Patents by Inventor Mark D. Jackson

Mark D. Jackson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7988559
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek, Donald A. Brower, John L. DeJournett
  • Publication number: 20110179409
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek, Donald A. Brower, John L. DeJournett
  • Publication number: 20110177867
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek, Donald A. Brower, John L. DeJournett
  • Patent number: 7867084
    Abstract: Hardware, systems, devices, architecture and methods for a wagering game-specific platform features secure storage and verification of game code and/or other data. An external connection securely communicates with a computerized wagering gaming system. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved. This is provided by use of various electronic devices and elements for encryption, including at least a device that is internally embedded in the gaming device that access digital signatures, encrypted files, encrypted compiled files and hash functions as well as other encryption methods. Such functions are able to be effected, and security and validation is advantageously applied to data loaded into storage media even while the gaming machine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson, Justin G. Downs, III
  • Patent number: 7783040
    Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform that features secure storage and verification of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and does so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. The invention provides these and other functions by use of encryption, including digital signatures and hash functions as well as other encryption methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek
  • Patent number: 7618317
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Mark D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7470182
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson, Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Publication number: 20080009337
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-load authentication suitable for use with an operating system in an embedded gaming device. A user-space file system that can automatically authenticate its contents is disclosed. The user-space file system can be deployed on a standalone system or using a client-server model such that a remote system server can coordinate with a local client to perform authentication. By moving the authentication into the file system functional block there is additional assurance that any game code or data stored in the file system cannot be accessed without first performing the required authentication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Mark D. Jackson, Alan D. Williams
  • Patent number: 7203841
    Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform that features secure storage (354) and verification (366) of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and does so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. The invention provides these and other functions by use of encryption (216), including digital signatures (220) and hash functions (210) as well as other encryption methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek
  • Patent number: 7179170
    Abstract: Hardware, systems, devices, architecture and methods for a wagering game-specific platform features secure storage and verification of game code and/or other data. An external connection securely communicates with a computerized wagering gaming system. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved. This is provided by use of various electronic devices and elements for encryption, including at least a device that is internally embedded in the gaming device that access digital signatures, encrypted files, encrypted compiled files and hash functions as well as other encryption methods. Such functions are able to be effected, and security and validation is advantageously applied to data loaded into storage media even while the gaming machine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson, Justin G. Downs, III
  • Patent number: 7116782
    Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform that features secure storage and verification of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and does so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. The invention provides these and other functions by use of encryption, including digital signatures and hash functions as well as other encryption methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek
  • Patent number: 7043641
    Abstract: An architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform are disclosed that features secure storage and verification of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and does so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. These and other functions make use of encryption, including digital signatures and hash functions as well as other encryption methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6962530
    Abstract: An architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform are disclosed that features secure storage and verification of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and do so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. The disclosed embodiments provides these and other functions by encrypting a random number, storing the encrypted random number, and hashing the random number and a casino game data set to provide a first bit string, and storing the first bit string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6935946
    Abstract: An I/O (Input/Output) interface is configured to couple a user interface assembly of interface peripheral devices to a communication port of a general purpose computer serving as a computerized wagering game controller. By connecting user interface assemblies of various gaming systems to a computerized game controller via various I/O interfaces and custom wiring harnesses, a common computerized game controller implements a game usable with a variety of existing gaming systems with different user interface assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek, Timothy S. Wasinger, David Ronald Kingham
  • Patent number: 6866581
    Abstract: A computerized wagering gaming system and method is disclosed. The system includes a universal computerized game system operable to control a computerized wagering game, including a controller interface and a universal controller for processing an operating system instructions. The system includes game system devices and a game translator system for translating game events between the game system devices and the universal game control system. The controller interface operates as an interface between the universal controller and the game translator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson, David R. Kingham, Timothy S. Wasinger
  • Publication number: 20040198479
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson, Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Publication number: 20030224858
    Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Mark D. Jackson, Michael G. Martinek, Donald A. Brower, John L. DeJournett
  • Publication number: 20030203756
    Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform that features secure storage and verification of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and does so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. The invention provides these and other functions by encrypting a random number, storing the encrypted random number, and hashing the random number and a casino game data set to provide a first bit string, and storing the first bit string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030203755
    Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture and method for a gaming-specific platform that features secure storage and verification of game code and other data, provides the ability to securely exchange data with a computerized wagering gaming system, and does so in a manner that is straightforward and easy to manage. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved, such as by the Nevada Gaming Regulations Commission or other regulatory agency. The invention provides these and other functions by encrypting a random number, storing the encrypted random number, and hashing the random number and a casino game data set to provide a first bit string, and storing the first bit string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030130032
    Abstract: Hardware, systems, devices, architecture and methods for a wagering game specific platform features secure storage and verification of game code and/or other data. An external connection securely communicates with a computerized wagering gaming system. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved. This is provided by use of various electronic devices and elements for encryption, including at least a device that is internally embedded in the gaming device that access digital signatures, encrypted files, encrypted compiled files and hash functions as well as other encryption methods. Such functions are able to be effected, and security and validation is advantageously applied to data loaded into storage media even while the gaming machine is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Martinek, Mark D. Jackson, Justin G. Downs