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LavaRnd: A Open Source Project for Truly Random Numbers

Posted by Hemos on from the 1231232-hash-uyiuyiu1q2123 dept.

Phil Windley writes "Truly random numbers are crucial to good encryption. Most people have heard of Silicon Graphic's use of Lava Lamps to generate random numbers. There were some problems: it required special SGI hardware and software along with six lava lamps, and the solution wasn't portable. But the biggest drawback was that SGI patented the idea so it wasn't freely available. Now, some of the scientists behind the SGI random number system have create LavaRnd, an open source project for creating truly random numbers using inexpensive cameras, open source code, and inexpensive hardware. The system uses a saturated CCD in a light-tight can as a chaotic source to produce the seed. Software processes the result into truly random numbers in a variety of formats. The result is a random number that is crytographically sound, ranking at the top of its class in the NIST 800-22 Billion bit test. Its even portable, so the truly paranoid can take it with them when they travel."

6 of 549 comments (clear)

  1. other semiconductors by fortunatus · · Score: 5, Interesting

    audio circuits often use diode junctions in reverse-breakdown mode as a source of "white noise". couldn't we computer folks do the same? seems a similar idea to the the dark CCD technique.

  2. A mic listening to the environment? by van+der+Rohe · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm not a math guy. At all.
    So forgive me if this is dumb or not the right idea.
    But why not just use a sensitive microphone listening to the ambience in a room to "seed" some sort of algorithm?

  3. what about audio output? by mbreitba · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I had a friend that 5 or 6 years ago used the "white noise" from his SB 16 to generate random numbers. Wouldn't this be much more portable than a lava lamp? -Matt

  4. Re:Bizarre sequences of random numbers by drewbradford · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What strikes me as odd is that the term "random numbers" is still used even among us, the excessively nerdy. Of course, pseudo-random is better, but I think that "unpredictable" would be the best term.

    All numbers generated are based on something, so they'll never be truly random. The best that we can do is make them truly unpredictable, such that it cannot be determined which specific factors they are based on.

    ===
    http://www.drewbradford.com/

  5. Re:Can't be done. by CyberGarp · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Ahh contrair, you assume hidden variables young grasshopper. Even Einstein had trouble believing that quantum physics depended on randomness. The hidden variable theory has been attacked from many angles, and noone has been able to prove yet that there are hidden variables, in fact there is much evidence that quantum mechnics depends on randomness.

    --

    I used to wonder what was so holy about a silent night, now I have a child.
  6. whatch_durrin vs. VIA by henele · · Score: 4, Interesting
    From an article on VIA's Antaur processor...

    "The Antaur also ships with Via's "Padlock" feature, a random-number generator that actually produces "true" random numbers by measuring random components of the thermal energy produced by the chip, according to its designer, Glenn Henry. RNG generators can be used to develop true randomized cryptographic keys."