Importance

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Abstract

An Interactive Communication System which solves the problem of enabling a participant (16) to participate in a broadcast program event (40) by using a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) keypad (46) on an existing telephone (18) is disclosed. The broadcast program event (40) may be viewed on a television receiver (12) simultaneously with other participants (74). A computer (22) is driven by a plurality of DTMF receivers (122). The participant (16) gains access to a DTMF receiver (122) through a conventional telephone circuit (20a) terminating at a local telephone exchange (LTE). The participant (16) is prompted by the program event (40) to enter responses into the computer (22) through the DTMF receiver (122) by pressing keys (140) on the key pad (46). The DTMF receiver (122) has a digital character output (126). A microprocessor (124) processes the output (126) and sends it to a main memory (28) when enabled by associated logic (120,121,131,132,134). Viewer identification software (25) associates the responses with the participant (16) and a time stamp (50) is attached (138). Criteria software (30) sorts and evaluates the responses according to criteria instructions (35). Judging software (32) selects a winner according to judging instructions (37). Winner(s) selection software (34) supplies winner identification for announcement by the transmitting station (38). The broadcast program event (40) may include commercial messages offering incentives to purchase merchandise and services or include offers of prizes to the participant (16).

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First Claim