Apparatus and method for generating physical random numbers

A method for generating physical random numbers, comprising:

• generating physical random numbers;
• performing a test process to check randomness of the physical random numbers;
• estimating a minimum entropy based on statistical information generated as a byproduct of the test process;
• accumulating the physical random numbers as many bits as a number determined based on the minimum entropy;
• and
• performing an entropy compression process using the accumulated physical random numbers as an input.

A system for generating physical random numbers, comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory;
• an encryption arithmetic apparatus;
• and
• a physical random number generator apparatus,
• wherein the physical random number generator apparatus includes:
• a physical random number generator configured to generate physical random numbers;
• a test unit configured to perform a test process to check randomness of the physical random numbers;
• a minimum entropy estimating unit configured to estimate a minimum entropy based on statistical information generated as a byproduct of the test process;
• an entropy compressing unit configured to perform an entropy compression process using the physical random numbers as an input;
• and
• an entropy control unit configured to control based on the minimum entropy a number of bits of the physical random numbers input into the entropy compression process performed by the entropy compressing unit.