GB2543798A

GB2543798A - A Method of generating and updating a graphical multi-user interface

Info

Publication number: GB2543798A
Application number: GB1519067.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bulmer David
Original assignee: Zero Inspiration Ltd
Current assignee: Zero Inspiration Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-28
Filing date: 2015-10-28
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Also published as: GB2543798A8; GB201519067D0

Abstract

A method of generating and updating graphical user interfaces across a network comprising remote servers and one or more data processing devices. The remote server runs a remote session at runtime. A first set of instructions are stored in each data processing device for connecting to the remote session. The first set of instructions comprises an application start up library. When each data processing device processes the first set of instructions the data processing device downloads a second set of instructions from the server; generates a graphical multi-user interface at the data processing device; streams a data feed from the server to the graphical multi-user interface; reads and processes local data user input at the at least first data processing device; and communicates processed user input data to the server across the network. The data processing device may be a set top box or an internet TV or a network-enabled television. The streamed data feed can be a live video feed such as a television broadcast. Preferably the second set of instructions or processed data can be flushed or deleted from memory at power off or after execution of the first instructions, ensuring security of the users personal data.

Description

A METHOD OF GENERATING AND UPDATING A GRAPHICAL MULTI-USER INTERFACE

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a method of generating and updating a graphical multi-user interface in real time across a network comprising at least one remote server and at least one data processing device in communication with the remote server across the network.

Background of the Invention [0002] Online and live casino games are becoming increasingly popular. Typically, such games are played on a laptop, tablet computer or over the telephone. These game play methods are limited and require the player to have access to a suitable device (e.g. a laptop or tablet computer) and communication means, such as the internet or a telephone line.

[0003] If a potential game player is staying at a hotel or temporary accommodation then use of telephone or internet facilities may be expensive. This may put a potential player off from attempting to play any available games.

[0004] Furthermore, potential players who do not own a laptop or tablet computer are excluded from becoming players and are excluded from the online games market.

[0005] Casino games may be played via television which are ubiquitous in hotels, other temporary accommodation, and most potential player’s homes. However, televisions are typically passive devices and do not allow a potential player to interact with a broadcast game. The potential player is therefore restricted to the passive role of a viewer only. This problem is further compounded as broadcast games are often not live action video feeds, but are recorded and edited to fit into a program schedule time slot for example, 30 minutes. If the broadcast game does allow for interaction, the potential player cannot directly participate unless they use a laptop or tablet computer. The above problems then still apply.

[0006] The use of a set top box allows the viewer to view additional content and access games. However, the capabilities of set top boxes are limited. Many set top boxes do not support native web browsing, hypertext mark up language (HTML), HTML5, or Flash, which are typical programing languages and access methods for online games.

[0007] The problem of providing interactive casino games via a set top box is compounded by the fact there are many different operating systems and hardware configurations used in set top boxes. Each of these operating systems require a different version of the game software.

[0008] Finally, a player may be reluctant to use a casino through a set top box due to the risk that their sensitive data may be stolen or publically disclosed (for example, the player is in a hotel room used by many people).

[0009] The above identified prior art solutions do not provide a single, secure, universal system for a player to access casino games via an internet connected set top box, television and remote control.

Summary of the Invention [0010] The present system provides secure access to casino services to a user. The user, using only a television, set top box connected to a network and remote control can view and participate in live games. The set top box comprises a start up library that, on initiation, downloads from a database on a remote server and builds a secondary set of instructions to form the game program. This ensures that each instance of the system is up to date and relevant to that user. Furthermore, when the user has finished playing, on turning off the set top box, the secondary set of instructions and all sensitive information is deleted. Account funds and banking details are therefore never on the system for a prolonged period of time. These features render the system particularly useful on semipublic devices with low processing power such as set top boxes found in hotel rooms.

[0011] According to a first aspect there of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating and updating a graphical multi-user gaming interface in real time across a network comprising at least one remote server and one or more data processing devices in network communication therewith, the method comprising the steps of: the at least one remote server running a remote session at runtime of the server, storing a first set of instructions in each data processing device for connecting to the at least one remote session, wherein the first set of instructions comprises an application start up library; and when each data processing device processes the first set of instructions; causing the data processing device to download a second set of instructions from the remote server; generating the graphical multi-user interface at the at least first data processing device; streaming a data feed from the remote server to the graphical multi-user interface; reading and processing local user input data at the at least one data processing device; and communicating processed user input data to the remote server across the network. Advantageously, by downloading a second set of instructions the graphical multi-user interface is always composed of the latest data on the remote server.

[0012] The second set of instructions suitably comprise a plurality of discrete data processing modules which, when processed by each data processing device, outputs processed data to a graphic user interface. This allows the second set of instructions to be readily made from discrete components as required. The second set of instructions is therefore easily tailored to suit the user’s needs. For example, the second set of instructions built for a technician testing the system can be made differently to the second set of instructions built for a gamer.

[0013] As the system handles sensitive user information, such as payment details, names and addresses, the communications are suitably encrypted.

[0014] The system is suitably able to be deployed and used across a public network, such as the World Wide Web™. This allows a casino to access users from potentially across the globe and for international tournaments to be conducted on the system.

[0015] Alternatively, the system may also be deployed and used across an intranet. This allows a casino with an on site hotel to provide a gaming service to users who have retired to their rooms or who wish to remain anonymous to the other hotel occupants.

[0016] Suitably, the at least one data processing device is also connected to a live video feed. The casino games may be live and the user able to watch the action in real time. The feed can be from a television broadcast or from a closed circuit television system.

[0017] Advantageously, the second set of instructions is transient and are deleted when the first set of instructions cease to be processed. This may be when the first data processing device is turned off. Alternatively, any processed data is suitably flushed from memory either when the first data processing device is turned off or when the first set of instructions cease to be processed. This protects the user as their data is never left locally on the system. This makes the system safe for use on semi-public devices such as hotel room TVs. When the system is turned off, the processed data is also deleted, ensuring that there is no chance of personal details remaining on the local data processing device.

[0018] It is a further advantage that the present system may be used on a set top box or other data processing device. Set top boxes often do not natively support network gaming, therefore the system allows additional functionality to be added to set top boxes.

[0019] Alternatively, the method may be embedded within a television. Bespoke systems may therefore be made and kept consistent within an establishment.

[0020] A real time gaming system suitably comprises one or more data processing devices, each comprising device memory means. The device memory means store a first set of instructions comprising an application start up library. The system further comprises at least one server, having server memory means. The server memory means store at least a database application and a second set of instructions. The, or each, data processing device is connected to the at least one server across a data network. The first set of instructions configures the or each data processing device at runtime to download the second set of instructions from the server, process the second set of instructions to receive secure gaming data from the server, to generate local secure gaming data, communicate the generated secure gaming data to the server, and output the secure gaming data to a real-time graphical user interface. The at least one server is further configured to stream a data feed to the graphical user interface.

[0021] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0022] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 depicts a media centre, server, and casino room.

Figure 2 shows a hardware configuration of a data processing device.

Figure 3 shows the operation of a data processing device as a flow chart.

Figure 4 is an example of database content.

Figure 5 shows the creation of a set of secondary instructions suitable for use by a game player.

Figure 6 shows the flow of information between a game player, casino and server.

Figure 7 shows the creation of a set of secondary instructions suitable for use by a technician.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments [0023] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0024] The words “comprising/comprises” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one of more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0025] With reference to figure 1A there is provided a public media display unit 101, consisting of a network connection 102, a data processing device 103, and a display device 104 (for example, a television).

[0026] The display device 104 and/or data processing device 103 may be also connected to further signal input devices 105 other than the network connection 102. Such other signal input devices 105 include but are not limited to, analogue or digital broadcast television antennas, digital or analogue satellite receivers, cable networks, or local closed circuit television systems.

[0027] When a signal is received from any of the signal input devices 102, 105, the signal is processed by the data processing device 103 ready for display on the viewing device 104 or is suitable fed directly to the viewing device 104 without decoding.

[0028] The data processing device 103 may take the form of a set top box and be external to the viewing device 104. The data processing device 103 can be a stand-alone item that may be connected with any suitable viewing device 104, including, by way of non-limitative example, televisions, monitors, computers, media centres.

[0029] Alternatively, the data processing device 103 may be housed within the viewing device 104 itself as an additional module, insertable into a receiving slot within the viewing device, such as, by way of non-limitative example, a common interface slot for receiving a conditional access module.

[0030] In the further alternative, the data processing device 103 may form part of the internal circuitry of the viewing device 104, and not be separated from the viewing device by an end user.

[0031] Figure 1B depicts a server which is also connected to a network point 107. The public media display unit 101 network point 102 is in communication with the server network point 107 across a network (not shown). The network (not shown) can be any suitable mass communication system, including but not limited to a wide area network, a local area network, a public network (such as the world wide web), an intranet of a hotel and casino complex, or an extranet.

[0032] Figure 1C depicts a Casino games room 108 with a live dealer 109, gaming table 110, and video cameras 111, 112. The video cameras 111, 112 record the game play and relay the footage through network connection points 113, 114 back to the server 106 via any suitable communication means including the network means as previously discussed. The network means may be the same network means shared by the server 106 and the public media display unit 101 or a different network, such as a closed circuit television feed.

[0033] Figure 2 depicts a data processing device design 201. The form such data processing device 103 may take may be, but not exclusively, a set top box, conditional access module, or computer. Such devices containing means to decode and prepare an incoming signal for viewing.

[0034] With reference for Figure 2, the data processing device 103 hardware architecture may include, by way of non-limitative example, a data processing unit 202, for instance a general purpose microprocessor, acting as the main controller of the data processing device 103 and which is coupled with memory means comprising volatile random-access memory (RAM, 203), nonvolatile random-access memory (ROM, 204), or a combination thereof. A hard disk drive 205 may be also provided as further memory means. Memory (203, 204, 205) further serves to store the operating system of the data processing device 103, which provides the data processing device 103 with basic functionality and connectivity.

[0035] Data inputting/outputting means such as the wired or wireless network connection(s) 206 to communication networks(s) (not shown) are also included, such network connections 206 may include but are not limited to Ethernet connections (network interface connection, NIC, 206), near-field communication, Bluetooth™, infrared or any other suitable connection means.

[0036] The CPU 202, NVRAM 204 and/or RAM 203 are connected by a data input/output bus 207, over which they communicate and to which further components of the devices are similarly connected in order to provide functionality and receive user interrupts, inputs, to interface with other devices and receive configuration data.

[0037] User input may be received from a data input interface, which for example may be a television remote control, keypad, keyboard, capacitive or resistive touch screen display unit.

[0038] Power is supplied to the above components by the electrical circuit of devices 208, which is interfaced with an internal battery module, mains electricity power supply, or a power supply of the viewing device to which the data processing device is connected. The battery module if equipped, may be recharged on an ad hoc basis by an electrical converter.

[0039] With reference to figure 3 there is shown a flow diagram of the operation of the data processing device 103. Instructions and data for the CPU 202 are stored in the non-volatile memory means 204. This set of instructions for the CPU 202 are known as the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The BIOS is permanently stored for initializing the data processing device 103 hardware whenever it is started up (boot 301).

[0040] On boot 301, the BIOS instructs the hardware to load the OS. The OS of the data processing device 103 is for instance Kodi™ (or XBMC™), distributed by the XMBC foundation. Kodi™ is a free and open-source media player. It is gaining popularity as a set top box OS due to its flexibility and is easy to customise. Kodi™ may be implemented by manufacturers of set top boxes as a Just Enough Operating System (JeOS™). That is an operating system customised to suit the exact requirements of a particular application. Such systems are implemented in software appliances and embedded operating systems.

[0041] JeOS™ implementations contain only the elements of an operating system required to support third party components in the appliance, in this instance, the set top box.

[0042] While Kodi™ is used here to describe the invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any suitable operating system may be substituted.

[0043] The present invention is implemented on Kodi™ as an addon. Advantageously, the addon may be installed on any data processing device 103 running a compatible OS, regardless of the data processing device 103 hardware. The OS can be tailored by the manufacturer to suit the data processing device 103, and the invention easily implemented via the addon. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the system may be natively coded into the operating system.

[0044] Once of OS has loaded, a script for implementing the invention is processed (the start up library 302). This may be provided by the manufacturer on initial set up of the data processing device 103, via a portable memory medium such as floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB-stick, or downloaded from an online repository directly to the internal memory means of the data processing device 103.

[0045] The start up library 302 issues a series of instructions to the data processing device 103 hardware to initiate a gaming session 303. The most important instruction issued is to acquire the latest information from a remote game server 304 and build the latest version of the second set of instructions 555 using the data acquired from the server 304 and a set of program modules.

[0046] The modules suitably comprise a bare-bones form of the second set of instructions and comprise fields that need to be populated using the data acquired from the server 304 to create a complete set of secondary instructions 555.

[0047] The remote game server 303 comprises at least one database 306. The database 306 is further illustrated in figure 4. The database 306 holds all the information relating to the games 401 and registered users 402. Such information includes, by way of non-limitative example, the games available to be played 403, the dealers at those games, the address of the input signal for a live feed to that game (e.g. UHF frequency or live web video feed), a registered user’s account details 404, and the funds available to a registered user 405. The database 306 may optionally hold further information, for example, targeted adverts and offers directed at the users.

[0048] With reference to figure 5, the second set of instructions 555 is built from modules 501. The modules may be stored locally in the memory means of the data processing device 103, or, alternatively, the modules may be downloaded when required from the remote server 106. The modules 501 are added to the second set of instructions 555 by the start up library 550. Modules are included for: the creation of accounts 502, communication with the remote game server 503, money transfer and fund management 504, and games 505.

[0049] The second set of instructions 555 are temporarily recoded in the hardware’s volatile memory. The second set of instructions 555 are unique to each game playing session 303. The second set of instructions 555 are built and dynamically amended by the start up library 550 as required. The second set of instructions 555 are not stored or recorded in the data processing device’s permanent memory. The second set of instructions 555 are stored and processed only in the data processing device’s volatile memory (RAM). Once a game session 303 is ended, the second set of instructions 555 are flushed 307 from the RAM. Any sensitive information that is downloaded locally from the remote database 306, entered by the user locally, processed by, or contained within, the second set of instructions 555 is deleted at the end of the game playing session 307. No trace of the game player’s sensitive data is therefore left on the data processing device 103 or visualisation device 104.

[0050] Advantageously this results is a secure system that may be safely used on a public, or at least not-personal device, for example, a hotel room television which may be used by hundreds of customers.

[0051] A user desirous of initiating a game, upon starting the data processing device 103, selects and runs the start up library 302. The start up library 302 establishes a network connection to the server 304 and builds a second set of instructions 555 by combining a plurality of discrete data processing modules 501 either stored locally or downloaded from the remote server 106. The start up library 302 first inputs a login module 506 into the second set of instructions 555. This presents the user with a screen where the user may select from options including a login (e.g. via a username and password) or the option to register as a new user if they have not used the system before. The login module 506 compares the username and password entered by the user with that stored on the remote server 304. If the credentials match, the server 304 grants the user access.

[0052] The login module 506 may further call an adverts module 507 which is downloaded and inserted into the secondary instructions 555 by the start up library 550. The adverts module 507 displays advertisements and offers to the user via a server-side script (PHP) which draws the advertisement content from a MySQL database 306 located on the remote server.

[0053] If a user is yet to register with the server 306, the registration module 502 is inputted into the second set of instructions 555 by the start up library 550. The user is presented with a form where they may input the necessary information to register as a game player. Such information may include, but is not limited to, an email address a phone number, a postal address 406, and a password. These details are stored in to database 306 located on the remote server 304. The registration module 502 assesses the information to ensure it is of the correct format to allow the user to progress (for example, that a valid email address and phone number has been supplied, and that a user’s password and confirmation of that password match).

[0054] Once the form is validly completed the user is presented with the terms of use as determined by the game provider or casino with an option for the user to accept or decline those conditions. Declining the conditions results in the game program 303 terminating and the user being denied entry to the game playing session. Acceptance of the terms of conditions allows the user to progress to the casino and become a game player.

[0055] Upon successful login a splash screen with a greeting is displayed. The splash screen may be generic and stored in the data processing device box itself as part of the start up library 550 or data thereof. Alternatively, the splash screen could be generated using data held in a remote database 306 on the server 304. A link to a web address is optionally provided to allow a user to pair a web remote or second screen (e.g. via a touchscreen tablet computer). Such a link is optionally provided by a 2D barcode (QR™ code).

[0056] Once the game player has read and/or accepted the splash screen the casino module is executed. The start up library 550 populates the second set of instructions 555 with the games 403 listed on the server 304 that are currently available to the game player. The game player is also presented with the option to add or withdraw funds to their account.

[0057] If the game player chooses to add or withdraw funds to their account, the start up library 550 loads a fund manager module 504 into the second set of instructions 555. The game player is then presented with a form whereby they may enter their payment details (for example, a credit or debit card) and the value of funds they wish to add to their account. Alternatively, the game player may enter their bank account number and sort code to allow withdrawal of funds. The second set of instructions 555 communicates this information to a remote server 304 via a wirecard module 508. The wirecard module 508 passes payment information across a secure connection to a wirecard payment gateway and receives a successful or unsuccessful response depending on the success of the transaction.

[0058] The second set of instructions 555 stores this information only in the data processing device’s volatile memory. When the game playing session ends, the sensitive information is flushed 307 from the game player’s device.

[0059] A game player, having attended to the funds in their account, may then select a game 303 to play from the games module 505. The games module 505 displays the games 303 available for the game player to join.

[0060] Games 303 which the game player may play, include but are not limited to, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and Texas Hold’em poker.

[0061] Depending on the number of instances of any particular game open to the player, the dealer module 509 is loaded into the second set of instructions 555. The dealer module 509 presents the game player with a subset of games which they may choose to join. This system emulates the tables of a casino, for example, if a game player intends to partake in Blackjack, they may select from one of a number of “tables” to join. The dealer module 509 displays to the game player the number of other players at that “table” and who the physical dealer is (if present).

[0062] Once the game 303, and if applicable, the “table” has been selected, the game details are loaded into the second set of instructions 555 by the startup library 550.

[0063] The game module 505 controls the game session, and outputs the visuals to the visualisation device. The game module 505 further connects to the remote server 304 via a secure socket. The socket is monitored by the game module for incoming information.

[0064] With reference to figure 6 there is shown the active server 304 connections during a game 303. The game module 505 reacts as appropriate to information sent by the server 304. Such information includes the actions of other players 601, 602, 603 in the game, the dealer’s actions (e.g. cards dealt or the results of a spin on the roulette wheel 604), and casino data 605 (e.g. betting odds). This information is relayed from each player of a game 601, 602, 603, and the casino or dealer to the server 304. The server processes the incoming information and then issues the relevant information to the players 601, 602, 603. For example, telling the players 601, 602, 603, who has won or lost, the result of a spin or the value of a card drawn. The game module 303 may also overlay a live feed from the casino, displaying the dealer and the game (e.g. the roulette wheel).

[0065] Optionally there is an instruction screen whereby an inexperienced game player can find information relating to game play and how to interact with the interface.

[0066] Further modules may be added to the second set of instructions 555 by the start up library as and when required. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art any suitable module may be included. Such optional modules are listed below. The below modules may be loaded either in addition to, or instead of, any other module.

[0067] A hotel credential module may be loaded. The hotel credential module contains the hotel’s details and any special offers the establishment has available, or to link to that venue’s partner casino.

[0068] An OS addons module can be loaded. The OS addons module, for example, comprises additional controls for the Kodi™ operating system, such as, by way of non-limitative example, remote actions.

[0069] An additional URL module can be loaded to allow additional uniform resource identifiers to be included from the application program interface.

[0070] A settings module may be loaded to allow a technician to trace bugs and maintain the system. The settings module may features to be remotely switched on and off by a technician.

[0071] A user data module may be loaded. The user data module comprises information relating to the user, including but not limited to, currency type, account balance, application program interface tokens, and the user’s login name.

[0072] A web remote module may be loaded. The web remote module allows the game player to register, set up, and use control means other than a television remote control, for example, a touchscreen computer or tablet.

[0073] A chat module may be loaded. The chat module allows game players to communicate with each other or to contact technical support, the dealers, or Pitboss. One such chat module could use extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP™).

[0074] An error handling module may be loaded. The error handling module deals with any code errors that arise. The error handling module collects error data about the error. The error data includes device information, modules used, their variables, and the error itself. The module then packages this error information into a JavaScript Object Notation return for sending via PHP script to the remote server for analysis by a technician. The technician may then investigate the error and act as appropriate. As the second set of instructions 555 is transient, a technician may quickly and readily act and update the second set of instructions 555 to rectify the error. The start up library 550 may then dynamically amend the second set of instructions 555 to implement the error correction.

[0075] As the start up library 550 builds and dynamically updates the secondary set of instructions 555 the contents of the secondary instructions 555 vary depending on the user. For example, figure 5 depicts the modules 501 included for a game player, these game playing modules 510 for example, include login, adverts, registration, fund manager, hotel, web remote, games, and user data modules. These modules allow a new user to register, login, be shown an advert (the advert could be tailored to the user’s hotel via the hotel module), add funds to their account, register a web remote control (e.g. a tablet computer), edit their user data, and then to play a game.

[0076] Figure 7 shows an alternative set of secondary instructions 701 created by the start up library 550 for use by a technician attending to an error. The technician modules 702 may include only the module exhibiting an error (in figure 7, by way of example, this is the hotel module 703), and modules for dealing with that error, for example, a settings module 704 and an error handling module 705.

Claims

1. A method of generating and updating a graphical multi-user gaming interface in real time across a network comprising at least one remote server and one or more data processing devices in network communication therewith, the method comprising the steps of: the at least one remote server running at least one remote session at runtime of the server; storing a first set of instructions in each data processing device for connecting to the at least one remote session, wherein the first set of instructions comprises an application start up library; and when each data processing device processes the first set of instructions; causing the data processing device to download a second set of instructions from the remote server; generating the graphical multi-user interface at the at least first data processing device; streaming a data feed from the remote server to the graphical multi-user interface; reading and processing local data user input at the at least first data processing device; and communicating processed user input data to the remote server across the network.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second set of instructions comprises a plurality of discrete data processing modules which, when processed by each data processing device, outputs processed data to the graphical user interface.

3. A method as claimed in any previous claim, comprising the further step of deleting the second set of instructions when the at least first data processing device is turned off.

4. A method as claimed in any previous claim, comprising the further step of flushing the second set of instructions from memory when the first set of instructions ceases to be processed.

5. A method as claimed in any previous claim, comprising the further step of flushing the processed data from memory when the first set of instructions ceases to be processed.

6. A method as claimed in any previous claim, comprising the further step of deleting the processed when the at least first data processing device is turned off.

7. A method as claimed in any previous claim, comprising the further step of encrypting communications.

8. A method as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the method is used across a public network.

9. A method as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the method is used across an intranet.

10. A method as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the step of streaming a data feed further comprises connecting to a live video feed.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the live video feed is a television broadcast.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the live video feed is from a closed circuit television system.

13. A method as claimed in any previous claim, wherein at least one data processing device is a set top box.

14. A method as claimed in any of claims 1-12, wherein at least one data processing device is embedded in a network-capable television.

15. A real time gaming system comprising; one or more data processing devices, each comprising device memory means, the device memory means storing a first set of instructions comprising an application start up library; at least one server comprising server memory means which , the server memory means storing at least a database application and a second set of instructions; wherein the or each data processing device is connected to the at least one server are across a data network; wherein the first set of instructions configures the or each data processing device at runtime to: download the second set of instructions from the server, process the second set of instructions to receive secure gaming data from the server and to generate local secure gaming data, communicate the generated secure gaming data to the server, and output the secure gaming data to a real-time graphical user interface; and wherein the at least one server is configured to stream a data feed to the graphical user interface.

16. A real time gaming system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the database application further comprises a plurality of discrete gaming data processing modules, each associated with a respective multi-user game.

17. A real time gaming system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein each data processing device is further configured to flush the second set of instructions from the device memory means when the first set of instructions is interrupted.

18. A real time gaming system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein each data processing device is further configured to flush the secure gaming data from the device memory means when the first set of instructions is interrupted.

19. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15-18 wherein the data feed comprises a live video feed.

20. A real time gaming system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the live video feed is a television broadcast.

21. A real time gaming system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the live video feed is from a closed circuit television system.

22. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15-21 wherein the communications between the at least one server and each device are encrypted.

23. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15-22 wherein the network is a public network.

24. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15-22 wherein the network is an intranet.

25. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15 to 24, wherein the at least first data processing device is a set top box.

26. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15-24 wherein the at least first data processing device is in a network-capable television.

27. A method as claimed in any of claims 1-14 substantially as described herein, in association with and as substantially depicted by the figures.

28. A real time gaming system as claimed in any of claims 15-27 substantially as described herein, in association with and as substantially depicted by the figures.