System for evaluation and rewarding of responses and predictions

• US 5,034,807 A
• Filed: 10/19/1989
• Issued: 07/23/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intertech Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Henry Von Kohorn
• Inventors: Von Kohorn, Henry
• Primary Examiner(s): KUNTZ, CURTIS A
• Application Number:
  US07/424,089
• Time in Patent Office: 642 Days
• Field of Search: 455/2, 455/5, 455/4, 358/84, 358/86, 434/316, 434/323, 434/350, 434/351, 434/362
• US Class Current: 725/5
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/338 using television networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/409 Data transfer via television network
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3227 Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3248 involving non-monetary media of fixed value, e.g. casino chips of fixed value
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3262 Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/063 with hand-placed probe or plug
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/28 Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/64 for providing detail information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/68 Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0806 the signals being two or more video signals H04N7/0803, H04N7/081 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0884 for the transmission of additional display-information, e.g. menu for programme or channel selection

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating responses to broadcast programs, such as television programs, includes an instructional signal modulated onto a signal transmitted concurrently with the television program, or time-multiplexed with a television. At each of a plurality of remote receiving stations, one or more members of a remote audience has the opportunity to respond to a situation presented in the television program by entering a response on a keyboard. The system includes, at each remote receiving station, a memory responsive to the instructional signal for storing acceptable responses, and a comparison circuit for comparing responses entered at the keyboard with those stored in the memory. Also provided is electronic circuitry for scoring the responses in accordance with commands from the instructional signal, and a recording device for providing a permanent record of the audience score at each of the remote receiving stations. Scoring is performed at differing levels of difficulty, set by a host or by a contestant, with credit being given also for the length of time required for response. The mode of response includes the use of a key word or phrase. Alternatively, the program may be presented by a prerecorded message accessible by telephone from a remote station with regulation from a central station.

Claims

1. A method for use in a question and answer game, wherein a recorded question and a recorded answer criteria, formulated by a host, are transmitted from a central location to a plurality of respondent stations for entering a respondent'"'"'s answer and for comparing an entered answer with the answer criteria, the method comprising the steps of:

formulating by the host a plurality of questions and a plurality of accompanying answer criteria, each of said answer criteria defining at least one acceptable answer to a question of said plurality of questions;

encoding by an encoder said answer criteria so as to be unintelligible;

successively recording on a common recording medium a record of a plurality of sets of signals, each signal set comprising an intelligible question signal and an accompanying unintelligible answer criteria signal, individual ones of said signal sets being chronologically separated by predetermined intervals of time, a time interval including a period of time allowed for answering a question;

playing back said record at said central location;

conveying signals of the signal sets to the respondent stations to accomplish an announcing of successive individual questions to respondents at their respective stations;

storing said answer criteria in a memory at each of said respondent stations;

at a respondent station, entering an answer by a respondent to a question by use of an entering means;

at a respondent station, evaluating a respondent'"'"'s answer by comparing an answer entered within an allowed period of time with accompanying answer criteria, said comparing being done by comparing means; and

wherein said evaluating includes a step of identifying an acceptable answer.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said announcing of individual questions is done visually.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said announcing of individual questions is done audibly.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said respondent stations comprise speaker means for audibly communicating to respondents, the method comprising a further step of informing respondents of acceptable answers to respective ones of the questions.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said respondent stations comprise display means visible to a plurality of said respondents, the method further comprising a step of informing respondents of acceptable answers to individual ones of said questions.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said respondent stations comprise dispensing means, the method further comprising a step of dispensing an award in the form of a hard copy record to individual ones of said respondents who have entered an acceptable answer to a question.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein said hard copy record is selected from a group comprising tokens, coupons, certificates, magnetized cards, and printouts.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said hard copy record has a monetary value.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said answer criteria signals are encoded by making said answer criteria signals unintelligible by a step of speeding up a transmission of said answer criteria signals.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein

said central location includes means for printing individual hard copy records of awards made to a plurality of respondents who have entered acceptable answers;

each respondent station includes means for generating a printing signal for each respondent having entered an acceptable answer, said printing signal directing a printing of said printing means, there being means for transmitting said printing signals from said respondent stations to said printing means; and

wherein

said method includes further steps of;

generating said printing signals at the respondent stations for respondents who have entered acceptable answers, said printing signals including data to be printed by said printing means;

transmitting said printing signals to said printing means; and

activating said printing means to print a hard copy record of an award to each of said respondents who have entered an acceptable answer, said record being adapted for physical delivery to each such respondent.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein

said method comprises a further step of scoring each answer entered by a respondent by scoring means at a respondent station, data of said printing signal being based on results of said scoring, said step of printing a hard copy being based on said scoring results.

12. A method according to claim 11 further comprising a step of accumulating scores of accepted answers between said scoring step and said printing step.

13. A method for evaluating responses to recorded task-setting messages provided at a central station and intended for respondents located at receiving stations, which method comprises:

generating, at a central station, during a first time interval a first set of signals conveying a task-setting message;

generating, at a central station, during a second time interval a second set of signals conveying response criteria defining an acceptable response relative to said task setting message, said second time interval occurring independently of said first time interval, said response criteria including a scoring basis;

recording said first and said second sets of signals for playback to respondents at said receiving stations;

playing back said first set of signals at a central station;

receiving said first set of signals at said receiving stations;

playing back said second set of signals at a central station;

receiving said second set of signals at said receiving stations;

entering responses to said task-setting message at said receiving stations;

comparing at least one element in one response of said responses with said response criteria; and

scoring accepted responses meeting said said response criteria.

14. A method according to claim 13 further comprising a step of dispensing to a respondent a hard copy displaying results of said scoring.

15. A method according to claim 13 wherein said response criteria includes a timing of said responses for a predetermined time interval, and wherein said second set of signals conveying the response criteria are formatted digitally and transmitted at a bit rate sufficiently fast to be unintelligible during a playing back of said second set of signals.

16. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of recording said first set of signals is a video recording.

17. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of recording said first set of signals is a video recording, and said step of recording said second set of signals is performed within an audio portion of said video recording.

18. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of recording said first set of signals is an audio recording.

19. A method according to claim 13 further comprising a step of allowing said respondents to select the difficulty level of an acceptable response after knowing the general subject matter of a question, but before knowing the question.

20. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of generating said first set of signals conveying said task-setting message is accomplished by speaking a description of a scene and a task, said task to be performed by a respondent, and said step of recording said first set of signals being accomplished as an audio recording.

21. A method according to claim 20 wherein said step of generating said second set of signals conveying response criteria relative to said task-setting message is accomplished by formatting the signals of said second set as unintelligible signals, said step of recording said second set of signals being accomplished as an audio recording.

22. A system for communicating task-setting program signals to respondents at a plurality of receiving stations, and for responding to said program signals at said receiving stations, said system comprising:

first signal means for generating a program signal;

second signal means for generating an instructional signal incorporating predetermined response criteria defining an acceptable response, said second signal means being operative to generate said instructional signal independently of a generation of said program signal by said first signal means;

means coupled to said first and said second signal means for recording upon a recording medium a program signal of said first signal means, and an instructional signal of said second signal means;

playback means operative with said recording medium for playing back to a respondent said program signal and said instructional signal recorded by said recording means;

means for communicating said program signal and said instructional signal from said playback means to each of said receiving stations;

means at each of said receiving stations for entering a response by a respondent to a situation presented in said program;

comparing means located at each of said receiving stations and responsive to an instructional signal of said playback means for comparing said respondent'"'"'s response to said predetermined response criteria to determine an acceptable response;

means coupled to said comparing means for scoring a respondent'"'"'s acceptable response; and

dispensing means coupled to said scoring means for generating a record of scored responses of said respondent.

23. A system according to claim 22 wherein said response criteria includes a scoring basis, said scoring means being responsive to said scoring basis in scoring a response.

24. A system according to claim 22 wherein said response criteria includes a plurality of responses at differing levels of difficulty including higher and lower levels of difficulty, and said scoring means is operable by a respondent for scoring a response based on a higher difficulty level.

25. A system according to claim 24 wherein

said second signal means is operative for generating a further instructional signal incorporating further predetermined response criteria defining an acceptable response;

and

said playback means is operative selectively to play back said instructional signal and said further instructional signal for applying selectively a scoring criteria and a modified scoring criteria to said comparing means, and for applying selectively a scoring basis and a modified scoring basis to said scoring means.

26. A system according to claim 25 wherein said scoring means includes means for timing the response of a respondent.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein said dispensing means outputs an automatically readable card means which stores response score data for subsequent reading.

28. A system according to claim 22 wherein said recording means comprises a video cassette recorder providing a video recording of said program signal.

29. A system according to claim 28 wherein said recording means is operative to record said instructional signal within an audio portion of said video recording.

30. A system according to claim 22 wherein said recording means comprises an audio recorder providing an audio recording of said program signal.

31. A system according to claim 30 wherein said first signal means comprises a microphone for receiving a spoken description of a scene and a task, said task to be performed by a respondent.

32. A method according to claim 22 wherein said second signal means includes means for encoding an instructional signal as an unintelligible audio signal, said audio recorder recording said unintelligible audio signal with the audio recording of said program signal.

33. A method for evaluating and creating a record of responses to recorded task-setting programs intended for respondents located at receiving stations, which method comprises:

generating during a first time interval a task-setting program at a further station separate from said receiving stations, said step of generating including formulating a plurality of questions directed to subject matter of said program, each of said questions requiring a separate response criteria;

formulating at said further station during a second time interval a first response criteria relative to a first question of said plurality of questions, said step of formulating during said second time interval including a formulating of further response criteria respectively for further ones of said plurality of questions, said second time interval occurring independently of said first time interval, each of said response criteria defining at least one acceptable response and including a basis for scoring responses and a predetermined time period for timing responses to one of said questions;

recording said task-setting program including said first question and corresponding response criteria for playback to respondents at receiving stations;

recording a further question and a corresponding further response criteria;

playing back said task-setting program with said first question and corresponding response criteria for presentation to said receiving stations;

entering a response to said first question at said receiving stations;

comparing at least one element in a response of said responding step with the corresponding response criteria;

scoring responses in accordance with the scoring basis of the corresponding response criteria;

playing back said further question and its response and scoring criteria for presentation to said receiving stations;

entering a response to said further question; and

scoring the response to the further question on the scoring basis of the corresponding response criteria.

34. A method according to claim 33 further comprising step of:

employing a host to operate a recorder for playing back said task-setting program and said response criteria;

communicating from a respondent to said host a request for modification of the response criteria; and

wherein said step of playing back said further question with its response criteria is performed by said host in accordance with said request, thereby allowing an interacting between a respondent and the host.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein said step of communicating a request for modification includes request for altering said timing period and/or changing aid scoring basis.

36. A system for presenting prerecorded signals describing a scenario from a host at a central site to respondents at a plurality of receiving stations, for entering a response to said prerecorded signals at said receiving stations, and for comparing an entered response to an acceptable response, said system comprising:

playback means operable by the host at said central site for transmitting prerecorded signals to each of said receiving stations, said prerecorded signals being stored on a recording medium in said playback means, said prerecorded signals including a program signal defining a task to be performed by the respondents, and an instructional signal incorporating at least one acceptable response and response criteria including a mode of scoring responses and a period of time allowed to respondents for entering responses, said playback means transmitting the prerecorded signals to the receiving stations during a playback mode of the playback means;

means at each of said receiving stations responsive to the program signal for presenting a scenario and a task to a respondent; and

means at each of said receiving stations for evaluating and recording responses by said respondents, said evaluating and recording means including means for entering a response by a respondent to the task, said entering means including a keyboard providing for entry of symbols including alphanumeric characters and or other indicia; and

wherein said evaluating and recording means includes means in said entering means for comparing an entered response with an acceptable response, said comparing providing a comparison of a plurality of symbols of the entered response with symbols of an acceptable response;

said evaluating and recording means includes means in said entering means and coupled to said comparing means for scoring an entered response to provide a score based on said response criteria and on said comparison; and

said evaluating and recording means includes means for recording said score, said score recording means producing an output record of the score in hard copy, the output record having a prescribed format of data of the entered response set forth in symbols, the format of the record being suitable for use of the record as a coupon for receipt of a prize.

37. A system according to claim 36 wherein the recording medium stores a plurality of tasks for the scenario, the tasks varying in difficulty level and being stored in different parts of the recording medium, said recording/playback means being operative to allow selection by the host of a part of the recording medium having a task of predetermined difficulty level to be transmitted to the receiving stations, the recording medium storing a plurality of acceptable answers with their response criteria for corresponding ones of the tasks.

38. A system according to claim 37 wherein

said playback means is operative to transmit to the receiving stations a plurality of tasks for the scenario;

the recording medium stores a plurality of tasks of differing difficulty level for the scenario and differing response criteria corresponding to the difficulty levels; and

said entering means comprises a memory for storing a plurality of response criteria and acceptable responses for each difficulty level, there being selection means in said entering means and operable by a respondent for selecting a difficulty level.

39. A system according to claim 38 wherein said mode of scoring is based on said difficulty level, said scoring means awarding a higher score for an entered response to a task of greater difficulty than for an entered response to a task of lesser difficulty.

40. A system according to claim 37 wherein said symbols constitute a word or phrase of narrative text.

41. A system according to claim 40 wherein

an acceptable entered response includes a plurality of acceptable words of narrative text, said scoring means awarding partial credit for an entered response having fewer correct words than said plurality of acceptable words;

and

said hard copy is selected from a group comprising tokens, coupons, certificates, magnetized cards, and printouts.

42. A system according to claim 37 wherein an entered response includes a plurality of symbols in a sequence of symbols, said scoring means awarding partial credit for an entered response having fewer correct symbols as defined by said response criteria than said plurality of symbols.

43. A system according to claim 36 wherein said scoring means includes means for timing a time interval allowed for an entering of a response by a respondent, and said scoring is based on said time interval, said scoring means awarding a higher score for a response entered within a shorter time interval than for a response entered within a longer time interval.

44. A system for presenting prerecorded signals describing a scenario from a central site to respondents at a plurality of receiving stations in response to requests by individual ones of the respondents, for entering responses to said prerecorded signals by individual ones of the respondents at said receiving stations, and for comparing an entered response at each receiving station to an acceptable response, said system comprising:

playback means at said central site for transmitting prerecorded signals to each of said receiving stations;

telephonic means interconnecting said receiving stations with said playback means, said telephonic means being operable by individual ones of said respondents to activate said playback means; and

wherein

said playback means is operable in response to commands of individual ones of said respondents communicated by said telephonic means for transmitting prerecorded signals to the receiving stations of respondents requesting the prerecorded signals;

said prerecorded signals are stored on a recording medium in said playback means, said prerecorded signals including a program signal defining a task to be performed by respondents in relation to the scenario, and an instructional signal incorporating at least one acceptable response and response criteria including a mode of scoring responses and a period of time allowed to respondents for entering responses, said playback means transmitting the prerecorded signals to the receiving stations during a playback mode of the playback means; and

said system further comprises means at each of said receiving stations responsive to the prerecorded signals for presenting the scenario and a task to a respondent;

means at each of said receiving stations for entering a response by a respondent to the task, said entering means including a keyboard providing for entry of symbols including alphanumeric characters and/or other indicia;

means at each of said receiving stations for comparing an entered response with an acceptable response, said comparing providing a comparison of symbols of the entered response with symbols of an acceptable response;

means at each of said receiving stations and coupled to said comparing means for scoring an entered response to provide a score based on said response criteria and on said comparison; and

means at each of said receiving stations for recording said score, said recording means outputting a hard copy record of the score, the record having a prescribed format of data of the entered response set forth in symbols, the format of the record being suitable for use of the record as a coupon for receipt of a prize.

45. A system according to claim 44 wherein the recording medium stores a plurality of tasks for the scenario, the tasks varying in difficulty level and being stored in different parts of the recording medium, said recording/playback means being operative to allow selection by the host of a part of the recording medium having a task of predetermined difficulty level to be transmitted to the receiving stations, the recording medium storing a plurality of acceptable answers and response criteria corresponding to individual ones of the tasks.

46. A system according to claim 45 wherein

said recording/playback means is operative to transmit to the receiving stations a plurality of tasks for the scenario;

the recording medium stores a plurality of tasks of varying difficulty level for the scenario and differing response criteria corresponding to the difficulty levels; and

said entering means comprises a memory for storing a plurality of response criteria, and acceptable responses for each difficulty level, there being selection means in said entering means and operable by a respondent for selecting a difficulty level.

47. A system according to claim 46 wherein said mode of scoring is based on said difficulty level, said scoring means awarding a higher score for an entered response to a task of greater difficulty than for an entered response to a task of lesser difficulty.

48. A system according to claim 45 wherein a plurality of symbols of the entered response constitute a word of phrase of narrative text.

49. A system according to claim 48 wherein an entered response includes a plurality of words of narrative text, said scoring means awarding partial credit for an entered response having less correct words than a plurality of words designated by said response criteria.

50. A system according to claim 45 wherein a correctly entered response includes a plurality of symbols in a sequence of symbols designated by said response criteria, said scoring means awarding partial credit for an entered response having less correct symbols than said plurality of symbols designated by said response criteria.

51. A system according to claim 44 wherein said scoring means includes means for timing a time interval of an entering of a response by a respondent, and said scoring is based on said time interval, said scoring means awarding a higher score for a response entered within a shorter time interval than for a response entered within a longer time interval.

52. A system according to claim 44 further comprising a central station, and wherein said telephonic means includes a switchboard coupled to said central station, said central station broadcasting supplemental program signals to respondents in said receiving stations, said switchboard enabling a host in the central station to regulate transmission of said prerecorded signals.

53. A method for remotely evaluating and creating a record of responses to task-setting messages prepared by a host and electronically transmitted to receiving stations, which method comprises:

formulating, by the host, a plurality of task-setting messages for transmission to respondents at said receiving stations;

formatting, by the host, response criteria relative to said task setting messages, said response criteria including at least one acceptable response to a task of said task setting message meeting said response criteria, a scoring basis, and a timing of responses for determined time intervals;

recording said task-setting messages and said response criteria on portions of a recording medium;

selecting said portions of said recording medium for playback to said receiving stations by means of playback apparatus;

playing back said task-setting messages and said response criteria to be received at said receiving stations;

entering a response to a task-setting message at said receiving stations;

comparing an entered response with an acceptable answer of said response criteria, said comparing providing for a comparing of at least one key word or symbol in an entered response with said acceptable response;

scoring an entered response relative to said response criteria; and

creating a record of an entered response at each receiving station, the record being suitable for use as a prize token.

54. A method according to claim 53 further comprising steps of:

providing playback apparatus to accomplish said step of playing back said task-setting messages and said response criteria;

providing a telephonic system to interconnect said receiving stations with said playback apparatus; and

transmitting from individual ones of said receiving stations via said telephonic system activation command signals to activate said playback apparatus to accomplish said step of playing back said task-setting messages and said response criteria.

55. A method according to claim 54 further comprising steps of:

providing a switchboard in said telephonic system;

providing a central station and connecting said central station to said telephonic system via said switchboard; and

controlling from said central station said step of playing back said task-setting messages and said response criteria.

56. A method according to claim 55 further comprising a step of:

transmitting from said central station to said receiving stations supplementary task-setting messages.

57. A method according to claim 56 further comprising a step of:

timing, at each of said receiving stations, said step of entering a response to a task-setting message; and

wherein

said step of controlling said step of playing back said task-setting messages and said response criteria includes a step of initiating said timing step.

58. A method according to claim 56 wherein said step of selecting said portions of said recording medium for playback is accomplished by:

transmitting from individual ones of said receiving stations, via said telephonic system, selection command signals to direct said playback apparatus to play back selected portions.

59. A method according to claim 56 wherein said step of selecting said portions of said recording medium for playback is accomplished by:

transmitting from said central station, via said telephonic system, selection command signals to direct said playback apparatus to play back selected portions.

60. A method according to claim 55 further comprising a step of:

transmitting from said central station to said receiving stations an announcement of a respondent providing an acceptable response.

61. A method according to claim 55 further comprising a step of:

announcing to a receiving station an award upon submission of an acceptable response from said receiving station.

62. A method according to claim 54 further comprising a step of crediting, in said telephonic system, an account of a participant submitting an acceptable response with the amount of a prize.

63. A method according to claim 53 wherein:

said scoring means includes a plurality of difficulty levels for said task setting messages; and

said scoring step provides a higher score for an acceptable answer to a task at a higher difficulty level.

64. A method according to claim 63 further comprising a step of awarding a prize to a respondent submitting an acceptable answer, the value of the prize being commensurate with the score, thereby allowing a more valuable prize to be awarded for a higher score.

65. A method according to claim 53, wherein the coupon designates an advertiser;

the method further comprising a step of;

dispensing coupons to said respondents; and

wherein

coupons dispensed to respondents carry shopping hints provided by an advertiser.

66. A method according to claim 65, wherein said shopping hints are provided on said coupons during said step of creating a record.

67. A method according to claim 66, further comprising a step of:

recording shopping hint signals on said recording medium; and

wherein said playing-back step includes a playing back of the shopping-hint signals; and

said shopping hints are provided on said coupons in accordance with the shopping-hint signals transmitted to receiving stations at the time said response criteria are transmitted.

68. A method according to claim 67, wherein:

said step of recording shopping hints includes recording a plurality of shopping hints at different locations on said recording medium; and

said playing-back step includes a further playing back of a shopping hint from a further location of said recording medium to accomplish a changing of shopping hints in accordance with instructions provided by the advertiser.

69. A system for conducting a telephone game for individual participants at remote locations and for rewarding winning participants, said system comprising:

a recording medium playing facility at a central location;

a recording medium to be played by said recording medium playing facility, the recording medium containing at least one set of prerecorded messages, a set of the messages comprising signals conveying a question, signals conveying a time period allowed for answering a question and signals identifying at least one acceptable answer to said question;

a telephone facility at a central location, said telephone facility being operatively coupled to said recording medium playing facility and capable of transmitting said messages from said recording medium playing facility to individual ones of said remote locations; and

a sub-system at each remote location, said sub-system comprising;

means operative by a participant for contacting said central telephone facility;

means for receiving said messages from said telephone facility;

means coupled to said receiving means for presenting said messages to a participant;

means for entering an answer by a participant;

means operatively connected to said entering means and to said receiving means for timing an answer in accordance with a set of said messages;

means operatively connected to said entering means and to said receiving means for comparing an entered answer with an acceptable answer in accordance with a set of said messages; and

means coupled to said comparing means for announcing an award to an winning participant who has entered an acceptable answer.

70. A system according to claim 69, including means operatively coupled to said comparing means for scoring an acceptable answer.

71. A system according to claim 69, including means operatively coupled to said comparing means for dispensing to a winning participant a hard copy record indicating a monetary value.

72. A system according to claim 70, wherein said scoring means is operative to score answers at at least two difficulty levels.

73. For use in connection with an event, a method for evaluating a prediction wherein a participant predicts an outcome of the event and is informed of the accuracy of the prediction essentially immediately following the event, the method comprising the steps of

providing at a central location a facility for the electronic signal transmission of data presenting information regarding an event to a participant at a remote location;

providing to the participant means for entering and storing predictive data predicting the outcome of the event;

providing means for preventing said entering of predictive data after a predetermined point in time;

providing at a central location a facility for the electronic signal transmission of outcome data relative to the outcome of said event;

presenting through electronic signal transmission outcome data;

providing at said participants location means for receiving said outcome data;

providing at said participants location means for comparing said stored predictive data with said outcome data;

entering predictive data by a participant on said entering means;

preventing the entry of data on said entering means after a predetermined point in time;

comparing a participants predictive data with said outcome data;

providing at a participants location means for informing a participant whose predictive data coincide at least partially with said outcome data; and

informing a successful participant that the predictive data coincide at least partially with the outcome data.

74. A method according to claim 73 wherein the step of informing is done by issuing to a participant a permanent record of successful prediction.

75. A method according to claim 74 said permanent record is a hard copy record.

76. A method according to claim 75 wherein said hard copy record is a redeemable token.

77. A method according to claim 74 wherein said permanent record is a magnetized card.

78. A method according to claim 74 wherein said record is a monetary award.

79. A method according to claim 78 wherein said monetary award is indicated on said permanent record.

80. A method according to claim 73 wherein said step of informing is accomplished by presenting outcome data via television.

81. A method according to claim 73 wherein said step of informing is accomplished by presenting outcome data via radio.

82. A method according to claim 78, wherein a prediction of greater difficulty carries with it an award of greater value.

83. A method according to claim 73, further comprising steps of:

a participant'"'"'s endeavoring to anticipate the outcome of the unannounced event by entering a prediction of the outcome of a unannounced event;

following the occurrence of an unannounced event, conveying to participants at remote locations

outcome criteria relative to the outcome of the event; and

awarding a prize to a participant having anticipated the unannounced event and having entered an acceptable prediction of the outcome thereof.

84. A method for conducting an event monitored by a host and requiring an acceptable decision relative to the event, wherein individuals at remote locations endeavoring to become successful participants prior to knowing the outcome of the event are billed for participation and wherein successful participants having met defined criteria receive a payment award, the method comprising the steps of:

providing central facilities for electronically transmitting signals conveying information pertaining to an event, said information being suitable for presentation at a remote location;

formulating, by the host, outcome criteria defining an acceptable decision;

providing central facilities for electronically transmitting to the remote locations signals conveying outcome criteria defining an acceptable decision about the event;

providing means at remote locations for receiving signals conveying said information and signals conveying said outcome criteria;

providing a sub-system for a participant at a remote location, the sub-system comprising means operable by a participant for entering data indicating a decision about the event, comprising means for determining whether a participant has met the outcome criteria, and means for generating a record indicating a payment award for an acceptable decision;

authorizing a billing by a central facility for a participants participation;

activating a participants sub-system by transmitting electronic signals from a central facility to participants remote location;

transmitting signals from a central facility conveying said information for presentation at remote locations;

transmitting signals from a central facility conveying outcome criteria;

entering, by a participant, a decision about the event;

comparing a participant'"'"'s decision with said outcome criteria;

identifying an acceptable decision; and

generating a record indicating a payment award for an acceptable decision.

85. A method for operating the system according to claim 84, further comprising steps of:

providing telephone facilities; and

automatically transferring funds by debiting or crediting an account of a winning participant with the amount of said billing or of said prize on the books of the operator of said telephone facilities.

86. A method according to claim 84, wherein said central facilities for electronically transmitting signals conveying event information comprise a tape playing facility with a tape storing said information;

and the method further comprises a step of automatically activating said tape playing facility in response to a participant dialing a dedicated number.

87. A method according to claim 84, wherein said record is in the form of a coupon designating an advertiser, and said method includes a further step of:

dispensing coupons to participants having qualified for an award; and

wherein

the coupons dispensed to successful participants carry shopping hints provided by the advertiser.

88. A method according to claim 87, wherein said shopping hints are provided on said coupons at the time of said step of identifying an acceptable decision.

89. A method according to claim 88, further comprising a step of:

transmitting shopping-hint signals to said remote locations substantially concurrently with said transmitting of outcome criteria; and

wherein said shopping hints are provided on said coupons in accordance with the shopping-hint signals transmitted to the remote locations.

90. A method according to claim 89, wherein said shopping hints are changed in the course of said event by transmitting additional shopping-hint signals in accordance with instructions provided by the advertiser.

91. For use in connection with a game in which an object is intermittently moved by a player in a playing area from a first portion of the playing area to a second portion of the playing area, a method for evaluating a prediction wherein an observer at a remote location predicts a portion of the playing area to which the object will move upon being addresses by a player, and is informed of the accuracy of the prediction essentially immediately following a move of the object, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a television screen to an observer at a remote location;

providing at a central location a facility which transmits an electronic signal of area data presenting a playing area with identifiable portions of the playing area on the television screen visible to the observer at the remote location;

providing at the remote location a device for entering prediction data identifying a predicted portion of the playing area to which said object will move having been addressed by a player;

providing at a central location a facility which transmits an electronic signal of move data to a receiver at the remote location, said move data identifying said second portion of the playing area to which said object has moved having been addressed by a player;

providing at the remote location said receiver for receiving said area and said data signals;

providing at the remote location means for comparing said prediction data identifying an observers predicted portion with said move data;

providing at the remote location means for informing the observer whose predicted portion coincides with said second portion;

presenting through electronic signal transmission of area data identifiable portions of a playing area on a screen visible to the observer;

entering by the observer on said device said prediction data, said entering being completed essentially prior to a player having addressed said object;

electronically transmitting move data signals to the remote location identifying said second portion of the playing area;

comparing the observer'"'"'s predicted portion with said second portion of the playing area; and

informing the observer whose predicted portion coincides with said second portion of such successful prediction.

92. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

providing at the remote location means for dispensing a permanent record of a successful prediction; and

dispensing a permanent record to a successful observer.

93. A method according to claim 92, further comprising a step of:

constructing said permanent record as a printed hard copy record.

94. A method according to claim 93, further comprising a step of:

constructing said hard copy record as a redeemable coupon.

95. A method according to claim 92, further comprising a step of:

constructing said permanent record as a magnetized card.

96. A method according to claim 92, further comprising a step of:

constructing said permanent record as a monetary award.

97. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

superimposing a grid on the presentation of the playing area, said grid having the identifiable portions of the playing area provided thereon.

98. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

showing in said presentation of the playing area at least one hole of a golf course, including a fairway, a green, hazards and adjacent roughs.

99. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

showing in said playing area at least one board on which the object and other objects are moved.

100. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

showing in said playing area a baseball diamond.

101. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

showing in said playing area a football field.

102. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

subdividing identified portions of the playing area into smaller identified portions for presentation to the observer by the television screen.

103. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

showing in a portion of a playing area an identified point.

104. A method according to claim 91, wherein said entering must be performed prior to the expiration of a predetermined time period.

105. A method according to claim 91, wherein said entering must be performed essentially prior to a player having addressed an object.

106. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

showing a plurality of identified portions of a playing area to have different dimensions.

107. A method according to claim 96, further comprising a step of:

awarding the observer in the case of a successfully predicted portion of smaller size, an award of greater value than in the case of a successfully predicted portion of a larger size.

108. A method according to claim 92, further comprising a step of:

issuing said record at a successful observer'"'"'s location essentially immediately following the completion of said object.

109. A method according to claim 91, wherein said predicted portion is the portion of the playing area to which said object will have moved having been addressed at least twice by a player.

110. A method according to claim 91, further comprising a step of:

providing storage means coupled to said comparison means; and

storing said prediction data in said storage means at the remote location.

111. Method for encouraging members of a remote viewing audience to avail themselves of televised shopping announcements prepared by a host, the method being characterized by the awarding of prizes to certain ones of the members who participate in a quiz program, the quiz program comprising questions interspersed among the shopping announcements, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing, by a host, plurality of general announcements of items of merchandise or services offered for sale, suitable for broadcasting from a central station to members of a viewing audience at remote locations over two-way electronic transmission facilities, said general announcements including auxiliary announcements of information regarding said items;

transmitting signals from said central station to said members over said transmission facilities conveying a first one of said general announcements;

receiving said first announcement by said members;

requesting by individual ones of said members of an additional one of said general announcements, said request being transmitted over said transmission facilities;

transmitting a requested auxiliary announcement to said members over said transmission facilities;

receiving said requested auxiliary announcement by said members;

repeating the preceding three steps;

formulating a total number of questions adapted for successive transmission from said central station to the remote locations;

formulating a set of answer criteria accompanying each question;

said criteria including data defining an acceptable answer to a question, and further including a time period allowed for answering a question, and a scoring mode governing the qualifying for a prize by a member, such qualifying being determined by a number of acceptable answers entered or credits earned for acceptable answers;

transmitting a question and accompanying set of answer criteria to remote locations;

receiving said questions and answer criteria at remote locations by a response unit wherein each of said response units comprises means for entering an answer to a question by a member of said remote audience, said response units further comprising means for receiving and storing data conveying said answer criteria, means for conveying a request by a member for an additional announcement, timing means, means for comparing an entered answer with said data defining an acceptable answer, means for scoring an answer, and means for informing a member of acceptable answers entered or credits earned;

entering an answer to a question by a member of said remote audience on said entering means;

comparing an entered answer with an accompanying answer criteria;

scoring an acceptable answer in accordance with said scoring mode;

informing members of acceptable answers answered or credits earned by such a member; and

making the benefit of a prize available to members having qualified for a prize.

112. A method according to claim 111, wherein said scoring mode requires a member to have entered acceptable answers to two or more questions in order to qualify for a prize.

113. A method according to claim 111, wherein said scoring mode requires a member to earn a predetermined number of cumulative credits by having entered acceptable answers to two or more questions in order to qualify for a prize.

114. A method according to claim 111, wherein said general announcements of merchandise or services are done at least partially visually.

115. A method according to claim 111, wherein said general announcements of merchandise or services are done at least partially audibly.

116. A method according to claim 111, further comprising a step of:

presenting said merchandise of services prior to said step of transmitting a question; and

wherein said questions relate to a previous presentation of said merchandise or services.

117. A method according to claim 111, wherein said prize is in the form of a coupon designating an advertiser, and said method includes a further step of:

dispensing coupons to members having qualified for a prize; and

wherein

the coupons dispensed to successful members carry shopping hints provided by the advertiser.

118. A method according to claim 117, wherein said shopping hints are provided on said coupons at the time of said step of informing members of acceptable answers.

119. A method according to claim 118, further comprising a step of:

transmitting shopping-hint signals to said remote locations substantially concurrently with said transmitting of answer criteria; and

wherein said shopping hints are provided on said coupons in accordance with the shopping-hint signals transmitted to the remote locations.

120. A method according to claim 119, wherein said shopping hints are changed in the course of a program by transmitting additional shopping-hint signals in accordance with instructions provided by the advertiser.

159. A method according to claim 111 wherein the scoring mode governing answers to each subsequent question presented to individual ones of said members provides for coefficients in computing a total score which becomes progressively larger with each subsequent question.

121. A method for use in a system for conducting a sweepstakes game monitored by a host and comprising questions and answers, the game including an answer evaluation and a rewarding of respondents for acceptable answers, the method comprising the steps of:

formulating, by the host, a plurality of questions and a plurality of accompanying answer criteria, each of said answer criteria defining at least one acceptable answer to a question;

formulating, by the host, a plurality of monetary awards accompanying acceptable answers, including at least one sweepstake prize;

transmitting first electronic signals conveying questions from a central location to receivers at locations of respondents;

receiving said first signals at respondents locations;

entering an answer to a question by a respondent;

transmitting second electronic signals conveying said answer criteria from said central location to receivers at respondents locations;

receiving said second signals at respondents'"'"' locations;

providing a plurality of recording media at respondents'"'"' locations, said media having been provided with identification indicia;

transmitting third electronic signals from said central location to receivers at respondents'"'"' locations conveying a plurality of monetary awards for acceptable answers, including at least one sweepstakes award;

comparing an entered answer to a question with accompanying response criteria at a respondent'"'"'s location to determine the presence of an acceptable answer by the respondent;

generating a hard copy record of an award accompanying an acceptable answer on an individual one of said recording media; and

delivering said hard copy to a respondent having entered an acceptable answer.

122. A method according to claim 121, wherein:

said record is in the form of a coupon designating an advertiser; and

the coupon delivered to a successful respondent who enters an acceptable answer carries shopping hints provided by an advertiser.

123. A method according to claim 122, wherein said shopping hints are provided on said coupon at the time of said generating of the hard copy.

124. A method according to claim 123, wherein:

said second electronic signals include shopping-hint signals; and

said shopping hints are provided on said coupon in accordance with the shopping-hint signals transmitted to the respondents'"'"' locations at the time of transmitting said answer criteria.

125. A method according to claim 124, wherein said shopping hints re changed in the course of a game by changing said second signals in accordance with instructions provided by the advertiser.

126. A method for conducting a game from a central location and for issuing to players at remote locations a recording medium with data identifying winners in said game, said method comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location to the remote locations instructional signals for controlling a means at each of the remote locations for recording on said medium, said medium having a first set of recognizable data provided thereon prior to said transmitting step and being capable of having at least two additional sets of data provided thereon, said central location having broadcast means for transmitting instructional signals for controlling said recording means at the

remote locations, there being means at the remote locations for receiving a second set and a third set of data;

controlling said recording means at the remote locations by the instructional signals transmitted from the central location

wherein said controlling includes an activating of said recording means and a command to record said second set and said third set of data on said medium;

receiving said electronic signals at remote locations;

recording said second set and said third set of data on said recording medium, said second set comprising recognizable data and said third set comprising a verification code; and

dispensing said recording medium to players;

wherein a dispensed medium containing first and second sets of recognizable data having a predetermined correlation is deemed to be a winning medium.

127. A method according to claim 126, wherein said recording medium is a hard copy record and said recording means is a printer.

128. A method according to claim 126, wherein said recording medium is a magnetized card.

129. A method according to claim 127, further comprising a step of constructing said recording medium as a plurality of sections of a paper tape, each such section being capable of being provided with at least three sets of data.

130. A method according to claim 126, wherein said first and second sets of data consist of alpha-numeric data and said verification code comprises non-alphanumeric symbols.

131. A method according to claim 130, wherein said symbols are machine readable.

132. A method according to claim 126, wherein a winning medium carries with it a monetary prize.

133. A method according to claim 132, wherein said monetary prize is identified by printing on a winning medium.

134. A method according to claim 132, wherein a winning medium is identifiable as a winning medium by visual observation, but wherein the value of a monetary prize is discernible by machine reading.

135. A method according to claim 126, wherein a medium is discernible by a player as a winning medium without the amount of a prize being discernible.

136. A method according to claim 132, further comprising a step of redeeming said medium at a point of purchase of merchandise.

137. A method according to claim 136, wherein said medium is identifiable as a winning medium by machine reading at a point of purchase of merchandise.

138. A method according to claim 126, wherein said medium has been provided with promotional information.

139. A system for promoting a use of commercial recording media such as tapes and discs having provided thereon recordings including commercial messages, the system comprising:

a response unit operative by a user;

a recording medium for playback by a user, the medium having on a first portion thereof a first recording comprising a program and on a second portion thereof a second recording comprising at least one task set; and

wherein a task set includes a task to be performed by a user of said recording medium by entering an acceptable response on an entering device of a response unit within an allowed time period, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to said task including a mode for scoring an acceptable response; and

wherein said program, said task set and said time period are formatted for playing back in a form directly to the user; and

wherein said response criteria are formatted for playing back in a form suitable for use by said response unit but unintelligible to the user;

wherein said system further comprises means operative with said recording medium for playing back said first and said second recordings;

wherein said response unit receives signals outputted from said playing-back means by a playing back of said first and said second recordings, said response unit comprising;

means for entering a reponse to a task by the user;

means coupled to said entering means for comparing an entered response with an acceptable response, said comparing means identifying an acceptable response in accordance with said response criteria;

means coupled to said comparing means for scoring an acceptable response to provide a score in accordance with said scoring mode;

means responsive to an output signal of said scoring means for generating a hard copy output record of said score, said record indicating a monetary value and having a format suitable for redemption; and

means coupled to said playing-back means and responsive to said signal of said recording medium for rendering at least a part of said second recording useless by at least partially impairing the integrity of said recording, said impairing being performed following a first playback of the response criteria of said second recording to prevent a repeated playback of said second recording while permitting a repeated playback of said first recording.

140. A system according to claim 139, wherein said record is magnetized card.

141. A system according to claim 139, wherein said record is a coupon.

142. A system according to claim 141, wherein said coupon is provided with alphanumeric symbols identifying a monetary value of the coupon.

143. A system according to claim 139, wherein said recording medium is a magnetic tape.

144. A system according to claim 139, wherein said playing-back means and said response unit form an integrated sub-system.

145. A system according to claim 139, wherein said rendering means is operative to impair the integrity of said second recording subsequent to the outputting of signals from said playing-back means to said response

146. A television game show comprising the steps of:

transmitting first signals from a central location conveying a television program, said program including a plurality of questions calling for answers at a basic difficulty level and alternatively at at least one higher difficulty level and including a period of time allowed for answering a question;

transmitting second signals from a central location conveying answer criteria defining at least one acceptable answer to each question at each of said difficulty levels, including a scoring mode of allocating credits for each acceptable answer, whereby an answer at a higher difficulty level is allocated more credits than an answer at a lower difficulty level;

receiving said first and second signals at TV-viewers'"'"' remote locations;

electing by a TV-viewer whether to answer a question at a higher difficulty level, or to retain the basic difficulty level;

entering by a TV-viewer of answers to said questions on an entering device of a response unit, each answer being elected at the difficulty level;

comparing a TV-viewer'"'"'s answer to said response criteria by said response unit;

allocating credits to a TV-viewer in accordance with said scoring mode at the elected difficulty level;

accumulating said credits in a memory of a TV-viewer'"'"'s response unit;

transmitting third signals from a central location instructing recording means in said response units to generate a record of the cumulative credits of individual ones of said TV-viewers;

receiving said third signals at remote locations;

generating said records of cumulative credits; and

making said records available to individual ones of said TV-viewers.

147. A television game show according to claim 146, wherein prior to entering an answer, TV-viewers are informed of credits for acceptable answers at applicable difficulty levels.

148. A television game show according to claim 146, wherein at the start of said show, TV-viewers are informed of the total number of questions.

149. A television game show according to claim 146, wherein said record of cumulative credits has a monetary value.

150. A television game show according to claim 146, wherein credits are deducted from a TV-viewer'"'"'s cumulative credits for entered answers not meeting the answer criteria at the elected difficulty level.

151. A television game show according to claim 146, wherein credits are deducted from a TV-viewer'"'"'s cumulative credits for each question not answered at at least the basic difficulty level.

152. A television game show according to claim 146, including a further step of a TV-viewer informing the host of said game show by telephone of the total number of credits earned and the step of said host announcing the names of winners on said show.

153. A television game show according to claim 146, including a step of transmitting and receiving fourth signals from a central location instructing said recording means to provide verification indicia on said record.

154. A method for promoting a use of commercial recording media, such as tapes and discs, having provided thereon recordings including commercial messages, the method comprising the steps of:

recording on a first portion of a recording medium a first recording comprising a program, and on a second portion of the medium a second recording comprising at least one task set; and

wherein a task set includes a task to be performed by a user of said recording medium by entering an acceptable response to an entering device of a response unit within an allowed time period, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to said task including a mode for scoring an acceptable response; and

wherein said program, said task set and said time period are formatted for playing back in a form intelligible to the user; and

wherein said response criteria are formatted for playing back in a form suitable for use by said response unit but unintelligible to the user;

the method further comprising;

playing back said recording medium at a users location by use of means at a location of the user for playing back said first and said second recordings;

entering a response to a task by the user by use of a response unit at the location of the user, a response unit comprising means operable by the user for entering a response to a task, means for comparing an entered response with said response criteria to identify an acceptable response, means to score an acceptable response, means for generating a hard copy record of the scored response, and means for impairing the integrity of said second recording after its first playing back;

comparing said entered response with said response criteria;

identifying an acceptable response;

scoring an acceptable response;

generating a hard copy record of the monetary value of a scored response; and

rendering said second recording useless by impairing its integrity, so as to permit a repeated playback of said first recording, but preventing the generating of a hard copy record indicating a monetary value.

155. A method for encouraging members of a remote viewing audience to avail themselves of televised shopping announcements prepared by a host, the method including an awarding of prizes to certain ones of the members who participate in a quiz program, the quiz program comprising questions interspersed among the shopping announcements, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing, by the host, a plurality of general announcements of items of merchandise or services offered for sale, suitable for broadcasting from a central station to members of a viewing audience at remote locations, said general announcements including auxiliary announcements of information regarding said items;

transmitting signals from said central station to said members at said remote locations, said transmitting including a conveying of a first one of said general announcements;

receiving said first announcement by said members;

requesting by individual ones of said members of an additional one of said general announcements, said request being transmitted over said transmission facilities;

transmitting a requested auxiliary announcement to said members over said transmission facilities;

receiving said requested auxiliary announcement by said members;

repeating the preceding three steps;

formulating a total number of questions adapted for successive transmission from said central station to said remote locations;

formulating a set of answer criteria accompanying each question, said criteria including data defining an acceptable answer to a question, and further including a time period allowed for answering a question, and a scoring mode governing the qualifying for a prize by a member, such qualifying being determined by a number of acceptable answers entered or credits earned for acceptable answers;

transmitting a question and an accompanying set of answer criteria to said remote locations;

receiving said questions and said answer criteria at said remote locations;

entering an answer to a question by a member of said remote audience;

comparing an entered answer with an accompanying answer criteria;

scoring an acceptable answer in accordance with said scoring mode;

informing members of acceptable answers answered or credits earned by such a member; and

making the benefit of a prize available to members having qualified for a prize.

160. A method according to claim 155 wherein the scoring mode governing answers to each subsequent question presented to individual ones of said members provides for coefficients in computing a total scores which becomes progressively larger with each subsequent question.

156. A method for conducting a game from a central location and for issuing to players at remote locations a recording medium with data identifying winners in said game, said method comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location to the remote locations instructional signals for controlling a means at each of the remote locations for recording on said medium, said medium having a first set of recognizable data provided thereon prior to said transmitting step and being capable of having at least two additional sets of data provided thereon;

receiving said instructional signals at remote locations;

recording a second set and a third set of data on said recording medium by said recordinq means in response to said instructional signals, said second set comprising recognizable data and said third set comprising a verification code; and

dispensing said recording medium to players; and

wherein a dispensed medium having first and second sets of recognizable data having a predetermined correlation is deemed to be a winning medium.

157. A method for remotely evaluating and creating a record of responses to task-setting messages with the aid of response criteria, the messages and the criteria being transmitted to receiving stations, the method comprising:

recording said task-setting messages and response criteria on portions of a recording medium;

selecting individual ones of said portions of said recording medium for playback to said receiving stations by means of playback apparatus;

playing back said task-setting messages and said response criteria at a central station;

receiving said task-setting messages and said response criteria at said receiving stations;

entering a response to a task-setting message at said receiving stations;

comparing an entered response with an acceptable answer of said response criteria, said comparing providing for a comparing of at least one key word or symbol in an entered response with said acceptable response;

scoring an entered response relative to said response criteria; and

creating a record of an entered response at each receiving station, the record being suitable for use as a prize token.

158. A method for evaluating and creating a record of responses to a recorded task-setting program with the aid of response criteria intended for respondents located at receiving stations, said task-setting program including a plurality of questions, and said response criteria including a plurality of criteria, the method comprising:

recording said task-setting program including a first of said questions and a first of said response criteria for playback to respondents at receiving stations;

recording a second of said questions and a second of said response criteria;

playing back said task setting program with said first question and said first response criteria at a central station for presentation to said receiving stations;

entering a response to said first question at said receiving stations;

comparing at least one element in a response of said response-entering step with said first response criteria;

scoring responses in accordance with the scoring basis of said first response criteria;

playing back a second of said questions and a second of said response criteria at a central station for presentation to said receiving stations;

entering a response to said second question; and

scoring the response to said second question on a scoring basis of the second response criteria.