Verifiable Random Winner Selection Using Cryptographic Hashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional random drawing methods in competitions and lotteries rely on trusted third parties for verification, which lacks provability and is susceptible to tampering, especially in high-stakes scenarios with large participant numbers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method generates a verification string and determination string using cryptographic hashing, allowing participants to verify the randomness of the winner selection process without relying on a trusted third party, by publishing a certificate of validity on a public register and using user data to determine the winner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical drawing methods are used with trusted third parties, then the drawing process can be conducted, but the system is susceptible to tampering and lacks verifiable randomness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical drawing systems (balls, tickets, manual selection) with a cryptographic computational system. The winner selection is performed through hash function computations on server seeds and client seeds, eliminating physical components that can be tampered with while providing mathematically verifiable randomness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic hash functions as an intermediary between the server seed and the final winner selection. The hash function acts as a trusted mathematical mediator that transforms inputs into unpredictable outputs, allowing verification without requiring trust in the server's random number generation.
2Productivity
If physical drawing systems are used, then the process can be conducted manually, but the scale is limited and cannot accommodate large numbers of participants efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables participants to independently verify the fairness of the drawing process using publicly available information (server seed, client seed, hash function). Each participant can perform the verification themselves without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized verification infrastructure, allowing the system to scale to large participant numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where the server seed is hashed to create a verification string that can be publicly shared. Multiple copies of the verification information can be distributed without compromising security or requiring complex verification systems, enabling scalable verification for large competitions.
3Measurement precision
If cryptographic verification is implemented, then verifiable randomness is achieved, but the system requires publication of certificates and seeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the cryptographic hash computation of the server seed in advance and publishes the verification string (hash result) before the competition begins. This preliminary action allows participants to know what to expect and verify the process afterward, while the actual server seed remains secret until needed for verification after the winner is determined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by publishing the hash result (verification string) before publishing or revealing the original server seed. This allows verification of the drawing process without requiring immediate access to the secret seed, and the seed is only revealed afterward to complete the verification, reducing the complexity of certificate management during the competition.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for randomly selecting a winner from a group of participants which is verifiably random, removing the requirement of a trusted third party in competitions such as lotteries. Also provided are processing systems and architectures for implementing the method.