KR20120013175A - Audience response system data communication incorporating non user selection signals - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An audience response system data communication method which integrates non user selection signals is provided to realize data communication which integrates non user selection signals. CONSTITUTION: A processor(330) is connected to a user input interface. The processor receives data showing user selection. A signal generating logic(340) is connected to the processor. The signal generating logic generates user selection signals and non user selection signals. A transceiver(350) is connected to the processor and the signal generating logic. The transceiver transmits the user selection signals and the non user selection signals.

Description

AUDIENCE RESPONSE SYSTEM DATA COMMUNICATION INCORPORATING NON USER SELECTION SIGNALS}

The present application relates to a listening response system. More specifically, the present application relates to devices and methods for implementing data communication incorporating non-user selection signals.

Listening response systems have been used to allow users to communicate their responses to listening response questions. Such systems can be used in classroom settings, corporate meetings, or other meetings. Such systems may include a base unit or host computer that executes an audience response session and a plurality of response devices. The responding devices receive user selections and send signals that encode the user selections.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a listening response system. It is another object of the present invention to provide devices and methods for implementing data communication incorporating non-user selection signals.

In a listening response system having a plurality of responding devices, a method of wirelessly communicating data by a responding device includes transmitting a first signal, a first acknowledgment signal indicating the responding device to transmit non-user selection signals, receiving an acknowledgment signal). Further, the method further comprises transmitting a non-user selection signal in response to the first confirmation signal, and receiving a second response signal informing the responding device to stop transmitting the non-user selection signals. Include.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and incorporated into part of this specification, illustrate various example systems, methods, and the like, illustrating various example embodiments of embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that the element boundaries (eg, boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) shown in the figures represent one example of such boundaries. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one element may be designed as multiple elements, or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. Elements represented as internal components of another element may be implemented as external components and vice versa. In addition, the elements may not be drawn to scale.
1 is a schematic diagram of an example listening response system;
2 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a responding device in a listening response system;
3 is an exemplary block diagram of a responding device in a listening response system; And
4 is a flow diagram of an example method for a responding device to communicate data wirelessly in a listen responsive system having a plurality of responding devices.

The following contains definitions of selected terms used herein. These definitions include various examples, forms, or components that fall within the scope of the term and that can be used for implementation. These examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within these definitions.

As used herein, "data communication" may refer to communication between two or more computing devices (eg, computer, personal digital assistant, mobile phone), for example network transfer, file transfer, applet Transfer, email, hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) transfer, and the like. Computer communications include, for example, wireless systems (e.g., IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15), Ethernet systems (e.g., IEEE 802.3), token ring systems (e.g., IEEE 802.5), LAN (local area network), wide area network (WAN), point-to-point system, circuit switching system, packet switching system, combinations thereof, and the like.

"Computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to a medium involved in providing the signals, instructions, or data directly or indirectly. Computer-readable media can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, and the like. Volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, dynamic memory, and the like. Transmission media may include coaxial cables, copper wires, fiber optic cables, and the like. In addition, the transmission medium may take the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as generated during radio-wave and infrared data communications, or may take the form of one or more signal groups. Common forms of computer-readable media include floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, other physical media with hole patterns, RAM , ROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or card, memory stick, carrier wave / pulse, and other media readable by a computer, processor, or other electronic device, including but not limited to It doesn't work. Signals used to propagate instructions or other software on a network, such as the Internet, may be considered "computer-readable media."

As used herein, "data store" refers to a physical or logical entity that can store data. The data store may be, for example, a database, a table, a file, a list, a queue, a heap, a memory, a register, or the like. The data store may belong to one logical or physical entity or may be distributed between two or more logical or physical entities.

"Logic" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof, and performs function (s) or action (s), or alternative logic, methods or Deriving a function or action from the system For example, based on the desired application or requirements, the logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, and the like. can do. The logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. In addition, the logic can be fully implemented as software. Where multiple logical logics are described, these multiple logical logics may be integrated into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logical logic is described, this single logic logic may be distributed to multiple physical logics.

An "operable connection", or a connection in which objects are "operably connected", is a connection through which signals, physical communications, or logical communications can be sent or received. Typically, an operable connection includes a physical interface, an electrical interface, or a data interface, but note that the operable connection may include different combinations of these or other types of connections sufficient to allow for operable control. For example, two entities may be operatively connected by allowing signals to communicate with each other or directly through one or more intermediate entities such as a processor, operating system, logic, software or other entity. Logical or physical communication channels can be used to create an operational connection.

As used herein, a "signal" is one or more electrical or optical signals, analog or digital signals, data, one or more computer or processor instructions, messages, bits or bit streams, or to be received or transmitted or detected. Other means that may be included, but are not limited to.

As used herein, “software” may be read, interpreted, compiled, or executed, and one or more computers or computers that allow a computer, processor or other electronic device to perform functions, acts or behave in a desired manner, or Includes but is not limited to processor instructions. Instructions may be implemented in various forms, such as routines, algorithms, modules, methods, threads, or programs that include separate applications or code from dynamically or statically linked libraries. have. In addition, software may include, but is not limited to, stand-alone programs, function calls (local or remote), servlets, applets, instructions stored in memory, portions of the operating system, or other types of executable instructions. It may be implemented in various executable or loadable forms that are not. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of software may depend, for example, on the requirements of the desired application, the operating environment, or the needs of the designer / programmer. In addition, computer-readable or executable instructions may be located in one logic or may be distributed between two or more communication, co-operating, or parallel processing logics, such as serial, parallel, or bulk. It will be appreciated that it may be loaded or executed in massively parallel and other ways.

Software suitable for implementing various components of the example systems and methods described herein includes Java, Java Script, Java.NET, ASP.NET, VB.NET, Cocoa, Pascal, C #, C ++, C, CGI Can be generated using programming languages and tools such as, Perl, SQL, APIs, SDKs, assemblies, firmware, microcode or other languages and tools. Software, whether an entire system or a component of the system, may be implemented and maintained as an article of manufacture, or may be provided as part of a computer-readable medium as previously defined. Another form of software may include signals that transmit program code of the software to a recipient on a network or other communication medium. Thus, in one example, the computer-readable medium takes the form of signals representing software / firmware as it is downloaded to a user from a web server. In another example, the computer-readable medium takes the form of software / firmware as it is maintained on a web server. Other forms may be used.

"User" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more people, software, computers or other devices, or combinations thereof.

As used herein, a "listening response system" includes, but is not limited to, systems for interaction between listening members and the entity or entities that have collected responses from the listening members. . Listening members may be collocated together, or away from each other or from the entity that collected the responses. Listening response systems may be used in conjunction with presentation software or may be used without presentation software. Listening response systems can take the form of a base as an entity that collects responses, and can take the form of wired or wireless devices as a means for users to select their responses to questions presented. Listening response systems may also take the form of interactive whiteboards in which a whiteboard can be used as a means for users to select their responses to questions presented.

Some portions of the detailed description that follows are presented in terms of sign representations and algorithms of operations on data bits in a memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others. Here, an algorithm is generally considered to be a sequence of operations that produce a result. Such operations may include physical amounts of physical manipulations. Typically, but not necessarily, these physical quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated in logic or the like.

Sometimes it has proven convenient to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, signs, characters, terms, numbers, etc., mainly for universal use reasons. However, it should be noted that these and similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are only convenient names applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, throughout this description, terms such as processing, computing, computing, determination, display, and the like, refer to computer systems, logic, processors, or similar electronics that manipulate and transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities. It should be understood that it refers to the actions and processes of the device.

1 shows a schematic diagram of an example listening response system 100. System 100 includes a plurality of response devices 110a through 110n. Although four response devices are shown, it should be understood that the listening response system may have a small number of response devices, such as one, or may have multiple response devices, such as hundreds or even thousands. The responding devices may be handheld devices or may be embedded in a stationary object, such as a chair or desk. In addition, the responding devices may be any other device capable of communicating in a listening answering system, such as a computer (eg, laptop, PC, tablet, etc.), mobile phone, smartphone, and the like. The responding devices may be dedicated devices or may be multi-task devices.

The system 100 also includes one or more bases 120. Base 120 receives data 130a from response devices 110a through 110n, and base 120 transmits data 130b to the response devices 110a through 110n. The responding devices may be small devices or embedded in a stationary object, such as a chair or desk. In addition, the responding devices may be computers. The responding devices may be dedicated devices or may be multi-task devices. Base 120 may be a computer (eg, laptop, PC, tablet, etc.), multiple computers, devices connected to the computer, devices independent from the computer, and the like. Although a single base is shown, it should be understood that the listening response system may include several bases. In systems with multiple bases, each base can be configured to communicate with preselected response devices. Alternatively, each base can be configured to communicate with any responding device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the responding devices 110a-110n and the base 120 communicate wirelessly with data 130a and 130b. In one embodiment, the responding devices 110a-110n and the base 120 transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals that encode the data. In an alternate embodiment, the responding devices 110a-110n and the base 120 transmit and receive infrared (IR) signals that encode the data.

2 shows a front view of an example embodiment of a response device 200. The response device 200 is an exemplary embodiment of the response devices 110 shown in FIG. 1. The responding device 200 communicates wirelessly in a listening responding system having a plurality of responding devices, such as the system 100 described above. The device 200 includes a keypad 210 and a display 220. In alternative embodiments, other inputs such as touch screens, dials, knobs, click wheels, roller balls and roller pads may be employed. Similarly, other outputs may be employed, such as LED indicators. In other embodiments, the responding device does not include a display.

In the illustrated embodiment, keypad 210 includes a plurality of alphanumeric keys and additional function keys for the user to enter information including responses to listening response questions during a voting or test session. In addition, the user can use the keypad 210 to provide other types of information, including log-in or sign-in information, setup information, administrative information about voting or testing sessions, and the like. Can be entered. In other embodiments, the keypad may include keys in formats other than alphanumeric, or the keypad may include a touch screen.

In alternative embodiments, other input devices may be employed instead of the keypad. Exemplary input devices include touch screens, click wheels, roller balls, dials, knobs, and switches.

In an example embodiment, display 220 may display various information related to the listening response sessions (eg, unit ID, user ID, question ID, input response, received response, time remaining in session, answering a question). Liquid crystal display (LCD) configured to display the time remaining to do so. In addition, the display 220 may display device status information (eg, on / off, battery life, transmission channel, etc.).

In alternative embodiments, other output devices may be employed instead of the LCD. Example output devices include touch screens and light emitting diodes (LEDs).

3 shows an example block diagram illustrating the components of the response device 300. It should be understood that the device 300 may be the same as the device 200 of FIG. 2. However, device 300 is not limited to this configuration. The device 300 includes a user input interface 310. User input interface 310 receives user selections. User selection may take the form of pressing a key in an alphanumeric keypad, such as keypad 210 described above. Thus, the user input interface 310 may take the form of an alphanumeric keypad 210. In addition, the user input interface 310 may take the form of various other user input interfaces (eg, pointing device, wheel, soft keys, combinations thereof, and the like).

The device 300 further includes a user output interface 320. The user output interface 320 may take the form of a display, such as the display 220 described above. In addition, the user output interface 320 may take the form of various other user output interfaces (eg, light emitting diodes (LEDs), LED displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), combinations thereof, and the like).

The device 300 also includes a processor 330. The processor 330 is operatively connected to the user input interface 310 and the user output interface 320. The processor 330 receives data representing user selections from the user input interface 310.

The device 300 further includes signal generation logic 340. The signal generation logic 340 is operatively coupled to the processor 330. The signal generation logic 340 generates signals that encode information for transmission in a listening response system. Although FIG. 3 illustrates signal generation logic 340 as being separate from processor 330, it is to be understood that signal generation logic 340 may be part of processor 330.

Signal generation logic 340 is configured to generate user select signals. After the user enters a selection through the user input interface 310, data indicative of the user selection is sent to the processor 330. Thereafter, the processor 330 transmits data indicating user selection to the signal generation logic 340. In one embodiment, the processor 330 transmits data upon receipt. In an alternative embodiment, the processor 330 accumulates the data prior to sending data related to a plurality of user selections to the signal generation logic 340, or the signal generation logic 340 from the processor 330. Accumulate data related to a plurality of user selections upon receipt. Thereafter, the signal generation logic 340 generates a user selection signal. The user selection signal will typically encode data representing a user selection or a plurality of user selections.

Signal generation logic 340 is also configured to generate non-user selection signals. The non-user selection signal is a signal generated without responding to user selection. For example, the non-user selection signal may include data that the response device 300 asks the base as to whether the response device 300 should remain in or exit the operating mode.

The device 300 also includes a transceiver 350 operatively coupled to the processor 330. The transceiver 350 transmits signals generated by the signal generation logic 340. In addition, the transceiver 350 receives confirmation signals. Another device in the listening response system (eg, the base 120 mentioned above) transmits confirmation signals in response to the signals transmitted by the transceiver 350. For every signal transmitted by transceiver 350, a corresponding acknowledgment signal is expected. The transceiver 350 repeats the signal transmission until the transceiver 350 receives the corresponding acknowledgment signal, a predetermined number of retransmissions is reached, or a predetermined reception time of the corresponding acknowledgment signal has elapsed.

Although transceiver 350 is shown as separate from processor 330, it should be understood that transceiver 350 and processor 330 are part of the same components. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the device 330 may include a transmitter and a separate receiver instead of a transceiver.

In one embodiment, the transceiver 350 receives an acknowledgment signal that encodes data informing the responding device 300 to send subsequent non-user selection signals. In response, signal generation logic 340 generates non-user selection signals, and transceiver 350 transmits non-user selection signals. The responding device 300 receives confirmation signals corresponding to each of the transmitted non-user selection signals. Signal generation logic 340 generates non-user selection signals, and when transceiver 350 receives an acknowledgment signal that encodes data informing the responding device 300 that it will not transmit subsequent non-user selection signals. Until then, the transceiver 350 transmits non-user selection signals.

From the time the transceiver 350 receives an acknowledgment signal encoding data informing the responding device 300 to send subsequent non-user selection signals, the transceiver 350 will not transmit subsequent non-user selection signals. For a period up to the time of receiving the confirmation signal encoding the data informing the responding device 300 that the response device 300 has received, the user input interface 310 may receive user selections, and the signal generation logic 340 generates the user selection signals. The transceiver 350 may transmit user selection signals and receive confirmation signals corresponding to the user selection signals.

In one embodiment, the confirmation signal encoding data informing the responding device 300 to send non-user selection signals also encodes data indicating the time remaining in the session or the time the user remains to perform the user selections. do. In this embodiment, the user output interface 320 may be configured to inform the length of time remaining in the session or the length of time remaining for the user to perform user selections.

In another embodiment, after receiving a confirmation signal informing the responding device 300 that no subsequent non-user selection signals are to be sent, the processor 330 may have timed out or performed user selections to perform user selections. The commands are sent to the user output interface 320 to display information indicating that they are no longer accepted.

The responding device 300 further includes an interval logic 360 operably coupled to the processor 330. The interval logic 360 informs the time intervals for the transmission of signals including subsequent non-user selected signals. Although transceiver 350 is shown as separate from processor 330, it should be understood that transceiver 350 and processor 330 may be part of the same component.

In one example, transceiver 350 transmits a first non-user selection signal. After the elapse of the first time interval generated by interval logic 360, transceiver 350 transmits a second non-user selection signal. After the elapse of the second time interval, the transceiver 350 transmits a third non-user selection signal or the like. In one embodiment, time intervals are measured from the transmission time of non-user selection signals. In another embodiment, time intervals are measured from receipt of acknowledgment signals corresponding to transmitted non-user selection signals.

In one embodiment, interval logic 360 generates time intervals for the transmission of subsequent non-user selection signals that are of the same length of time. In yet another embodiment, interval logic 360 generates time intervals of different time lengths. In one embodiment, interval logic 360 is configured such that the lengths of the time intervals are randomly selected, or from a range of actual time lengths (eg, microseconds, seconds, minutes, etc.) or randomly from a set of discrete time lengths. Generate time intervals.

Example methods may be more readily understood with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. For simplicity of explanation, the illustrated methods have been shown and described as a series of blocks, but as some blocks may occur concurrently with other blocks or in a different order than that shown or described, the method It should be understood that these are not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, fewer than all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the example method. In addition, additional or alternative methods may employ additional non-exemplified blocks.

In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the blocks represent “processing blocks” that can be implemented in logic. The processing blocks may represent a method step or an apparatus element for performing the method step. The flowchart does not describe the syntax for any particular programming language, method or style (eg, procedure, object-oriented). Rather, the flow diagram illustrates the functional information and one skilled in the art can employ to develop logic to perform the illustrated process. In some examples, it will be understood that program elements, such as temporary variables, routine loops, and the like, are not shown. Also, it is understood that electronic and software applications may involve dynamic and flexible processes such that the illustrated blocks may be performed in different sequences than shown, or that the blocks may be combined or separated into multiple components. will be. It will be appreciated that the above processes may be implemented using various programming approaches such as machine language, procedure, object oriented or artificial intelligence techniques.

In one example, the methods are implemented as processor executable instructions or operations provided on a computer-readable medium. Thus, in one example, a computer-readable medium may store processor executable instructions that are operable to perform the method of FIG. 4. Although the method has been described as being provided on a computer-readable medium, it is to be understood that other example methods described herein may also be provided on a computer-readable medium.

While FIG. 4 illustrates various actions that take place sequentially, it should be understood that the various actions illustrated in FIG. 4 may occur substantially in parallel. Although a number of processes are described, it should be understood that more or fewer processes may be employed, and that lightweight processes, regular processes, threads, and other approaches may be employed. In some cases, it should be understood that other example methods may include actions that occur substantially in parallel.

4 is a flow diagram of an example method 400 in which a responding device wirelessly communicates data in a listening responding system having a plurality of responding devices. At 410, the responding device sends a signal. The signal may be a user selection signal or a non-user selection signal. At 420, if a confirmation signal is not received within the time interval, the method 400 proceeds to 425 to determine whether to retransmit the signal. Step 425 determines whether to retransmit the signal based on the number of repeated transmissions of the signal without receiving an acknowledgment signal, or based on a time limit or elapse of any other time period since the first transmission of the signal. You can decide. If the number of repeated transmissions or time limit or time period is reached, at 427 the responding device declares the failure of the signal transmission and aborts the transmission. If the number of repeated transmissions or time limit or time period is not reached, the method 400 returns to 410 to retransmit the signal.

At 420, when an acknowledgment signal is received, at 430 the responding device determines whether to encode data informing the responding device that the acknowledgment signal is to send subsequent non-user selection signals.

If the acknowledgment signal did not encode data informing the responding device to send subsequent non-user selection signals, then at step 440 the responding device declares that the transmission is complete. If the acknowledgment has encoded data informing the responding device to send subsequent non-user selection signals, then at step 450 the responding device transmits the non-user selection signal. At this point, the method 400 can perform two parallel tasks, one to transmit user-selected signals and the other to transmit non-user-selected signals. Thus, transmissions of user-selected signals can intersperse transmissions of non-user-selected signals.

If at 460 no confirmation signal is received within the time interval, the method 400 proceeds to 465 to determine whether to retransmit the signal. Step 465 determines whether to retransmit the signal based on the number of repeated transmissions of the signal without receiving an acknowledgment signal, or based on a time limit or elapse of any other time period since the first transmission of the signal. You can decide. If the number of repeated transmissions or time limit or time period is reached, at 467 the responding device declares the failure of the signal transmission and stops the transmission. If the number of repeated transmissions or time limit or time period is not reached, the method 400 returns to 450 to retransmit the signal.

If an acknowledgment signal is received, the method 400 returns to 430 to determine whether to encode data informing the responding device that the acknowledgment signal is to send subsequent non-user selection signals.

In one example application, device 300 and method 400 may be used to transmit a response to a timed listening response question, where the response includes a number of characters. For example, the listening response question might be "What is the value to two decimal places of pi?" And the user should be able to respond for 10 seconds.

This response requires the user to select a number of characters (ie, "3", ".", "1", "4"). If the user selects number 3-the first character of the multiple character response-the responding device receives the user selection and sends a signal. In response to the signal, the responding device receives a confirmation signal informing the responding device to send subsequent non-user selection signals. From this point in time, the device transmits non-user selection signals in time intervals and receives confirmation signals in response. In one embodiment, the device transmits a non-user selection signal once per second. In other embodiments, the device transmits non-user selection signals at intervals other than once per second. In one embodiment, the confirmation signals may inform the time remaining to answer the question, and the display in the responding device may display the time remaining for the user to see.

The user can continue to enter the remaining characters in the response. As the user selects the characters, the responding device may transmit the characters encoded in the user selection signals one character at a time. Alternatively, the responding device may send all the characters at one time after the user selects a carriage return key or after the response time has elapsed.

When the response time (ie, a response time of 10 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the responding device responds to either the user selection signal or the non-user selection signal, not to transmit subsequent non-user selection signals. Receive a confirmation signal informing the device. The display on the responding device may inform the user that time has elapsed to answer the question, or inform that the responses are no longer accepted.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices and methods disclosed above have various applications beyond this exemplary application.

While illustrative systems, methods, etc. have been shown in describing the examples, and while these examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to limit or limit the scope of the appended claims in any way in these details. It is obvious that not all combinations of methodologies or components that can be considered to describe the systems, methods, etc. described herein can be described. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize additional advantages and modifications. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details and examples shown and described. Accordingly, this application is intended to embrace alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the foregoing description does not imply limiting the scope of the present invention. Rather, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

With respect to the adoption of the term "include" or "comprising" in the description or claims, if it is interpreted when adopted as a transitional word in the claims, the term "comprsing" It is intended to include in a manner similar to the term In addition, in connection with the adoption of the term "or" in the description or claims (eg A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B or both". Where applicants are intended to indicate "only A or B, not both," the term "only A or B, not both" will be adopted. Thus, the use of the term “or” herein is an inclusive and non-exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995).

Claims (20)

1. A method in which a responding device wirelessly communicates data in a listening answering system having a plurality of responding devices, the method comprising:
Transmitting a first signal;
In response to the first signal, receiving a first acknowledgment signal;
Decoding data from the first acknowledgment signal indicating the responding device to transmit subsequent non-user selection signals;
Transmitting a second signal, the second signal being a non-user selection signal;
Receiving a second confirmation signal; And
Decoding data from the second acknowledgment signal, the data informing the responding device not to transmit subsequent non-user selection signals after the transmission of the first signal and the second signal. The method of claim 1,
And the first signal is a first user select signal. The method of claim 2,
Transmitting a second user selection signal, the first user selection signal encoding data representing at least a first character from a plurality of characters, wherein the second user selection signal is from the plurality of characters; A wireless data communication method for encoding data representing at least a second character. The method of claim 2,
Encoding data indicative of two or more characters from the plurality of characters in the second user selection signal; And
And after receiving a carriage return user selection, transmitting the second user selection signal. The method of claim 1,
Encoding data indicative of a plurality of user selections in the third signal; And
And after receiving the second acknowledgment signal, transmitting the third signal. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the first signal is a second non-user selection signal, and wherein the transmission of the second signal occurs upon passage of a first time interval after transmission of the first signal. The method according to claim 6,
After the transmission of the second signal, transmitting a third signal upon elapse of a second time interval, wherein the third signal is a third non-user selected signal, wherein the first time interval and the first signal are transmitted; Two time intervals have the same length of time wireless data communication method. The method according to claim 6,
After the transmission of the second signal, transmitting a third signal upon elapse of a second time interval, wherein the third signal is a third non-user selected signal, wherein the first time interval and the first signal are transmitted; The two time intervals have different time lengths. The method according to claim 6,
After the transmission of the second signal, transmitting a third signal upon elapse of a second time interval, wherein the third signal is a third non-user selected signal, wherein the first time interval and the first signal are transmitted; The two time intervals have different time lengths, and wherein the first time interval and the second time interval are randomly selected or randomly selected from a plurality of time lengths. The method of claim 1,
After receiving the second confirmation signal, informing that user selections are no longer accepted. The method of claim 1,
After receiving the first acknowledgment signal, informing a length of time, wherein the first acknowledgment signal encodes data representing the length of time. A response device configured to communicate wirelessly in a listening response system having a plurality of response devices, the response device comprising:
A user input interface configured to receive user selections;
A processor operably connected to the user input interface and configured to receive data indicative of the user selections;
Signal generation logic operatively coupled to the processor and configured to generate user selected signals and non-user selected signals; And
A transceiver operatively coupled to the processor and the signal generation logic and configured to transmit the user selected signals and the non-user selected signals,
The transceiver is further configured to receive confirmation signals in response to the user selection signals and the non-user selection signals, wherein the first confirmation signal encodes data indicative of the transmission of non-user selection signals, and a second confirmation. And the response device encodes data indicating that the signal will not transmit non-user selection signals. The method of claim 12,
Interval logic operatively coupled to the processor, the interval logic configured to notify time intervals for transmission of non-user selection signals, the transceiver further comprising a non-user selection signal upon elapse of the time intervals; Device configured to send the messages. The method of claim 12,
The time lengths of the time intervals are:
Randomly, and
Randomly from a range of time lengths
Response device selected from the configured group. The method of claim 12,
Further comprising a user output interface operatively coupled to the processor, the user output interface comprising:
After receipt of the second confirmation signal, user selections are no longer accepted, and
And respond to at least one of a length of time encoded in the first acknowledgment signal. The method of claim 12,
A first user selection signal encodes data representing at least one character from a plurality of characters, and a second user selection signal encodes data representing one or more characters from the plurality of characters in addition to the at least one character device. The method of claim 12,
The user input interface is configured to receive a plurality of user selections, wherein the plurality of user selections correspond to a plurality of characters and a carriage return, and the processor is configured to receive data indicative of the plurality of user selections. And the selection signal encodes data representing the plurality of characters. The method of claim 12,
The user input interface is configured to receive a plurality of user selections, the plurality of user selections corresponding to a plurality of characters, the processor configured to receive data indicative of the plurality of user selections, and the signal generation logic Is configured to generate a user selected signal that encodes data representing the plurality of characters, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit the user selected signal after receipt of the second confirmation signal. A method of communicating a data wirelessly with a base in a listening response system having a plurality of response devices, the method comprising:
Transmitting a first signal;
Receiving a first confirmation signal from the base, the first confirmation signal indicating that the base expects a plurality of user selection signals from the responding device;
Transmitting a second signal in response to the first confirmation signal, wherein the second signal is a non-user selection signal; And
Receiving a second confirmation signal from the base, the second confirmation signal notifying that the base no longer expects a plurality of user selection signals from the responding device. The method of claim 19,
The transmission of the non-user selection signal and subsequent non-user selection signals occurs in time intervals, the time intervals having different time lengths.

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