Interactive TV system for mass media distribution

An interactive data system comprising:

• at least one response unit where end user's are located, the unit having normally received TV programs playing thereat, the programs presenting questions to the end user;
• audible beeps, corresponding to unique preselected codes, independent of program identification, being played by the TV program at the same time a corresponding question is posed;
• means located at the response unit for
• (a) indicating a response to a question;
• (b) picking up the audio beep;
• (c) generating a unique signal from both the picked up beep, indicative of the response to a particular question, and an identification of the response unit;
• (d) transmitting the generated signal to a local area repeater station;
• and
• means located at the repeater station for transmitting data, derived from the signal, to an audience response data center for processing of the data
• wherein printed media is available at the response unit presenting questions to the end user, the media also having unique preselected printed bar codes representing various fixed responses;
• the system further including;
• a bar code reader for reading selected bar code responses and generating unique corresponding electrical signals therefrom;
• answering means for transmitting the electrical signal, along with an identification of the response unit, to a local repeater station;
• manual actuation means located at the response unit for gating transmission of the electrical signal through the answering means;
• and
• means located at the repeater station for transmitting data, derived from the signal, to an audience response data center for processing of the data.

A method or returning responses from at least one response unit of an interactive data communication system, the method comprising the steps;

• establishing at least one response unit site which receives normal TV or radio programs from a party the programs including questions accompanied by an audible beep corresponding to a unique preobtained code from the question;
• indicating a response to the question;
• picking up the audio beep;
• generating a unique signal from the picked up beep, indicative of a response to a particular question as well as an identification of the response unit;
• transmitting the generated signal to a local area repeater station;
• and
• transmitting data, derived from the signal, to an audience response data center for processing of the data.

A method of data communication comprising the steps:

• generating a unique signal by receiving an audible signal from an electronic device;
• combining the received audible signal with a unique identifier of a response unit;
• communicating the unique signal from the response unit to a local area repeater station;
• verifying the unique signal at the local area repeater station;
• and
• communicating the generated signal from the repeater station to a data center for peocessing.