Patent ID: 7693532

Claim:
A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine to allow the machine to interface with a system for enabling interactive participation by audience members viewing a live entertainment event at a venue, the machine having capability (i) to receive and transmit messages, (ii) accept input via a user interface, and (iii) display messages on an electronic display, the system comprising: a wireless communication system configured to transmit and receive messages with the interactive device; a means for querying the audience members to respond to at least one query with answers entered through the user interface and transmitted by the interactive device; a means for receiving the answers at a central processing station or distributed processing stations; a means for storing the received answers as audience data; a central processor configured to receive and process the audience data into results; and a means for disseminating at least one promotional message of a sponsor to the audience members through the electronic display, and wherein the venue is selected from the group consisting of stadiums, arenas, race tracks, golf courses, and theme parks.