Abstract: A method for redeeming coupons, comprising the steps of storing on an electronic device an electronic coupon having encrypted data and unencrypted data, wherein the encrypted data is required for printing the coupon; reading data stored on the portable electronic device at purchase location, and comparing the unencrypted data with product data obtained at the purchase location, and if a match is detected, decrypting the encrypted data; and printing the coupon at the purchase location with the decrypted data

Abstract: A technique for correlating purchasing behavior of a consumer with advertisements to which the consumer has been exposed. The technique includes monitoring exposure of said consumer to advertisements to produce an advertisement monitoring signal, photographing an image related to an item purchased by the consumer to produce image data, processing the image data to derive consumer purchase data, and correlating the consumer purchase data with the advertisement monitoring signal.

Abstract: A technique for enabling access to supplementary materials related to a program that is broadcast to a plurality of audience members. A programming signal is obtained to be used for performing the program. A supplementary material ID signal is obtained that uniquely identifies particular program-related supplementary material from among a plurality of available program-related supplementary materials, but which does not include sufficient data for printing and/or displaying such particular program-related supplementary material. The programming signal and the supplementary material ID signal are combined into an output signal that is broadcast from a broadcast signal source.

Abstract: An interactive technique for generating a supplementary, program-related output. A programming signal and a supplementary, program-related data signal containing rewards data for product or service purchases are combined into a broadcast signal which is then broadcast from a program signal source. The broadcast signal is received, and the programming signal of the received broadcast signal is performed with reproduction equipment for an audience. The rewards data is stored on a portable storage media for use in accessing rewards corresponding to the rewards data. The rewards data can be used for printing coupons used in redeeming the rewards or for use in accessing rewards validation codes for storage on the portable storage media. The portable storage media and/or the printed coupons can then be used to purchase the corresponding goods or services.

Abstract: Providing a reward as an incentive for a person to become an audience member of at least one program being performed by reproduction equipment. A programming signal used for broadcasting the program with a programming signal source is encoded with discrete code signals, such that a preset number of the code signals occur within a given period of time, to produce an output signal which is broadcast. The broadcast output signal is received, and the code signals therein are detected. The number of the code signals detected while the person is an audience member of the at least one program is compared with predetermined reward issuance criteria. A reward is issued when the reward issuance criteria are met by the number of detected code signals.

Abstract: An interactive technique for generating a supplementary, program-related output. A programming signal and a supplementary, program-related data signal are combined into a broadcast signal which is then broadcast from a program signal source. The broadcast signal is received, and the programming signal of the received broadcast signal is performed with reproduction equipment for an audience. The supplementary, program-related data signal of the received broadcast signal is stored, and retrieval of the stored supplementary, program-related data signal is enabled interactively with the programming signal being performed. In response to a control signal being actuated by a member of the audience tuned to the programming signal being performed, the stored supplementary, program-related data signal is retrieved and used to generate the supplementary, program-related output.

Abstract: A monitoring technique for identifying users who access a particular data base. A unique code is precoded in each of the data bases being monitored. When access to a data base is designated by the user, the precoded portion therein is read to retrieve the code. If the retrieved code matches any of the codes stored in memory for data bases which are being monitored, the existence of a match actuates a trigger signal source which is part of a stationary unit. The source emits a trigger signal from the stationary unit which is received by a portable unit, such as a watch, worn by the user. The watch responds to the received trigger signal by emitting an ID signal unique to its associated user. That ID signal is detected and stored by the stationary unit.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus which is operable during muting, even though it relies on audio to monitor program signals transmitted by broadcast sources. The monitoring is performed by transmitting a combined signal derived by adding a code to an audio program signal. During muting, the audio is inhibited by actuating a switch. However, the code is separated from the combined signal and routed so as to bypass the switch in order to enable the monitoring to continue.