Entropy estimation and decimation for improving the randomness of true random number generation

Abstract

A random number generating system operates to generate an output number bit sequence based on an entropy estimation of a true random number bit sequence, the randomness of the output number bit being an improvement of the randomness of the true random number bit sequence. A physical random number generator (20) communicates the true random number bit sequence to an entropy estimator (40), which generates an estimation signal indicative of the randomness of the true random number bit sequence. The estimation signal is communicated to a decimator (50) whereby, in accordance with estimation signal, the decimator (50) generates the output number bit as a representation of a decimation of a mixing of the true random number bit sequence and the pseudo random number bit sequence, or as a representation of a decimation of the psuedo random number bit sequence when the pseudo random number bit sequence is generated as a function of the true random number bit sequence.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to physical random number generators (i.e. devices that generate one or more bits representing a number by manipulating one or more components of the device in an undecidable manner) and pseudorandom number generators (i.e. A device that inputs one or more random number bits to an algorithm to generate a sequence of pseudorandom number bits). In particular, the invention relates to the use of one or more physical random number generators and one or more pseudorandom number generators in generating unbiased random number bit sequences. Background technique [0002] Physical random number generators are known in the art to generate one or more random number bits by operating one or more components of a device in an undeterminable manner. Conceptually, non-deterministic operation of the components can lead to unbiased random generation of random number bits. In practice, the non-deterministic operation of said com...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Conceptually, the nondeterministic operation of the described components can lead to unbiased random generation of random number bits

In practice, the non-deterministic operation of said components often results in biased random generation of random number bits due to various tolerances associated with said component operation

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