Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security

Abstract

The electronic casino gaming system consists of several system components, including a microprocessor ( 12 ), a main memory unit ( 13 ) that is typically a random access memory, and a system boot ROM ( 14 ). Also included in the electronic casino gaming system are a non-volatile RAM ( 17 ), a mass storage unit ( 18 ), a disk subsystem ( 19 ), and a PCI bus ( 20 ). The disk subsystem ( 19 ) preferably supports SCSI- 2 with options of fast and wide. A video subsystem ( 22 ) is also included in the electronic casino gaming system and is coupled to the PCI bus ( 20 ) to provide full color still images and MPEG movies.

1. An electronic gaming system for providing authentication of a data set associated with a casino type game, said system comprising:
 (a) a first storage means for storing a game data set and a game signature comprising an encrypted version of a unique primary abbreviated game bit string computed from said game data set;    (b) a second storage means for storing, 
 an anchor application including a first authentication program capable of determining the validity of said game data set by, 
 computing a complementary abbreviated game bit string from said game data set,  
 decrypting said game signature set to recover said primary abbreviated game bit string,  
 comparing said complementary abbreviated game bit string with said primary abbreviated game bit string to determine whether a match is present, and  
 
 an anchor signature including an encrypted version of a unique primary abbreviated anchor bit string computed from said anchor application;  
   (c) a third storage means for storing a second authentication program capable of determining the validity of said anchor application by, 
 computing a complementary abbreviated anchor bit string from said anchor application,  
 decrypting said anchor signature to recover said primary abbreviated anchor bit string, and  
 comparing said complementary abbreviated anchor bit string with said primary abbreviated anchor bit string to determine whether a match is present; and  
   (d) processing means for enabling said first authentication program to determine the validity of said game data set and for enabling said second authentication program to determine the validity of said anchor application.    
     
     
       2. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a fourth storage means for storing basic input/output system (BIOS) code. 
     
     
       3. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 2  wherein said fourth storage means is an unalterable ROM device. 
     
     
       4. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said third storage means further stores operating system code, operating system drivers, and bootstrap code. 
     
     
       5. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means and said second storage means comprise a single mass storage means. 
     
     
       6. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means is a mass storage memory device. 
     
     
       7. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said third storage means is an unalterable read only memory. 
     
     
       8. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means is a CD ROM. 
     
     
       9. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means is a hard disk drive. 
     
     
       10. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first storage means comprises a network storage system which is remote from the electronic gaming system. 
     
     
       11. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said second storage means comprises a network storage system which is remote from the electronic gaming system. 
     
     
       12. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said game data set is a game-modifying data set for changing game rules parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       13. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 12  wherein said game-modifying data set includes a money handler modifying data set for changing money handling parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       14. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 12  wherein said game-modifying data sets include a graphics modifying data set for changing graphics parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       15. An electronic gaming system as recited in  claim 12  wherein said game-modifying data sets include a sound driver modifying data set for changing sound parameters of the casino type game. 
     
     
       16. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a random access memory  ( RAM )  for providing an executable space for a processor, said RAM being disposed in said casino game console;        a mass storage unit having gaming data relating to at least one casino game stored therein, said mass storage unit being disposed in said casino game console wherein the mass storage unit is operable as a read - only device;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system for controlling access to the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the gaming data; and        the processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said first memory, said second memory, said mass storage unit, said motherboard and said RAM,        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be authenticated by:  1   )  subjecting said gaming data to a one - way hash function to generate a first message digest,  2   )  decrypting an encrypted message digest previously generated by subjecting known gaming data to a one - way hash function to generate a decrypted message digest, and  3   )  comparing said first message digest with said decrypted message digest, and        said processor causing a remedial action to be taken if said gaming data is not authentic as determined by said processor.     
     
     
       17. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       18. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       19. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       20. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       21. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       22. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       23. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 22  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       24. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 22  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       25. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       26. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       27. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       28. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       29. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       30. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 16  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       31. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a mass storage unit having gaming data relating to at least one casino game stored therein;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system adapted for reading files in a file system on the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the gaming data; and        a processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, first memory and said second memory, said motherboard and said mass storage unit,        said processor operable to cause said gaming data to be authenticated by:  1   )  subjecting said gaming data to a one - way hash function to generate a first message digest and  2   )  comparing said first message digest to a second message digest previously generated by subjecting known gaming data to a one - way hash function, and        said processor operable to cause a remedial action to be taken if said gaming data is not authentic.     
     
     
       32. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       33. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       34. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       35. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       36. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       37. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       38. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       39. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 38  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       40. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 38  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       41. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       42. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       43. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       44. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       45. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       46. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 31  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       47. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a mass storage unit disposed in said casino game console;        a network interface coupled to the gaming console for allowing communication with a remote storage device located on a network wherein the remote storage device is adapted to store second gaming data related to a second casino game;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system for controlling access to the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the first gaming data or second gaming data; and        a processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, first memory and said second memory, said motherboard, said network interface and said mass storage unit,        said processor operable to cause the second gaming data related to the second casino game to be transferred from the remote storage device to the casino gaming apparatus;        said processor operable to authenticate said first gaming data or to authenticate said second gaming data prior to generating the first casino game or the second casino game.     
     
     
       48. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       49. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       50. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       51. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       52. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       53. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       54. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       55. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 54  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       56. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 54  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       57. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       58. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       59. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       60. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       61. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       62. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 47  wherein the network interface is deigned to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to the network. 
     
     
       63. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a mass storage unit having first gaming data relating to a first casino game stored therein and having second gaming data relating to a second casino game stored therein;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system for reading files in a file system on the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the first gaming data or second gaming data;        an input mechanism for receiving a selection of the first casino game or the second casino game; and        a processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, first memory, said second memory, said input mechanism, said motherboard and said mass storage unit,        said processor operable to authenticate said first gaming data or to authenticate said second gaming data prior to generating the first casino game or generating the second casino game,        said processor operable to generate a play of the first casino game in response to receiving a selection of the first casino game via the input mechanism and        said processor operable to generate a play of the second casino game in response to receiving a selection of the second casino game via the input mechanism.     
     
     
       64. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       65. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       66. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       67. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       68. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       69. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       70. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       71. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 70  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       72. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 70  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       73. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       74. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       75. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       76. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       77. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       78. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 63  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       79. A casino gaming apparatus, comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a mass storage unit disposed in said casino game console;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system adapted for reading files in a file system on the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the first gaming data or second gaming data;        a network interface coupled to the gaming console for allowing communication with a remote device located on a network;        a processor operatively coupled to the mass storage unit, the first memory, the second memory, the network interface and the motherboard,        said processor operable to authenticate said gaming data prior to generating a play of the casino game,        said processor operable to communicate information relating to the authentication of the gaming data to the remote device.     
     
     
       80. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       81. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  further comprising at least one peripheral device, coupled to the gaming console, wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein the processor is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device. 
     
     
       82. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       83. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       84. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       85. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       86. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       87. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 86  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       88. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 86  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       89. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       90. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       91. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       92. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       93. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       94. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network. 
     
     
       95. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 79  wherein the remote device is controlled by a regulatory body. 
     
     
       96. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 95  wherein the regulatory body is a gaming commission. 
     
     
       97. A casino gaming apparatus comprising:
   a casino game console;        a video display unit;        a mass storage having gaming data for a casino game stored therein;        a first memory storing a basic input/output system  ( BIOS )  for initializing a motherboard and a second memory;        the second memory storing at least components of an operating system for reading files in a file system on the mass storage unit wherein the components of the operating system are authenticated prior to the first gaming data or second gaming data;        at least one peripheral device coupled to the casino game console wherein the peripheral device includes a memory device and wherein, prior to allowing the peripheral device to participate in system operations on the casino gaming apparatus, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to authenticate contents of the memory device; and        a processor disposed in said casino game console and being operatively coupled to said video display unit, said mass storage unit, said first memory, said second memory, said peripheral device and said motherboard,        said processor operable to authenticate said gaming data prior to generating a play of the casino game.     
     
     
       98. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein said mass storage unit comprises an optical disk. 
     
     
       99. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  further comprising an input switch for receiving a selection of a casino game to play on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       100. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein said mass storage unit comprises a magnetic hard disk. 
     
     
       101. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein said mass storage unit is operable as a read- only memory.   
     
     
       102. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       103. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein the mass storage unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       104. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  further comprising a nonvolatile memory operable to store gaming data relating to the play of the casino game. 
     
     
       105. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 104  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in said casino game console. 
     
     
       106. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 104  wherein the nonvolatile memory is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       107. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein the video display unit is disposed in a remote location separate from said casino game console. 
     
     
       108. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  further comprising a video subsystem, operatively coupled to the video display unit and operatively coupled to the processor, adapted for displaying still images, motion video or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       109. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein the processor is operable to generate a game play of a plurality of different casino games. 
     
     
       110. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  wherein in response to receiving a selection of a particular casino game from a plurality of different casino games, the casino gaming apparatus is operable to generate a play of the particular casino game on the casino gaming apparatus. 
     
     
       111. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  further comprising a sound- generating apparatus operatively coupled to the processor.   
     
     
       112. The casino gaming apparatus as defined in  claim 97  further comprising a network interface wherein the network interface is designed to provide a wired connection or a wireless connection to a network.