Multi-source Entropy Aggregation for Secure Random Number Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pseudo random number generators (PRNGs) introduce biases into generated numbers, making them predictable and insecure for applications like encryption, and limited access to truly random numbers from quantum entropy sources hinders their widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating and distributing random numbers from multiple independent entropy sources, including quantum entropy, across various channels and protocols, with unique identifiers and aggregation to ensure reliability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pseudo random number generators are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to predictability and security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the random number generation process into multiple independent entropy sources (quantum entropy, thermal noise, atmospheric noise) rather than relying on a single PRNG algorithm. Each entropy source provides independent random data that is combined through aggregation, ensuring that the final output cannot be predicted even if one source is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/software-based PRNG system with a physics-based quantum entropy system. Instead of using algorithmic manipulation of seed values, the system uses fundamental quantum mechanical processes (radioactive decay, photon detection) that inherently produce unpredictable random numbers, eliminating the mathematical predictability inherent in PRNGs.
2Reliability
If multiple entropy sources are aggregated, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple entropy sources (quantum entropy from radioactive decay, thermal noise from resistors, atmospheric noise from radio receivers) into a unified random number generation system. The aggregation process combines these diverse sources through cryptographic mixing functions, achieving enhanced reliability while managing complexity through modular architecture where each entropy source is an independent module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal entropy aggregation system that can accept multiple types of entropy sources through standardized interfaces. The same aggregation infrastructure can process quantum entropy, thermal noise, and atmospheric noise uniformly, reducing complexity by avoiding separate processing paths for each entropy type and enabling flexible configuration of entropy sources.
3Reliability
If quantum entropy sources are used, then randomness quality is improved, but accessibility deteriorates due to limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary components that bridge quantum entropy sources and end applications. These intermediaries include entropy collection modules that aggregate quantum entropy with other accessible entropy sources (thermal noise, atmospheric noise), and distribution modules that deliver the combined entropy through standard communication protocols, making quantum-quality randomness accessible without requiring direct quantum hardware at each endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite entropy system that combines quantum entropy (high quality but limited accessibility) with classical entropy sources (lower quality but widely accessible) such as thermal noise and atmospheric noise. This composite approach achieves quantum-level randomness quality while maintaining broad accessibility, as the system can operate with any combination of available entropy sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented herein which are configured to provide access to high quality, verifiable random numbers from entropy sources including quantum entropy sources on-demand through application program interfaces (APIs) and other interfaces. A Randomness as a Service (RaaS) provider system can be configured to host an API offering random numbers from a predetermined selection of entropy types and may offer other selections and/or data such as specific entropy source, health check data associated with the random number, source verification data, etc. A RaaS management system can be configured to make requests to one or more RaaS provider systems for random numbers of specific entropy type(s) and then perform cryptographic functions on random numbers and/or pass random numbers to an end user system.