Gaming device security system: apparatus and method

Claim 2

A gaming machine, comprising, in combination: a first processor having open architecture to allow reception of game formats, a visual display and a communication interface; a second processor sending encrypted communicating data with said first processor via said communicating interface, said second processor having closed architecture which precludes access to critical gaming functions and programs; said second processor having means for sensing wagering activity and means for transmitting a random gaming outcome to said first processor to be animated on said visual display; said second processor provided with means to bestow credits as a function of the random gaming outcome.

Claim 3

The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said second processor includes a non-alterable memory means for said storing critical gaming functions therein.

Claim 4

The gaming machine of claim 2 wherein said second processor includes a random access memory for storing accounting and gaming outcome information therein.

Claim 5

The gaming machine of claim 2 wherein said non-alterable memory means includes an interface to couple with an external program validation device.

Claim 6

The gaming machine of claim 4 wherein said random access memory of said second processor includes means for interfacing with an external device validation process for directly validating the outcome of any game.

Claim 7

The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said second processor includes a random number generator for determining the random gaming output.

Claim 8

The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said first processor includes an alterable program storage media for storing interactive multi-media gaming functions downloaded from a remote source without interfering with critical gaming programs and functions stored in the second processing area.

Claim 11

The method of claim 8 including forming said two processing area into a first processing area and a second processing area, providing the first processing area with player stimulus, providing the second processing area with a response from the player as a function of player stimulus, and having the second processing area drive the first processing area as a result of player response.

Claim 12

A gaming device security system operatively coupled to at least one gaming machine, the system comprising, in combination: a first processing means operatively coupled to and driving a visual display and having open architecture; a second processing means having closed architecture operatively coupled to said first processing means and communicating therewith only via a secure protocol; a plurality of inputs enabled by a player allowing the player to initiate and sustain game play on at least the one gaming machine; said second processing means including means for determining random outcomes of game play and means for transmitting said outcomes to said first processing means for updating said visual display; a player memory card including memory storage means on said card removable from and accessible by said second processing means to upload and download information between said second processing means and said player memory card reflective of status of an ongoing game, whereby a player can discontinue play by storing game information on said memory card and subsequently resume play in progress by refreshing said second processor means in said system.

Claim 13

A gaming device security system operatively coupled to at least one gaming machine, the system comprising, in combination: a first processing means operatively coupled to and driving a visual display and having open architecture; a second processing means having closed architecture operatively coupled to said first processing means and communicating therewith only via a secure protocol; a plurality of inputs enabled by a player allowing the player to initiate and sustain game play on at least the one gaming machine; said second processing means including means for determining random outcomes of game play and means for transmitting said outcomes to said first processing means for updating said visual display; a player memory card including memory storage means on said card removable from and accessible by said second processing means to upload and download information between said second processing means and said player memory card reflective of status of an ongoing game, whereby a player can discontinue play by storing game information on said memory card and subsequently resume play in progress by refreshing said second processor means in said system.

Claim 14

A gaming device security system, comprising in combination: a first processor having open architecture; a second processor having closed architecture including a non-alterable memory means for storing critical gaming functions therein; a communication link operatively coupled to said first processor and said second processor for transmitting encrypted data packets correlative of said critical gaming functions and outcomes.

Claim 15

A gaming device security system, comprising in combination: a first processor having open architecture; a second processor having closed architecture including a non-alterable memory means for storing critical gaming functions therein; a communication link operatively coupled to said first processor and said second processor for transmitting encrypted data packets correlative of said critical gaming functions and outcomes.

Claim 16

The system of claim 11 wherein said encrypted data packets include an encrypted data message and a unique identification signature to be validated upon receipt.

Claim 17

The system of claim 12 wherein said unique identification signature includes at least one leading bit and at least one trailing bit attached to ends of said data message.

Claim 18

The system of claim 13 further including means for checking said leading and said trailing bits of each data packet for validity of the identification signature.

Claim 19

The system of claim 14 further including means for validating each data message of each data packet.

Claim 20

A gaming device for use by a player comprising: a visual display accessible to a player; a first processing area having an open architecture with respect to application programming and including a microprocessor and an alterable storage media capable of being externally alterable without affecting a key game function of determining a random game outcome, said first processing area coupled to and driving said visual display; a second processing area having a closed architecture including a non-alterable media for performing said key gaming function of determining a random game outcome, said non-alterable media being secure so as to retain the ability for regulatory validation; an electrical path connecting said first and second processing areas for communication of said random game outcome.

Claim 21

A gaming device for use by a player comprising: a visual display accessible to a player; a first processing area having an open architecture with respect to application programming and including a microprocessor and an alterable storage media capable of being externally alterable without affecting a key game function of determining a random game outcome, said first processing area coupled to and driving said visual display; a second processing area having a closed architecture including a non-alterable media for performing said key gaming function of determining a random game outcome, said non-alterable media being secure so as to retain the ability for regulatory validation; an electrical path connecting said first and second processing areas for communication of said random game outcome.

Claim 22

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said first processing area includes display software for determining visual graphics on said visual display; and wherein said first processing area is externally alterable via downloading of display software from a source distinct from said second processor.

Claim 23

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said second processing area includes a microprocessor.

Claim 24

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said second processing area includes a non-volatile random access memory.

Claim 25

The gaming device of claim 19 wherein said non-volatile random access memory stores game outcome information.

Claim 26

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said second processing area includes a random number generator for determining said random game outcome.

Claim 27

The gaming device of claim 16 further including an interface for connection with an external validation device.

Claim 28

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said second processing area senses wagering activity.

Claim 29

The gaming device of claim 17 wherein said second processing area bestows credits as a function of said random game outcome.

Claim 30

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said gaming device is configured as a slot machine.

Claim 31

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said electrical path is a communication link.

Claim 32

The gaming device of claim 26 wherein said communication link is a serial communication link.

Claim 33

The gaming device of claim 16 wherein said gaming device is connectable to an external validation device; and wherein said non-alterable media is capable of validation by the external validation device.