Patent ID: 6831980
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of generating a number within a random sequence of numbers using an imaging device comprising an integrated circuit, the integrated circuit having a plurality of imaging sensors in a known arrangement for sensing an image provided thereto and for providing an output signal indicative of the sensed image, wherein the output signal comprises a plurality of pixel values each relating to an imaging sensor from the plurality of imaging sensors, each pixel value of the plurality of pixel values relating to one pixel within the sensed image at a known location dependent upon the location of the related image sensor, the method comprising:sensing, with a first imaging sensor of the plurality of imaging sensors, a first signal to provide first sensed data, wherein at least a portion of the first sensed data comprises noise presented to or from within the device; sensing, with a second imaging sensor of the plurality of imaging sensors, a second signal to provide second sensed data, wherein at least a portion of the second sensed data comprises noise presented to or from within the device; determining a noise based value from the noise portion within each of the first sensed data and the second sensed data; and, based on the noise based value providing the number within the random sequence of numbers.