# Entropy-RNG: Camera-Based Random Number Generator

This project uses a live video feed from an **Axis M1013** network camera to generate cryptographically secure random numbers. The camera is pointed at a high-contrast scene (e.g., ceiling and lamps) to ensure ever-changing pixel data, which is used as a source of entropy.

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## How It Works

1. **Capture Image Frames**
   The script fetches a single frame from the camera's MJPEG stream using OpenCV or manual HTTP requests.

2. **Extract Entropy**
   The pixel data from the frame is hashed using SHA-256 to generate a high-quality entropy pool.

3. **Generate Random Numbers**
   The entropy is used to seed Python's `secrets` module, which generates cryptographically secure random numbers of specified bit lengths (e.g., 128-bit, 256-bit).

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## Requirements

- Python 3.x
- OpenCV (`opencv-python`)
- Pillow (`Pillow`)
- `requests` library

Install dependencies:
```bash
pip install opencv-python Pillow requests
```

---

## Usage

### 1. OpenCV Method (Recommended)
Run the OpenCV script to fetch a frame and generate random numbers:
```bash
python3 entropy-rng-opencv.py
```

**Example Output:**
```
128-bit random number: 0x67dbaf3c5eba5a0d41429d2173a21f2f
256-bit random number: 0xe3a707c10f70f975e074633ad22ea0eaaa8b482e87c6418e3ae2380b2e647a4
```

### 2. Manual HTTP Method
Run the manual script (alternative to OpenCV):
```bash
python3 entropy-rng-cam.py
```

**Example Output:**
```
128-bit random number: 0x494d97b11a4b6008e4597cfc29108354
256-bit random number: 0xd59f7f4d22ebf7507b702fb60e0f2a6ccbf2ad4b5e3ab969f9152222da8e9443
```

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## Output Format

The generated random numbers are in **hexadecimal format** (e.g., `0x67dbaf3c5eba5a0d41429d2173a21f2f`).
- 128-bit numbers: 32 hex digits
- 256-bit numbers: 64 hex digits

---

## Why This Approach?

- **True Entropy Source**: The camera feed provides a dynamic, unpredictable source of entropy.
- **Cryptographically Secure**: Uses SHA-256 hashing and Python's `secrets` module.
- **No Additional Hardware**: Leverages existing network cameras.

---

## Notes

- Ensure the camera feed is **dynamic** (e.g., pointing at changing light patterns).
- For production use, consider adding error handling and logging.