Method for generating random numbers

• US 6,986,055 B2
• Filed: 08/31/1998
• Issued: 01/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zynga Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Legal Igaming Incorporated
• Inventors: Carlson, Rolf E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sheikh, Ayaz
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOFFMAN, BRANDON S
• Application Number:
  US09/143,907
• Publication Number:
  US 20030028567A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,689 Days
• Field of Search: 728/250, 380/46, 380/44, 463/22, 463/29, 713/200, 713/168, 713/176, 713/189, 713/193
• US Class Current: 713/300
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/58 Random or pseudo-random number generators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/582 Pseudo-random number generators
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Abstract

An apparatus for implementing a game having a deterministic component and a non-deterministic component wherein a player uses the game through at least one player interface unit. Each player interface unit generates a player record indicating player-initiated events. A random number generator provides a series of pseudo-random numbers and a rules library stores indexed rules for one or more games. An interface registry stores mapping records where the mapping records are used to associate the player-initiated events to pre-selected rules in the rules library. A control means is coupled to the player interface to receive the output of the player interface unit, coupled to the interface registry, the rules library, and the random number generator. The control means processes the player record and returns an output record to the player interface unit where the output record is determined by executing the game'"'"'s rules with reference to the pseudo-random numbers and predefined combinatorial algorithms for selecting sets of the pseudo-random numbers.

Claims

1. A method for generating and applying random numbers for gaming, using an apparatus;

said method comprising;

the apparatus strongly encrypting and authenticating a game control sequence, to provide a secured game control sequence;

the apparatus sending the secured game control sequence to a game;

the game strongly encrypting and authenticating game results at the game to provide secured game results;

the game sending the secured game results back to the apparatus;

the apparatus receiving the game results back from the game;

the apparatus interpreting the received results in terms of a game-control rule;

the apparatus strongly encrypting and authenticating the interpreted result; and

the apparatus transmitting the interpreted result back to a remote player.

2. The method of claim 1, for use with said apparatus that includes (1) a first player interface unit receiving a request for play from a remote player and generating at least a first player record of information indicating player-initiated events from a first player, (2) a list of eligible regulated games, the status of the games, and status of connections to the games, (3) a rules library storing indexed rules for eligibility and restrictions on a particular player controlling one or more games, (4) an interface registry for storing mapping data records, the mapping data records being for mapping the first player record to preselected rules in the rules library, (5) second control means coupled to a buffer means output, the first player interface unit, the interface registry, and rules library, the second control means being for processing the player record according to said method, and each regulated game;

and further comprising;

receiving a request for play from a remote player;

accepting a first player record from the remote player;

referring to the interface registry to map the first player record to a selected rule in the rules library;

determining the eligibility of the remote player to play a particular game; and

executing a selected rule for game control according to the player eligibility.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

interpreting the received results in terms of a game-control rule comprises generating an output record indicating results of executing the selected rule, the output record being directed to a first player interface unit.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

interpreting the received results in terms of a game-control rule comprises generating an output record indicating results of executing the selected rule, the output record being directed to a first player interface unit.