Abstract: An improved paper ballot voting system allows voters to verify that their ballots are correctly counted and provide substantiating evidence if they are not. Codes are revealed to voters by the act of marking the ballot during voting and voters can check that these codes are posted. If these codes are not posted as marked, voters can make the codes they obtained public. These codes made public by voters can be compared against codes that were cryptographically committed to in advance of the election. If the codes from voters do in fact match codes committed to, evidence of incorrectness of the vote tallying is provided.

Abstract: A near-to-eye display system for forming an image as an illuminated region on a retina of at least one eye of a user is disclosed. The system includes a source of modulated light, a proximal optic positionable adjacent an eye of the user to receive the modulated light. The proximal optic has a plurality of groups of optically redirecting regions. The optically redirecting regions are configured to direct a plurality of beams of the modulated light into a pupil of the eye to form a contiguous illuminated portion of the retina of the eye. A first group of the optically redirecting regions is configured to receive modulated light from the source and redirect beams of the modulated light into the pupil of the eye for illumination of a first portion of the retina. A second group of the optically redirecting regions is configured to receive modulated light from the source and redirect beams of the modulated light into the pupil of the eye for illumination of a second portion of the retina.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal multimedia electronic device, and more particularly to a head-worn device such as an eyeglass frame having a plurality of interactive electrical/optical components. In one embodiment, a personal multimedia electronic device includes an eyeglass frame having a side arm and an optic frame; an output device for delivering an output to the wearer; an input device for obtaining an input; and a processor comprising a set of programming instructions for controlling the input device and the output device. The output device is supported by the eyeglass frame and is selected from the group consisting of a speaker, a bone conduction transmitter, an image projector, and a tactile actuator. The input device is supported by the eyeglass frame and is selected from the group consisting of an audio sensor, a tactile sensor, a bone conduction sensor, an image sensor, a body sensor, an environmental sensor, a global positioning system receiver, and an eye tracker.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing video content while inhibiting the copying of that content for later viewing. Video images may be made difficult to copy for presentation at later times by the omission or addition of content developed in relation to the particular initial viewing. For instance, video information may be customized by omitting information that is not likely to be substantially perceived by the initial viewer but that is substantially likely to be perceived as missing by at least some other viewers.

Abstract: A paper ballot voting system is described that allows voters to verify that their ballots are correctly counted and provide substantiating evidence if they are not. The systems work whether or not automation is available in the polling place. In other aspects special pens and printing provide protection of voter privacy and against marks being added after ballots are cast. Further aspects of the approach include robust ballot scanning and improved transparency of the voter check-in process.

Abstract: Disclosed are voting systems based on paper ballots that provide integrity of the election outcome through the novel use of encrypted votes and other techniques. In some example embodiments, holes through layers allow voters to see and mark symbols on lower layers, carbonless coatings allow voters to obtain substantially identical marks on facing surfaces, self-adhesive stickers are removed from one position and placed by voters hiding vote-revealing indicia on a second position, and scratch-off layers bearing vote-revealing indicia are destroyed while being removed to expose coded information. Simplified cryptography for realizing these systems is also presented. Related systems allow those with various disabilities to develop and check voted ballot forms that are substantially indistinguishable from those voted by other voters. Inclusion of write-in votes is provided for. Also provided are inclusion of provisional ballots and spoilt ballots and integration with registration sign-in.

Abstract: A paper-ballot voting system is disclosed in which voters can retain symbols printed adjacent to the particular candidates or ballot question positions that they mark. Including ballot serial numbers on the forms allows voters to check online the symbols recorded for their ballots while maintaining ballot secrecy. In case of dispute, a physical resolution procedure lets voters establish whether the recorded symbols are correct with respect to the actual physical ballots. Some examples allow forms to be obtained online and voted by physical or facsimile delivery. Voters who cannot read ballots or cannot mark ballots can nevertheless vote while maintaining ballot secrecy. The overall integrity of the outcome is provided transparently.

Abstract: Disclosed are voting systems based on paper ballots that provide integrity of the election outcome through the novel use of encrypted votes and other techniques. In some example embodiments, holes through layers allow voters to see and mark symbols on lower layers, carbonless coatings allow voters to obtain substantially identical marks on facing surfaces, self-adhesive stickers are removed from one position and placed by voters hiding vote-revealing indicia on a second position, and scratch-off layers bearing vote-revealing indicia are destroyed while being removed to expose coded information. Simplified cryptography for realizing these systems is also presented. Related systems allow those with various disabilities to develop and check voted ballot forms that are substantially indistinguishable from those voted by other voters. Inclusion of write-in votes is provided for. Also provided are inclusion of provisional ballots and spoilt ballots and integration with registration sign-in.

Abstract: An election system provides, in one example, each voter with multiple physical “layers” that the voter is able to choose between. The voter takes part of the layers as a kind of receipt and the other layers are retained and/or destroyed by the system. The actual vote is not readily revealed by the layers taken by the voter, thus protecting against improper influence. In the voting booth, when all the layers are combined, however, the voter is readily able to verify the vote. Moreover, posted images of the layers not taken by the voter can be used to compute the election results in a way that is verifiable by interested parties. The results cannot be changed without substantial probability of detection and privacy of votes can be maintained unless a number of parties are compromised or collude.

Abstract: Solutions to the so-called “man in the middle” problem are disclosed. One example uses a mutually-random value that is the same for each of two communicants absent a man in the middle, but differs between the communicants in case a man-in-the-middle is present. Communicants become aware if their random values differ, for example, through stock content inserted into the communication stream, interactive games, or derived limitations on the channel. In other examples, opening of encrypted parts of the communication is delayed until certain other communication takes place and/or is imminent. In still further examples, a man in the middle becomes apparent because of increased latency of communication between the participants and the effect is optionally accentuated through mutually-random values that shift latency. Further aspects allow parties to apply authentication related to participants they have communicated with when they were convinced that no man in the middle was present.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a wooden element such as a dowel, preferably formed from toasted oak, that is attached to the inside of a screw-type wine vessel closure. In a second example embodiment, the wooden element is attached to a stopper. In yet other embodiments, elements are attached to the inside of a wine bottle or are prevented from leaving the bottle during pouring by deformable shape. In a wine making method, the wine is not aged in oak barrels but rather filled in bottles and sealed with the oak insert and aged in the bottles, including optional agitation, to accomplish substantially the functions of the barrel oak aging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose transaction card system comprising an issuer, one or more cards, one or more terminals, and optionally one or more acquires, communicating using a variety of cryptographic confidentiality and authentication methods. Cards authenticate messages using public key based cryptographic without themselves performing the extensive computations usually associated with such cryptography. Integrity of complex transaction sequences and plural card storage updates are maintained even under intentionally generated interruptions and/or modifications of data transmitted between card and terminal. Cards do not reveal any information to the terminal which is not directly necessary for the transaction or any information to which the terminal should not have access, though externally measurable aspects of its behavior. Transaction types supported include those suitable for off-line credit cards, in which the “open to buy” is maintained on the card.

Abstract: An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism, can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

Abstract: An election system provides, in one example, each voter with multiple physical “layers” that the voter is able to choose between. The voter takes part of the layers as a kind of receipt and the other layers are retained and/or destroyed the system. The actual vote is not readily revealed by the layers taken by the voter, thus protecting against improper influence. In the voting booth, when all the layers are combined, however, the voter is readily able to verify the vote. Moreover, posted images of the layers not taken by the voter can be used to compute the election results in a way that is verifiable by interested parties. The results cannot be changed without substantial probability of detection and privacy of votes can be maintained unless a number of parties are compromised or collude.

Abstract: Random number generation and systems for their use are disclosed in which parts of some contributing values are committed to or hidden or uncontrollable before they are revealed or combined. Plural parties generally contribute to the process of developing the random values and in some exemplary systems incorporating the random generator concepts other parties perform and verify the operation of the system. In some preferred embodiments, commitments or physical locking are believed to impede various cheating and collusion strategies. In other exemplary embodiments values that are committed to by a system remain hidden while a user influences other values that are ultimately combined with committed values to determine the results. In some further exemplary embodiments users of ordinary skill are able to control their contributions and in other examples users are believed to be unable to deliberately choose their contribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose transaction card system comprising an issuer, one or more cards, one or more terminals, and optionally one or more acquires, communicating using a variety of cryptographic confidentiality and authentication methods. Cards authenticate messages using public key based cryptographic without themselves performing the extensive computations usually associated with such cryptography. Integrity of complex transaction sequences and plural card storage updates are maintained even under intentionally generated interruptions and/or modifications of data transmitted between card and terminal. Cards do not reveal any information to the terminal which is not directly necessary for the transaction or any information to which the terminal should not have access, though externally measurable aspects of its behavior. Transaction types supported include those suitable for off-line credit cards, in which the “open to buy” is maintained on the card.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose transaction card system comprising an issuer, one or more cards, one or more terminals, and optionally one or more acquires, communicating using a variety of cryptographic confidentiality and authentication methods. Cards authenticate messages using public key based cryptographic without themselves performing the extensive computations usually associated with such cryptography. Integrity of complex transaction sequences and plural card storage updates are maintained, even under intentionally generated interruptions and/or modifications of data transmitted between card and terminal. Cards do not reveal any information to the terminal which is not directly necessary for the transaction or any information to which the terminal should not have access, though externally measurable aspects of its behavior. Transaction types supported include those suitable for off-line credit cards, in which the “open to buy” is maintained on the card.

Abstract: An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

Abstract: Election automation systems are disclosed that allow plural entities, for example trustees, to ensure various properties of an election, including correctness of the outcome, by initially using confidential information to form printed ballots and transferring the ballots to voters. Later when voters electronically cast ballots, such as over networks, they use the confidential information and optionally physical ballot structures to authenticate information provided them, including information indicating whether their votes were received by the trustees. Voters can also use the information in ballots to ensure the secrecy of their vote while it is transmitted to the trustees. The trustees can tabulate results while preventing colluding subsets of trustees from being able to improperly modify the outcome of the election or violate the privacy of individual voters.

Abstract: A single chip processor for use in a smart card has a plurality of instruction memory areas and a processor. Different instructions sets are selectively executable in response to a signal defining a memory area from which instructions are supplied. Preferably instruction and data memory areas are addressable as pages, wherein a page address cannot be directly accessed by a subset of instructions. The processor may include a central processing unit and a cryptographic logic unit which operate at different times and share common instruction memory and sequencing logic. Instructions are supplied to said cryptographic logic unit at an integer multiple of the rate at which they are supplied to said central processing unit.