Abstract: Random values can be very beneficial in systems needing to generate random number or encryption keys. Systems and methods are presented herein that can generate a random value based on errors in data. For example, an error vector can be generated when data having errors (e.g. stored data, data received by a receiver, etc.) is compared with corresponding corrected data. A circuit, such as a data channel, can generate the corrected data by applying error correcting codes to the data with errors. One or more error vectors may be used to produce a random value. In some cases, multiple error vectors can be combined to produce a random value.

Abstract: Secure rendering system that creates ray tracing samples with obfuscated positions, so that images can only be viewed by an authorized consumer able to recover the sample positions. Obfuscation of ray directions is integrated into the rendering process, for example by incorporating encryption into a lens shader. The rendering system never stores or transmits an image without obfuscating positions, so even the rendering system cannot see the image it is rendering. Embodiments may use public key cryptography, so that encryption of sample positions is done with a public key, and only the owner of the secret private key can view the rendered image. Since keys are asymmetric, the rendering system cannot decrypt the obfuscated samples. Piracy of rendered images is therefore mitigated. Some compositing operations may be performed on the secure rendering output prior to decrypting sample positions; for example, colors may be modified globally or for selected objects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for data security in a data storage device. In some embodiments, an alternating pattern is written to a magnetic recording medium as a sequence of symbols at a selected clock rate. A repeatable magnetic signature is generated by reading the alternating pattern from the medium, the magnetic signature having relatively weak entropy at boundaries of the symbols. A multi-bit digital sequence is extracted from the repeatable magnetic signature, the digital sequence having relatively strong entropy. The digital sequence is stored in a separate memory coupled to the medium. Access to data stored on the medium is authenticated responsive to the digital sequence stored in the separate memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calculating random values based on data errors are presented. A message collection circuit may collect sets of data having data errors and store them to a memory. The stored sets of data may then be processed to produce a random value based on errors in the sets of data. The random value(s) may be provided to random number generator(s), encryption circuit(s), or other circuit(s).

Abstract: Embodiments for presenting real-time contact options described generally herein. The system receives information from a first user about an offered item via a web page and communication preferences for use with a real-time contact option to be presented on the web page, whereby the communication preferences including a first-user-defined real-time contact option presentation condition. The system selectively presents to a second user the information about the offered item and the real-time contact option based on a determination that the first-user-defined real-time contact option presentation condition is satisfied. The system enables the second user to select the real-time contact option. In response to the second user selecting the real-time contact option, the system communicates to the first user a real-time contact request and information identifying the second user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent fishing umbrella rig for trolling and casting. The transparent fishing umbrella rig for trolling and casting includes a first and second arm. The transparent fishing umbrella can be used in a variety of environments and improves the angler's chance of successfully catching a fish by reducing the visibility of umbrella rig in contrast to the environment and water surrounding the umbrella rig. The transparent fishing rig is assembled by inserting the second arm into the first arm. Both the first arm and second arm have a plurality of lure line connections holes for the angler to connect lure lines and lures to the transparent fishing umbrella rig.

Abstract: A method and system are configured to assess a fee for communication facilitation. An electronic publication system includes a publication module configured to generate a user interface. The user interface includes search result information associated with a first entity and communication initiation information associated with the first entity. The communication initiation information includes identification information configured to identify a contact module of the first entity. The communication initiation information may be selectable to facilitate communication with the first entity. The publication system also includes a receiving module configured to receive a lead data record from a communication system for communication between the first entity and a second entity via the contact module. The publication system also includes a fee assessment module configured to receive the lead data record and to assess a fee to the first entity.

Abstract: Secure rendering system that creates ray tracing samples with obfuscated positions, so that images can only be viewed by an authorized consumer able to recover the sample positions. Obfuscation of ray directions is integrated into the rendering process, for example by incorporating encryption into a lens shader. The rendering system never stores or transmits an image without obfuscating positions, so even the rendering system cannot see the image it is rendering. Embodiments may use public key cryptography, so that encryption of sample positions is done with a public key, and only the owner of the secret private key can view the rendered image. Since keys are asymmetric, the rendering system cannot decrypt the obfuscated samples. Piracy of rendered images is therefore mitigated. Some compositing operations may be performed on the secure rendering output prior to decrypting sample positions; for example, colors may be modified globally or for selected objects.

Abstract: A method of directly modifying ray tracing samples generated by a ray tracing renderer. Modifications to samples may be made after rendering and before rasterizing, in contrast to typical compositing workflows that manipulate pixels of a rasterized image. Modifications may be based on user input. Rasterization may be performed afterwards at any desired resolutions, for example to adapt to different displays. Samples may be tagged with object identities, facilitating object selection without the need for object masks. Pseudo-random ray patterns typically used by renderers may be supported directly. Many operations may be performed directly on samples, including color changes, object repositioning, and merging of samples from different scenes. Secure samples with scrambled ray directions may be modified directly.

Abstract: Secure rendering system that creates ray tracing samples with obfuscated positions, so that images can only be viewed by an authorized consumer able to recover the sample positions. Obfuscation of ray directions is integrated into the rendering process, for example by incorporating encryption into a lens shader. The rendering system never stores or transmits an image without obfuscating positions, so even the rendering system cannot see the image it is rendering. Embodiments may use public key cryptography, so that encryption of sample positions is done with a public key, and only the owner of the secret private key can view the rendered image. Since keys are asymmetric, the rendering system cannot decrypt the obfuscated samples. Piracy of rendered images is therefore mitigated. Some compositing operations may be performed on the secure rendering output prior to decrypting sample positions; for example, colors may be modified globally or for selected objects.

Abstract: Secure rendering system that creates ray tracing samples with obfuscated positions, so that images can only be viewed by an authorized consumer able to recover the sample positions. Obfuscation of ray directions is integrated into the rendering process, for example by incorporating encryption into a lens shader. The rendering system never stores or transmits an image without obfuscating positions, so even the rendering system cannot see the image it is rendering. Embodiments may use public key cryptography, so that encryption of sample positions is done with a public key, and only the owner of the secret private key can view the rendered image. Since keys are asymmetric, the rendering system cannot decrypt the obfuscated samples. Piracy of rendered images is therefore mitigated. Some compositing operations may be performed on the secure rendering output prior to decrypting sample positions; for example, colors may be modified globally or for selected objects.

Abstract: An electronic device configured for real-time calibration of an on-board accelerometer. A plurality of acceleration measurements are collected from the accelerometer to form a data set. An accelerometer error correction model is maintained that includes bias error calibration parameters, sensitivity calibration parameters, and cross-axis calibration parameters that each specify respective weights for each of bias error, sensitivity error, and cross-axis error. Calibration values are determined for one or more of the bias error calibration parameters, the sensitivity calibration parameters, and the cross-axis error calibration parameters for the data set of acceleration measurements using the accelerometer error correction model. A true acceleration vector may be determined that corresponds to a subsequently received acceleration measurement using the determined calibration values.

Abstract: A method for using electrical stimulation for cerebral network analysis. A first source localization procedure is performed, including a first source measurement procedure which produces first source measurement data, using the first source measurement data to find a solution to a first ill-posed problem which provides a first estimated location of the source. The body is electrically stimulated by targeting the first estimated location, and a second, fast source measurement procedure producing second source measurement data is performed thereafter while measurable effects of the step of stimulating, on the source, still remain. The second source measurement data are compared with the first source measurement data for assessing an extent to which the first estimated location is correct.

Abstract: A system for occupancy prediction includes one or more occupancy sensors configured to detect a current occupancy state of one or more detection zones including at least one of occupied by one or more occupants or vacant of occupants. The system including one or more occupancy sensors configured to predict a future occupancy state of the one or more zones based on the current occupancy state and one or more historical occupancy states, wherein at least one occupancy sensor of the one or more occupancy sensor is communicatively coupled to an electrical load. The system including at least one occupancy sensor is configured to actuate the electrical load based on the predicted future occupancy state of the one or more zones.

Abstract: Secure rendering system that creates ray tracing samples with obfuscated positions, so that images can only be viewed by an authorized consumer able to recover the sample positions. Obfuscation of ray directions is integrated into the rendering process, for example by incorporating encryption into a lens shader. The rendering system never stores or transmits an image without obfuscating positions, so even the rendering system cannot see the image it is rendering. Embodiments may use public key cryptography, so that encryption of sample positions is done with a public key, and only the owner of the secret private key can view the rendered image. Since keys are asymmetric, the rendering system cannot decrypt the obfuscated samples. Piracy of rendered images is therefore mitigated. Some compositing operations may be performed on the secure rendering output prior to decrypting sample positions; for example, colors may be modified globally or for selected objects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for data security in a data storage environment. In some embodiments, input data from a host is received into a buffer memory. Data compression is applied to the input data to provide compressed data. Encryption is applied to the compressed data to generate encrypted data, and the encrypted data are stored in a main memory of a data storage device. A system parameter value associated with the storage of the encrypted data is generated and stored in a memory, such as the main memory of the storage device. The system parameter value may include information relating to the compression of the data. A trusted relationship is established to authenticate the host responsive to a request for the updated system parameter value. The system parameter value is transferred to the host responsive to the established trusted relationship.

Abstract: An occupancy-sensing apparatus a device control assembly including a detector configured to generate an image wherein the device control assembly includes one or more illumination sources configured to emit illumination including at least one wavelength of radiation measurable by the detector. The apparatus includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detector configured to detect occupants based on the image generated by the detector, wherein the controller is configured to determine an active state of the detected occupants, the activity state including at least one of a stationary state or moving state.

Abstract: Embodiments for presenting real-time contact options described generally herein. The system receives information from a first user about an offered item via a web page and communication preferences for use with a real-time contact option to be presented on the web page, whereby the communication preferences including a first-user-defined real-time contact option presentation condition. The system selectively presents to a second user the information about the offered item and the real-time contact option based on a determination that the first-user-defined real-time contact option presentation condition is satisfied. The system enables the second user to select the real-time contact option. In response to the second user selecting the real-time contact option, the system communicates to the first user a real-time contact request and information identifying the second user.

Abstract: A network includes a first device control assembly and at least one second device control assembly. The first device control assembly is electrically connected to a power distribution panel. The first device control assembly is further configured to regulate a load. The at least one second device control assembly is electrically connected to a power distribution panel. The first device control assembly is in data communication with the at least one second device control assembly. The first device control assembly regulating the load based on the data communication from the at least one second device control assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device configured for real-time calibration of an on-board accelerometer. A plurality of acceleration measurements are collected from the accelerometer to form a data set. An accelerometer error correction model is maintained that includes bias error calibration parameters, sensitivity calibration parameters, and cross-axis calibration parameters that each specify respective weights for each of bias error, sensitivity error, and cross-axis error. Calibration values are determined for one or more of the bias error calibration parameters, the sensitivity calibration parameters, and the cross-axis error calibration parameters for the data set of acceleration measurements using the accelerometer error correction model. A true acceleration vector may be determined that corresponds to a subsequently received acceleration measurement using the determined calibration values.