GB2441041A

GB2441041A - Interactive Broadcasting

Info

Publication number: GB2441041A
Application number: GB0715644A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Krisman
Original assignee: ANSWERBACK Ltd
Current assignee: ANSWERBACK Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-11
Filing date: 2007-08-10
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: GB0715644D0; WO2008017856A2; WO2008017856A3; GB0616030D0

Abstract

A system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users comprises a central controller 30 and one or more local controllers 10 in communication with the central controller. The central controller broadcasts 24 data for display to the local controller or controllers 10 and transmits 26 data for display to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers. The local controllers display on a display 12 for users the broadcast data and transmitted data, and receive data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices 18, 20, 22 and transmit such data to the central controller.

Description

INTERACTIVE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PLURALITY

OF USERS

The present invention relates to an interactive electronic system and more particularly to an interctive broadcast system for a plurality of users.

Interactive electronic systems for a plurality of users are known in the art, especially in the fields of live events and interactive broadcasting. Typically, such systems are used to enable audience members to participate and interact with a broadcast by allowing users of the system to indicate their preference or response to a question.

Such electronic systems typically employ user input units, often in the form of a keypad or remote control, which transmit data to a central controller via a telecommunications link.

The Applicants believe that there remains scope for improved interactive electronic systems and in particular to such systems where a potentially large number of players can participate in an interactive broadcast event.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the system comprising: a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller; wherein the central controller comprises: means for receiving data transmitted by a local controller or controllers; means for broadcasting data for display to the local controller or controllers; and means for transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller comprises: means for displaying on a display for users data for display that is broadcast to the local controller by the central controller and data for display that is transmitted to the local controller by the central controller separately to the broadcast data; and means for receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and for transmitting such data to the central controller.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, which system comprises a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller, the method comprising: the central controller: broadcasting data for display to the local controller or controllers; and transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller: displaying on a display for users data for display that is broadcast to the local controller by the central controller and data for display that is transmitted to the local controller by the central controller separately to the broadcast data; and receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and transmitting such data to the central controller.

The present invention provides an interactive broadcast system in which a central controller can transmit to one or more local controllers for display both a broadcast" data signal and a data transmission that is transmitted separately to the data broadcast.

In other words, in the system of the present invention, the local controllers receive for display to users data transmitted via two different communications channels, namely the data broadcast, and the separate transmission.

As will be discussed further below, the Applicants have recognised that such an arrangement can provide an enhanced interactive system. For example, and preferably, the broadcast data can relate to data that is to be displayed in common by plural local controllers (e.g. be data of a "global" nature) and the separate data transmission can relate to data that is specific to an individual or only a subset of the local controllers (e.g. be data of a more "local" nature).

Thus, for example, in the case of the use of the present invention for an interactive entertainment broadcast, such as a television programme, the broadcast data could and preferably does comprise the television programme for display (which will preferably include periodic user-prompts or stimuli, such as questions, to invite interactive responses by users watching the programme) and the separately transmitted data for display could and preferably does comprise, e.g., information, such as statistics, leaderboards, etc., that are specific to a given local controller or controllers. In this way an enhanced interactive event can be provided to users of the system. (Other arrangements would, of course, be possible).

The local controllers also receive inputs from user interface devices and transmit data relating to such inputs to the central controller. This allows users to interact with the system.

The present invention also extends to the operation of the local controllers and of the central controller in their own right.

Thus, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and for transmitting such data to a central controller; means for receiving broadcast data for display from the central controller; means for receiving data for display from the central controller via a data transmission that is separate to the broadcast of data for display; and means for displaying broadcast data and data that is transmitted separately to the.broadcast data on a display for users of the system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and transmitting such data to a central controller; receiving broadcast data for display from the central controller; receiving data for display from the central controller via a data transmission that is separate to the broadcast of data for display; and displaying broadcast data and data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data on a display for users of the system.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for broadcasting data for display to one or more local controllers; means for transmitting data for display to one or more of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and means for receiving data relating to user inputs from one or more of the local controllers.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: broadcasting data for display to one or more local controllers; transmitting data for display to one or more of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and receiving data relating to user inputs from one or more of the local controller or controllers.

Although it would be possible for the system of the present invention to include a single local controller only, in a particularly preferred embodiment there are plural local controllers, each having access to an appropriate display for displaying the data broadcast and transmitted by the central controller and each being coupled to one or more, and preferably plural, user interface devices.

The local controllers are preferably remote from the central controller and/or are preferably each arranged at locations where users will wish to participate in and interact with the broadcast, such as private homes and/or public buildings. In a particularly preferrd embodiment the local controllers are located in private homes, public houses, bars and/or casinos.

Each local controller will, in effect, serve a given "venue'. There could, of course, be more than one local controller (and display, etc.) at any given venue, if desired (and the local controllers at a given venue could each have their own individual displays, or share displays, etc., as desired -preferably each local controller has its own individual display).

In a preferred embodiment, the local controllers can be, and preferably are, arranged into, preferably predetermined, groups of local controllers, with a and preferably each such group comprising, e.g., and preferably, a selected subset of all of the local controllers of the system. Such grouping of the local controllers into subsets is preferably based on some common association or factor of the local controllers in the group, such as, and preferably, their location, and/or a commercial or economic relationship between the venues where the local controllers are located. In a preferred such embodiment, the local controllers located in all the public houses of a given chain of public houses and/or in a given area (e.g. town) are grouped together as a group of associated local controllers.

In a preferred embodiment, there are plural different groups of associated local controllers, with each such group comprising one or more, and preferably plural, local controllers.

The local controllers and the central controller have appropriate communication links with each other.

Thus there is a broadcast communication link for the broadcast data, a data transmission link for the data transmission that is separate to the data broadcast, and a data transmission link for the transmission of data (e.g. relating to user inputs) from the local controllers to the central controller. These communications links and the data transmissions can comprise any desired and suitable arrangements.

For example, the "broadcast" data and the separate data transmission can be transmitted to the local controller(s) using logically-separated transmissions (channels) on the same physical transmission medium (channel), such as time-multiplexed transmissions over a network link. They could also take place over physically separated (and distinct) transmission arrangements (channels).

It should also be noted here that references to "broadcast" data and "transmitted' data are not intended to require different delivery mechanisms for such data to the local controller(s), and both sets of data could be delivered to the local controllers using the same delivery mechanism (transmission arrangement or medium) if desired.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the data transmissions to the local controller(s) take place via different transmission arrangements. In a preferred such arrangement the broadcast data is transmitted via a television broadcast to the local controllers (which may be via a "normal" radio frequency transmission television broadcast, via satellite or cable, etc., as desired), and the "separate" data transmission is sent over a separate communications network link, such as, and preferably, over the Internet.

In another preferred embodiment, the two transmissions both take place over a network link, such as, and preferably, over the Internet.

(It will be appreciated here that the data transmissions in general may be made wirelessly, or via wired connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, using any suitable arrangements for doing so, and may involve any number of intermediate components between the central controller and the local controller(s).) The transmission of user-input data from the local controller(s) to the central controller can similarly take place in any desired and suitable fashion. It is preferably done via a communications network link to the central controller and preferably via the Internet. In one preferred embodiment, this data transmission uses the same transmission arrangement (e.g. is via the Internet) as the data transmission to the local controller(s) that is separate to the broadcast data.

The data that is broadcast to the local controllers for display can comprise any suitable and desired such data. In a preferred embodiment this data broadcast comprises data that is to be commonly displayed by plural local controllers (and most preferably by all the local controllers that are currently active in the system). Thus the broadcast data preferably comprises a "global" broadcast that is to be (and is) supplied in the same form to any number of (preferably all of) the local controllers (venues of the local controllers).

This broadcast data is preferably in the form of a television broadcast, and/or preferably comprises or has the nature of, a television programme. It preferably comprises an interactive event, preferably a continuous interactive event, and preferably a live interactive event, and, as discussed above, preferably includes periodic stimuli, such as questions, to invite responses from users. In a particularly preferred embodiment it.

comprises an interactive entertainment event or show, such as, and preferably, a quiz or game.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the broadcast data is based, at least in part, on user input data received from the local controller(s) . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises means for or a step of the central controller receiving user input data from a local controller or controllers and modifying and/or controlling the broadcast data that is transmitted to the local controller(s) on the basis of the user input data.

In such an arrangement, the central controller preferably consolidates and/or mixes received user-input data with the, e.g., television program, to be broadcast and then broadcasts the program to the local Controllers.

For example, in addition to supplying questions to be superimposed on top of the television program, processed data relating to the previous question may also be included within the broadcast television program. Such inclusion may be, for example, and is preferably, achieved by modifying the actual television program (i.e. information displayed in the background of studio may be modified) and/or by superimposing information on top of the television program.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, any modification or control of the broadcast data (prograxre) based on user input data is based on data relating to inputs of all of the users of the system (such as an overall leaderboard), as such data will be of more general (global) interest.

The data for display that is transmitted to the local controller(s) separately to the broadcast data can similarly comprise any desired and suitable such data.

It may be data that is specific and local to one or more local controllers (venues) or it may be (more) generic data (such as data related to the state of the current studio activity (e.g. the stage of the game) and may have nothing at all to do with previous responses from the user interfaces). It is preferably data that does not have the form of a continuous, and/or live, event (such as a television program), but is instead, for example, data that represents results and/or statistics, etc., relating to the broadcast data (program or event) and preferably data for display relating to user inputs -10 -provided in response to the broadcast data (program or event).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the data for display that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data comprises data that is customised for (specific to) the local controller or controllers to which it is transmitted. In other words, it preferably comprises data that is "local" or specific to a given local controller or controllers (in contrast to the broadcast data that is intended to be common to, and to be displayed in common by, all of the local controllers). Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, one or more of the local controllers will receive via the "separate" data transmission data for display that is customised for, and/or specific to, them.

Most preferably in such an arrangement, the central controller can transmit plural sets of such data, each to different local controllers or groups of local controllers. This would then allow each local controller or group of local controllers (as discussed above) to receive and display data that is specific or customised to them.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the data transmission that is separate to the broadcast data comprises data that is to be displayed by particular, preferably selected, local controller(s) only and most preferably data that is to be displayed by a group of the local controllers that are associated with each other. In a particularly preferred embodiment where there are plural different groups or subsets of associated local controllers (as discussed above), each group or subset of local controllers receives a data transmission that is intended for (specific to) that group or subset of local controllers (and preferably that is for that group or subset only).

-11 -Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the central controller comprises means for or a step of transmitting separate sets of data for display to separate local controllers or groups of local controllers (in addition to the broadcast data). In such an arrangement, the central controller would, accordingly, for example, transmit the broadcast data and a first, separate set of data to a first group or set of local controllers, and transmit the broadcast data and a second, different, separate set of data, to a second group or set of local controllers, and so on.

It is believed that such arrangements may be new and advantageous in their own right. Thus, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, and in which a plurality of local controllers are used to display the broadcast to users of the system, the controller comprising: means for broadcasting a common data signal for display to the local controllers of the system; means for transmitting a different data signal for display to each of plural different groups of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controllers; and means for receiving data relating to user inputs from a local controller or controllers.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, and in which a plurality of local controllers are used to display the broadcast to users of the system, the method comprising the controller: broadcasting a common data signal for display to the local controllers of the system; -12 -transmitting a different data signal for display to each of plural different groups of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controllers; and receiving data relating to user inputs from a local controller or controllers.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these aspects of the present invention can and preferably do include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate. Thus, for example, the groups of local controllers can include one or more than one local controller, and are preferably based on geographical and/or commercial or economic associations between the controllers.

In a particularly preferred arrangement of these embodiments and aspects of the invention, a selected group or groups of the local controllers receive data that is custornised for them in common, and all other local controllers (i.e. that are not included in the selected groups) receive data that is customised for (unique to) them individually.

For example, it is envisaged that economically-linked venues (local controllers) (e.g. pubs in a chain) may receive the same Custom transmitted signal, whereas all other venues receive a custom transmitted signal unique to the venue.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data is based on user input data received by the central controller. Preferably the data transmission is based on user input data received from the local controller or controllers to which the data transmission is to be sent. Most preferably it relates to and/or is based on data relating only to the inputs of users made via (associated with) the local controller or controllers -13 - (group of controllers) to which the data transmission is to be sent.

Thus, for example, where a data transmission is to be sent to a selected group or set of the local controllers only, it is preferably based on, and preferably based only on, user input data received from the local controllers of that set or group (although it could also, if desired, be based on user input data received from other local controllers as well). In this way, a given local controller or controllers may receive and display data based on the specific user inputs provided to those controllers, and thus receive and display data that is customised to the local controller or controllers in question.

This facilitates the provision of specific, local data (data of local interest) to desired groups or sets of local controllers (and hence, e.g., users at a given venue or venues) . For example, information relating to the user inputs provided at a venue, such as, local or intra-venue information, such as a venue leader board, can thus be displayed to users at the venue in conjunction with the broadcast global" interactive event.

Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the or each local controller receives a broadcast data signal for display which may and preferably does contain data of a global nature (e.g. and preferably data relating to the inputs of all of the users of the interactive system) and receives a separate data transmission which may and preferably does contain data of a local or regional nature (e.g. and preferably data relating only to the inputs of users local to or associated with the specific local controller).

Thus, where there are plural local controllers arranged, e.g., at different venues, each of the venues preferably displays an interactive broadcast which combines a broadcast signal (containing information -14 -relating to all of the venues of the system) and a custom transmitted signal (containing information relating to the specific venue in question and/or venues associated with the venue in question).

The or each local controller can display the broadcast data and the separately transmitted data that it receives from the central controller in any desired fashion. Thus, it could, for example, (selectively) display one or other of the broadcast data and the transmitted data on the display for users.

In a preferred embodiment, the or each local controller can and preferably does consolidate and/or mix the received broadcast data and transmitted data for display. Thus, the or each local controller can preferably display both data broadcast by the central controller and data separately transmitted to the local controller from the central controller simultaneously on a user display.

It should be noted here that a local controller need not display the data immediately it is received, but the received data and broadcast may be stored for future interpretation and use. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the or each local controller can store data received from the central controller. Similarly, although in one preferred embodiment the data broadcast and "separate" data transmission take place concurrently (and preferably Simultaneously) this is not essential and they could be separated in time if desired. Indeed, in a preferred embodiment, the transmitted, "local" data, is transmitted ahead of time (the time for its display) and/or at the same time as the broadcast data (that it is to be displayed with).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the broadcast data is displayed by a, and preferably by each, local controller in real-time, as it is received.

This is particularly applicable where the broadcast data -15 -for display comprises an interactive event, such as a television program.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the display of the transmitted data is triggered by the broadcast data, e.g., and preferably, by including (encoding) data elements (commands) to trigger such display in the broadcast data (this could be done by including appropriate data (e.g. commands) in, e.g., and preferably, the vertical blanking interval portion (e.g. and preferably as a teletext transmission) of a television broadcast -other arrangements would, of course, be.possible). In this case the transmitted data is preferably transmitted to the local controllers in advance of being displayed (ahead of the time for its display) (and then stored by the local controller), and its display then triggered by the broadcast data. This allows the broadcast (data) to control the display of the transmitted data.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the broadcast data is displayed on a display for users and data from the transmitted data for display is displayed on the display during the display of the broadcast data (preferably in response to data in the broadcast data triggering such display).

Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the transmitted data is transmitted to the local controller(s) ahead of being displayed, and its display is triggered by the broadcast data (preferably by including data elements or commands in the broadcast data to trigger its display). The broadcast data is preferably displayed in real time, as it is received.

It is believed that such arrangements may be new and advantageous in their own right.

Thus, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the system comprising: -16 -a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller; wherein the central controller comprises: means for transmitting a first set of data for display to one or more local controllers; and means for transmitting a.second set of data for display to the local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller comprises: means for receiving the first set of data for display from the central controller; means for storing the first set of data for display; means for receiving the second data for display from the central controller; and means for displaying on a display for users the received second set of data for display and for displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, which system comprises a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller, the method comprising: the central controller transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers; the local controller or controllers storing the first set of data; the central controller transmitting asecond set of data for display to a local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for -17 -triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller displaying the second set of data for display on a display for users and displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for receiving a first set of data for display from a central controller; means for storing the first set of data for display; means for receiving a second data for display from the central controller, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by the controller; and means for displaying on a display for users the received second set of data for display and for displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: receiving a first set of data for display from a central controller; storing the first set of data for display; receiving a second data for display from the central controller, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by the controller; and -18 -displaying on a display for users the received second set of data for display and displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for transmitting a first set of data for display to one or more local controllers; and means for transmitting a second set of data for display to the local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: transmitting a first set of data for display to one or more local controllers; and transmitting a second set of data for display to the local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these aspects and embodiments of the invention can and preferably do include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate. Thus, for example, the local controllers preferably also receive inputs from user interface devices and transmit data relating to such inputs to the central controller. Similarly, the second set of data preferably comprises an interactive event, such as a television program, is -19 -preferably broadcast to the local controllers in common, and is preferably displayed substantially in real time, as it is received. Equally, the (stored) data from the first set of data is preferably displayed during the display of the second set of data.

As will be appreciated from the above, in preferred embodiments of the present invention at least, each local controller will receive and cause to be displayed both a broadcast interactive event (e.g. TV programme) that includes a stimulus such as a question or game, and separately transmitted data which is customized to the specific local controller in question.

In this way, the or each local controller can produce an interactive event which is customized to the specific venue at which it is located, but which also comprises global content from the broadcast event which is supplied in the same form to any number of venues.

Thus, according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users located at plural different venues, the system comprising: means for displaying at each venue an interactive broadcast which includes content from a broadcast event that is supplied in the same form to all the venues and which includes content that is customised for the venue in question.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users located at plural different venues, the method comprising: displaying at each venue an interactive broadcast which includes content from a broadcast event that is supplied in the same form to all the venues and which includes content that is customised for the venue in question.

-20 -As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these aspects of the present invention can and preferably do include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate.

As well as the local controller(s) and central controller discussed above, it will be appreciated that the system of the present invention will also and preferably does also include an appropriate display or displays coupled to, and under the control of, the or each local controller, and one or more user interface devices coupled to the or each local controller.

The displays may take any suitable form, such as television screens, computer monitors, projectors, etc., that can be used to display the broadcast and transmitted data to users of the system.

The user interface devices that users use to interact in the system of the present invention can similarly comprise any suitable and desired such devices for allowing users to make inputs to and to interact with the system.

The user interface devices should, in response to a user input, generate data and provide such data to the corresponding local controller (which will then transmit some or all of the data relating to the user input to the central controller, as discussed above). In this way, users can interact with the system.

In a preferred embodiment, the user interface devices comprise keypads, preferably of a shape and size such that they may be easily held in a user's hand (although this is not essential). Each user interface device may, e.g., comprise one or a plurality of buttons and/or may comprise any suitable interface means such as, purely by way of example, a jog-dial, a touch-screen or a microphone (or a plurality thereof).

The user interface device(s) (e.g. keypad) can preferably allow one or more and preferably plural (e.g. 4) users to use the same device at once.

Each user interface device preferably has the capability to generate, store and forward data to a (its respective) local controller in response to user inputs provided to the device (e.g. according to which one of its button is activated by a user). Preferably, each user interface device also comprises a timer for obtaining information relating to the timing of user inputs. In a preferred embodiment the or each user interface device is a transmit-only device (i.e. only transmits data, and does not receive data in use).

A given local controller could have only a single user interface device associated with it, but in a preferred embodiment a and preferably each local controller has plural user interface devices associated with it (i.e. can receive and transmit data from two or more user interface devices).

In a preferred embodiment, data relating to previous and/or current interactive broadcasts (events) can be accessed by users otherwise than via the local controller's display, such as, and preferably via a management data interface, such as over the web. This would allow controlling users to, e.g., collate, store and make available information relating to multiple interactive events.

It is similarly preferred to store, amongst other things, questions, answers and information from previous and/or current interactive events for future availability and use.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the system includes, preferably web-based, services which enable users to access information relating to previous and/or current interactive broadcasts which is stored in the system. This would then allow users to, e.g., access -22 -historical data including national and mini-league tables as well as individual performance statistics.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises steps of or means for storing relating to interactive events, etc., and/or a web server for providing web-based services which facilitate access to the stored data, a database for storing data from the local controller (preferably at the central controller), and/or a user terminal, e.g. and preferably in communication with the central controller, for accessing the stored data.

In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a local controller operable to receive data from at least two user interfaces for generating data in response to a user input, the local controller including a store for storing data and processing means. The central controller preferably comprises a central server, and the system preferably further comprises a display for displaying data from the local controller.

In a preferred such embodiment, the central server comprises broadcast means for broadcasting data and a computer system connected to the broadcast means so that the computer system can provide data to the broadcast means for controlling or modifying the broadcasted data.

In these arrangements, the computer system preferably comprises: a communications server for managing communication between the local controller and a control sever; a database for storing data from the local controller; a results processing unit for processing data from the local controller and generating data; and a graphics server for rendering the generated data from the results processing unit, wherein the control server is for controlling the data that is provided to the broadcast means.

The computer system preferably further comprises: an archive unit for storing data from the database; and -23 -a web server for providing web-based services which facilitate access to the data stored in the archive unit. The broadcast means preferably comprises: a vision mixer for combining a video source with data from the computer system; a multiplexer for multiplexing an output signal of the vision mixer; and a broadcast transmitter for broadcasting an output of the multiplexer.

The central server preferably comprises a database for storing data from the local controller, and preferably further comprises a web server for providing a web-based service which facilitates access to the data stored in the database. The system preferably further comprises a user terminal in communication with the central server for accessing data stored on the database.

The method of the present invention preferably comprises: generating data in response to a user input in at least two user interfaces; storing and processing the generated data in a local controller; and communicating at least some of the processed data to a central server.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, users and/or venues, etc., can register with system, and, e.g., register, configure and/or modify personal information with the system. This would allow, e.g., the system to be further customised to individual users and/or venues, etc.. Such registration and data configuration and customisation can preferably be done via a web-based interface, although other arrangements Most preferably, a user or users can set up and establish relationships between users and venues (e.g. users of the venues, mini-leagues, etc). This would then allow users to create or join mini-leagues and host tournament-like competitions, etc..

-24 -Users can preferably also set up personal data such as contact, address and payment details.

In a preferred embodiment, the information registration and access process includes security measures, such as a need for users to login and/or be authenticated by the system, so as to enhance the security of the process.

As discussed above, the user interface devices, local controller(s) and central controller can be arranged and communicate with each other in any desired and suitable fashion.

However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the user interface devices are coupled to their respective local controller via a hub unit that interfaces between the local controller and the user interface device. Preferably, plural user interface devices are coupled to a shared hub unit, which hub unit is then coupled to a local controller, and, most preferably, each local controller is coupled to plural hub units. This provides a tree-like structure for linking the user interface devices to the local controller and has been found to be a particularly convenient mechanism for linking plural user-interface devices to a local controller.

Indeed, it is believed that such an arrangement may be new and advantageous in its own right. Thus, according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for the provision of an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, comprising: a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller; wherein the central controller comprises means for transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers; and -25 -means for receiving from a local controller or controllers data relating to user inputs; and the or each local controller comprises: means for displaying data received from the central controller on a display; and means for transmitting data relating to user inputs to the central controller; and wherein the or each local controller is coupled to one or more hub units, the or each hub unit being coupled to one or more user interface devices, the arrangement being such that a user interface device can transmit data relating to a user input made to it to its respective hub unit, and the hub unit can relay such user input data to its respective local controller, whereby the local controller may then transmit the user input data to the central controller.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users which includes a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller, the method comprising: the central controller: transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers; and receiving from a local controller or controllers data relating to user inputs; and the or each local controller: displaying data received from the central controller on a display; and transmitting data relating to user inputs to the central controller; and wherein the or each local controller is coupled to one or more hub units, the or each hub unit being coupled to one or more user interface devices, and the method further comprises a user interface device transmitting data relating to a user input made to it to its -26 -respective hub unit, and the hub unit relaying such user input data to its respective local controller, whereby the local controller may then transmit the user input data to the central controller.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these aspects and embodiments of the present invention can and preferably do include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate. Thus, for example, the central controller preferably sends two data transmissions for display to the or each local controller.

In these aspects and embodiments of the invention, the user interface devices are preferably connected in a wired fashion to their respective hub-unit, although other arrangements would, of course, be possible. For example, more than one user interface device may be integrated into a single unit which is connected to a hub unit via a single electrical connection. Indeed, in a preferred embodiment plural user interface devices (keypads) (preferably 4) and a hub unit (their shared hub unit) are integrated into a single device.

The hub units preferably communicate with their respective local controller via a, preferably one-way, wireless communication link (which can use any suitable wireless communication protocol), although again other arrangements would, of course, be possible.

The hub units are preferably portable standalone units and are preferably capable of storing and transmitting data received from connected user interface devices to a local controller. This latter capability enables a hub unit to gather and hold data before it is transmitted to a local controller.

The or each hub unit is preferably located at a position remote to the location of its local controller, is preferably battery powered and is preferably capable -27 -of being interconnected so that more than one hub unit can be recharged by a single mains power source.

The or each hub unit preferably includes means for processing user input data received from the user interface devices as necessary. Such processing may include any or all of the steps of converting, accumulating, counting, deleting, displaying and storing the received data in either their received form or any other form into which the received signals are converted by the local controller.

It will be appreciated that the amount of processing undertaken by the hub unit may depend upon the amount of processing undertaken by the user-interface devices. For example, the user interface devices may be arranged to simply relay the input signals to their respective hub unit via their respective communication links, therefore undertaking a minimal amount of processing. Conversely, the user-interface devices may complete numerous steps of processing on the signals received from the user inputs so that the signals transmitted via the respective communication link are in a particular format and/or contain particular data so only minimal processing is required by the hub unit.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the user interface devices (keypads) are completely "dunth" and all of the timing, data management and store and forward is performed in the hub unit. Similarly, each user interface and hub unit combination preferably has local time recording ability, but preferably is "stateless" (in that they have no concept of the status of the interactive event they are part of).

The hub units (and the user interface devices in general) preferably transmit the user input data to the local controllers upon demand and/or upon a pre-determined schedule.

-28 -The or each local controller similarly preferably transmits data relating to received user inputs upon demand or upon a pre- determined schedule to the central controller.

The hub units, user interface devices, and/or the local controllers are preferably arranged to store the user input data for retrieval or processing at a later time.

In a particularly preferred embodiment a, and preferably each, local controller, as well as operating in the manner of the present invention as discussed above, can also operate independently of the central controller and the broadcast environment, and/or independently of any user interaction, for example to control displays, etc., locally. This is preferably done to provide locally-hosted entertainment at the venue of the local controller, such as music, and/or to provide and facilitate maintenance functions. Thus, in a preferred embodiment a or each local controller can display data for users independently of any data transmission by the central controller and/or independently of any user interaction via the local controller.

It will be appreciated that various components and elements of the system of the present invention, such as the central controller, local controllers, etc., can be arranged and constructed in ny desired and suitable form. Thus they could, for example, comprise single units or systems, such as servers, that are configured to perform all the functions described, or they could comprise a number of different components such as servers, processors, etc., that are each appropriately coupled to each other for carrying out and performing the various functions. Thus, for example, the central controller need not comprise a single device, but could comprise a number of devices that are associated with each other, such as one server for controlling the -29 -broadcast data to the local controllers, and another, separate server for coordinating the separate data transmission to the local controller. It would also, e.g., be possible for there to be more than one central controller in the system.

Thus it should be understood that references herein to a "central controller" and a "local controller", etc., are not intended to require a single device that performs all the described functions (although in one embodiment that is the preferred arrangement), but are also intended to encompass arrangements in which plural separate or different devices or components act together to perform the functions of the necessary "controller", etc..

It would similarly be possible for the various functions of the different components of the system of the present invention to be performed in a distributed form, and with the components not necessarily having to be in the same physical locations, for example.

Equally, a user interface device or devices and a local controller need not be separate devices, but could be integrated into the same, single unit or device, if desired.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an interactive system for a plurality of users, the system comprising: a local controller operable to receive data from at least two user interfaces for generating data in response to a user input, the local controller including a store for storing data and processing means; a central server for broadcasting data to the local controller, the local controller being in communication with the central server such that it can communicate data to the central server; and a display for displaying data from the local controller, wherein the central server is arranged to transmit data to the local controller in response to the communicated data, and the display is arranged to -30 -display both data broadcasted by the central server and data transmitted to the local controller by the central server.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating an interactive system for a plurality of users, the method comprising the steps of: generating data in response to a user input in at least two user interfaces; storing and processing the generated data in a local controller; communicating at least some of the processed data to a central server; transmitting data from the central server to the local controller in response to the communicated data; broadcasting data from the central server; receiving both the data transmitted from the central server to the local controller and the data broadcast by the central server; and displaying the received data.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, all of the aspects and embodiments of the present invention described herein can and preferably do include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate.

The present invention may be used to provide any desired form of interactive broadcast, although as will be appreciated from the above, it is particularly applicable to the provision of interactive entertainment broadcasts, such as quizzes and games. Also, although the display of data, etc., to users in the present invention is intended to comprise and preferably comprises, visual, and preferably visual and audio, display to users, the invention could also be applied to arrangements which display data in an audio form only, if desired.

The methods in accordance with the present invention may be implemented at least partially using software e.g. computer programs. It will thus be seen -31 -that when viewed from further aspects the present invention provides computer software specifically adapted to carry out a method or the methods herein described when installed on data processing means, a computer program element comprising computer software code portions for performing a method or the methods herein described when the program element is run on data processing means, and a computer program comprising code means adapted to perform all the steps of a method or of the methods herein described when the program is run On a data-processing system.

The invention also extends to a computer software carrier comprising such software which when used to operate a radio system comprising data processing means causes in conjunction with said data processing means said system to carry out the steps of a method or of the methods of the present invention. Such a computer software carrier could be a physical storage medium such as a ROM chip, CD ROM or disk, or could be a signal such as an electronic signal over wires, an optical signal or a radio signal such as to a satellite or the like.

It will further be appreciated that not all steps of the methods of the invention need be carried out by computer software and thus from a further broad aspect the present invention provides computer software and such software installed on a computer software carrier for carrying out at least one of the steps of a method or of the methods set out herein.

The present invention may accordingly suitably be embodied as a computer program product for use with a computer system. Such an implementation may comprise a series of computer readable instructions either fixed on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable medium, for example, diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or hard disk, or transmittable to a computer system, via a modem or other interface device, over either a tangible medium, including but not limited to optical or analogue -32 -communications lines, or intangibly using wireless techniques, including but not limited to microwave, infrared or other transmission techniques. The series of computer readable instructions embodies all or part of the functionality previously described herein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such computer readable instructions can be written in a number of programming languages for use with many computer architectures or operating systems. Further, such instructions may be stored using any memory tchnology, present or future, including but not limited to, semiconductor, magnetic, or optical, or transmitted using any communications technology, present or future, including but not limited to optical, infrared, or microwave. It is contemplated that such a computer program product may be distributed as.a removable medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation, for example, shrink-wrapped software, pre-loaded with a computer system, for example, on a system ROM or fixed disk, or distributed from a serveror electronic bulletin board over a network, for example, the Internet or World Wide Web.

For a better understanding of the invention, embodiments will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an electronic system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates an electronic system according to a specific embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a more detailed illustration of the venue of figure 1.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The term keypad' refers to apparatus for receiving a user input comprising at least one input interface, such as a button. In other words, a keypad may be -33 -referred to as a user interface. Although keypads are typically of a shape and size such that they may be easily held in a user's hand, a keypad according to the invention may be of any suitable shape and size.

Furthermore, they need not comprise a plurality of buttons but, instead, may comprise any suitable interface means such as, purely by way of example, a jog-dial, a touch-screen or a microphone (or a plurality thereof).

Referring to Figure 1, an electronic system according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The electronic system comprises a local or venue controller 10 and a display 12 at a first venue 14, and a central controller or server 16 at a location which may be remote from the first venue 14.

The venue controller 10 is operable to receive data from first 18, second 20 and third 22 user interfaces, the user interfaces generating data in response to user inputs. The venue controller 10 is also in communication with the central server 16 via the network 26 (for example, an internet-based network) so that it can transmit and receive data to and from the central server 16.

The central server 16 is arranged to broadcast data to the venue controller 10 via a broadcast communication link 24. Also, the central server 16 transmits data to the venue controller 10 via the network 26 which may be in response to the data transmitted to it from the venue controller 10. Such data may be specific and local to one or more venues or it may be generic.

The venue controller 10 is arranged to interpret the data broadcast by the central server 16 via the broadcast link 24 and data transmitted to the venue controller 10 from the central server 16 via the network 26. This interpreted data will be combined to create a display image which can then be distributed to the display 12.

-34 -In an example where the central server 16 operates in conjunction with a television program, the central server 16 is located at a television studio and comprises broadcast means 28 and a computer system 30.

The computer system 30 is connected to broadcast means 28 so that it can provide data to the broadcast means 28 for controlling and/or modifying the television program.

For example, the computer system may supply questions, or other user stimuli, which are to be superimposed on top of the television program.

Under the control of a director or the computer system 30, the broadcast means 28 consolidates and/or mixes the data with the television program and broadcasts the program via the broadcast communication link 24 to the first venue 14. The venue 14 is a location at which more than one user can participate in and interact with the broadcast television program, for example a public house. A more detailed illustration of the venue 14 is shown in Figure 3.

The venue controller 10 receives the broadcast television program and feeds the received broadcast to the display 12 for display. In this way, the program is communicated to the users of the system at the venue 14, the program including a stimulus such as a question or game.

In response to the communicated program, the users provide inputs by operating the user interfaces, which in turn generate data in response to user inputs provided. This generated data is transmitted to the venue controller 10 and is processed by the venue controller 10. Such processing may include any or all of the steps of converting, accumulating, counting, deleting, displaying and storing the received data in either its received form or any other form into which the data may be converted by the venue controller 10.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the venue controller is also in communication with the central server 16 -35 -via the network 26 so that it can transmit and receive data to and from the central server 16. Using this network-based communication link 26, the venue controller 10 then transmits some or all of the data relating to the user inputs to the central server 16.

This data is received and processed by the computer system 30 of the control server 16. As above, it is to be appreciated that such processing may include any or all of the steps of converting, accumulating, counting, deleting, displaying and storing the received data in either its received form or any other form into which the data may be converted by the venue controller 10.

In the example of the user providing inputs in response to questions provided in a television program which was broadcasted by the central server 16, the computer system 30 processes the data relating to the user inputs in order to determine which users answered the questions correctly. Of course, the computer system may also determine further information relating to the user inputs, such as which user answered provided a correct input in the fastest time. Some or all of the processed data may then be stored in the computer system for subsequent use.

Data processed by the computer system 30 is then used in conjunction with the television program. The computer system 30 provides some or all of the processed data to the broadcast means 28 for controlling and/or modifying the television program. For example, in addition to supplying questions to be superimposed on top of the television program, processed data relating to the previous question may also be supplied to the broadcasting means 28 for inclusion within the television program. Such inclusion may be, for example, achieved by modifying the actual television program (i.e. information displayed in the background of studio may be modified) or by superimposing information on top of the television program. The updated television -36 -program is then broadcasted via the broadcast communication link 24 to the first venue 14.

Data processed by the computer system 30 is also transmitted to the venue controller 10 at the venue 14 via the network 26. In other words, the computer system transmits data to the venue controller 10 via the network 26 in response to the data transmitted to it from the venue controller 10. This processed data relates to the specific user inputs provided at the venue 14 and therefore provides information customized to the venue 14. However, it is noted that the data transmitted to the venue controller 10 may also be related to the state of the current studio activity (i.e. the stage of the game) and may have nothing at all to do with the previous responses from the user interfaces.

Accordingly, the venue controller 10 receives both the television program broadcasted by the broadcasting means 28 and the data transmitted by the computer system 30. The venue controller 10 then processes the received data and broadcast such that the venue controller 10 consolidates and/or mixes the received program and data and feeds the consolidated and/or mixed data to the display 12 for display. Thus, the display 12 displays both data broadcasted by the central server 16 via the broadcast link 24 and data transmitted to the venue controller 10 from the central server 16 via the network 26. Of course, the processing may not be undertaken immediately upon receipt of the information. Thus, the received data and broadcast may be stored for future interpretation and use.

It can be appreciated that the venue controller 10 produces an interactive program which is customized to the specific venue 14 at which it is located. The broadcast program is a global broadcast which is supplied in the same form to any number of venues, whereas the data transmitted to the venue controller 10 -37 -via the network 26 is specific to the controller 10 to which it is transmitted. By consolidating these two received data signals, the venue controller 10 produces a data signal for display which may contain data of a global nature (i.e. data relating to the inputs of all of the users of the interactive system) and data of a local or regional nature (i.e. data relating only to the inputs of users local to the specific venue controller).

Thus, in an alternative embodiment of the invention which contains more than one venue, each of the venues may display an interactive broadcast which combines a broadcast signal (containing information relating to all of the venues of the system) and a custom transmitted signal (containing information relating to a specific venue and/or venues local to the same) Returning back to Figure 1, a user terminal 32 is also connected to the central server via the network 26.

The user terminal 32 can access the processed and stored data of the computer system 30 so that it can be retrieved to the user terminal 32 for observation. Using this feature, a user of the user terminal 32 may therefore review data relating to previous and/or current interactive broadcasts. Such data may, for example, relate to the specific user requesting the information.

Referring to now to Figure 2, an electronic system according to a specific embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The electronic system comprises a venue 14 which is a location where more than one user can participate in and interact with an interactive event provided by the electronic system, for example a public house, club or hotel. The electronic system also comprises a studio 28A for filming and broadcasting an interactive event, a control server 30A for coordinating the operation of the interactive event, and a back office network 30B for operating in conjunction with the control server 30A.

-38 -The venue controller 10 is arranged to receive broadcasted signals via a separate satellite Set Top Box (STB) 34. The satellite STB 34 receives signals broadcasted via a satellite and processes (i.e. de-multiplexes and decodes) the received satellite signal.

It is this processed signal that is provided to the venue controller 10. It will be appreciated that the venue controller 10 may alternatively include the necessary hardware for it to directly receive, de-multiplex and decode a satellite broadcast. Of course, the satellite STB 34 or the venue controller 10 can be arranged to decrypt the received signal if it is encrypted.

The venue controller 10 is also able to interface with a camera 36 and a microphone 38, or other such user interface devices. Such a provision is not essential to the invention, but it may be used as part of the program making, provide additional interfaces to the system or be useful for security purposes.

Also provided by the venue controller 10 is wireless communication capability, such as a WIFI (802.lla/b/g) link 40. This will be used to provide wireless access to the network 26 for users of the system at the venue 14. Access to the network 26 via the WiFi link 40 may be provided by the venue controller at all times or, alternatively, when the venue controller 10 is not being used for interactive events provided by the system. It will be appreciated that the provision of the WiFi link 40 is optional and may be included within the venue controller 10 using an of f-the-shelf industry standard unit which can be integrated with a third-party service.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the venue controller is also in communication with the control server 30A via the network 26 so that it can transmit and receive data to and from the control server 30A.

-39 -The venue controller 10 receives both the broadcasted interactive event via the satellite STB 34 and data transmitted by the control server 30A via the network 26. Data from these received signals is combined and fed to the display 12 for display. In this way, an interactive event is communicated to the users of the system at the venue 14, the program including a stimulus such as a question or game.

The keypads 18, 20, 22 and 44 are provided to different users at the venue 14 so that each user may interact with the interactive event by activating one of a plurality of switches (not shown) included in each of the keypads. Of course, a greater or lesser number of switches may be provided in each keypad according to the number of different alternatives or suggested responses desired.

Each keypad is an intelligent device, having the capability to generate, store and forward data to a respective table pod in response to user inputs provided to the keypad (according to which one of the switches is activated by the user). Preferably, each keypad also comprises a timer for obtaining information relating to the timing of user inputs.

It will, of course, be appreciated, that in view of the general (but non-essential) need to reduce power consumption by the components of the system at the venue 14, it is preferable to implement the keypads and the table pods using power efficient components. Thus, it is envisaged that the choice of parts, switches and other operating means incorporated into the keypads and the table pods will be determined in respect of their power consumption characteristics.

In response to the communicated interactive event, the users provide inputs by operating the keypads, which in turn generate data in response to the user inputs provided. This generated data is transmitted to the venue controller 10 via the respective table pods and -40 -then processed. Using the network-based communication link 26, the venue controller 10 then transmits some or all of the data relating to the user inputs to the control server 30A.

The control server 30A comprises a communications server 50, a database 52, a results engine 54, a question manager 56, a graphics server 58, a game control server 60, a sequencing engine 62, and a control dashboard 64. It will be understood by the skilled reader that these components may implemented using a single computer or, alternatively, a plurality of computers appropriately adapted and interconnected to perform the necessary functions.

The communications server 50 is a collective name for a number of software components that manage the interaction between the control server 30A and the venue controller 10. As an example, incoming data which has been transmitted the control server 30A from the venue controller 10 is stored in message queues, and the components of the communications server 50 implement a distributed, multi-threaded architecture in order to process the data as quickly as possible. Thus, it is noted that the design of the software components making up the communications server 50 is important in overcoming potential bottlenecks.

Connectivity to the venue controller 10 is made over the network 26 via a number of connections, both for contingency and also to load-balance the large volume of data being moved during an interactive event.

Thus, during the interactive event, the communication server 50 receives data from the venue controller 10 which relates to the user inputs. Some or all of this received data is then fed to the database 52 for storage. Further to this, the communications server 50 may also acknowledge safe receipt of the data by transmitting a receipt data signal to the venue controller 10 via the network 26.

-41 -In addition to receiving data from the venue controller 10, the communications server 50 transmits venue-specific data retrieved from the results engine 54 back to the venue controller 10. In this way, information relating to the user inputs provided at the venue 14 can be communicated to the users of the system at the venue 14. Thus, local or intra-venue information, such as a venue leader board, can be displayed in conjunction with the broadcasted interactive event.

Preferably, the communications server 50 can forward incoming webcam and audio feeds through to the control server 30A. Further, when an interactive event is not taking place, the communications server 50 can provide additional services to the venue controller 10 such as firmware upgrades and venue-specific graphics.

The database 52 is the main repository for data relating to user inputs of the current event. For example, this includes data such as the questions that are used in the event and the answers for every player received by the communications server 50. For this reason, the database 52 is subject to high levels of security control and is optimized to manage large volumes of data processing within a short period.

Also stored in the database 52 is information relating to the users of the systems and the venues 14 participating in the current or previous interactive events which is provided by a registration database 66 containing user details. This enables the database 52 to provide consolidated data feeds to the question manager 56 and the results engine 54.

The results engine 54 is the central cohesive element of the data flow within the control server 30A.

It manages the game from a statistical perspective, taking the latest results from the database 52 in order to calculate scores and times and generate the information relating to the result of these calculations, for example various leagues and leader boards.

Calculated results (from the results engine 54) for the venue 14 are then passed to the communications server 50 for transmission to the venue controller 10.

These results and other calculated and qualitative data (e.g. geographic or gender-specific) are also provided to the production team of the interactive event for the purpose of controlling and/or modifying the interactive event.

Due to the complexity and diversity of the processes undertaken by the results engine 54, it is preferably composed of a number of highly-optimised multi-threaded software components which are hosted on dedicated multi-processor servers or hardware.

The question manager 56 provides access to information stored in a network archive 68 of the back office network 30B which contains, amongst other things, questions and answers that have been written and verified for interactive shows. Using this access, the question manager 56 can build a local stack of questions or games for an individual interactive event. These are preferably assembled and stored on the game control server 60 before the interactive event is provided by the system. As questions are used they are marked as such and may be recycled for repeat use at a later time.

The function of the game control server 60 is to control the game play of the interactive event. It uses a proprietary cueing system to take an operator logically through the event, sequence and sends the relevant data to the graphics effects server 58 for rendering and outputting to a vision mixer 70 in the studio 28A. The game control server 60 steps through the stack of questions, round by round, and provides additional information to the operator at the relevant times.

-43 -Connected to the game control server 60 is the control dashboard 64 that provides information relating to the interactive event which is pertinent to the operator, along with a cueing display and control facilities. Thus, the control dashboard 64 provides access to the game control server 60 so that an operator may control aspects of the interactive event such as sounds, graphic parameters, event sequencing and data editing.

Further to the above, the control dashboard may generate an auxiliary video output to feed a producer monitor (not shown) that displays information relating to the interactive event. This is similar to a host display 72 provided in the studio 28A, but can provide more information about response statistics, venue data, event status and so on. Preferably, this display can interact with the game control server 60 to allow the producer some control of what is broadcast.

The graphics server 58 is arranged to render the interactive event data according to predefined templates and outputs the rendered data to the vision mixer 70 of the studio. In addition to rendering the data (i.e. questions, answers, leader boards, etc.), the graphics server 58 is able to provide visual effects which may be required by the show to display the rendered data.

Purely by way of example, these effects include such things as fade ins and fade outs, animations, station identities, channel logos and so on.

The sequencing engine 62 controls the broadcasting of an interactive event in accordance with a scripted or defined sequence provided from game control server 60.

Preferably, the sequence of stages in the interactive event is script driven for maximum versatility. Such a script defines the stages of an interactive event step by step, cueing an operator initiate each step. Where an interactive event is defined by a script, it is -44 -relatively straightforward to change the format of the interactive event for different applications.

It will be understood from the above description of the control server 30A, and its constituent components, that the control server 30A receives and processes data relating to the user inputs which has been transmitted by the venue controller. This processed data is used in conjunction with an interactive event to provide data (i.e. rendered graphics and sequence information) to the studio 28A for controlling and/or modifying an interactive event to be broadcasted.

The studio 28A comprises a vision mixer 70, a host display 72, a video trigger 74, video sources 76 and a multiplexer 78.

The vision mixer 70 is a standard piece of television hardware and is used to combine the video sources 76 with data from the communications server 50, the graphic server 58 and the video trigger 74. In the present embodiment the vision mixer is operated by a human (i.e. a director), but it may be automatically controlled by a remote device (such as the sequencing engine 62) in alternative embodiments of the invention.

To enable the director to control the interactive event, the host display 72 is arranged to provide the director with real time information about the current interactive event. In this embodiment, the real time information is derived from the results engine 54 via the sequencing engine 62 and includes data relating to a current questions, answer options, leader boards, game statistics, timing, and production feedback. Of course, the display 72 is provided in any suitable form and/or arrangement such that the information is provided to the director, but it may also be arranged to provide the information to other personnel within the studio 28A (i.e. a presenter of the interactive event).

The output of the vision mixer 70 is provided to the multiplexer 78 which is standard piece of television -45 -hardware. The function of the multiplexer 78 is to multiplex several video and data feeds onto a single physical signal that is to be broadcasted via the broadcast communication link 24 to an appropriate broadcast receiver (i.e. the satellite STE 34) at the venue 14.

Thus, the studio 28A generates an interactive event, such as a television program, which has been controlled and/or modified by data which has been processed by the control server 30A. This interactive event is broadcast is broadcasted via the broadcast communication link 24 to the first venue 14.

As detailed above the venue controller 10 receives the broadcasted interactive event via the satellite STB 34. The venue controller also receives data transmitted by the control server 30A via the network 26.

It will be understood from the above description

that the data transmitted from the control server 30A to the venue controller 10 via the network 26 is generated by the results engine 54. This generated data relates to the user responses provided from the venue 14 and therefore provides information customized to the venue 14.

Because the venue controller 10 consolidates and/or mixes the broadcasted interactive program with the customized data received via the network 26, the venue controller 10 produces an interactive event which is customized to the specific venue at which it is located.

However, the interactive event also comprises global content from the broadcasted event which is supplied in the same form to any number of venues. Thus, by consolidating the two separately received data signals, the venue controller 10 produces a data signal for display which comprises data of a global nature (i.e. data relating to the inputs of all of the users of the interactive system) and data of a local or regional nature (i.e. data relating only to the inputs of users -46 -local to the specific venue controller). For example, it is envisaged that economically-linked venues (i.e. pubs in a chain) may receive the same custom transmitted signal, whereas all other venues receive a custom transmitted signal unique to the venue.

In addition to providing interactive events that are customized to specific venues, the electronic system also enables data relating to previous and/or current interactive broadcasts to be accessible by users of the system through the inclusion of the back office network 30B. To provide this functionality, the back office network 30B operates in conjunction with the control server 30A to collate, store and make available information relating to multiple interactive events.

Further, by including user registration related facilities, the back office network 30B is able to store, process and selectively transmit user specific data.

The back office network 30B comprises a network archive 68, a statistics server 80, a web server 82, a registration server 84, a registration database 66 linked to a billing system 86, an authentication server 88, and an advertising server 90. These constituent components of the back office network 30B will now be described further in order to provide a better understanding of the electronic system shown in Figure 2.

The network archive 68 is data storage facility for, amongst other things, questions, answers and information from previous and/or current interactive events. Data from the database 52 is provided to the network archive 68 where it is stored and processed for future use. Thus, network archive 68 stores all manner of data relating to interactive events provided by the electronic system.

The statistics server 80 comprises software components which are arranged to interface with the -47 -network archive 68 and the registration database 66 to retrieve data from the network archive 68 which is specific to a user requesting the data via the web server 82. Although the performance of the statistics server 80 is not critical to the provision of an interactive event, it is preferable that the statistics server 80 is highly optimized for its function due to the potentially large volume of data it may be required to manipulate.

The web server 82 is connected to the network 26 and provides web-based services which enable users to access information relating to previous and/or current interactive broadcasts which is stored in the network archive 68. Using a computer 92, a user can access services provided by the web server 82 via the network 26. In this way, a user can register their personal information with the back office network 30A and accessinformation which is customized in response to their personal information.

The ability for a user to register their personal information with the back office network is provided by the registration server 84. The registration server 84 is a software component that manages an interactive process within the web services provided by the web server 82 through which users can register for services relating to interactive events supplied by the electronic system. For example, registrants provide their login details to the registration server 84 via the web server 82 and the registration server 84 processes this information in conjunction with the registration database 66. Based on this process information the web service provided to the registrant is modified by the data returned form the registration database 66 via the authentication server 88 and/or the statistics server 80.

The registration database 66 contains details of users and venues who have registered with the electronic -48 -system and the relationships between them (e.g. users of the venues, mini-leagues, etc). It may also include a certain amount of sensitive personal data such as address and payment details.

The selection and retrieval of data stored in the registration database 66 is managed by the registration server 84 and forms a role in the operation of other components within the back office network 30B such as the statistics server 80, the authentication server 88, and the billing system 86. It may also provide information to the result engine 54 of the control server 30A during an interactive event. It will therefore be understood that the registration database 66 stores information which can be used to provide data for the broadcasted interactive event, the venue, and the web services.

Also arranged to make use of the data stored in the registration database 66 is the billing system 86. The billing system interfaces with the registration database 66 to provide the stored data to financial control applications for managing processes such as invoicing and executing credit card transactions. Thus, individual users of the system can be billed for their use of the system, with detailed information relating to their use also being made available if with such bill if necessary. The billing system 86 is also able to update information relating to the payment status of these bills within the registration database 66.

As mentioned above the registration database 66 is connected to the web server 82 via the authentication server 88. The authentication server 88 is a software component which is arranged to manage the process of authenticating a user logging into the back office network via the web server 82. A user who has previously interacted with the registration server 84 will already have their personal information stored in the registration database 66,. It is in relation to this -49 -stored information that credentials provided by the user logging into the system are checked before access to particular information stored in the registration database 66 and/or the network archive 68 is granted.

The authentication server 88 also manages the process by which a user may modify stored personal information.

The advertising server 90 manages the inclusion of advertising within the web service provided by the web server 82. Based on the personal information of the user provided from the registration database 66 to the web server, the web server 82 interfaces with the advertising server 90 so that advertising included within a web service is tailored a specific user.

It will be appreciated from the above description

of the back office network 30B that registered users of the system can access personalized information and make use of web services which are tailored to their specific attributes. Thus, users can access historical data including national and mini-league tables as well as individual performance statistics. Users can also manage their profile including contact information and payment options.

Further features relating to interactive events can also be catered for by taking advantage of the back office network 30B, and these are too numerous to exhaust by providing a list. However, by way of example, such features include the ability to create or join mini-leagues and host tournament-like competitions.

Referring to Figure 3 a more detailed illustration of the venue 14 of Figure 1 is shown.

The venue comprises a venue controller 10, a display 12 connected to the venue controller and first to third local hub units 120, 122 and 124. The local hub units 120, 122 and 124 are each in communication with the control server 10 via a one-way wireless communication link 125. It will be appreciated that any -50 -* suitable wireless communication protocol may be used to establish the one-way wireless communication link 125.

First 112, second 114 and third 116 keypads are electrically connected to the first local hub unit 122 via first 112A, second 114A and third 116A flexible wires, respectively.

Fourth 126, fifth 128, and sixth 130 keypads are electrically connected to the second local hub unit 120 via fourth 126A, fifth 128A and sixth 130A flexible wires, respectively.

Seventh 132, eighth 134 and ninth 136 keypads are electrically connected to the third local hub unit 124 via sixth 132A, seventh 134A and ninth 136A flexible wires, respectively.

Although flexible wires are used to electrically connect the keypads to the local hub units, this is not essential. For example, more than one keypad may be integrated into a single unit which is connected to a local hub unit via a single electrical connection.

The keypads are provided to different users of the electronic system within the venue 14 so that each user may response to a stimulus (e.g. indicate their preference or answer a question) by activating one of a plurality of switches (not shown) included in each of the keypads. Each keypad is capable of generating any one of a plurality of signals according to which one of the switches is activated by its user.

An interactive event is broadcasted by the broadcast means 28 (not shown in Figure 3) via the broadcast communication link 24. This broadcasted interactive event is received by venue controller 10 via a broadcast receiver such as the satellite STB 34 (not shown in Figure 3). Data processed by the computer system 30 (not shown in Figure 3) is also transmitted to the venue controller 10 via the network 26. This transmitted data relates to specific user inputs -51 -provided at the venue 14 and therefore provides information customized to the venue 14.

Accordingly, the venue controller 10 receives both the interactive broadcast event broadcasted by the broadcasting means 28 and the data transmitted by the computer system 30. The venue controller consolidates and/or mixes the received interactive broadcast and data and then feeds the consolidated and/or mixed data to the display 12 for display to users at the venue 14.

The users at the venue 14 then respond to a stimulus provided by the displayed data by activating one of a plurality of switches (not shown) included in each of the keypads. When a user activates one of the switches on a keypad, the keypad generates any one of a plurality of signals according to which one of the switches is activated and the generated signal is transmitted to a respective local hub unit via a respective communication link. Other information that may be required by the respective local hub unit is also transmitted from the keypad to the respective local hub unit.

Each local hub unit receives and processes the signals received from the keypads as necessary. Such processing may include any or all of the steps of converting, accumulating, counting, deleting, displaying and storing the received signals in either their received form or any other form into which the received signals are converted by the local controller.

After processing the received signals, the local hub units 120, 122 and 124 convert and store the processed signals and transmit these to the venue controller 10 upon demand or upon a pre-determined schedule via the wireless communication link 125.

It will be appreciated that the amount of processing undertaken by the local hub units 120, 122 and 124 may depend upon the amount of processing undertaken by the keypads. For example, the keypads may -52 - be arranged to simply relay the keypad signals to their respective local hub unit via their respective communication links, therefore undertaking a minimal amount of processing. Conversely, the keypads may complete numerous steps of processing on the signals received from the keypads so that the signals transmitted via the respective communication link are in a particular format and/or contain particular data so only minimal processing is required by the local hub unit. It will, therefore, be appreciated that a trade-off may be made between the local hub units 120, 122 and 124 and the keypads in terms of their complexity and resultant cost, for example.

The local hub units 122, 122 and 124 and/or the venue controller 10 may be arranged to store the received signals in any suitable form for retrieval or processing at a later time.

After processing the received signals, the venue controller 10 will transmit data relating to the received signals (i.e. data relating to the user responses provided to the keypads) upon demand or upon a pre-determined schedule to the central server 16 via the network 26. It will be appreciated that any suitable communication link may be used to transmit this data to the central server 16.

The data transmitted to the central server is received and processed by the computer system 30 of the control server 16 for use in conjunction with the interactive event and/or to provide features tailored to specific users of the system (either during the event or as separate services).

Those skilled in the art will realise that the above embodiments are purely by way of example and that modification and alterations are numerous and may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.

Claims

-53 -Claims 1. A system for providing an interactive broadcast to a

plurality of users, the system comprising: a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller; wherein the central controller comprises: means for receiving data transmitted by a local controller or controllers; means for broadcasting data for display to the local controller or controllers; and means for transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller comprises: means for displaying on a display for users data for display that is broadcast to the local controller by the central controller and data for display that is transmitted to the local controller by the central controller separately to the broadcast data; and means for receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and for transmitting such data to the central controller.

2. The system according to claim 1, comprising a user interface device or devices and wherein the user interface device or devices are transmit-only communication devices.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each local controller is arranged to store data received from the central controller.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the broadcast data is broadcast via a -54 -broadcast communication link and the data transmitted to the local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast data is transmitted via a second different communication link.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the second communication link is a network-based communication link.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the central controller is arranged to modify the broadcast data in response to data communicated from a local controller or controllers to the central controller.

7. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the data that is transmitted to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast data is based on data communicated from a local controller or controllers to the central controller.

8. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central controller comprises means for transmitting separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers different data for display to different ones of the local controllers.

9. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a or each local controller includes a Store for storing data and processing means.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central controller comprises a central server.

-55 - 11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a display or displays for displaying data from a local controller or controllers.

12. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a local controller can operate independently of the central controller.

13. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein display by a local controller of data transmitted separately to the broadcast data is controlled by the broadcast data.

14. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central controller comprises means for transmitting the data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data in advance of its intended display; and means for including in the broadcast data, data to trigger display by a local controller of the data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data.

15. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a or each local controller comprises means for storing the data for display that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data; and means for displaying data of the stored data in response to data included in the broadcast data.

16. A system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the system comprising: a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller; wherein the central controller comprises; means for transmitting a first set of data for display to one or more local controllers; and -56 -means for transmitting a second set of data for display to the local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller comprises: means for receiving the first set of data for display from the central controller; means for storing the first set of data for display; means for receiving the second data for display from the central controller; and means for displaying on a display for users the received second set of data for display and for displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

17. A controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for receiving a first set of data for display from a central controller; means for storing the first set of data for display; means for receiving a second data for display from the central controller, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by the controller; and means for displaying on a display for users the received second set of data for display and for displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

-57 - 18. A controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for transmitting a first set of data for display to one or more local controllers; and means for transmitting a second set of data for display to the local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers.

19. A controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and for transmitting such data to a central controller; means for receiving broadcast data for display from the central controller; means for receiving data for display from the central controller via a data transmission that is separate to the broadcast of data for display; and means for displaying broadcast data and data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data on a display for users of the system.

20. A controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the controller comprising: means for broadcasting data for display to one or more local controllers; means for transmitting data for display to one or more of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and means for receiving data relating to user inputs from one or more of the local controllers.

-58 - 21. A controller for use in a system f or providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, and in which a plurality of local controllers are used to display the broadcast to users of the system, the controller comprising: means for broadcasting a common data signal for display to the local controllers of the system; means for transmitting a different data signal for display to each of plural different groups of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controllers; and means for receiving data relating to user inputs from a local controller or controllers.

22. A system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users located at plural different venues, the system comprising: means for displaying at each venue an interactive broadcast which includes content from a broadcast event that is supplied in the same form to all the venues and which includes content that is customised for the venue in question.

23. A system for the provision of an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, comprising: a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller; wherein the central controller comprises means for transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers; and means for receiving from a local controller or controllers data relating to user inputs; and the or each local controller comprises: means for displaying data received from the central controller on a display; and -59 -means for transmitting data relating to user inputs to the central controller; and wherein the or each local controller is coupled to one or more hub units, the or each hub unit being coupled to one or more user interface devices, the arrangement being such that a user interface device can transmit data relating to a user input made to it to its respective hub unit, and the hub unit can relay such user input data to its respective local controller, whereby the local controller may then transmit the user input data to the central controller.

24. An interactive system for a plurality of users, the system comprising: a local controller operable to receive data from at least two user interfaces for generating data in response to a user input, the local controller including a store for storing data and processing means; a central server for broadcasting data to the local controller, the local controller being in communication with the central server such that it can communicate data to the central server; and a display for displaying data from the local controller, wherein the central server is arranged to transmit data to the local controller in response to the communicated data, and the display is arranged to display both data broadcasted by the central server and data transmitted to the local controller by the central server.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising the features of any one of claims 2 to 23.

26. A method of operating a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, which system comprises a central controller and one or more -60 -local controllers in communication with the central controller, the method comprising: the central controller: broadcasting data for display to the local controller or controllers; and transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller: displaying on a display for users data for display that is broadcast to the local controller by the central controller and data for display that is transmitted to the local controller by the central controller separately to the broadcast data; and receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and transmitting such data to the central controller.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the or each local controller is arranged to store data received from the central controller.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the broadcast data is broadcast via a broadcast communication link and the data transmitted to the local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast data is transmitted via a second different cornniunication link.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the second communication link is a network-based communication link.

30. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29, comprising the central controller modifying the broadcast data in response to data communicated from a -61 -local controller or controllers to the central controller.

31. The method of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the data that is transmitted to a local controller or controllers separately to the broadcast data is based on data communicated from a local controller or controllers to the central controller.

32. The method of any one of claims 26 to 31, comprising the central controller transmitting separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers different data for display to different ones of the local controllers.

33. The method of any one of claims 26 to 32, comprising generating data in response to a user input in at least two user interfaces, storing and processing the generated data in a local controller, and communicating at least some of the processed data to the central controller.

34. The method of any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the central controller comprises a central server.

35. The method of any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein a local controller can operate independently of the central controller.

36. The method of any one of claims 26 to 35, comprising a local controller displaying data transmitted separately to the broadcast data in response to the broadcast data.

37. The method of any one of claims 26 to 36, comprising the central controller transmitting the data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data in -62 -advance of its intended display; and the central controller including in the broadcast data, data to trigger display by a local controller of the data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data.

38. The method of any one of claims 26 to 37, comprising a local controller storing the data for display that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data; and the local controller displaying data of the stored data in response to data included in the broadcast data.

39. A method of operating system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, which system comprises a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller, the method comprising: the central controller transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers; the local controller or controllers storing the first set of data; the central controller transmitting a second set of data for display to a local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers; and the or each local controller displaying the second set of data for display on a display for users and displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

40. A method of operating a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: -63 -receiving a first set of data for display from a central controller; storing the first set of data for display; receiving a second data for display from the central controller, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by the controller; and displaying on a display for users the received second set of data for display and displaying data from the first set of data in response to data in the second set of data triggering such display.

41. A method of operating controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: transmitting a first set of data for display to one or more local controllers; and transmitting a second set of data for display to the local controller or controllers, the second set of data also including data for triggering the display of data in the first set of data by a local controller or controllers.

42. The method of any one of claims 26 to 41, comprising a local controller displaying broadcast data in real time as it is received, and displaying data transmitted separately to the broadcast data during display of the broadcast data in response to data included in the broadcast data.

43. A method of operating a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: -64 -receiving data relating to user inputs from a user interface device or devices and transmitting such data to a central controller; receiving broadcast data for display from the central controller; receiving data for display from the central controller via a data transmission that is separate to the broadcast of data for display; and displaying broadcast data and data that is transmitted separately to the broadcast data on a display for users of the system.

44. A method of operating controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, the method comprising the controller: broadcasting data for display to one or more local controllers; transmitting data for display to one or more of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data for display to the local controller or controllers; and receiving data relating to user inputs from one or more of the local controller or controllers.

45. A method of operating a controller for use in a.

system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users, and in which a plurality of local controllers are used to display the broadcast to users of the system, the method comprising the controller: broadcasting a common data signal for display to the local controllers of the system; transmitting a different data signal for display to each of plural different groups of the local controllers separately to the broadcast of data f or display to the local controllers; and receiving data relating to user inputs from a local controller or controllers.

-65 - 46. A method of providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users located at plural different venues, the method comprising: displaying at each venue an interactive broadcast which includes content from a broadcast event that is supplied in the same form to all the venues and which includes content that is customised for the venue in question.

47. A method of operating a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users which includes a central controller and one or more local controllers in communication with the central controller, the method comprising: the central controller: transmitting data for display to a local controller or controllers; and receiving from a local controller or controllers data relating to user inputs; and the or each local controller: displaying data received from the central controller on a display; and transmitting data relating to user inputs to the central controller; and wherein the or each local controller is coupled to one or more hub units, the or each hub unit being coupled to one or more user interf ace devices, and the method further comprises a user interface device transmitting data relating to a user input made to it to its respective hub unit, and the hub unit relaying such user input data to its respective local controller, whereby the local controller may then transmit the user input data to the central controller.

48. A method of operating an interactive system for a plurality of users, the method comprising the steps of: -66 -generating data in response to a user input in at least two user interfaces; storing and processing the generated data in a local controller; communicating at least some of the processed data to a central server; transmitting data from the central server to the local controller in response to the communicated data; broadcasting data from the central server; receiving both the data transmitted from the central server to the local controller and the data broadcast by the central server; and displaying the received data.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising the method of any one of claims 26 to 47.

50. A computer program element comprising computer software code portions for performing the method of any one of claims 26 to 49 when the program element is run on data processing means.

51. A system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

52. A controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

53. A method of operating a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

-67 - 54. A method of operating a controller for use in a system for providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

55. A method of providing an interactive broadcast to a plurality of users substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.