EP0862824A4 - Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes using cryptographic and other protocols - Google Patents
Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes using cryptographic and other protocolsInfo
- Publication number
- EP0862824A4 EP0862824A4 EP96940863A EP96940863A EP0862824A4 EP 0862824 A4 EP0862824 A4 EP 0862824A4 EP 96940863 A EP96940863 A EP 96940863A EP 96940863 A EP96940863 A EP 96940863A EP 0862824 A4 EP0862824 A4 EP 0862824A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- game
- computer
- player
- outcome
- message
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- A63F13/12—
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3216—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
- G07F17/3218—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects wherein at least part of the system is portable
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/34—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications involving the movement of software or configuration parameters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
- A63F13/33—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections
- A63F13/335—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections using Internet
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/70—Game security or game management aspects
- A63F13/71—Game security or game management aspects using secure communication between game devices and game servers, e.g. by encrypting game data or authenticating players
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
- A63F2300/401—Secure communication, e.g. using encryption or authentication
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/51—Server architecture
- A63F2300/513—Server architecture server hierarchy, e.g. local, regional, national or dedicated for different tasks, e.g. authenticating, billing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/53—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of basic data processing
- A63F2300/532—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of basic data processing using secure communication, e.g. by encryption, authentication
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/53—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of basic data processing
- A63F2300/535—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of basic data processing for monitoring, e.g. of user parameters, terminal parameters, application parameters, network parameters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/55—Details of game data or player data management
- A63F2300/5513—Details of game data or player data management involving billing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/55—Details of game data or player data management
- A63F2300/5546—Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/55—Details of game data or player data management
- A63F2300/5546—Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
- A63F2300/558—Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history by assessing the players' skills or ranking
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to authentication of computer generated game or test results ("outcomes") , and more particularly, to a system by which persons who play games or take tests on a game or testing computer, respectively (hereinafter the "game computer" or
- testing computer may submit the outcomes of the games or tests to a central authority having at least one central computer, and have the central computer "certify” those outcomes as being accurately reported and fairly achieved. This certification of the computer generated result
- the system enables computer generated game tournaments in which players play the games on game computers and compete against each other by submitting the outcomes for those tournament games to the
- the system provides for players of computer games to obtain a certified ranking and rating without participation in a tournament .
- the system provides for
- the system further enables the submission and certification of test
- the present invention also provides for
- the invention also allows for "time-dependent disablement" which lets players acquire game consoles for a relatively low down payment. Charges for game play may then be incurred on a daily, weekly, monthly, or some other periodic basis.
- tournaments are a popular form of recreation and are amenable to many forms of organized activities, such as sports or games.
- players compete against one another (i.e., head-to-head) , singularly or in teams, under controlled conditions. Examples include boxing, chess, karate and the like.
- players play a game without direct or simultaneous interaction with another player, where the player having the best score (e.g., golf, bowling, etc.) , fastest time to completion (e.g., puzzles) or some combination thereof is pronounced the winner.
- Winners earn recognition for their skill and sometimes even prizes. Accomplished players of games of skill are often provided with an officially recognized ranking, rating and/or title.
- Classic tournaments are usually held at a specific time and at a specific location, where they are conducted under a set of rules which apply equally to all contestants, and under the supervision of one or more judges and/or a sanctioning authority.
- a typical chess tournament may include one hundred to two hundred players who get together at a central location. They pay an entry fee and play a series of games over the course of a specified time period under the auspices of an officially sanctioned tournament director (s) . At the end of the competition, the players are ranked and cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers.
- the United States Chess Federation administers a national rating system that ranks players with a numerical rating based upon the results of tournament sanctioned games against other rated players. Ratings may change over time as the player
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26 ⁇ wins and loses games played in ongoing tournaments.
- Various rating ranges are given named titles. For example, an "Expert" chess player has a rating of between 2,000 and 2,200 and a “Master” chess player has a rating over 2,200 and so on.
- the aforementioned tournaments have several drawbacks. Since most tournaments are held at some specified location, it is likely that some players may have to travel an appreciable distance, incurring expenses for travel, food, lodging and the like. Furthermore, it is often difficult to schedule a given tournament at a time that is convenient for all participants. In addition, there are only a limited number of sanctioned tournament directors who are available to run such tournaments.
- Thacher One approach to electronic tournaments is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,083,271 to Thacher et al .
- Thacher a plurality of gaming terminals are networked to a central computer.
- a player purchases credit, enters a tournament, and is assigned a unique identification code.
- This identification code is stored in the gaming terminal and at the central computer.
- the player then proceeds to play a tournament game on the gaming terminal.
- the player's score is transmitted to the central computer along with the player identification code and a game identification number.
- the central computer sorts through all of the scores at the conclusion of the tournament and determines a winner.
- the Thacher patent claims to provide some level of protection against substitution of players by utilizing a separate personal identification code for each player. Thus, to the extent that a player's personal identification code is not compromised, the person playing the game is uniquely identified with the achieved score.
- This arrangement has disadvantages, however, including the extensive network between all of the participatory game terminals, and the inability to verify that the scores in the tournament games were accurately reported and fairly achieved. For example, there is nothing in the Thacher system which prevents a player from modifying the game software to produce a more favorable outcome, or from intercepting communications of score and identification data from the remote gaming terminal to the central computer and then altering the same to register a false score.
- Another well known system for "authenticating" video game scores utilizes a primitive method in which players take photographs of both video screens containing game scores and the game console, and then mail the pictures to a central authority.
- the monthly magazine Nintendo POWER publishes the Power Players' Arena, in which top scoring players are identified. Top scoring players receive Nintendo POWER Stamps which can be redeemed for prizes .
- the photograph of the video screen ostensibly prevents a player from simply making up a score.
- the photograph of the video screen and the game console supposedly enables the central authority to determine whether the player has utilized any unauthorized device to change the standard play conditions for the game.
- This system has a number of disadvantages. Taking a clear photograph of a video display is often difficult due to the reflective nature thereof.
- the system should allow such certification to be performed either by another game computer, or by a central computer.
- the system should not require complicated networking or real-time connections between the game computers, or between each game computer and the central computer during game play.
- the system should further allow for establishing the players' ranking, rating and/or title with respect to other players of the games based upon the players' certified scores.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2C; operably associated with a game computer.
- the RCM operates to receive rental software packages from the central computer, and to control and verify the use of such software on the game computer.
- the rental software resides in the insecure memory of the game computer.
- a portion of the software is referred to as a "key module", a part of the software that is essential to program execution and without which the overall program will not execute on the game computer.
- the key module resides in an encrypted format, and must be decrypted by the RCM. After such decryption, the key module is loaded with the rest of the program into the RAM of the game computer for execution. When the program is terminated, the decrypted instructions are erased from the RAM of the game computer.
- the RCM records the elapsed time between starting and stopping of the rental program, and stores such information in its memory for subsequent processing.
- the Hornbuckle system suffers a primary drawback in that the key module resides in the insecure RAM of the game computer, thereby enabling a hacker to get at the key module, and allowing replacement of the key module in the data storage of the game computer. It would therefore be desirable to provide a system in which the use of game programs can be metered using cryptographic protocols without compromising secure encrypted portions of the such programs by not loading the same in unencrypted format into the insecure memory of a game computer. It would also be desirable to provide a system in which use of the game computer itself can be metered using similar protocols.
- the present invention in one aspect, is directed generally to a computer device including (1) a memory device containing encoding control code and (2) a processor configured to process the encoding control code in conjunction with a computer game outcome to generate an encoded message containing the computer game outcome and to transmit the encoded message to a human-readable output device, such as a display device. While this processor may also execute a computer game program, the computer device may also include a second processor which executes the computer game program. The computer device may also include various tamper resistant or tamper evidence features. In one embodiment, the processor and memory are part of a secure module which plugs into an existing personal computer or dedicated game device.
- the invention is also directed generally to a method including the steps of executing a computer game program to generate a computer game outcome, encoding the computer game outcome to generate an encoded message, and providing the encoded message to a user, who may then transmit the encoded message to a device configured for decoding the encoded message to reveal the computer game outcome.
- the invention in yet another aspect is directed generally to a central or host computer device having (a) a memory device containing decoding control code and an encoded message corresponding to a computer game outcome and
- FIG. IA is an overall schematic of the inventive system in one embodiment
- FIG. IB is an overall schematic of the inventive system in a self-authentication and mutual-authentication embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an overall schematic of the inventive system in another embodiment
- FIG. 3 is an overall schematic of the inventive system in still another embodiment
- FIG. 4A is schematic of the memory arrangement and general components of the game computer
- FIG. 4B is a schematic of a game cartridge in one embodiment
- FIG. 4C ia a schematic of a secure perimeter for the encryption/decryption module
- FIG. 4D is a schematic of a game cartridge in another embodiment
- FIG. 4E is a schematic of a game cartridge in still another embodiment
- FIG. 4F is a schematic of a game cartridge in yet another embodiment
- FIG. 4G is a schematic of an embodiment utilizing a secure perimeter and VCR in connection with a game console type game computer;
- FIG. 4H is a schematic of the secure perimeter/VCR interface;
- FIG. 5 is a flow-chart of various Authenticatable Outcome Message generation protocols
- FIG. 6A is a schematic of an exemplary software integrity check
- FIG. 6B is a flow chart of the software integrity check in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic of an exemplary memory arrangement and some hardware for the central computer;
- FIG. 8A is a flow-chart of an exemplary tournament entry procedure;
- FIG. 8B is a schematic of an arcade implementation
- FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of game play
- FIG. 10A is a flow-chart of an illustrative outcome submission and certification sequence
- FIG. 10B is a flow-chart of an illustrative biometric verification procedure
- FIG. 11 is a flow-chart of a challenge/response protocol
- FIG. 12 is a flow-chart of a Broadcast Start Message sequence in one exemplary embodiment for races of skill.
- FIG. 13 is a flow-chart of an exemplary tournament sequence for head-to-head games
- FIG. 14 is a schematic of a meter for enabling pay-per-use game play in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 15 is a schematic of metered software for use in a pay-per-use embodiment
- FIG. 16 is a flow chart of an initialization protocol for the meter
- FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an adding a new program protocol for the meter
- FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an authorization from the central computer protocol for the meter
- FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an updating cost information protocol for the meter
- FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a synchronizing clock protocol for the meter
- FIG. 21 is a flow chart of a starting metered software protocol for the meter
- FIG . 22 is a flow chart of a running metered software protocol for the meter
- FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a reporting usage protocol for the meter
- FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an auditing protocol relating to pay-per-use
- FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an outcome authentication protocol using the meter
- FIG. 26 is a flow chart of another outcome authentication protocol using the meter
- FIG. 27 is a schematic of a descrambling pay-per-use embodiment.
- FIG. 28 is a schematic of a metering device incorporated into a video game controller.
- FIG. IA the system is principally comprised of a central computer 12 associated with a central authority, and a plurality of game computers
- game computer is intended to include personal computers (“PCs”) , personal digital assistants, coin-operated arcade video gaming machines, television units coupled to game units (e.g., game consoles such as Nintendo, Sega, etc.) and portable game devices (e.g., GAME BOY, GAME GEAR, NOMAD and the like) .
- PCs personal computers
- game consoles such as Nintendo, Sega, etc.
- portable game devices e.g., GAME BOY, GAME GEAR, NOMAD and the like
- GAME BOY e.g., GAME BOY, GAME GEAR, NOMAD and the like
- game computer depicted in the drawings replicates a standard PC.
- Each game computer 14 contains software and/or firmware (for convenience, all references herein to programs are to "software") which generates games of the type well known in the art .
- the practice of playing games on the game computer 14 may be classified as a person against game activity.
- each game computer 14 includes game software 15 which resides in memory generally identified by the reference numeral 23.
- the memory 23 includes read-write memory RAM, read-only memory ROM, and any non-volatile data source of programs associated with the game computer 14 , such as a game cartridge, hard-disk, CD-ROM, PCMCIA card or special flash ROM chip.
- any non-volatile data source of programs associated with the game computer 14 such as a game cartridge, hard-disk, CD-ROM, PCMCIA card or special flash ROM chip.
- the game computer may also have an associated input control device 17, such as a joystick (shown) as is well known in the art.
- the input/output device 17 may comprise multiple joysticks or controls for players to play against each other.
- the central computer 12 authenticates and/or certifies outcomes and manages tournaments. It is shown schematically in the drawings as a single unit, but may comprise a plurality of networked computers as required. In order to facilitate tournaments on a large scale, it may be required that the central computer 12 be broken up into regional computers, national computers and even a top level international computer. These computers may be interconnected via data networks such as TYMNET, DATAPAC or the like. The national computers poll the regional computers and the international computer polls the national computer for tournament data. Thus, regional tournaments only utilize the regional computers. If national tournaments are to be held, the national computers obtain the required tournament information from the regional computers. In the case of an international tournament, the international computer polls the national computers.
- each game computer 14 is capable of authenticating an outcome from another game computer 14, with the central computer 12 operating as a Key Distribution Center (“KDC") , i.e., a database of encryption keys used for authenticating messages.
- KDC Key Distribution Center
- the central computer 12 may also operate a "central scoreboard," i.e., a database where all certified scores and statistical information on players and teams are maintained. Statistics for a given player may include information on opponents, the time of play, ratings, rankings and the like.
- the information may be publicly available, or password protected (i.e., available only to those persons with the proper access password, or to those that have attained a certain rating threshold)
- the information may be made available via the Internet or major online providers, downloaded to game computers, or by mail or telephone.
- the game computers 14 are capable of "self-authentication” and "mutual-authentication.”
- Self-authentication means that a game computer 14 can authenticate an outcome incorporated in an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM which it generated.
- the score may be authenticated by authenticating the authenticatable message AOM on the game computer 14.
- the authenticatable message may be authenticated on any other game computer 14 in the system (i.e., mutual-authentication) .
- the authentication protocols will be explained in more detail below.
- At least one Interactive Voice Response Unit (“IVRU") 16 is associated with a telephone network and coupled to the central computer 12 through a standard interface for access from a plurality of telephones 18, to enable players to enroll in tournaments and/or to submit the outcomes of the games to the central computer 12 for certification.
- a player may register personal information and/or the game software 15 with the central computer over the telephone 18.
- IVRUs are responsive to both voice and touch-tone signals communicated from the telephones 18.
- the game computer 14 may communicate with a Dual Tone Frequency Modulator ("DTFM”) to generate messages compatible with the IVRUs 16.
- DTFM Dual Tone Frequency Modulator
- An acoustic coupler 115 may be used to receive messages from the telephone 18 in the same manner. Since the operation of the IVRUs 16 and DTFMs are well known in
- the IVRUs 16 may be associated with an automatic call distributor ACD of the type known in the art to balance the call load. During times of peak calls, calls to any IVRU 16 may be routed to a neighboring IVRU 16.
- the game computers 14 may communicate with the central computer 12 via a modem 20. In this regard, the game computers are not considered to be on-line with the central computer during the game. When a player desires to submit his or her outcome for a particular game or time of completion for a race of skill, the game computer 14 dials up and obtains access to the central computer, and uploads the game outcome information. This is discussed in more detail below.
- the central computer 12 may be accessed via a website 22 on the Internet 24 or over an on-line data network including commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems and the like, as shown schematically in FIG. 3.
- the process for establishing an on-line connection to a website on the Internet is well known and need not be described here in detail . It is essentially analogous to establishing a direct on-line link between the game computer 14 and the central computer 12.
- the game computers 14 may communicate with the central computer 12 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like. For example, in an RF embodiment, communications are simply broadcast in an RF format and transmitted between the game computer 14 and the central computer 12.
- the game computers 14 and the central computer 12 can be implemented with a physical data memory device such as a smart card, diskette and the like.
- the game computer 14 may communicate with a printer for printing a copy of an outcome, a game screen containing the outcome and any other relevant data such as game statistics and the like, which may be mailed or faxed to the central authority for subsequent certification of the outcome and such data with the central computer 12. Referring now to FIG.
- FIG. 4A there is shown a schematic of a portion of an illustrative memory arrangement and some hardware for the game computer 14 in the system of the present invention.
- the internal memory 23 of a personal computer 14 is shown.
- the memory 23 includes RAM and ROM, and is coupled to a central processing unit ("CPU") 27 in a conventional manner.
- the CPU 27 and related hardware are typically referred to as a processor.
- associated memory to indicate that the game computer memory 23 may also be defined to include a non-volatile insecure data source of programs such as a game cartridge, hard disk, floppy disk, PCMCIA card, special flash ROM chip and the like.
- Secure memory is disposed within a secure perimeter that will be defined below.
- the processor loads programs into RAM and executes programs from memory in a conventional manner.
- memory 23 contains a game software package 15 comprised of a game program 26, an encryption/decryption module 28, a transmission error check module 30, a secret software or game computer ID (“SSCID") stored in memory area 32 which uniquely identifies the particular game software 15 and/or game computer 14, a time/date module 33, and biometric data in memory area 35.
- the game software 15 may comprise a single "program, " with the individual elements thereof constituting separate routines.
- the term game software 15 can be broadly defined to include a plurality of constituent programs, instructions, routines, files, databases, etc.
- the game software 15 may also have an associated non-secret software serial number SSN, the purpose of which will become apparent below.
- the transmission error check module 30 is used to process all incoming messages to the game computer 14 to detect manual inputting errors, corruption of transmitted data due to communication problems such as line noise and the like, to enable a resend indication or request to be made.
- the time/data module 33 time-stamps messages using signals from the clock 36.
- the biometric data stored in memory area 35 is used for player verification, which is described in greater detail below.
- a dedicated game computer 14 may have all of its components including its associated memory 23, CPU 27 and clock 36 housed in a tamper-resistant and/or tamper-evident enclosure to prevent and reveal, respectively, tampering with any of these components.
- Tamper-evident enclosures include thermoset wraps which, upon inspection, can reveal any attempt to physically open the structure. Tamper-resistant structures may electronically destroy the memory contents of data should a player try to physically open the structure.
- a secure perimeter is a defined physical area of hardware which is tamper-resistant and/or tamper-evident, as described in more detail below.
- the game program 26 generates games of skill of the type known in the art and commonly played in tournaments such as chess, backgammon, bridge, and the like.
- Other well-known games of skill e.g., SONIC AND KNUCKLES, VECTORMAN, DONKEY KONG COUNTRY, MORTAL KOMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, etc.
- the game program 26 may be configured to enable games to be played in a practice mode, in which the outcomes are not certified or part of a tournament. Such practice games may not have the full functionality of tournament games.
- a practice golf game for example, might have less complex wind patterns -- with wind speed and direction being fixed for a given hole.
- the tournament version may have winds that frequently change, and which may vary depending on the location of the ball .
- the game program 26 may also be arranged to include teaching modes for instructing players in a manner consistent with the way they play the game or its result.
- the game program 26 may compile a statistical database 31 to store tournament game data that specifically relates to the player's actions during the game. For example, the player of a tournament game may have found X treasures, reached Y levels and eliminated Z enemies. This information may be stored and accessed only by the player who enters the proper code or message into the game computer 14. This message may be the start message which enables tournament play as discussed below.
- certain aspects of the game such as, for example, a screen or sequence of events where a player performed a certain move or where a particular opponent was defeated, may be stored and indexed in a database by a certain code to enable the player to call up any one of such screens or sequences at a later time by entering the start message associated with that game (in the case of a tournament) or by some other special command.
- a menu can be generated upon receipt of the start message or command, enabling the player to select and view the desired screens or particular sequences of events in the game.
- the game program 26 may generate races of skill. These include puzzles where the player having the quickest
- the game program 26 may use a signal from the computer' s clock 36 through the time/date module 33 to time-stamp a particular outcome message or to generate a time message which represents the amount of time the player took to complete a given game.
- the clock 36 may be housed within a tamper-resistant and/or tamper evident seal 38.
- a real-time clock 36' is disposed within a secure perimeter 300 as described below. In another embodiment described below, the clock 36' may reside within a dedicated game cartridge 21.
- the game program 26 may generate games of chance where the outcomes of such games are submitted and certified in accordance with the invention.
- the outcome of a game is defined as the entire set of the results of the game, including a score, time to completion in the case of a race of skill, or a combination of both.
- the outcome may be comprised of all data relating to the game itself (i.e., data stored in memory that enables the entire game to be recreated) .
- data may include each shot that the player takes, which represents a combination of parameters such as current wind speed, club selected, foot placement, force with which the ball is hit, etc. If these parameters are stored to a disk as the game proceeds, it is possible to subsequently recreate the entire game by replaying the stored parameters.
- these values may be stored in encrypted form so that the player cannot alter the game data representing such results after the game is completed.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (R ⁇ 26)
- execution of the game software 15 by the game computer 14 results in an outcome representing the player's score and, optionally, additional game related information such as the number of levels attained, amount of time spent at each level, number of lives lost, number of enemies eliminated and the like.
- a game may also have multiple outcomes associated with it . In a game of chess, for example, each move may be considered a separate outcome. Each move can be authenticated by the central computer. In some games, an individual's score may be dependent upon the scores of other players. Authenticating one player's outcome thus requires knowing the outcomes of the other players.
- execution of the game software 15 by the game computer 14 results in an outcome representing the elapsed time it took the player to complete the game and, optionally, other game related information or subsidiary events such as the completion of certain sub-levels in the game and the like.
- An outcome may be transformed or incorporated into an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM (for clarity, a time of completion is transformed or incorporated into an authenticatable time message ATM) by using a variety of cryptographic protocols including one-way hash functions (also known as compression functions, contraction functions, message digests, fingerprints, cryptographic checksums, data integrity checks (DICs) , manipulation detection codes (MDCs) , and data authentication codes (DACs) ) , one-way hash functions with encryption keys (also known as message authentication codes (MACs) ) , digital signatures, and the like, with the encryption/decryption module 28.
- hash functions also known as compression functions, contraction functions, message digests, fingerprints, cryptographic checksums, data integrity checks (DICs) , manipulation detection codes (MDCs) , and data authentication codes (DACs)
- MACs message authentication codes
- digital signatures digital signatures, and the like
- the encryption/decryption module 28 contains algorithms and keys for encrypting, decrypting and/or authenticating messages. Examples of well-known cryptographic authentication protocols are as follows: Encryption:
- Game computer 14 encrypts outcome message with the shared secret key to form an
- Central computer 12 reads and de c ryp t s t he Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM with the same key.
- the central computer 12 accepts the outcome message as authentic.
- ⁇ Encryption may be implemented with an algorithm such as DES (U.S. Government standard, specified in FIPS
- Encryption may utilize any of several algorithms known in the art such as IDEA, Blowfish, RC4, RC2, SAFER, etc. See APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY . Message Authentication Code :
- Central computer 12 reads 15 the AOM and hashes the message with the shared secret key.
- the central computer 12 accepts the outcome message as authentic.
- Game computer 14 has a public-key/private key pair.
- the central computer 12 knows the game computer 14 ' s public key.
- Game computer 14 encrypts outcome message with the
- Central computer 12 decrypts the AOM with the public key of the game computer 14. 4. If the message is intelligible, the central computer 12 accepts the outcome message as authentic.
- a sample algorithm for this procedure is RSA. Signing with Public Key Cryptography
- Game computer 14 has a public-key/private key pair.
- the central computer 12 knows the game computer 14' s public key.
- Game computer 14 signs the outcome message with the private key to form an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- Central computer 12 verifies the signature using the outcome message and the public key. The mathematics of verification indicates whether the outcome message is authentic.
- the central computer 12 accepts the outcome message as authentic.
- the game computer 14 includes a sequence number in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM. This sequence number is incremented by one every time the game computer 14 generates an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the central computer 12 stores the most recent sequence number in memory. It accepts the current outcome message if the sequence number received is one greater than the stored sequence number.
- the game computer 14 includes the current time in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the central computer 12 checks the time associated with the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM against the time from the central computer's associated clock. If the times are within a prescribed window, the current outcome message is accepted as fresh.
- the game computer 14 includes a random number in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the central computer 12 maintains a database of all random numbers received from the game computers 14. If the new random number is not in that database, then the current Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM is accepted as fresh. If a time element is incorporated as well, then the central computer 12 only has to store a relatively small quantity of unexpired messages.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 is depicted as part of the game software 15.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 refers to cryptographic algorithms and keys or other data, software instructions and the like. These reside with the rest of the game program in a data storage device such as a game cartridge, hard disk, CD-ROM or the like. The actual processing to implement the cryptographic protocols takes
- a secure perimeter is a defined physical area of hardware which is tamper-resistant and/or temper-evident, in which resides data or algorithms whose characteristics must not be alterable in order for a system to remain secure.
- Examples of devices which incorporate secure perimeters include U.S. military encryption devices such as the STU-III telephone made by Motorola and AT&T, and the iPower card, available from National Semiconductor Corp.
- a secure perimeter such as an iPower card, includes a 32-bit CPU 302 with ROM 304 containing encryption algorithms, a real-time clock 36' and an interface with an off-chip battery (310) - backed RAM 308 which holds encryption data and key information. Any attempt to tamper with or get at the encryption data stored within the device results in a memory loss of that data.
- Such a secure perimeter 300 may additionally include additional non-volatile memory 313 for storing other software instructions and/or additional game related or other data as will be explained in more detail below.
- the CPU 302 within the secure perimeter 300 will be referred to as the secure CPU 302, and
- SUBSTITUTESHEET(RULE26 ⁇ the memory within the secure perimeter 300 will be referred to as the secure memory.
- the secure memory In an iPower card, all encryption/decryption functions are performed in the secure perimeter and do not take place in the CPU 27 of the game computer 14. Communications between the secure CPU 302 of the secure perimeter 300 and the CPU 27 of the game computer 14 are known in the art and need not be described here in detail.
- the secure CPU 302 of the secure perimeter 300 is called upon by the game computer 14 to generate an Authenticatable Outcome Message, authenticate an Authenticatable Outcome Message, and/or perform any other required functions, the CPU 27 of the game computer 14 sends the appropriate signals to the secure CPU 302 of the secure perimeter 300.
- the entire encryption/decryption module 28 is said to reside within the secure perimeter 300.
- the game computer CPU 27 communicates commands and data to be encrypted or made authenticatable to the secure processor of the secure perimeter 300 as described below, requesting that the data be cryptographically processed.
- the secure CPU 302 of the secure perimeter 300 may be used to subsequently authenticate the Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs that it generates, as well as Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs from any other game computer 14 in the system. It may also be used to time-stamp messages or track times to completion for races of skill with the clock 36' .
- the secure CPU 302 may also perform some of the computational tasks required to execute the game software.
- cryptographic keys may be stored in secure memory within the secure perimeter 300, but cryptographic algorithms and software instructions are stored in unsecure memory associated with the rest of the game software 15 (i.e, in a conventional game cartridge, hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM or the like) , and actual processing to implement the cryptographic protocols takes place in the game computer's CPU 27.
- External secure devices such as the aforementioned iPower cards can function as "tokens.”
- a token is a physical computing device used by individuals to gain access to protected electronic resources . Tokens commonly include cryptographic capabilities and can store keys or other data. Intelligent security tokens may be utilized to prevent unauthorized player access to the game computer 14, as well as for implementing the encryption/decryption functions for outcome authentication and certification.
- the iPower card described above, is an example of a token contained within a secure perimeter.
- SMARTDISK manufactured by SmartDisk Security Corporation.
- the SMARTDISK contains a CPU and memory used for encrypting and decrypting data.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 may reside in the SMARTDISK
- the SMARTDISK requires a user password to function. Thus, access to the system requires the player to physically possess the token and know the proper password.
- Smart cards are similar tokens. They are shaped like credit-cards, but contain an embedded microprocessor for implementing various security functions.
- TOUCH MEMORY is manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation.
- This device consists of a computer chip housed within a small button shaped stainless steel case. The case may be ring-shaped and worn around a player's finger.
- the chip contains up to 64kb of RAM or EPROM, sufficient to store a plurality of cryptographic keys.
- the device transmits data bidirectionally at 16.3kb per second when placed into contact with a reader device.
- Each chip contains a unique serial number that is laser-etched into the chip at the time of manufacture. Keys from the device may be used in any of the cryptographic protocols described herein for authentication and/or encryption, as well as for user identification.
- the DS1422 UNIQUEWARE product can be configured to transparently decrement each time that the device is used, allowing players to obtain and store a limited number of start messages, for example.
- the DS1427 configuration includes a tamper-resistant real-time clock 36' that may be utilized in the different applications described herein.
- a player may obtain a joystick which has a unique identifier associated with it.
- the joystick identifier may be used as a key in the cryptographic protocols described herein, or to enable the player's game software 15 to generate a certified or tournament game.
- the key may be stored on a ROM chip within the joystick.
- the game software 15 loads instructions to generate the game into the RAM of the game computer 14 , the key from the joystick is loaded into RAM and verified. If the proper key is not found, the game software 15 may be disabled. This is conceptually similar to a "dongle.”
- the joystick may have an associated input/output interface for accepting data from and communicating data to a secure perimeter such as an iPower card.
- the authentication protocols may take place within the structure of the joystick. This approach is described in more detail in an alternative embodiment below.
- SENTINEL SUPERPRO manufactured by Rainbow Technologies.
- the SENTINEL SUPERPRO is a dongle which stores keys required for the operation of software applications.
- the software directs the computer it is running on to access the dongle and, if it does not find the right key, suspends execution of the program.
- the ° dongle plugs into the parallel port or ADB port of a personal computer and measures 1.65 inches long by 2.125 inches wide. It contains 128 bytes of read/write memory organized as sixteen 64 bit words. These words can be used as time counters for leased software, or they can count 5 executions for limiting the operation of demonstration products.
- Memory cells can also be programmed with customer information, serial numbers, passwords, and the like.
- the keys and algorithms [used by the] that form part of the encryption/decryption 0 module 28 could reside in the memory of such a dongle.
- Dongles may also include specialized cryptographic processors and memory, allowing functionality similar to that found within an iPower card. Dongles configured to plug into a parallel port, however, have the advantage of being 5 compatible with nearly all Intel-based computer hardware, as opposed to iPower cards which require PCMCIA capabilities.
- the above secure devices are particularly well suited to the storage of game related data for auditing purposes.
- game parameters swing speed, club used, etc.
- game parameters would be sent to the secure CPU 302 where they 5 would be encrypted.
- This encrypted data could be stored in the non-volatile secure memory 313 within the secure perimeter 300 as an encrypted receipt file. Any player scoring a hole-in-one could be required to send in the secure device before receiving payment, allowing tournament officials to examine the game data to see if it matched the claimed result.
- the encrypted game parameters could be communicated back to the central computer 14 and stored on the hard drive or copied to a floppy disk (insecure memory) .
- the player would simply mail in the disk to the managing authority and the encrypted data would be decrypted and analyzed by the central computer 12 by recreating the game with such data to determine whether the claimed score was actually achieved.
- the secure CPU 302 may perform some of the game calculations normally executed by CPU 27.
- the game program renders a golfing game of skill, such as, for example, PGA TOUR 96 available from ELECTRONIC ARTS.
- a digital image of a golf game is rendered on the game computer 14, comprising a golf ball on a tee, fairway, trees, sandtraps, etc.
- a human figure is superimposed on this background, and swings a golf club in response to player inputs via a keyboard or joystick.
- the player's club swing data represents various parameters, including the club selected (e.g., one iron, two iron, three wood, etc.) and its specific characteristics (e.g., club head orientation) , foot placement, and swing force, speed, direction and the like.
- these parameters are applied to software instructions that compute a trajectory path for the ball to generate a resultant ball location.
- the display may depict the new ball location relative to the hole.
- Other factors including ambient conditions such as wind speed and direction or other random variables, may be introduced for greater realism.
- the calculation as to the new location for the ball may be taken away from CPU 27.
- a game parameter such as wind speed, could be generated by the secure CPU 302, and then transmitted to the CPU 27 where the new ball position could then calculated. This embodiment is described in more detail below with regard to the pay-per-use metering system.
- a secure CPU 302 within a secure perimeter 300' may be adapted to interface with a VCR unit 400 as shown schematically in FIGS. 4G and 4H, to enable cryptographically protected recording and playback of games generated on the game computer 14.
- the video output signal from the game computer 14 is communicated to a video input on the VCR 400, and a video output signal from the VCR 400 is communicated to a television 402 in a conventional manner.
- the secure CPU 302 and associated hardware within secure perimeter 300' [is] are configured to fit into a standard VCR slot 404.
- the secure perimeter 300' includes ROM 304 containing encryption algorithms, a real-time clock 306 and an interface with an off-chip battery (310) - backed RAM 308 which holds encryption data and key information.
- the secure perimeter 300' further includes interface circuitry 406 for communicating signals from the read/write head 408 of the VCR 400 via an analog/digital ("A/D") converter 410 to the secure CPU 302.
- Video information is typically communicated to the television 402 in an RF format.
- the RF video signal may be processed in the VCR 400 by the front-end receiving circuitry 412, which demodulates the video signal to a base-band signal as is well-known in the art. Normally, the demodulated information is what is recorded on a VCR tape cassette.
- the base-band video signal data is converted to digital format by the A/D converter 410, encrypted with a private key, and stored in the non-volatile memory such as an EPROM 414.
- the secure CPU 302 authenticates the game data, for example by decrypting the data with the corresponding public key, and the authenticated game data is then processed to generate a video signal.
- the secure perimeter 300' may also contain software instructions in ROM for generating an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM to be used as described hereinbelow. This Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM may be included in the video signal to appear on the television screen at the end of the game.
- the game cartridge 21 includes a housing 19 that contains the game software 15 in a ROM 23a built into the cartridge, and the ROM 23a interfaces with the game computer 14 via an I/O interface 25 in a conventional manner.
- the software serial number SSN may be displayed on the exterior of the cartridge housing 19 as shown.
- the game software 15 in the case of typical games such as those offered by Sega and Nintendo, includes a game program 26 which offers the player a choice of a tournament enabled game or a non-tournament enabled (regular) game.
- Tournament enabled games may be generated with the "cheat codes," typically used by developers in testing the game, disabled in the game program 26.
- certain play aspects of the game which usually occur in some known sequence or have some known characteristics (such as the location of bonuses or certain challenges) , may be changed in the tournament version of the game to ensure that the game is less predictable than that of the regular version. While the regular version of a computer golf game may have only a few sand traps, the tournament version may have many. Opposing pitchers may throw the ball at 80 miles per hour in a regular computer baseball game, while in the tournament version opposing pitchers throw at 100 miles per hour. Game cartridges may also contain game software 15 configured for one-time or limited time use.
- a game cartridge 21 contains the game software 15 in volatile memory 23b.
- the volatile memory 23b is connected to the I/O interface 25 in a conventional fashion.
- the volatile memory 23b is also connected to a power source 27 via a tamper switch 29.
- the tamper switch 29 is coupled to the cartridge housing 19, at the interface shown schematically at 31, so that any attempt to break open the cartridge housing 19 causes an interruption in power from power source 27 to volatile memory 23b, thereby causing all program data stored in volatile memory 23b to be erased.
- the tamper switch 29 may take many forms, depending upon the configuration of the game cartridge 21.
- the tamper switch 29 is adapted to the cartridge housing 19 such that a physical incursion simply causes the tamper switch 29 to open.
- the tamper switch 29 may consist of a photocell sensitive to a certain level of light that causes a power interruption if the cartridge housing 19 is opened. In either case, an interruption of power to the volatile memory 23b causes all stored program data to be erased. This procedure is well-known in the art for securing computer memory devices.
- the clock 36 may also be housed within the game cartridge 21 such that any attempt to alter the clock 36 results in a loss of program data stored in volatile memory 23b.
- all game software data (excluding the encryption/decryption module 28) is encrypted and stored in non-volatile memory 23c, while the encryption/decryption keys and algorithms (encryption/decryption module 28) are stored in volatile memory 23d.
- any action which triggers the tamper switch 29 causes an interruption in power and the encryption/decryption module 28 stored in the volatile memory 23d to be erased. Without the encryption/decryption module 28, the encrypted data stored in the non-volatile memory 23c is useless.
- the game software 15 resides in an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 23e. If the cartridge housing 19 is opened, the tamper switch 29 closes and an erase signal from power source 27 causes the data stored in the EEPROM 23e to be erased.
- EEPROM electrically erasable and programmable read only memory
- the practice of erasing data in an EEPROM is well known and need not be discussed in detail here. It will also be appreciated that special enhanced security tournament cartridges 21 may be supplied to players for advanced rounds of competition in connection with any tournament.
- the game computer 14 may communicate with or have an integral Global Positioning System (“GPS") 37.
- GPS Global Positioning System
- a GPS receiver derives positional information from a plurality of satellites. The GPS information may be used to prevent game play in certain locations by providing a location lockout feature in the game software 15.
- the game software 15 queries the GPS 37 and checks whether the current location of the game computer 14 is within an allowed area. This allowed area may be incorporated into the game software 15.
- the game software 15 directs the game computer to deny player access to the game .
- the positional information may be incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM and uploaded to the central computer 12 when a player submits his or her game outcome.
- the central computer 12 can use the positional information for ranking/rating players without requiring submission of the player's specific location (i.e., the home address) , and/or for compiling statistical location data.
- the central computer 12 can ascertain which state, municipality or even town where the game computer 14 was located or, if the player was mobile, all areas where the player was located when the player played the game, either by uploading the information from the game computer or by accessing a database containing such information.
- Most GPS receivers have the capability to store a sizable amount of data.
- Typical hand-held GPS receivers used in aviation applications can store enough information to save positional data for an entire flight.
- current GPS satellites are subject to having their GPS signals degraded by the military without notice, future civilian systems that are currently under development will be capable of providing consistently accurate positional information to within a few feet.
- biometric identification devices such as a fingerprint reader, voice recognition system, retinal scanner and the like, may be used to provide absolute player identity verification at the game computer 14.
- An example of such a device is the FC100 FINGERPRINT VERIFIER 31 available from Startek, a Taiwanese company.
- the FC100 is readily adaptable to any PC via an interface card 39.
- the fingerprint verifier 31 utilizes an optical scanning lens. The player places his or her finger on the lens, and the resulting image is scanned, digitized, and the data compressed and stored in memory location 35. Typically, a 256 byte file is all that is required. Each live-scan fingerprint is compared against the previously enrolled/stored template. If the prints do not match, access to the system can be denied.
- This procedure may be implemented before the initiation of a tournament game, during the game in response to prompts from the game software 15 at some predetermined or random times, or continuously by incorporating the scanning lens into a joystick on the game computer 14 such that the player is required to maintain his or her finger on the lens at all times during the game for continuous verification.
- the fingerprint data may also be registered and stored in the central computer 12 (either in its compressed form or as hash value) in a player information database for player identity verification during various protocols, and/or used as a key as described below.
- a voice verification system which utilizes a person's "voice-print” may also be used to provide player identity verification at either or both the central computer 12 and the game computer 14.
- the process of obtaining a voice-print and subsequently using it to verify a person's identity is well-known in the art, and therefore need not be described in detail herein.
- One of ordinary skill in the art may refer to SpeakEZ, Inc. for voice identification/verification technology.
- speaker identification software is utilized to take a sample of the player's voice. This sample is stored in the central computer 12 in the player information database. Each time the player calls the central computer 12, it prompts the player to speak his or her name into the telephone 18.
- the speaker identification software then directs the central computer 12 to check the player's current voice-print against the voice-print stored in memory. If there is a match, the procedure continues. This is described in more detail below.
- the voice-print may also be stored in a database in the game computer 14, to verify the player's identity at that location prior to allowing game play without the central computer 12. This is also described in
- an outcome e.g., a score
- the outcome may simply be embodied in a code generated using any secret algorithm. This algorithm is not readily ascertainable or known by the player. It resides in the game software 15 or in a separate encryption/decryption module 28, and in the central computer 12. Accordingly, when the player seeks to register an outcome of, for example, 1,000,000 points for game XYZ, the game computer 14 generates an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM, for example, 21328585, with the secret algorithm.
- the central computer 12, the same game computer 14, or any other game computer 14 applies an inverse of the secret algorithm to the Authenticatable Outcome Message 21328585, or the same algorithm to the score of 1,000,000 points for that game, and if the results match, the authenticity of the outcome is verified. Thus, an outcome cannot be created or guessed without actually playing a game on a game computer 14 containing the secret algorithm.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 generates an
- the SSCID As an encryption key.
- This encryption of the outcome (and play related data) with the SSCID enables authentication of the outcome with respect to the particular game software 15 or game computer 14.
- the SSCID is combined with the outcome and the combination is incorporated into an authenticatable message with a different key.
- the encryption of the outcome and SSCID may utilize the biometric data scanned with the fingerprint verifier 31 or obtained from the voice print system as described above as a key. In this manner, the player's identity may be verified in the authentication process. While the secret game software or
- SSCID SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2C) computer ID, SSCID
- SSCID SUBSTITUTE SHEET
- the central computer 12 After the player powers up the game computer 14 for the first time, it implements a registration process.
- the SSCID is encrypted by the encryption/decryption module 28 and displayed on screen.
- the player calls the central computer 12, and enters the SSCID, along with his or her name and/or PIN.
- the central computer 12 decrypts the SSCID and associates it with the player's registration information.
- the central computer 12 then generates a unique random number RS which is tied to the SSCID. The player writes this number down, and can use the same to identify his or her game computer 14 when authentication is not required.
- the same procedure can also be used to generate known serial numbers for secret software numbers.
- Software can also be tied to hardware.
- a player can be forced to register his new software before he plays the first game.
- the game computer 14 displays the SSCID in encrypted form.
- the player calls the central computer 12 prior to initiating play.
- the SSCID is added to the player information database 48, and is then used in the authentication process of any outcome as described herein. This ensures that the player can only submit an outcome for authentication/certification when using his or her game computer and/or game software 15. Use of another player's game software 15 and/or game computer 14 will cause the authentication process to fail.
- an outcome may be represented by other data or symbols which are intelligible only to the central computer 12, but not to the player.
- the score 5000 is represented by symbol data comprised of three green dots, four brown squares and two purple triangles.
- the central computer 12 is able to decipher these symbols to determine if, in fact, they represent the same outcome submitted for certification in accordance with some secret coding protocol.
- the player is not provided with an actual score.
- the score is secret, and is revealed to the player by the central computer only after it interprets the symbol data. This is similar to encrypting or encoding the outcome.
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM may prove tournament validity, by including data representing that the outcome was the result of a valid tournament game. This data may constitute a subliminal message within the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM may include all or part of the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM for initiating tournament play for this purpose.
- AOMs may also contain statistical data for enabling the sanctioning authority to compile market research information. This data may be compressed by the game computer 14 , and decompressed by the central computer 12.
- the game software 15 may be adapted to instruct the game computer 14 to save game play up to a certain point in a game, and to resume play from that point at a subsequent time.
- a "resume code” may be generated, which enables a player to pick up a game from where he left off.
- the game play to a specific point may be stored entirely in non-volatile memory. This would allow golf tournaments in which players could stop after a number of holes had been completed, picking up play at a later time or date.
- the game computer 14 may generate an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM that represents the game outcome to this point. This allows for a first player to "hand off" the AOM to the next player who continues the
- Such an arrangement is analogous to a relay-race scenario where a player runs a certain distance and then hands off an object to the next runner. It also enables the same player to resume game play without having to store the large amount of data representing the game play to the point of termination. Since game programs generate games that are typically segregated into various levels, where the player advances from level to level as the game proceeds, this "code” may be used to instruct the game software 15 to continue from any given point. When the player selects a "quit” or "end game” option, if the player desires to continue the same game at a subsequent time, he inputs the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM into the game computer 14.
- digital signature protocols may be utilized.
- a digital signature algorithm with a private key is employed to "sign" a message.
- This message may be a hash value of the software generated with a function, a compressed value of the software code produced by a compression algorithm, and the like.
- the signed message is then verified using the digital signature algorithm with a public key at the central computer 12, the same game computer 14 or any other game computer 14 in the system.
- the secret key may reside in the encryption/decryption module 28, and preferably, the encryption/decryption module 28 resides in a secure perimeter 300 as discussed above.
- the secret key may be the SSCID, and/or a hash or compressed value of the digitized biometric fingerprint data or voice print described above.
- the public keys may be contained in the KDC at the central computer 12 as mentioned above, to enable players to verify the digital signature of the software at their respective game computers 14.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 generates a hash value of the software instructions which make up all or part of (i.e., game program 26) the game software 15. This hash value is incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the hash value is generated using a one-way hash function which operates on a numerical representation of the game software 15.
- An example of a one-way hash function is the Secure Hash Algorithm ("SHA") .
- SHA is a U.S. government standard, and is specified in FIPS PUB 180 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- hash algorithms include MD4, MD5, RIPE-MD, Haval, etc.
- One skilled in the art may refer to APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY.
- each character of the game software 15 may be converted to ASCII values and then into a binary series of Is and Os.
- An exemplary one-way hash function may operate on this series as follows: (1) exchange the positions of all Is and Os; (2) group the digits into blocks of 64 digits each; (3) raise each block to the 5th power and then truncate the result to 64 digits; (4) take the final complete number and square it; (5) convert this binary number to base ten; and (6) take the last 24 digits as the hash value.
- the initial hash value for any given copy of the game software 15 is created prior to sale or distribution, and may be stored in the central computer 12, or even publicly known. This hash value may be derived from a different one-way hash function for each copy of game software 15 sold.
- the game software 15 may be tampered with while the software instructions reside in the volatile read-write memory (i.e., RAM) of the game computer 14, tampering may not be detected by just generating a hash value of the entire game software 15 at the end of a game.
- the game software 15 may be configured with n blocks 314 of instructions, where each block 314 has an associated hash value h,...h n determined by using a one-way hash function.
- a master hash value h m of all the block hash values h, ...h n is also determined using a one-way hash function.
- These values may be stored in the secure memory (ROM 304 or other non-volatile memory 313) of the secure perimeter 300.
- the secure memory of the secure perimeter 300 may store such values for many different games.
- a block is loaded into the RAM of the game computer 14, and its instructions are executed at step 318. When the block 314 of software instructions is to be replaced in the RAM of the game computer 14, that block 314 is read by and loaded into the secure RAM 308 of the secure perimeter 300 at step 320.
- the secure [perimeter] CPU 302 calculates a hash value hsp n of that block 314 using the one-way hash function at step 322, and the computed hash value hsp n is compared to the known hash value h n for that block 314 stored in the secure memory of the secure perimeter 300 at step 324. If the computed block hash value hsp n matches the expected value h n , and the game is not over at step 328, the next block of instructions 314 that replaces the previous block, represented by incrementing n at step 330, is loaded into the RAM of the game computer 14. If a block hash value hsp n does not match h n at step 326, the secure CPU 302 can do several things.
- the secure CPU 302 can send a message to the game computer 14 to disable the game program 26 at step 328.
- the secure CPU 302 generate a tamper indication which is included at the end of the game in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM at step 332, or, if no tampering is detected, it can generate a non-tampering indication which is included in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM at step 329.
- the central computer 12 can reject the outcome.
- the secure CPU 302 in the secure perimeter 300 may alternatively calculate a master hash value hsp m based upon all of the individual block hash values h ⁇ - .hsp. that were calculated as each block 314 was examined. This master hash value hsp m may then be compared to the expected master hash value hm stored in the ROM of the secure perimeter 300. If the master hash values do not match, the secure CPU 302 in the secure perimeter 300 can generate a tampering indication which is incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM. Alternatively, the master hash value hspm itself may be incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM, and subsequently verified at the central computer 12 as described above.
- the GAME GENIE is an interposing device that connects between a game cartridge 21 and the game computer 14.
- the game software 15 resides in the ROM of a dedicated game cartridge 21.
- the interposing device enables a player to temporarily change certain game play-features by altering program instructions that are loaded from the ROM of the game cartridge 21 into the RAM of the game computer 14. These changes are not permanent, and disappear when the
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2G) power to the game computer 14 is turned off .
- This provides a unique challenge in the context of the present invention, where the certification aspects rely, in part, on verifying the integrity of the game software 15.
- the present invention overcomes the interposing device problem by utilizing one-way hash functions and encryption in authentication protocols.
- the game software contains n blocks 314 of software instructions, where each block 314 has an associated hash value h]...h n and the entire set of instructions has a master hash value h m computed by applying the individual hash values h ⁇ .-h,, to a one-way hash function.
- the hash value of each block may be determined with the same or a different one-way hash function.
- One of the blocks 314 may contain a list of all hash values for the other blocks, the master hash value h m , and the hash function or functions used for calculating each block hash value and the master hash value.
- the master hash value h m may be stored in the game software instructions, or can be input by the player into the game computer 14 at the start of a game.
- the master hash value h m is checked at game start by initially computing the master hash value hnew from the values h,...h n to determine whether it matches the value which is either stored in the instructions or input by the player. If the interposing device was used to modify any of the instructions, the computed master hash value hnewm will not match the input master hash value at the game start .
- the game software 15 contains instructions that direct the CPU 27 to compute the hash value hne j of each block j as it is to be replaced in RAM, and a recalculated master hash value hnew m based upon the new hash value for block j and the known hash values of all the other blocks.
- the calculated master hash value hnew m is then compared to the known master hash value h m in the hash block. If at any time a discrepancy is found, the game software 15 may instruct the game computer 14 to disable the game software 15, or generate a tampering indication that is included in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the hash values h,...h n and hm, the one-way hash functions, and the instructions for checking the game software instructions in this manner may reside in a ROM chip internally associated with the game computer 14.
- the protocol is essentially the same, no "security" instructions are executed from the game software 15 itself.
- the game software instructions stored in the ROM of the game cartridge may be made authenticatable where the game computer 14 authenticates the instructions prior to executing the program.
- This can be implemented by encrypting the software instructions with a private key by the game developer, thereby requiring that the game computer 14 decrypt the encrypted game software instructions with the corresponding public key prior to execution of the game program.
- the instructions and algorithm(s) for performing the decryption process reside in a ROM chip (not shown) in the game computer 14.
- the game software instructions are encrypted in blocks .
- each block is executed in the RAM of the game computer 14, it is decrypted by the CPU 27 with the algorith (s) and keys stored in the ROM chip. If an interposing device is used to make changes to the game software instructions, the authentication process implemented by decrypting the encrypted game software instructions with the public key will reveal unintelligible commands and the game program will be altered. This alteration may be detected by a security program in the ROM chip and used to disable the game software 15 and/or incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM to indicate tampering.
- GAME GENIE In addition to cryptographic techniques for defeating GAME GENIE-type devices, there are other methods that can be equally effective.
- One technique is to authenticate not only the score of the game but several key characteristics of the game.
- a GAME GENIE might allow a player to be completely invulnerable to the attacks of opponents. If the game he or she were playing required, for example, defeating a dragon at the end, the GAME GENIE enhanced player would have no trouble quickly defeating the dragon. Most players would take a longer amount of time and would likely sustain more damage as a result.
- This information could be included in the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM so that the central computer 12 can compare it to known information to determine whether it was within "normal" bounds. If it was outside normal bounds, the central computer 12 may initiate a challenge/response protocol involving the game computer 14, including certain register values (such as invulnerability status) in the reply message. Rather than detecting the presence of a GAME GENIE directly, this protocol detects the end-effects of a GAME GENIE. Software obfuscation techniques can also be used to effectively hide how the game software 15 works, as is well known in the art.
- GAME GENIE Reverse engineering obfuscated software requires considerable time, delaying the creation of GAME GENIE produced cheat codes. Since CD-ROMs must be re-mastered every ten thousand or so pressings, it is possible to create many different versions of the game software. Thus, a GAME GENIE device would have to generate cheat codes for every possible software variation.
- Another solution is to monitor the time interval between the time the game computer 14 loads the game program 26 and the time that the game actually starts. If a GAME GENIE device were being used, the game would not start immediately since the player has to enter the cheat codes into the game computer 14 prior to game start .
- storing all the game data on removable memory media may enable the central authority to subsequently determine if the game was created with cheat codes input by a GAME GENIE device. This data may be "recorded" as described in detail herein.
- the above described tampering indications may be incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM as "subliminal channels" of information, i.e., information which is difficult to decipher.
- the game software 15 may run an integrity check on itself consisting of, for example, performing a one-way hash of the current memory registers to obtain a hash value. It then determines whether this hash value is within an allowable range of possible hash values stored as a line of code in the game program. If the determined hash value is within the allowable range, it returns a tamper indication value of 0 (i.e., no tampering made or attempted) .
- the determined hash value is outside the allowable range, it returns a tamper indication value of 1 (i.e., tampering made or attempted) .
- This tamper indication value 0 or 1 is appended to the outcome and incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the tamper indication digit is interpreted to indicate whether that copy of the game software 15 has been altered or modified. These messages may be arranged so as to render them very difficult for a hacker to interpret their meaning.
- the last digit "7" is a pointer to the seventh digit in the string - "8", where the fact that this digit is an even number indicates that tampering was attempted.
- the game software 15 may generate scores in specified multiples, e.g., five, such that any score not ending in a five or a zero is invalid.
- each specimen of memory media has a unique "memory media signature" that is dependent upon these characteristics.
- One method of detecting this unique memory media signature is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,235,166 to Fernandez.
- the Fernandez Patent teaches detection of the relative position of specific features of signals derived from the output of a transducer, and then measuring the deviation between the precise location of peak points, known as "jitter.” The jitter is dependent upon the media itself, and the associated data stored thereon.
- the jitter may be represented as a digital mapping, i.e., a table of all the values of the jitter, or a sample of the jitter; a checksum of quantities derived from a number of jitter quantities or a one-way function (to produce a hash value) ; or multiple checksum quantities corresponding to jitter in different regions of the media.
- An initial memory media signature may be stored in the central computer 12 in the tournament database 46 in memory area 80 (see FIG. 7) prior to sale or distribution of the game software 15. Thus, during the outcome registration process described below, this information may be read from the memory media such as the game cartridge 21, using hardware such as that disclosed in the Fernandez Patent.
- This information may be included in the Authenticatable Outcome Message such that the central computer 12 can compare the initial memory media signature to the current memory media signature at the time an outcome is submitted to the central computer 12 for certification.
- the memory media signature may be used as an encryption key for authentication. In the case of the former, if the newly computed memory media signature does not match the initial memory media signature, the game software 15 has been altered and/or an unauthorized copy has been made. If the memory media signature is used as an encryption key, the outcome can be authenticated with respect to that copy of the game software 15.
- Another unique key that may be utilized in the cryptographic protocols herein is the unique identification number built into some central processing units. Intel, for example, assigns a unique number to each of its processors.
- This number may be read by the encryption/decryption module 28 each time an authenticatable message is to be generated.
- This unique number may also be referred to as the SSCID in accordance with the definition thereof as described above.
- FIG. 7 there is depicted an exemplary memory arrangement for the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 includes a memory 42 containing several relational databases. These include a game database 44, tournament database 46, player information database 48, outcome database 50 and a statistics database 51.
- the central computer memory 42 also includes an encryption/decryption module 52, transmission error check module 54, rating/ranking module 55, time/date module 56 and an operating system 58.
- the transmission error check module 54 functions to detect inputting errors, corruption of transmitted data due to communication problems such as line noise and the like, to enable a resend command or request to be made as described above with respect to the game computer 14 and as is well known in the art.
- the operating system 58 controls the central processing unit 60 of the central computer 12.
- a clock 62 provides signals to the central processing unit 60 in a conventional manner and is also used by the time/date module 56 for time-stamping incoming messages as required. Alternatively, a trusted digital time stamping service may be used for this function.
- the game database 44 includes game ID data in memory area 64, a game name in memory area 66 and tournament ID data in memory area 68.
- the tournament database 46 includes a tournament
- ID number which uniquely identifies each tournament in memory area 70, the corresponding tournament date or range of dates over which the tournament is in effect in memory area 72, the division levels for a given tournament (tournaments may contain multiple levels such as beginner, intermediate and/or advanced) , in memory area 74, information with respect to prizes to be paid out for a given tournament or fixed prizes for certain high scores for any game in memory area 76, the SSCIDs and software serial numbers SSNs in memory area 78, an initial memory media signature in memory area 80, an initial hash value of the game software 15 in memory area 82, entry fees paid or pre-paid for a given tournament in memory area 84, a start message for enabling a given tournament to begin in memory area 86, outcome messages received from the game computers 14 in memory area 88, and a list of qualification points earned to enable certain players to enter future tournaments in memory area 90.
- a player follows a registration process whereby personal information such as his or her name, address, phone number, age, etc., is provided to the central computer 12 and stored in the player information database 48.
- the player may return a registration card included with the game software 15.
- This registration card contains the player's identification data and the serial number SSN of the game software 15.
- the registration card may contain security indicia such as a hologram and/or secret ID which is difficult to forge. This may allow the central authority in the case of game software 15 for use on a home PC or which resides in a game cartridge for use with a game console, to ensure that the game software 15 is associated with a specified player.
- the player is assigned a player ID which is used to register for tournaments and in the outcome registration process, either in connection with a tournament or independent thereof.
- the player may also be required to provide biometric data from the biometric device 31 (such as the digitized, compressed or hashed fingerprint data obtained from a fingerprint scanner, a voice-print obtained from a voice verification system, or the like) .
- the player information database 48 includes the player ID and/or biometric data in memory area 91, the SSCID in memory area 92, the player's name/address/phone number/age in memory area 94, team ID number for team affiliation in the case of team tournaments in memory area 96, a list of tournaments in which the player has competed in memory area 98, and qualification points earned to enable the player to engage in future tournaments in memory area 100.
- memory area 101 stores player handicap values which may be used to adjust a player's outcome for a given tournament game or to modify the difficulty of a game generated by the game software 15 by communicating the game difficulty level in an Authenticatable Start Message described below. Handicap values may change in accordance with that player's demonstrated skill level for a particular game.
- handicap values based on prior tournament results would be used for subsequent tournaments. Weak players may have strokes deducted from their final score while strong players had strokes added to their score. Instead of having strokes added or subtracted from the score, the handicap could also take the form of a set number of "mulligans", which allow the player to take back a poor
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (R L ⁇ 26) shot and try again.
- Player rankings, ratings and titles may be stored in memory area 103, as well as in the outcome database 50.
- the outcome database 50 includes the tournament ID in memory area 102, a listing of outcomes (i.e., scores, times of completion, or other special characteristics of the game) for any certified or tournament game and the corresponding player rating/ranking/title in memory area 104, and the player's name or team affiliation (s) in memory area 106.
- the statistics database 51 may include game ID data in memory area 51a, player and team data in memory area 51b, and various statistical information in memory area 51c.
- the statistics database may be accessed over the telephone, or through an on-line service. It may or may not be password protected.
- FIG. 8A there is depicted a flow-chart of an exemplary tournament entry procedure in the present invention.
- the flow-chart refers to a system where the player manually or verbally (through voice responsive hardware/software) enters messages into the telephone 18 in response to prompts from an IVRU as shown in FIG. 1.
- messages may be communicated between the game computer 14 itself and the central computer 12 by establishing a direct link or on-line connection as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
- all games are tournament games.
- FIG. 1 shows a direct link or on-line connection
- the game software 15 directs the game computer 14 to generate an option to either enter a tournament or to play a regular game at step 108. If the player chooses to play a regular game, the game computer will generate a game in a conventional manner at step 110. If the player selects the option to engage in a tournament, the player may be required to proceed with a biometric verification procedure at step 111, using for example, the fingerprint verifier 31 or a voice-print check.
- the game software 15 will enable the tournament options at step 112. These may include disabling cheat codes as well as other modifications to the game parameters in the game software 15.
- the game software 15 also directs the game computer to display a tournament ID for a given tournament, and a toll free 800# for the player to call at step 114.
- the use of an 800# is intended to be exemplary. Different tournaments may utilize 900#s which charge a prescribed toll fee, some or all of which may be applied to a tournament entry fee.
- a blocking system to prevent children from calling may be utilized. This can be implemented by setting up a special blocking phone number operably connected to the central computer 12 that provides for blocking access from a given originating telephone number or by a person with a specific PIN.
- the central computer 12 can deny (block) tournament entry requests for calls made from a specific telephone number that is identified in a database as "blocked." Identification of the originator of the 900# call may be made using an Automated Number Identification ("ANI") system of the type well known in the art. If the block is by PIN, the central computer 12 can identify blocked PINs by storing a list thereof in a PIN-blocking database. It is also anticipated that the 800# and tournament ID may be contained in separate literature accompanying the game software 15, and therefore need not be displayed by the game computer 14. However, for the purpose of illustration, the following description describes a system where the 800# is displayed by the game computer 14.
- ANI Automated Number Identification
- the player then dials the 800# and connects to the central computer 12 via the IVRU 16 at step 116.
- the IVRU 16 prompts the player for the player's ID at step 118.
- the player enters his or her player ID into the keypad of the telephone 18 in a conventional manner at step 119.
- the player ID is communicated to the central computer 14, which checks the player information database 48 to determine whether the player has a valid player ID at step 120. If not, the player registers with the central computer
- the IVRU 16 prompts the player for the tournament ID, and the software serial number SSN for the game software
- the player enters the tournament ID and game software serial number SSN into the telephone 18 at step 126. Since a given tournament may have different divisions (e.g., beginner, intermediate and/or advanced) , the player may have the option to choose the appropriate level of competition for his or her skill level. If the player has the option, the IVRU 16 prompts the player for the division number of the particular tournament at step 128. At step 130, the player then enters the division level or number into the telephone 18. Alternatively, if the player already has a rating stored in the outcome database 50, the division level may be determined by the central computer 12.
- the tournament database 46 maintains a record of the divisions for a given tournament in memory area 7 .
- the central computer 12 may limit the number of entries in a tournament, and may thus verify that space is still available when a player seeks entry in that tournament. If space is available, the central computer 12 checks whether the player has pre-paid for tournament entries or whether a pre-paid number of tournament entries were included in the purchase of the game software 15 at step 132. It is anticipated that payment for tournament entries may also be made through an account arrangement where the player pays a certain fee on some prescribed basis. Entry fees for the tournaments are stored in memory area 84 in the central computer 12. If no entry fees have been paid, the IVRU 16 prompts the player for a credit card number at step 134 if an entry fee is required. The player enters the credit card number into the telephone at step 136.
- the credit card validity is checked on-line in a conventional manner.
- credit card use and authorization could be made by swiping the credit card through a credit card reader, in lieu of manually entering the credit card number into the telephone 18.
- entry in a tournament may neither require payment of any fees, nor a start message to enable tournament play.
- the central computer 12 then generates an Authenticatable Start Message ASTM for the player's tournament game and specific game software 15 using the encryption/decryption module 52.
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM may be encrypted so that only the intended game computer and/or game software can use that message when decrypted with the required key.
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM is communicated to the player over the telephone 18, and then entered into the game computer 14 by the player at step 140 (e.g., through the computer keyboard or a joystick) .
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM can enable tournament play based upon public sources of randomness.
- the player is required to enter both the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM and a separate input available from some public source such as television, radio, newspapers and the like.
- tournament play starts when players are able to obtain an initialization code from, for example, the lottery Pick "4" numbers broadcast on the 10 o'clock news on channel Z. This random information must be entered prior to game play and becomes part of the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the game computer utilizes the encryption/decryption module 28 to authenticate the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM at step 142.
- the authenticated start message signals the game program 26 to enable play of the tournament game at step 144.
- the start message signals the game software 15 that this is a valid tournament game. It may also contain instructions for the game software 15 to generate specified or random initialization parameters for that tournament game, such as, for example, its challenge level.
- start messages may be broadcast over mass communications channels such as television, radio, the Internet, etc., at a specified time to start a given tournament or to start player competition in a race of skill. That implementation will be described in more detail below.
- the start messages may be used to facilitate game play on a pay-per-game basis. For example, a player calls the central computer 12, pays a specified fee, and obtains a start message good for one game or a number of games .
- a game computer 14 in a home environment can be made to operate much like an arcade machine.
- the start message functions as a key; without it, the game software 15 cannot generate a game.
- a timing element By incorporating a timing element into the start message, it can be made "time-limited" (i.e., valid for some predetermined period of time) , assuming that the game computer 14 communicates with a clock, preferably one that is tamper-resistant.
- time-limited i.e., valid for some predetermined period of time
- start messages may also be used for other applications.
- a start message may contain compressed advertising information, which is decompressed by and displayed on the game computer 14.
- a player may purchase a number of tournament entries embodied in a pre-paid card 216.
- the card 216 may include memory media such as a magnetic strip.
- the game computer 14 in the case of an arcade machine, for example, has a card reader 218 communicating with the CPU 27 of the game computer via an interface in a conventional manner.
- the card 216 is obtained from a tournament operator station 220 having a card encoder 222 communicating with the central computer 12.
- the tournament operator station 220 may have a tournament operator or may itself consist of an automated apparatus which accepts payment and tournament entry requests . The player pays the tournament operator by credit card or cash.
- the tournament operator obtains on-line authorization in a conventional manner, and then sends a tournament entry request to the central computer 12. If payment is made by cash, the tournament operator simply sends a tournament entry request to the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 Upon receipt of a requested number of tournament entries, the central computer 12 generates a corresponding number of Authenticatable Start Messages ASTMs and communicates the same to the operator station 220 where the start messages may be encoded in the magnetic strip of card 216.
- the word "message" in this context is used to identify each tournament entry instruction or code. It is anticipated that a single message may contain a plurality of entry codes for a corresponding number of tournaments.
- the reference here to Authenticatable Start Messages ASTMs means multiple tournament entries.
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM associated with that tournament is read by the game computer 14 and enables tournament play as described above.
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM may be customized to enable tournament play on a particular game computer 14 or its game software 15 that is identified
- an arcade machine may include a printer that prints out the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM to make it easier for the player to register an outcome where access to a telephone may be limited.
- step 146 the game computer 14 generates a game in a conventional manner. If it is a tournament game as described above, the game software 15 may disable cheat codes, alter the game such that the game play characteristics may be randomized in comparison to a non-tournament version, make the game easier or more difficult to play, and/or unlock hidden levels of challenge in comparison to non-tournament versions of the game.
- the game software 15 tracks the time to completion and special play-related information pertaining to that game such as number of lives lost, amount of time spent per level, number of hidden treasures found, etc.
- the game computer 14 may then generate an option for the player to choose whether or not to submit the outcome for certification at step 152. If the player desires to have an authenticatable outcome generated for submission to the central computer (in the case of a tournament) , or to subsequently prove to friends that a certain score was achieved, the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM (or Authenticatable Timing Message ATM for races of skill) discussed above is generated at step 154. If not, the player may return to play another game at step 156. In the case of a tournament, the player may not be provided with the option of whether to submit an outcome for certification.
- FIG. 10A there is depicted a flow-chart of an outcome certification sequence in a tournament embodiment.
- the outcomes are submitted to the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 generates an updatable database of player scores and statistics, which may be accessed by players through an on-line service, over the telephone or the like. Statistics could include lists of past prize winners, or lists of the top players in the current tournament.
- the game software 15 directs the game computer 14 to display the 800# for the player to call at step 158 as described above.
- the player is prompted by the IVRU 16 to enter the tournament ID at step 160, which the player enters into the telephone 18 at step 162.
- the central computer 12 then accesses the tournament database 46 for the particular tournament identified by the tournament ID at step 164.
- the IVRU 16 then prompts the player for his or her player ID, software serial number SSN, and the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM at step 166.
- the player enters the player ID, software serial number SSN and Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM into the telephone 18 at step 168. This step may include entering multiple Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs, or a single Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM may represent several outcomes .
- the central computer 12 may request a biometric verification of the player's identity using, for example, the fingerprint verifier 31 at step 169.
- the biometric verification procedure using the fingerprint verifier 31 is depicted in a flow chart in FIG. 10B.
- step 169a the fingerprint verifier 31 does a live scan of the player's fingerprint, which is digitized at step 169b, and
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26 ⁇ the digitized data is then compressed or hashed by the game software 15 at step 169c.
- the compressed or hashed data is communicated to the central computer 12, which compares the current data to that stored in memory in the player information database 48 in memory area 91 at step 169d. If the compressed or hashed data from the current scan of the player's fingerprint matches that stored in the player information database 48, the player's identity is verified and the outcome submission procedure continues to step 170. If not, the outcome submission procedure terminates.
- the same biometric player identity verification procedure may be implemented with a voice print verification at the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 authenticates the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM using the encryption/decryption module 52 at step 170, using any one of the protocols described above. Authentication ensures either identity and/or integrity, depending on the specific cryptographic protocols selected. The use of keyless hashing of the outcome, for example, would ensure outcome integrity, while encryption of the outcome with a sender's private key would ensure identity of the player submitting that outcome. A digital signature (a hash encrypted with the sender's private key) would ensure both integrity of the outcome and identity of the sender.
- the central computer 12 may time stamp the message, or it may communicate with a trusted third party such as a digital time stamping service to perform this function.
- the Authenticated Outcome Message AOM is stored in memory area 88 of the tournament database 46. If the outcome is not authentic at step 174, it is rejected at step 176. If the outcome is authentic, the central computer proceeds to step 177. The central computer may check the integrity of the game software as described above at step 179, or proceed directly to step 178. If the software integrity check at step 179 reveals tampering at step 180, the outcome is rejected. After the outcome is authenticated and the integrity of the game software 15 verified, the central computer 12 adds the certified outcome to the outcome database 50 in memory area 104 at step 178.
- the certified outcome is referenced by the corresponding tournament ID in memory area 102, and the player's name in memory area 106.
- the central computer 12 may generate an Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM which, when communicated to the game computer 14, can be used by the game software 15 to cause the game computer 14 to display a certified scoreboard with language to the effect that a particular outcome (e.g., score) was certified by the central computer 12.
- the same Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM can be utilized by the game software 15 to direct the game computer 14 to generate special symbols or medallions as a result of an established level of competence. These may be made to appear on the screen with an identification of the player during subsequent game play. In view of the competitive nature of video games, this feature greatly enhances their play value games by providing for recognition of the player's achievements.
- the central computer 12 generates a current player ranking in the tournament utilizing the rating/ranking module.
- the player rankings in the outcome database 50 may include subsidiary rankings delineated by state, school, age group, etc. If the tournament is still ongoing, players may be provided with their current ranking so far.
- the tournament ends at some predetermined time at step 183.
- the central computer 12 sorts through all the scores to determine a winner from the final rankings. These may be segregated by division level such that the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels each have a separate winner with associated rankings and ratings.
- prizes are awarded in a conventional manner. Prizes or awards can also be offered on an exclusive basis to players who achieve certain skill levels.
- instant prizes could be awarded to players based upon exceeding some predetermined threshold level (e.g., a player scoring over a million points for any MORTAL KOMBAT game receives a $50 instant prize) .
- This prize could be implemented, for example, in the form of a $50 credit to the player's credit card.
- an instant prize can be offered for a hole-in-one on each hole, supplementing a normal tournament prize structure for the lowest score.
- the player could receive an instant cash prize from an agent at the arcade.
- These instant prizes could be awarded mutually exclusive and prior to the conclusion of a given tournament.
- the arcade is then reimbursed for all or part of the prize awards by the central authority.
- Other awards may include coupons good for discounted or free entries in future tournaments, frequent flyer miles or hotel points, and/or for special cheat codes (which cannot be used, however, in connection with a certified game) .
- the game software 15 may contain a certificate printing routine which contains templates for generating different certificates for players who reach a certain score and/or who attain a certain title (e.g., "Master,” “Grandmaster,” etc.) .
- certificates may be printed out by the game computer 14, upon reading an Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM from the central computer 12, and represent that a player has attained a given level of achievement.
- the Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM "unlocks" the printing instructions in the game software 15. The player enters his or her name and/or password into the game computer 14.
- These certificates may be customized for each game and even for different levels of achievement.
- a player bragging about his or her certified score to his or her friends may now proffer visual proof.
- a certificate could offer tangible evidence of a hole-in-one, for example.
- these certificates may be provided with certain security indicia such as holograms and the like. If an unauthorized copy of the certificate is made, the security indicia becomes visible and thereby indicates that it is counterfeit.
- the certificate may also contain the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM and/or Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM printed on the face thereof so that the achievement can be verified by calling the central computer 12.
- the Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM may also be utilized to unlock certain attributes of a game that are only encountered by high scoring players .
- a top scoring player who receives a certified score may be provided with an Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM that, when read by any game computer 14 with the game software 15, allows players on that game computer 14 to view special hidden characters or final stages of the game, which are not normally encountered until a certain level or score is attained.
- an Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM may include specific game software identification information such as the software serial number SSN to restrict its use to a specified game computer or number of game computers.
- the high scoring player provides the identity of those players and/or their game software serial numbers SSNs to the central computer, which incorporates the same into the Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM.
- the Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM enables only those game computers 14 having game software 15 identified by those software serial numbers SSNs to reveal the hidden characters or final stages of the game.
- the central computer 12 may be utilized only to certify outcomes.
- a third party may be provided with the Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM representing a certified outcome, where that third party then handles tournament rankings, ratings and prize distribution. For convenience, however, all such functions are schematically shown to take place with one central computer 12.
- a final playoff protocol may be established for top players, which takes place in a central location under the supervision of a tournament director(s) .
- this final playoff may be used to ensure that no undetected substitution of players takes place during play or when reporting game outcomes.
- Steps 158-174 are identical to those shown in FIG. 10A and described above, and therefore need not be repeated.
- the central computer 12 checks the tournament database 46 to determine whether the same Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM has been previously received, by checking memory area 88. If the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM presently communicated in this outcome submission sequence i ⁇ not the same as a previous Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM, the central computer 12 generates an Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM for that player's game computer 14 representing a key k, at step 190.
- This representation may be the actual key k- itself, or an instruction for the encryption/decryption module 28 to retrieve the specific key k x based upon a certain command (i.e., the command encrypt X means use encryption key k .
- the Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM is communicated to the player and entered into the game computer 14 at step 192.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 authenticates the Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM and generates an Authenticatable Response Message ARM based upon the outcome with key k, at step 194.
- the player enters the Authenticatable Response Message ARM into the telephone 18 at step 196.
- the Authenticatable Response Message ARM is communicated to the central computer 12 and authenticated by the encryption/decryption module 52 at step 198. If the outcome represented in the Authenticatable Response Message ARM is not authentic (where a player has stolen another player's AOM) , the outcome is rejected. A player cannot make up an outcome because he cannot guess the key k. in advance . If the outcome is accepted, the process proceeds in accordance with the sequence shown in FIG. 9A.
- the central computer detects a duplicate Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM (i.e., indicating that a player may have stolen a message) , it generates an Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM representing key k y (a different key than k. that was used to challenge the earlier Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM) at step 190' .
- the Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM is communicated to the player and entered into the game computer 12 at step 192' .
- the encryption/decryption module 28 authenticates the Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM and generates an Authenticatable Response Message ARM based upon the outcome with key k y at step 194' .
- the player enters the Authenticatable Response Message ARM into the telephone 18 at step 196' .
- the Authenticatable Response Message ARM is communicated to the central computer 12 and authenticated by the encryption/decryption module 52 at step 198.
- the rest of the process proceeds as described above. This protocol prevents someone from using another player's Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM to register a false score unless they also have access to the game computer 14 which generated the AOM.
- the challenge/response protocol utilizes random numbers in lieu of multiple cryptographic keys.
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM includes a random number Rl generated by the encryption/decryption module 28. This makes each Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM unique, irrespective of identical outcomes on different game computers 14. If duplicate Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs are detected, the last Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM which is identical to a previous submission is rejected by the central computer 12. Non-duplicate Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs are processed as described above, to ensure that the player submitting the same is in possession of the actual game software 15 and/or game computer 14.
- the central computer 12 generates a second random number RA2, which is included in the Authenticatable Challenge Message ACM.
- the ACM is authenticated by the encryption/decryption module 28 associated with the game computer 14 , and then concatenated with the original outcome message into the Authenticatable Response Message ARM.
- the Authenticatable Response Message ARM is communicated to the central computer 12 and authenticated.
- the central computer 12 checks whether Rl and R2 are identical. If they are, then the outcome message is verified as having been generated by the player's game software 15/game computer 14.
- the challenge response protocol may be implemented by the central computer 12 on a random basis, or based upon current scores, previous scores, or some other game related factors, to streamline the score submission process. For example, every time an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM is submitted to the central computer 12, it may generate a random number between 0 and n. If the random number is less than j (a number between 0 and n) , the challenge/response protocol is initiated. If the random number i ⁇ greater than or equal to j , the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM is simply processed as depicted in FIGS. 7-11. This procedure saves time, as the player is only required to enter one message per outcome submission. And, if cheating is detected, it can be used to deny the player certification of future outcomes, and to invalidate any outcomes certified in the pa ⁇ t as a penalty.
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM as described above and illustrated in the tournament entry flow chart of FIG. 8A, includes a unique key for generating the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- every Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM is unique, regardless of whether multiple players have the exact same scores. Since every player is provided with a different key, the same outcome from different players would necessarily have to be represented by different Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs. This prevents a second player from stealing the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM of a first player in an attempt to submit a false score. This is assured because the key sent with each Authenticatable Start Message ASTM is different, and the key for authenticating the message is different as well.
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM may also include the SSCID as discussed above to enable the central computer 12 to authenticate the message with respect to the specific game software/game computer as well.
- a start message BSTM for a particular tournament may be broadcast over a mass communication channel such as radio, television or the Internet at step 204.
- a start message BSTM is entered into the game computer 14 at step 206, which enables the game software 15 to make a race of skill available for play.
- the game is started at step 208, and the time/date module 33 is initiated, using signals from the clock 36.
- the time/date module 33 tracks the elapsed time during the race of skill played at step 210.
- the time/date module 33 may accept signals from a secure clock that resides within a token such as the aforementioned iPower card or TOUCH MEMORY device .
- the time/date module 33 calculates the total time elapsed at step 212.
- the encryption/decryption module 28 generates an Authenticatable Timing Message ATM (analogous to the AOM) representing the elapsed time.
- the Authenticatable Timing Message ATM is communicated to the central computer 12, which then authenticates the Authenticatable Timing Message ATM.
- the central computer 12 may time-stamp the ATM and any play-related data with the time/date module 56. If the player's time to completion is certified, a ranking, rating, title is then generated at the central computer 12 using any of the above-described processes.
- the central computer 12 does not have to time-stamp the Authenticatable Timing Message ATM when it is received.
- the start message BSTM is used to enable a particular tournament, but does not start the time running for the competition (there may still exist a fixed period of time over which the tournament will be in effect) .
- the time/date module 33 using signals from the clock 36 (which preferably reside ⁇ within a ⁇ ecure perimeter) , track ⁇ the elapsed time during the race of skill from the time that the player begins the game (at his or her leisure) as described above, and the authenticatable time message ATM itself represents the time to completion.
- FIG. 13 there is depicted a flow-chart of an embodiment where players compete in a head-to-head tournament. This may occur in several ways. For illustration, the first player is identified as player "A” and the second as player “B.” These players may compete against each other on a single game computer 14, or via an on-line connection between their respective game computers 14. If they play on the same game computer 14, the outcome of the game is simply incorporated into an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM as described above. The player's respective PIN numbers may be included for identification purposes.
- player A calls the 800# and connects to the central computer 12.
- the IVRU 16 provides an option for a head-to-head tournament game at step 218.
- Player A is prompted for his or her player ID at step 220, which is entered into the telephone 18 at step 222.
- Step 224 represents payment of an entry fee or verification of a pre-paid entry fee as described above with regard to the other embodiments.
- the central computer 12 searches for another player at step 226, player B, who has requested entry in the same head-to-head tournament by completing steps 216-224.
- the central computer 12 then generates an Authenticatable Start Message ASTM based in part upon the player IDs for player A and player B at step 228.
- the Authenticatable Start Message ASTM is communicated to players A and B, and entered into their respective game computers 14 at step 230.
- One of the players then establishes an on-line connection to the other at step 232, and each game computer 14 verifies that the proper Authenticatable Start Message ASTM was entered at step 234.
- players A and B proceed to play the game in accordance with conventional practice. It is known in the art to play many computer games in a head-to-head manner via an on-line connection.
- the game computer 14 of the winning player When the game is over, the game computer 14 of the winning player generates an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM representing the outcome and the player IDs for players A and B, and the game software integrity information at step 238.
- the outcome submission process operates in essentially the same manner as described above, but includes player win and loss data to enable players to continue to compete in further elimination rounds.
- An entire tournament for a group of players may be held on a single game computer 14.
- the game software 15 may have the capability to set up a tournament schedule for multiple head-to-head matches.
- Players purchase machine readable codes or messages that, when entered into the game computer 14 , are employed by the game software 15 to direct the game computer 14 to set up the tournament.
- the tournament format may be "round robin," where each player plays everyone else in the group, a “Swis ⁇ system, " where a limited number of rounds are established with the players having the best scores being matched against each other (i.e., an elimination protocol) , or some other format well known in the art. All players competing in the tournament enter their name and player ID into the game computer 14.
- the game software 15 generates the tournament schedule, and after each head-to-head match, records the outcome. At the conclusion of the tournament, a winner is declared and the tournament standings are printed on the computer display.
- the final outcome of the tournament may be certified by the central computer 12 utilizing any of the above-described protocols . Alternatively, each head-to-head game outcome may be certified by the central computer 12 in the same fashion.
- Computation of player ratings is implemented by the rating/ranking module 55 in the central computer 12 using known principles.
- ratings may be calculated on the player's game computer 14. These ratings are dependent upon past player and opponent performance and skill. For example, player "A” may have achieved 5 wins and 5 losses against relatively weak competitors, while player B has 3 wins and 20 losses against world-clas ⁇ competitor ⁇ . This makes comparison between players difficult. The player's respective ratings take the relative skill of the competitors into account. Chess ratings are a good example. In accordance with well-known rating protocols, such as those developed by the statistician Dr. Arpad Elo, chess ratings range from 0 to 3000 with a mean of 1500. Every 200 points represent one standard deviation from the mean.
- a rating of 2100 represents three standard deviations above the mean. The larger the rating differential between the stronger player and the weaker player, the greater the probability of the stronger player winning the match.
- a player rated 200 points higher than another player may be expected to win 75 games out of 100, while a player rated 400 points higher than another may be expected to win 90 games out of 100.
- points are added to the winner's rating and subtracted from the loser's rating. The number of points won or lost is dependent upon the rating differential. Therefore, defeating a "weaker” player in lieu of a "better” player causes relatively fewer points to be added to the winner's rating.
- the present invention provides for generating ratings for players of computer games.
- the player's new rating is calculated after the outcome of the head-to-head game is certified.
- the rating/ranking module directs the central computer 12 to update the player information database 48 and/or outcome database 50 to reflect the changes.
- any head-to-head embodiment it is possible to equalize the playing conditions for players of differing ability by utilizing player handicaps to generate game initialization variables that provide the lesser rated player of the game with more lives, more ammunition and the like, or conversely, which reduce the number of lives, ammunition and the like for the higher rated player.
- These initialization variables may be included in the start message as discussed above for tournament games .
- they may be obtained from the game computer 14 itself or a separate handicap device 217 (i.e., preferably a hand-held computer comprising a central processing unit, memory, display and power source) .
- the handicap device 217 may store various titles corresponding to different levels of achievement in its memory.
- a MORTAL KOMBAT game may have players classified as one star, two star, three star and the like. If player "A” is a two star player and player “B” is a four star player, the handicap device 217 calculates an equivalent rating for each player based upon these player's classifications. A two star player may have an equivalent rating of 1200 while a four star player may have an equivalent rating of 1700. Using these values, the handicap device calculates a rating differential of 500 points (1700 - 1200) , and queries a databa ⁇ e for that game that contains various handicap values and their rating point equivalents.
- the 300 rating point differential may disable the ability of the stronger 1900 player to "throw his or her opponent" (the weaker 1600 player) . Doubling the amount of damage produced by "kicks" from the weaker player may be equivalent to a 500 rating point differential (e.g., the stronger player is handicapped by allowing the weaker player to double the damage and associated score with each kick) .
- the handicap device 217 generates and displays a machine readable code compatible with the game software 15 that directs the game program 26 to set up the game with non-symmetrically altered characteristic .
- the methodology for altering game programs with manually input codes is well known in the art.
- the GAME GENIE device discussed above, and the use of cheat codes are good examples.
- a similar protocol may be used in a novel application to equalize playing conditions by non-symmetrically varying the game in accordance with the differential between player ability.
- codes for handicapping the games may be obtained from printed materials that accompany the game software 15. These materials may have charts with rating ranges, handicaps and their corresponding codes.
- the game software 15 may include a handicap program that functions in the same manner as the handicap device 217. In that case, the players simply enter their respective levels or even ratings into the game computer 14, and the game software 15 directs the game computer 14 to automatically equalize the playing conditions in the game pursuant to the associated player handicaps. Another way to equalize players of differing skill levels is to reduce the duration of the competition.
- Players may also be rated for games which are played not head-to-head, but against the game computer 14.
- each computer opponent in the game software 15 is provided with a base-line rating.
- MORTAL KOMBAT for example, the computer opponent for the first level fight is relatively weak. As players win fights and proceed to higher levels, the opponents become increasingly powerful. Ratings can be assigned to each of these computer opponents.
- the first level opponent might be assigned a rating of 900, the second 1050 and the third 1300. These ratings may be determined in several different ways.
- the computer opponents within the game software 15 are provided with arbitrary ratings. Players having known ratings from previous head-to-head competitions then play against these computer opponents.
- the ratings of the computer opponents within the game software 15 change in accordance with the rating formulas described above.
- the player's Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM generated at the end of a match identifies which levels of the game were played and which opponents were defeated.
- the player's rating may be accurately calculated at the central computer 12 by taking the play related data into account.
- the player's Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM contains information that the player managed to defeat the first two opponents, but lost to the third, the player's new rating is calculated taking into account the player's previous rating, and result against the game software's rated opponents. This is analogous to defeating a 900 rated player, defeating a 1050 player, and losing to a 1300 player. This procedure may also be implemented for games that do not have such quantifiable levels. Ratings can also be assigned to overall measures of difficulty. In DONKEY KONG COUNTRY, for example, the game may have three difficulty levels such as beginner, intermediate and advanced. Finishing the game at the beginner level may add five (5) points to the player's rating, while completing the game at the intermediate level may add twenty-five (25) points to the player's rating.
- players may register for tournaments in teams. These teams are identified by team IDs stored in memory area 96 of the player information database 48.
- the certified score (or time of completion for races of skill) for a particular team in any given tournament is an aggregation of the certified scores for all of the team members. Team standings, ratings and rankings are stored in the outcome database 50. Prizes may be awarded to members of the winning team.
- Players may also register as teams for league play, which is analogous to participation in a tournament.
- the same protocol may be used to simply rank scores and/or to provide ratings for particular games.
- the game software 15 may disable the cheat codes and scramble or randomize the predictable chain of events built in to the conventional program for a given game.
- the player calls the 800# listed to submit a
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26 ⁇ particular score, and follows the sequence illustrated in FIG. 9, for example, except where the tournament ID is now just a game identifier. Thus, the player would not have to register in advance for a particular tournament.
- the player provides a game identifier and the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM to enable the central computer 12 to certify the score and generate a player standing, rating and ranking.
- players may provide scores for a particular game to the central computer 12 anonymously, such that the central computer 12 just compiles a standing of the top X scores for the game. Players can then call in to obtain the top scores achieved to date for that game .
- the foregoing protocols may also be employed to make predictions on future events, or for competitions such as fantasy baseball or fantasy football.
- the game software 15 generates a schedule of all or part of the football games for the upcoming weekend or even the season.
- the player makes predictions as to which teams will win, including any point-spreads which are determined by the game software 15, manually entered into the game computer 14 by the player, or received from an external source, such as via an RF signal.
- the player's prediction may be converted to a hash value with a hash function, signed with the player's private key for authentication, and then encrypted with the central computer' s public key to generate an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM.
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM is authenticated and time-stamped by the central computer 12 or by the game computer 14 with a secure clock 36.
- the encryption of the player's predictions enables an authentication of the predictions.
- the time-stamp by the central computer proves that the mes ⁇ age wa ⁇ actually received at a particular time.
- the player provides the central computer with the actual predictions, which are compared to the actual outcomes of all the games.
- the central computer then recalculates the hash value of the player's predictions to verify the same.
- Each player's performance may be compared to that of other players in a tournament scenario (i.e., player A' ⁇ prediction ⁇ are 85% accurate, while player B' ⁇ predictions are only 60% accurate) .
- the protocols described herein may be used to select wagering elements for future games of chance of which the outcome is uncertain such as a Lotto game.
- the game computer may generate at lea ⁇ t one set of Lotto choices for a given Lotto drawing.
- the player's selections are incorporated into an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM which is time-stamped by a secure tamper-resistant clock, for example by the clock in an iPower card.
- the central authority may authenticate the player' s selections and verify that the player made those selections prior to the Lotto drawing. Thus, the player need not "register” or submit his or her choices prior to a drawing.
- the authentication protocols described herein may be readily adapted to games of chance including blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and the like.
- the use of cryptographic protocols to evidence tampering with game software prevents a player from cheating the system or repudiating play.
- a blackjack player for example, might pay the central authority a given fee for blackjack software that, when executed on the game computer 14, enables the player to play a number of potential hands.
- the final outcome of this play is incorporated into an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM that is submitted to the central computer 12. If the central computer 12 certifies the outcome, the player is paid any winnings, either directly or, if a wagering account exists a credit may be made thereto.
- test outcome may be authenticated as having been achieved on that testing computer 14 by following the same protocols.
- Generating the test questions on the game computer 14 is analogous to generating a game, and the test taker's answers to those questions (i.e., the outcome) is analogous to a game outcome.
- tests can be presented with their questions in a random fashion.
- te ⁇ t taker ⁇ may be ranked and rated by their scores in the same fashion.
- each game computer 14 is capable of self-authenticating its own outcome.
- the game computer 14 may be capable of printing an outcome accompanied by the words "certified.” What this means is that the outcome of that game is capable of being verified as accurately reported and fairly achieved by the game computer 14 itself.
- the game computer 14 After the conclusion of the game, the game computer 14 generates the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM that constitutes the outcome of the game and a software tamper indication such as the digital signature of the game software as described above.
- the private or secret key, such as the SSCID, used for generating the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM provides for uniquely associating the outcome with that game computer 14. It also enables the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM to be subsequently verified by authenticating the AOM with the public key of a private key/public key pair, associated with the encryption/decryption module 28. If the tamper indicator such as the software hash value is publicly known, for example placed on the outside of the game cartridge
- the integrity of the game software 15 can be verified by the digital signature. For example, if the hash value incorporated into the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM matches the known hash value for that game software 15, there has been no tampering with the game software 15 and
- the system also allows for mutual-authentication for an outcome from one game computer 14 to take place on any other game computer 14.
- a player seeking to authenticate that outcome on another game computer 14 must obtain the public key as ⁇ ociated with the public key/private key pair.
- a list of public keys may be stored on a database at the central computer 12 or with a dedicated Key Distribution Center.
- the other game computer 14 uses the public key to authenticate the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM using the same protocol described above.
- the person seeking to authenticate the outcome ⁇ imply calls the 800# and obtains the public key for the player alleging to have the outcome repre ⁇ ented in his or her Authenticatable Outcome Me ⁇ age AOM.
- the secure CPU 302 within the secure perimeter 300 is considered to be another "computer, " the practice of certifying an outcome on the same game computer 14 that utilize ⁇ a secure CPU 302 to perform all encryption/decryption and/or authentication procedures, falls within the definition of mutual-authentication.
- FIGS. 14-28 another aspect of the invention facilitates "pay-per-use" in the home video game environment. This implementation confers several advantages. It enables any game computer 14 to be turned into a video game arcade machine. Players simply pay per game, or for play over a specified period of time. It also
- SUBSTITUTESHEET(RUi-E26) allow ⁇ for specialized game computers 14 (game consoles) to be, in effect, "leased” to players. This has significant commercial implications, as many of the newer game consoles 14 have relatively high acquisition costs.
- This "time-dependent disablement" aspect of the invention permits players to acquire such game console ⁇ 14 for a relatively low down payment . Charge ⁇ for game play may then be incurred on a daily, weekly, monthly, or some other periodic basis.
- the pay-per-use metering system utilizes cryptographic protocols to facilitate secure operation.
- the preferred method whereby unauthorized use of metered software is prevented employs encryption of part or all of the subject program.
- This program may be considered to be either the operating sy ⁇ tem that runs the game computer 14 (if use of the game computer 14 itself is to be metered) , or any particular game program 26.
- a game program 26 will typically reside in an insecure data source such as a game cartridge, CD-ROM, hard disk, or the like.
- An operating sy ⁇ tem program 702 may reside in an insecure data source such as ROM and/or a hard disk as ⁇ ociated with the game computer 14.
- the in ⁇ ecure data ⁇ ource i ⁇ designated generally by the reference numeral 704.
- the metering functions are implemented by a secure device having a secure perimeter.
- the secure perimeter is a defined physical area of hardware which is tamper-resistant and/or tamper evident.
- the secure device is referred to as a "meter" 502.
- the meter 502 is a computer itself, and communicates with the game computer 14 to meter use/operation of a particular game program 26 or the game computer 14 itself via the operating system program.
- These types of programs are collectively referred to hereinafter as "metered programs 503", except where necessary to differentiate between them.
- the secure portions of metered programs 503 from the insecure data source 704 are decrypted and executed on the meter 502.
- the meter 502 can be configured as part of the internal structure of the game computer 14, disposed on, for example, the motherboard, an expansion slot or the like.
- the meter 502 can be incorporated into a PCMCIA card such as the iPower card described above. Alternatively, the meter 502 can simply be a separate box that communicates with the game computer 14 via a data cable. Interfacing between the meter 502 and the CPU 27 of the game computer 14 can be implemented in a conventional fashion.
- the meter 502 includes a secure CPU 504, ⁇ ome non-volatile memory 506 such as a hard disk or flash ROM, ROM 508, RAM 510, a real-time clock chip 512, and a power source with battery backup 514.
- the meter 502 further includes an I/O port 515 for attaching a data communications cable to the game computer 14.
- the pins of the I/O port 515 can be electrically isolated to prevent pin-level probes.
- the hardware components can be made with mechanical and chemical protection to prevent chip-probing equipment from accessing information from the secure CPU 504 directly.
- the non-volatile memory 506 may be used to store program instructions for implementing the overall metering functions.
- the ROM 508 contains encryption algorithms.
- the RAM 510 contains the cryptographic data and keys required to decrypt the secure portion of the metered program 503 to enable it to run, and for generating authenticatable mes ⁇ ages that are communicated to the central computer 12 in connection with the metering functions, or game outcome authentication. If the meter 502 is tampered with, the encryption keys and data in the RAM 510 are erased from memory.
- the meter 502 is a ⁇ eparate unit, it can have input control ⁇ 516 to permit the player to manually enter codes directly into the meter 502 for authorizing metered
- the meter 502 can also be configured with a display 518 to enable as ⁇ orted information to be di ⁇ played to the player, including ⁇ pecific ⁇ relating to metered u ⁇ age such as costs, authorized time periods, messages representing information to be provided to the central computer 12 for authorization to run metered programs and/or Authenticatable Outcome Messages AOMs for games played on the game computer 14 that are manually entered into a telephone for communication over a telephone network as described above. To facilitate communications directly between the meter 502 and the central computer 12, the meter 502 may have its own modem 520.
- the meter 502 can communicate with the central computer 12 via the modem 20 associated with the game computer 14.
- each metered program 503 is encrypted using a key unique to that program.
- a single key may be used to encrypt a large number of metered programs 503, but such practice increases the security risk, since knowledge of that key (if it were somehow compromised) could render an entire set of metered programs 503 which use it insecure. Therefore, it is anticipated that in most cases each metered program 503 is to be encrypted with a unique key. In order to run such a metered program 503, therefore, it is necessary for the metering system to acquire the key for that metered program 503. This step can be made part of an "Adding a New Program" protocol to be described in more detail below.
- the meter 502 must already have a key for that metered program 503. This may be facilitated by having all such metered programs 503 encrypted with the same key, where that key is incorporated into all meters 502 in the system during initialization thereof.
- Security of the system can be further enhanced by using several different keys for the metered programs 503, with key selection based upon the Software_ID, a unique ID as ⁇ ociated with each metered program 503 (di ⁇ cussed in more detail below) .
- the keys are equally shared across all such immediately-runable metered programs 503, reducing the value of each individual key of this type.
- the metered programs 503 are classified as either of two types: "immediately-runable" (and hence encrypted using one of the shared keys) ; or requiring interaction with the central computer 12 prior to the first time of execution on the game computer 14. In the case of the latter, the metered program 503 is encrypted with a unique key.
- the immediately-runable metered programs 503 utilize inherent cost information that comes from the insecure data source 704 (at least during the first billing period) .
- All messages between the central computer 12 and the meter 502 are encrypted and authenticated.
- public-key or symmetric encryption can be used, although symmetric encryption appears to provide sufficient security for most of the protocols .
- Such encryption may utilize key sizes in the range of 64 to 128 bits. Examples include DES, 3DES, or IDEA.
- Public key encryption mo ⁇ t commonly employ ⁇ RSA.
- the central computer 12 and the meter 502 share SK_Meter, which can be used with a conventional encryption system to provide for both encryption and authentication.
- SK_Meter a unique identifier specific to the meter 502 and burned into its ROM 508 during manufacture
- the meter 502 utilizes a plurality of cryptographic keys to implement its functions, including secure communication with the central computer 12.
- these keys are of generally of three types: "secret” key ⁇ such as those used with conventional cryptographic protocols (e.g., DES) ; and "private” keys and “public” keys that are used with public key cryptographic protocols (e.g. , RSA) : SK_Meter:
- the meter 502's secret key also known to the central computer 12. This key enables secret and authenticated communication between the central computer 12 and the meter 502, possibly via an insecure communications link (a typical data network) .
- This key is also employed by the meter 502 to create secure files out of insecure non-volatile storage as ⁇ ociated with the game computer 14, by signing the data in the files using this key.
- SK_Meter is generated by the meter 502 during initialization, and is then transmitted to the central computer 12 and secured with PK_CC.
- PRK_Meter The meter's private key.
- PBK_Meter The meter's public key.
- PK_CC The central computer 12's public key, known to the meter 502. This key is used for initial communications between the meter 502 and the central computer 12 prior to creation of SK_Meter, and is burned into ROM 508 during manufacture.
- SK_Imm_Run The secret key for immediately-runable metered programs 503. A ⁇ de ⁇ cribed above, it may be desirable to support metered programs 503 that can be run immediately upon acquisition, without running the Adding a New Program protocol described below. In this connection, the meter 502 must already have the key for this type of metered program 503. Accordingly, all such metered programs 503 share a special Software_ID, and the meter 502 recognize ⁇ that ID and uses the SK_Imm_Run key to decrypt a secure portion of the metered program 503, as described below in the Using Metered Software protocol . As described above, a variation on this defines several Software_ID' s of the immediately-runable class, each of which is as ⁇ ociated with a different SK_Imm_Run key.
- ID_Meter An identification number unique to each meter 502, burned into its ROM 508 during manufacture.
- Account_Number A number as ⁇ ociated with the player who i ⁇ responsible for payment for metered programs 503 that are operably enabled by the meter 502. This is the identifier which the central computer billing service uses to identify the player.
- PIN The player's personal identification number.
- Limit_Time A time/date value specifying the time limit beyond which metered programs 503 cannot run until receipt by the meter 502 of an authorization message from the central computer 12 for an additional amount of time.
- Software_Key_Table A list of Software_ID, Software_Key pairs. Each contains the key required to decrypt the encrypted portion of the metered program 503 with the specified Software_ID.
- Meter Variable ⁇ (If the meter 502 calculates costs) :
- Limit_Cost If the meter 502 calculates costs associated with use of the metered program 503, a cost value specifying the maximum billable amount which can be accumulated during the current billing period, above which metered programs 503 cannot be run until receipt by the meter 502 of an authorization message from the central computer 12 for additional credit.
- Total_Cost The total amount of charges during the current billing period.
- Cost__Table Format to be described below.
- Meter Variables (If the central computer 12 calculates costs) : Use Count Table: a list of Software_ID, Use_Count pairs, recording the number of times each metered program 503 or feature of a program was used during the current billing period. Software_ID's will be described below.
- Use Time Table A list of Software_ID, U ⁇ e_Time pairs, recording the total amount of time each software package was used during the current billing period.
- Software from Insecure Data Source :
- each metered program 503 from the insecure data source 704 is divided into three parts: a Software Control Block 706, an Insecure Software Component 708 and a Secure Software Component 710.
- the Software Control Block 706 contains software specific information that identifies metered program 503 to the meter 502 to enable the latter to calculate billing costs.
- the executable software itself occupies the two remaining parts, where the Secure Software Component 710 is configured to run securely on the meter 502, and the Insecure Software Component 708 is designed to run in the insecure environment of the game computer 14.
- Software Control Block 706 Information about the software which will be used by the metering system to run it.
- the Software Control Block 706 is signed with the private key of the central computer 12, and the meter 502 verifies that signature when the software is loaded.
- Software Control Block 706 fields include: Software_ID: a unique number identifying the particular metered program 503. Each metered program 503 and revision thereof has a unique Software_ID. There are two general kinds of Software_ID' s, "program" and
- Program Software_ID' s are used for metered programs 503 which do not charge per feature, while Component Software_ID' s refer to specific features of a metered program 503 and allow charging to be incurred on the basis of those features.
- Component Software_ID' s consist of two fields, a "major” and a “minor” ID component.
- the Software_ID_Major field identifies the metered program 503, and the Software_ID_Minor field identifies the particular chargeable feature of the metered program 503.
- Software_Cost This is the "base" cost information for this software component, in the form of a cost table
- Insecure Software Component 708 The bulk of the metered program 503 that is executed by the game computer 14. It may be stored in encrypted form in the insecure data source 704, in which case the meter 502 decrypts it prior to being loaded into the RAM of the game computer 14. If this decryption step will add unacceptable delay to program loading, the Insecure Software Component 708 can be stored unencrypted at only a slight loss of security. Since the memory of the game computer 14 is (by definition) insecure, a determined attacker can gain access to the plaintext of the Insecure Software Component 708 in any case. Accordingly, the additional security added by storing it in secure form is limited in value.
- the Secure Software Component 710 is embodied in encrypted format in the insecure data source 704, and must be loaded into and decrypted by the meter 502 when the rest of the metered program 503 is loaded into the RAM of the game computer 14.
- the Software Control Block 706 may also be loaded into the meter 502 at this time to facilitate charging for use of the metered program 503.
- execution of the Secure Software Component 710 in the meter 502 implement ⁇ ⁇ elected but crucial functional operation ⁇ on which the larger body of software in the Insecure Software Component 708 depends.
- the Secure Software Component 710 includes a secure routine that receives at least one input parameter from the game computer 14 when the In ⁇ ecure Software Component 708 is executed.
- the secure routine is executed on the meter 502 to produce at least one output parameter.
- the at least one output parameter is communicated back to the game computer 14 from the meter 502, and the Insecure Software Component 708 is then executed on the game computer 14 with the at least one output parameter.
- a game program 26 that directs the game computer 14 to generate a golf game may include a secure routine comprised of instructions that direct the meter 502 to compute a resultant ball position in response to a plurality of input parameters.
- the input para eter ⁇ to this routine may be the current ball location; type of club selected; force, direction and timing of the ⁇ wing; and wind ⁇ peed and direction.
- the ⁇ e input parameters are communicated from the CPU 27 of the game computer 14 to the meter 502 at the appropriate time.
- the secure routine is then executed on the Meter 502 to produce at least one output parameter, in this instance, a new ball position.
- This output parameter is then communicated back to the game computer CPU 27 and utilized by the Insecure Software Component 708 to display the new ball position in accordance with conventional practice.
- Thu ⁇ the game program 26 cannot be completely executed on the game computer 14 without receiving the required output parameter ⁇ from the meter 502.
- the instructions that make up the secure routine never reside in unencrypted form outside the meter 502. Only the result produced by executing such instruction ⁇ in the meter 502 i ⁇ returned to the RAM of the game computer 14. Thi ⁇ prevents a player from reading the unencrypted instructions in the RAM of the game computer 14, and then using those
- SUBSTITUTESHEET(F-VLE26) unencrypted instructions to replace the encrypted instruction ⁇ stored in the insecure data source 704 to circumvent the meter 502.
- encrypting the Secure Software Component 710 and executing the secure routine therein on the meter 502 is the mechanism by which the overall security of the system is maintained. It prevents attackers from deducing and replacing the functionality of this software component in order to circumvent the system and execute metered software without paying for it .
- the meter 502 enables operation of such metered programs 503 until the Limit_Time or Limit_Cost is reached.
- the foregoing arrangement may be used to meter use of the game computer 14.
- the Secure Software Component 710 of the operating system program 26 is loaded into the meter and decrypted.
- the Insecure Software Component 708 of the operating system program in the game computer 14 must receive at least one output parameter from execution of the secure routine in the Secure Software Component 710 in the meter 502 that is essential to proper functioning of the complete operating system program. Without receiving the required at least one output parameter, the game computer 14 cannot execute any programs.
- the at least one output parameter from the meter 502 may be required at specific times during the operation of the game computer 14.
- the meter 502 disables operation of the game computer 14 by no longer providing the at least one output parameter crucial to the Insecure Software Component 708 of the operating system on the game computer 14 the next time it is required. Since the system may be designed such that the at least one output parameter from the meter 502 is required by the game computer operating system program at very short time intervals, the time delay between the meter 502 ascertaining that metered usage is to be suspended and the actual suspension of game computer operation by not providing the requisite at least one output parameter from the meter 502 the next time it is required, is effectively so small such that, for all practical purposes, operation of the game computer 14 is suspended immediately after the cost or time limit is exceeded.
- the Meter 502 has the Secure Software Component 710 for any game program 26 or an operating system program permanently stored in its own secure memory instead of the insecure data source 704. Thu ⁇ , the Secure Software Component 710 need not be encrypted ⁇ ince players cannot gain access to such software instructions. Security is provided by the tamper-resistant meter configuration. As described above, attempts to tamper with the secure memory to read the Secure Software Component 710 result in a memory los ⁇ of the Secure Software Component 710.
- the secure memory can be adapted to store a plurality of Secure Software Components 710, each for a different metered game program 26 or operating system program, or a generic Secure Software Component 710 which can be used with a plurality of game programs 26 or operating sy ⁇ tem programs.
- the cost table data structure is used by the Software_Cost element of the Software Control Block 706 to enable charges to be made for the base cost ⁇ of software, and is also stored by the meter 502 in non-volatile memory for systems which support variable cost ⁇ . It i ⁇ a list of Cost_Table_Elements, of the following format:
- Each co ⁇ t element relate ⁇ to a particular Software_ID. If it is a "program” Software_ID, the cost table element refers to billing for the program itself, either on a per-minute or per-use basis. If it is a "component” Software_ID, the cost table corresponds to a cost for using that particular feature or component of the software (i.e., the charge for execution of a game program may relate to certain "features" of the game that are implemented as a result of game play, such as for example, reaching a certain level or expending a given number of lives and the like) . Typically this may be on a per-use basis, but in some cases special charges might apply on a per minute basi ⁇ when certain component ⁇ or features are used, such as when the player engages a particular enemy or uses specific weapon ⁇ at his disposal.
- the Charging_Method is one of the two identifiers Charge_Per_Use or Charge_Per_Time to indicate which form of charging is to be applied when the Software_ID is used.
- the Override field indicates how this charge table element is to be combined with other co ⁇ t tables, if they exist. If it has the value "Base” that means that this is a base cost table element, usually associated with the
- Replacement means that this cost table element overrides and replaces any base cost table element from the insecure data source 704.
- Multiplicative means that the cost values are fixed-point numbers which multiply the cost values from the Base cost table and adjust them.
- the Charge_Value is represented in units that are implementation-dependent and country-dependent, but which refer to each use or each minute of use of the feature, for the Base and Replacement Override values.
- the Charge_Value is a fractional value as described above which multiplies the Base cost value. Receipt File 712:
- insecure non-volatile memory e.g., a disk drive
- some of this memory can be used to record detailed information about the billing activity during a billing period.
- This information is referred to as a Receipt File 712, and contains a series of receipt entries, each of which reflects some billing action.
- the Receipt File 712 is stored in in ⁇ ecure memory, the file entrie ⁇ are signed by the meter 502 to ensure their integrity and accuracy.
- the Receipt File 712 provides detailed information to the player about his billings, and also can be used to aid in dispute resolution where the player claims that his bill from the central computer 12 does not match his usage.
- Meter 502/Game Computer Interface As described above, the In ⁇ ecure and Secure
- the bulk of the metered program 503 is the Insecure Component, but it makes use of the Secure Component that is decrypted and executed on the meter 502 to implement the metered program 503 on the game computer 14.
- the meter 502 will generally be a much les ⁇ powerful processor than the game computer 14. It also may not have access to the game computer's memory and internal data structures. Accordingly, data to be exchanged therebetween can utilize a mes ⁇ age-passing or subroutine-call interface.
- the Secure Software Component 710 can be designed so that it performs crucial and non-trivial parts of the calculations implemented by the Insecure Software Component 708 of the metered program 503.
- any event which may generate a billing charge must involve the cooperation of the Secure Software Component 710.
- the calculations done by that part must be non-trivial to prevent attackers from reverse engineering the Insecure Software Component 708 and replacing the calls to the Secure Software Component 710 with local code that provides an equivalent function.
- This task is aided by the encryption of the Secure Software Component 710, which requires attackers to deduce the purpose of the code by observing its behavior from the insecure side.
- the Secure Software Component 710 must be ⁇ ufficiently complex.
- the meter 502 is disposed between a CD-ROM and the game computer 14, access control is made easy as the metered program data must be decrypted on the fly by the meter 502.
- the interface between the two parts in an exemplary embodiment, i ⁇ a subroutine call interface, in effect a remote procedure call since the code is being executed on another processor.
- the Secure and Insecure Software Component ⁇ operate concurrently, with the Secure Software Component 710 performing a calculation whose result will be needed by the Insecure Software Component 708 at some point in the future.
- One attack which must be prevented, is the player turning off power to the sy ⁇ tem at an inopportune moment.
- the meter 502 communicates with the central computer 12 at regular intervals to report usage information, receive authorization for additional usage, receive updated cost information, and resolve disputes. Communications between the meter 502 and the central computer 12 can be automatic (without player intervention) , but most players may be more comfortable with a system in which they control when such communications occur.
- Initialization of the Meter 502 (FIG. 16) : This protocol is implemented when the player initializes the newly purchased meter 502 or metering system.
- the meter 502 performs its own internal initialization, including communicating with the central computer 12 to generate shared cryptographic keys.
- the meter 502 has access to PK_CC, the central computer's public key, and ID_Meter, its own unique ID.
- the meter 502 is capable of generating random numbers.
- these packets are not implicitly encrypted with the keys shared between central computer 12 and the meter 502. Instead, the encryption step is explicitly identified at each step of the following illustrative protocol:
- the meter 502 calculates SK_Meter, the random key for communicating data between itself and the central computer.
- the meter 502 creates an Initialization Message block of the following format: Initialization Mes ⁇ age ID_Meter Current date and time
- the meter 502 encrypts the Initialization Message block with SK_Meter, then encrypts SK_Meter using PK_CC and communicates this encrypted message to the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 recovers SK_Meter and then the Initialization Message block. It verifies that the date and time are approximately current, and records the new ID_Meter, verifying that it has not been used before. It recall ⁇ SK_Meter, and associates that value with ID_Meter.
- the central computer 12 creates an Account_Number that will be associated with the player who owns the meter 502 and pays for the software.
- the central computer 12 creates an
- Initialization Respon ⁇ e Me ⁇ sage block of the following form: Initialization Respon ⁇ e Me ⁇ sage Account_Number;
- the central computer 12 encrypts the Initialization Response Mes ⁇ age block under SK_Meter and sends it back to the meter 502.
- the meter 502 decrypts the
- Account_Number It then displays the Account_Number to the player for his records and use in communicating with the central computer billing service when he opens his account;
- the meter 502 runs the Synchronizing Clock protocol . After the player has opened his account with the central computer billing service, go to the Authorization from Central Computer protocol described hereinbelow.
- FIG. 17 Thi ⁇ protocol i ⁇ u ⁇ ed when the player acquires a new software program that requires information from the central computer 12 in order to run. As will be described below, some programs may be runable without any new information from the central computer 12, but others may require that new cryptographic keys for those specific programs be acquired. All mes ⁇ age ⁇ tran ⁇ mitted in thi ⁇ protocol are protected by encryption and sequence numbers as described above.
- An exemplary protocol operates as follows:
- the meter 502 reads new programs' Software Control Block(s) from the in ⁇ ecure data ⁇ ource 704, and extract ⁇ the Software_ID for each program.
- the meter 502 creates a New Program
- the meter 502 securely transmits the New Program Message to the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 looks up the Software_ID' s for the keys that are requested to determine the keys needed to decrypt those programs.
- the central computer 12 creates a New Program Message Response block in the following format : New Program Mes ⁇ age Response Number of Programs Requested
- the meter 502 records the key information for each software program in its Software_Key_Table structure.
- the meter 502 runs the Updating Cost Information protocol if the variable cost option is being used.
- the central computer 12 transmits authorization data to the meter 502 to enable operation for a specified time period Limit_Time or until a specified amount of money Limit_Co ⁇ t i ⁇ reached, a ⁇ di ⁇ cussed above. Normally this is implemented at the end of the billing period, immediately after running the Reporting Usage protocol. Alternatively, this may be done to obtain a specified amount of credit, after the exhaustion of which the meter 502 requires additional authorization. It is also done after the account is set up for the first time.
- All messages communicated in this protocol are protected by encryption and sequence numbers as described above.
- An illustrative protocol operates as follows:
- the meter 502 generates an Authorization Request Mes ⁇ age, of the following format, which is sent securely to the central computer 12:
- the central computer 12 records the time and co ⁇ t information for statistical purpose ⁇ . It then determines whether the current account (based on the Account_Number) is paid up pursuant to whatever billing conventions are being utilized to authorize continued use of the game computer 14 and/or software via the meter 502. Based on this, it then calculates new values for Limit_Time and Limit_Cost. If no additional authorization is approved, then the values in Limit_Time and Limit_Cost are left unchanged.
- the central computer 12 creates and send ⁇ an Authorization Response Mes ⁇ age block to the meter 502 in the following format:
- New Limit_Cost value (if meter 502 calculates costs) .
- the meter 502 verifies that this
- metered program ⁇ 503 that the player i ⁇ currently u ⁇ ing. It is only employed if the variable cost option is selected, and is run after the Adding a New Program protocol, as well as during the regular set of protocols run at the end of each billing cycle (with the Authorization from Central Computer and Reporting Usage protocols) . All mes ⁇ age ⁇ communicated in thi ⁇ protocol are protected by encryption and sequence numbers as described above. An illustrative protocol is described in the following: At step 562, the meter 502 creates a Cost Update
- the central computer 12 creates a
- Cost Update Response Message containing cost information for the requested Software_ID' s. For those Software_ID' s which include per-feature billing, cost information for such individual features are also included. This information is provided in the form of a Cost Table as described above: Cost Update Response Cost_Table.
- the meter 502 merges the new Cost_Table information into its internal Cost_Table, replacing internal data for matching Software_ID' s.
- Synchronizing Clock (FIG. 20) : This protocol is run at regular intervals to synchronize the clock 512 in the meter 502 with the one in the central computer 12. Typically, this may occur at the end of every billing period. In this manner, the two (2) components are in agreement on the time limits at which authorizations will expire. (This protocol can be designed to handle propagation delays if it is expected to work on asynchronous data network sy ⁇ tem ⁇ like the Internet.) An exemplary protocol follows:
- the meter 502 creates a Time Update Request Message, of the following format, which is then securely communicated to the central computer 12; Time Update Request
- the central computer 12 reads the meter 502's date/time, which is provided for stati ⁇ tical analysis purposes. It then replies with a Time Update Message to the meter 502, which includes the current time in the packet format:
- the meter 502 receives the Time Update packet, checks the sequence numbers and encryption, and notes the time, but does not yet update it. It also records the time this data packet was received, ba ⁇ ed on its own clock. It also verifies the date/time from what it communicated to the central computer, and then returns a Time Update Acknowledgement Message to the central computer, of the format :
- the central computer 12 compares the time between when it sent the Time Update packet and when it received the Time Update Acknowledgment packet. If the time is within a specified period of accuracy, it then sends a Time Update OK Message, of the form: Time Update OK
- the meter 502 updates its time, based on the time in the Time Update Message and its own calculation of the elapsed time between the receipt of the two (2) Messages from the central computer 12.
- the value it set ⁇ its own time base to is the Date/Time value from the central computer 12 plus the difference in time between the arrival of the Time Update and Time Update OK Messages.
- This protocol involves the meter 502, game computer 14, and insecure data source 704, and their interaction when a metered program is loaded for execution.
- a metered program 503 that resides in the insecure data source 704 contains a Software
- Control Block 706 and two executable components, an Insecure
- Component 710 is encrypted, although the Insecure Software
- Component 708 and the Software Control Block 706 may be encrypted as well.
- the protocol operates as follows in a sample embodiment where the Software Control Block 706 is signed by the meter 502 and the Secure Software Component 710 is encrypted:
- the meter 502 reads the Software Control Block from the insecure data source 704, verifies the signature of the Software Control Block, and extracts the Software_ID for that metered program 503.
- the meter 502 determines whether the required key is available to decrypt the Secure Software Component 710 of the metered program 503. This key is found either by looking up the Software_ID from the Software Control Block 706 in the Software_Key_Table, or may consist of SK_Imm_Run for immediately-runable programs (recognized by the as ⁇ ociated Software_ID) . If the key is unavailable, the meter 502 display ⁇ a message informing the player that the new program must be added to the current software list, and that communication with the central computer 12 is required to obtain the necessary keys (and this protocol terminates) .
- the meter 502 determines whether the current resource limits are sufficient to run the metered program 503. If Limit_Time or Limit_Cost exceeds a predetermined value, then a me ⁇ age is displayed that advises the player that he must communicate with central computer 12 to authorize additional usage of metered software (and this protocol terminates) .
- the meter 502 can display a warning before proceeding, informing the player that he may lose authorization during the course of running the metered program 503, and requiring confirmation by the player to continue, otherwise this protocol terminates.
- the meter 502 and game computer 14 read the Secure Software Component 710 and the Insecure Secure Software Component 708, respectively, from the insecure data source 704.
- the meter 502 decrypts the Secure Software Component 710.
- the meter 502 and game computer 14 then transfer control to the newly read software components, with the meter 502 running the Secure Software Component 710 and game computer 14 running the Insecure Software Component 708.
- Running Metered Software (FIG. 22) : The following discus ⁇ ion relates to the interaction between the meter 502 and game computer 14 in connection with billing during execution of the program.
- the meter 502 and the game computer 14 respectively execute the Secure Software Component 710 and the Insecure Software Component 708 of the metered program 503.
- the dependencies between the two components must be designed so that all events which are billable require the active cooperation of the Secure Software Component 710. When one of these events occurs, this protocol is run.
- the meter 502 can use this storage to maintain the Receipt File 712, which provides detailed itemization of billing activity.
- the Receipt File 712 constitutes a record of the player's activity and, since it is signed by the meter 502, it can be u ⁇ ed in resolving any disputes.
- the following is an illustrative protocol; note that Steps 592 and 594 thereof are executed only in case a Receipt File 712 is available:
- the meter 502 creates a Receipt Entry consisting of the following information: the software being used, the amount charged (if available) , the current time, and information to identify the charged event. This is signed with the meter 502's secret key (i.e., SK_Meter if conventional cryptography is used, or via public key techniques) . The meter 502 then sends the Receipt Entry to insecure storage, where it is appended to the Receipt File 712.
- secret key i.e., SK_Meter if conventional cryptography is used, or via public key techniques
- the meter 502 updates the Total__Cost based on which event is being billed and the current cost information calculated during the Starting Metered Software protocol .
- the meter 502 no longer execute ⁇ the Secure Software Component 710 to produce the at least one output parameter required by the Insecure Software Component, thereby interrupting execution of the program on the game computer 14, and displays a message advising the player that he must contact the central computer 12 to obtain further authorization;
- Step 592 above can be replaced by the following sequence: At step 592a, the meter 502 reads the current
- Receipt File 712 from insecure storage.
- the Receipt File 712 consists of receipt records as described above (however the individual records are unsigned in this case) , followed by a signature relating to the file as a whole;
- the meter 502 verifies the signature on the Receipt File 712. As described above, this may be implemented by u ⁇ ing conventional cryptography using SK_Meter or public key techniques;
- the meter 502 adds the new Receipt Entry to the Receipt File 712 and signs the entire file.
- the Receipt File 712 is then returned to insecure storage; If the signature is invalid, At step 592d, the meter 502 adds a line signifying that the above information is corrupted. It then appends the current Receipt Entry and signs the entire file. A mes ⁇ age is displayed to the player indicating that the Receipt File 712 is corrupted.
- Reporting Usage (FIG. 23) : At the end of the billing period the meter 502 reports accumulated usage information to the central computer 12. Several variations are pos ⁇ ible depending on which payment mechanism i ⁇ in u ⁇ e, and the level of detail of the information to be communicated to the central computer 12. If the meter 502 i ⁇ calculating the costs (in lieu of the central computer 12) , the following protocol is used. As an option, a copy of the Receipt File 712 (if one is available) can be uploaded to the central computer 12. If the information is uploaded, the central computer 12 can prepare a detailed printed billing statement similar in format to a typical telephone bill. The following is a sample protocol: At step 598, the meter 502 creates a Usage Report
- the central computer 12 returns a Usage Report Acknowledgment Message arranged in the following format:
- the meter 502 displays the Total_Cost that is being billed.
- the meter 502 signals the game computer 14 to rename the Receipt File 712 to a sequentially numbered backup file, and creates a new blank Receipt File 712; Normally other protocols will be run at this time, including Authorization from the Central Computer, Synchronizing Clock, and Updating Cost Information. If costs are calculated by the central computer 12 instead of the meter 502, more detailed information must be uploaded:
- the meter 502 creates a Usage Report Message containing the following information: Usage Report
- Use_Count_Table U ⁇ e_Time_Table Receipt File (optional) .
- the central computer 12 knowing the co ⁇ t ⁇ of various programs and program features, calculates and updates the billing information for this account. It can also use this information to prepare an itemized statement showing how the various pieces of software contributed to the billed amount. It calculates Total_Cost, the total new amount being billed, and returns a Usage Report Acknowledgment Me ⁇ sage of the form: Usage Report Acknowledgment Total_Cost.
- the meter 502 di ⁇ play ⁇ the Total_Co ⁇ t that i ⁇ being billed.
- the meter 502 signals the game computer 14 to rename the Receipt File 712 to a sequentially numbered backup file, and creates a new blank Receipt File 712; other protocols which would normally run at this time include Authorization from Central Computer and Synchronizing Clock.
- Receipt File Check Message in the following format: Receipt File Check
- Receipt File (from disputed billing period) .
- the central computer 12 acquires the Receipt File 712 and compares it to the billing information it received from the meter 502 for that billing period (the billing period is deduced from the dates in the Receipt File
- the central computer 12 creates a Receipt File Validation Message, including the original amount billed during the billing period in question, and the validated amount. These will be the ⁇ ame as the original amount if no discrepancie ⁇ were found, or a corrected amount if an error was detected: Receipt File Validation
- the meter 502 creates an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM of the following form encrypted with SK_Meter:
- the central computer 12 receives and authenticates the block by decrypting the same using
- the central computer 12 may then re-authenticate the outcome under its own PK_CC or implement whatever other actions are appropriate.
- the central computer 12 returns an Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message AOCM confirming that it has accepted the Authenticatable Outcome in the form: Authenticated Outcome Confirmation
- the meter 502 displays the confirmation or denial of outcome acceptance from the central computer 12.
- the meter 502 displays the game outcome on the screen, along with its ID_Meter (possibly just some fraction of the bits of ID_Meter is shown, enough to narrow down the source possibilities to no more than a handful of meters 502) .
- the player dials the central computer 12 on the telephone and enters this information using his touch-tone keypad in respon ⁇ e to suitable prompts from an IVRU as described in detail above.
- the central computer 12 generates and communicates a random challenge string to the player, who then enters the same using an appropriate input device (e.g., a keypad, joystick interface or the like) .
- an appropriate input device e.g., a keypad, joystick interface or the like
- the meter 502 calculates a cryptographic hash of the game outcome and challenge string, encrypts it with SK_Meter, and display ⁇ the result-an Authenticatable Outcome Mes ⁇ age AOM.
- the player enters the Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM into the telephone keypad from where it is communicated to the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 authenticates the Authenticatable Outcome Mes ⁇ age AOM by independently calculating the ha ⁇ h and encryption, and confirms the value received from the player.
- the central computer 12 returns an Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message as described above. This may be accompanied by a verbal indication of outcome acceptance or denial by the IVRU.
- the player enters the Authenticated
- Step 638 can be alternatively accomplished by hashing in the secret key value rather than encrypting with it.
- the metering protocols enable use of the game computer 14 or game program 26 to be metered in several ways, including: time-dependent disablement, credit request ⁇ to enable arcade-type play, and flat-rate pricing.
- Game play may be controlled by the meter 502 by not executing the Secure Software Component 710 of the game computer operating ⁇ y ⁇ tem, or not executing the Secure Software Component 710 of a game program 26 without authorization.
- game play can be metered u ⁇ ing an alternative ⁇ y ⁇ tem where the game i ⁇ not di ⁇ played in a u ⁇ able or intended format without authorization.
- the latter can be accomplished by scrambling the game program instructions and/or data such that a descrambler 500 is required to descramble the game, where the de ⁇ crambler 500 i ⁇ enabled by an Authenticatable Unlock Message AUM.
- the descrambling embodiment is described separately below.
- the game computer 14 is adapted to function for a specified period of time, after which it requires that an "unlocking code" be input to enable play after the expiration or end date.
- the player obtains an unlocking code (hereinafter referred to as an Authenticatable Unlock Message AUM) in order to continue play after the end date.
- the Authenticatable Unlock Message AUM is obtained from the central computer 12 by implementing the Authorization from Central Computer protocol described above.
- the Authorization Request Message in that protocol is identified as an Authenticatable Unlock Request Message AURM, where the Limit Time value specifies the length of the next period of use to be purchased.
- the player may be provided with the option to purchase time by the month, week, day, etc.
- the player may provide a credit card for billing, or billing can be made at the end of the specified period in the Reporting Usage protocol described above.
- the central computer 12 authenticates the Authenticatable Unlock Request Message AURM, checks the status of the player's account, and generates an Authenticatable Unlock Mes ⁇ age AUM which constitutes the above-described Authorization Response Message, where New Limit_Time represents the authorized period of time.
- the meter After the meter authenticates the Authenticatable Unlock Message AUM, it changes the end date for usage represented in the New Limit_Time in its non-volatile memory 506. During the authorized time period, charges may be incurred for different types of usage depending upon the Cost_Table_Elements for the game programs 26.
- Additional time may also be purchased by calling a 900#, or billing may be implemented by mail, or at a retail outlet.
- an AURM could be written down, printed out or stored on portable data memory media, and provided to an authorized agent at a terminal connected to the central computer 12.
- players may have several options, such as a limited number of minutes of play time, where every minute of play reduces the allotted play time by an equivalent value (e.g., one minute) or by some other value.
- the meter 502 no longer operates to execute the Secure Software Component 710, thereby rendering the game computer 14 or a particular game program 26 inoperative.
- the player purchase ⁇ "credit ⁇ " to enable game play.
- This enables players to call the central computer 12 and obtain codes for a specified number of game plays, as in an arcade environment.
- the methodolgy is similar to the foregoing embodiment, except that the Authorization Request Mes ⁇ age to the central computer 12 is identified as an Authenticatable Credit Request Mes ⁇ age ACRM.
- the Authenticatable Credit Request Message ACRM represents a specified number of game plays that are requested from the central computer 12.
- the central computer 12 In the Authorization from Central Computer protocol, the central computer 12 generates an Authenticatable Credit Authorization Message ACAM which constitutes the above-described Authorization Response Message, where New Limit_Cost represents a number of play credits.
- the meter After the meter authenticates the Authenticatable Credit Authorization Message ACAM, it copies the credit amount Limit_Cost into its non-volatile memory 506. Each play results in the credit amount being decremented in the meter 502. When the purchased credit amount is exhausted, if the player desire ⁇ to continue to play, he must purchase more credits from the central computer 12 via the Authorization from Central Computer protocol . Each game to be played may decrease the total credit value by a specified amount . Popular games may be made to require two or more "credits" per play. Some games may be designed to accept additional credits once a player has lost all of his or her allotted lives (e.g., such as with video arcade machines) , thereby enabling the player to continue the game.
- Extra credits can be required to complete restricted stages of a game.
- a player might be charged one credit to explore any of the first ten levels of a game, while any of the additional five bonus levels could be explored at a cost of one credit each.
- the player while exploring a ten-level dungeon, the player could be charged an additional credit for the use of a special weapon, access to a map of the dungeon, or hints on avoiding trap ⁇ .
- Such extra characteristics may be implemented in the Software Control Block 706 for the particular game program 26, and may be configured so as to require additional credit ⁇ in the meter 502 to continue play at the ⁇ e level ⁇ .
- the number of credit ⁇ available may also be incremented after achieving a certain level of performance in the game.
- scoring over a million points in DONKEY KONG might result in an extra credit being added to the available credit balance.
- Finding a secret room within a game might add five credits. Hitting a home run may earn ten credits. This information can then be stored in the volatile memory of the meter 502 so that this five credit bonu ⁇ cannot be repeated in future games.
- the number of credits that a player receives per dollar may also be variable.
- a purchase of ten credits may cost $.50 each while a purchase of twenty credits may cost $.30 each.
- Credit discounts can be offered to select players who have obtained certain certified titles.
- a five-star MORTAL KOMBAT player may receive a 10% discount on all credits. Each credit might also buy a certain number of lives.
- Games may cost a different number of credit ⁇ depending upon the difficulty setting. For example, the easiest setting may cost two credits while the most difficult setting may cost one credit per play. In lieu of purchasing one game, each credit may entitle the player to play for a certain period of time. One credit may buy five minutes of play while two credit ⁇ may buy twelve minute ⁇ of play.
- the meter 502 can determine the price per game credit from the data or instruction ⁇ as ⁇ ociated with Software Control Block 706 of the game program 26. The price per game may be ⁇ tored within the meter' ⁇ 502 non-volatile memory and can be manipulated with code ⁇ from the central computer 12 to alter or change the pricing structure for particular games via the Updating Cost Information protocol described above.
- a flat rate for unlimited use over a fixed period of time may be implemented by requesting a flat-rate pricing option from the central computer 12.
- the Authorization from Central Computer protocol is implemented as described in the foregoing, except that the Authorization Request constitutes an Authenticatable Flat Rate Request Mes ⁇ age AFFRM, where Limit_Time represents a requested fixed time period for unlimited usage.
- the central computer 12 authenticates the Authentictable Flat Rate Request Message AFRRM, checks the status of the player's account, and generates an Authenticatable Flat Rate Message AFRM, which constitutes the above-described Authorization Response Mmessage where New Limit_Time represents authorization for unlimited usage for the requested time period.
- the meter simply checks the New Limit_Time prior to and during each play as it executes the Secure Software Component 710 of the operating system program or the game program 26.
- a descrambler 700 is either installed within the game computer 14 itself, or is connected to the video output cable from the game computer 14. In order to convert the scrambled game into the intended format, the descrambler 700 must be enabled by an Authenticatable Unlock Mes ⁇ age AUM, Authenticatable Credit Authorization Message ACAM or Authenticatable Flat Rate Request Message AFRM as described above.
- an illustrative mode of operation is hereinafter described.
- Data and instructions associated with computer games typically contain a background element as well as game character data commonly referred to as sprites.
- a particular game may have a dozen different backgrounds representing a dozen different levels.
- An example of a background is a jungle scene depicting trees, plants, rivers, rocks, etc.
- the game character that the player controls, as well as any enemy characters encountered, are normally represented by sprites, which are movable within the game background.
- This background may be analogized to a map, with respect to which the sprites travel.
- This "game data" is not to be confused with the software code that is executed by the CPU 27.
- the game data in this context is used to generate the video output and may be processed by the CPU 27, even if scrambled or encrypted.
- the processed game data visual information is composed of pixels. Each pixel has a color and an as ⁇ ociated location for display.
- the game program 26 is executed by the CPU 27, converted by appropriate means into a video signal (RF format) , and communicated to a display device such as a TV.
- the video signal contains altered characteristics, which must be applied to the descrambler 700 to make the output video signal represent the real game in the intended format.
- the pixel data may be algorithmically manipulated such that the pixel data does not represent the intended format.
- the intended pixel (34,15,26) may be transformed into (12,02,68) .
- the transformed pixel data is stored in the game cartridge and when processed, is unintelligible to the player if displayed on the TV without the intervening descrambling proces ⁇ .
- the de ⁇ crambler 700 i ⁇ enabled with the proper Authenticatable Unlock Me ⁇ sage it operates on the video signal to convert (12,02,68) back to (34,15,26) , the intended format.
- the scrambling and descrambling process may utilize algorithm/inverse algorithm pairs and/or the cryptographic authentication protocols described herein.
- the value (12,02,68) is obtained by encrypting (34,15,26) with a secret key, and sub ⁇ equently authenticated with a public key in the descrambler 700.
- the de ⁇ crambler 700 will not operate to de ⁇ cramble the video signal after the end date, or prior to receiving the proper Authenticatable Unlock Message AUM, Authenticatable Credit Authorization Message ACAM, or authentictable flat rate message AFRM.
- reward points may be accumulated in a manner similar to a frequent flyer reward program.
- each game played or each unit of time played generates one or more reward points.
- Players may also accumulate points for achieving certain results in a game, such as, for example, one reward point per each million scored points in a particular game.
- the reward point redemption instructions as ⁇ ociated with a given game program 26 can reside in the Software Control Block 706 or the Secure Software Component 710 for that program in the insecure data source 704, or be permanently stored in the meter's non-volatile memory 506.
- the meter 502 tracks reward points and stores such points in a reward point database in its non-volatile memory 506.
- a player requests a Reward Point Redemption function, which directs the meter 502 to generate an Authenticatable Point Redemption Message APRM, which includes ID_Meter or the secret computer or software ID SSCID, player PIN or other identifier, number of points for which redemption is requested, and the current Date/Time.
- This APRM may be encrypted with the SSCID and/or with the meter's secret key SK_Meter.
- the central computer 12 reads and authenticates the Authenticatable Point Redemption Message APRM and increments the player's reward point balance by the appropriate number. These reward points may be subsequently utilized to purchase prizes or gifts, which purchases may be made in combination with additional payment if desired.
- the credits used in the pay-per-use process may be transferred between game computers 14 (i.e., from a source game computer 14 to a destination game computer 14) such that a player can bring credits to play on another player's game computer 14.
- game computers 14 i.e., from a source game computer 14 to a destination game computer 14
- This may be implemented by requesting a Credit Transfer function associated with the meter 502.
- the meter 502 prompts the player for a PIN, Account_Number, or other identifier to verify the player's identity.
- the proces ⁇ proceeds with the player entering the game computer ID number or a public key PK_Comp of the destination game computer 14, and/or the ID_Meter or public key PK_Meter of the meter 502 as ⁇ ociated with the destination game computer 14.
- the source meter 502 then generates an Authenticatable Transfer Message ATRM incorporating the Limit_Time or Limit_Cost for use on the destination game computer 14/meter 502 system, a PIN or other player identifier, the game computer ID number of the destination game computer 14, and the current Date/Time from the clock 512 associated with the source meter 502 or the clock 36 of the source game computer 14.
- This message may be encrypted or signed with the public key PK_Comp of the destination game computer 14 or the public key PK_Meter of the destination meter 502 associated with the destination computer 14.
- the source meter 502 then decrements the credit balance in its non-volatile memory 506 by the corresponding amount requested.
- the player writes down or prints out the Authenticatable Transfer Message ATRM (or downloads it to portable data memory media such as a floppy disk or PCMCIA card) and inputs the same into the destination meter 502 associated with the destination game computer 14.
- the destination meter 502 associated with the destination game computer 14 reads and authenticates the Authenticatable Transfer Message ATRM in accordance with the cryptographic protocols described above, such as, for example, by decrypting the ATRM with the destination meter's private key PR_Meter (if the ATRM wa ⁇ encrypted with the destination meter's public key PK_Meter) or with the destination computer's private key PRK_Comp (if the ATRM was encrypted with the destination computer's public key PK_Comp) , and stores the Date/Time in memory, and compares the Date/Time with previous messages to determine whether that Authenticatable Transfer Message ATRM has been used previously.
- PR_Meter if the ATRM wa ⁇ encrypted with the destination meter's public key PK_Meter
- PRK_Comp if the ATRM was encrypted with the destination computer's public key PK_Comp
- the transfer credits are added to a "guest account" generated by the destination meter 502 associated with the destination game computer 14.
- the player uses these credits by entering his or her PIN or other identifier incorporated in the Authenticatable Transfer Message ATRM.
- the meter 502 then enables game play as described above. If a credit balance remains after play, the destination meter 502 generates an Authenticatable Balance Return Mes ⁇ age ABRM, which incorporate ⁇ the number of credit ⁇ returned Limit_Cost and/or Limit_Time, the player PIN, source game computer ID number or source ID_Meter, and the current Date/Time.
- the ABRM may be signed with the private key PRK_Meter of the meter 502 associated with the destination game computer 14, or the private key PRK_Comp as ⁇ ociated with the de ⁇ tination game computer 14. Contemporaneou ⁇ ly, the guest account is deleted.
- the player enters the Authenticatable Balance Return Message ABRM into the source game computer 14 or meter 502 associated with the source game computer 14, and, if the meter 502 authenticates the ABRM, by, for example, decrypting the Authenticatable Balance Return Mes ⁇ age ABRM with the public key PRK_Meter or PRK_Comp of the destination game computer, it adds the credits to the player's credit balance in the source meter 502.
- Players may set up guest accounts on other player's computers via the central computer 12.
- the meter 502 displays an Authenticatable Guest Message AGM on the destination game computer 14, which message includes the SSCID of the destination game computer 14, a player PIN or other identifier, and the current Date/Time.
- This message may be encrypted with a public key PK_CC from the central computer 12.
- the player then calls the central computer 12, and is prompted to enter the Authenticatable Guest Message AGM, accompanied by the number of credits requested and a credit card number or some other instructions to arrange for payment.
- the central computer 12 authenticates the Authenticatable Guest Message AGM with the encryption/decryption module 52, and generates in return an Authenticatable Guest Credit Message AGCM, which includes the destination game computer SSCID, the number of credits requested, and the current date/time. This message may be encrypted with the SSCID of the destination game computer 14.
- the meter 502 associated with the destination game computer 14 then authenticates the Authenticatable Guest Credit Message AGCM, and adds the credits transferred to a guest account as described above.
- a tamper-resistant game controller 800 as shown schematically in FIG. 28.
- One exemplary type of game controller is a joystick, in which player movements are transmitted to the game computer 14 to control the movements of game characters. This allows for backward compatibility with existing game computers 14.
- a game controller 800 includes the meter components described in the foregoing, plus the additional hardware to enable input controls such as joysticks and buttons which communicate via an input interface associated with the game computer 14 as is well known in the art.
- the game controller 504 also includes a video input interface for receiving NTSC (PAL in Europe) video signal ⁇ .
- a video output interface communicate ⁇ the video ⁇ ignal to a TV.
- the game controller contains a program in memory for recognizing data from the video screen to derive the outcome information to generate Authenticatable Outcome Messages as discussed at length above.
- the game controller memory also store ⁇ a unique controller secret serial number CSSN, a random number generator program, and the meter program instructions.
- the encryption/decryption functions implemented by the encryption/decryption module 28 are part of the meter in this embodiment.
- the controller memory stores as ⁇ ociated public and private encryption key ⁇ , and a public encryption key a ⁇ ociated with the hardware manufacturer.
- the game software 15 contains or can read from another source, the public key of the controller 800, and the code used to generate random numbers. This code is obfuscated in order to render the operation of interposing devices, such as the above-described GAME GENIE, more problematic.
- a player purchases an Authenticatable Unlock Mes ⁇ age AUM as described above, and enters it into the game controller 800.
- the game controller CPU under direction of the random number generator program generates a random number Rl and an Authenticatable Play Enable Message APEM authorizing play.
- This APEM includes the controller secret serial number CSSN, and may be encrypted with the private key of the game controller.
- the APEM is then communicated to the CPU 27 of the game computer 14 or to the descrambler 500 as described above.
- the game controller 800 also "signs" the public key of the game controller and the game controller secret serial number CSSN with the private key of the hardware manufacturer. The latter is known as a public key certificate. This enables the game computer 14 to authenticate the public key certificate and thus the game controller 504. Thus, the game computer 14 is able to verify that the controller secret serial number CSSN contained in the Authenticatable Play Enable Mes ⁇ age APEM i ⁇ correct for that game controller 504. The game computer 14 then generates a second random number R2, which is communicated to the game controller 504 along with random number Rl .
- the game controller 504 confirms that this Rl matches the Rl previously created and included in the Authenticatable Play Enable Message APEM, and encrypts Rl and R2 with the private key of the game controller 504 into a response play enable mes ⁇ age RPEM.
- the RPEM is read by the game computer 14 and decrypted with the public key of the game controller 504.
- Rl and R2 are now compared with the prior generated values. If they match, the game controller 504 is authenticated and it niay be used to enable game play in accordance with the foregoing protocols.
- Authentication The process whereby the identity of the sender and/or integrity of a message is verified.
- ABRM Authenticatable Balance Return Message
- ACM Authenticatable Challenge Message
- Authenticatable credit authorization mes ⁇ age An authenticatable me ⁇ sage generated by the central computer which is used to supply the player with additional credits.
- the message may contain the secret serial number, the number of credits reque ⁇ ted, PIN, and a random number or ⁇ equence number to ensure mes ⁇ age fre ⁇ hness.
- the secret serial number ensures that the credits received can only be used in one game computer.
- Authenticatable Credit Reque ⁇ t Me ⁇ age An authenticatable me ⁇ sage generated by the game computer as a request for additional credit ⁇ from the central computer to be u ⁇ ed in the pay-per-u ⁇ e ⁇ ystem.
- the message may contain the secret serial number, the number of credits reque ⁇ ted, PIN, a ⁇ equence number, or a random number.
- the random number or ⁇ equence number are u ⁇ ed to ensure message freshness .
- the secret serial number ensures that the returning ACAM can not be used in multiple game computers.
- AFRRM Authenticatable Flat Rate Request Message
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET /RULE 2 which provide ⁇ a player for unlimited game play over a specified time period.
- the message may contain the SSCID, the period of time requested, the player PIN or other identifier, and the current date/time.
- AFRM Authenticatable Flat Rate Message
- Authenticatable Guest Mes ⁇ age This authenticatable message is generated by the game computer and allows a player to ⁇ et up a guest account without bringing credits from the source computer.
- the message may contain the secret serial number of the destination game computer, PIN or other player identification, and the current date/time.
- This authenticatable message is created by the central computer in response to an AGM.
- the message may contain the secret serial number of the destination game computer, the number of credits requested, and the current date/time.
- Authenticatable Outcome Message An authenticatable representation of the game outcome (i.e., score, time to completion, and/or play-related data, etc.) which may be based upon and include at least one of the following, the software ID, a hash value of the game software, a unique attribute of the memory media in which the game software resides, a player PIN, etc.
- APEM Authenticatable Play Enable Message
- Authenticatable Point Redemption Message An authenticatable message generated by the game computer, which allows a player to transfer reward points to the central computer.
- the message may contain the SSCID, the number of points received, the player PIN or other identifier, and the current date/time.
- Authenticatable Response Message An authenticatable message utilized in the challenge/response protocol, and which may also verify that the player is in possession of, or obtained the game outcome from the game software which enabled the player to play the game that resulted in the outcome for which the player ⁇ eek ⁇ regi ⁇ tration.
- Authenticatable Start Message An authenticatable message generated by the central computer which enables tournament play to begin.
- the message may include instructions for the game software to generate specified or random initialization parameters for that tournament game.
- the message may also contain information regarding encryption keys to be used in the encryption process and/or handicapping parameters.
- Authenticatable Timing Message An authenticatable message representing the time to completion for a race of skill which may include at least one of the following, the software ID, a hash value of the game software, a unique attribute of the memory media in which the game software resides, player PIN, etc.
- This message is used by players to transfer credit balances from one game computer to another.
- the message may contain the secret serial number, PIN or other player identifier, current date/time, and the game computer ID from the destination game computer.
- the ID from the destination computer prevents a player from using an ATM in multiple game computers.
- AURM Authenticatable Unlock Request Me ⁇ age
- Authenticatable Unlock Mes ⁇ age Thi ⁇ authenticatable message is generated by the central computer in response to a request for a new end date.
- the me ⁇ age may contain the SSCID of the game computer, the new end date, and the random number received in the AURM
- AOCM Authenticated Outcome Confirmation Message
- Biometrics The processes and procedures used to uniquely identify a given individual via an independent measurement sy ⁇ tem. (e.g. a fingerprint reader, voice recognition system, retinal scanner and the like.)
- Broadcast Start Mes ⁇ age A start message that is broadcast to all players at the same time over a mas ⁇ communications channel, e.g., television, radio and the like.
- Central authority A system utilizing a central computer applying cryptographic protocols, which ensures that the manner in which games are played is scrupulously fair and unbiased, and that the outcomes of such games are reported accurately, i.e., there is no undetected lying or cheating.
- Central computer A computer or network of computers which serve as the official tournament manager and/or the authenticator of scores.
- the central computer may or may not have some or all of the game software residing on it.
- the central computer is generally accessed via a telephone network from remote locations where the game computers are disposed.
- the telephone network may include interactive voice response units (IVRUs) for prompting the player to enter information through a telephone keypad, or the game computers may communicate directly through a modem.
- IVRUs interactive voice response units
- Central scoreboard A centralized database where all certified scores are maintained. This information could be made available via the Internet or major online provider ⁇ , downloaded to game computer ⁇ , or by mail or telephone.
- Challenge/respon ⁇ e protocol A process by which a central computer exchanges messages with the game computer in order to authenticate the outcome mes ⁇ age u ⁇ ing cryptographic protocols, and may also prove that the player is in possession of, or obtained the game outcome from the game software which enabled the player to play the game that resulted in the outcome which the player submits for certification.
- Cheat codes When entered into the game software, these codes allow a player special benefits such as unlimited weapons or an infinite number of lives. Typically used by game programmers to test their software. Also referred to as “God codes. " Check digits: Digits appended to a message which are generated as a simple function of the original message. The receiver of the message repeats the function. If the result doe ⁇ not match the check digit ⁇ , a tran ⁇ mis ⁇ ion error ha ⁇ occurred.
- Classic tournament A non-electronic tournament.
- Classic tournaments usually contain four attributes: 1) They are held at a specific time; 2) They are held at a specific location; 3) They are conducted under a set of rules which apply equally to all contestants; and 4) They are held under the supervision of one or more judges and/or a sanctioning authority.
- Compres ⁇ ion A protocol which utilize ⁇ an algorithm to reduce a long string of data to a shorter string while retaining all or most of the information in the original long string.
- Controller secret serial number A number which uniquely identifies the game controller. This number may be burned into the ROM chip(s) of the controller.
- Cryptographic protocol A protocol whose purpose, for the present invention, allows for one or more of the following:
- outcome legitimacy i.e., the player did not simply invent an outcome, it was the result of playing a specific game.
- outcome paternity i.e., the outcome was generated by a specific game, and/or by a specific game computer and /or software package.
- outcome integrity i.e., the outcome has not been tampered with or modified in any manner.
- tournament validity i.e., the outcome was generated as a result of tournament and not practice play.
- one-time usage i.e., an Authenticatable Start Mes ⁇ age may only be u ⁇ ed once.
- transmis ⁇ ion integrity i.e., the outcome repre ⁇ ented in an encrypted outcome message cannot be altered during transmi ⁇ ion, either accidentally or intentionally, without detection of ⁇ uch alteration.
- Dedicated game sy ⁇ tem A game console ⁇ uch as those manufactured by Sega or Nintendo. Unlike a PC, their primary use is to play games.
- Destination game computer When setting up a guest account, this is the game computer which is receiving the credit transfer from the source computer.
- Encryption The process of describing a message in such a way as to hide its substance.
- Encrypting key Any data string used to encrypt a mes ⁇ age in a cryptographic protocol .
- Encryption/decryption module A computer program, block of code, or hardware/firmware which encrypt ⁇ , decrypts and authenticate ⁇ messages and/or data.
- End date A date stored within the non-volatile memory of the meter. When the current date exceeds this date in time, the game computer and/or game software is disabled. Alternatively, a descrambler device for descrambling a scrambled video signal is disabled.
- Each separate opportunity to play in a tournament Each entry may allow for multiple rounds of play. Some tournaments may allow players to enter multiple times.
- Entry fee The cost to purchase each entry. Players might P a Y by giving their credit card number to the tournament central computer. A specific number of entry fees can be included at no extra cost with the purchase of game software.
- External authentication device A secure device in which the encryption/decryption module resides, e.g., the iPower card, available from National Semiconductor Corp.
- External clock signal A time signal generated by a third party that is widely broadcast .
- Several government operated atomic clocks broadcast such signals throughout the United States, as does the Global Positioning System.
- This external clock signal may also be directed to a particular receiver if the signal is encrypted with that receiver's public key.
- Firmware Programs stored in ROMs or in other devices which permanently keep their stored information.
- Forged score A counterfeit score which i ⁇ used to try and deceive the central authority into believing that a fair game was played and a true score achieved when in fact the player made up the score or stolen it from another player.
- Game computer The computer on which a game (or test) is being played.
- the game computer may be a video game console (e.g., Nintendo, Sega and the like) , PC, PDA, coin-operated arcade machine, portable game units (e.g., GAME BOY, GAME GEAR and the like) , etc.
- Game of skill Any game whose outcome is predominantly determined by skill, either per game played or over a series of games, e.g., backgammon, bridge, poker, etc. Games of skill may include components of luck such as, for example, the use of dice.
- Game of chance Any game where randomness is a key or dominant element in determining the outcome, or where the outcome is determined largely by external forces beyond the control or significant influence of the player.
- Game parameters Attributes of a game such as the number of levels, difficulty or variability. These parameters can be manipulated by the central computer and communicated to the game computer through the Authenticatable Start Me ⁇ age.
- Game ⁇ oftware Code executed by the game computer which allows a player to play a game.
- the game software typically resides on a cartridge, CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.
- Guest account A temporary account for pay-per-use game play set up on another player's game computer. This account is managed by the game computer's meter.
- Handicap device Head-to-head games in which one player is clearly better can be handicapped by using initialization variables that provide the weaker player with more lives, more ammunition, and the like.
- the handicap device produces these initialization variables ba ⁇ ed on player ratings or titles.
- Handicap values A numerical method for equalizing two factors ⁇ uch a ⁇ players of varying ability.
- a golf handicap for example, might be four stroke ⁇ .
- Hardware inspection The proces ⁇ by which a piece of hardware, such as a game cartridge, is physically inspected prior to a final official declaration. In a tournament where the grand prize is large enough, the winning player may be required to submit his or her game cartridge to prove that tamper-evident internal seals were not broken.
- Hardware security The use of specialized components or structures that provide a level of tamper-resistance and/or anti-counterfeiting to programs or results.
- Hash function A function that takes an input string
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26> value is very likely to represent one and only one input string. Changing a single bit of the input string will result in a different hash value.
- Hash value The resulting string of data ("the fingerprint”) after applying a hash function to an input string.
- Instant prize A prize which is earned for achieving a result without any consideration of what may be taking place in other related games or with other contestants.
- a player in a golf tournament might be eligible to win $5,000 for hitting a hole-in-one on a certain hole without consideration to his or her ranking in the overall tournament .
- Internal clock A clock contained within a game or computer system.
- IVRU's Interactive Voice Respon ⁇ e Units are computer systems that are tied into a telephone in such a manner that user may select prompts and enter data from a touch tone keypad or via voice commands recognized by the IVRU software.
- Key card A smart card which is used for the secure generation of encryption keys. Each card may be unique, and messages encrypted using the keys in the card are decryptable by the central computer.
- Memory media signature A unique readable set of data which is based upon an inherent property of a particular memory media and which cannot be easily duplicated.
- Non-volatile memory Data storage media including ROM, hard disks, floppy disks, optical disks, and the like, which do not require any power supply to maintain the memory contents.
- Off-line When a computer is not connected to (e.g. via modem) or receiving an electromagnetic external signal of any kind (e.g. RF signal) from another computer or outside source.
- an electromagnetic external signal of any kind e.g. RF signal
- One-way function A function that is relatively easy to compute but significantly harder to reverse or undo. For example, it is easy to multiply two X-digit numbers and create a Y-digit result. It is very hard to take an Y-digit number and figure out which two X-digit numbers were multiplied together to create the Y-digit number.
- One-way hash function A hash function that is also a one-way function. It is easy to compute a hash value from an input string but it is hard to generate a string that hashes to a particular value.
- a One-way hash function is also known as a compres ⁇ ion function, contraction function, mes ⁇ age digest, fingerprint, cryptographic checksum, data integrity check (DIC) , manipulation detection code (MDC) , message authentication code (MAC) , and data authentication code (DAC) .
- One-way hash with key One-way hash functions that require the use of both an input string and a specific key string.
- the “key” is an additional input string which may be secret .
- Only someone with the key can calculate the hash value, i.e., the hash value is encrypted with the key.
- On-line When a computer is connected to or receiving a signal from another computer.
- Typical examples include PCS on a local area network, PCS connected to the Internet using a modem and phone line, or cellular phones connected to the central phone switch over a wirele ⁇ network.
- On-line proctor An on-line connection to a web ⁇ ite or service whose purpose is to continuously or intermittently verify that a tournament game is proceeding in a manner consistent with the game's rule ⁇ .
- Thi ⁇ might involve temporary connections to verify that the software code governing the game has not been altered. It might also pose random simple questions to the player (e.g. what is your middle name) that would prevent an automated play system from being used.
- Outcomes A score, time to completion, and/or any play-related data that was the result of all or part of playing the game.
- the play related data may include special statistical information as determined by the game software, or the play related data can be used by the central computer to compile statistical information.
- an outcome may consi ⁇ t of all the game data for the entire game, i.e., the entire game i ⁇ recorded in memory, including all of the player's actions, responses, moves and the like.
- Outcome message Outcome data exchanged between a game computer and the central computer.
- Public-key certificate A public key signed by a trusted authority.
- Non-cash prizes e.g., tee shirts, coffee mugs, posters, certificates, etc.
- Pre-paid tournament entries Tournament entries paid in advance of the tournament start date.
- Prize A product or cash reward associated with the outcome of a tournament. Typically, players earn prizes in relation to their performance in the tournament. Cash prizes can be paid via check, electronic fund transfer, digital cash or credit card. Prizes may also take the form of credits toward future game play, or may represent non-material rewards such as recognition.
- Ranking The hierarchical po ⁇ ition of a certified score (#1, #225, etc.) .
- the hierarchy can be based on all contestants or limited to certain agreed groups or limitations (e.g. #4 in the state, #6 in a high school, etc. ) .
- a chess rating is expressed as a 3 or 4-digit number such as 1,825. Ratings are based on achievement, not on position relative to others (rankings) . Thus, two players could each have the same chess rating.
- Sanctioning authority The authority responsible for overseeing the policies and procedures used in connection with a tournament .
- Save/resume code A code which allows a player to temporarily stop a game, freezing the action until the resume code is entered into the game software.
- Secure perimeter A defined physical area of hardware which is tamper-resistant and/or temper-evident, in which resides data or algorithms whose characteristics must not be alterable in order for a system to remain secure.
- Self-starter tournament A tournament where the element of when the player competes is controlled by the player, though a permis ⁇ ible window of time may be set forth by the tournament director. A tournament to solve a puzzle where the solution is expected to take several weeks, might allow for players to start when they wanted so long as the player's start time is after a predetermined ⁇ tart date for the tournament.
- Software ID number A unique ID number incorporated into the game ⁇ oftware which uniquely identifie ⁇ the particular copy of the game software and which i ⁇ difficult to alter in an undetectable manner.
- Software regi ⁇ tration process A process by which the player sends personal information and a serial number SSN identifying a copy of the game software back to the central authority.
- Each game software copy may utilize a registration card having a special hologram and/or serial number SSN associated therewith which is difficult to forge.
- Software serial number SSN A readily ascertainable (i.e., known) identification number a ⁇ ociated with each copy of the game ⁇ oftware. Not to be confu ⁇ ed with the software ID contained within the game software and which is not known to or easily accessible by the player.
- Source game computer When setting up a guest account, this is the game computer which is sending the credits to the destination computer.
- Sprites The video representation of game characters. Players maneuver sprite ⁇ with the game controller.
- Start message A mes ⁇ age transmitted from the central computer to the game computer that activates a tournament game.
- Subscription fees Monthly or yearly charges which allow a player a certain number of tournament entries.
- Tamper-resistant Hardware or software which is difficult to modify or alter from its intended purpose. In some cases, attempts to alter such hardware or software will render the hardware or software inoperable. In other cases, tampering is detectable by cryptographic tests.
- Tamper-evident Hardware or software which, upon inspection or interrogation shows evidence of any attempt or success at the modification or alteration of its intended purpose or stored data.
- Tie-breaker A secondary result other than the final score which is used to rank players of equal scores in lieu of a head-to-head playoff. For example, a computerized golf tournament might decide the winner based on the score, and, if scores are tied, then the tie is broken based on play-related information such as the fewest putts taken, and if the players are still tied, then based on the distance of the longest drive. Tie-break ⁇ can also be based on, for example, the number of keystrokes or clicks of a mouse.
- Time-stamp A secure timing protocol for attaching the current time and/or date to a message.
- a time-stamp may be done with a secure device such as the central computer or via a trusted third party such as a digital time stamping service.
- a tamper-resistant and/or tamper-evident portable device e.g., an iPower card used for one or more of the following:
- tournament Any contest where players, singly or in teams, compete for prizes and/or rankings.
- Tournament ID number A number uniquely identifying the tournament.
- Transmission error check module A computer program or block of code which examines the check digit ⁇ on incoming messages to ensure that no transmission errors have occurred.
- a player plays against the game (and/or a clock) and the highest score wins.
- Golf, bowling or duplicate bridge are classic scoring tournaments.
- Talent competitions are another type of tournament. Unlike scoring tournaments which usually do not involve subjective elements, a talent competition utilizes judge ⁇ to evaluate performance and award scores based on subjective elements.
- a gymnastics tournament is an example.
- Finish-line races are a form of head-to-head tournaments whereby the fastest time as measured against a field of competitors i ⁇ the determinant of winning. A car race or 100 yard dash is won by the person who finishes first, regardless of the time involved.
- Forecasting competitions are those that involve the comparative accuracy of a series of predictions, such as handicapping a football season or predicting a variety of financial indicators at some future time. Lottery games ⁇ uch as Lotto may be thought of as a non-skill forecasting tournament . Note that all types of tournaments can either be single-player or multi-player (teams) .
- Volatile memory memory media such as RAM, in which all stored data is lost if power is interrupted.
- Website Any computer connected to the Internet which is capable of being accessed via the World Wide Web.
- ⁇ ystem for enabling geographically disper ⁇ ed tournaments for computer generated games in which players can participate from virtually any location where they have access to a game computer (e.g., at home) , without the need for an on-line connection between the game computer and a central comPuter while the game i ⁇ being played;
- test software residing or associated with the game computer, to have his or her test score certified with a central computer and to obtain a ranking and rating with respect to other test-takers;
- a central computer having a database storing a unique attribute or identifier for each game computer or software, by generating authenticatable messages on the game computer that represent the players' game outcomes and the unique attribute or identifier associated with the particular game software or the game computer, and authenticating the authenticatable message at the central computer using cryptographic protocols;
- a start message which enables tournament play contains variables which are read by the game computers and direct the game programs to set game parameters based on player's individual ratings or other parameters, with certain specified attributes or other programmed characteristics, e.g., difficulty, variability, randomness, etc;
- a device placed between a game computer and a TV reads the data in a video output signal to obtain an outcome for the game from the video output signal, and incorporates the outcome into an Authenticatable Outcome Message;
- a device compatible with a VCR is placed between a game computer and a TV, reads the data in the video output signal, converts the data to digital format, makes the data authenticatable using cryptographic protocols, and stores the authenticatable data in data memory media for subsequent authentication and play back;
- a pay-per-use system for enabling time-dependent disablement with cryptographic protocols of game computers and/or game software; and - a multi-functional game controller for implementing the foregoing with existing game console-type game computers.
- the present application presents a system for authenticating the outcomes of computer generated games played on game computers, and for certifying those outcomes as being accurately reported and fairly achieved.
- the system provides for such certification in connection with tournaments or independent thereof.
- the sy ⁇ tem may include, in one embodiment, a plurality of game computers, where each game computer include ⁇ associated memory and a processor for executing programs from its a ⁇ ociated memory.
- associated memory is intended to include the internal read only memory ROM and read-write memory RAM of the game computer, as well as external devices such as hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, floppy disk drives, game cartridges and the like. This memory is generally insecure, and may also be referred to as an insecure data ⁇ ource.
- the game computer contain ⁇ game software including at least one game program that is executed by the processor to enable a player to play a game on the game computer.
- the games may be games of skill, races of skill, games of chance, predictions on future events of which the outcome is uncertain, and the like.
- the game has an outcome as a result of game play, where the outcome is defined as the entire set of results of the game, including a score, time to completion, all data relating to the game itself, and any play related data.
- the outcome of the game is incorporated into an Authenticatable Outcome Message AOM that may be subsequently authenticated on the same game computer itself, any other game computer, or by a central computer.
- the authentication proces ⁇ not only authenticates but also certifies the outcome as being accurately reported and fairly achieved.
- the present application also provides
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2 for an authentication means for generating and authenticating authenticatable mes ⁇ age ⁇ which i ⁇ operatively a ⁇ sociated with the processor of the game computer.
- the authentication means comprises what is referred to herein as an encryption/decryption module that utilizes cryptographic protocols.
- the encryption/decryption module may be part of the game software disposed in the associated memory of the game computer, or dedicated firmware disposed within the game computer. Preferably, however, the encryption/decryption module resides within a secure perimeter or security token.
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message may include data that reveals if the game software has been tampered with by the player. This data is also generated, checked and verified using cryptographic protocol ⁇ .
- the Authenticatable Outcome Message generated by the encryption/decryption module may be subsequently authenticated on the same game computer, on any other game computer with an encryption/decryption module, or by a central authority on a central computer.
- the central computer of the present application may include an associated memory, a processor for executing programs from the central computer as ⁇ ociated memory, and central computer authentication means operatively associated with the processor of said central computer for generating and authenticating authenticatable messages.
- the central computer authentication means are operable to authenticate Authenticatable Outcome Messages to authenticate game outcomes in response to authentication requests. By checking data appended to the outcome, the central computer can ascertain whether a player obtained the outcome by "cheating" the game software.
- the central computer may contain a plurality of relational databases for both certifying scores and managing tournaments. Where a central computer is used to certify outcomes and manage tournaments-, communication ⁇ between the game computer ⁇ and the central computer may be transmitted via a telephone network.
- the telephone network may enable communication with live operators, but is preferably coupled to Interactive Voice Response Units IVRUs.
- the IVRUs are employed to prompt players to enter required information in connection with registering for tournaments and/or for submitting outcomes embodied in Authenticatable Outcome Messages for certification.
- the game computers may establish an on-line connection to the central computer for the purpose of transmitting registration data and Authenticatable Outcome Mes ⁇ ages.
- the on-line connection may take place over a data network including commercial on-line service providers, Internet, World Wide Web, bulletin board systems or over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.
- the pay-per-use sy ⁇ tem include ⁇ a meter that communicates with the game computer, and operates to enable operation of the game computer or execution of game programs upon authorization from the central computer.
- the meter is a secure device, a computer having hardware disposed within a secure perimeter, capable of generating and authenticating authenticatable messages as described above.
- the meter controls operation of the game computer and/or game programs using cryptographic protocols.
- the operating system program of the game computer and game programs are referred to as metered programs.
- Each metered program is comprised of a Software Control Block, an Insecure Software Component, and a Secure Software Component.
- the entire metered program resides in an insecure data source associated with the game computer, ⁇ uch as a hard disk or the like.
- the Secure Software Component is a cryptographically secure set of software instructions, that are decrypted by the meter and executed on the meter to produce at least one output parameter upon which the Insecure Software Component depends, in order to execute the latter on the game computer.
- the Software Control Block contains information about the metered program that identifies it to the meter, and, in some embodiments, enables the meter to calculate costs for running that program.
- the meter decrypts and executes the Secure Software Component a ⁇ long a ⁇ it ha ⁇ authorization from the central computer, in the form of a time or cost limit.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US561668 | 1975-03-24 | ||
US08/561,668 US5768382A (en) | 1995-11-22 | 1995-11-22 | Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes and authenticated biling and access control system using cryptographic and other protocols |
US677544 | 1996-07-10 | ||
US08/677,544 US5970143A (en) | 1995-11-22 | 1996-07-10 | Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes, authenticated billing and access control, and software metering system using cryptographic and other protocols |
US69446996A | 1996-08-08 | 1996-08-08 | |
US694469 | 1996-08-08 | ||
PCT/US1996/018834 WO1997019537A1 (en) | 1995-11-22 | 1996-11-22 | Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes using cryptographic and other protocols |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0862824A1 EP0862824A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 |
EP0862824A4 true EP0862824A4 (en) | 1999-06-16 |
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EP96940863A Ceased EP0862824A4 (en) | 1995-11-22 | 1996-11-22 | Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes using cryptographic and other protocols |
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EP (1) | EP0862824A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001526550A (en) |
AU (1) | AU1081997A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997019537A1 (en) |
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AU1081997A (en) | 1997-06-11 |
EP0862824A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 |
WO1997019537A1 (en) | 1997-05-29 |
JP2001526550A (en) | 2001-12-18 |
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