Mobile Device Entropy Generation via Accelerometer Vibration Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating random numbers, such as pseudo-random number generators and timing of I/O operations, are inadequate for cryptography and security applications, particularly in devices without interactive I/O, as they may produce deterministic or unreliable random data.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving and aggregating vibration data from mobile devices using integrated sensors like accelerometers, converting it into digital form, and processing it to generate entropy data, which is then stored in an entropy pool to produce non-replicable random numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pseudo-random number generators are used, then random numbers can be generated continuously, but the generated numbers are deterministic and predictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration data from accelerometers as an intermediary physical phenomenon to bridge the gap between deterministic system operations and true randomness. The vibration data serves as a mediator that converts physical environmental noise into cryptographic entropy, which then seeds the pseudo-random number generator to produce unpredictable random numbers.
2Reliability
If I/O timing is used for random input, then random data can be obtained from user interaction, but devices without interactive I/O cannot generate random data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the random number generation system universal by replacing I/O-dependent entropy sources with accelerometer-based vibration sensing. The accelerometer, already present in most mobile devices for other functions, is repurposed to provide entropy for random number generation, enabling devices without interactive I/O to generate cryptographically secure random data.
3Reliability
If vibration data from multiple devices is aggregated, then entropy quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the entropy collection process into independent per-device operations, where each device independently generates and transmits its own entropy contribution. This segmentation allows multiple devices to contribute to the aggregate entropy pool without requiring complex coordinated control, as each device operates autonomously and the server simply combines the independent entropy sources.
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
This approach provides a reliable and constant source of random numbers for cryptographic applications, even in devices without interactive input/output, by leveraging machine vibrations to generate secure and unpredictable entropy data.
Implementation Method 1
using integrated sensors like accelerometers, converting it into digital form
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for extracting entropy from mobile devices to generate random numbers. In some embodiments, first vibration data may be received from a first device. Second vibration data may be received from a second device. A first piece of entropy data may be generated using the first vibration data and a second piece of entropy data may be generated using the second vibration data. The first piece of entropy data and the second piece of entropy data may be aggregated. The first piece of entropy data and the second piece of entropy data may be stored in an entropy pool.