CMOS Image Sensor Random Number Generation Using Internal Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum random number generators require additional light sources and complex hardware, limiting their application to mobile devices due to cost and complexity constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing electric currents from external-light-shielded pixels of a CMOS image sensor to generate random numbers, where digital data is classified using a database with reference values to allocate random numbers, and post-processing is applied to remove technical noise, eliminating the need for additional hardware and light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quantum random number generator uses a light source and optical device to generate random numbers, then the randomness quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the random number generation function from the optical system and relocates it to the image sensor's pixel circuitry. By utilizing the inherent thermal noise and shot noise in the photodiode and readout circuitry, the system eliminates the need for external light sources and optical components, achieving quantum-level randomness using only the sensor's internal electronic noise
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to serve dual functions: image capture and random number generation. The same photodiode and readout circuitry that convert light to electrical signals for imaging are also used to generate random numbers through their inherent noise characteristics, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for random number generation
2Reliability
If a quantum random number generator uses additional light source and optical device, then the randomness quality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external light source from the system and extracts random number generation capability from the image sensor's internal noise processes. By using the thermal noise in the photodiode and shot noise in the readout circuitry, the system generates random numbers without requiring additional power-consuming optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor generates random numbers using its own internal noise processes rather than requiring external power-consuming components. The thermal noise in the photodiode and shot noise in the readout circuitry are inherent properties that require no additional energy input, allowing the sensor to serve itself for random number generation
3Reliability
If a quantum random number generator uses additional hardware components, then the randomness quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate light sources, optical devices, and dedicated random number generation hardware. By extracting the random number generation capability from the image sensor's inherent noise processes, the system eliminates multiple bill of materials items and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the random number generation function with the image sensor's existing photodiode and readout circuitry. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the system eliminates the need for separate hardware modules, reducing both component count and assembly costs while maintaining quantum-level randomness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the generation of high-quality random numbers without additional hardware or light sources, making it suitable for mobile applications with improved cost efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
outputting, as digital data, electric currents generated from unit pixel regions of an image sensor shielded from external light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a random number generation system comprising: an image sensor module for outputting dark noise generated from each unit pixel region respectively that is shielded from external light as digital data; and a control unit for classifying the respective pieces of digital data output from the image sensor module, for allocating random numbers to the same using a database in which a plurality of reference values are stored for each unit pixel, and for collating the same so as to generate a first random number.