IoT Random Number Generation Using Environmental Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing random number generation devices for IoT devices require external device configurations and are complex, making it difficult to generate random numbers effectively while preventing cost increases in low-end specification devices.

Innovation Solution

A random number generation device that includes a first acquisition unit for measured values, a second acquisition unit for determining the number of effective bits, and a random number generation unit that generates random numbers using these effective bits, allowing for simple configuration and cost-effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a random number generation circuit is incorporated using special hardware to increase security strength, then security strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces specialized hardware random number generation circuits with a software-based pseudo random number generation method that uses existing IoT device components (CPU, memory, sensors) to generate random numbers through mathematical algorithms and environmental noise collection, thereby eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware while maintaining security functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables existing multi-functional IoT device components (CPU, memory, sensors, communication modules) to serve dual purposes: their primary functions plus random number generation, thereby avoiding additional specialized hardware components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a selection signal is input from an external device to the oscillation circuit, then random number generation with high authenticity is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated and external device dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthenticity of random numberVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the IoT device to autonomously generate random numbers using its own internal components (sensors, CPU, memory) without requiring external device intervention or configuration, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining random number authenticity through self-contained entropy collection and processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces environmental noise and internal device state variations as intermediary sources of entropy that mediate between the device's operational components and the random number generation process, eliminating the need for external selection signals while maintaining the authenticity and unpredictability of generated random numbers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If security measures are enhanced in low-end specification IoT devices, then security strength is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity strengthVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive specialized hardware random number generation circuits with software-based pseudo random number generation algorithms that run on existing low-cost IoT device processors, thereby maintaining security functionality while avoiding additional hardware costs that would increase manufacturing expenses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes readily available, low-cost existing components in IoT devices (CPU cycles, memory space, sensor readings) as disposable resources for random number generation, avoiding the need for expensive specialized security hardware while maintaining adequate security strength for the application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11281430B2Random number generation device, information processing device, and random number generation method

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

In an information processing device, a fluctuation estimation unit acquires from a noise source a plurality of measured values having bits of M digits, where M is an integer exponent of a power of two. A bit extraction unit acquires information relating to a number of effective bits of N digits used in generating a random number, where N is an integer less than M, based on the acquired plurality of values. Using the information relating to the number of effective bits, a bit coupling unit generates a random number having effective bits of L digits, where L is a predetermined integer greater than or equal to N.