Random number generator and generation method

• US 6,763,364 B1
• Filed: 10/30/2000
• Issued: 07/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Quantum World Corporation (Altitude Capital Partners)
• Original Assignee: Scott A. Wilber
• Inventors: Wilber, Scott A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Tan V.
• Application Number:
  US09/699,523
• Time in Patent Office: 1,352 Days
• Field of Search: 708/250-256, 331/78, 380/25
• US Class Current: 708/255
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/58 Random or pseudo-random number generators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/588 Random number generators, i.e. based on natural stochastic processes

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.

Claims

1. A method of producing a series of true random numbers, said method composing:

using a hardware device to produce an analog noise signal;

converting said analog noise signal to a binary true random sequence of signals;

interfacing said binary true random sequence of signals to a general purpose personal computer; and

utilizing said interfaced binary true random sequence of signals in said computer.

2. A method as in claim 1 wherein said step of interfacing comprises providing a device driver.

3. A true random number generator comprising:

a true random number generator circuit for generating a true random sequence of signals; and

a personal computer including a true random number generator circuit interface, said interface consisting of one or more of the following;

a device driver, a TSR, a portion of the operating system of said personal computer, and a program stored in the bios memory of said personal computer.

4. A true random number generator as in claim 3 wherein said interface comprises a device driver.

5. A true random number generator as in claim 3 wherein said interface comprises software for testing said true random number generator circuit.

6. A true random number generator as in claim 3 wherein said true random number generator circuit is located in a module separate from said personal computer, and said true random number generator further includes a cable for electrically connecting said module to said personal computer.

7. A true random number generator as in claim 3 wherein said true random number generator circuit is located on an add-on board for mounting in said personal computer.

8. A true random number generator as in claim 3 wherein said true random number generator circuit is located on the motherboard of said personal computer.

9. A true random number generator as in claim 3 wherein said true random number generator circuit is located on a peripheral of said personal computer.

10. A device for interfacing with a true random number generator, said device comprising:

a personal computer including;

a memory for storing information for interfacing with a true random number generator circuit, and an electronic processor communicating with said memory for interfacing with said true random number generator; and

wherein

said information for interfacing with a true random number generator consists of one or more of the following;

a device driver, a TSR, a portion of the operating system of said personal computer, and a program stored in the bios memory of said personal computer.