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A better PRNG (random number generator, aka RANDOM_NUMBER replacement)
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Posts: 307
Hello,
I just wrapped up implementing and testing the ISAAC PRNG in NetLinx, and also some simple code for gathering entropy from device events to seed the PRNG (such as online / offline events from touchpanels, button pushes, etc). While not much in the control world needs a good PRNG, I couldn't sleep last night and thought it'd be a cool idea - plus I have a few ideas of what to do with it
Is anyone interested in a high-grade PRNG? (then again, we have enough hardware inputs for hardware entropy gathering...but sometimes entropy comes slow, it requires code to be written, and this code is free 
) Information about ISAAC is here: http://www.burtleburtle.net/bob/rand/isaac.html
Next on my todo list is to implement an open DH and / or public key system as so the system can be validated by third parties, and used for cryptographically secure communications to arbitrary devices. NetLinx may be a bit too limiting for that, though...
I just wrapped up implementing and testing the ISAAC PRNG in NetLinx, and also some simple code for gathering entropy from device events to seed the PRNG (such as online / offline events from touchpanels, button pushes, etc). While not much in the control world needs a good PRNG, I couldn't sleep last night and thought it'd be a cool idea - plus I have a few ideas of what to do with it
Is anyone interested in a high-grade PRNG? (then again, we have enough hardware inputs for hardware entropy gathering...but sometimes entropy comes slow, it requires code to be written, and this code is free ) Information about ISAAC is here: http://www.burtleburtle.net/bob/rand/isaac.htmlNext on my todo list is to implement an open DH and / or public key system as so the system can be validated by third parties, and used for cryptographically secure communications to arbitrary devices. NetLinx may be a bit too limiting for that, though...
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Paul
Sounds good. I'm currently in the process of putting together a math library for NetLinx that I'll be open sourcing once it's neatened up a little. If you want to merge any of your random number generator implimentations once that's up it could get sexy.
When it's ready to see the light of day I'll be sure to let the other forum-ites know. Stay tuned.
I wrote a demo project, touchpanel, easily insertable into projects include, etc. and need to test that stuff and the entropy collector module. (The ISAAC code itself is tested and done.) I also need to write some basic documentation on usage and document the functions. I'll bring an NI and TP home tomorrow night to test. Once that's done, I'll post it. Also, I don't intend on writing any different PRNGs - I just wanted something stronger than whatever magic lies behind RANDOM_NUMBER... (EDIT: I may write some faster ones, but due to how systems are usually used, even slow ISAAC may be fast enough.)
What license do you intend to use for "open sourcing?" Something friendly with the close-it-off crowd?
EDIT 2: I'll also profile speed between RANDOM_NUMBER() and rand_isaac() as well as run Diehard against RANDOM_NUMBER output.
EDIT 3: Just need to test the touchpanel demo and it'll be done. While I'm not fond of the license (I tend to use the BSD license), due to past experiences with the community and my belief in openness (especially when it comes to custom integration), the initial release will be under the GPL. I'm not really sure anyone else needs something like this for this to matter, though.