Same here. Long ago I tried to generate an encryption key by flipping a coin. Af... | Hacker News

Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

login

raegis on June 3, 2022 | parent | context | favorite | on: 40k coin tosses yield ambiguous evidence for dynam...

Same here. Long ago I tried to generate an encryption key by flipping a coin. After getting a rhythm and flipping heads 20 consecutive times I gave up.

titzer on June 3, 2022 [–]

You could still XOR longer runs together, reducing the bitrate but mostly eliminating the bias.

inimino on June 4, 2022 | [–]

There is a protocol for this... you flip the coin twice. HH or TT you ignore, HT or TH you keep (and treat as H or T). This eliminates any bias towards H or T that the coin or flipping procedure may have.

Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.
Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact