Monobit-run frequency on-line randomness test

A method for evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number generator, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating a stream of random bits using said random-number generator;
• (b) applying said generated random bits to a monobit-run length operation;
• (c) applying the output of said monobit-run length operation to an exponential averaging to obtain average monobit-run frequency values for a range of monobit-run lengths;
• (d) comparing the average monobit-run frequency values to a predetermined acceptance range;
• and,
• (e) determining whether any of the average monobit-run frequency values falls outside said predetermined acceptance range more than a predefined number of times.

An apparatus for evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number generator, comprising:

• means for generating random sequences comprising of binary bits;
• means for detecting whether said generated random sequences are insufficiently random based on an exponential monobit-run frequency operation;
• and,
• means for controlling the flow of said generated random sequences for a subsequent application when said generated random sequences are determined to be insufficiently random,
• wherein said exponential monobit-run frequency operation is performed to compute average number monbit-run frequency values for a range of monobit-run lengths on said generated random sequences and wherein, if the any output of said exponential monobit-run operation repeatedly falls outside a predetermined acceptance range more than a predefined number of times determining that said generated random sequences are insufficiently random.

A machine-readable medium having stored thereon data representing sequences of instructions, and the sequences of instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

• process a continuous stream of random bits;
• perform an exponential monobit-run frequency operation on said generated random bits to compute an average monobit-run frequency value for a range of monobit-run lengths;
• and,
• determine whether said generated random numbers are insufficiently random by comparing the output of said exponential monobit-run frequency operation to a predetermined acceptance range.