U.S. patent application number 12/097140 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for wagering game content approval and dissemination system.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS Gaming Inc.. Invention is credited to Dale R. Buchholz.
Application Number | 20080318669 12/097140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38218412 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080318669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buchholz; Dale R. |
December 25, 2008 |
Wagering Game Content Approval and Dissemination System
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for implementing a digital vault in a
wagering game system are described herein. In one embodiment, a
method for implementing a digital vault in a wagering game system
includes transmitting an indication of locally stored wagering game
content for a determination about whether the wagering game content
complies with regulatory or licensing rules, the indication
destined for an auditor The method can also include transmitting
authentication information associated with the wagering game
content, the authentication information destined for the auditor.
The method can also include receiving a message indicating whether
the wagering game content complies with the regulatory or licensing
rules.
Inventors: |
Buchholz; Dale R.;
(Palatine, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER/WMS GAMING
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS Gaming Inc.
Waukegan
IL
|
Family ID: |
38218412 |
Appl. No.: |
12/097140 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US06/46505 |
371 Date: |
June 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60743070 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: transmitting an indication of locally
stored wagering game content for a determination about whether the
wagering game content complies with regulatory or licensing rules,
the indication destined for an auditor; transmitting authentication
information associated with the wagering game content, the
authentication information destined for the auditor; and receiving
a message indicating whether the wagering game content complies
with the regulatory or licensing rules.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving a wager
associated with a wagering game.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving the
authentication information and the wagering game content from a
digital vault, wherein the digital vault received the
authentication information from an approval entity after the
approval entity determined the wagering game content complies with
regulatory rules.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the message indicates that the
wagering game content does not comply with the regulatory rules,
the method further comprising: discontinuing use of the wagering
game content.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game content
includes operating system code, configuration information, game
code, audio content, or video content.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the auditor is selected from the
group consisting of a government regulatory authority, a wagering
game content manufacturer, a wagering game machine owner, and a
wagering game machine operator.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein an audit is performed in response
to an auditor request from the auditor or an audit schedule.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein an audit is performed in response
to a large prize being awarded or an irregularly large number of
prizes being awarded.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game content is
selected from the group consisting of executable content, image
content, audio content, video content, and configuration
content.
10. A machine-readable medium including instructions which when
executed by a machine cause the machine to perform operations
comprising: transmitting wagering game content for approval by an
approval entity, the approval based at least in part on regulatory
or licensing rules; receiving verification information indicating
that the approval entity approved the wagering game content based
at least in part on the regulatory or licensing rules.
11. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, the operations further
comprising: transmitting a copy of the verification information for
use in an audit.
12. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the
transmitting and receiving are performed by a digital vault, and
wherein the verification information includes information used for
auditing a wagering game machine.
13. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the
verification information includes a digital certificate.
14. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the wagering
game content includes executable code, image content, audio
content, video content, or configuration information.
15. An apparatus comprising: a wagering game content store operable
to receive wagering game content; a verification unit to receive
verification information indicating that the wagering game content
has been approved by an approval entity; and an authentication unit
operable to authenticate the wagering game content.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the wagering game content
includes executable code, image content, audio content, video
content, or configuration information.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the verification information
includes a digital certificate.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus includes an
audit unit operable to transmit the verification information to an
auditor.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, the audit unit operable to transmit
a list indicating the wagering game content which is stored in the
wagering game content store.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the authentication unit
authenticates the wagering game content using a public key and a
hash function.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/743,070 filed Dec. 22,
2005 and entitled "WAGERING GAME CONTENT APPROVAL AND DISSEMINATION
SYSTEM" (Attorney Docket 1842.229PRV).
LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records,
but reserves all other rights whatsoever. Copyright 2005, 2006, WMS
Gaming, Inc.
FIELD
[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of wagering
game systems and more particularly to the field of disseminating
and approving wagering game content.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Wagering game machine makers have increased entertainment
value associated with wagering game machines by offering a variety
of wagering game content. Despite this variety, players often lose
interest in repetitive wagering game content. In order to maintain
player interest, wagering game machine makers frequently update
game themes, game settings, bonus games, and other wagering game
content. In turn, gaming machine operators continuously license and
deploy new wagering game content to machines operating in the
field.
[0005] Wagering game machine operators typically update wagering
game content by manually delivering the content to each wagering
game machine. For example, when a wagering game machine's content
becomes undesirable or a license expires, an operator typically
replaces existing media (e.g. ROM, CD-ROM, or flash RAM) with new
media containing updated gaming and licensing content. For gaming
machine operators owning scores of machines, this process can be
laborious and expensive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
content approval and dissemination system, according to example
embodiments of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
network that includes a wagering game content approval and
dissemination system, according to example embodiments of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating certain components of
a wagering game content approval and dissemination system,
according to example embodiments of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
machine, according to example embodiments of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
obtaining approval for wagering game content, according to example
embodiments of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
depositing approved wagering game content in a digital vault,
according to example embodiments of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
receiving and storing wagering game content in a digital vault,
according to example embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
receiving wagering game content in wagering game machines,
according to example embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
auditing a wagering game machine or digital vault for wagering game
content stored therein, according to example embodiments of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
responding to an audit, according to example embodiments of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for depositing wagering game content in a digital vault, according
to example embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications of
a download protocol for downloading wagering game content from a
digital vault, according to example embodiments of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for auditing a digital vault, according to example embodiments of
the invention;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for auditing a wagering game machine, according to example
embodiments of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine,
according to example embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Systems and methods for a wagering game system with digital
vault are described herein. This description of the embodiments is
divided into six sections. The first section provides an
introduction to embodiments of the invention. The second section
describes an example operating environment, while the third section
describes example operations performed by some embodiments of the
invention. The fourth section describes some implementation details
and the fifth section describes an example wagering game machine.
The sixth section provides some general comments.
Introduction
[0023] This section introduces embodiments of a wagering game
content approval and dissemination system. Embodiments of the
system can be used by content providers, regulatory authorities,
and wagering game machine operators for electronically approving
and disseminating wagering game content. For example, in one
embodiment, the system can: 1) electronically obtain regulatory
approval for wagering game content, 2) electronically deposit the
approved wagering game content in a digital vault, 3)
electronically disseminate the approved wagering game content to
wagering game machines in the field, and 4) electronically audit
the wagering game machines and digital vault to ensure that no
unapproved content has been disseminated. An embodiment of the
system is shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
content approval and dissemination system, according to example
embodiments of the invention. The discussion of FIG. 1 describes
one embodiment of the system. As shown in FIG. 1, the wagering game
system 100 includes a wagering game content provider 102 and
approval entity 104. The wagering game content provider 102 can
electronically submit wagering game content to the approval entity
104 for regulatory approval. After receiving regulatory approval,
the wagering game content provider 102 can deposit the approved
wagering game content in the digital vault 108, which can verify
that the content has been approved. Additionally, the digital vault
108 can disseminate the wagering game content to wagering game
machines 114 located in the field. The approval entity 104 can
audit the digital vault 108 and the wagering game machines 114 to
ensure that unapproved wagering game content has not been
disseminated. These and other embodiments will be described in more
detail below.
Example Operating Environment
[0025] The section describes an example operating environment in
which embodiments can be practiced. In particular, FIG. 2 describes
an example wagering game network that includes a wagering game
content approval and dissemination system, while FIGS. 3 and 4
describe some of the system's components in greater detail. This
description continues with FIG. 2.
Example Network
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
network that includes a wagering game content approval and
dissemination system, according to example embodiments of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the wagering game network 200
includes a plurality of casinos 208 connected to a communications
network 220.
[0027] Each of the plurality of casinos 208 includes a local area
network 222, which includes wagering game machines 202, mobile
wagering game units 204, a digital vault 214, and a content manager
224. The wagering game machines 202 and mobile wagering game units
204 can include hardware and machine-readable media including
instructions for performing any of the operations described herein.
The digital vault 214 can store wagering game content for
dissemination to the wagering game machines 202 and the mobile
wagering game units 214. The content manager 224 can control flow
of wagering game content between the digital vault 214 and the
wagering game machines 202 and mobile wagering game units 204. In
one embodiment, the content manager 224 can audit wagering game
content stored in the wagering game machines 202 and mobile
wagering game units 204. In one embodiment, the content manager 224
can perform audits similar to the approval entity 218 (see
below).
[0028] The components of each casino 208 can communicate over wired
210 and/or wireless connections 212, as they can employ any
suitable connection technology, such as Bluetooth, 802.11,
Ethernet, pubic switched telephone networks, SONET, etc.
[0029] The wagering game machines described herein can take any
suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile
units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, etc. In one
embodiment, the wagering game network 200 can include other network
devices, such as accounting servers, wide area progressive servers,
and/or other devices suitable for use in connection with
embodiments of the invention.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the communications network 220 is also
connected to an approval entity 218, wagering game content provider
216, and digital vault 214. In one embodiment, the approval entity
218 can determine whether wagering game content meets regulatory
and/or licensing rules and it can issue digital certificates or
other verification information indicating the content has been
approved. The approval entity 218 can also audit the digital vault
214, wagering game machines 202, and mobile gaming units 204 to
ensure that they do not include unapproved wagering game
content.
[0031] The digital content provider 216 can provide wagering game
content designed by wagering game machine manufacturers, such as
WMS Gaming, Inc., or from other suitable sources.
[0032] The digital vault 214 can receive wagering game content from
the digital content provider 216 and obtain verification of the
content from the approval entity 218. The digital vault 214 can
also disseminate the wagering game content to the wagering game
machines 202 and mobile gaming units 204. Before the digital vault
214 accepts wagering game content from the digital content provider
216, it can authenticate the digital content provider 216 and the
wagering game content.
[0033] Operations performed by embodiments of the wagering game
content approval and dissemination system are described in more
detail below, in the "Operations" section. This description
continues with a more detailed discussion of the system's
components.
Example System Components
[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating certain components of
a wagering game content approval and dissemination system,
according to example embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a
digital vault 300, which includes an authentication unit 302,
verification unit 304, and wagering game content store 306. In one
embodiment, the digital vault's authentication unit 302 can
authenticate devices with which the digital vault 300 will
communicate (e.g., wagering game machines, approval entity, etc.).
Additionally, the authentication unit 302 can authenticate
information received by the digital vault 300. As such, the
authentication unit 302 can employ any suitable authentication
technique, such as public-key cryptography (e.g., digital
signatures), biometric information, password-based authentication,
token-based authentication, etc.
[0035] The digital vault's verification unit 304 can verify that
specific wagering game content has been approved by an approval
entity. In one embodiment, the verification unit 304 compares
verification information received from a wagering game content
provider with verification information received from an approval
entity.
[0036] The digital vault's wagering game content store 306 can
securely store wagering game content received from wagering game
content providers. In one embodiment, the wagering game content
store 306 can include a secure flat file database, secure
relational database, secure directory database, or other suitable
secure data store. Wagering game content can include program code,
audio content, video content, and/or other data used for conducting
all or part of a wagering game or bonus game. The wagering game
content can also include executable game code, game math, game art,
configuration data (e.g., data enumerating win percentages,
denominations, paylines, etc.), operating system code (e.g.,
peripheral device drivers, patches, libraries, etc.),
advertisements, etc.
[0037] The digital vault's audit unit 307 can transmit lists
describing the wagering game content currently or previously stored
in the digital vault 300. The audit unit 307 can also transmit
verification information to auditors, where the verification
information indicates that the wagering game content has been
approved by an approval entity.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, an approval entity 310 includes an
approval unit 312, verification unit 314, and audit unit 316. The
approval entity's approval unit 312 can determine whether wagering
game content satisfies regulatory rules or licensing agreements. If
the wagering game content satisfies the necessary rules, the
approval unit 312 can provide a digital certificate or other
verification information indicating that the wagering game content
has been approved. The approval entity's verification unit 314 can
process requests to verify that specified wagering game content has
been approved. Such processing can include providing digital
certificates or other verification information indicating that
specified content has been approved. The approval entity's audit
unit 316 can audit wagering game content stored in a digital vault
or in wagering game machines in the field. Such audits can
determine whether a machine is using (or has used) unapproved
wagering game content. The approval entity 310 can be implemented
in a portable device, such as a laptop computer, PDA, or cellular
phone, so that an approval function can be executed while locally
attached to a casino network. For example, a laptop computer
connected to a local casino network 222 could embody the audit unit
316 and thereby execute an audit on a local digital vault 214 or
wagering game machine 202.
[0039] The wagering game content provider 318 includes an approval
unit 320 and a wagering game content store 322. The approval unit
320 can submit wagering game content to an approval entity and
receive a digital certificate or other information verifying that
the wagering game content has been approved. The wagering game
content store 322 stores wagering game content for which approval
is being sought.
[0040] While FIG. 3 describes an example digital vault, approval
entity, and wagering game content provider, FIG. 4 describes an
example wagering game machine. This description continues with a
discussion of FIG. 4.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
machine, according to example embodiments of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 4, the wagering game machine 406 includes a central
processing unit (CPU) 426 connected to a main memory 428, which
includes an audit response unit 432, transmitting and receiving
unit 434, and wagering game unit 436. In one embodiment, the
wagering game unit 436 can conduct any suitable casino-style
wagering game, such as video poker, video black jack, video slots,
video lottery, etc. In one embodiment, the receiving unit 434 can
receive wagering game content from a digital vault, while the audit
response unit 432 can provide audit information about the wagering
game content stored in the wagering game machine 406.
[0042] The CPU 426 is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus
422, which facilitates communication between the wagering game
machine's components. The I/O bus 422 is connected to a payout
mechanism 408, secondary display 410, primary display 412,
money/credit detector 414, player input device 416, information
reader 418, and storage unit 430. The I/O bus 422 is also connected
to an external system interface unit 424, which is connected to
external systems 404 (e.g., a gaming network).
[0043] In one embodiment, the wagering game device 406 can include
additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each
component shown in FIG. 4. For example, in one embodiment, the
wagering game device 406 can include multiple network interface
units 424 and multiple CPUs 426.
[0044] The components discussed in this description can be
connected according to any suitable interconnection architecture
(e.g., directly connected, hypercube, etc.) and they can be
integrated or subdivided (e.g., the approval entity's approval unit
312 and audit unit 316 can be combined into a single unit).
Additionally, any of the components can include machine-readable
media including instructions for performing operations described
herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides
(i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a
machine. For example, tangible machine-readable media includes read
only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk
storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.
Furthermore, the components can include other types of logic (e.g.,
hardware or firmware) for executing the operations described
herein.
[0045] The next section describes operations performed by
embodiments of the wagering content approval and dissemination
system.
Operations
[0046] This section describes operations performed by embodiments
of the invention. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will
be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above.
In certain embodiments, the operations are performed, at least in
part, by instructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g.,
software), while in other embodiments, the operations are performed
by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware).
[0047] The section will present FIGS. 5-10, which describe
operations performed by embodiments of the wagering game content
provider, digital vault, wagering game machines, and approval
entity. This description continues with a discussion of FIG. 5.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
obtaining approval for wagering game content, according to example
embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram 500 commences at
block 502.
[0049] At block 502, a wagering game content provider's approval
unit 320 transmits wagering game content to an approval entity 218.
In one embodiment, the wagering game content provider 216 is
seeking regulatory or licensing approval for the wagering game
content. The flow continues at block 504.
[0050] At block 504, if the wagering game content was approved, the
flow continues at block 506. Otherwise, the flow continues at block
508.
[0051] At block 506, the approval unit 320 receives a digital
certificate or other verification information indicating that the
wagering game content has been approved by the approval entity 218.
From block 506, the flow ends.
[0052] At block 508, the approval unit 320 receives a rejection
message, from the approval entity 218, indicating why the wagering
game content was rejected. A wagering content provider may wish to
address the reasons for rejection and resubmit the wagering game
content for approval. In that case, the updated wagering content is
submitted in the same manner as the original wagering game content
starting at block 502. From block 508, the flow ends.
[0053] While FIG. 5 describes operations for obtaining approval for
specified wagering game content, FIG. 6 describes operations for
depositing approved wagering game content in a digital vault.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
depositing approved wagering game content in a digital vault,
according to example embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram
600 commences at block 602.
[0055] At block 602, the wagering game content provider 216
notifies the digital vault 214 of available approved wagering game
content. In one embodiment, the wagering game content provider 216
transmits a URL identifying a location in its wagering game content
store 322 at which the approved wagering game content can be
obtained. The flow continues at block 604.
[0056] At block 604, the wagering game content provider 216
receives a request for the available approved wagering game
content. In one embodiment, the provider 216 receives a request for
wagering game content associated with a URL. The flow continues at
block 606.
[0057] At block 606, the wagering game content provider 216
transmits, to the digital vault 214, the requested wagering game
content and information verifying that the content has been
approved. In one embodiment, the wagering game content provider 216
transmits wagering game content and verification information
associated with the URL. The flow continues at block 608.
[0058] At block 608, the wagering game content provider 216
receives a message indicating whether the wagering game content was
accepted or rejected by the digital vault 214. In one embodiment,
the digital vault 214 may reject the content if it cannot verify
that the content has been approved by the approval entity 218 (see
below discussion of block 706). The flow continues at block
610.
[0059] At block 610, if needed, the wagering game content provider
216 records an indication that the wagering game content was
accepted/rejected. In one embodiment, the indication can be used
during an auditing process between the digital vault 214 and the
approval entity 218 (see below--discussion of FIGS. 9 and 10). From
block 610, the flow ends.
[0060] While FIG. 6 described operations for transmitting wagering
game content to a digital vault, FIG. 7 describes operations for
receiving the wagering game content in the digital vault.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
receiving and storing wagering game content in a digital vault,
according to example embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram
700 begins at block 702.
[0062] At block 702, a digital vault 214 receives a notification
that approved wagering game content is available from a wagering
game content service provider 216. In one embodiment, the
notification includes a URL indicating a location at which the
content is available. The flow continues at block 704.
[0063] At block 704, the digital vault 214 requests and receives
the wagering game content and associated verification information.
In one embodiment, the digital vault 214 requests the content using
the URL and receives the content in its wagering game content store
306. The flow continues at block 706.
[0064] At block 706, the digital vault's verification unit 304
attempts to verify that the wagering game content has been approved
by the approval entity 218. In one embodiment, the verification
unit 304 transmits a digital certificate (i.e., the verification
information) to the approval entity 218 for verification that the
digital certificate was validly issued for approved wagering game
content. The flow continues at block 708.
[0065] At block 708, the digital vault's verification unit 304
determines whether the wagering game content was verified. In one
embodiment, the verification unit 304 receives a message, from the
approval entity 218, indicating whether the content was verified.
If the wagering game content was verified, the flow continues at
block 710. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 712.
[0066] At block 710, the digital vault 214 transmits a message to
the wagering game content provider 216, where the message indicates
that the digital vault 214 has accepted the wagering game content.
From block 710, the flow ends.
[0067] At block 712, because the content was not verified, the
digital vault 214 deletes the wagering game content from its
wagering game content store 306. The flow continues at block
714.
[0068] At block 714, the digital vault 214 transmits a message to
the wagering game content provider 216, wherein the message
indicates that the digital vault 214 has rejected the wagering game
content. From block 714, the flow ends.
[0069] Up to this point, this section has described operations for
approving wagering game content (FIG. 5) and depositing it into a
digital vault (FIGS. 6 and 7). This section will now describe
operations for disseminating the wagering game content to wagering
game machines in the field, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
receiving wagering game content in wagering game machines,
according to example embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram
800 commences at block 802.
[0071] At block 802, a wagering game machine 202 determines that
new wagering game content should be downloaded from a digital vault
214. In one embodiment, the wagering game machine 202 periodically
(over time) determines that it should download wagering game
content. Alternatively, the wagering game machine 202 can receive
messages from the digital vault 214 indicating that new content is
available. In yet another alternative, the wager game machine 202
can receive messages from a content manager 224 indicating that new
content is available. The flow continues at block 804.
[0072] At block 804, the wagering game machine's transmitting and
receiving unit 434 transmits, to the digital vault 214, a request
for wagering game content. The flow continues at block 806.
[0073] At block 806, the transmitting and receiving unit 434
transmits authentication and/or authorization information to the
digital vault 214. In one embodiment, the authentication and/or
authorization information can include passwords, certificates,
hashes, etc. The flow continues at block 808.
[0074] At block 808, the transmitting and receiving unit 434
receives the wagering game content from the digital vault 214. From
block 808, the flow ends.
[0075] This description continues with a discussion of FIGS. 9 and
10, which describe operations for auditing wagering game content
stored in a digital vault or wagering game machine.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
auditing a wagering game machine for wagering game content stored
therein, according to example embodiments of the invention. The
flow diagram 900 starts at block 902.
[0077] At block 902, the approval entity's audit unit 316 requests
and receives a list of wagering game content from a wagering game
machine 202. The flow continues at block 904.
[0078] At block 904, the audit unit 316 determines whether to
authenticate the list of wagering game content. Some system
components may be trusted, while others are not trusted. In one
embodiment, the audit unit 316 authenticates lists received from
untrusted system components, such as mobile gaming units 204. If
the approval entity will authenticate the list, the flow continues
at block 906. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 910.
[0079] At block 906, the audit unit 316 requests and receives
authentication information from the wagering game machine 202 that
sent the list. In one embodiment, the authentication information
includes a message authentication code for verifying the integrity
and authenticity of the list of wagering game content. The flow
continues at block 908.
[0080] At block 908, the audit unit 316 determines whether the
authentication information is correct. In one embodiment, the audit
unit 316 generates a message authentication code and compares it to
the one received at block 906. If the codes match, the list is
authentic (i.e., the authentication information is correct). If the
authentication information is correct, the flow continues at block
910. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 920.
[0081] At block 910, the audit unit 316 determines whether the list
of wagering game content matches a list of approved content. If the
list of wagering and content does not match an approved content
list, the flow continues at block 920. Otherwise, the flow
continues at block 912.
[0082] At block 912, the audit unit 316 determines whether a
transaction history is needed. In one embodiment, the audit unit
316 reviews the transaction history for only certain devices, such
as the digital vault 214. In one embodiment of the transaction
history indicates what wagering game content has been
transmitted/received and when the transmission/receipt occurred. If
the transaction history is needed, the flow continues at block 914.
Otherwise, the flow continues at block 918.
[0083] At block 914, the audit unit 316 requests and receives the
transaction history from the wagering game device 202. The flow
continues at block 916.
[0084] At block 916, the audit unit 316 determines whether the
transaction history is acceptable. In one embodiment, the
transaction history is acceptable if all wagering game content
transmitted/received by the wagering game machine 202 was approved
by the approval entity 218. In one embodiment, the audit unit 316
checks the transition/receipt times with a log indicating when the
content was approved. If the content was approved before
transmission/receipt, the transaction history is acceptable. If the
transaction history is acceptable, the flow continues at block 918.
Otherwise, the flow continues at block 920.
[0085] At block 918, the audit unit 316 determines that the
wagering game machine 202 has passed the audit. From block 918, the
flow ends.
[0086] At block 920, the audit unit 316 determines that the
wagering game machine 202 has failed the audit. From block 920, the
flow ends.
[0087] Although the discussion of FIG. 9 describes the approval
entity 218 auditing a wagering game machine 202, the approval
entity 218 can audit the mobile gaming units 204, the digital vault
214, and other system components. This description continues with
the discussion of FIG. 10.
[0088] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
responding to an audit, according to example embodiments of the
invention. The flow diagram 1000 commences at block 1002.
[0089] At block 1002, a wagering game machine's audit response unit
432 determines that an audit is to be performed by the approval
entity 218. In one embodiment, the audit response unit 432
determines that an audit is to be performed because a period of
time has elapsed or because it received an audit request from the
approval entity 218. The flow continues at block 1004.
[0090] At block 1004, the audit response unit 432 transmits a list
of locally stored wagering game content to the approval entity 218.
The flow continues at block 1006.
[0091] At block 1006, the audit response unit 432 receives a
request for authentication information and/or a transaction history
associated with the locally stored wagering game content. The flow
continues at block 1008.
[0092] At block 1008, the audit response unit 432 transmits the
authentication information and/or the transaction history. The flow
continues at block 1010.
[0093] At block 1010, the audit response unit 432 receives results
of the audit. The flow continues at block 1012.
[0094] At block 1012, the audit response unit 432 determines
whether the audit was passed. If the audit was passed, the flow
ends. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 1014.
[0095] At block 1014, the audit response unit 432 stops using
wagering game content associated with the audit failure. In one
embodiment, the audit response unit 432 deletes or otherwise
disables the wagering game content associated with the audit
failure. From block 1014, the flow ends.
[0096] While this section describes operations performed by
embodiments of the invention, the next section describes an example
implementation.
Example Implementation
[0097] This section describes example an example
implementation.
[0098] In one embodiment, digital vaults perform at least two
functions: (1) controlling access to wagering game content, which
can include using protocols for external communications, and (2)
storage management. The digital vault 300 can include an access
control unit (not shown) for screening all requests and providing
appropriate responses. The access control unit can screen requests
through an authentication process which confirms that the
originator of the request is actually the entity it claims to be.
The access control unit can perform an X.509 certificate exchange.
The access control unit can process the certificate and find the
identity and public key of the originator. If the access control
unit trusts the certificate authority that issued the certificate,
then it can verify and accept the information in the certificate.
Otherwise, the access control unit can send a challenge to the
originator by sending information encrypted with the originator's
public key. The originator can modify the information, encrypt the
information using the access control unit's public key, and send it
to the access control unit for validation.
[0099] The authentication process can be followed by an
authorization process. During the authorization process, the
originator's credentials are checked to ensure that the originator
is entitled to access the wagering game content or other
information specified in the request. The access control unit can
keep an access control list for defining which pieces of wagering
game content may be accessed (owner, guest) and which actions may
be performed (read, write, modify, execute) by an originator of a
request.
A Deposit Protocol
[0100] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for depositing wagering game content in a digital vault, according
to example embodiments of the invention. The deposit protocol can
be used for depositing wagering game content in a digital vault. In
one embodiment, all wagering game content must be approved by the
approval entity 1102 (e.g., a state gaming commission, licensing
authority, or testing house) before it can be deposited in the
digital vault 1106 (see messages 1114). This approval entity 1102
can issue a certificate of approval and keep a list of approved
wagering game content in order to audit the contents of the digital
vault. The owner and operator of a digital vault 1106 can request a
copy of the approval certificate from the digital content provider
1104 and can verify the authenticity of the certificate and the
wagering game content with the approval entity.
[0101] The message exchange for depositing wagering game content in
a digital vault is shown in FIG. 11 (see messages 1112). The
wagering game content provider 1104 notifies the digital vault 1106
that there is new content to be deposited. This new wagering game
content may be anything from new video content to fixes for
existing wagering game code. In one embodiment, the deposit
protocol assumes that the new wagering game content being deposited
is a self-contained and standalone entity. That is, the digital
vault 1106 will not execute a procedure to modify something already
in the digital vault 1106. If the new wagering game content is
meant as a replacement of something already in the digital vault
1106, then a separate withdrawal operation should be performed to
remove the wagering game content being replaced.
[0102] After the digital vault 1106 has been notified of new
wagering game content to be deposited, the digital vault requests
the content from the wagering game content provider 1104 (see
messages 1112). This allows the digital vault 1106 to control the
timing for the actual transfer and may result in the transfer being
schedule at a later time. The wagering game content provider 1104
can authenticate the source of the request to ensure that it is
expected and the provider 1104 can verify that the requesting
digital vault 1106 is authorized to receive the wagering game
content. The authorization phase may include validating any license
agreements using a license server or any other means.
[0103] The response message from the wagering game content provider
1104 contains the wagering game content and the certificate of
authenticity from the approval entity 1102 and any other
contractual terms, such as license number, duration, number of
machines, fees, etc.
[0104] The digital vault 1106 can verify the wagering game content
by contacting the approval entity 1102 and requesting verification
of the information and the certificate. Once the digital vault 1106
decides to accept the wagering game content, it sends a message to
the provider 1104 accepting the terms of the deposit.
[0105] The deposit exchange can be done using a secure association
that includes source and destination authentication, authenticated
data exchange, and encryption of the data. Any secure Internet
technology can be used, such as HTTPS, secure FTP, or IPSec. The
wagering game content can be stored at the provider 1104 and/or the
digital vault 1106 in encrypted form. In that case, the transfer
process may not require a second encryption technique. The results
of the deposit can be logged by the wagering game content provider
1104 and the digital vault 1106.
A Withdrawal Protocol
[0106] A wagering game content provider can withdraw wagering game
content from a digital vault. A withdrawal can completely remove
wagering game content from the digital vault. In one embodiment,
the digital vault overwrites the storage area occupied by the
withdrawn wagering game content, thereby making it impossible to
recover the content. Any archive of the storage area can be
similarly inactivated. In one embodiment, withdrawal requests must
be honored immediately. As a result, if the digital vault is in the
midst of downloading an affected piece of content, then the
download must be aborted. The digital vault can respond to the
withdrawal request with a message indicating that the wagering game
content has been withdrawn. The exchange can be logged by the
wagering game content provider and the digital vault.
A Download Protocol
[0107] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for downloading wagering game content from a digital vault,
according to example embodiments of the invention. The digital
vault 1202 and wagering game machine 1204 can use the download
protocol 1200 to copy wagering game content from the digital vault
1202 to the wagering game machine 1204. This wagering game content
can include game software, operating system software, peripheral
code, etc.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 12, the digital vault 1202 notifies a
wagering game machine 1204 that it needs to perform a download
operation. The notification can be done via a secure communication
session. The game machine 1204 can acknowledge receipt of the
notification. The wagering game machine 1204 may postpone acting on
the notification until an appropriate time. The wagering game
machine 1204 may use local information to determine an appropriate
time. For example, the wagering game machine 1204 can use local
information indicating that a wagering game session is not
currently in progress and that the machine has been cashed out. At
that time, the wagering game machine 1204 can move into an
unplayable state until the download is complete. Another embodiment
can download the content in the background (i.e., while the machine
is conducting a wagering game session), but it would install the
content when the wagering game machine 1204 is in a safe state.
[0109] At the appropriate time, the wagering game machine 1204
requests a download using information (e.g., a URL) provided by in
the Notify message.
[0110] Upon successful completion of authentication and
authorization procedures, the digital vault 1202 responds with the
requested digital information. This request-response exchange can
be done using encryption.
[0111] The wagering game machine 1204 can use the result message to
either accept or reject the transfer. The results of the exchange
can be logged at the wagering game machine 1204 and the digital
vault 1202.
Auditing the Digital Vault
[0112] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for auditing a digital vault, according to example embodiments of
the invention. The digital vault 1304 may be audited any time by
the approval entity 1302 or wagering game content provider (not
shown). An audit can include listing the digital vault's wagering
game content and verifying that the content is on a list of content
approved by the approval entity 1302. Unapproved wagering game
content violates the approval process. The exchange is similar when
the requester is a wagering game content provider.
[0113] The request message specifies whether the audit is complete
or partial. An audit may be partial or complete at the discretion
of the requester. It may include verifying all or some of the
wagering game content via authentication technology, such as
Message-Digest algorithm 5 or Secure Hash Algorithm. The response
message is a manifest of the wagering game content currently stored
in the accounts specified by the request message. This manifest can
then be used to verify that the items are on the list of approved
content and to request verification of one or more of the items in
the list.
[0114] An audit may be performed on an activity log of the digital
vault 1304. The request for the log file may be for the entire file
or for a subset based on time and date, a specific piece of
wagering game content, a specific wagering game content provider, a
specific wagering game machine, etc.
[0115] The digital vault 1304 can be audited in the background or
it can be taken off-line, at the discretion of the requester, and
in conjunction with the digital vault's owner/operator.
[0116] The audit exchange can be done over a secure communication
session.
Audit of an EGM
[0117] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating communications
for auditing a wagering game machine, according to example
embodiments of the invention. Auditing a wagering game machine 1404
is similar to auditing a digital vault (see FIG. 13). The manifest
of wagering game content on a wagering game machine is expected to
be a subset of that found on the digital vault. Unapproved wagering
game content is not allowed. The message exchange for auditing a
wagering game machine is shown in FIG. 14.
Example Wagering Game Machine
[0118] This section describes example wagering game machines and
wagering game networks with which embodiments of the invention can
be practiced.
[0119] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine,
according to example embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG.
15, the wagering game machine 1500 can be a computerized slot
machine having the controls, displays, and features of a
conventional slot machine.
[0120] The wagering game machine 1500 can be mounted on a stand
1542 or it can be constructed as a pub-style tabletop game (not
shown). As a result, the wagering game machine 1500 can be operated
while players are standing or seated. Furthermore, the wagering
game machine 1500 can be constructed with varying cabinet and
display designs. The wagering game machine 1500 can incorporate any
primary game such as slots, poker, or keno, and additional bonus
round games. The symbols and indicia used on and in the wagering
game machine 1500 can take mechanical, electrical, or video
form.
[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the wagering game machine 1500
includes a coin slot 1502 and bill acceptor 1524. Players can place
coins in the coin slot 1502 and paper money or ticket vouchers in
the bill acceptor 1524. Other devices can be used for accepting
payment. For example, credit/debit card readers/validators can be
used for accepting payment. Additionally, the wagering game machine
1500 can perform electronic funds transfers and financial transfers
to procure monies from financial accounts. When a player inserts
money in the wagering game machine 1500, a number of credits
corresponding to the amount deposited are shown in a credit display
1506. After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a player
can begin playing the game by pushing play button 1508. The play
button 1508 can be any play activator used for starting a wagering
game or sequence of events in the wagering game machine 1500.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 15, the wagering game machine 1500 also
includes a bet display 1512 and one or more "bet" buttons on the
panel 1516. The player can place a bet by pushing one or more of
the bet buttons on the panel 1516. The player can increase the bet
by one or more credits each time the player pushes a bet button.
When the player pushes a "bet one" button 1516, the number of
credits shown in the credit display 1506 decreases by one credit,
while the number of credits shown in the bet display 1512 increases
by one credit.
[0123] A player may end the gaming session or "cash-out" by
pressing a cash-out button 1518. When a player cashes-out, the
wagering game machine 1500 dispenses a voucher or currency
corresponding to the number of remaining credits. The wagering game
machine 1500 may employ other payout mechanisms such as credit
slips (which are redeemable by a cashier) or electronically
recordable cards (which track player credits), or electronic funds
transfer.
[0124] The wagering game machine also includes a primary display
unit 1504 and a secondary display unit 1510 (also known as a "top
box"). The wagering game machine may also include an auxiliary
video display 1540. In one embodiment, the primary display unit
1504 displays a plurality of video reels 1520. According to
embodiments of the invention, the display units 1504 and 1510 can
include any visual representation or exhibition, including moving
physical objects (e.g., mechanical reels and wheels), dynamic
lighting, and video images. In one embodiment, each reel 1520
includes a plurality of symbols such as bells, hearts, fruits,
numbers, letters, bars or other images, which correspond to a theme
associated with the wagering game machine 1500. Additionally, the
wagering game machine 1500 also includes an audio presentation unit
1528. The audio presentation unit 1528 can include audio speakers
or other suitable sound projection devices.
[0125] In one embodiment, the wagering game machine 1500 can
simultaneously (or virtually simultaneously) authenticate wagering
game files and/or components while conducting wagering games, as
described herein.
General
[0126] In this description, numerous specific details are set
forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention
may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not
been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of
this description. Note that in this description, references to "one
embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the feature being referred
to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
Further, separate references to "one embodiment" in this
description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment;
however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so
stated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Thus, the present invention can include any
variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments
described herein. Each claim constitutes an embodiment of the
invention.
[0127] Herein, block diagrams illustrate example embodiments of the
invention. Also herein, flow diagrams illustrate operations of the
example embodiments of the invention. The operations of the flow
diagrams are described with reference to the example embodiments
shown in the block diagrams. However, it should be understood that
the operations of the flow diagrams could be performed by
embodiments other than those discussed with reference to the block
diagrams, and embodiments discussed with references to the block
diagrams could perform operations different than those discussed
with reference to the flow diagrams. Additionally, some embodiments
may not perform all the operations shown in a flow diagram; and,
although the flow diagrams depict serial operations, certain
embodiments could perform certain of those operations in
parallel.
* * * * *