Truly Random Number Patents (Class 708/255)
  • Patent number: 6360183
    Abstract: The device and method for triggering a random event is suited for use as an RPG in a Packinko gaming machine and involves the use of a radioactive source and detector. Repeated measurement of decay events detected by the detector during selected time periods are compared against one another and preferably against a predetermined number and a win event is triggered when the numbers are equal. Appropriate selection of the predetermined number for comparison determines the probability of a win event being triggered. With this device and method materials having very low radioactivity may be used. Also, the device and method operates to trigger a win event at a desired probability without the need for the Mean output of the radioactive material to be measured accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nycomed Amersham PLC
    Inventor: Mark Golder Shilton
  • Publication number: 20020018563
    Abstract: A method and structure for generating and publishing random number fields for both low speed and high-speed encryption. The numbers which, are derived from natural non-algorithmic sources, allow the usage of high-speed encryption devices including voice activated devices. Combining the high-speed natural non-algorithmic number fields within a computer allows the formation of a computerized encryption and decryption device which operates in combination with a non-algorithmic low-speed and high-speed natural number-generator. The computer may periodically select non-algorithmic natural random numbers from the natural random number generator and may utilize a prepared software program to insert the numbers into an algorithmic expansion program. The program converts less rapidly derived non-algorithmic natural random numbers to a high-speed series of natural numbers for Internet presentation and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Clyde L. Tichenor
  • Patent number: 6337643
    Abstract: A process and device for generation of a random signal, and a digital-analog conversion system using such a random signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Pascal Gabet, Jean-Luc De Gouy
  • Publication number: 20010046293
    Abstract: A method for generating random numbers includes the steps of providing a liquid crystal cell containing a liquid crystal material, wherein a potential difference is applied across said liquid crystal material to cause a chaotic turbulent flow. The resulting flow or physical result of the liquid crystal material is measured to generate a baseline measurement, and subsequently the at least one physical property is measured again to generate a plurality of reading measurements. Determining the difference between each of the reading measurements and the baseline measurement, and setting bits based on the differences generates a sequence of random numbers. An apparatus for generating random numbers is also disclosed. These truly random numbers may then be used to encrypt data prior to transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Kent State University
    Inventor: James T. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 6324558
    Abstract: An RNG circuit is connected to the parallel port of a computer. The circuit includes a flat source of white noise and a CMOS amplifier circuit compensated in the high frequency range. A low-frequency cut-off is selected to maintain high band-width yet eliminate the 1/f amplifier noise tail. A CMOS comparator with a 10 nanosecond rise time converts the analog signal to a binary one. A shift register converts the serial signal to a 4-bit parallel one at a sample rate selected at the knee of the serial dependence curve. Two levels of XOR defect correction produce a BRS at 20 kHZ, which is converted to a 4-bit parallel word, latched and buffered. The entire circuit is powered from the data pins of the parallel port. A device driver interface in the computer operates the RNG. The randomness defects with various levels of correction and sample rates are calculated and the RNG is optimized before manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Scott A. Wilber
  • Patent number: 6247033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a random signal generator (10) comprising means (11, 12, 13) for converting an electronic noise (N, N1, N2) into a logic signal (RS) whose value depends on the random fluctuations of the electronic noise (N). According to one embodiment, the generator (10) comprises at least two delay lines (11, 12) having initially balanced time constants (T). The two delay lines (11, 12) receive a pulsed reference signal (Hr) at input and at least one of the delay lines (11, 12) receives an electronic noise (N1, N2) causing its time constant (T) to fluctuate (&Dgr;t). The temporal lag between the two pulsed signals (S1, S2) is detected by a circuit (13) delivering a logic signal (RS) whose value is a function of the relative lag between the two pulsed signals (S1, S2). Advantageously, the electronic noise (N1, N2) is a differential noise taken at two points (GND1, GND2) of a ground plane or two points (PV1, PV2) of an electrical supply plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Inside Technologies
    Inventor: Jacek Kowalski
  • Patent number: 6215874
    Abstract: A method and system of generating random numbers using imaging transducers of a charge coupled array. Noise signals detected by a first and a second imaging transducers of the array are processed together to yield a first value; noise signals detected by a third and a fourth imaging transducers are processed together to yield a second value; the first and second values are processed together to yield the random number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Dew Engineering and Development Limited
    Inventors: Stephen J. Borza, Gordon Freedman
  • Patent number: 6212638
    Abstract: A method for generating authentication identification symbols, such as numbers, letters, etc., generates sequences of unpredictable symbols which are employed by vendors of various types of goods to authenticate the goods. Using special mathematical functions, an agent generates a first unpredictable subset of symbols to be supplied to a vendor for marking the vendor's goods. The subset is unpredictable in that knowledge of one or more symbols in the subset cannot be employed to predict other symbols in the subset. Preferably, the vendor then selects another subset of symbols from the first subset, and the symbols in this sub-subset are employed for marking the vendor's goods. The unpredictability of the symbol sequences prevents a counterfeiter from being able to predict other symbols in the sequence. In addition, the vendor's use of a sub-subset of symbols prevents the agent from knowing which of the original subset of symbols the vendor is employing to mark the goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: George C. Lee, Zhong Liang
  • Patent number: 5987483
    Abstract: A random number generator based on naturally occurring events in which directional randomness of radioactivity is exploited to generate a random number sequence. Radiation emissions from a radiation source are detected at different spatial locations about the radiation source. A unique numerical value is assigned to radiation detected at the different spatial locations. A random number sequence comprising numerical values is generated depending upon which spatial location radiation is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Leybold Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jamie Edelkind, Ilya M. Vitebskiy, Alexander Figotin, Vadim Popovich
  • Patent number: 5961577
    Abstract: A random number generator includes a plurality of fully differential amplifiers (30) configured as a ring oscillator (22). The output of the ring oscillator (22) is input to a comparator/latch circuit (32) for determining the zero crossing for the ring oscillator. The ring oscillator is a self-oscillating structure that has an oscillation frequency with jitter superimposed thereon. This jitter is a result of the internal thermal noise associated with the integrated circuits that are utilized to realize the amplifiers (30). Each of the amplifiers (30) that make up the ring oscillator operate on a substantially constant current and are subsequently isolated from changes in the power supply. As such, the variations in the frequency thereof are caused solely by thermal noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Soenen, Steve Martindell