Random Number Generation from VoIP Packetized Media Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pseudo-random number generators rely on seeds, making their output predictable, which poses security vulnerabilities, especially in cryptographic applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for generating random numbers by sampling packetized media data from VoIP networks, concatenating bits, and using the resulting numerical values as random numbers or seeds, thereby reducing predictability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pseudo-random number generators use computational algorithms with seeds, then they can generate large amounts of random data efficiently, but the output becomes predictable and vulnerable to security attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom data generation speedVSAvoidrandomness quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces packetized media data from VoIP networks as an intermediary source between the deterministic algorithm and the final random output. This external data stream acts as a mediator that injects true entropy into the system, transforming predictable pseudo-random sequences into unpredictable random numbers while maintaining generation speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the input parameter from a controlled seed value to uncontrolled packetized media data from network traffic. This parameter change transforms the nature of the output from deterministic pseudo-random to non-deterministic true random, resolving the contradiction between speed and randomness quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If pseudo-random number generators use seeds, then the generation process is computationally efficient, but security vulnerabilities arise due to predictability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputational energy efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Packetized media data serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between efficient computation and security. The system efficiently processes this external data through sampling and concatenation operations, converting low-value network packets into high-value cryptographic random numbers with minimal computational overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potentially harmful or waste data (unused packetized media from VoIP networks) into a beneficial security resource. By sampling and processing this otherwise discarded network traffic, the system transforms a potential security risk (uncontrolled data input) into a security asset (high-entropy random number source)

Inventive Principle:

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

Data Source

PatentUS9158501B2Method and apparatus for generating random numbers based on packetized media data

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 VONAGE BUSINESS INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for generating random numbers based on packetized media data comprising querying one or more packetized media devices for a predetermined number of bits from one or more current real-time transport protocol (RTP) session, receiving the predetermined number of bits from the one or more packetized media devices, assembling the predetermined number of bits into a set of bytes; and converting the second set of bytes into a numerical value.