Unique Identifier Generation Using Random-Counter Combination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating unique identifiers face challenges with scalability, predictability, and security, leading to issues such as duplication and increased risk of identifier collisions, especially in large-scale web environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates unique identifiers by combining a random number array with a central counter, converting the result into a 16-digit string, and ensuring thread safety through atomic long variables and synchronized blocks, while encrypting hash addresses for secure transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential numbering or time-based generation is used, then the identifier generation is simple and fast, but scalability is limited and predictability increases leading to security concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a random number generator with a centralized counter system to create unique identifiers. The random component provides unpredictability and security, while the centralized counter ensures uniqueness and scalability. This merging of two different approaches (randomness + sequential counting) resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized counter as an intermediary component that mediates between the random number generator and the final identifier. The counter acts as a coordination mechanism that ensures each identifier is unique while allowing distributed systems to generate identifiers independently and concurrently.
2Ease of manufacture
If predictable identifiers are generated, then generation is efficient and simple, but security concerns arise as they can be easily exploited by malicious actors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of identifier predictability by introducing a random number generator. Instead of using purely sequential or time-based identifiers that are easily predictable, the system incorporates randomness as a key parameter, making identifiers unpredictable and secure while maintaining generation efficiency through the centralized counter coordination.
3Reliability
If centralized management is incorporated to avoid duplication, then identifier uniqueness is ensured, but bottlenecks in performance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating random numbers and using a centralized counter that is maintained in advance. The counter is updated and synchronized before identifier generation needs to occur, allowing distributed systems to independently generate unique identifiers without real-time centralized bottlenecks, thus maintaining both uniqueness and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a unique user identifier and assigning it to an entity is disclosed. The system comprises a web server configured to request a unique identifier and an identifier service operably connected to the web server. The identifier service includes a random number generator that generates a random number array, a central counter that maintains a counter value, and a processor that combines the random number array with the counter value to form a unique value. The unique value is then converted into a 16-digit string by a converter. The identifier service transmits the 16-digit unique identifier back to the web server, which assigns the identifier to the entity. This system ensures efficient and secure generation of unique identifiers.