Acres Gaming, Inc.

Sigma Game, Inc.

Alec Ginsburg

John F Acres

David Wiebenson

Robert J Piechowiak

Darin T Gifford

A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands. The gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule responsive to the reconfiguration commands to provide a variety of promotional bonuses such as multiple jackpot bonuses, mystery jackpot bonuses, progressive jackpot bonuses, or player specific bonuses.

Method for operating networked gaming devices

Electronic gaming devices are connected by a network to a host computer. The gaming devices award winners based on a first pay schedule. The pay schedule at a selected one or more of the machines is changed by sending information over the network. This change is accomplished by causing additional payouts, over and above the device pay table, or by changing the device pay table.

Computer network and method for changing the pay schedules of gaming devices

Method and apparatus for operating multiple games on a network of gaming devices

Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices

A method and apparatus for securing the game program software and related data files used by a gaming device and for authenticating such files during game startup and play. In one embodiment of the present invention, a verification code is generated by the manufacturer for each software file and data file used by the game. The verification codes are stored in a non-volatile, tamper-proof, read-only memory device, which is (in some embodiments) securely attached to the gaming device. On some or every download of the game software and/or related data files into the gaming device, commencement of a game, or on the occurrence of certain pre-defined events, the stored verification code is used to validate the game software and data files. In some embodiments, verification is performed automatically on a periodic basis without operator or player action. Verification consists of calculating a live verification code for some or all of the software and data files present in the alterable random access memory using the same method chosen to create the stored verification code. In some embodiments of the present invention, the verification code is the result of a hash function of trusted copies of each software and related data file. If the live code matches the stored code for every suspect file, then operation and play proceeds normally. If, however, one or more codes do not match, an error condition is declared, operation is halted, and notification of the error condition follows.

Electronic security technique for gaming software

Computer network for controlling and monitoring gaming devices

Growing community of inventors

Corvallis, OR, United States of America

Alec Ginsburg