System and method for responding to two-way broadcast programs

Abstract

A system and method for two-way broadcast programs includes a response information transmitting apparatus, two-way broadcast receiving apparatus, and a response information receiving apparatus. The system also preferably includes a remote control transmitter for responding to requests made during the two-way broadcast programs. The difference between the time at which the response is made to a two-way broadcast program and the time at which information about the response is transmitted is added to the response information, thereby allowing the receiving side of the response information to correctly recognize the response time based on the time difference. Since the information associated with the responding operation includes the above-mentioned time difference, the responding side need not have precise time information, unlike the case in which information about the absolute response time is added. Therefore, the responding side need not manage time constantly. Furthermore, because determination is made from a time difference as opposed to an absolute time, the response destination can determine the order in which the responses have been made, while performing transmission processing in a manner so that the concentration of access attempts and thus line congestion on a particular telephone line is reduced. Such a system and method allows for the offering of such two-way broadcast programs as first-come, first-serve quiz shows which have been difficult to practice with conventional systems which use telephone lines for transmitting responses.