Method and system for purchasing pre-recorded music
View Patent ↗A method and system is described which allows users to identify (pre-recorded) sounds such as music, radio broadcast, commercials, and other audio signals in almost any environment. The audio signal (or sound) must be a recording represented in a database of recordings. The service can quickly identify the signal from just a few seconds of excerption, while tolerating high noise and distortion. Once the signal is identified to the user, the user may perform transactions interactively in real-time or offline using the identification information.
1. A method for identifying music to a user exposed to a broadcast that includes unidentified music, comprising:
receiving a signal including a captured sample of the broadcast from a cell phone of the user, the cell phone transmitting the captured signal over the cellular network, said broadcasting comprising music;
determining from the signal a characteristic of the captured sample, wherein the characteristic of the captured sample comprises a landmark and a fingerprint associated with the landmark;
comparing the characteristic of the captured sample to a characteristic associated with an identity record in a database, wherein the characteristic associated with the identity record comprises a landmark and a fingerprint associated with the landmark;
attempting to locate an identity record corresponding to the captured sample according to a result of the comparison; and
storing the captured sample if the location attempt is unsuccessful.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further including delivering the captured sample to remote locations.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the delivered captured samples are used in games or contests involving attempts to identify the unidentified music.
4. A method for identifying music to a user exposed to a broadcast, which includes unidentified music, comprising:
receiving a signal from a cell phone of the user, the signal including a captured sample of the broadcast from the user, said broadcast comprising music;
determining from the signal a characteristic of the captured sample, wherein the characteristic of the captured sample comprises a landmark and a fingerprint associated with the landmark;
comparing the characteristic of the captured sample to a characteristic associated with an identity record in a database, wherein the characteristic associated with the identity record comprises a landmark and a fingerprint associated with the landmark;
attempting to locate an identity record corresponding to the captured sample according to a result of the comparison; and
providing an interactive interface for the user to store manipulated data associated with a successfully located identity record.
5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the interface is selected from the group consisting of real-time interfaces, offline interfaces, and combinations thereof.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the offline interface is selected from at least one of the following: interne browsers, email, SMS messaging, and combinations thereof.
7. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the interface is arranged to allow the user to store, retrieve and forward the data.
8. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the interface is arranged to allow the user to communicate with third parties.
9. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the interface is arranged to allow the user to participate in games or contests.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the games or contests include identifying unidentified songs.
11. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the interface is arranged to allow the user to forward data to a website.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the website is configured to provide personalized radio station to the user.