Random Number Generation Using Communication Response Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generation methods for battery authentication in electric devices face challenges in generating high randomness due to stable power supply constraints, leading to complex configurations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A random number generating device with a processing request part, receiving part, counting part, and random number generation part that utilizes time uncertainty in response times to generate random numbers, allowing for high randomness with a simple configuration by acquiring count values at predetermined acquisition timings during data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an A/D converter with unstable power source is externally attached to generate random numbers, then randomness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the random number generation function from a separate external A/D converter and integrates it into the microcomputer's internal resources. By using the microcomputer's existing A/D converter and timer counter, the patent eliminates the need for external random number generation hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining randomness quality through software-based timing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the microcomputer's existing A/D converter and timer counter serve dual purposes: their original functions plus random number generation. The A/D converter is used for both its intended measurement function and for generating random numbers through timing variations, while the timer counter serves both timing control and random number acquisition purposes, thereby reducing the need for dedicated random number generation hardware.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilized power source is used for the microcomputer, then operational stability is improved, but random number generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power supply system into two distinct parts: a stabilized power source for the microcomputer to ensure operational stability, and an unstable power source (the battery) for the A/D converter to provide randomness. This segmentation allows each power source to fulfill its specific role without compromising the other, enabling the system to maintain both stability and randomness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different power quality characteristics to different components: the microcomputer receives stable power for reliable operation, while the A/D converter receives unstable power from the battery directly to generate random numbers. This local differentiation of power quality ensures that each component receives the appropriate power characteristics for its function.
3Manufacturing precision
If response time in data communication is made variable, then random number quality is improved, but processing time uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of time uncertainty and processing delays in data communication into a beneficial random number source. By measuring the actual response time variations using the timer counter, the system transforms what would normally be considered processing inefficiency or delay into high-quality random data, thereby improving randomness quality while utilizing existing communication protocol variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A random number generating device includes a processing request part, a receiving part, a counting part, and a random number generation part. The processing request part makes a request for a predetermined processing to a processing requested object. The receiving part receives a response from the processing requested object in response to the request. The counting part performs a counting operation to increase or decrease a count value with a predetermined cycle, the counting operation being started at least prior to receipt of the response. The random number generation part acquires at least one count value of the counting part at least one predetermined acquisition timing after the receipt of the response is started, and generates a random number by using the at least one count value that is acquired.