Apparatus and methods of delivering music and information

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to a communication system and method, and specifically to methods and apparatuses for delivering music and information.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a music and information delivery system according to the teachings of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a specialized portable communication device (SPCD) of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a content transceiver/playback unit (CTBU) of FIG. 1;

#The present invention relates to music and information delivery systems and methods. One system of the present invention allows a user to sample and buy a piece of music almost instantaneously, regardless of the location of the user and regardless of the time when the user hears the music. The system provides various music delivery options. For example, the system allows a user to download music to a portable wireless phone, an organizer, a laptop, a home computer, a discman, a Walkman, a home stereo system, a portable stereo system, and/or a vehicle stereo system. In addition, the system may download information related to the selected music, such as merchandise information, to such devices.

#The system allows the user to download content (music and/or music-related information) to more than one device, including a device at a different geographical location from the user. For example, the user can request the transmission of content to a communication device in the possession of another user in another state or country. The system allows the user to download music that the user hears on the radio, even when the user does not know the title of the music or the artist that created the music. The system also allows the user to download music that is broadcast ambiently, for example at a party, store, theater, restaurant or bar.

#Various embodiments of the invention utilize (1) the Internet, (2) wireless communication technology, (3) embedded audio signal technology, (4) music data compression and transfer technology, (5) voice-activated command technology and/or (6) audio signal identification technology. Exemplifying Internet and web technology are described in a publication entitled “WEB Techniques” published by Miller Freeman, such as Volume 5, Issue 2, dated February, 2000. Exemplifying wireless communication systems are described in a text book entitled “Mobile Communications Engineering” by William C. Y. Lee, published by McGraw-Hill, copyright 1998, ISBN 0-07-037103-2. Exemplifying telecommunication systems are described in a text book entitled “Desktop Encyclopedia of Telecommunications” by Nathan J. Muller, published by McGraw-Hill, copyright 1998, ISBN 0-07-044457-9. Exemplifying embedded audio signal technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,576 entitled “Radio Information Broadcasting and Receiving System.” Exemplifying music data compression and transfer technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,119 entitled “Method For Streaming Transmission of Compressed Music.” Exemplifying voice-activated command technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,308 entitled “Karaoke Apparatus Responsive to Oral Request of Entry Songs.” Exemplifying audio signal identification technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,658 entitled “Adaptive System For Broadcast Program Identification And Reporting.”