External Entropy Provider for IoT Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face challenges in generating high-quality random numbers efficiently, particularly in IoT devices, due to space and processing complexity requirements, which affect communication security and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
An entropy provider device that generates and transfers random numbers independently of the external computing device's processing capabilities, using a power source and entropy supply, with a transmitter to securely provide entropy to any computing device with storage capabilities, including IoT devices, without requiring additional external hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional entropy generators use specifically adapted hardware and programs to generate random numbers, then high-quality entropy can be generated, but the space and processing complexity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the entropy generation function from the main computing device and places it in a separate, dedicated entropy provider device. This allows the main device to use simple storage without complex processing requirements, while the dedicated device handles the computationally intensive entropy generation and transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the entropy provider) that sits between the simple storage device and the computing device. This intermediary handles the complex entropy generation and transfer operations, allowing the storage device to remain simple while still providing high-quality entropy.
2Reliability
If entropy generation is performed using specifically adapted hardware, then secure random numbers can be generated, but the cost becomes prohibitive for IoT devices requiring extreme integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two separate devices: a simple, low-cost storage device for IoT applications and a dedicated entropy provider for secure random number generation. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, making the overall system cost-effective for IoT while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex and expensive entropy generation hardware is extracted from the IoT device and placed in a separate entropy provider. This allows IoT devices to use simple, low-cost storage without compromising security, as the dedicated device provides the expensive but necessary entropy generation capabilities.
3Productivity
If random number generation is performed at fast rates, then productivity increases, but the space and processing complexity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-speed entropy generation function from the main computing device and places it in a dedicated entropy provider. This allows fast entropy generation rates without increasing the processing complexity of the main device, as the dedicated provider handles the computationally intensive operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An entropy provider for providing entropy to a computing device external to the entropy provider, the entropy provider comprising a power source and an entropy supply, wherein the power source is adapted to provide power to the entropy supply and wherein the entropy provider comprises a transmitter for transferring the entropy from the entropy supply to an external computing device.