Forensically Reproducible Random Number Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cryptographic random number generators, such as the Intel Digital Random Number Generator, are not suitable for simulation environments that require reproducible results due to their lack of reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes an unpredictable random number generator to initialize a parameterized random number generator, allowing for the generation of reproducible random numbers by storing initialization bits in memory, enabling reruns of simulations with the same random number stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cryptographic random number generators are used to ensure unpredictability and security, then the quality and security of random numbers are improved, but the ability to reproduce results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of random numbersVSAvoidreproducibility of results

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The random number generation system is segmented into two distinct components: an unpredictable random number generator that provides high-quality entropy, and a parameterized random number generator that ensures reproducibility. The unpredictable generator produces seed values that are stored and reused to initialize the parameterized generator, allowing simulations to be reproduced while maintaining cryptographic quality in the seed generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If physical random sources are used to generate truly random numbers, then unpredictability is improved, but measurement error and bias increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunpredictability of random numbersVSAvoidaccuracy of random number generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that takes raw physical random sources and processes them through a parameterized random number generator. This intermediary system applies cryptographic transformations and parameterization techniques to eliminate measurement errors and biases from physical sources while preserving the fundamental unpredictability and entropy of the original random source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If extensive post-processing is applied to physical random numbers to ensure randomness quality, then the quality of random numbers is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of random numbersVSAvoidcomplexity of random number generation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying extensive post-processing to physical random sources, the system performs preliminary action by using the unpredictable random number generator to produce high-quality seed values that are then stored and reused. The parameterized random number generator is pre-configured with these seeds, eliminating the need for complex post-processing while maintaining high quality random number generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10503475B1Forensically reproducible random number generator and associated method of use

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 FLORIDA STATE UNIV RES FOUND INC

AI summary

Unpredictable random numbers are used to provide the parameter values and seeds for a parameterized random number generator, thereby providing forensic reproducibility of a simulation. The values generated unpredictably to provide the parameters and seeds for the random number generator are stored so that the same random numbers can be utilized for a subsequent computation in the simulation.