Storage Device Random Number Generation Using Operational Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current random number generation methods for encryption and user authentication in storage devices, such as HDDs, are limited by slow speed, which impedes the performance of encryption and security systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that extract digital signals from storage devices, specifically noise bits from signals like position error, spindle speed, and temperature signals, to generate random numbers efficiently, using noise bits to create random words and sampling to produce prime numbers suitable for encryption keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional random number generation methods are used in storage devices, then the system can provide encryption and authentication functions, but the random number generation speed is slow which impedes system performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom number generation speedVSAvoidencryption system performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise signals present in storage device operations into beneficial random number sources. By extracting noise bits from position error signals, spindle speed error signals, and other operational signals that were previously considered interference or waste, the system generates high-speed random numbers for encryption and authentication, thereby improving both speed and security performance

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device generates its own random numbers using its internal operational signals without requiring external random number generation hardware. The device leverages its own operational noise and error signals as entropy sources, making the system self-sufficient for cryptographic purposes while maintaining high generation speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If external random number generation hardware is used, then random number quality can be maintained, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom number generation apparatus complexityVSAvoidrandom number quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores data, operates normally, and generates random numbers for security applications. The same operational signals used for normal device function also serve as entropy sources for random number generation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal processing intermediary that extracts noise bits from operational signals and transforms them into random numbers. This intermediary layer processes the raw noise signals through bitwise operations and sampling to produce high-quality random numbers, maintaining reliability without requiring complex external hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8996596B2Apparatus and method of generating random number

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 SEAGATE TECH INT

AI summary

A random number generation method and apparatus are disclosed. In the random number generation method, a random number is generated using a plurality of digital signals existing in various storage devices, and thus the speed at which a random number is generated may be significantly increased.