Blockchain Random Number Generation for Gaming Fairness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generators, especially software-based ones, lack true randomness and entropy, making them vulnerable to tampering and unfair in gaming applications, while hardware-based generators can be manipulated by game servers for cherry-picking results.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a blockchain network where a game server broadcasts a random number request, and multiple random number supplier nodes generate and validate random numbers based on a selection criterion, with the first valid number being added to the blockchain, ensuring fairness and trust through decentralized consensus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software-based random number generators are used, then the system is easy to operate and implement, but the randomness is insufficient and vulnerable to tampering and prediction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain network as an intermediary between the game server and random number generation. Multiple random number supplier nodes on the blockchain generate random numbers independently, and the game server selects from these decentralized sources rather than relying on a single software-based generator. This intermediary blockchain system ensures true randomness while maintaining ease of operation through automated selection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the random number generation function into multiple independent random number supplier nodes distributed across the blockchain network. Instead of a single centralized generator, each node independently generates random numbers, and the game server selects from multiple sources. This segmentation prevents tampering and ensures randomness quality while keeping the system easy to operate through automated selection.
2Reliability
If hardware-based random number generators are used, then true random numbers are generated using physical phenomena, but the game server can manipulate the generation process for cherry-picking results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random number generation into multiple independent hardware-based nodes distributed across the blockchain network. Each node independently generates random numbers using physical phenomena, and the game server cannot manipulate a single source. The segmentation into multiple decentralized nodes prevents cherry-picking while maintaining true randomness quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the game server broadcasts a random number request to multiple supplier nodes, receives multiple random number responses, and selects one based on predetermined criteria. This feedback loop ensures the server cannot pre-select or manipulate results, as the selection occurs after all nodes have independently generated their random numbers, maintaining both randomness quality and preventing manipulation.
3Reliability
If multiple random number supplier nodes generate random numbers on blockchain, then fairness and trust are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the blockchain network serve multiple functions: it acts as the distributed ledger, the communication medium, the validation mechanism, and the selection arbiter. The same blockchain infrastructure that provides decentralization and trust also handles the random number selection process. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite having multiple supplier nodes, as the blockchain handles coordination and selection automatically.
4Reliability
If the game server selects random numbers from multiple generations, then the ability to cherry-pick results is reduced, but the time required to obtain a valid random number increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring all random number supplier nodes to generate their random numbers simultaneously in response to a broadcast request, before the game server performs selection. The selection criteria are predetermined and based on the order of receipt or blockchain confirmation. This preliminary simultaneous generation prevents cherry-picking while minimizing time loss through parallel processing of multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the game server broadcasts a request and receives responses from multiple nodes, then selects based on predetermined criteria such as first-come-first-served or blockchain confirmation order. This feedback loop with clear selection rules prevents manipulation while keeping acquisition time minimal through automated selection processes that don't require manual review of multiple options.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating random numbers for gaming based on a blockchain network is provided, which includes generating and broadcasting a random number request packet to the blockchain network by a game server of the blockchain network in response to occurrence of a random event in gaming, generating a plurality of random numbers by a plurality of random number supplier nodes of the blockchain network in response to receiving the random number request packet, determining if the respective generated random number conforms to a selection criterion by the plurality of random number supplier nodes, adding an added block corresponding to a first valid random number to the blockchain network by one of the random number supplier nodes and obtaining a target random number corresponding to the added block by the game server.