System and method for providing customizing software modules to secure electronic game machines

Abstract

An improved method and system is provided for customizing game programs used in connection with electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”). Such methods and systems provide for generating custom game content and creating a secure digital file for the content that can be transmitted to a gaming venue where the content can be operationally attached to an EGM or central server. The EGM or server can run a verification procedure on the digital file and instruct the EGM to substitute the content for original or existing content on the EGM's data storage device. Embodiments further provide for transmitting the custom content to a remote regulatory authority prior to being delivered to the gaming venue or EGM.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 generating custom content for an electronic gaming machine;   creating a digital file containing the custom content and a file which contains a digital signature for all the custom content;   securing the custom content with a predetermined cryptographic public/private key pair and a secure encryption algorithm;   transmitting the digital file to an operator of an electronic gaming machine;   operationally attaching the digital file to an electronic gaming machine;   instructing the electronic gaming machine to digitally verify the content of the digital file by running a verification procedure on the digital file and checking it against the digital signature;   downloading the custom content to a data storage device of the electronic gaming machine;   instructing the electronic gaming machine to substitute the custom content for existing game content on the electronic gaming machine's data storage device; and   substituting the custom content for existing game content on the electronic gaming machine's data storage device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising transferring the digital file to a regulatory authority for inspection and verification prior to downloading the custom content to the data storage device of the electronic gaming machine. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where creating a digital file further comprises creating a metadata file containing information about the custom content. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  where creating a digital file further comprises creating a single archive file containing the custom content. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising copying the digital file to a content drive. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  where transmitting the digital file is accomplished via electronic network. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  where transmitting the digital file to an operator of an electronic gaming machine further comprises delivering the digital file to a central server which redistributes the custom content to a plurality of electronic gaming machines via server-based protocols. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  where instructing the electronic gaming machine to digitally verify the content of the digital file is accomplished by decrypting the custom content by using an approved private key stored electronically on the electronic gaming machine. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising re-verifying the custom content after it has been substituted for existing game content. 
     
     
         10 . A system comprising:
 a secure custom prep site for creating a digital file of customized game content encrypted with a predetermined cryptographic public/private key pair;   means for transmitting the digital file to a receiving site, said means being an electronic network or digital media;   a receiving site associated with at least one electronic gaming machine;   at least one electronic gaming machine having at least one electronic data storage device to receive the customized game content, a processor, digital software to be executed by the gaming machine, a control array, and at least one display for displaying game play, the digital software having a cryptographic private key suitable for decrypting the customized game content.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  where the electronic network comprises a wireless network. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  where the receiving site comprises a gaming venue. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  where the receiving site has a server operationally connected to a plurality of electronic gaming machines. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10  where the electronic data storage device comprises a flash card. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10  where the digital file contains a digital signature for all custom content. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10  where the digital file is digitally encrypted with a public/private key pair and a secure encryption algorithm. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10  where the electronic game machine has a private encryption key electronically stored in the at least one electronic data storage device. 
     
     
         18 . A gaming machine comprising:
 at least one electronic data storage device to receive alternate customized game content encrypted with a predetermined cryptographic public/private key pair;   a processor operatively coupled to the at least one electronic storage device;   digital software to be executed by the game, the software stored on the at least one electronic storage device, the software having a cryptographic private key suitable for decrypting the alternate customized game content;   at least one control array operatively coupled to the processor and at least one electronic data storage via an interface.   at least one display for displaying game play and other related information.   
     
     
         19 . The gaming machine of  claim 18  where the at least one electronic data storage device is a flash card. 
     
     
         20 . The gaming machine of  claim 18  further comprising a communications interface. 
     
     
         21 . The gaming machine of  claim 18  where the control array comprises a keyboard, mechanical lever, control pad, button or touch screen. 
     
     
         22 . The gaming machine of  claim 18  where the at least one display comprises a LCD, LED or CRT display device. 
     
     
         23 . The game of  claim 18  where the game comprises a video poker machine.