the optical characteristics of the pixels. The circuit elements determine the memory content of the cells in correspondence with the graphic information stored in the photograph.