Random Pulse Generator for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IC tags and authentication devices lack a generator for completely random signals, leading to security vulnerabilities due to pseudo-random number generation, environmental influences on noise-based random number systems, and inability to differentiate between identical identification numbers, resulting in compromised confidentiality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a random pulse generator (RPG) using an α-particle or beta-ray emitter and detector within a semiconductor device, which generates completely random pulses independent of environmental conditions, allowing for the creation of authentication signals, random numbers, and probabilities without external influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pseudo-random number generation is used for authentication, then authentication functionality is achieved, but security is compromised due to predictability and lack of true randomness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based pseudo-random number generation with a physical radioactive decay detection system. The random pulse generator uses a radioactive substance whose decay events are detected to produce truly random pulses, eliminating the predictability inherent in algorithmic approaches and providing cryptographically secure random numbers for authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of randomness generation from computational (software algorithms) to physical (radioactive decay). This parameter change transforms the nature of randomness from pseudo-random to truly random, ensuring that authentication data cannot be predicted or reproduced even if the system is compromised.
2Productivity
If noise-based random number generation is used, then random number generation is achieved, but reliability is restricted due to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes noise-based generation (which relies on environmental electromagnetic interference) with radioactive decay detection. Radioactive decay is an intrinsic nuclear process that occurs independently of external environmental conditions, providing consistent and reliable random number generation regardless of temperature, humidity, or electromagnetic environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radioactive substance serves itself by undergoing natural decay without requiring external stimulation or environmental conditions. The decay process is self-driven and occurs at a constant rate determined solely by the half-life of the isotope, making the random number generation immune to environmental fluctuations.
3Ease of operation
If authentication data is stored in IC chip memory, then authentication functionality is achieved, but security is compromised as data can be read from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static storage of authentication data in memory with dynamic generation from radioactive decay. Instead of storing authentication data that can be read and copied, the system continuously generates new random authentication data on-demand, making it impossible to compromise stored credentials since there are none to steal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system effectively discards any notion of persistent authentication data storage. Each authentication event generates fresh random data that is used immediately and then discarded, with no permanent storage. This eliminates the security vulnerability of stored authentication data while maintaining full authentication functionality.
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 RPG-based system provides secure, completely random signals and numbers, enhancing authentication system security by eliminating the need for data storage and management, reducing costs, and preventing artificial manipulation, while ensuring uniform randomness and high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter for discharging α particles or beta rays, or α-particles and beta rays discharged due to nuclear decay
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a semiconductor device such as an IC capable of generating completely random signals and generating an authentication signal, random number, and probability by integrally setting a random pulse generation source for spontaneously generating at the inside, and also provides a method/program for generating a random number and/or probability, comprising the steps of setting a random pulse generation source (hereafter referred to as RPG) for spontaneously generating random pulses, measuring the time interval between the random pulses generated from the RPG or measuring a voltage value of the random pulse, and converting it into a digital value, and generating an exponential distribution random number and/or uniform random number having a predetermined bit length and/or a probability from random pulses as converted to digital values.