Abstract: A method of data transfer from a tenant to a service provider comprises encrypting the data with a public key of a key pair generated by a secure device within the service provider system. The data thus cannot be accessed by the service provider during transmission. The data is generated with a corresponding access control list, which specifies that a valid certificate must be presented in order to grant a particular use of the data once stored. The tenant can thus retain control of the use of the data even though it has been transferred out of the tenant system. A method of controlling use of data securely stored in the service provider system comprises issuing a use certificate having an expiry time to the party requesting use of the data. The use certificate must be validated before use of the stored data is granted. This enables the tenant to grant use of the stored data for a limited time period.

Abstract: The methods described herein are configured to accurately propagate sound through a virtual environment. During runtime of an application using the virtual environment, a shortest path is calculated from a sound source in a first zone to a sound destination in a second zone that passes through at least one portal. The direction of the calculated shortest path from the portal to the sound destination is determined. Then, a virtual sound source is generated based on the length and determined direction of the calculated path. Further, obstructions in the virtual environment are processed to determine an attenuation of audio data associated with the sound source. The generated virtual sound source and the attenuated audio data are provided to an audio engine for rendering to a user. Propagating sound using a combination of these methods provides an accurate, realistic sound experience in the virtual environment.

Abstract: The methods described herein are configured to accurately propagate sound through a virtual environment. During runtime of an application using the virtual environment, a shortest path is calculated from a sound source in a first zone to a sound destination in a second zone that passes through at least one portal. The direction of the calculated shortest path from the portal to the sound destination is determined. Then, a virtual sound source is generated based on the length and determined direction of the calculated path. Further, obstructions in the virtual environment are processed to determine an attenuation of audio data associated with the sound source. The generated virtual sound source and the attenuated audio data are provided to an audio engine for rendering to a user. Propagating sound using a combination of these methods provides an accurate, realistic sound experience in the virtual environment.