Quantum Random Number Circuit Using Decay Timing Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current random number generating devices, particularly those using pseudo-random number algorithms, lack true randomness and are vulnerable to security breaches due to their deterministic nature, necessitating the development of a device that can generate high-quality, truly random numbers.

Innovation Solution

A random number generating device comprising a source detector, pulse generator, counter, and verification circuit that utilizes particles emitted from a source, such as radioactive isotopes, to produce binary count values, which are then validated by a verification circuit to ensure randomness, thereby generating a true random number.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pseudo random number generating device is used, then the device can generate random numbers using computer algorithms, but the generated numbers lack true randomness and are vulnerable to security breaches

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidrandomness quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/computational system (algorithm-based pseudo-random number generation) with a quantum mechanical system (radioactive decay detection). The source detector detects particles emitted from a radioactive source, and the counter converts detection times into binary random numbers, leveraging quantum randomness to achieve both security and true randomness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a true random number generating device using quantum mechanical phenomena is used, then the randomness quality is improved, but the device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness qualityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the random number generation function into separate modular components: a source detector for detecting particles, a counter for converting detection times to binary values, and a verification circuit for ensuring randomness quality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates miniaturization of the overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a verification circuit as an intermediary component that validates the randomness of generated numbers by checking the distribution of 0s and 1s. This mediator ensures high randomness quality without requiring the main generation mechanism to be complex, enabling miniaturization while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a true random number generating device using quantum mechanical phenomena is used, then the randomness quality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential element needed for randomness generation - the detection of particle emission times from a radioactive source - and discards complex quantum mechanical apparatus. By taking out just the necessary detection and conversion functions, the device achieves true randomness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The random number generation process is self-validating through the verification circuit, which automatically checks the randomness quality by analyzing the distribution of binary outputs. This self-service mechanism ensures high randomness quality without requiring external verification or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device effectively miniaturizes and enhances the quality of generated random numbers by leveraging natural decay phenomena, ensuring the randomness and security of the produced numbers.

Implementation Method 1

the source detector generates a detection signal by detecting particles emitted from a source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 2

the pulse generator generates pulses corresponding to the detected particles, based on the detection signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The counter measures time intervals among the pulses and generates binary count values respectively corresponding to the time intervals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime interval measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11177817B2Random number generating device and operating method of the same

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

Provided are a random number generating device and a method of operating the same. The random number generating device includes a source detector, a pulse generator, a counter, and a verification circuit. The source detector detects particles emitted from a source to generate a detection signal. The pulse generator generates pulses corresponding to the detected particles, based on the detection signal. The counter measures time intervals among the pulses and generates binary count values respectively corresponding to the time intervals. The verification circuit determines an output of the binary count values, based on the number of 0 values and the number of 1 values included in the binary count values.