Abstract: A method of sampling, at a central location, data generated from a number of remote data sources. The method comprises: a) causing those data sources with generated data to implement a local response function; b) transmitting information from the central location to the remote data sources relating to the outcome of the local response function; c) causing those data sources with generated data to determine whether the outcome of the local response function satisfies a predetermined relationship with the information transmitted from the central location, and, if it does, to transmit the generated data to the central location.

Abstract: A method of inputting one or more items of information to a data destination (21). The method comprises generating the item(s) of information at one or more data sources (25-28); and for each item of information transmitting the item of information to the data destination in a data packet; calculating a time stamp value in accordance with the time delay between generating the item of information and transmitting the data packet; encoding the time stamp value in the data packet; decoding the data packet at the data destination to retrieve the time stamp value; and calculating the time delay associated with the data packet in accordance with the retrieved time stamp value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting a scheduled interactive application to a plurality of users via respective user interfaces. Initially, setup data is placed on a broadcast carousel prior to a scheduled start time of the interactive application whereby setup data is repeatedly broadcast to the user interfaces. A status flag is broadcast to the user interfaces to indicate that the setup data has been placed on the broadcast carousel. Real time data is broadcast to the user interfaces at the scheduled start time. Electronic programme guide (EPG) data indicating a scheduled start time for the scheduled interactive application is further broadcast to the user interfaces.

Abstract: A method of transmitting items of information from a plurality of data sources (25-28) to a data destination (9) over a common data channel.

Abstract: An interactive, predictive game control system for use in conjunction with a live TV broadcast received by one or more remote players. The system comprises a central controller for generating game playing data for transmission with a TV broadcast to the remote player(s) and for receiving information from the remote player(s). An input device is connected to the central controller. A database is connected to the central controller for storing data relating to the content of the live broadcast and known in advance of the live broadcast. The central controller is responsive to signals from the input device: a) prior to the live broadcast, to select data from the database for transmission to the remote user(s) in advance of and/or during the live broadcast, and b) during or after the live broadcast, to record the time of occurrence of one or more events relating to the live broadcast which are to be predicted by the remote player(s), as indicated by an operator to the central controller via the input device.

Abstract: An interactive communication system comprises a central controller; and at least one remote unit connected in use to a display device, the central controller generating signals in accordance with a service function, access to all or part of which is restricted. The signals are supplied to the remote unit(s) for display on the display device. The or each remote unit includes a processor, responsive to signals from the central controller, and selectively connectable to the central controller to transmit information back to the central controller. The or each remote unit further comprises an input device and a control memory connected to the processor, the input device allowing a user to enter information, and the control memory storing access control data. The processor is responsive to the access control data to allow a user to gain access to the restricted part of the service function, and periodically supplies data to the central controller related to said access.

Abstract: An interactive system, comprising a local controller (8) operable to control data flow to and from at least two local handsets (11,22) for generating data. The local controller (8) includes a memory (28) for storing data and a processor. A central controller (1) is connectable to the local controller, and a display (12) is provided for displaying data locally from the central controller and the local controller. The local controller (8) stores data generated by each local handset and selectively transfers stored data to the central controller (1).