U.S. patent application number 12/656252 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for music/video messaging.
Invention is credited to Kamran Asghari Kamrani, Nader Asghari Kamrani.
Application Number | 20110087971 12/656252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43855811 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110087971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kamrani; Nader Asghari ; et
al. |
April 14, 2011 |
Music/video messaging
Abstract
Device(s) and computer program products for creating custom
music/video messages to facilitate and/or improve social
interaction. The created music/video messages include at least
portions of: music, video, pictures, slideshows, and/or text. The
music/video messages enable feelings or emotions to be communicated
by the user of the device to one or more recipient device(s).
Inventors: |
Kamrani; Nader Asghari;
(Centreville, VA) ; Asghari Kamrani; Kamran;
(Centreville, VA) |
Family ID: |
43855811 |
Appl. No.: |
12/656252 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12453847 |
May 26, 2009 |
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12656252 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/752 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20130101;
G11B 27/034 20130101; H04L 29/06353 20130101; G06Q 10/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/752 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048; G06F 15/16 20060101 G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A computer comprising instructions residing on a
computer-readable storage medium, the instructions that when
executed, configure the computer to: receive user input indicating
selected content representative of the user's feelings and/or
emotions; obtain representation(s) of the selected content; combine
the representations of the selected content to create a single
music/video message that represents the user's feelings and/or
emotions; receive recipient device information; and send the
music/video message to be displayed and/or played on one or more
recipient device(s).
2. The computer of claim 1, comprising: a mobile phone, laptop, PC,
smart phone, portable media player and/or PDA.
3. The computer of claim 1, comprising at least one of: a server or
mainframe.
4. The computer of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
selected content corresponds to music.
5. The computer of claim 1, wherein the selected content
corresponds to two or more of: music, text, video, voice, slideshow
and images.
6. The computer of claim 1, wherein the representation(s) of
selected content corresponds to at least one of a: url, link, tag,
file, label, or pointer.
7. The computer of claim 1, wherein the representation(s) of
selected content corresponds to at least one of a: frame, clip,
image, soundbyte, or streaming media.
8. The computer of claim 1, wherein the music/video message is sent
such that it may be displayed and/or played in streaming format for
immediate and real time playback on recipient device(s).
9. A computer program product residing on a computer-readable
storage medium and containing a set of instructions executable on a
user computer, such that the instuctions when executed configure
the computer to: receive user input indicating selected content
representative of the user's feelings and/or emotions; obtain
representation(s) of the selected content; combine the
representations of the selected content into a single music/video
message that represents the user's feelings and/or emotions;
receive recipient device information; and send the music/video
message to be displayed and/or played on one or more recipient
device(s).
10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the user
computer corresponds to: a mobile phone, laptop, PC, smart phone,
portable media player, and/or PDA.
11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein at least a
portion of the selected content corresponds to music.
12. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the selected
content corresponds to two or more of: music, text, video, voice,
slideshow and images.
13. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the
representation(s) of selected content corresponds to at least one
of a: url, link, tag, file, label, or pointer.
14. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the
representation(s) of selected content corresponds to at least one
of a: frame, clip, image, soundbyte, or streaming media.
15. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the
music/video message is sent such that it may be displayed and/or
played in streaming format for immediate and real time playback on
recipient device(s).
16. A computer program product residing on a computer-readable
storage medium and containing a set of instructions executable on a
centralized computer, such that when executed configure the
computer to: receive input from the user indicating selected
content representative of the user's feelings and/or emotions;
obtain representation(s) of the selected content; combine the
representations of the selected content into a single music/video
message that represents the user's feelings and/or emotions;
receive recipient device information; and send the music/video
message to be displayed and/or played on one or more recipient
device(s).
17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the central
computer corresponds to at least one of: a server or mainframe.
18. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein at least a
portion of the selected content corresponds to music.
19. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the selected
content corresponds to two or more of: music, text, video, voice,
slideshow and images.
20. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the
representation(s) of selected content corresponds to at least one
of a: url, link, tag, file, label, or pointer.
21. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the
representation(s) of selected content corresponds to at least one
of a: frame, clip, image, soundbyte, or streaming media.
22. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the
music/video message is sent such that it may be displayed and/or
played in streaming format for immediate and real time playback on
recipient device(s).
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application 61/055,940 filed May 23, 2008, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application
Ser. No. 12/453,847 filed May 26, 2009, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to digital
communication, and more particularly to creating and/or sending
music/video messages.
[0003] Today as digital communication becomes more commonplace,
debates remain as to whether such communication helps, or hinders,
inter-personal relationships. On one hand, communication using
written words such as email and instant messaging (IM) remove
meaning, or context, (e.g., facial expressions, gestures, etc.)
surrounding the individual(s) communicating. Text messaging, which
is becoming a more popular form of social interaction, relies
heavily on the use of abbreviated words and acronyms--abridging
communications even more. As a result, it is more difficult to
ascertain or interpret true feelings or emotions behind such
messages. On the other hand, it is recognized that digital
communication helps to reduce boundaries that exist in the physical
world attributed to e.g., geographic distance, social "circles,"
and more.
[0004] Every music has a message to say something. The message is
for instance about love, friendship, family, peace, compassion, and
how people can stay together with tolerance. But currently, music
is primarily used as a form of entertainment, through personal
devices such as CD players, iPods, laptops or digital players.
However, it has not yet been fully appreciated that music and the
message of music may also be used as a form of communication to
trigger memories or to express feelings or emotions. Moreover, as
the market of multimedia wireless devices, mobile phones and
computers spreads and new wireless network technologies are being
improved, it is now possible to improve relationships and social
networks using music/video messaging (music and/or video as a way
of communication).
[0005] The music industry has been losing sales and revenue for
several years because people are downloading and sharing
music/video files over the Internet for cost savings from CD
purchase. A survey by Student Monitor in Spring 2006 found more
than half of all college students download and share music
illegally. The music industry needs to understand that music file
sharing is a business model issue that needs to be corrected.
Instead of trying to blame the new technologies, the music industry
should be looking at innovative ways to look at the digital media,
Internet, mobile phone and cellular network technologies as an
opportunity to increase sales. The present invention addresses this
opportunity by introducing music/video messaging devices, methods,
and computer program products to uncover the unique messaging value
of music that has not been noticed by music industry. The disclosed
music/video messaging devices and products will encourage users to
purchase music, etc. from providers by allowing user's to express
their feelings and/or emotions via music/video messages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to music/video messaging
devices, methods and computer program products for connecting
people on a social scale through the use of personal communication
devices such as: personal computers, laptops, pocket PCs, mobile
phones (iPhones, etc.), portable media players (iPods, etc.); and
communication networks such as the Internet,
wireless/mobile/cellular networks, and more.
[0007] The disclosed devices, methods and computer program products
address certain aforementioned limitations by allowing users to
send custom music/video messages that can be created, edited, etc.
to improve and/or facilitate social interaction. For example, a
user or client can create and send a music/video message that in
one sense uses music, video, voice, text, etc. as "metadata" for a
unique, custom message. In this way, a user is able to utilize
multimedia as a tool to electronically convey his true emotions
and/or feelings, trigger memories of shared experiences, convey a
message based on common interests, and more. In embodiments,
recipient(s) may choose to download the message, edit the message,
and/or forward the message to other friend(s) or recipient(s). Each
time the message is edited, forwarded, etc., new user-related
information may be added to the message.
[0008] The disclosed devices and computer program products also
address certain aforementioned limitations by involving music/video
providers in the communication process. Preferably, the music/video
providers offer content for users to customize and/or send as a
message to others. By offering such content, the music/video
providers are presented with additional sources of revenue, and are
encouraged to produce or obtain quality products.
[0009] According to one aspect, a computer containing instructions
residing on a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed such
that the instructions when executed, configure the computer to:
receive user input indicating selected content representative of
the user's feelings and/or emotions; obtain representation(s) of
the selected content; combine the representation(s) of the selected
content into a single music/video message that represents the
user's feelings and/or emotions; receive recipient device
information; and send the music/video message to be displayed
and/or played on one or more recipient device(s). In one
embodiment, the computer corresponds to at least one of a: personal
computer, laptop, personal digital assistant, pocket PC, portable
media player (iPod, etc.), smartphone and/or mobile phone (iPhone,
etc.). In another embodiment, the computer corresponds to a web
server, personal computer, laptop, mainframe, and/or several
computers, servers, handheld devices or mobile phones connected via
a network. Preferably, the selected content corresponds to at least
portions of music, video, pictures, slideshows, voice, and/or text
message. Additional information may include, but is not limited to:
sender's name, phone number, e-mail address and/or IP address;
date; time; as well as recipient(s) name, phone number, e-mail
address and/or IP-address, etc. Creating the custom music/video
message includes combining representation(s) of the music, video,
pictures, slideshows, voice, and/or text message into a single
music/video message. Representation(s) of selected content include,
but are not limited to: urls, links, tags, files, labels, pointers,
frames, clips, images, soundbytes, and/or streaming media. In some
cases, the music/video message is displayed and/or played in
streaming format for immediate and real time playback on recipient
device(s). Receiving the music/video message in streaming format
allows recipient(s) to listen and/or watch the message, but not to
download the music/video file. This may be important if the content
is protected by copyright law that only allows streaming of the
content and not the download of actual file of that content. In
other cases, the music/video message is displayed and/or played
after recipient device(s) download the file associated with the
message. It is appreciated that the instructions residing on the
computer readable medium may take the form of an API, plug-in,
add-on, or the like.
[0010] According to another aspect, a computer program product
residing on a computer-readable storage medium and containing a set
of instructions executable on a user computer is disclosed. The
instructions when executed, configure the user computer to: receive
user input indicating selected content representative of the user's
feelings and/or emotions; obtain representation(s) of the selected
content; combine the representations of the selected content into a
single music/video message that represents the user's feelings
and/or emotions; receive recipient device information; and send the
music/video message to be displayed and/or played on one or more
recipient device(s). The user computer corresponds to a: personal
computer, laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket PC,
smartphone, mobile media player (iPod, etc.), and/or mobile phone
(iPhone, etc.). Preferably, the selected content corresponds to at
least portions of music, video, pictures, slideshows, voice, and/or
text message. Representation(s) of selected content include urls,
links, tags, files, labels, pointers, frames, clips, images,
soundbytes, and/or streaming media. In some cases, the music/video
message is displayed and/or played in streaming format for
immediate and real time playback on recipient device(s). Receiving
the music/video message in streaming format allows recipient(s) to
listen and/or watch the message, but not to download the
music/video file. This may be important if the content is protected
by copyright law that only allows streaming of the content and not
the download of actual file of that content. In other cases, the
music/video message is displayed and/or played after recipient
device(s) download the file associated with the message. It is
appreciated that the instructions residing on the computer readable
medium may take the form of an API, plug-in, add-on, or the
like.
[0011] According to yet another aspect, a computer program product
residing on a computer-readable storage medium and containing a set
of instructions executable on a centralized computer is disclosed.
The instructions when executed, configure the centralized computer
to: receive input from the user indicating selected content
representative of the user's feelings and/or emotions; obtain
representation(s) of the selected content; combine the
representations of the selected content into a single music/video
message that represents the user's feelings and/or emotions;
receive recipient device information; send the music/video message
to be displayed and/or played on one or more recipient device(s).
The centralized computer corresponds to one or more: web server,
personal computer, laptop, and/or mainframe (e.g., connected over a
network). Preferably, the selected content corresponds to at least
portions of music, video, pictures, slideshows, voice, and/or text
message. Representation(s) of selected content include urls, links,
tags, files, labels, pointers, frames, clips, images, soundbytes,
and/or streaming media. In some cases, the music/video message is
displayed and/or played in streaming format for immediate and real
time playback on recipient device(s). Receiving the music/video
message in streaming format allows recipient(s) to listen and/or
watch the message, but not to download the music/video file. This
may be important if the content is protected by copyright law that
only allows streaming of the content and not the download of actual
file of that content. In other cases, the music/video message is
displayed and/or played after recipient device(s) download the file
associated with the message. It is appreciated that the
instructions residing on the computer readable medium may take the
form of an API, plug-in, add-on, or the like.
[0012] One advantage of the music/video messages system disclosed
herein is that it helps to improve existing relationships as well
as to create new social links. Music/video messaging brings
happiness and fun to new as well as existing relationships. The
receiver of music/video message will get more value out of the
message than from text alone. For example, playing a music/video
message will provide different experience to the receiver of the
message than a text message alone. Also, playing music/video
message can trigger memories and emotions e.g., of shared or past
experiences. For example, playing a wedding song can trigger
romantic or sentimental feelings, playing a clip or sound-bite of a
favorite movie can trigger happy or inspirational emotions, etc. As
a result, friends and families could use music/video messages to
communicate their feelings and emotions in new and creative ways
that is not possible to do without it.
[0013] The present disclosure offers a solution to problems
associated with remotely communicating feelings or emotions based
on text alone. In addition, unlike systems and methods currently in
use, the disclosure allows a user to create a custom music/video
message that more closely reflects their true feelings or emotions
instead of being limited to "pre-canned" messages.
[0014] Another advantage that the present devices and computer
program products can provide is tailored music/video messages. As a
result, music/video messages tailored to specific situations,
interests, etc. may be messaged between users. Such music/video
messages effectively enable users to communicate their true
feelings, ideas, etc. while enabling music/video message recipients
to experience positive feelings and emotions.
[0015] The disclosed music/video messages further allow users to
more accurately communicate their feelings and/or emotions in
remote and/or mobile situations.
[0016] Additionally, the disclosed music/video messages enable
users to create a fun and social environment.
[0017] Furthermore, the disclosed music/video messages help users
to strengthen existing relationships.
[0018] The music/video messages created according to the present
disclosure further enable users to create new social links.
[0019] The disclosed music/video messages also serve to motivate
music artists to produce high quality products with positive
messages.
[0020] Additional advantages that the present devices and computer
program products can provide is engaging users' feelings and/or
emotion to increase music sales and revenue for music
providers.
[0021] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
enables the music industry to take advantage of Internet and mobile
phone network capabilities.
[0022] Another advantage is to introduce a new messaging technique
by enabling people to send the message of music.
[0023] Further advantage is that that the present systems and
methods can bring artists closer to their fans.
[0024] Another advantage is that the present invention provides a
new marketing tool for artists.
[0025] One more advantage is that the present systems and methods
can provide useful information for data mining to reduce cost and
increase revenue for music industry participants.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for creating
and/or sending music/video messages.
[0027] FIGS. 2a and b illustrate flowcharts for creating and
sending music/video messages according to exemplary
embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 3a is a block diagram depicting a user computer
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 3b is a block diagram depicting a centralized computer
according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts various combinations of music
video/messages.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description
describes certain embodiments of the invention, and should not be
considered as limiting the invention to those embodiments.
[0032] As used herein, "a" means at least one or more, "music/video
provider" means any provider of music, videos, slideshows, images,
and/or text and may include inter alia one or more commercial
entities, carriers, and/or service providers. The music/video
message comprises a combination of at least portions of: music,
video, pictures, slideshows, voice, and/or text. In some
embodiments, a user may provide their own music, video, pictures,
slideshows and/or text/voice message to be included in the
music/video message. In embodiments, users may choose music, video,
pictures, slideshows, and/or text from available lists, charts,
icons, displays, etc. from the user device and/or a website to send
to recipient(s) as a music/video message.
[0033] Turning now to the figures, which depict various exemplary
embodiments of the invention, FIG. 1 shows a system for creating
and sending music/video messages. As shown in the Figure, a user
device 10 receives user input indicative of content selections that
represent the user's feelings and/or emotions. Representations of
the selected content may be obtained directly from storage
associated with the user device 10, and/or storage associated with
a music/video provider 30. The music/video provider 30, in turn,
may provide representations of the content and/or consult one or
more associated databases 40. Representations of selected content
include, but are not limited to: urls, links, tags, files, labels,
pointers, frames, clips, images, soundbytes, and/or streaming
media. The representations of the selected content are combined by
either the user device 10 and/or music/video provider 30 to create
a custom music/video message. The created music/video message is
sent over communication network 20 and communication links 80 to be
played and/or displayed on one or more recipient device(s)
70.sub.1-n. It will be appreciated that communication network 20
includes any combination of: LANs, WANs, MANs, the Internet,
Intranets, private networks, wired and/or wireless (e.g., IEEE
802.11 standard, satellite, cellular, GSM/GPRS, 3G, 4G, EDGE, CDMA,
TDMA) networks, mobile networks, public switched telephone networks
(PSTN), SMS, SMSC, MMS, SMTP/MIME and/or IM distribution networks,
aggregators, provisioning and hosting providers, mobile operators,
streaming delivery providers, service providers, gateways, etc.
Communication links 80 include transmission links such as wired,
wireless, fiber-optic, mobile and the like.
[0034] According to one aspect, the user device 10 is configured to
create and send music/video messages representative of the user's
feelings and/or emotions. FIG. 2a shows a flowchart illustrating
method steps performed by user device 10. As shown in step 202,
user device 10 receives input indicating selected content
representative of the user's feelings or emotions. The content may
be identified by type (e.g., image, audio, video, text), source
(e.g., storage location), etc. See step 204. In 206, user device 10
obtains representation(s) of the selected content. Such
representations include, but are not limited to: urls, links, tags,
files, labels, pointers, frames, clips, images, soundbytes, and/or
streaming media. The content is combined in step 208 to create a
custom music/video message. Recipient device information is
received in step 210 and the music/video message is sent to one or
more recipient device(s) (step 212). It is appreciated that the
user device 10 and/or music/video provider 30 sends the music/video
message using any combination of HTTP, FTP, SMTP, RTP, WAP, SMS,
MMS, IM protocols, or the like.
[0035] According to another aspect, the music/video provider 30 is
configured to create and send music/video messages representative
of the user's feelings and/or emotions. FIG. 2b shows a flowchart
illustrating method steps performed by music/video provider 30. It
is appreciated that the music/video provider 30 may comprise at
least one of a: server (e.g., a web server), a PC, a laptop,
mainframe, or the like, connected over a communication network. The
user device 10 communicates with the music/video provider 30 (e.g.,
by accessing the music/video providers' 30 website). In
embodiments, the music/video provider may provide music messaging
service to the user without requiring the user to login. In other
embodiments, the website may use any authentication method such as
user name and password to authenticate the user. In some
embodiments, the website may include: login, search, accounting,
reporting, feedback options and more. In step 222, the music/video
provider 30 receives user account information from user device 10,
and upon successful authentication, receives input from the user
device 10 indicating selected content representative of the user's
feelings and/or emotions (step 224). According to step 226, the
music/video provider 30 obtains representation(s) of selected
content. The content (or content representations) are combined in
step 228 into a single music/video message. In 230, the music/video
provider 30 receives recipient device 70.sub.1-n information from
user device 10. The music/video message is then sent to be
displayed and/or played on the recipient device(s) 70.sub.1-n
(steps 232, 234). The recipient devices 70.sub.1-n in turn, may
respond, edit, and/or forward the music video message. See step
236. In embodiments, the recipient device may receive the
music/video message in streaming format. Receiving the music/video
message in streaming format may only allow the recipient to
listen/watch the message and not allow recipient to download the
music/video file. This may be important if the content is protected
by copyright law that only allows streaming of the content and not
the download of actual file of that content.
[0036] It is understood that the method steps of the present
disclosure may be performed using any combination of hardware
and/or software as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Preferably, instructions residing on computer readable media
configure the user computer and/or central computer to execute the
method steps. Such instructions may be in the form of an API,
plug-in, add-on, download, or the like and may also contain
additional hardware and/or software instructions for performing the
disclosed method steps and/or storing music/video content. Software
instructions may further include custom macros, sub-routines,
logic, or the like implemented using commercially available
software such as MS SQL Server.TM., Visual Basic, C, C++, SMIL,
XML, HTML, XHTML, Java, JavaScript, C#, APIs, etc. According to a
further embodiment, the software instructions for performing the
disclosed method steps reside in whole, or in part, on a
computer-readable medium. In embodiments, the computer readable
medium corresponds to portions of storage media (14, 34) on user
device 10 and/or music/video provider 30. Examples of computer
readable media include, but are not limited to: hard drives, memory
chips (e.g., RAM/ROM), memory sticks (e.g., USB), memory cards
(e.g., SD, SIM, etc.), CDs, DVDs, tapes, or the like. In addition,
the computer readable media may be integral with, or removable
from, user device 10 and/or music/video provider 30.
[0037] In embodiments, selected content (or representations of
content) may be combined using a variety of open source,
commercial, or custom "mixing" software, instructions, and/or
protocols (such as SMIL players, FFmpeg, etc.). In addition,
content (or representations of content) may be mixed using one or
more approach. For example, the selected content (e.g., music,
video, pictures, and/or text) may be combined in a single container
(such as a 3GP container, etc.). In another example, the selected
content (e.g., music, video, pictures, and/or text) is combined by
referencing and/or embedding the content in the music/video
message. In another example, the selected content is combined using
protocols such as Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Web Service
Initiation Protocol (WIP), MIME, etc. (the RFC's of which are
incorporated herein by reference). In yet another example, the
contents are combined by putting them on different layers using any
video overlay technique that will look like single content to the
recipient. In some cases, the combined content may further include
advertising materials. Selected content may include, but is not
limited to, the following formats: MP3, WAV, WMA, AppleLossless,
FLAC, RealAudio, Ogg, Vorbis, Sorenson, AIFF, AAC, MIDI, MPEG,
JPEG, MIDI, 3GPP, AVI, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG, MOV, RealVideo, MJPEG,
TXT, etc.
[0038] FIG. 3a shows a block diagram of user device 10. The user
device 10 is any communication device that includes, but is not
limited to: a personal computer, laptop, personal digital
assistant, pocket PC, smartphone, portable media player (iPod,
etc.) and/or mobile phone (iPhone, etc.). Preferably, the user
device 10 comprises: one or more processors 11, one or more
transmitters and receivers 12 (including antennae), a power supply
13 (e.g., connected to a motherboard), storage media 14, memory/RAM
15, input device(s) 16, a display 17, and a speaker 18. It is
appreciated that the one or more processors 11 include a CPU, video
processor, audio processor, etc. Examples of storage media 14
include: ROM, hard drives, SD cards, micro SD cards, multimedia
cards, SIM cards, compact flash, secure digital, memory sticks,
CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, zip drives, tapes, and the like. Input
devices 16 may include: keyboards, voice input, touch screen,
stylus, mouse, etc. User device 10 may also include data
interface(s), such as IR, USB, firewire, Bluetooth, etc. (not
shown). The user device 10 also includes a proprietary or open
source Operating System including, but not limited to any Windows,
UNIX/Linux, or MAC platform (e.g., iPhone 3G or later), RIM OS,
PALM OS, Symbian OS, etc. In addition, the user device 10 includes
a graphical user interface and preferably web browsing capabilities
such as Mobile Explorer, Opera, Safari, or the like. The user
device 10 may also include a media player residing on storage media
14. Examples of suitable media players include, but are not limited
to: SMIL players such as Adobe.TM. Media Player, QuickTime.TM.
Player, RealPlayer.TM., Helix Player, Totem Player, Flash, etc. or
other equivalent proprietary or open source software. In some
cases, instructions/updates for creating and sending the
music/video message may also be downloaded from the music/video
provider 30.
[0039] FIG. 3b shows a block diagram of music/video provider 30.
The music/video provider 30 includes, but is not limited to: one or
more server (e.g., web servers), computers, laptops, mainframes, or
the like connected over a communication network. Preferably, the
music/video provider 30 comprises: one or more processors 31 (CPU,
video processor, audio processor, etc.), a power supply 32 (e.g.,
connected to a motherboard), memory/RAM 33, storage media 34, an
input/output controller 35, a display 36, input device(s) 37, and
I/O communication ports 38. It is appreciated that the one or more
processors 31 include a CPU, video processor, audio processor, etc.
Examples of storage media 34 include: ROM, harddrives, CDROMs,
DVDs, memory sticks, memory cards, floppy disks, zip drives, tapes,
and the like. Input devices 37 may include: keyboards, voice input,
touch screen, stylus, mouse, etc. The music/video provider 30 also
includes a proprietary or open source Operating System including,
but not limited to any Windows, UNIX/Linux, or MAC platform.
Preferably, the music/video provider 30 includes web server
software including, but not limited to: Apache, IIS, Ubuntu, etc.
The music/video provider 30 also preferably includes a media player
residing on storage media 34. Examples of suitable media players
include, but are not limited to, SMIL players such as Adobe.TM.
Media Player, QuickTime.TM. Player, RealPlayer.TM., Helix Player,
Totem Player, Flash, etc.
[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the user device 10
registers with the music/video provider 30 website before
creating/sending music/video messages. For example, a user account
may include: name, address, phone number, email, and/or credit card
information. If necessary, the user device 10 downloads any
instructions necessary to configure the user device 10 to create
music/video messages. Preferably, the music/video provider 30
displays available content to the user on a website via a series of
lists, charts, icons, displays, etc. According to various design
considerations, such content may be grouped by title, artist,
theme, subject, keywords, or the like. In addition, a user may
search content via the music/video provider 30 website by entering
search terms, keywords, etc. In addition, search capabilities may
allow a user to speak the search terms, selections, etc. using
voice recognition software. Once content has been selected, the
user provides recipient information for delivering a music/video
message. Such recipient information includes at least one of: email
address, phone number, music/video provider site account
information (where the recipient has an account with the same or
different music/video provider, or other service providers such as
Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, AIM, Plaxo, Twitter, or the like),
account information, etc. In some cases, the music/video provider
30 is configured to provide "Send" Options to enable user to
schedule music/video messages to be sent at specific times and
dates (e.g. birthday, anniversary, etc.).
[0041] The music/video provider 30 combines the selected content
using a variety of open, commercial, or custom "mixing" software,
instructions and/or protocols (such as SMIL players, FFmpeg, etc.);
by combining the content in a single container (such as a 3GP
container, etc.); by referencing and/or embedding the content in
the music/video message; using available protocols such as MMS,
WIP, MIME, etc., and/or any other suitable technique as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one exemplary
embodiment, the music/video provider 30 is configured to embed the
selected content in a file along with other information regarding
the music/video message. For example, the music/video provider 30
may be configured to combine content by embedding the following
information in a single file associated with a music/video
message:
<img src="img.bmp" region=/> <audio src="sound.mp3"/>
<text src="message.txt." region=/> In some embodiments,
information regarding the music/video message (e.g., sender
information, message ID, time/date, recipient information, etc.) is
stored in one or more database(s) 40 maintained by the music/video
provider 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the music/video message is sent
via communication network 20. It is understood that the
communication network 20 may include one or more distribution chain
players including, but not limited to: aggregators, gateways,
provisioning and hosting providers, mobile operators, SMS centers,
streaming delivery providers and/or other service providers, etc.
as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The
distribution chain players are then responsible for notifying one
or more of the recipient device(s) 70.sub.1-n of the music/video
message, adapting, and/or delivering the message.
[0042] It is further appreciated that the music/video provider 30
may be a single provider or alternatively may correspond to
multiple providers. For example, the music/video provider 30 may
include one provider that interfaces with users and has business
relationships with, and is in communication with, other music/video
providers 30. In addition, one or more music/video provider 30 may
offer a various types of content such as: music and video; music,
video and pictures, etc. According to various business models, the
music/video provider(s) 30 may provide content to the user and/or
recipient(s) for free (e.g., with added advertising), or for a
fee.
[0043] It is appreciated that music/video provider 30 may allow the
user to provide the content rather than using service provider's
content. In this case, the service provider creates the music/video
message using content provided (e.g., uploaded) by the user and
sends it to the recipient.
[0044] It is also appreciated that the contents and/or instructions
for creating/sending music/video messages may reside completely on
the user device 10, and that a music/video provider 30 is not
necessary. In this case, created messages may be stored on storage
media 14 accessible by the user device 10 (e.g., SD card, memory
card, etc.). The user then may select the music/video content to be
communicated to a recipient that represents his/her feeling(s)
and/or emotions via a user interface of the user device 10. Here,
the user device 10 is configured to combine the selected content
(e.g., music, video, pictures, slideshows, voice, and/or text) and
send a custom music/video message without contacting a music/video
provider 30. For example, the user device 10 is configured to
combine the selected content by: using a variety of open,
commercial, or custom "mixing" software, instructions and/or
protocols (such as SMIL players, FFmpeg, etc.); placing the content
in a single container (such as a 3GP container, etc.); by
referencing and/or embedding the content in the music/video message
and/or using available protocols such as MMS, WIP, etc. In one
exemplary embodiment, the user device 10 is configured to embed the
selected content in a file along with other information regarding
the music/video message. For example, the user device 10 may be
configured to combine content by embedding the following
information in a single file associated with a music/video
message:
<img src="img.bmp" region=/> <audio src="sound.mp3"/>
<text src="message.txt." region=/> The music/video message is
then sent to communication network 20. It is understood that the
communication network 20 includes one or more distribution chain
players including, but not limited to: aggregators, gateways,
provisioning and hosting providers, mobile operators, SMS centers,
streaming delivery providers and/or other service providers, etc.
as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. These
distribution chain players are then responsible for notifying one
or more of the recipient device(s) 70.sub.1-n of the music/video
message, adapting, and/or delivering the message. For example, the
distribution chain players inform the recipient device(s)
70.sub.1-n that the music/video message is available. This may be
done, for example, by sending an email or text message to the
recipient device(s) 70.sub.1-n including instructions for accessing
the music/video message. In some cases, the instructions include
e.g., a URL link and/or code for accessing/streaming/downloading
the message and its contents. Preferably, the recipient device(s)
70.sub.1-n include, but are not limited to: mobile phones (iPhones,
etc.), smartphones, portable media players (iPods, etc.), laptops,
PCs, pocket PCs, and PDAs. In other cases, the recipient device(s)
70.sub.1-n are able to view the music/video message directly
without having to first download the contents or click on a link.
In some cases, the recipient device(s) 70.sub.1-n may receive the
music/video message in streaming format. Receiving the music/video
message in streaming format may allow the recipient to only listen
and/or watch the message and not allow recipient to download the
music/video file. This may be important if the content is protected
by copyright law that only allows streaming of the content and not
the download of actual file of that content.
[0045] FIG. 4 depicts different types of content combined in a
music/video message (401-406). As shown, various combinations may
include, but are not limited to: music only; music and text/voice;
music and video; music and slide show; music, video and text/voice;
music, slide show and text/voice, etc.
[0046] According to another non-limiting example, members of social
networking sites (such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, AIM, Plaxo,
Twitter, or the like) may send music/video messages to their
network of friends. When a social networking user receives a
music/video message from another member, the user may keep the
message, or part of the message, private or public. The user may
allow others to see information such as number of music/video
messages that the user has or who the sender is. The user may also
allow other members to listen and/or watch the user's music/video
messages.
[0047] Example 1: a user wants to include Madonna's "crazy for you"
music/video into a music/video message and send it to a recipient
phone number which is in our example 703-470-3040. The user brings
up a mobile phone's text messaging screen and enters the text
message "7034703040 Madonna (Crazy for you)". This text message is
sent to the music/video provider's short code (which, in this
example is 123456). As soon as music/video service provider 30
receives the text message, the music/video provider 30 creates the
music/video message and sends it to the recipient contact
information which, in this example, is recipient's phone number
703-470-3040.
[0048] Example 2: a user wants to include Madonna's "crazy for you"
music/video into a music/video message that also contains text such
as "I AM REALLY CRAZY" and send it to a recipient phone number
703-470-3040. The user brings up a mobile phone's text messaging
screen and enters the message "7034703040 Madonna (Crazy for you)
(I AM REALLY CRAZY)". This text message is sent to music/video
provider's short code (which, in this example is 123456). As soon
as music/video service provider 30 receives the text message, the
music/video provider 30 creates the music/video message and sends
it to the recipient contact information which, in this example, is
recipient's phone number 703-470-3040.
[0049] Example 3: a user's mobile phone number is 310-230-9000 and
the user wants to send Madonna's "crazy for you" music/video into a
music/video message and send it to a recipient phone number
703-470-3040. The user creates an email and enters the text message
"310-230-9000 7034703040 Madonna (Crazy for you)". The user sends
this email message to music/video provider's email address. As soon
as music/video service provider 30 receives this email message, the
music/video provider 30 creates the music/video message and sends
it to the recipient contact information which, in this example, is
recipient's phone number 703-470-3040. The music/video provider 30
may also to choose to call the user's mobile phone number or send
an SMS text message and ask for confirmation before sending the
music/video message to the recipient.
[0050] Example 4: a user wants to include Madonna's "crazy for you"
music/video into a music/video message and send it to a recipient
phone number 703-470-3040. The user dials the music/video
provider's phone number and leaves a voice message "7034703040
Madonna (Crazy for you)". As soon as music/video service provider
30 receives this voice message, the music/video provider 30 creates
the music/video message and sends it to the recipient contact
information which, in this example, is recipient's phone number
703-470-3040. The music/video provider 30 may also to choose to
call the user's mobile phone number or send an SMS text message and
ask for confirmation before sending the music/video message to the
recipient.
[0051] Example 5: a music artist wants to promote her new album.
The artist logs in to her account at a music/video provider 30,
uploads her new song (if the music/video provider does not have
that song) and also provides mobile phone number of her fans as
contact information (if the music/video provider does not have
them). She may also provide a text message such as "Dear friend,
enjoy my new song" and request the music/video provider 30 to send
it. As soon as music/video provider 30 receives the artist's
request, the music/video provider 30 creates the music/video
message and sends an SMS message that contains a link to the music
message to the recipients' mobile phone 70.sub.1-n. Recipient(s)
are then able to click on the link, and the mobile phone 70.sub.1-n
will show the music/video message in streaming format.
[0052] The foregoing discussion of the preferred embodiments has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the
above examples. Many variations and modifications of the
embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
the scope of the disclosure is to be defined only by the claims
appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
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