Abstract: Apparatus for generating a random number includes a sampler that samples a noise signal to obtain a noise signal sample, and a provider that provides at least three noise signal threshold values selected such that a first probability of the noise signal sample being between the first and second threshold values, and a second probability of the noise signal sample being between the second and third threshold values are different from each other by less than a predetermined differential value or are identical. An outputter outputs the random number such that when the noise signal sample is between the first and second threshold values, a first digit of a random number is occupied by a first logical state, whereas a second digit is occupied with a different logical state, so that a random number which is at least 2 bits wide results from one noise signal sample.

Abstract: During a total temporal interval a plurality of characteristic values of the technical system are determined. The total temporal interval is divided into a plurality of partial intervals, each partial interval being between a partial interval starting point and a partial interval end point in the total interval. According to said method, for each partial interval, at least one parameter of a pre-determined predictive model is adapted to the characteristic values determined in the partial interval in such a way as to obtain a partial adaptation with which a partial interval and the end point of the partial interval are associated. Respectively one modification measure is determined for the partial adaptations in such a way as to indicate the modifications of the parameters of the respective partial adaptation in relation to the parameters of at least one adjacent partial adaptation.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a random number includes a sampler that samples a noise signal to obtain a noise signal sample, and a provider that provides at least three noise signal threshold values selected such that a first probability of the noise signal sample being between the first and second threshold values, and a second probability of the noise signal sample being between the second and third threshold values are different from each other by less than a predetermined differential value or are identical. An outputter outputs the random number such that when the noise signal sample is between the first and second threshold values, a first digit of a random number is occupied by a first logical state, whereas a second digit is occupied with a different logical state, so that a random number which is at least 2 bits wide results from one noise signal sample.