Methods, systems and apparatus for interactive audience participation at a live entertainment event

DC CAFC

US 7,797,005 B2
Filed: 06/18/2009
Issued: 09/14/2010
Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2000
Status: Expired due to Term

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1. A program storage device readable by a wireless interactive device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:

(i) receive and transmit messages;

(ii) accept input via a user input interface;

(iii) output messages to a user output interface; and

(iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;

enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;

providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;

querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and

receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;

wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;

said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and

said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.

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Abstract

A method and system provide interactive participation during activity occurring at a college campus venue. Enjoyment for a plurality of enrolled participants is enhanced. Participants employ wireless interactive devices that present a promotional message and include user input and output interfaces. Participants are queried, and enter answers via the user input interface. The promotional messages are preferably related to businesses and other organizations associated with the college campus venue.

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302 Claims

1. A program storage device readable by a wireless interactive device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;
  
  said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and
  
  said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
- - 2. A program storage device as recited by claim 1, wherein the method steps are implemented using an Application Program Interface (API).
  - 3. A program storage device as recited by claim 1, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 4. A program storage device as recited by claim 3, wherein said promotional message is displayed on said user output interface.
  - 5. A program storage device as recited by claim 3, wherein said promotional message is disseminated for monetary consideration from an advertiser.
  - 6. A program storage device as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 7. A program storage device as recited by claim 1, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 8. A program storage as recited by claim 7, wherein said transmitting of said request is carried out using at least one of telephone, e-mail, interactive registration through an Internet site, and regular postal mail.
  - 9. A program storage as recited by claim 1, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 10. A program storage as recited by claim 7, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a text message transmitted from said wireless interactive device.
  - 11. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 12. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 13. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 14. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 15. A program storage as recited by claim 1, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 16. A program storage as recited by claim 15, wherein said query is selected based on said demographic characteristics of said enrolled participant.
  - 17. A program storage as recited by claim 15, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants, said promotional message being selected based on said demographic characteristics of said enrolled participant.
  - 18. A program storage as recited by claim 1, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 19. A program storage as recited by claim 18, wherein said incentive comprises conveying to said participant at least one of goods, services, or coupons redeemable for at least part of the price of goods or services.
  - 20. A program storage as recited by claim 18, wherein said incentive comprises electronic transfer of consideration to said enrolled participant.
  - 21. A program storage as recited by claim 1, further comprising the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface.
  - 22. A program storage as recited by claim 21, wherein said informational items comprise items selected from the group consisting of news reports, traffic condition reports, weather conditions, weather forecasts, sports news and scores.
  - 23. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying comprises a contest.
  - 24. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying comprises a game.
  - 25. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying comprises an opinion poll.
  - 26. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 27. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 28. A program storage as recited by claim 27, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 29. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 30. A program storage as recited by claim 1, further comprising the step of awarding a prize to at least one of said participants who has entered an answer in response to said querying.
  - 31. A program storage as recited by claim 30, wherein said prize is delivered to said enrolled participant.
  - 32. A program storage as recited by claim 30, wherein said prize is transferred electronically to said enrolled participant.
  - 33. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 34. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 35. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 36. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 37. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 38. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said promotional messages include:
    - (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
      
      (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.
  - 39. A program storage as recited by claim 38, wherein said solicitation prompts said enrolled person to select and order items comprised in said desired service.
  - 40. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said persons are students.
  - 41. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said persons are faculty.
  - 42. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said persons are visitors.
  - 43. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 44. A program storage as recited by claim 43, wherein said class lecture is displayed on said user output interface from a remote location.
  - 45. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying comprises an interactive dating service.
  - 46. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said querying is related to student government issues.
  - 47. A program storage as recited by claim 1, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.
  - 48. A program storage as recited by claim 15, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the music type preferences of said enrolled participant.
  - 49. A program storage as recited by claim 15 wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the food type preferences of said enrolled participant.
  - 50. A program storage as recited by claim 15, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the computer system preferences of said enrolled participant as between a PC and a Mac.

51. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for communicating with a wireless interactive device for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
- View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99)
- - 52. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for communicating as recited by claim 51, wherein the method steps are implemented using an Application Program Interface (API).
  - 53. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 54. A program storage device as recited by claim 53, wherein said promotional message is displayed on said user output interface.
  - 55. A program storage device as recited by claim 53, wherein said promotional message is disseminated for monetary consideration from an advertiser.
  - 56. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 57. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 58. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein:
    - a. said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;
      
      b. said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and
      
      c. said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 59. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 60. A program storage device as recited by claim 59, wherein said transmitting of said request is carried out using at least one of telephone, e-mail, interactive registration through an Internet site, and regular postal mail.
  - 61. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 62. A program storage device as recited by claim 59, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a text message transmitted from said wireless interactive device.
  - 63. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 64. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 65. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 66. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 67. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 68. A program storage device as recited by claim 67, wherein said query is selected based on said demographic characteristics of said enrolled participant.
  - 69. A program storage device as recited by claim 67, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants, said promotional message being selected based on said demographic characteristics of said enrolled participant.
  - 70. A program storage as device recited by claim 51, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 71. A program storage device as recited by claim 70, wherein said incentive comprises conveying to said participant at least one of goods, services, or coupons redeemable for at least part of the price of goods or services.
  - 72. A program storage device as recited by claim 70, wherein said incentive comprises electronic transfer of consideration to said enrolled participant.
  - 73. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, further comprising the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface.
  - 74. A program storage device as recited by claim 73, wherein said informational items comprise items selected from the group consisting of news reports, traffic condition reports, weather conditions, weather forecasts, sports news and scores.
  - 75. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying comprises a contest.
  - 76. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying comprises a game.
  - 77. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying comprises an opinion poll.
  - 78. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 79. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 80. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 81. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 82. A program storage as device recited by claim 51, further comprising the step of awarding a prize to at least one of said participants who has entered an answer in response to said querying.
  - 83. A program storage device as recited by claim 82, wherein said prize is delivered to said enrolled participant.
  - 84. A program storage device as recited by claim 82, wherein said prize is transferred electronically to said enrolled participant.
  - 85. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 86. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 87. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 88. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 89. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said persons are students.
  - 90. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said persons are faculty.
  - 91. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said persons are visitors.
  - 92. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 93. A program storage device as recited by claim 92, wherein said class lecture is displayed on said user output interface from a remote location.
  - 94. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying comprises an interactive dating service.
  - 95. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said querying is related to student government issues.
  - 96. A program storage device as recited by claim 51, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.
  - 97. A program storage device as recited by claim 67, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the music type preferences of said enrolled participant.
  - 98. A program storage device as recited by claim 67, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the food type preferences of said enrolled participant.
  - 99. A program storage device as recited by claim 67, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the computer system preferences of said enrolled participant as between a PC and a Mac.

100. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
- View Dependent Claims (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150)
- - 101. An API as recited by claim 100, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 102. An API as recited by claim 101, wherein said promotional message is displayed on said user output interface.
  - 103. An API as recited by claim 101, wherein said promotional message is disseminated for monetary consideration from an advertiser.
  - 104. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 105. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 106. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein:
    - a. said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;
      
      b. said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and
      
      c. said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 107. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 108. An API as recited by claim 107, wherein said transmitting of said request is carried out using at least one of telephone, e-mail, interactive registration through an Internet site, and regular postal mail.
  - 109. An API as recited by claim 100, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 110. An API as recited by claim 107, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a text message transmitted from said wireless interactive device.
  - 111. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 112. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 113. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 114. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 115. An API as recited by claim 100, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 116. An API as recited by claim 115, wherein said query is selected based on said demographic characteristics of said enrolled participant.
  - 117. An API as recited by claim 115, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants, said promotional message being selected based on said demographic characteristics of said enrolled participant.
  - 118. An API as recited by claim 100, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 119. An API as recited by claim 118, wherein said incentive comprises conveying to said participant at least one of goods, services, or coupons redeemable for at least part of the price of goods or services.
  - 120. An API as recited by claim 118, wherein said incentive comprises electronic transfer of consideration to said enrolled participant.
  - 121. An API as recited by claim 100, further comprising the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface.
  - 122. An API as recited by claim 121, wherein said informational items comprise items selected from the group consisting of news reports, traffic condition reports, weather conditions, weather forecasts, sports news and scores.
  - 123. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying comprises a contest.
  - 124. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying comprises a game.
  - 125. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying comprises an opinion poll.
  - 126. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 127. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 128. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 129. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 130. An API as recited by claim 100, further comprising the step of awarding a prize to at least one of said participants who has entered an answer in response to said querying.
  - 131. An API as recited by claim 130, wherein said prize is delivered to said enrolled participant.
  - 132. An API as recited by claim 130, wherein said prize is transferred electronically to said enrolled participant.
  - 133. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 134. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 135. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 136. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 137. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 138. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said promotional messages include:
    - (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
      
      (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.
  - 139. An API as recited by claim 138, wherein said solicitation prompts said enrolled person to select and order items comprised in said desired service.
  - 140. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said persons are students.
  - 141. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said persons are faculty.
  - 142. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said persons are visitors.
  - 143. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 144. An API as recited by claim 143, wherein said class lecture is displayed on said user output interface from a remote location.
  - 145. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying comprises an interactive dating service.
  - 146. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said querying is related to student government issues.
  - 147. An API as recited by claim 100, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.
  - 148. An API as recited by claim 115, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the music type preferences of said enrolled participant.
  - 149. An API as recited by claim 115 wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the food type preferences of said enrolled participant.
  - 150. An API as recited by claim 115, wherein said demographic characteristics are related to the computer system preferences of said enrolled participant as between a PC and a Mac.

151. A program storage device readable by a wireless interactive device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said program storage device further comprises the step of awarding a prize to at least one of said participants who has entered an answer in response to said querying.
- View Dependent Claims (152, 153)
- - 152. A program storage device as recited by claim 151, wherein said prize is delivered to said enrolled participant.
  - 153. A program storage as recited by claim 151, wherein said prize is transferred electronically to said enrolled participant.

154. A program storage device readable by a wireless interactive device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said program storage device further comprises the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants;
  
  said promotional message includes;
  
  (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
  
  (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.
- View Dependent Claims (155)
- - 155. A program storage device as recited by claim 154, wherein said solicitation prompts said enrolled person to select and order items comprised in said desired service.

156. A program storage device readable by a wireless interactive device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said program storage device further comprises the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface; and
  
  wherein said informational items comprise items selected from the group consisting of news reports, traffic condition reports, weather conditions, weather forecasts, sports news and scores.

157. A program storage device readable by a wireless interactive device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
- View Dependent Claims (158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180)
- - 158. A program storage device as recited by claim 157, wherein the method steps are implemented using an Application Program Interface (API).
  - 159. A program storage device as recited by claim 157, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 160. A program storage device as recited by claim 157, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 161. A program storage device as recited by claim 157, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 162. A program storage as recited by claim 157, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 163. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 164. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 165. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 166. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 167. A program storage as recited by claim 157, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 168. A program storage as recited by claim 157, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 169. A program storage as recited by claim 157, further comprising the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface.
  - 170. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 171. A program storage as recited by claim 170, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 172. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 173. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 174. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 175. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 176. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 177. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 178. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 179. A program storage as recited by claim 178, wherein said class lecture is displayed on said user output interface from a remote location.
  - 180. A program storage as recited by claim 157, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.

181. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for communicating with a wireless interactive device for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said program storage device further comprises the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants; and
  
  wherein said promotional message includes;
  
  (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
  
  (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.
- View Dependent Claims (182)
- - 182. A program storage device as recited by claim 181, wherein said solicitation prompts said enrolled person to select and order items comprised in said desired service.

183. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for communicating with a wireless interactive device for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said program storage device further comprises the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface.
- View Dependent Claims (184)
- - 184. A program storage device as recited by claim 183, wherein said informational items comprise items selected from the group consisting of news reports, traffic condition reports, weather conditions, weather forecasts, sports news and scores.

185. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for communicating with a wireless interactive device for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
- View Dependent Claims (186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206)
- - 186. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for communicating as recited by claim 185, wherein the method steps are implemented using an Application Program Interface (API).
  - 187. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 188. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 189. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 190. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 191. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 192. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 193. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 194. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 195. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 196. A program storage as device recited by claim 185, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 197. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 198. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 199. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 200. A program storage as device recited by claim 185, further comprising the step of awarding a prize to at least one of said participants who has entered an answer in response to said querying.
  - 201. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 202. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 203. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 204. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 205. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 206. A program storage device as recited by claim 185, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.

207. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said API further comprises the step of relaying informational items, said items being transmitted by said wireless communication system to said wireless interactive device for output using said user output interface.
- View Dependent Claims (208)
- - 208. An API as recited by claim 207, wherein said informational items comprise items selected from the group consisting of news reports, traffic condition reports, weather conditions, weather forecasts, sports news and scores.

209. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said API further comprises the step of awarding a prize to at least one of said participants who has entered an answer in response to said querying.
- View Dependent Claims (210, 211)
- - 210. An API as recited by claim 209, wherein said prize is delivered to said enrolled participant.
  - 211. An API as recited by claim 209, wherein said prize is transferred electronically to said enrolled participant.

212. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
- View Dependent Claims (213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234)
- - 213. An API as recited by claim 212, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 214. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 215. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 216. An API as recited by claim 212, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 217. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 218. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 219. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 220. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 221. An API as recited by claim 212, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 222. An API as recited by claim 212, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 223. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 224. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 225. An API as recited by claim 224, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 226. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 227. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 228. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 229. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 230. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 231. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 232. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said promotional messages include:
    - (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
      
      (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.
  - 233. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 234. An API as recited by claim 212, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.

235. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
- View Dependent Claims (236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254)
- - 236. An API as recited by claim 235, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 237. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 238. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 239. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein:
    - a. said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;
      
      b. said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and
      
      c. said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 240. An API as recited by claim 235, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 241. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 242. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 243. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 244. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 245. An API as recited by claim 235, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 246. An API as recited by claim 235, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 247. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 248. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 249. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 250. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 251. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 252. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 253. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 254. An API as recited by claim 235, wherein said promotional messages include:
    - (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
      
      (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.

255. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
- View Dependent Claims (256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270)
- - 256. An API as recited by claim 255, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 257. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 258. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 259. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein:
    - a. said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;
      
      b. said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and
      
      c. said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 260. An API as recited by claim 255, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 261. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 262. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 263. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 264. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 265. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 266. An API as recited by claim 265, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 267. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 268. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 269. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 270. An API as recited by claim 255, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.

271. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said querying is related to student government issues.
- View Dependent Claims (272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277)
- - 272. An API as recited by claim 271, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 273. An API as recited by claim 271, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 274. An API as recited by claim 271, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 275. An API as recited by claim 271, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 276. An API as recited by claim 271, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 277. An API as recited by claim 276, wherein said class lecture is displayed on said user output interface from a remote location.

278. An Application Program Interface (API) for programming a wireless interactive device, with program of instructions executable by the wireless interactive device to perform method steps for enabling interactive participation by enrolled participants during activity occurring at a college campus venue attended by a plurality of persons, said enrolled participants employing the wireless interactive device having a unique signature associated therewith and capability to:
- (i) receive and transmit messages;
  
  (ii) accept input via a user input interface;
  
  (iii) output messages to a user output interface; and
  
  (iv) transmit said unique signature,the method comprising the steps of;
  
  enrolling at least some of said persons as enrolled participants, each being equipped with one of said wireless interactive devices;
  
  providing a wireless communication system adapted to transmit and receive messages with said interactive device;
  
  querying said enrolled participants to respond to at least one query with an answer entered through said user input interface and transmitted by said interactive device; and
  
  receiving answers entered by said enrolled participants;
  
  wherein said promotional messages include;
  
  (i) a solicitation for enrolled persons to make a reservation for provision at a future time of a desired service; and
  
  (ii) a notification thereafter of the availability of said desired service.
- View Dependent Claims (279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302)
- - 279. An API as recited by claim 278, further comprising the step of disseminating at least one promotional message to said enrolled participants.
  - 280. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants located within said college campus venue.
  - 281. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device, said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal and wherein said querying is directed only to enrolled participants for whom said transmitted location signal is indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 282. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein:
    - a. said wireless interactive device further comprises localization circuitry adapted to transmit a location signal indicative of a physical location of said device;
      
      b. said method further comprises the step of detecting said transmitted location signal; and
      
      c. said enrolling step is effected automatically for persons attending said college campus venue and possessing a said wireless interactive device, upon detection of said transmitted location signal indicative of a physical location within said college campus venue.
  - 283. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said enrolling comprises receipt of a request transmitted by one or more of said persons requesting enrollment as participants.
  - 284. An API as recited by claim 278, further comprising the step of providing at least one kiosk or terminal at said college campus venue, said kiosk or terminal being adapted to accept requests for enrollment of said persons as said enrolled participants.
  - 285. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said enrolling further comprises receipt of an activation code entered using said user input interface of said wireless interactive device.
  - 286. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said enrolling is terminated upon the departure of said participant from said college campus venue.
  - 287. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said enrolling expires after a predetermined time period.
  - 288. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said unique signature comprises indicia entered into said wireless interactive devices using the user input interface thereof.
  - 289. An API as recited by claim 278, further comprising collecting demographic characteristics of at least a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 290. An API as recited by claim 278, further comprising the step of offering at least one incentive to induce said persons to become said enrolled participants during said activity occurring at said college campus.
  - 291. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said querying is limited to a portion of said enrolled participants.
  - 292. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said querying step is accomplished by at least one display visible to said participants.
  - 293. An API as recited by claim 292, wherein said display comprises a large-scale video display.
  - 294. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said querying step is accomplished by a notice audible to said enrolled participants.
  - 295. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said wireless communications system transmits and receives using at least one transmission form selected from the group consisting of radio transmission, microwave transmission, broadband wireless data transmission, ultra-wide band transmission, spread-spectrum transmission, and satellite transmission.
  - 296. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said interactive device is a member selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, two-way pagers, wireless personal digital assistants, and wireless pocket PC'"'"'s.
  - 297. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said wireless interactive device is Internet-enabled and at least a portion of the communications to and from said wireless interactive device is accomplished using the Internet.
  - 298. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said user output interface comprises at least one of an alphanumeric text display, a graphical display, and an audio output means.
  - 299. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said activity occurring at said college campus comprises at least one event having programmatic content with an identifiable duration.
  - 300. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said querying is related to a class lecture.
  - 301. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said querying is related to student government issues.
  - 302. An API as recited by claim 278, wherein said unique signature comprises a cellular phone number for the wireless interactive device.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
Interactive Audience Participation, LLC
Original Assignee
Eric Inselberg
Inventors
Inselberg, Eric
Primary Examiner(s)
GELIN, JEAN ALLAND

Application Number

US12/456,524
Publication Number

US 20090276292A1
Time in Patent Office

453 Days
Field of Search

455/66.1, 455/90.3, 455/575.6, 455/517, 455/550, 455/414.1, 455/414.2, 455/414.3, 463 36- 42, 725/9, 705/27, 705/37, 705/3
US Class Current

455/517
CPC Class Codes

G06Q 30/0258   Registration

G06Q 30/0261   based on user location

G06Q 30/0267   Wireless devices

G06Q 30/0269   based on user profile or at...

G06Q 30/0273   Determination of fees for a...

H04H 60/33   Arrangements for monitoring...

Methods, systems and apparatus for interactive audience participation at a live entertainment event

First Claim

4 Assignments

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0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

45 Citations

302 Claims

Specification

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Methods, systems and apparatus for interactive audience participation at a live entertainment event

First Claim

4 Assignments

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Subscription Required

Litigations

0 Petitions

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Accused Products

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Abstract

45 Citations

302 Claims

Specification

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Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links