82 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
82 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
# Entropy-RNG: Camera-Based Random Number Generator
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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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---
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## How It Works
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1. **Capture Image Frames**
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The script fetches a single frame from the camera's MJPEG stream using OpenCV or manual HTTP requests.
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2. **Extract Entropy**
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The pixel data from the frame is hashed using SHA-256 to generate a high-quality entropy pool.
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3. **Generate Random Numbers**
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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
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- Python 3.x
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- OpenCV (`opencv-python`)
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- Pillow (`Pillow`)
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- `requests` library
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Install dependencies:
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```bash
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pip install opencv-python Pillow requests
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```
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---
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## Usage
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### 1. OpenCV Method (Recommended)
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Run the OpenCV script to fetch a frame and generate random numbers:
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```bash
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python3 entropy-rng-opencv.py
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```
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**Example Output:**
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```
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128-bit random number: 0x67dbaf3c5eba5a0d41429d2173a21f2f
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256-bit random number: 0xe3a707c10f70f975e074633ad22ea0eaaa8b482e87c6418e3ae2380b2e647a4
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```
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### 2. Manual HTTP Method
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Run the manual script (alternative to OpenCV):
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```bash
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python3 entropy-rng-cam.py
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```
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**Example Output:**
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```
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128-bit random number: 0x494d97b11a4b6008e4597cfc29108354
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256-bit random number: 0xd59f7f4d22ebf7507b702fb60e0f2a6ccbf2ad4b5e3ab969f9152222da8e9443
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```
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---
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## Output Format
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The generated random numbers are in **hexadecimal format** (e.g., `0x67dbaf3c5eba5a0d41429d2173a21f2f`).
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- 128-bit numbers: 32 hex digits
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- 256-bit numbers: 64 hex digits
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---
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## Why This Approach?
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- **True Entropy Source**: The camera feed provides a dynamic, unpredictable source of entropy.
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- **Cryptographically Secure**: Uses SHA-256 hashing and Python's `secrets` module.
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- **No Additional Hardware**: Leverages existing network cameras.
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---
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## Notes
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- Ensure the camera feed is **dynamic** (e.g., pointing at changing light patterns).
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- For production use, consider adding error handling and logging.
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