Abstract: A ray tracer generates a ray tree, the ray tree comprising a primary ray shot along a selected direction and a plurality of other rays, the other rays being generated by recursive splitting. A ray is split when it encounters a predetermined condition, and each of the rays into which it is split is directed directed along a selected direction. The ray tracer comprises a low-discrepancy sequence generator an condition detector and a ray generator. The low-discrepancy sequence generator is configured to generate elements of at least one low-discrepancy sequence. The condition detector is configured to determine, for one of the rays in the ray tree, whether the one of the rays encounters the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A computer graphics system is described in which a new type of entity, referred to as a “phenomenon,” can be created, instantiated and used in rendering an image of a scene. A phenomenon is an encapsulated shader DAG comprising one or more nodes each comprising a shader, or an encapsulated set of such DAGs which are interconnected so as to cooperate, which are instantiated and attached to entities in the scene which are created during the scene definition process to define diverse types of features of a scene, including color and textural features of surfaces of objects in the scene, characteristics of volumes and geometries in the scene, features of light sources illuminating the scene, features of simulated cameras will be simulated during rendering, and numerous other features which are useful in rendering. Phenomena selected for use by an operator in connection with a scene may be predefined, or they may be constructed from base shader nodes by an operator using a phenomenon creator.

Abstract: A computer graphics system generates a pixel value for a pixel in an image, the pixel value being representative of a point in a scene as recorded on an image plane of a simulated camera, the computer graphics system comprising a sample point generator and a function evaluator. The sample point generator is configured to generate a set of sample points, at least one sample point being generated using at least one dependent sample, the at least one dependent sample comprising at least one element of a low-discrepancy sequence offset by at least one element of another low-discrepancy sequence. The function evaluator is configured to generate at least one value representing an evaluation of a selected function at one of the sample points generated by the sample point generator, the value generated by the function evaluator corresponding to the pixel value.

Abstract: A system is described for generating a plurality of identifiers, each associated with one of a like plurality of subdivision surfaces of a surface element, and for generating, using an identifier for a subdivision surface, coordinates for the subdivision surface. Each identifier includes one or more position codes. Each position code indicates the position of a subdivision surface at a respective level relative to the next higher level, so that successive position codes in the identifier indicate the positions of subdivision surfaces through successive subdivision levels. To generate coordinates for a subdivision surface from the identifier associated with the subdivision surface, the system sequences through successive position codes in the identifier to determine locations of the subdivision surfaces through the successive levels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote digital firing system for firing of a remote mission payload that includes a firing circuit communicatively coupled to and operative to fire the remote mission payload, a firing control panel communicatively linked to said firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with said firing circuit and said firing control panel, wherein said firing circuit is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and write one-time random session variables to said digital code plug and to simultaneously store said one-time random session variables internally in said firing circuit; wherein said firing control panel is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and transmit messages having said one-time random session variable embodied therein to said firing circuit; and wherein said firing circuit validates said mes

Abstract: An integrated circuit card includes a microprocessor, an integral memory element, and a pseudo-random number sequence file stored therein. The pseudo-random number sequence file includes a pseudo-random number sequence generator operable to generate an instance of a sequence of apparently random numbers when executed, values for the parameters of the pseudo-random number sequence generator, and an Initial Value for the sequence of random numbers. The microprocessor is operable to execute an operation on the pseudo-random number sequence file in response to a predetermined input from an external source.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock has a housing and a deadbolt latch mounted to the housing. The deadbolt latch has a bolt that is moveable between an extended, locked position, and a retracted, unlocked position. An outside thumb-turn rotatably mounted to the housing. A motor-driven axial clutch is connected between the deadbolt latch and the outside thumb-turn. The bolt is movable by the thumb-turn only when the clutch is engaged. A microcomputer disposed within the housing. An electric motor is connected between the microcomputer and the clutch for engaging and disengaging the clutch. An electronic touch-key reader is disposed in the housing. The electronic touch-key reader is electronically connected to the microcomputer and is capable of reading a digital security code from an electronic touch-key applied thereto. The microprocessor actuates the electric motor to engage the clutch only when an authorized digital security code is read by the electronic touch-key reader.