Abstract: A user who is currently unauthorized to access a resource sends a request to access the resource. It is determined whether a number of authorized users of the resource who have indicated that the user should be permitted to access the resource satisfies the threshold condition. If the number of authorized users who have indicated that the user should be permitted access satisfies the threshold condition, the user is permitted to access the resource. The threshold condition can be based on replies received responsive to messages sent to the authorized users of the resource asking whether the user should be permitted to access the resource. The threshold condition can be based on public digital keys of the authorized users from the user.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer wireless connection is established between a mobile client computing device and a server computing device, and information is communicated between the mobile client computing device and the server computing device over this connection. The information is sufficient for the server computing device and/or the mobile client computing device to authenticate the mobile client computing device with the server computing device. After the mobile client computing device has been authenticated with the server computing device, a user of the mobile client computing device is permitted to perform management tasks on the server computing device using the mobile client computing device, such as over the peer-to-peer wireless connection. For example, license keys can be moved from the mobile client computing device to the server computing device to upgrade the server computing device, and from the server computing device to the mobile computing device to downgrade the server computing device.

Abstract: A user who is currently unauthorized to access a resource sends a request to access the resource. It is determined whether a number of authorized users of the resource who have indicated that the user should be permitted to access the resource satisfies the threshold condition. If the number of authorized users who have indicated that the user should be permitted access satisfies the threshold condition, the user is permitted to access the resource. The threshold condition can be based on replies received responsive to messages sent to the authorized users of the resource asking whether the user should be permitted to access the resource. The threshold condition can be based on public digital keys of the authorized users from the user.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer wireless connection is established between a mobile client computing device and a server computing device, and information is communicated between the mobile client computing device and the server computing device over this connection. The information is sufficient for the server computing device and/or the mobile client computing device to authenticate the mobile client computing device with the server computing device. After the mobile client computing device has been authenticated with the server computing device, a user of the mobile client computing device is permitted to perform management tasks on the server computing device using the mobile client computing device, such as over the peer-to-peer wireless connection. For example, license keys can be moved from the mobile client computing device to the server computing device to upgrade the server computing device, and from the server computing device to the mobile computing device to downgrade the server computing device.

Abstract: Protection is provided for optically readable media. Data may be scrambled, encrypted, or otherwise obscured by apportioning the data across multiple layers of a disc in a secret pattern. Pattern information may be supplied in the form of a key to authorized devices or users. The data can only be read by an optical drive with the proper hardware having access to this key. Switchable mirrored regions are provided on the optical medium to selectively block and unblock an optical reader head from reading the data. To read the data back, an authorized/licensed device may use the key to selectively switch the electrochromic regions so that the reader head may access the data while alternately focusing on different data layers, as needed, to obtain the data in the proper order.

Abstract: Protection is provided for optically readable media. Data may be scrambled, encrypted, or otherwise obscured by apportioning the data across multiple layers of a disc in a secret pattern. Pattern information may be supplied in the form of a key to authorized devices or users. The data can only be read by an optical drive with the proper hardware having access to this key. Switchable mirrored regions are provided on the optical medium to selectively block and unblock an optical reader head from reading the data. To read the data back, an authorized/licensed device may use the key to selectively switch the electrochromic regions so that the reader head may access the data while alternately focusing on different data layers, as needed, to obtain the data in the proper order.

Abstract: A ballistic logic gate is disclosed. The ballistic logic gate may include an etched silicon substrate with a pair of etched silicon triangular baffles defining input channels. An electron may travel through the input channels toward a nano-deflector with a parabolic deflection surface. The parabolic deflection surface may guide electrons into a fixed path of an output channel toward an output terminal for performing a logic function.

Abstract: A ballistic memory cell structure employing ballistic transistor technology for switching between a read state and a store state is disclosed. The memory cell structure includes substrate structures forming a side wall and a main chamber for defining a linear ballistic channel between the two. The main chamber is formed to include a deflection channel with deflective surfaces to deflect an electron emitted from an electron source into the memory cell structure. Deflection controllers are coupled to the substrate structures for generating biasing fields that adjust the trajectory of electrons flowing through the linear ballistic channel and the deflection channel. Logic output terminals are positioned beyond channel exits for registering exiting electrons and determining a read or store state.