Devices that transfer power and entropy

Abstract

A device for transmitting power from a power source to a computing device, preferably a mobile computing device, and a method for providing power and / or entropy to a computing device, wherein the device comprises an entropy generator for generating entropy, and wherein when the device is connected to the computing device, the device is also suitable for transmitting entropy to the computing device, and wherein the device is suitable for supplying power to the entropy generator using power received from the power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transferring power from a power source to a computing device. The present invention also relates to a method for providing power and / or entropy to a computing device. Background Art

[0002] Computing devices have become a very important part of everyday life, specifically including mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops that users carry with them almost all day long, and on the other hand computing devices such as personal computers that are used in a more stationary manner, usually in an office or at home.

[0003] Furthermore, since these devices play an important role in communication between people, the security of data transmission has become an increasingly important topic. For example, secure communication can be achieved by encrypting messages using random numbers or any other form of entropy (random sequences of bits, etc.). However, this entropy is difficult to generate, and high-quality / high-performance entropy generators may require a lot of power and / or size.

[0004] For computing devices, especially mobile computing devices, such random number generation would consume a large amount of power and / or space, leaving manufacturers with the option of integrating lower quality and / or lower performance entropy generators. Alternatively, dongle devices that users can carry have been proposed for random number generation. However, providing an additional device that users must physically carry with them in order to provide entropy to mobile or other computing devices is uncomfortable and therefore discourages user adoption, thereby weakening their security. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] Starting from the known prior art, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device and a method which allow reliable generation of entropy (such as random numbers) without excessive consumption of the potentially limited power of a battery or other power source while being comfortable for the user.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] The problem is solved by a device for transferring power from a power source to a computing device and by a method for providing power and / or entropy to a computing device. Further preferred embodiments are covered by the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a device for transferring power from a power source to a computing device (preferably a mobile computing device) includes an entropy generator for generating entropy, and wherein the device is further adapted to transfer entropy to the computing device when it is connected to the computing device, and wherein the device is adapted to supply power to the entropy generator using power received from the power source.

[0010] The power source need not be external to the device, but may also be integrated into the device, for example in the form of a power bar. In any case, the device has the ability to transfer both power and entropy, and thus can similarly transfer data (entropy) and power. The invention is not limited to the case where power and entropy are transferred simultaneously, but entropy can be transferred to a computing device without transferring power, or in some cases power can be transferred while entropy is not provided to the computing device.

[0011] The connection between the computing device and the device need not be a wired connection, but may also be a wireless connection for transferring power and / or transferring entropy.

[0012] A user can easily use the device according to the invention to supply power to a computing device, such as a smartphone. At the same time, almost unrecognized by the user, the computing device is provided with entropy in the form of, for example, random numbers, for further use, for example, to encrypt communications or data. Thus, the user is not provided with an additional device that he has to carry with him and use when he needs random numbers, but entropy is generated and provided to the computing device in a way that does not require additional action by the user.

[0013] The entropy generator may be a random number generator or a random bit generator.

[0014] Random numbers are considered here to be human-readable random numbers, such as 1,234 and 1,000,067. In contrast, a random bit generator might generate sequences of 0s and sequences of 1s of some specific length. For example, a random bit generator might generate 20 bits (or 100 bits or 10,000 bits or 10 7 bits or any other sequence of bits) containing a random sequence of 0s and 1s that can then be used by a computing device. In the same way, random numbers generated by a random number generator can be used to provide random numbers to a computing device. Providing random numbers or random bit sequences may be more dependent on the circumstances, but may have advantages in situations where random numbers or random bits are used, for example, in encryption communications or further processing steps of the data.

[0015] The term "random" includes pseudo-random values ​​(numbers or bits) and true random values ​​(numbers or bits). A pseudo-random value is considered to be a value obtained by a method that is not truly random, but the generated pseudo-random value appears to be random. This applies, for example, to random number generation algorithms that use, for example, specific starting conditions that are not preset (such as time, date, etc.). Based on this starting condition, other deterministic algorithms calculate a value. This value is a pseudo-random value because it depends on the deterministic algorithm and the starting condition. If both are known, the value can be reproduced, so the value is not truly random, but only pseudo-random. On the other hand, a truly random value is considered to be a truly random value, such as a value obtained from a physical process (such as a thermal process or a quantum process). For such a process, even when their conditions at a certain point in time are accurately known, it is impossible to determine the future of the system in a deterministic way. For example, the phase relationship between two laser beams is essentially random and unpredictable, where one beam originates from a laser that is always driven above the laser threshold and the other beam originates from a laser driven close to the threshold, so it starts to emit photons randomly. Likewise, the decay moments of atoms or transitions between excited and non-excited states of atoms or molecules cannot be predicted and are therefore truly random and will generate truly random values.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device includes a storage device for storing the random number after the random number is generated and providing the random number to the computing device when the storage device is connected to the computing device.

[0017] The storage device may be provided in the form of flash memory or other storage device internal to the device. The storage device may also be a storage device that can be connected and disconnected from the device, but in any case the storage device may be provided with entropy generated by the entropy generator. Thus, entropy generation (which may be very time consuming) may be separated from connection to the computing device, in a manner that allows for rapid transfer of entropy to the computing device after connection to the computing device, as the entropy is "pre-generated".

[0018] Furthermore, the device may be adapted to provide entropy to the computing device depending on conditions including an amount of entropy already on the computing device, a request for entropy received at the device from the computing device, a power state of the computing device.

[0019] Since a computing device does not always need random numbers, providing entropy to the computing device according to certain conditions increases control over whether and how many random numbers are transmitted to the computing device once the computing device is connected to the device.

[0020] Furthermore, the device may be adapted to transfer power and entropy to the computing device independently of each other.

[0021] This means that when the device is connected to a computing device, the device may transmit power or transmit entropy or transmit both power and entropy to the computing device. For example, this allows power to be transmitted only when necessary. For example, if the battery of a smartphone is already fully charged, it does not make sense to transmit a large amount of power to the computing device. However, it may still be necessary to provide entropy in the form of random numbers, etc. to the computing device, which can then be promoted independently of the power that is not provided to the computing device at this time. On the other hand, there may be enough entropy provided to the computing device, but the battery of the computing device is not yet fully charged. In this case, once there is enough entropy provided to the computing device, the provision of random numbers may not be started at all or may stop, but the provision of power to supply power to the computing device or to load the battery of the computing device may still continue until it is fully charged or no additional power is required. This embodiment ensures that entropy is provided to the corresponding computing device as needed, thereby avoiding unnecessary data transmission and / or unnecessary power transmission.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the device comprises a port for connecting it directly to a wall socket, or wherein the device comprises a port for connecting it to a plug connectable directly to a wall socket, or wherein the device is a connection cable for connecting it on one side to a power connector and on the other side to a computing device.

[0023] By this, different implementations of the device may be provided, which may be advantageous depending on the user's environment and their respective usage.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a power bar for supplying power to the computing device, and wherein the entropy generator is capable of being supplied with power using power from the power bar.

[0025] A power bar is considered to be a device comprising its own power source, for example in the form of a solar cell or a battery. The power bar can be used not only to supply power to the computing device, but also to transfer power to the entropy generator so that it generates entropy. The device is usually carried by the user, for example when he wants to spend a longer time outdoors with his mobile computing device. The integration of a corresponding entropy generator does not have a negative impact on the user, thus allowing entropy to be provided to the computing device in a way that the user will not (almost) notice, thereby not providing any discomfort.

[0026] It may also be provided that the entropy generator comprises at least one of a processing circuit for generating a pseudo entropy value and an entropy chip for generating a real entropy value using a physical random process. The term "chip" may refer to any hardware component (s) (such as electronic or photonic or a combination thereof) suitable for generating a real entropy value.

[0027] The processing circuitry for generating pseudo entropy values ​​is preferably a combination of hardware and / or software components that utilize program code to generate random numbers, for example based on the time of day as an initialization value. These numbers, although they may approximate random numbers, are not truly random numbers, and therefore are only "pseudo entropy values" compared to completely random true entropy values.

[0028] An entropy chip for generating a real entropy value using a physical random process is therefore understood to be a chip or other combination of software and / or hardware that utilizes a physical process that preferably occurs on the entropy chip to generate a random value or entropy value and truly produces a random value. For example, this can include any interference value of a laser source, wherein the source or at least one of the sources is supplied with power to a value that almost reaches and only occasionally exceeds the laser threshold. Thus, a random phase relationship between the two signals is generated, thereby allowing the generation of a real random entropy value. A corresponding system in the form of an optical component is described in EP19382318.4 owned by the applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] An entropy source or entropy generator is also known from WO 2019 / 086730 A1, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] In this document, a procedure for physical generation of random numbers is specifically described, wherein the procedure includes the following steps: periodically modulating the gain of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser from a lower threshold to an upper threshold and back; keeping the round-trip gain positive for a longer time than the cavity round-trip time; keeping the net gain of each round trip negative for a longer time than the cavity round-trip time to generate random amplitude pulses; detecting optical pulses; converting optical pulses into electrical analog pulses; digitizing the electrical analog pulses into random numbers. The physical components used to implement this process can be used as entropy sources or entropy generators in the context of the present invention.

[0031] Another random number generator or entropy generator is described in US Pat. No. 9,218,160 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] A process for generating random numbers by a quantum random number generator is described, the process comprising the steps of: a) operating a laser in a single mode and with a high modulation bandwidth by means of an electric pulse driver to generate phase-randomized optical pulses, b) converting the phase-randomized optical pulses generated in a) into optical pulses with random amplitudes, and c) detecting the generated random amplitude signal by means of a fast photodiode, thereby generating random numbers based only on the random amplitude signal. The random numbers thus generated can be used in the context of the present invention.

[0033] While the first alternative of a processing circuit generating a pseudo entropy value may consume less energy, the randomness of the entropy generated using an entropy chip is more accurate, thereby reducing the risk of deciphering the corresponding entropy (e.g., in the form of random numbers) and preventing malicious attacks.

[0034] A method for providing power and / or entropy to a computing device according to the present invention comprises connecting the computing device to a device for transferring power from a power source to the computing device, wherein the device comprises an entropy generator for generating entropy, and wherein the method comprises supplying power to the entropy generator using power received from the power source and generating entropy by the entropy generator, and transferring at least one of power and entropy to the computing device when the device is connected to the computing device.

[0035] This method allows providing entropy to a computing device when needed in a way that is (almost completely) unnoticed by the user, thereby not causing any discomfort or requiring any further action from the user to provide the required entropy, e.g. for encrypting his communications.

[0036] In one embodiment, power and entropy are transferred from the device to the computing device independently of each other.

[0037] Thus, power and entropy are only provided to the computing device as needed. For example, in the case where the computing device is fully supplied with power, power is not provided to the computing device, but entropy may still be provided to the computing device as long as not enough entropy is provided on the computing device.

[0038] Additionally, the entropy generator can generate random numbers or random bits.

[0039] For example, in encrypted communications or solving random algorithms, random numbers or random bits (especially random bit sequences of a given length) can be advantageously used by other applications as needed.

[0040] Additionally, the device may provide entropy to the computing device based on a condition including at least one of an amount of entropy already on the computing device, a request for entropy received at the device from the computing device, and a power state of the computing device.

[0041] Thus, unintentional or unwanted generation and provision of entropy to a computing device may be avoided, thereby conserving memory at the computing device and conserving power that would be used to generate unintentional or unwanted entropy.

[0042] Furthermore, the entropy generator may include at least one of a processing circuit that generates a pseudo entropy value and an entropy chip that generates a real entropy value using a physical random process.

[0043] The processing circuit for generating the pseudo entropy value generally requires less power, while the entropy chip for generating the real entropy value results in a more reliable entropy value (such as a completely arbitrary random number), thereby improving the security of, for example, communication encryption or data encryption. Depending on the intended entropy application, the above-mentioned processing circuit and entropy chip can be used simultaneously or independently of each other.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the entropy generator generates entropy when the device is connected to a power source and stores the generated entropy in a storage device of the device, and wherein when a computing device is connected to the device, the entropy is transferred from the storage to the computing device.

[0045] Thus, entropy may be generated in a preventative manner, resulting in a faster transfer of entropy to the computing device once a connection is actually established.

[0046] The preferred entropy generator may include one or more physical components and / or one or more software components. For example, the entropy generator may be implemented as a processing circuit and associated hardware components such as a memory, and corresponding software for generating (pseudo) random numbers (or common entropy) using program code. The program code for generating random numbers is known to the technician in principle. The program code can be used in the entropy generator in its ordinary way. This can include generating random numbers using specific initialization conditions, which may be any other appropriate initialization value based on which the entropy is generated such as the current time, date, or program code or software. Since the entropy generated using the entropy generator (e.g., in the form of a random number) is further processed based on the initialization conditions and the data obtained from the initialization conditions using a well-defined programming code, the generated random numbers are not true random numbers, and are therefore pseudo-random numbers.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the entropy generator may include an entropy chip for generating (real) entropy values. In this regard, the term "chip" may not be considered to refer to a processing chip in a manner generally implemented in a computing device. Instead, this may be considered to refer to an integrated component with a device for generating (real) entropy values ​​or random values. This may include an entropy chip utilizing a physical process that is essentially random, such as a quantum process or a thermal process. This may also include using a noise signal to generate (real) entropy values. In this regard, a system utilizing a quantum process may be preferred, such as a random interference signal obtained from a phase relationship between a reference laser source and a laser source driven at or slightly above the laser threshold. The phase relationship between the reference signal and the signal generated by the other laser sources is completely random because it is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics and is therefore unpredictable, thereby generating true random numbers. A particularly preferred entropy generator (or entropy chip) is an entropy source in the form of an optical component described in EP19382318.4 owned by the applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] In this document, a system for generating random numbers (i.e., a random number generator) is described, the system comprising an optical component adapted to generate two optical signals and two photodetectors connected to the optical component, wherein the first photodetector is adapted to receive the first optical signal and generate a first electrical signal based on the first optical signal, and the second photodetector is adapted to receive the second optical signal and generate a second electrical signal based on the second optical signal, wherein the optical component is adapted to generate the first optical signal and the second optical signal to randomly generate the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, wherein the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal are equal to or greater than the other, wherein the photodetector is adapted to transmit the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal to a comparator, wherein the comparator is adapted to provide an output based on a comparison of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, thereby providing a random number. The random number thus outputted may be a random bit sequence.

[0049] In any case, an entropy generator is provided in a device for generating entropy in the form of random numbers and / or in the form of a random bit sequence. The latter refers to a bit sequence, i.e. 0 and 1 obtained from the entropy generator, while the first, i.e. the generation of random numbers, can be considered to refer to human-readable random numbers. The generation of the first or the second may include further processing of the original signal, in particular in the case where the entropy chip is used to generate real random values, since these values ​​usually have to be digitized. Therefore, it can be considered that the entropy generator includes additional components, such as a comparator and a digitizer or any other device that allows a physical signal (e.g., the interference signal of two laser sources) to be converted into digital values. These digital values ​​can then be represented as actual random numbers or any bit sequence containing 0 and 1. Post-processing of the original digital values ​​may also be included in the form of a randomness extractor. The specific details of these randomness extractors are not provided here, as they are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0050] Entropy may be generated "on the fly," meaning that when a device including the entropy generator is connected to a power source and a computing device, the entropy generator generates entropy and provides the entropy to the computing device as soon as the connection is established.

[0051] Alternatively, the device may include a storage device that is operably connected to the entropy generator and can transmit the generated entropy (e.g., in the form of a random number or a bit sequence) to the storage device, and the entropy can be stored in the storage device. For this reason, the storage device can be considered to be a non-volatile storage device, such as a USB storage device. In this case, entropy can be generated without being connected or independently of being connected to a computing device, and the entropy can be stored in the storage device, such as for later transmission to the computing device. In addition, additional components can be provided that manage or supervise or control in any other way that the entropy stored in the storage device is provided to the computing device. The component can also be connected to the entropy generator to manage the provision of entropy from the entropy generator to the storage device or directly to the computing device.

[0052] The entropy may be provided to a computing device, for example to a dedicated dedicated storage or to an application running on the computing device. The entropy may be further used, for example, in cryptographic processes for encrypting data and / or communications, or for solving randomization algorithms, such as in financial forecasting or in gaming, on the computing device.

[0053] In this regard, it should be noted that there are embodiments in which the entropy generator generates entropy when the device is connected to a power source (e.g., external to the device). The generated entropy can then be provided to the storage device for later use, particularly for later transmission to a computing device. The amount of entropy generated (e.g., the amount of random numbers) can be controlled by a component in order to properly manage the available storage in the storage device. For example, when the storage capacity of the storage device is reached, the entropy generation of the entropy generator may not continue to be used. The component may set the threshold value for the entropy generator to generate entropy, for example, 50% to 90% or 60% to 85% of the storage capacity of the storage device, or specifically 80%. When the threshold is reached, entropy generation may stop.

[0054] In addition, the component may manage the transfer of entropy from the entropy generator and / or storage device to the computing device based on one or more conditions. For example, whether entropy is transferred from the device to the computing device may depend on the amount of entropy already on the computing device. For example, in the case where there is dedicated storage for transferring entropy to it, once the dedicated storage has reached its storage capacity, entropy cannot be transferred to the computing device even if the computing device is connected to the device.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, entropy may be generated and / or transmitted from the device to the computing device only if a corresponding request for entropy is received at the device, for example, at the component, from the computing device. In response to such a request, the component may cause an entropy generator and / or storage device to generate entropy and / or transmit entropy to the computing device. In addition, there may be other conditions on which providing entropy to the computing device may depend. For example, entropy may be provided only when a specific threshold of available power at the computing device is exceeded. For example, if the computing device needs to load power, power is transmitted to the computing device via the device, but the transmission of entropy may be suspended until a minimum threshold of available power at the computing device is reached. For example, if the available battery power of the computing device connected to the device is less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, even if the computing device may have requested entropy, entropy will not be transmitted to the computing device. If the threshold is exceeded, entropy (e.g., in addition to power) may be transmitted to the computing device.

[0056] The component can further control the speed at which entropy is generated at the entropy generator and / or transmitted to the computing device (directly from the entropy generator or from a storage device). The control can also depend on the above conditions and can result in the greater the amount of entropy transmitted per time unit, the higher the power available on the computing device is actually.

[0057] The component may also include hardware components and / or software components (in the form of programming, etc.) that allow monitoring of the entropy generator and / or the storage device. The monitoring may include checking the randomness of the results of the entropy generated by the entropy generator. For example, if the component detects a shift in the probability distribution of the entropy generated by the entropy generator, a health diagnosis may be performed to, for example, detect and potentially correct a defect. In addition, the component may be provided to further process the entropy generated by the entropy generator while generating the entropy or when the entropy has been stored in the storage device or immediately thereafter. Such post-processing may include, for example, determining the probability distribution of the original signal of the generated random number, and may also include deciding for each generated random value (e.g., for each generated random number) whether to transmit it to the computing device. For example, the computing device may only use random numbers that exceed a certain threshold. For example, the threshold may be associated with a corresponding minimum value of the random number, such as, for example, a random number greater than 1 billion. For any random number generated by the entropy generator, the component may check whether the threshold is exceeded, and if not, it may be discarded by, for example, deleting the corresponding random number from the storage device.

[0058] In addition, the component can control the operation of the entropy generator by, for example, controlling whether the entropy generator is activated. This may depend, for example, on the amount of power available at a power source inside the device or on a request for entropy received from a computing device. If there is too little power remaining at the internal power source (e.g., less than 50% or less than 30% or less than 25% or less than 20% or less than 10%), the entropy generator may not be activated or may be deactivated. In addition, entropy may only be generated by the entropy generator if a corresponding request is received from a connected computing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 An apparatus for transferring power from a power source to a computing device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0060] Figure 2 An apparatus for transmitting power to a computing device according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0061] Figure 3 An apparatus for transferring power from a power source to a computing device according to a third embodiment is shown, wherein the apparatus includes a power bar;

[0062] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing components of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 shows the power source (at Figure 1 1 , device 100 is shown as a wall socket 110 ) transmitting power to a computing device 120 .

[0064] The power source in the form of a wall socket 110 should not be understood as limiting. There may also be other power sources (fixed and / or mobile / movable) that can be used to provide power, which is then transmitted to the computing device 120 via the device 100. This applies, for example, to the form of a battery or power bar or other device that only provides an amount of power that can be used to provide power to the computing device. The device 100 is therefore understood to be a device that includes a power source or a device that is external to the power source and participates in the power transmission from the power source to the computing device 120.

[0065] Participating means that power can be transferred to the connected computing device 120 via the device 100, but the device 100 is not necessarily required to provide power. This means that power can be provided via the device 100, but in some cases the device does not actually provide power, while in other cases the device provides power to the connected computing device 120. For example, if the computing device is already fully charged, there is no need to transfer power, and in this case, in some embodiments, no power is transferred to the computing device via the device 100. It is also not necessarily required that the device 100 permanently transfer power from the power source to the computing device 120 when in use, but the device 100 according to the present invention is only intended to have at least the ability to transfer power from the power source 110 to the computing device 120.

[0066] The computing device 120 is shown in the figure as a mobile computing device in the form of a smart phone. However, this is not intended to be limiting. The computing device can be any computing device that a user typically interacts with. This applies not only to computing devices in the form of mobile computing devices, but can also be considered to be applicable to fixed computing devices such as personal computers. If the computing device is a mobile computing device, this can refer to a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, or any other mobile computing device that a user can carry with him. In addition, in the sense of the present invention, devices such as headphones and / or microphones (especially wireless headphones and / or microphones) can be regarded as "computing devices" as long as they include means for processing data (such as voice data). Therefore, local transmission between headphones and / or microphones to other devices (such as laptops) can be ensured.

[0067] Alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the entire vehicle may be considered a "computing device". Specifically, according to the present invention, an electric vehicle with computing components may be considered a "computing device". These may be loaded with electrical power like other computing devices described below, and at the same time loaded with random numbers. In this way, the safety of the electric vehicle may be improved. For example, the communication with an external computing device or the function of an autopilot may be protected using the loaded random numbers.

[0068] Likewise, embodiments are provided according to which the car acts as a device for transferring power and entropy to another computing device. In this case, the computing device may be a smartphone that is supplied with power using, for example, a USB connector provided by the car. At the same time, via the connector, entropy may be provided to the computing device, which may be used to ensure wireless communication between the computing device and the car (e.g., via Bluetooth).

[0069] In contrast to stationary computing devices, mobile computing devices may be considered to be any computing devices that have their own power source integrated, for example in the form of a battery suitable for adequately supplying power to the computing device.

[0070] According to the present invention, the device 100 includes not only a device for transmitting power from a power source to a computing device 120, but also an entropy generator 103 capable of generating entropy. In the context of the present invention, entropy is considered to refer to anything that is random, specifically a random number or a random bit sequence. Random numbers and random bit sequences can have any length and can be generated by an entropy generator in any manner deemed appropriate, including generating pseudo-random numbers by, for example, using specific hardware components and software components, which use program code to generate random numbers based on initial values ​​(such as the date or time of the day). Other implementations of entropy generators can utilize physical processes that are actually or at least almost random, such as interference, metastability in transistors, random oscillations in electronic or thermal noise or chaotic coupled oscillators. More generally, random quantum physical processes or random statistical (macro) physical processes, such as thermodynamic processes, can be used.

[0071] In any case, the entropy generator need not be limited to one particular implementation, but rather a variety of implementations of the entropy generator are contemplated.

[0072] According to the present invention, in any case, the entropy generator 103 is supplied with power by the power received from the power source 110 at the device 100 and / or the power available at the device 100. If the power source is integrated into the device (the device is implemented in the form of a power bar with a corresponding entropy generator, which will be explained later), this means that the device itself and its integrated power source supply power to the entropy generator to generate entropy. In the case where the power source is external to the device 100, the power received from the power source can be transmitted to the computing device 120 and some of the power can be used to supply power to the entropy generator. This can include the situation where there is no computing device connected to the device 100 but the power from the power source is still used to supply power to the entropy generator and generate entropy.

[0073] exist Figure 1 In the depiction of , device 100 is provided as a device comprising two components. The first component is a plug 102, which is depicted here as comprising an entropy generator 103 and which is further depicted as being connectable to a wall socket or, more generally, to a power source external to the device. Figure 1In , an embodiment is shown in which the entropy generator is provided as part of a device coupled to an external power source (here in the form of a wall socket) 110. This may be advantageous because those plugs 102 are typically of significant size and therefore may provide sufficient space for including the entropy generator 103 and potentially associated other hardware and / or software components. The coupling to the external power source may be provided directly (i.e., without other intermediate devices) or indirectly, for example by coupling the device including the entropy generator with a cable, which is then also coupled to the external power source.

[0074] It is intended that the device 100 need not be implemented as a combination of a plug and a cable. Instead, the device 100 may also be implemented only with a plug having an entropy generator or only with a cable provided with an entropy generator.

[0075] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an entropy generator 103, and all corresponding components are not integrated in the plug, but are integrated in the cable 101 that connects the plug to the computing device 120. The cable 101 may include a first port that can be connected to a plug (such as plug 102) or any other device that can provide or transmit power on one side and a port that can be connected to the computing device on the other side. In the case of this embodiment, the cable 101 is suitable for transmitting power to the computing device. In addition, it is suitable for transmitting data in the form of entropy to the computing device, wherein entropy is generated by the entropy generator included in the cable. A particularly preferred entropy generator is an entropy source in the form of an optical component described in EP19382318.4 owned by the applicant, and the content of the patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] Thus, any circuitry of the hardware components required to supply power to the entropy generator can be provided in a device that can be directly connected to an external power source (such as a wall socket), or it can be included in a device that is not directly connected to a power source (in the form of cable 101). The port of cable 101 can be a USB port, a mini-USB port, or any other implementation deemed suitable. A lightning connector can also be used. In addition, in an embodiment in which the device is provided in the form of cable 101, a first port different from a second port can be provided. For example, one port of cable 101 can be implemented in the form of a USB connector, while the other port is provided in the form of a mini-USB connector.

[0077] The entropy generator and any corresponding software and / or hardware may be contained in a port having a larger physical size and still have sufficient available space to include those components. However, in other embodiments, the corresponding entropy generator and associated components may be disposed in a port having a smaller physical size and / or may be disposed as part of the flexible portion of the cable 101. This may be accomplished by integrated and / or printed circuits.

[0078] about Figure 1 The explanation of the entropy generator given in applies to the other implementations described in the further description.

[0079] Figure 2 Another embodiment is shown, in which the device 200 is a device for wirelessly transmitting power to at least the computing device 120. This can be provided using known inductive charging techniques, for example using a plate 201 comprising an inductance, via which (i.e., using an electromagnetic field) power can be wirelessly transmitted to the computing device when the computing device is positioned close to, on or at the plate 201. It goes without saying that, in addition to the plate 201, any other shape of device can also be used.

[0080] The device 200 further comprises an entropy generator 204, for example integrated into the board or attached to the board or provided to the board in any other way. The entropy generated by the entropy generator may also be transmitted to the computing device in a wireless manner by providing a corresponding modulated signal and transmitting the signal, for example via a Bluetooth connection. Alternatively, the entropy may be provided to the computing device 120 using a wired connection. In this case, the entropy generator may actually be as described with respect to Figure 1 It may be integrated into the cable as explained, or it may be integrated in the device 200 and the cable may be used only for transmitting data.

[0081] In accordance with Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , a power source 202 and a connecting cable 203 for connecting the device 200 to the power source are further shown. This is provided for illustrative reasons only, because Figure 2 The device 200 in the embodiments of the present invention also requires some connection to a power source (or an internal power source) through which power can be supplied to the device 200 and the power of the device 200 can be transmitted to the computing device.

[0082] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a device 300 is shown, wherein the device 300 is implemented in the form of a device comprising a power bar 301 and an entropy generator 303. The power bar 301 can be regarded as a power source integrated into the device 300 and can be an otherwise well-known power bar or mobile power source. Associated with the power bar or attached to it or connected to it by appropriate means is an entropy generator 303, which can generate entropy to be transmitted (for example via cable 302) to the computing device 120. The power of the power bar 301 can be transmitted to the computing device wirelessly or in a wired manner via cable 302. Similarly, the entropy generated by the entropy generator 303 can be transmitted to the computing device 120 via cable 302 or any other suitable connection, or the entropy can be transmitted wirelessly using, for example, a Bluetooth connection. At this point, it is to be noted that with Figure 2 Likewise, the means for transmitting the entropy generated by the entropy generator to the computing device need not be the same as the means for transmitting power to the computing device. For example, while a cable connection may be used to transmit power, entropy may be transmitted from the device to the computing device using a wireless connection such as an infrared port, a Bluetooth connection, a WLAN connection, or any other suitable wireless connection. On the other hand, power may be transmitted wirelessly while entropy may be transmitted wiredly using, for example, a connecting cable between the device and the computing device.

[0083] Figure 3 Embodiments of the invention generally include a device that has its own power source and is therefore not permanently connected to an external power source, or in principle does not need to be connected to an external power source to transfer power to the computing device. In this regard, the device 300 can be considered independent because it can provide power and entropy to the computing device 120 independently of an external power source. Although in Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the device 300 includes a power bar 301, but other reasonable embodiments are possible. For example, instead of a power bar, a plurality of solar cell units that collect solar energy can be provided to generate power, which can then be transmitted to a computing device and can be used to supply power to an entropy generator. The same combination may also be reasonable, where a plurality of solar cell units are provided, the collected power is fed to a power bar, which in turn transmits the power to a computing device and / or an entropy generator and / or stores it for later use in such transmission.

[0084] Figure 4 An embodiment schematically illustrating components of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention is depicted. Figure 4 The description is intended to be combined with the embodiments already mentioned. Specifically, as will be seen below, the features related to how to generate entropy and how to further use entropy can also be implemented in other embodiments already mentioned above.

[0085] Figure 4 The depiction of generally depicts a device 400, wherein on one side connection means 405 for connecting the device 400 to a power source is provided. On the other side, connection means 404 for connecting the device 400 to a computing device 120 is provided.

[0086] The connection means 405 for connecting the device 400 to the power source 110 are to be understood as exemplary only. In the case of an embodiment in which the power source is arranged inside the device 400, the connection means 405 can be regarded as internal connection means connecting at least the entropy generator with the corresponding power source.

[0087] In addition, the connection means 404 may constitute a connection means that provides a wireless or wired connection to transfer power and / or entropy. As described above, there may be embodiments that use different means for transferring power than means for transferring entropy. Therefore, the connection means 404 can be considered to be a more general description of a general means for transferring power and / or entropy in any manner deemed appropriate. This also includes implementations in which power is transferred via a different transmission mechanism than the transmission mechanism for transferring entropy as described above.

[0088] The device 400 may further include internal circuits responsible for transmitting or managing power transmission. However, these components are not described in further detail here, as they may be implemented in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0089] However, device 400 also includes an entropy generator and corresponding components for facilitating transmission of entropy to a computing device.

[0090] Entropy generator is generally depicted as element 401 here and can include one or more physical components and / or one or more software components. For example, entropy generator can be implemented as processing circuit and associated hardware components such as memory and corresponding software for generating (pseudo) random numbers (or common entropy) using program code. Program code for generating random numbers is known to technicians in principle. This program code can be used in the entropy generator 401 provided in device 400 in its usual way. This can include using specific initialization conditions to generate random numbers, and the specific initialization conditions such as current time, date or program code or software will generate any other appropriate initialization value based on entropy. Due to the entropy generated using the entropy generator (for example, in the form of random numbers) based on initialization conditions, and the data obtained from the initialization conditions are further processed using well-defined programming code, the random number generated is not a true random number, and is therefore a pseudo-random number.

[0091] Alternatively, element 401 may include an entropy chip for generating (real) entropy values. In this regard, the term "chip" may not be considered to refer to a processing chip in a manner generally implemented in a computing device. Instead, this may be considered to refer to an integrated component with a device for generating (real) entropy values ​​or random values. This may include an entropy chip utilizing a physical process that is essentially random, such as a quantum process or a thermal process. This may also include using a noise signal to generate (real) entropy values. In this regard, a system utilizing a quantum process may be preferred, such as a random interference signal obtained from a phase relationship between a reference laser source and a laser source driven at or slightly above the laser threshold. The phase relationship between the reference signal and the signal generated by the other laser sources is completely random, because it is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics and therefore cannot be predicted, thereby generating a truly random number. A particularly preferred entropy generator (or entropy chip) is an entropy source in the form of an optical component described in EP19382318.4 owned by the applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] In any case, an entropy generator is provided in a device for generating entropy in the form of random numbers and / or in the form of a random bit sequence. The latter refers to a bit sequence, i.e., 0 and 1 obtained from the entropy generator, while the first, i.e., the generation of random numbers, can be considered to refer to human-readable random numbers. The generation of the first or second may include further processing of the original signal, particularly in the case where the entropy chip is used to generate real random values, since these values ​​usually have to be digitized. Therefore, it is contemplated that element 401 includes additional components, such as a comparator and a digitizer or any other device that allows a physical signal (e.g., an interference signal of two laser sources) to be converted into a digital value. These digital values ​​can then be represented as actual random numbers or any bit sequence containing 0 and 1. Post-processing of the original digital values ​​may also be included in the form of a randomness extractor. Because the specific details of these randomness extractors are well known to those skilled in the art, they are not provided here.

[0093] Entropy may be generated "on the fly," meaning that when device 400 is connected to a power source and a computing device, the entropy generator generates entropy and provides the entropy to the computing device as soon as the connection is established.

[0094] Alternatively, the device 400 may include a storage device 402, which is operably connected to the entropy generator 401, and the generated entropy (e.g., in the form of a random number or a bit sequence) may be transferred to the storage device, and the entropy may be stored in the storage device. For this reason, the storage device 402 may be considered as a non-volatile memory such as a USB storage device. In this case, entropy may be generated without being connected or independently of being connected to a computing device, and the entropy may be stored in the storage device, such as for later transmission to the computing device. In addition, additional components 403 may be provided, which manage or supervise or control in any other way that the entropy stored in the storage device 402 is provided to the computing device. Components 403 may also be connected to the entropy generator to manage the provision of entropy from the entropy generator to the storage device 402 or directly to the computing device 120.

[0095] The entropy may be provided to a computing device, for example to a dedicated dedicated storage or to an application running on the computing device. The entropy may be further used, for example, in cryptographic processes for encrypting data and / or communications, or for solving randomization algorithms, such as in financial forecasting or in gaming, on the computing device.

[0096] In this regard, it should be noted that there are embodiments in which entropy generator 401 generates entropy controlled by component 403 when device 400 is connected to power source 110 (e.g., outside device 400). The generated entropy can then be provided to storage device 402 for later use, particularly for later transmission to a computing device. The amount of entropy generated (e.g., the amount of random numbers) can be controlled by component 403 in order to properly manage the available storage in the storage device. For example, in the case of reaching the storage capacity of the storage device, the entropy generation of the entropy generator may not continue to be used. Component 403 can set the threshold value of the entropy generated by the entropy generator to, for example, 50% to 90% or 60% to 85% of the storage capacity of the storage device 402, or specifically 80%. When the threshold is reached, entropy generation may stop.

[0097] In addition, component 403 may manage the transfer of entropy from entropy generator 401 and / or storage device 402 to computing device 120 based on one or more conditions. For example, whether entropy is transferred from device 400 to computing device 120 may depend on the amount of entropy already on the computing device. For example, there may be a dedicated storage to transfer entropy to, and if the dedicated storage has reached its storage capacity, entropy cannot be transferred to the computing device even if the computing device is connected to device 400.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, entropy may be generated and / or transmitted from the device to the computing device 120 only if a corresponding request for entropy is received at the device 400, for example, at the component 403 from the computing device 420. In response to such a request, the component 403 may cause the entropy generator 401 and / or the storage device 402 to generate entropy and / or transmit entropy to the computing device. In addition, there may be other conditions on which the provision of entropy to the computing device may depend. For example, entropy may be provided only when a certain threshold of available power at the computing device is exceeded. For example, if the computing device needs to load power, power is transmitted to the computing device 120 via the device 400, but the transmission of entropy may be suspended until a minimum threshold of power available at the computing device 120 is reached. For example, if the available battery charge of the computing device connected to the device 400 is less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, then even if the computing device may have requested entropy, entropy will not be transmitted to the computing device. If the threshold is exceeded, entropy (e.g., in addition to power) may be transmitted to the computing device.

[0099] Component 403 may further control the speed at which entropy is generated at entropy generator 401 and / or transferred (directly from the entropy generator or from storage device 402) to computing device 120. This control may also depend on the conditions described above and may result in the greater the amount of entropy transferred per time unit, the more power available on the computing device is actually higher.

[0100] Component 403 may also include hardware components and / or software components (in the form of programming, etc.) that allow monitoring of entropy generator 401 and / or storage device 402. The monitoring may include checking the randomness of the result of the entropy generated by the entropy generator. For example, if component 403 detects a shift in the probability distribution of the entropy generated by the entropy generator, a health diagnosis may be performed to, for example, detect and potentially correct a defect. In addition, component 403 may be provided so that the entropy generated by the entropy generator is further processed while or immediately after the entropy is generated or when the entropy has been stored in the storage device 402. Such post-processing may include, for example, determining the probability distribution of the original signal of the generated random number, and may also include deciding for each generated random value (e.g., for each generated random number) whether to transmit it to the computing device. For example, the computing device may only use random numbers that exceed a certain threshold. For example, the threshold may be associated with a corresponding minimum value of the random number, such as, for example, a random number greater than 1 billion. For any random number generated by the entropy generator, the component 403 may check whether the threshold is exceeded, and if not, the corresponding random number may be discarded by, for example, deleting it from the storage device 402 .

[0101] In addition, the component can control the operation of the entropy generator 401 by, for example, controlling whether the entropy generator is fully activated. This can, for example, depend on the amount of power available at the device's internal power source (e.g. Figure 3 ) or depending on a request for entropy received from a computing device. If too little power remains at the internal power source (e.g., less than 50% or less than 30% or less than 25% or less than 20% or less than 10%), the entropy generator may not be activated or may be deactivated. Furthermore, entropy may only be generated by the entropy generator if a corresponding request is received from a connected computing device.

Claims

1. A device for transmitting power from a power source to a computing device, wherein the device comprises an entropy generator for generating entropy, and wherein when the device is connected to the computing device, the device is also adapted to transmit the entropy to the computing device, and wherein the device is adapted to supply power to the entropy generator using power received from the power source, wherein, The device is adapted to transfer power and entropy to the computing device independently of each other.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The entropy generator is a random number generator or a random bit generator.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device includes a storage device for storing the random number after it is generated and providing the random number to the computing device when the device is connected to the computing device.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The device includes a storage device for storing the random number after it is generated and providing the random number to the computing device when the device is connected to the computing device.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The device is adapted to provide the entropy to the computing device depending on conditions, the conditions comprising at least one of an amount of entropy already on the computing device, a request for entropy received at the device from the computing device, and a power state of the computing device.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The device comprises a port for connecting it directly to a wall socket, or wherein the device comprises a port for connecting it to a plug connectable directly to a wall socket, or wherein the device is a connection cable for connecting the device to a power connector on one side and the computing device on the other side.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The device comprises a power bar for supplying power to the computing device, and wherein the entropy generator is capable of being supplied with power using power from the power bar.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The entropy generator includes at least one of a processing circuit for generating a pseudo entropy value and an entropy chip for generating a real entropy value using a physical random process.

9. A method for providing power and / or entropy to a computing device, the method comprising connecting the computing device to a device for transmitting power from a power source to the computing device, wherein the device comprises an entropy generator for generating entropy, and wherein the method comprises supplying power to the entropy generator using power received from the power source and generating entropy by the entropy generator, and transmitting at least one of power and entropy to the computing device when the device is connected to the computing device, wherein Power and entropy are transferred from the device to the computing device independently of each other.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The entropy generator generates random numbers or random bits.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The device provides entropy to the computing device depending on conditions including at least one of an amount of entropy already on the computing device, a request for entropy received at the device from the computing device, and a power state of the computing device.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The device provides entropy to the computing device depending on conditions including at least one of an amount of entropy already on the computing device, a request for entropy received at the device from the computing device, and a power state of the computing device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The entropy generator includes at least one of a processing circuit that generates a pseudo entropy value and an entropy chip that generates a real entropy value using a physical random process.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: When the device is connected to a power source, the entropy generator generates entropy and stores the generated entropy in a storage device of the device, and wherein when the computing device is connected to the device, the entropy is transferred from the storage to the computing device.

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