I 1111111111111111 11111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII IIIIII IIII IIII IIII
`US00874 7229B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Kerr
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`*Jun. 10, 2014
`
`(54) GAMING SYSTEM NETWORK AND
`METHOD FOR DELIVERING GAMING
`MEDIA
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Michael A. Kerr, Reno, NV (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: NEXRF, Corp., Reno, NV (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 145 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis(cid:173)
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/981,403
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 29, 2010
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2011/0159952 Al
`
`Jun. 30, 2011
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation of application No. 10/681,034, filed on
`Oct. 8, 2003, now Pat. No. 8,403,755, which is a
`continuation of application No. 09/899,559, filed on
`Jul. 5, 2001, now abandoned.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/266,956, filed on Feb.
`6, 2001.
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A63F 9124
`G07F 17100
`U.S. Cl.
`USPC .................................. 463/42; 463/16; 463/25
`Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`4,339,798 A
`4,856,787 A
`5,586,937 A
`5,594,491 A
`5,630,757 A
`5,643,086 A
`5,738,583 A
`5,761,416 A
`5,762,552 A
`5,768,382 A
`5,779,545 A
`5,800,268 A
`
`7/1982 Hedges et al.
`8/1989 Itkis
`12/1996 Menashe
`1/1997 Hodge et al.
`5/1997 Gagin et al.
`7/1997 Alcorn et al.
`4/1998 Comas et al.
`6/1998 Mandal et al.
`6/1998 Vuong et al.
`6/1998 Schneier et al.
`7/1998 Berg et al.
`9/1998 Molnick
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`"Internet Industry Interacting Gambling Code: A Code for Industry
`Co-Regulation in the Area oflnternet Gambling Content Pursuant to
`the Requirements of the Interactive Gaming Act of 200 l ". Internet
`Industry Association. Dec.2001.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner - Paul AD' Agostino
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Michael A. Kerr; Kerr IP
`Group, LLC
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A gaming server system is described, the gaming server sys(cid:173)
`tem including a verification system, a memory module, a
`centralized gaming server, and a paytable module. The veri(cid:173)
`fication system is configured to access a registration database
`having registration data for registered users. The memory
`module is configured to store images corresponding to at least
`one game outcome, with the images communicated to the
`network access devices. The paytable module is associated
`with the centralized gaming server, and it is configured to
`determine one or more prizes associated with a game out(cid:173)
`come. The centralized gaming server is configured to gener(cid:173)
`ate at least one random game outcome by random generation
`at the centralized gaming server, and configured to access the
`memory module and communicate the images corresponding
`to the random game outcome to the network access devices.
`
`24 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`'
`
`L- --------- __________ J
`
`'
`
`

`

`US 8,747,229 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,851,149 A
`5,871,398 A
`5,902,983 A
`5,971,849 A *
`6,001,016 A *
`6,010,404 A
`6,106,396 A
`6,142,876 A
`6,178,510 Bl
`6,409,602 Bl
`6,500,068 B2
`6,508,709 Bl *
`6,508,710 Bl
`6,527,638 Bl
`6,575,834 Bl
`6,612,928 Bl
`6,628,939 B2
`6,676,522 B2
`6,682,421 Bl
`6,709,333 Bl
`6,709,631 B2
`6,719,631 Bl
`6,749,512 B2
`6,875,110 Bl
`6,884,162 B2
`6,942,574 Bl
`7,107,245 Bl*
`7,338,372 B2
`
`12/1998 Xidos et al.
`2/ 1999 Schneier et al.
`5/ 1999 Crevalt et al.
`10/1999 Falciglia ......................... 463/16
`12/1999 Walker et al .................... 463/42
`1/2000 Walker et al.
`8/2000 Alcorn et al.
`11/2000 Cumbers
`1/2001 O'Connor et al.
`6/2002 Wiltshire et al.
`12/2002 Walker et al.
`1/2003 Karmarkar ...................... 463/42
`1/2003 Paravia et al.
`3/2003 Walker et al.
`6/2003 Lindo
`9/2003 Bradford et al.
`9/2003 Paulsen
`1/2004 Rowe
`1/2004 Rowe et al.
`3/2004 Bradford et al.
`3/2004 Mori et al.
`4/2004 Tulley et al.
`6/2004 MacGregor et al.
`4/2005 Crumby
`4/2005 Raverdy et al.
`9/2005 LeMay et al.
`9/2006 Kowalick ........................ 705/44
`3/2008 Morrow et al.
`
`7,341,522 B2
`7,534,169 B2
`7,611,407 Bl
`8,029,349 B2
`2001/0004768 Al
`2001/0005908 Al
`2002/0002073 Al
`2002/0007494 Al
`2002/0056125 Al
`2002/0056143 Al
`2002/0077167 Al
`2002/0142815 Al
`2002/0142844 Al
`2006/0189382 Al
`2007 /0087834 Al
`2007 /0270212 Al
`2008/0026844 Al
`2008/0057894 Al
`2008/0097858 Al
`2009/0325708 A9 *
`2011/0159953 Al*
`2011/0165936 Al *
`
`3/2008 Yamagishi
`5/2009 Amaitis et al.
`11/2009 Itkis et al.
`10/2011 Lind
`6/2001 Hodge et al.
`6/2001 Hodge et al.
`1/2002 Montgomery et al.
`1/2002 Hodge
`5/2002 Hodge et al.
`5/2002 Hodge et al.
`6/2002 Merari
`10/2002 Candelore
`10/2002 Kerr
`8/2006 Muir et al.
`4/2007 Moser et al.
`11/2007 Cockerille et al.
`1/2008 Wells
`3/2008 Aleksic et al.
`4/2008 Vucina et al.
`12/2009 Kerr ................................ 463/42
`6/2011 Kerr ................................ 463/29
`7/2011 Kerr ................................ 463/25
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Wirelss Network. Wikipedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wire(cid:173)
`less_network. Nov. 17, 2008.
`"Tracking Cookie." Wikipedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track(cid:173)
`ing_cookie. May 24, 2009.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`14
`
`(
`
`10 ~
`tHI 12
`~
`24)
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`[ij]B
`□
`I iii iiii ii iiiii iii t00°(
`FIG. la
`
`26
`
`FIG. lb
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`t'
`
`C
`
`'
`
`22
`
`FIG. le
`
`18
`
`liil
`
`<
`
`20
`
`FIG. ld
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`[ii]B
`
`/111111 1111 1111111■ 0\
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Network
`
`32
`
`r30
`
`---,
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`( 62
`
`Network
`Interface
`Module
`
`~
`
`~
`
`60
`
`( 52
`
`Biometric
`Input
`
`( 54
`
`( 58
`
`~
`
`~
`
`Compression
`Module
`
`~
`
`~
`
`Encryption
`Module
`
`~l
`
`,,
`
`Memory
`Module
`
`56
`
`A
`
`,,
`
`Memory
`Module
`
`FIG. 3
`
`(34
`
`Transactional
`Semc
`
`...
`...
`
`~ Transactional
`r
`Database
`
`--------------- -
`r----
`ification System
`: Ver
`I
`I
`
`--------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---,
`,,
`64
`(66
`/40
`/42
`
`ll
`
`I
`
`Network
`[nterface
`Module
`
`-
`
`~
`
`~
`
`,
`
`Decryption
`Module
`
`~
`
`~
`
`Verification
`Server
`
`~
`
`,
`
`~
`
`~
`
`Biometric
`Registration
`Database
`
`' I
`' I
`' I
`' I
`
`~l
`a
`,,
`,, (68 r------------ ------------------------------
`
`I
`___ J
`
`I
`I
`I 1-, ___ _
`
`-------------------,
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`Memory
`Module
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`
`I
`I
`
`I
`
`Broadband
`Gaming
`Server
`
`~
`
`,
`
`~
`
`Mini
`~ Video Server
`
`'
`'
`'
`'
`L--------------------J
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`REGISTRATION DATA FIELDS
`
`NAME
`
`BIOMETRIC
`
`ADDRESS
`
`PLAYER ID
`
`USER NAME
`
`MACID
`
`PASSWORD
`
`IP ADDRESS
`
`CREDIT CARD BROWSER
`
`DATE
`
`TIME
`
`COOKIES
`
`CRYPTO KEYS
`
`USER SUBMITTED DATA
`
`NAME
`
`BIOMETRIC
`
`ADDRESS
`
`PLAYER ID
`
`USER NAME
`
`MACID
`
`PASSWORD
`
`IP ADDRESS
`
`CREDIT CARD BROWSER
`
`DATE
`
`TIME
`
`COOKIES
`
`CRYPTOKEYS
`
`FIG. 5
`
`PLAYER DATA FIELDS
`
`PLAYER ID
`
`SESSION TIME FOR TYPE OF GAME
`
`DATE
`
`TIMEIN
`
`AMOUNT PLA YEO DURING SESSION
`
`CREDIT CARD INFORMATION
`
`TIMEOUT
`
`TRANSACTION REQUEST
`
`TYPE GAME
`
`TRANSACTION APPROVAL
`
`CREDITS IN
`
`TRANSFER OF CREDITS
`
`CREDITS OUT TRANSFER TO PLAYER CREDIT CRD
`
`BONUS
`
`CRYPTOKEYS
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`\0 = N
`
`N
`'N
`-....l
`~
`~
`00
`
`d r.,;_
`
`0 ....
`Ul
`.....
`rJJ =(cid:173)
`
`('D
`('D
`
`1,0
`
`0 ....
`N
`~o
`? ....
`2'
`
`.i;...
`
`~ = ~
`
`~
`~
`~
`•
`00
`~
`
`' ' ' I
`I
`:
`'
`
`' I
`
`I
`I
`I
`
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`
`ENCRYPTION
`
`/102b
`
`IOOb
`
`/
`
`MODULATION
`
`ENCRYPTJON
`
`r102a
`
`100a
`
`ENCODER
`
`MPEG
`
`98
`
`ENCODER
`
`TCP/IP
`
`/96
`
`92
`
`(90
`
`94
`
`SERVER
`
`MINI-VIDEO
`
`MEMORY
`
`L ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ J
`I
`I
`
`L---------------------------------------------------------------1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`BROADBAND GAMJNG SYSTEM
`
`88
`
`SYSTEM
`
`TRANSACTIONAL
`
`' I
`' I
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`---------------------------------------------------~
`
`I
`
`~--L..-~
`
`GAMING
`
`84
`
`DECRYPTION
`
`VERIFICATION
`
`PLAYER
`
`' ' I
`
`I
`I
`1
`
`! r _________ f __ ------VERIFiCAHONSYSTEM-
`
`34
`
`r--------------------------------------------;r36
`
`_ 80
`
`I
`
`co~;:;:,;WN I,,-82
`
`(38
`
`FIG. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`START
`
`152
`
`New Player Access Web Site/Channel/Kiosk/Registration Terminal
`
`Registration Process fnitiated
`
`Player Provides Standard Information:
`NAME, ADDRESS, CREDIT/DEBTT
`CARD NUMBER
`
`Player Provide Personal ID
`
`Player Provide Biometric
`
`Player Biometric Compressed
`and Encrypted
`
`153
`
`154
`
`156
`
`158
`
`160
`
`Verification System Processes Player Data
`and Generates Player Profile
`
`162
`
`164
`
`Verification System Identities Security Info: Biometric MAC ID,
`IP Address for Server, Browser, Cookies, etc,
`
`FIG. 8
`
`166
`
`Valid Player Identified
`
`Registration Process
`Completed
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`176
`
`178
`
`174
`
`180
`
`182
`
`184
`
`User Access Gaming Site/Channel
`
`Provide Personal 1D
`
`Provide Biometric
`
`Biometric Compression
`
`Biometric Encryption
`
`Communicate Personal ID
`and Biometric Inforn,ation
`
`Verification System Request Security Info
`
`Verification System Ensure
`Network Access Device is Valid
`
`Compare User Submitted Information
`with Registered Player Information
`
`186
`
`188
`
`190
`
`N
`
`y
`
`194
`
`Re-Input Biometric
`
`Player Permitted to
`Access Gaming System
`
`FIG. 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`r-200
`
`START
`
`201
`
`Receive Verification System
`Authorization for Player
`
`202
`
`Buffer Players Who Want to
`Play Game
`
`N
`
`y
`
`Generate
`Initial Player Matrix
`
`208
`
`210
`
`Transmit Initial Player
`Matrix to Transactional System
`
`Start Gaming
`Module
`
`209
`
`Transactional
`System
`Validation
`
`FIG. 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.10,2014
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`-------------
`
`C 212
`
`-,
`
`Gaming Module
`
`Random Number Calculated
`For Gaming Module
`
`Paytable Determine Prize and
`Video Output
`
`Group Players According to
`Video Output
`
`Final Player Matrix Generated
`
`Player Matrix Communicated
`to Transactional Server
`
`214
`
`216
`
`218
`
`222
`
`226\
`
`N
`
`Initiate
`Diagnostic
`Analysis
`
`225
`
`Transactional
`System
`Validation
`
`FIG. 11
`
`228
`
`230
`
`232
`
`y
`
`Broadcast A Plurality
`of Video Streams
`
`Encode Video Streams
`
`Encrypt Video Streams
`
`END
`
`

`

`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`1
`GAMING SYSTEM NETWORK AND
`METHOD FOR DELIVERING GAMING
`MEDIA
`
`CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`2
`systems and methods to control on-line gambling addiction.
`With respect to ensuring that on-line gaming is secure and
`reliable, prior art systems and methods use various crypto(cid:173)
`graphic techniques such as RSA encryption, digital certifi-
`5 cates, or other similar well known cryptographic methods.
`These cryptographic methods are helpful in ensuring secure
`communications, however these cryptographic methods do
`not ensure that the individual accessing the on-line game is a
`valid user.
`In view of the prior art systems, a minor or other unautho-
`rized individual simply needs a user ID and a corresponding
`password to access a gaming site. The obtaining of a user ID
`and password is a relatively simple task as this information is
`generally not modified. Commonly the user ID information is
`15 acquired by identifying the web site's naming convention for
`the player. The player password can be easily determined by
`remembering the pattern of keys typed by the player during
`the log-on procedures or by simply requesting the password
`from the player as part of a diagnostic procedure. The latter is
`20 a trick commonly used by hackers to access a system. The
`password problem may be overcome by modifying the pass(cid:173)
`word on a regular basis, however the player must then remem(cid:173)
`ber the modified password. Should the player forget the pass(cid:173)
`word a new password is mailed. During the mailing process it
`25 is common for e-mail to be easily intercepted in cyberspace.
`Additionally, it is common for unauthorized users to simulate
`being at a certain location by submitting an IP address that
`identifies an authorized user.
`Therefore, a better system and method for identifying a
`30 valid user is needed. Additionally, it would be beneficial to
`provide a gaming system and method that would prevent
`underage gambling, be simple to implement, prevent gam(cid:173)
`bling addiction, and provide a higher degree of security and
`reliability from unauthorized users.
`Networked Interactive Gaming
`Networked interactive gaming in an open networked envi(cid:173)
`ronment such as the Internet is well-known. However, inter(cid:173)
`active gaming in an open network such as the Internet is
`confined to communicating with other devices using the same
`40 TCP/IP protocols. Currently networked interactive gaming
`systems using the TCP/IP protocol are not configured to
`communicate with interactive set-top boxes using MPEG
`protocols.
`Networked interactive gaming in an open networked envi-
`45 ronment using traditional security methods such as secure
`socket layers and digital certificates are well known. How(cid:173)
`ever, networked interactive gaming in an open networked
`environment using traditional security methods does not pre(cid:173)
`vent gambling from a minor having acquired a parent's user
`50 ID and password without the parent's consent.
`Networked interactive gaming using LANs and WANs for
`progressive slot machines having large jackpots are also well(cid:173)
`known. However, networked interactive systems using LAN s
`and WANs for progressive slot machines generally exist in a
`55 highly secure proprietary network environment. Thus, the
`creation of a progressive slot machine with a large jackpot in
`an open network environment is not well known.
`Biometrics
`A biometric is a measurable psychological and/or behav-
`60 ioral trait that can be captured and subsequently compared
`with another instance at the time of verification. This defini-
`tion includes the matching of fingerprints, voice patterns,
`hand geometry, iris and retina scans, vein patterns and other
`such methodologies. For purposes of the invention described
`heretofore, the definition of biometrics also includes signa(cid:173)
`ture verification, keystroke patterns and other methodologies
`weighted towards individual behavior.
`
`This patent application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/681,
`034, filed Oct. 8, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,755, which is
`a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/899,559 hav- 10
`ing a filing date of Jul. 5, 2001, now abandoned, which claims
`the benefit of provisional patent application 60/266,956 filed
`Feb. 6, 2001.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Field
`The present invention is an interactive gaming system net(cid:173)
`work and method for delivering gaming media. More particu(cid:173)
`larly, the interactive gaming system and method operates in a
`networked environment that interfaces with a gaming server
`and a video server.
`2. Description of Related Art
`The related art includes gaming devices, on-line gaming,
`networked interactive gaming, and biometrics.
`Gaming Devices
`For purposes of this patent, the term "gaming" shall refer to
`either gambling and/or gaming applications. Gaming devices
`include games of skill and games of chance. Games of chance
`include many casino-type gaming devices in which the out(cid:173)
`come of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly
`generated event. For example, a game of chance may use a
`random number generator to generate a random or pseudo(cid:173)
`random number. The random number may then be compared
`to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. If 35
`the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on
`the table, the player may win a predefined prize. The table
`may also contain display information that allows the gaming
`device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome
`of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of
`the game on a large variety of display devices, such as
`mechanical spinning reels or video screens.
`Games of skill comprise a skill component in which a
`player combines letters or words (word puzzles), answers
`questions (trivia), overcomes challenges ( video games), com(cid:173)
`petes with other players (networked video games), and the
`like. Generally, a game of skill is a game requiring a level of
`skill which does not rely solely on chance. Some games of
`skill require a high degree of expertise and knowledge and
`other games of skill require very limited expertise or knowl(cid:173)
`edge.
`On-Line Gaming
`In June 2001, Nevada signed a bill that could result in
`Nevada being the first state to offer legalized gambling over
`the Internet. The new law authorizes state gaming regulators
`to set up an infrastructure to license and oversee online gam(cid:173)
`ing in Nevada when such gaming becomes legal. Online
`gaming is a federal issue whose legality is unclear at present.
`A variety of technological limitations have been asserted as
`preventing Congress's endorsement of on-line gaming. These
`technological limitations are related to the prevention of
`underage gambling, controlling of gambling addiction, and
`ensuring the security and reliability of on-line gaming.
`To prevent underage gambling prior art systems and meth(cid:173)
`ods use passwords, user IDs, credit cards and "click-through" 65
`agreements that ask the player to agree to being of legal
`gambling age by clicking on a button. Presently, there are no
`
`

`

`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`3
`Biometric applications for games of skill and games of
`chance are limited. For example biometric gaming applica(cid:173)
`tions are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,404 granted to Walker
`et al. teaches a method and apparatus for using player input
`codes (e.g., numeric, biometric or physical) to affect the
`outcomes of electronic gambling devices, such as slot
`machines. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,876 granted to
`Cumbers teaches a system and method for passively tracking
`the play of players playing gaming devices such as slot
`machines. Players provide identification information and
`facial recognition data is acquired by a digital or video cam(cid:173)
`era. For each player an account file and a file of the facial
`image data is stored. When the player plays the slot machine,
`a camera scans the player and acquires facial image data
`which is compared to stored data to identify the player. Fur(cid:173)
`thermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,983 granted to Crevelt et al.
`teaches a gaming machine configured to perform EFT trans(cid:173)
`actions which are limited to preset amounts. The patent
`teaches the use of a fingerprint imaging device, and retinal
`scans for verifying a player's identity.
`Although biometric applications for gaming applications
`are known, biometric applications for on-line gaming sys(cid:173)
`tems are not known. Furthermore, the managing of biometric
`information and gaming information in an open network
`environment are not known. Additionally, the use ofbiomet- 25
`rics in a gaming system and method to prevent underage
`gambling and prevent gambling addiction is not known.
`
`20
`
`4
`method includes generating, with a centralized gaming server
`communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of network
`access devices, at least one random game outcome with ran(cid:173)
`dom generation at the centralized gaming server. Finally, the
`5 method includes determining one or more prizes associated
`with the random game outcome with a paytable module asso(cid:173)
`ciated with the centralized gaming server, and communicat(cid:173)
`ing a plurality of images corresponding to the at least one
`random game outcome from the centralized gaming server to
`10 each network access device.
`One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
`system and method to prevent underage gambling.
`A further advantage of the present invention is that it pro(cid:173)
`vides a more secure and reliable and secure gaming system
`15 and method.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it pro(cid:173)
`vides a system and method for managing biometric informa(cid:173)
`tion and gaming information in an open network environ(cid:173)
`ment.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it per(cid:173)
`mits a plurality of users in a geographically broad area to play
`the same game.
`A further advantage of the present invention is that it pro(cid:173)
`vides a pseudo-real time gaming system and method.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it simu(cid:173)
`lates a game of chance such as a slot machine in an on-line
`environment.
`An additional advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides a networked jackpot.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`30
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION
`
`A gaming server system is described, the gaming server
`system configured to communicate with at least one network
`access device communicatively coupled to a network. The
`gaming server system includes a verification system, a
`memory module, a centralized gaming server, and a paytable 35
`module. The verification system is configured to access a
`registration database having a plurality of registration data
`associated with each registered user. The memory module is
`configured to store a plurality of images corresponding to at
`least one game outcome that are communicated to the at least 40
`one network access device. The centralized gaming server is
`communicatively coupled to each of the at least one network
`access device, the centralized gaming server configured to
`generate at least one random game outcome by random gen(cid:173)
`eration at the centralized gaming server. The paytable module 45
`is associated with the centralized gaming server, and it is
`configured to determine one or more prizes associated with a
`game outcome. The centralized gaming server is also config(cid:173)
`ured to access the memory module and communicate the
`plurality of images corresponding to the at least one random 50
`game outcome to the at least one network access device
`In one embodiment, the verification system is configured to
`receive user identification information associated with a
`player from each network access device, and verify the player
`accessing the network access device is a registered user by 55
`comparing the user identification information to the registra(cid:173)
`tion data.
`A method for generating a game outcome with a gaming
`server system configured to communicate with a plurality of
`network access devices that are communicatively coupled to
`a network is also described. The method comprises enabling
`a verification system to receive user identification informa(cid:173)
`tion from at least one network access device. The method
`further comprises verifying with the verification system that
`the user accessing the at least one network access device is a
`registered user by comparing the user identification informa(cid:173)
`tion to registration data stored in a registration database. The
`
`A networked gaming system that comprises a verification
`system, a broadband gaming system and a transactional sys(cid:173)
`tem is described. The verification system operations include
`ensuring that a user is a registered player by using a biometric
`input. The broadband gaming system operations include
`managing and performing at least one game. The transac(cid:173)
`tional system operations include providing oversight for each
`transaction conducted by the verification system and the
`broadband gaming system.
`A verification system for playing the networked gaming
`system is described. The networked games include games of
`chance and games of skill. The verification system commu(cid:173)
`nicates with a biometric input module and a network access
`device to generate a user identification information. The user
`identification information is compared to information in a
`registration database. If an acceptable match is made between
`the user identification information and the information in the
`registration database, the user is designated as a player. The
`player then has access to both the broadband gaming system
`and the transactional system.
`A broadband gaming system which is in communication
`with the verification system is described. The broadband
`gaming system includes a buffer which stores information
`about players who desire to play a game. The buffer is opera-
`tively coupled to a random number generator that generates a
`random number for each player in the buffer. A paytable
`module in communication with the random number generator
`60 determines the outcome associated with the random number
`generator. The paytable also determines which images are
`associated with the outcome for each player. Preferably, the
`images are stored on a mini video server and then cached in a
`memory module. The images are intelligently buffered for
`65 downstream communications. In its preferred embodiment, a
`plurality of encoders are operatively coupled to the memory
`module caching the broadcast video streams. The plurality of
`
`

`

`US 8,747,229 B2
`
`5
`encoders encode the broadcast downstream images according
`the requirements for each network access device. Each
`encoder is operatively coupled to an encryption module that
`encrypts the broadcast. A modulation module is operatively
`coupled to the encryption module and modulates encrypted 5
`images for downstream transmission. Each network access
`device includes a tuner, a demodulation module, and a
`decryption module that permits an image to be viewed by the
`network access device.
`A transactional system and method that ensures secure 10
`communications occur in the verification system and the
`broadband gaming system is described. The transactional
`system also performs accounting, bonusing, tracking and
`other such functions. Preferably, the transactional system is
`capable of receiving a plurality of funds from a financial 15
`account and converting them to credits that are used in the
`broadband gaming system.
`The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more
`important features of the present invention so that the detailed
`description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be 20
`better understood and contributions of the present invention
`to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,
`additional features of the invention that will be described
`below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this
`respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment 25
`of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
`invention is not limited in its application to the details of the
`construction and to the arrangement of the components set
`forth in the following description or as illustrated in the draw(cid:173)
`ings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of 30
`being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to
`be understood that the phraseology and terminology
`employed herein are for the purpose of description and should
`not be regarded as limiting.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown
`in the accompanying drawings wherein:
`FIG. la through FIG. ld provide diagrams of a plurality of
`network access devices.
`FIG. 2 is a high level diagram of a gaming system net(cid:173)
`worked to a plurality of network access devices.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative biometric input
`module.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a gaming system configured to
`receive a biometric input from a network access device.
`FIG. 5 is a table of the data fields in a verification system.
`FIG. 6 is a table of the data fields in a broadband gaming
`system and in a transactional system.
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a broadband gaming system.
`FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the registration method for the
`gaming system.
`FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the verification method for the
`gaming system.
`FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the information processed by the
`gaming system.
`FIG. 11 is a continuation of the flowchart of the informa(cid:173)
`tion processed by the gaming system in FIG. 10.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In the following detailed description of the preferred
`embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying draw(cid:173)
`ings, which form a part of this application. The drawings
`show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which
`the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that
`
`6
`other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes
`may be made without departing from the scope of the present
`invention.
`Network Access Devices
`Referring to FIG. la through FIG. ld there is shown a
`plurality of illustrative network access devices. Each of the
`network access devices is configured to be capable of running
`a gaming application. For illustrative purposes the gaming
`application shown simulates the spinning reels of a slot
`machine.
`The network access device in FIG. la is a personal com(cid:173)
`puter 10 having a network interface card (not shown) that may
`be operatively coupled to a modem (not shown). Another
`network access device shown in FIG. lb includes a television
`12 operatively coupled to an interactive set-top box 14 that is
`operatively coupled to a cable network (not shown). The other
`network access device shown in FIG. le is a wireless device
`16 such as a digital phone or personal digital system (PDA) or
`other such wireless device which is configured to communi-
`cate with a network using wireless networking protocols. Yet
`another network access device is shown in FIG. ld and
`includes a gaming terminal 18 such as a slot machine on a
`casino floor that is operatively coupled to a plurality of other
`gaming terminals. It shall be appreciated by those skilled in
`the art of networking that the distinguishing feature between
`each of these network access devices is the type of commu-
`nications protocols used by each device to enable communi(cid:173)
`cations between similar network access devices.
`Each of the network access devices either includes a bio(cid:173)
`metric input module operatively coupled to the network
`access device or includes a biometric input module commu(cid:173)
`nicatively coupled to the network access device. A biometric
`is a measurable psychological and/or behavioral trait that can
`be captured and subsequently compared with another
`35 instance at the time of verification. This definition includes
`the matching of fingerprints, voice patterns, hand geometry,
`iris and retina scans, vein patterns and other such methodolo(cid:173)
`gies. For purposes of the invention described heretofore, the
`definition of biometrics also includes signature verification,
`40 keystroke patterns and other methodologies weighted
`towards individual behavior.
`In one illustrative embodiment, the biometric input module
`is a fingerprint scanner 20 resident on the gaming terminal 18
`wherein the biometric input is a fingerprint. In another illus-
`45 trative embodiment, the biometric input module is the screen
`22 of wireless device 16 wherein the screen is configured to
`receive a biometric input such as a user signature. In yet
`another illustrative embodiment, the biometric input module
`is a telephone 24 that is configured to receive a voice pattern
`50 from a user prior to engaging communications with the inter(cid:173)
`active set-top box 14. In yet another illustrative embodiment
`the biometric input module is a keyboard 26 operatively
`coupled to computer 10 wherein the user is requested to input
`a keystroke pattern. An illustrative example of a biometric
`55 input module operatively coupled to the network access
`device is shown in FIG. ld having the fingerprint scanner 20
`on the gaming terminal 18. An illustrative example of a bio(cid:173)
`metric input module, e.g. the telephone 24, communicatively
`coupled to the network access device, e.g. the interactive
`60 set-top box 14, is shown in FIG. lb.
`The biometric input is used to prevent unauthorized gam(cid:173)
`ing activity and efficiently store credits on the user's behalf.
`By way of example and not oflimitation, unauthorized gam(cid:173)
`ing activity includes preventing underage gaming and prohib-
`65 iting players with histories of gambling addiction. Addition(cid:173)
`ally, player credits may be stored on a network so that the
`player does not need to carry coins, paper currency, coupons,
`
`

`