Method, system, and graphic user interface for enabling a customer to access a media file

A method, system, GUI, apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access to a media file uploaded by a user are provided. A user profile may be generated using received login and profile information. The user profile may be hosted on, for example, a web site, SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. A media file may be received from the user and may be upload to the user profile. The media file may be associated with a user account. A request to access the media file may be received from a customer. An account associated with the customer may be updated to indicate their requested access to the media file. The customer may then be enabled to access the media file. The user's account may be updated to indicate the transaction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a method, system, graphic user interface (GUI), apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access a media file uploaded by a user to a hosted user profile.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Current media file downloading sources such as iTunes™ and Rhapsody™ offer customers the ability to purchase and download media files. Typically, these downloading sources receive media files from a recording industry representative and not from a user or artist. Once received, a media file may then be processed and uploaded to a website hosted by the downloading source so that they may be viewed and/or purchased by one or more customers. In this way, a user or artist is denied direct access to the downloading source. The lack of direct access to a downloading source causes considerable delay in the time it takes for a media file to get to market. This delay may, in turn, cost the user or artist valuable opportunities and financial benefits. Additionally, the lack of direct access to a downloading source denies a user or artist direct control over a media file they generate or are otherwise associated with.

Other websites, like MySpace.com™ and YouTube.com™, enable users to upload media content that may later be viewed by other users of the website. However, this content is not available for download and/or purchase by a viewing user.

SUMMARY

A method, system, graphic user interface (GUI), apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access a media file uploaded by a user to a hosted user profile are provided. A user profile may be generated using login and/or profile information received from the user. The login and profile information may be received by, for example, a website, a short message service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) gateway, and a wireless application protocol (WAP) site. A media file may be received from the user and may be upload to the user profile. The media file may be, for example, an MP3 file, a graphic file, a ringtone file, a document file, a game file, and a music file. The user profile may be hosted on, for example, a website, a short message service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) gateway, and a wireless application protocol (WAP) site. In some embodiments it may be determined whether uploading the media file complies with one or more applicable copyright laws. This determination may be performed by a content delivery platform and content management system.

A user account may be generated and/or associated with a user with, for example, a subscription and purchase management system. The user account and/or the user profile may be stored in a database. A received media file may be uploaded to, for example, the user profile and/or host web site using, for example, a content delivery platform and content management system. The media file may be associated with the user account using, for example, a subscription and purchase management system.

A communication from a customer may be received via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. The communication may, for example, establish a connection between the customer and the via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. Information regarding a good or service may be provided to the customer in the form of, for example, an advertisement. A request to access the media file may be received from a customer via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. The customer may be associated with a customer account. The customer account may be with, for example, a host website, user profile, and/or financial institution. The customer account may be updated to indicate the communication and/or requested access to the media file. The customer may then be able to access the media file using, for example, content delivery platform and content management system. A user and/or customer account may be updated to indicate the customer access to the media file using, for example, a subscription and purchase management system.

In one embodiment, a unique identifier may be assigned to at least one of the user profile and the media file and a transaction related to at least one of the user profile and the media file may be cataloged using the assigned unique identifier. A statement may then be prepared for the user based on a cataloged transaction. The statement may include information regarding various transactions related to the user profile, an uploaded media file, and/or the host website including, for example, the status or cost of a transaction and/or any proceeds due to the user and may be prepared by, for example, the subscription and purchase management system.

On some occasions, a set of sales information and/or a set of promotional information may be provided to the user using, for example, content delivery platform and content management system. The set of sales information and/or the set of promotion information may be, for example, a widget, a link, and/or an application programming interface (API). A selection of at least one of the set of sales information and the set of promotional information may be received and the selected set of information may be added to the user profile. In one embodiment, the selected set of information may be modified. In yet another embodiment, the selected set information may be added to an application external to the user profile and/or host website.

In one embodiment, the media file may be stored in a digital library. The media file may be classified according to one or more categories according to, for example, a user profile associated with the media file. In some cases, information regarding the media file may be provided to a customer based on its classification.

A system and apparatus, wherein the system and apparatus are enabled to sell access to a media file uploaded by a user to a user profile hosted by a host website is also provided. The system and apparatus may include a network enabled to facilitate communication between a user and a server computer system. The system and apparatus may also include a server computer system enabled to receive login and profile information from the user, generate a user profile, host a user profile, receive a media file from the user, upload a media file to a user profile, assign a unique identifier to a media file and user profile, generate a user account, store a user profile, media file, and user account, associate a media file with a user account, provide a set of promotional and sales information, add a selected set of promotional and sales information to a user profile, receive a request to access a media file, update a customer account to reflect a request to access a media file, enable a customer to access a media file, catalog transactions, update a user account and prepare a statement for a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1Ais a block diagram illustrating a network system10for enabling a customer to access a media file uploaded by a user to a hosted user profile. System100includes a user computer system24, a user mobile system32, the Internet30, a short message service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) network40, a wireless application protocol (WAP) network38, a server computer system22, a website48, a SMS/MMS gateway52, a WAP site50, an application programming interface (API)52, a transcoding service54, a subscription and purchase management system56, a content delivery platform and content management system46, a file server42, a file database44, an administrator58, a third party user60, and communication links62.

User computer system24may communicate with server computer system22via a web site, such as web site48, over a network, such as Internet30. User mobile device32may communicate with a SMS/MMS gateway, such as SMS/MMS gateway52via, for example an SMS/MMS network such as SMS/MMS network40. User mobile device32may also communicate with a WAP site such as WAP site50via a WAP network38such as WAP network38.

Server computer system22may include a file store in the form of file server42and a data store in the form of file database44. File database44may store one or more media files and/or libraries of media files. A library of media files stored by file database44may include media files improted directly from, for example, a media distribution company or a record label like Sony Music™ or Universal Studios™. File database44may be in communication with file server42. API52may be a set of instructions, protocols, methods, and/or functions that enable system100to perform a request from any of the components of system100.

Content delivery platform and management system46may, for example, classify and/or index media files such as ringtones (reduced media content), full-track content, games, wallpaper, graphics, MP3s, and media files using one or more categories. Content delivery platform and management system46may provide information to a customer regarding a media file based on, for example, it's classification and/or indexing. Media files to be indexed may be from, for example, a file server such as file server42. Indexed media files may be stored in, for example, a structured manner that may enable accessing the media file and/or downloading the indexed media file to a website like website48, a WAP site like WAP site50, a SMS/MMS gateway like SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or a transcoding service like transcoding service54. Indexed media files may be stored in a database like file database44.

Subscription and purchase management system56may include instructions that may enable the managing of subscriptions to, for example, a host website, a user profile, and/or a media file. Subscription and purchase management system56may also include instructions that may enable the managing of the purchase of a subscription and/or access to a media file. Subscription and purchase management system56may enable the updating of a customer account to indicate, for example, the customers access of a website like website48, a WAP site like WAP site50, a SMS/MMS gateway like SMS/MMS gateway52, a user profile, or a media file. Subscription and purchase management system56may also enable providing a customer with access to a good or service when the customer communicates with, for example, a website like website48, a WAP site like WAP site50, a SMS/MMS gateway like SMS/MMS gateway52.

Transcoding service54may prepare communication suitable for transmission over internet30, WAP network38, and/or SMS/MMS network40. Administrator58may be any administrator of server computer system22and may provide instructions to one or more components of server computer system22. Third party user60may be any third party not in communication with to the website48, SMS/MMS gateway52and WAP site50. Third party user60may be enabled to access API52via, for example, a widget, API, or link external to server computer system22.

Communication between one or more components of system100may be made via a communication link like communication link62. Communication links62may be any appropriate communication link and may be wired or wireless.

FIG. 1Bis a block diagram illustrating a network system101enabled to update a user and customer account. System101may include file database44, subscription and purchase management system56, content delivery platform and content management system46, a financial institution130, and communication links62. File database44may include, for example, a user information module105, a user account module110, a customer information module115, a customer account module120, and a media file125.

Financial institution130may be any entity capable of conducting financial transactions such as an electronic or paper funds transfer. Exemplary financial institutions include banks, credit card companies, and PayPal™. Financial institution130may be able to access, withdraw, and/or deposit funds related to user account110and/or customer account120. Financial institution130may also be able to update a user account module110and/or customer account module120to reflect, for example, a transaction.

User information module105may include information regarding a user. Exemplary information includes login information such as a password and user identification and/or a user profile and/or information associated with a user profile and/or media file. A user profile may include, for example, information regarding the user's interests, a musical group that he or she belongs to, a genre of art that he or she contributes to, and/or information regarding media files he or she has uploaded to the user profile. User information module105may be in communication with, for example, user account module110and/or media file module125.

User account module110may include, for example, information regarding an account the user has with a host website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/or WAP site such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50. Information included in user account module110may be, for example, a list of media files uploaded to user information module105, the status of the uploaded media files, how many customers accessed his or her profile and/or uploaded media file, a statement prepared for the user, and any credit or debit account balance owed or due to the user. User account module110may be in communication with, for example, user information module105.

Customer information module115may include information regarding a customer. A customer may be any individual and/or entity requesting access to a media file. Exemplary information includes login information such as a password and user identification and/or a customer profile. A customer profile may include, for example, information regarding his or her interests, an genre of art that they contribute to, and/or information regarding media files he or she has uploaded to the user profile. Customer information module115may also include information regarding media files access and/or downloaded by the customer and/or a service or periodically issued media file that the customer subscribes to. Customer information module115may be in communication with, for example, customer account module120and/or media file module125.

Customer account module120may include information regarding an account the user has with a host website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/or WAP site such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50. Customer account module120may also include an accounting of the number of media files accessed by and/or downloaded to customer information module115, the status of an accessed/downloaded media file, the media files and/or user profiles he or she has accessed, a statement prepared for the customer, and any credit or debit account balance owed, or due to, the customer.

Media file module125may include one or more media files uploaded by a user to his or her profile. A media file uploaded to media file125may be accessed/downloaded by a customer via, for example, customer information module115. Exemplary media files include an MP3 file, a graphic file, a ringtone file, a document file, a game file, and a music file. Media file module125may be accessed by, for example, user information module105, and/or customer information module115.

A user and/or customer may communicate with file database44, user information module105, user account module110, customer information module115, customer account module120, and/or media file125via, for example, website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50over communication links62.

FIG. 1Cis a block diagram illustrating a network system150enabled to update a user and customer account. System150may include file database44, subscription and purchase management system56, content delivery platform and content management system46, API52, financial institution130, a customer information module115, a customer account module120, and communication links62. File database44may include, for example, user information module105, user account module110, and media file125.

Customer information module115may communicate with API52over communication link62. This communication may include a request to, for example, access a user profile or access a media file. API52may be enabled to communicate with content delivery platform and content management system46. This communication may include, for example, the request to, for example, access a user profile or access/download a media file and a response to the request. Content delivery platform and content management system46may be in communication with subscription and purchase management system56. This communication may relate to a subscription and/or payment required from the customer to access a requested profile and/or media file. Subscription and purchase management system56may be in communication with customer account module120and/or financial institution130in order to, for example, execute the payment for access a requested profile and/or media file. Once executed, customer account module120and/or user account module110may be updated to reflect the transaction.

The exemplary computer system200includes a processor202(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both), a main memory204(e.g., read only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), and a static memory206(e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), which communicate with each other via a bus208.

The computer system200may further include a video display210(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system200may also include an alpha-numeric input device212(e.g., a keyboard or touch screen), a cursor control device214(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit216, a signal generation device218(e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device220.

The disk drive unit216includes a machine-readable medium222on which is stored one or more sets of instructions224(e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory204and/or within the processor202during execution thereof by the computer system200, the main memory204and the processor202also constituting machine-readable media.

The software may further be transmitted or received over a network228via the network interface device220. Exemplary networks include Internet30, SMS/MMS network40, and WAP network38.

FIG. 3is a screenshot of an exemplary page showing a GUI300for uploading and/or selling media content on a host website. The GUIs ofFIGS. 3-8may be generated, displayed, and managed by any system and/or apparatus enabled to generate them and communicate with a user such as systems10,100,150, and/or200. The term “artist” as used inFIGS. 3-8may be broadly interpreted to mean any use of GUIs300-800. The screenshot ofFIG. 3displays a menu of tabs across the top of the page. Selection of one of the tabs by a user may initiate the display of a GUI associated with the tab. Included in the menu of tabs is a tab for a dashboard, artist profile, ringtones, graphics, store widget, promo links, account, and help. GUI300may be displayed upon the selection of dashboard tab350, or may be shown by default.

GUI300includes an artist profile heading305. Information regarding an artist or user, links to view and/or edit an artist's or user's profile may be displayed under artist profile heading305. GUI300may also include a pricing and payment heading310. Information regarding the pricing of, for example, referrals, subscriptions, and other services may be provided under pricing and payment heading310.

GUI300may enables a user to upload content to a user profile and/or host website. Information regarding uploading content may be shown under an upload content heading315. For example, selection of an upload your ringtones and tracks menu button320or an upload your graphics button325may enable a user to upload a ringtone, track, or graphic media file, respectively in a manner similar to, for example, attaching a file to an e-mail, for example.

GUI300may also enable a user to customize a widget. Information regarding customizing a widget is shown under a customize your store widget heading330. Customized widgets may enable a user to, for example, sell a media content file anywhere on the Web and, in this way, may act as a portable store for selling media files to one or more potential customers. Selection of the customize your widget tab335may initiate the display of a template widget and may enable the user to customize a template widget.

GUI300may provide an opportunity for a user to select and/or generate one or more promotional links. Information regarding selecting and/or generating one or more promotional links may be displayed under a promo links heading340. A user may be enabled to add, select, and/or modify a sales page link under a sales page link heading345. Text box350shows an exemplary sales page link. The sales page link shown in text box350may be a direct link to sell media files to customers and get subscribers to a user profile and/or host website. A user may also generate an artist profile link under a your artist profile link heading355. An exemplary artist profile link is shown in text box360.

FIG. 4Ais a screen shot of an exemplary page showing a GUI enabling a user to generate and/or modify an artist/user profile400. GUI400may be displayed to a user upon the selection of artist profile tab405. GUI400provides a platform for the generation and/or modification of an artist's/user's profile. A user/artist profile may include information regarding the genre or type of media content a user or artist uploads and/or sells. GUI400may include an artist/user photo header410. Under artist/user photo header410, information regarding a photo or graphic to be added to an artist/user profile may be provided. Such information may include a link to enable a user to upload an image or graphic or access a previously uploaded image or graphic.

GUI400may also enable a user to describe an aspect of themselves and/or the media associated with his or her profile. Information regarding these descriptions may be provided and/or entered under a genres that describe your music/media header415, a brief description header420, and/or an artists that have influenced your music header425. Information may be entered by an artist/user via, for example, a text box or a drag-down list. Selection of save changes button430may enable an artist/user to save one or more changes to his or her profile.

FIG. 4Bis a screen shot of a page displaying an exemplary artist/user profile450. The contents of artist/user profile450may include, for example, one or more media files, links, widgets, and APIs. The contents of artist/user profile450may be, for example, a media file to access and/or download, or a service or communication session to subscribe to, and may be offered for sale via, for example, a link, widget, and/or API.

FIG. 4Cis a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI455for providing a user with a mechanism to access a user profile and/or information associated with a user profile. GUI455may be provided and/or displayed by, for example, a third party website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/or WAP site. GUI455includes a widget460and exemplary buttons470. A customer may access and/or request access to a user profile and/or information associated with a user by selecting one or more of buttons470.

FIG. 5shows a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI for enabling a user to generate, modify, and/or sell a ringtone media file500. GUI500may be displayed to a user upon the selection of the ringtones tab505. GUI500may include a ringtone heading510, as well as a list of instructions515. Exemplary instructions515may include instructions regarding the uploading, saving, and publishing of a ringtone media file as well as using a set of promotional information, such as a widget or a link, to promote and/or sell a ringtone media file.

GUI500may include information regarding unpublished ringtones under an unpublished ringtone header520, including any ringtones the user may have generated or modified but has not published. Information regarding unpublished ringtones may include, for example, a list of unpublished ringtones as well as cover art, title, and genre associated with a ringtone media file.

GUI500may also include information regarding one or more ringtone media files offered for sale under a ringtones for sale header525. This information may include, for example, cover art, a title, a genre, and/or promotional link associated with a ringtone media file for sale. A promotional link may be accessed by selection of a view URL button like view URL button530. A ringtone media file may be added to a user profile in a manner similar to, for example, attaching a file to an e-mail via, for example, selection of an add a ringtone button such as add a ringtone button535.

FIG. 6Ashows a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI600for enabling a user to upload, sell, and/or manage a graphic media file. GUI600may be displayed to a user upon the selection of the graphics tab605. GUI600may include a graphics heading610, as well as an exemplary list of instructions615. Exemplary instructions615may include instructions regarding the uploading, saving, and publishing of a graphic file as well as using a set of promotional information, such as a widget or a link, to promote and/or sell a graphic media file.

GUI600may include information regarding one or more unpublished graphic media files under an unpublished graphics header620, such as, graphic media files the user may have generated or modified but has not published. Information regarding an unpublished graphic media file may include, for example, a list of unpublished graphics as well as cover art, title, and genre associated with an unpublished graphic media file.

A user may be enabled to add a title to an unpublished graphic media file via, for example, selection of add title link625. A title may also be added and information related to a graphic media file may be edited or deleted upon selection of an option provided in links630.

GUI600may also include information regarding one or more graphic media files offered for sale under a graphics for sale header635. This information may include, for example, a graphic media file, a title, and/or promotional link associated with a graphic media file for sale. A graphic media file may be added to a user profile in a manner similar to, for example, attaching a file to an e-mail via, for example, selection of an add a graphic button such as add a graphic button640.

FIG. 6Bis a screenshot of a page showing a exemplary GUI650for providing a user with a statement of activity regarding the user profile. GUI650may be displayed to a user upon the selection of the reports tab655. The name or title of the user profile may be displayed in heading660.

A user may select a reporting view under a reporting view heading665. Selecting a reporting view enables a user to view information related to a source of data associated with their user profile. For example, a user may have mechanisms for accessing their user profile available on various platforms or websites, such as mySpace.com, FaceBook.com, and/or a personal website. A user may wish to view information related to only one of these platforms. In this case, he or she would select the one of exemplary reporting views summary666, ptrx667, thpcampid668, and thpcid669, wherein each of these reporting views is associated with a different platform or website. Upon selection of a reporting view, information regarding activity related to the selected platform or website may be displayed. When a user desires to view information related to all of the platforms or websites associated with their user profile, he or she may select the summary reporting view666. Following this selection, a summary of all activity related to the user profile may be displayed as shown inFIG. 6B.

A user may also select a manner of sorting the data shown on a report. For example, GUI400shows a sorting option of “by dates”670. Other exemplary sorting options include sorting by day, week, month, or most recent activity. Optionally, one or more text boxes670may be displayed wherein a user may enter a date or date range for information to be shown in a statement or report. A user may select or “click on,” for example, a button675shown on the GUI to apply the selected sorting option to the data provided on the statement or report.

Exemplary information showing activity and/or transactions regarding a user profile may be provided in table680. Table680may include one or more headings that may refer to a category of information. Exemplary categories include the date, volume of traffic, and/or the number of new/existing subscriptions, and/or downloads. Information related the category and the user profile may be provided on the table under the appropriate heading.

FIG. 7shows a screenshot of a page illustrating an exemplary GUI for enabling a user to generate, add, and/or modify a widget700. GUI700may be displayed to a user following selection of store widget tab705. GUI700may include a widget box710. Widget box710may include, for example, a template or default widget. A user may be enabled to edit or modify the content and/or format of widget box710via, for example, selection of edit button735. A user may also modify a widget box710and/or its display via selection of the wide, narrow and update menu items710.

GUI700may enable a user to place a widget on a user profile, one or more websites, or an external website such as a user's home page or a social networking site like MySpace.com™ via, for example selection of an add to MySpace button715and/or a grab it button720. An embedded code may be provided for widget box710. This code may be displayed in text box730. GUI700may also include an information bar740that may contain various instructions and information regarding the creation, editing, and/or managing a widget.

FIG. 8shows a screenshot of a page illustrating an exemplary GUI800for enabling a user to add and/or edit a promotional link associated with a user's profile and/or media file uploaded to the user's profile. GUI800may be displayed following selection of promo links menu option805. GUI800may enable a user to add one or more sales page links to his or her profile and/or an external website such as a user's home page or a social networking website like MySpace.com™.

GUI800may provide an opportunity for a user to add, select, and/or generate one or more sales links. Information regarding selecting and/or generating one or more sales links may be displayed under a sales page link heading810. A user may be enabled to add, select, and/or modify a sales page link under sales page link heading810. A selected and/or modified sales page link may be displayed in a text box like text box815. Selection of a copy URL button820may enable a user to copy a URL displayed in a text box like text box815to, for example, a user's profile and/or an external webpage, like a user's home page, or social networking website like MySpace.com™.

GUI800may also provide an opportunity for a user to add, select, and/or generate one or more links to a user/artist profile. Information regarding adding, selecting, and/or generating one or more links to the user/artist profile may be displayed under an artist profile heading825. A user may be enabled to add, select, and/or modify a link to the user/artist profile under artist profile heading825. An added, selected, and/or modified link may be displayed in a text box, like text box830. A link displayed in text box830may be copied to, for example, a user's profile and/or an external website such as a user's home page or a social networking website like MySpace.com™ via selection of, for example, copy URL button820.

GUI800may also enable a user to create, select, and/or modify a link to a ringtone media file and add the link to his or her profile or an external website such as a user's home page or a social networking website like MySpace.com™. Information regarding creating, selecting, and/or modifying a ringtone media file may be displayed under a ringtone link header835. A URL representing a ringtone media file may be displayed in, for example, a text box, such as text box840. The URL representing a ringtone media file may be copied to a location selected by the user, such as his or her profile or an external website such as a user's home page or a social networking website like MySpace.com™ via selection of, for example, copy URL button820.

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary process900for selling media content uploaded to a user profile and/or a host website. Process900may be performed by a system or computer readable media or apparatus enabled to sell media content uploaded to a user profile and/or a host website, such as systems100,101,150, and200.

In step905, login information may be received from a user. In one embodiment, the user may enter login information via a user computer system such as user/customer computer system24. Entered login information may be communicated to a website such as website48via the Internet30. In another embodiment, the user may enter login information via a user mobile device such as user/customer mobile device32. Entered login information may be communicated to an SMS/MMS gateway such as SMS/MMS gateway52via an SMS/MMS network like SMS/MMS network40. Entered login information may also be communicated to a WAP site, such as WAP site50via, for example, a WAP network like WAP network38. Received login information may include, for example, a user ID and a password and/or other identifying information. Received login information may be stored in, for example, a file database like file database44, and/or a user information module like user information module105.

In step910, user profile information may be received via, for example, a method similar to the method of step905. In step915, a user profile may be generated using, for example, the received login and/or profile information. A user profile may be generated by, for example, an API, such as API52and/or a content delivery platform and content management system such as content delivery platform and content management system46. In step920, the user profile may be hosted by a hosting entity. A hosting entity may be, for example, a website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/or WAP site such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50, respectively.

In step925, a media file may be uploaded via, for example, a method similar to the method of step905. Media file may be uploaded using, for example, a content delivery platform and content management system such as content delivery platform and content management system46. Exemplary received media files include a music file, a graphic file, an MP3 file, a document file, a game file, and a ringtone file.

In step930, it may be determined whether uploading the media file is in compliance with one or more copyright laws. This determination may include verifying that the user uploading the media file owns or has adequately licensed copyrights related to the content of the media file. The determination of step930may be performed by a content delivery platform and content management system such as content delivery platform and content management system46. Exemplary methods for making the determination of step930include any known method of verifying copyright information such as, for instance, a three-string match or a content protection technology such as Experian™ and/or Audible Magic™ to analyze the copyright information associated with the media file. If uploading the media file is not in compliance with applicable copyright laws, then process900may end. If uploading the media file is in compliance with applicable copyright laws, then the media file may be uploaded to, for example, a user profile, as in step935using, for example, a content delivery platform and content management system such as content delivery platform and content management system.

In step940, a unique identifier may be assigned to the uploaded media file and/or user profile by, for example, a content delivery platform and content management system such as content delivery platform and content management system46.

In step945, a user account may be generated. The user account may include information relating to, for example, a user's profile and/or media files associated with a user such as a statement as described with respect to step995.

In step950, the user profile, media file, and/or user account may be stored in, for example, a file database like file database44. User profile may also be stored in a user information module, like user information module105. The user account may be stored in, for example, a user account module, like user account module110. A media file may also be stored in, for example, a media file module, like media file module125.

In step955, a media file may be associated with a user account using, for example, subscription and purchase management system, like subscription and purchase management system56. In step960, a set of promotion and/or sales information may be provided to the user via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or a WAP site, such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50, respectively. A set of promotion and/or sales information may be prepared by, for example, a subscription and purchase management system and/or a content delivery platform and content management system such as subscription and purchase management system56and/or content delivery platform and content management system46, respectively. Further details regarding promotion and sales information are provided with respect toFIG. 10.

In step965, the user may select one or more sets of information and his or her selection may be added or uploaded to the user profile and/or host website via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or a WAP site such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50, respectively.

In step967, a communication may be received from a customer via, for example, a method similar to the method of step905. A customer may be, for example, an individual, a group of individuals, or an entity in communication with an entity hosting a user profile and/or media file. The hosting entity may be, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or a WAP site such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50, respectively. The communication may establish a connection between the customer and the hosting entity. In some cases, the communication may include, for example, a request for information or access to a hosted user profile. In step969, information regarding a good or service may be provided to the customer. This information may include, for example, an advertisement for a good or service, a recommendation for a good or service the customer may be interested in, a user profile, and a media file.

In step970, a request may be received from a customer to access the media file via, for example, a method similar to the method of step905. A third party user may also request to access a media file, such as third party user60, via direct interaction with an API such as API52and/or a server computer system like server computer system22. A customer may be any entity or individual wishing to purchase access to a media file on a one time, periodic, and/or as needed basis.

In step975, a customer account may be updated to reflect the request to access the media file. A customer account may be, for example, an account with a bank, a utility provider, a mobile communications provider, a telecommunications provider, a lending institution, and an electronic commerce institution, wherein the account is associated with the customer. A customer account may be resident in, for example, a file database like file database44and/or a customer account module, like customer account module120. Updating the customer account may be performed by, for example, a subscription and purchase management system, such as subscription and purchase management system56and/or a financial institution like financial institution130. To update a customer's account, a payment for accessing the requested media file may be transferred from a customer and/or customer account. Updating the customer account may include, for example, an electronic funds transfer, or a credit card, debit card, or PayPal™ transaction.

In step980, a customer may be enabled to access the requested media file via, for example, a content delivery platform and/or content management system such as content delivery platform and content management system46or a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or a WAP site such as website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and/or WAP site50, respectively. In some embodiments, accessing the media file may include downloading the media file.

In step985, one or more transactions of process900may be cataloged using, for example, a content delivery platform and content management system like content delivery platform and content management system46. The unique identifier assigned to a media file and/or user profile in step935may be used to catalogue a transaction.

In step990, a user's account may be updated to, for example, indicate a customer's communication with a hosting entity and/or access of a media file associated with his or her account and/or profile. A subscription and purchase management system, such as subscription and purchase management system56and/or a financial institution like financial institution130may be used to update the user's account. Updating a user account may include, for example, an electronic funds transfer and/or a paper check.

In step995, a statement may be prepared for the user using, for example, a subscription and purchase management system, such as subscription and purchase management system56and/or a financial institution like financial institution130. This statement may include information regarding various transactions related to the user profile, an uploaded media file, and/or a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site like host website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and WAP site50including the status or cost of a transaction, and/or any credit due, or debt owed, by the user. In step997, the statement may be provided to the user. Following step997, process900may end.

FIG. 10illustrates an exemplary process1000for providing one or more sets of promotional and/or sales information and adding a selected set of information to a user's profile or another application. Process1000may be performed by any system and/or apparatus enabled to provide one or more sets of promotional and/or sales information and add a selected set of information to a user's profile or another application such as systems100,101,150, and/or200.

In step1005, one or more sets of sales or promotional information may be provided to a user via a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site like host website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and WAP site50. Exemplary sets of sales and/or promotional information include templates for generating a widget, a link and/or an API and may be provided to assist a user in promoting and/or selling one or more media files associated with his or her profile. An exemplary widget is shown inFIG. 7and exemplary link is shown inFIG. 8.

In step1010, a selection and/or modification of a set of information may be received from the user via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site like host website48, SMS/MMS gateway52, and WAP site50. In some embodiments, a user may select one or more of the provided widget templates, links and/or APIs. Modifications to a widget template, link, and/or API may be, for example, adding, deleting, and/or modifying one or more components of the widget template, link, or API, respectively. In other embodiments, only one or a default widget template, link and/or API may be provided.

In step1015, it may be determined whether the selection and/or modification is to be added to a user profile. This determination may be made by a user and/or a system or apparatus performing the process1000. If the selection and/or modification is not to be added to the user profile, then it may be added to another application that is, for example, external to the host website such user's home page or a social networking website like MySpace.com™ (step1020). In step1025, the selection and/or modification may be added to the user profile following a determination that it is be added to the user profile. Following step1025, process1000may end.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for storing a media file in a digital library. Process1100may be performed by any system and/or apparatus enabled to add and store a media file in a digital library such as systems100,101,150, and/or200.

In step1110, a media file uploaded to a hosted user profile may be stored in a digital library. A digital library consistent with an embodiment of the present invention may be resident in, for example, a file database, like file database44. The digital library may include media files imported directly from, for example, a media distribution company or a record label like Sony Music™ or Universal Studios™.

In step1120, the media file may be classified into one or more categories. In some embodiments the media file may be associated with profile information and/or a user profile. In these embodiments, the profile information and/or user profile may be used to assist in classifying the media file.

In step1130, information regarding the media file may be provided to a customer. The information may be provided based on a classification of the media file and a customer's expressed interest in the classification. The information may also be provided to the customer, for example, in response to a request for information from the customer or in accordance with a promotion of the media file sponsored by the entity hosting the user profile and/or storing the media file.