Pseudo random data stream generation for data/images protection in ubiquitous computing environment

A data stream generated from hysteresis-based multi-scroll chaos is proposed in this paper. The mathematical model of the multi-scroll chaotic attractor is a continuous-time linear third-order system with a feedback of hysteresis-series. The pseudo random data stream is generated from the state values of the third-order systems at the instance of hysteresis switching. Thanks to the complicated dynamical behavior of the multi-scroll chaotic attractor, the resulted data stream demonstrates highly unpredictability which is ideal for security use. Due to the simplicity of system model, the data stream can be generated in resource limited environment, such as mobile computing environment and wireless sensors. The data stream generation has been implemented in mobile phones with J2ME. It has the potential to be used as one time pad key in protecting information in ubiquitous computing environment. The resulting cipher can achieve high security strength with low cost.