Quantum Random Number Generator Light Intensity Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current random number generators using pseudo-random numbers face security vulnerabilities due to detectable patterns, and true random number generators based on shot noise struggle with non-uniform light intensity distribution across image sensor pixels, requiring complex post-processing and affecting randomness.

Innovation Solution

A random number generating apparatus with symmetrically disposed light sources and a light diffusion unit to equalize time-average light intensity values across pixels, utilizing quantum noise for generating true random numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single light source is used for shot noise-based random number generation, then the device structure is simple, but the time-average light intensity values input to individual pixels are non-uniform, requiring complex post-processing algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpost-processing algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single light source into multiple light sources (at least two) that are symmetrically disposed with respect to the light detection unit. This segmentation allows each light source to contribute to multiple pixels in a balanced manner, naturally equalizing the time-average light intensity values across pixels without requiring complex post-processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs symmetrical arrangement of multiple light sources with respect to the light detection unit. This symmetry ensures that light intensity distribution across pixels becomes uniform, as each pixel receives equivalent light exposure from the symmetrically positioned sources, thereby eliminating the need for complex post-processing equalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple light sources are symmetrically disposed to equalize light intensity distribution, then uniformity of time-average light intensity values across pixels is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of light intensity distributionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs multiple light sources that can be symmetrically disposed to serve the dual purpose of providing sufficient light intensity for shot noise generation and simultaneously equalizing the light distribution across pixels. This multi-functional approach achieves uniformity without requiring additional separate equalization components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The symmetrical arrangement of multiple light sources creates an equipotential light distribution environment across the light detection unit, ensuring that all pixels operate under equivalent light intensity conditions. This natural equalization eliminates the need for complex post-processing algorithms while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If post-processing algorithms are used to equalize light intensity values, then randomness uniformity across pixels is improved, but the generation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandomness uniformityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements light intensity equalization in advance through the symmetrical arrangement of multiple light sources, before the random number generation process begins. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that all pixels receive uniform light intensity throughout the generation process, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-processing equalization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of non-uniform light distribution into a benefit by using symmetrical arrangement of multiple light sources. The very structure that could complicate the device is transformed into a solution that naturally provides uniform light distribution, improving randomness uniformity while actually simplifying the overall process by eliminating post-processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The apparatus ensures uniform light intensity distribution, simplifies the generation of high-quality random numbers by minimizing complexity in post-processing and maintaining consistent randomness across pixels.

Implementation Method 1

a light detection unit configured to include at least one pixel to detect light signals that are radiated from the at least two light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light diffusion unit configured to diffuse the light signals in order to equalize the time-average light intensity values of the light signals input to each pixel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a random number generation unit configured to generate a random number using quantum noise of a light quantity detected by the pixel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShot noise: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3588269B1Quantum noise-based random number generation device using multiple light sources
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 ID QUANTIQUE SA
  • EP3588269B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3588269B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3588269B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a random number generating apparatus capable of equalizing the spatial intensity distribution of light signals that are radiated from a light resource and are input to individual pixels.