Abstract: Methods and Systems for securely distributing software in a subscription-based environment are provided. In an example embodiment, a Game Security Facility (“GSF”) associated with a game server is used to manage secure communications with game clients. The GSF typically manages secure communication of the accounting and billing information and secure communication of game session data. In typical operation, the game client generates a pass-phrase that transparently includes a unique identifier of the machine upon which the subscription software will reside. RSA-type key pairs that are then generated using this pass-phrase will be associated uniquely with both the game player and with the machine upon which the software resides, thus preventing unauthorized copying to another machine or unauthorized use by a third party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restricting access of an application to computer hardware. The apparatus includes both an authentication module and a validation module. The authentication module is within the trusted firmware layer. The purpose of the authentication module is to verify a cryptographic key presented by an application. The validation module is responsive to the authentication module and limits access of the application to the computer hardware. The authentication modules may be implemented in software through a firmware call, or through a hardware register of the computer.

Abstract: An exemplary implementation of a security gateway for online console-based gaming operates as a gateway between a public network (e.g., the Internet), and a private network (e.g., an internal data center network). The security gateway allows secure communication channels to be established with game consoles via the public network, and allows secure communication between game consoles on the public network and service devices on the private network.

Abstract: The present invention provides authentication of computer generated game or test results (“outcomes”), and a system by which persons who play games or take tests on a game or testing computer, respectively, may submit the outcomes of the games or tests to a central authority having at least one central computer, and have the central computer “certify” those outcomes as being accurately reported and fairly achieved. This certification of the computer generated result constitutes a “remote-auditing” of the activity taking place on the game computer. In one application, the system enables computer generated game tournaments in which players play the games on game computers and compete against each other by submitting the outcomes for those tournament games to the central computer, which certifies the outcomes and rates and ranks the players. In another application, the system provides for players of computer games to obtain a certified ranking and rating without participation in a tournament.

Abstract: Cryptography-based methods and apparatus for secure information processing are disclosed that are particularly efficient in terms of the computational resources required, and thus implementable in mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other lightweight processing devices. A setup procedure is performed to permit interactions of a designated type, e.g., secure mobile gaming interactions, to be carried out between participants, e.g., one or more players and a casino. A given participant initiates a particular interaction with another participant by sending to that participant initiation information based at least in part on one or more results of the setup procedure. The other participant in turn sends response information back to the given participant, and the interaction then continues with one or more rounds each involving one or more decisions committed to by each participant.

Abstract: A gaming system may include a first gaming unit, a second gaming unit, and a monitoring apparatus operatively coupled to the first and second gaming unit. The monitoring apparatus may include a display terminal and a monitoring apparatus controller operatively coupled to the display terminal. The monitoring apparatus controller may comprise a processor and a memory having encrypted license data representing a license parameter and a corresponding license parameter value stored therein, and may be programed to determine if the encrypted license data is authentic and may be programmed to determine if a configuration of the gaming system is in compliance with the license parameter value of the license parameter.

Abstract: A game management center linked to at least one remote game terminal, sends the terminals to which it is linked, a message containing a game identifier and a question. The response from a player entered via a remote game terminal is transmitted in a form blinded with the aid of a secret to the game management center so as to guarantee the anonymity of the player. If the blinded response message is received before the instant of broadcasting of the response, the game management center sends an acknowledgement of receipt to said game terminal. The response in answer to the question is subsequently broadcast to all the remote game terminals. If the player has given the right answer, the terminal must, to claim its prize, send a message containing the acknowledgement of receipt and an item proving that it is in possession of the secret used to blind the response.

Abstract: A console-based multi-user authentication process allows multiple users of a game console to be authenticated together in a single request/reply exchange with an authentication entity. The results of which is the possession of a single ticket that can be used to prove authenticity of multiple authentication principals to one or more online services. Also described is a handshake process that can be used to initially establish an authentication account for each game console, in which the account creation server can trust that a genuine game console is making the request.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to reprogramming of in-circuit programmable chips installed in video lottery terminals (VLTs) by downloading electronic information (software) to such chips. Encrypted electronic information is downloaded from a host device to a gaming terminal through a communications link. The terminal comprises a decryption component configured for decrypting the encrypted electronic information using at least two security keys, at least one said key being resident in the terminal and at least another said key being delivered to the terminal at the time of the downloading (the downloading facilitating a replacement of existing software in terminal with corresponding decrypted software obtained from decrypting the encrypted information). The encrypted information transmitted to the terminal comprises at least one next version key for later use by the decryption component in decrypting a next version of encrypted electronic information.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine may securely communicate with devices over a public network such as the Internet. The gaming machine utilizes a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption that allows a single gaming machine to securely communicate with a remote server using a public network. The secure communication methods may be used to transfer gaming software and gaming information between two gaming devices, such as between a game server and a gaming machine. For regulatory and tracking purposes, the transfer of gaming software between the two gaming devices may be authorized and monitored by a software authorization agent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for generating a gaming application signature which uniquely represents a gaming application having a plurality of gaming application objects associated therewith. A subset of the plurality of gaming application objects are retrieved. An object signature is generated for each of the retrieved gaming application objects. The object signatures are combined to generate the gaming application signature.

Abstract: A system for playing a lottery-type game includes a play generator, a win generator, and an evaluator. The evaluator receives the playfile from the play generator and a winning a number from the win generator and, in response to player input, determines a win/loss result. The evaluator may perform a record-by-record decryption of the playfile for each game play.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to digital information utilizes a location identity attribute that defines a specific geographic location. The location identity attribute is associated with the digital information such that the digital information can be accessed only at the specific geographic location. The location identity attribute further includes a location value and a proximity value. The location value corresponds to a location of an intended recipient appliance of the digital information, and may be further defined in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude dimensions. The digital information is encrypted using a geolocking key based at least in part on the location identity attribute. The geolocking key is based on a shape parameter that is determined from the location identity attribute and is included with the encrypted digital information. The shape parameter describes a shape of a geographic area, but does not identify where the geographic area is located.

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.

Abstract: Computing apparatus comprises a memory means storing the instructions of a secure process and an authentication process; a processing means arranged to control the operation of the computing apparatus including by executing the secure process and the authentication process; a user interface means arranged to receive user input and return to the user input; and an interface means for receiving a removable primary token and communication with the token. The token comprises a body supporting a token interface for communicating with the interface means, a token processor; and a token memory adapted to store token data including information for identifying the token and auxiliary token information identifying one or more authorized auxiliary tokens.

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.

Abstract: A secure cashless gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming devices which may or may not be connected to a central host network. Each gaming device includes an intelligent data device reader which is uniquely associated with a security module interposed between the intelligent data device reader and the gaming device processor. A portable data device bearing credits is used to allow players to play the various gaming devices. When a portable data device is presented to the gaming device, it is authenticated before a gaming session is allowed to begin. The intelligent data device reader in each gaming device monitors gaming transactions and stores the results for later readout in a secure format by a portable data extraction unit, or else for transfer to a central host network.

Abstract: A network architecture for console-based gaming systems enables secure communication among multiple game consoles over a local area network. The system architecture supports a three-phase secure communication protocol. The first phase involves generating shared keys that are unique to an authentic game console running an authentic game title. In the second phase, a “client” console attempts to discover existing game sessions being hosted by a “host” game console by broadcasting a request over the local area network. The broadcast request is protected using the shared keys. If the host console agrees to let the client console play, the host console generates session keys that are returned to the client console. The third phase involves a key exchange in which the client and host consoles exchange data used to derive one or more secrets for securing future communications. The key exchange is protected using the session keys.

Abstract: A method of authenticating anonymous users while reducing potential for “middleman” fraud includes the step of constructing a puzzle in response to information received from a software user. The puzzle includes the received information. The puzzle is sent to the user by a software provider. The user solves the puzzle and returns the solution to the provider. The puzzle includes a portion of a value derived from an encrypted “cookie” and an exponentiation of the derived value. The cookie includes information about the user.

Abstract: A system and method for generation of unpredictable and auditable random numbers includes a host computer, a digital signature server and a verification device. The host computer provides data to the digital signature server; obtains digital signature for this data; uses elements of this signature for random numbers generation; logs relevant data for audit. The verification device uses logged data for auditing of the random number generation process. This invention can be applied in gaming and gambling industries where the random numbers are used for generation of game/play elements and of winning numbers elements. The game/play elements and winning numbers elements generated using this invention can be audited.

Abstract: A method and system for determining geographic location and mental state of a user. A GPS circuit is to generate signals representing a geographic location. The system uses a host computer and a local computer connected to each other over a network. A keypad is used to enter provided sequence information which is sent to the host computer if entered within a set period of time along with geographic location information provided by a GPS system and serial number information. The host computer verifies that the sequence information, serial number and geographic location information are as expected and if so, allows a user access to certain information provided by the host system.

Abstract: The range of functionality of a variable-capability computer application, such as a game, is determined by physical tokens introduced into a device connected to the computer. The application may operate in accordance with instructions downloaded to the computer via a computer network, and the capabilities embodied in those instructions are determined by the physical tokens.

Abstract: Ranking display method for a game machine wherein, when a score along with an E mail address is inputted from a personal computer, a server stores the inputted score and E mail address, and when there is a change in ranking of score, the server transmits a message by E mail to the corresponding personal computer.

Abstract: A system and method for determining winner is capable of keep all of the voting contents secret with permitting only determination of winning or losing, and further permitting the third party to verify the determination. The system generally includes voter sub-systems for voting a voting value indicative of a selected event among a finite number of events, and a management sub-system for identifying at least one voter sub-system voted a winning value determined among the finite number of events as a winner. The voter sub-system includes encrypting parameter obtaining means for obtaining an encrypting parameter depending upon the voting value, encryption processing means for generating a cryptographic voting data by performing encrypting process on the basis of the encrypting parameter obtained by the encrypting parameter obtaining means, and transmitting means for transmitting the cryptographic voting data generated by the cryptography processing means.

Abstract: Authentication information encrypted by using a predetermined encryption method is added to contents information. When executing or reproducing the contents information by using an information processing apparatus, a decision is made whether information encrypted by using the predetermined encryption method is contained in acquired information. When such information is not contained, the contents information is not reproduced, executed, or output.

Abstract: A secure cashless gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming devices which may or may not be connected to a central host network. Each gaming device includes an intelligent data device reader which is uniquely associated with a security module interposed between the intelligent data device reader and the gaming device processor. A portable data device bearing credits is used to allow players to play the various gaming devices. When a portable data device is presented to the gaming device, it is authenticated before a gaming session is allowed to begin. The intelligent data device reader in each gaming device monitors gaming transactions and stores the results for later readout in a secure format by a portable data extraction unit, or else for transfer to a central host network.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately identifying the user of wireless or wired devices used for playing casino games. The system includes a smart card reader associated with the device for reading information about the authorized user from a smart card. The information stored on the smart may include the amount of money left on the card or in the user's account, as well as identification information such as a password or fingerprint associated with the authorized user. If the user enters the correct identification, then the device will proceed to allow gaming activities to be played. In addition to recording the balance remaining on the card, the smart card may also monitor and record information concerning the activities performed on the device to assist the casino in its reward program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for generating a gaming application signature which uniquely represents a gaming application having a plurality of gaming application objects associated therewith. A subset of the plurality of gaming application objects are retrieved. An object signature is generated for each of the retrieved gaming application objects. The object signatures are combined to generate the gaming application signature.

Abstract: A puzzle/decoder for decoding and viewing lens resolvable encoded images. The decoder includes an encoded image which can be decoded with one or more decoding lenses. A retainer is also included in the decoder for retaining the decoding lenses in proximity to the encoded image borne by the substrate. A decoded image is formed when a lens adapted to decode a particular encoded image is slid over the encoded image. The decoder can be a substantially flat slide puzzle, a cylindrically shaped slide puzzle, an enclosed puzzle with freely moving decoding lenses therein, a puzzle shaped as a three-dimensional object or a combination puzzle including two or more individual puzzles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downloading peripheral control code to a peripheral of a gaming device are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of providing a peripheral controller adapted to control the peripheral device and a programmable memory associated with the controller, providing a signal for causing control code to be transmitted from a remote location to said peripheral, transmitting the control code to the peripheral, storing the control code at the programmable memory, and executing the code with the peripheral controller to enable the operation of the peripheral device by the peripheral controller. In one embodiment, the control code is transmitted from a data storage device associated with the gaming control device. In one embodiment, the control code is authenticated before it is transmitted to the peripheral, and is verified after being transmitted to the peripheral.

Abstract: A console-based multi-user authentication process allows multiple users of a game console to be authenticated together in a single request/reply exchange with an authentication entity. The results of which is the possession of a single ticket that can be used to prove authenticity of multiple authentication principals to one or more online services. Also described is a handshake process that can be used to initially establish an authentication account for each game console, in which the account creation server can trust that a genuine game console is making the request.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine may securely communicate with devices over a public network such as the Internet. The gaming machine utilizes a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption that allows a single gaming machine to securely communicate with a remote server using a public network. The secure communication methods may be used to transfer gaming software and gaming information between two gaming devices, such as between a game server and a gaming machine. For regulatory and tracking purposes, the transfer of gaming software between the two gaming devices may be authorized and monitored by a software authorization agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a security system and methods for high level transactions between devices. The system includes a non-deterministic hardware random number generator to provide multi-level encryption between a remote and host device.

Abstract: A license managing system includes a game apparatus to be licensed and a managing apparatus. The managing apparatus includes an inputting device, an encrypting device for encrypting information inputted from the inputting device to produce encrypted information, and an outputting device for outputting the encrypted information. The encrypting device encrypts at least identification information of the game apparatus to be licensed and license condition information thereof to produce the foregoing encrypted information. The game apparatus includes an inputting device for inputting the outputted encrypted information, an encryption decoding device for decoding the inputted encrypted information, and a controller for controlling execution of a game program. The game apparatus further includes a storing device for storing identification information of the game apparatus, and a storing device for storing internal information.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine may securely communicate with devices over a public network such as the Internet. The gaming machine utilizes a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption that allows a single gaming machine to securely communicate with a remote server using a public network. A wireless or wired communication gateway on the gaming machine may be used to access the public network. Using the encryption scheme, methods are described for providing game licenses, data acquisition and other gaming transactions, such as gaming machine software version management, gaming machine diagnostics and gaming machine configuration management, between a gaming machine and a remote server.

Abstract: The present invention provides an educational data processing device to reutilize the answer data to a certain question as incorrect answer data for other questions and it also provides a data processing device to store data, question and answer with ease. The educational data processing device of the present invention comprises a computer with a CPU, a memory system, and input and output systems; a DSG, stored in said memory system consisting of multiple DS where each DS consists of two types of data, a question and answer; and a program, stored in said memory system that performs the following functions: (a) selects a question and answer data from a DS, and one or more answer data from randomly selected DS in said DSG; (b) presents a question and Multiple-choice answer set to the user through said output system.

Abstract: This invention relates to reprogramming of in-circuit programmable chips installed in video lottery terminals (VLTs) by downloading electronic information (software) to such chips. Encrypted electronic information is downloaded from a host device to a gaming terminal through a communications link. The terminal comprises a decryption component configured for decrypting the encrypted electronic information using at least two security keys, at least one said key being resident in the terminal and at least another said key being delivered to the terminal at the time of the downloading (the downloading facilitating a replacement of existing software in terminal with corresponding decrypted software obtained from decrypting the encrypted information). The encrypted information transmitted to the terminal comprises at least one next version key for later use by the decryption component in decrypting a next version of encrypted electronic information.

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.

Abstract: A secure cashless gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming devices which may or may not be connected to a central host network. Each gaming device includes an intelligent data device reader which is uniquely associated with a security module interposed between the intelligent data device reader and the gaming device processor. A portable data device bearing credits is used to allow players to play the various gaming devices. When a portable data device is presented to the gaming device, it is authenticated before a gaming session is allowed to begin. The intelligent data device reader in each gaming device monitors gaming transactions and stores the results for later readout in a secure format by a portable data extraction unit, or else for transfer to a central host network.

Abstract: In order to protect against unauthorized duplication of a library file, or the like, according to the present invention, an executable module is generated. The executable module is generated by generating, with decryption of an encrypted protective object, a protective object containing a procedure for terminating a process operation due to invalid relationship between a first protect code and a second protect code contained in the executable module, linking the resultant decrypted protective object with other object, and writing a protect code. Then, the decrypted protective object is deleted after linking with the other object.

Abstract: A security document processing apparatus is provided having a feed path for receiving documents and at least one imaging assembly for capturing image data from documents received in the apparatus. The apparatus may include a material detection imaging assembly for detecting the material composition of certain materials on documents received in the apparatus. The material detection imaging assembly may detect material on a document by detecting transmissivity characteristics, or by sensing radiation emission characteristics of a document in the case received documents are of a type including radiation wavelength sensitive additives incorporated therein.

Abstract: Secure computation environments are protected from bogus or rogue load modules, executables and other data elements through use of digital signatures, seals and certificates issued by a verifying authority. A verifying authority—which may be a trusted independent third party—tests the load modules or other executables to verify that their corresponding specifications are accurate and complete, and then digitally signs the load module or other executable based on tamper resistance work factor classification. Secure computation environments with different tamper resistance work factors use different verification digital signature authentication techniques (e.g., different signature algorithms and/or signature verification keys)—allowing one tamper resistance work factor environment to protect itself against load modules from another, different tamper resistance work factor environment. Several dissimilar digital signature algorithms may be used to reduce vulnerability from algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing a game having a deterministic component and a non-deterministic component wherein a player uses the game through at least one player interface unit. Each player interface unit generates a player record indicating player-initiated events. A random number generator provides a series of pseudo-random numbers and a rules library stores indexed rules for one or more games. An interface registry stores mapping records where the mapping records are used to associate the player-initiated events to pre-selected rules in the rules library. A control means is coupled to the player interface to receive the output of the player interface unit, coupled to the interface registry, the rules library, and the random number generator.

Abstract: An information processing device 10 comprises a ROM 12 which stores a reference code indicative of a predetermined area, a site code forming unit 14 which forms a site code of a measuring point, based on position measuring data “a” given by a global positioning system, and a comparison unit which compares the reference code stored in the ROM 12 with the site code formed by the site code forming unit 14 and outputs an actuation signal based on comparison result. A game device including the information processing device 10 can control a game corresponding to an area, based on a site code indicative of a current position, a measuring point.

Abstract: Secure computation environments are protected from bogus or rogue load modules, executables and other data elements through use of digital signatures, seals and certificates issued by a verifying authority. A verifying authority--which may be a trusted independent third party--tests the load modules or other executables to verify that their corresponding specifications are accurate and complete, and then digitally signs the load module or other executable based on tamper resistance work factor classification. Secure computation environments with different tamper resistance work factors use different verification digital signature authentication techniques (e.g., different signature algorithms and/or signature verification keys)--allowing one tamper resistance work factor environment to protect itself against load modules from another, different tamper resistance work factor environment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing authenticated, secure, on-line communication between remote locations including a user terminal adapted to enable a player in one location to remotely communicate via a communications medium such as the Internet with a gaming host in another location. Location of the remote user terminal, the host server and universal time are determined using means for accessing signals generated by geostationary navigational transmitters, such as in the global positioning satellite (GPS) system. Player authentication (identity verification) is determined by use of a personal identification number (PIN) and an electronic signature verification service. Security of communication is accomplished through use of a public-key/private-key encryption system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing authenticated, secure, on-line communication between remote locations including a user terminal adapted to enable a player in one location to remotely communicate via a communications medium such as the Internet with a gaming host in another location. Location of the remote user terminal, the host server and universal time are determined using means for accessing signals generated by geostationary navigational transmitters, such as in the global positioning satellite (GPS) system. Player authentication (identity verification) is determined by use of a personal identification number (PIN) and an electronic signature verification service. Security of communication is accomplished through use of a public-key/private-key encryption system.