Richard J Mathis, 45Grand Rapids, MI

7155590, Dec 26, 2006

Apr 5, 2001

09/827008

Richard M. Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

G06F 12/14

711164, 714 45, 463 29, 902 23, 711103, 711115

A method and apparatus are provided for computer memory protection and verification. In one example, the apparatus is a secure memory device (SMD) including means to independently read the program memory device and compute and store a signature or other means of verification of binary content of the program memory device, means to compare binary program memory content to binary program memory content stored in the program memory device, and means to disable reading and writing of the program memory device if predetermined conditions do not occur. A previously stored signature of program memory content may be used as means of verification of previous program memory content. A secure memory device may be constructed as a single securely enclosed unit that is tamperproof and that has electrical connections available only for purpose of connection with an apparatus that accepts a program memory.

7192346, Mar 20, 2007

Apr 19, 2002

10/125975

Richard M. Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

A63F 9/24

463 20, 463 16, 463 23

Systems and methods for providing awards to players of skill games where the awards are selected, based upon various factors, prior to playing the skill game. The method includes paying, by the player, a buy-in fee, selecting an award, playing the skill game, and providing the award to a player if the player successfully completes the skill game. The award may be randomly selected, may be selected from a predetermined table of awards, may be adjusted based upon an adjustment pool, may be adjusted based upon the difficulty of the skill game and may be adjusted as play progresses.

7410421, Aug 12, 2008

Jul 31, 2003

10/631108

Richard M. Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

G06F 17/00

463 37

A method of constructing a link progressive meter system to increase participation and generate additional player excitement during a progressive type game. Each interface or monitor to a gaming machine or monitored point can act and process decisions independently of other monitors. Each monitor contains in computer data memory the status of the entire network and this is replicated throughout the entire network. A method for a bonus game that may be implemented upon an individual gaming apparatus or upon a link progressive network connecting a plurality of gaming machines is described.

2006003, Feb 9, 2006

Oct 11, 2005

11/247092

Richard Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

A63F 9/24

463020000

A skill game operates according to the look and feel of a game of chance. The skill game is, for example, a traditional game of chance modified so that a player's skill substantially determines the outcome of the game. In one embodiment, the skill game is a card game with face down cards and the chance elements of the card game are reduced or eliminated by providing a player of the skill game information about the face down cards. An example embodiment is wager acceptance, random prize determination, then skill game play. In one embodiment, the amount of skill required is adjustable to meet varying regulatory and gaming guidelines and/or operator goals. In one embodiment, the skill game pits players against each other and is played on a skill game machine that does not resemble a slot machine.

2006024, Nov 2, 2006

Apr 7, 2006

11/399748

Richard Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

A63F 13/00

463039000, 463020000

A gaming machine with serial communications between components of the gaming machine and a controller. A power bus distributes power to the componetns attached via quick connects. High Frequesncy (HF) communications are transmitted over the power bus or in Radio Frequency (RF) wireless transmissions. The gaming machine enclosure prevents RF leakage, prohibits injection of unauthorized communications, and serves as a ground. The components may be physically and electrically secured in the enclosure via magnets. Game outcome decisions are exclusively decided by the controller. User inputs are provided to the gaming machine from a remote device, such as user I/O devices that fold out from a comfortable chair or other location convenient to game players.

2008029, Nov 27, 2008

May 27, 2008

12/127660

Richard M. Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

A63F 9/24

463 7, 463 16

A skill game additively combines at least one determinative process with a random process and/or a fixed process. The skill game can include at least one casino style award generation device that displays various awards for which the skill game is played. The skill game is, for example, a traditional game of chance modified so that a player's skill substantially determines the outcome of the game. In one embodiment, the amount of skill required is adjustable to meet varying regulatory and gaming guidelines and/or operator goals.

2009007, Mar 19, 2009

Sep 17, 2008

12/212343

Richard M. Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

A63F 9/24

463 20

A skill game is provided that can be played on a casino gaming display that employs methods to hold a player's interest after normal completion of the initial game. In a first embodiment, an up/down selection is provided to the player for one or more reels of the spinning reel game that have stopped spinning. The one up/down feature allows the player to move the reel one position up or down to increase the reward level. To assure skill is involved, the available up or down motion for the reel is displayed for a short time prior to when the wheel stops and the player must remember the available state correctly. If the player remembers correctly, the award for the game can be increased. In a second embodiment, a bonus game is provided with the frequency of offer of the bonus game randomly set to assure operator profit while maintaining player interest and enjoyment.

2009011, May 7, 2009

Nov 6, 2008

12/266458

Richard M. Mathis - Las Vegas NV, US

A63F 9/24

463 20

A skill game that is playable on a casino type display is provided that employs methods to hold a player's interest by dynamically changing an awards table as well as providing payout without subtraction from player buy-in to provide an operator hold. The awards table can include a variable pay line with values changed either before or after start of the skill game to offer the player a variety of possible payouts depending on the game results. In one example, the dynamic pay line is provided as the bottom line in the award table that provides the minimum payout otherwise not available for a combination of spinning reel symbols. To provide payout without subtraction for operator hold from the player buy-in at least one additional line is added to the awards table with a hit frequency (HF) set so that the hit frequency of all award lines totaled 1. The total award amount (AA) that is then paid for each line is then set to maintain an operator hold. With additional pay lines in the awards table that can be dynamically set, a player can choose between different award tables that can provide for preference of award size over award frequency.