Re: The Onion on Lava Lamps

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From: Chris Olds (colds@dydax.com)
Date: Wed Feb 14 2001 - 11:57:38 PST


On Thu, 8 Feb 2001, Strata Rose Chalup wrote:
> Are there lower-wattage sources of random input for cryptographic key
> generation to fall back on?

Is there any alternative that is as easily available that isn't patented?

http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05732138__
 
US5732138: Method for seeding a pseudo-random number generator with a
cryptographic hash of a digitization of a chaotic system
 
What is claimed is:
1. A method for ensuring the security of a system from unauthorized
access, comprising the steps of:

     digitizing a state of a chaotic system to form a set of binary bits;
     applying a hash function to the set of binary bits;
     obtaining a seed number from the hash function performed on the
      binary bits;
     inputting the seed number into a random number generator;
     using an output from the random number generator to form a password
      or cryptographic key, wherein the password or cryptographic key is
      used appropriately by the security system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the hash function is comprised of a
cryptographic hash function.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the chaotic system is comprised of
recording at least one lava lamp.

        /cco


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