Abstract:
Techniques for facilitating purchase of media items, such as digital media assets, are disclosed. A computing device, e.g., a portable media device, can save media indicia pertaining to one or media items of interest to a user. The media indicia can thereafter be use to purchase the one or more media items or other products associated therewith.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/210,172, filed Aug. 22, 2005 entitled “AUDIO SAMPLING AND ACQUISITION SYSTEM” which claims priority under 35 USC §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/672,160, filed Apr. 14, 2005, and entitled “AUDIO SAMPLING AND ACQUISITION SYSTEM.” The respective disclosures of both applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0002]    This application is related to (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/832,812, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SECURE NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT”; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/987,649, filed Nov. 12, 2004, and entitled “WIRELESS SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN MEDIA PLAYER AND HOST DEVICE”; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,592, filed Nov. 5, 2004, and entitled “DIGITAL MEDIA FILE WITH EMBEDDED SALES/MARKETING INFORMATION”; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,267, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA”; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,592, filed Nov. 5, 2004, and entitled “DIGITAL MEDIA FILE WITH EMBEDDED SALES/MARKETING INFORMATION”; (v) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/622,178, filed Oct. 25, 2004, and entitled “RESERVATION OF DIGITAL MEDIA ITEMS”; (vi) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/622,280, filed Oct. 25, 2004, and entitled “ONLINE PURCHASE OF DIGITAL MEDIA BUNDLES”; and (vii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/620,223, filed Oct. 18, 2004, and entitled “NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL MEDIA ITEMS”, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to media identification, purchase and distribution of media. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Currently, there are several music identification services available for consumer use. Generally, these services fall into three categories. The first category identifies a song through use of a radio station&#39;s play list. For example, for a song of interest, a radio station frequency and a time of day would be captured, and then using the radio station&#39;s play list, the song can be identified. The second category identifies a song by analyzing a digital sample and is typically employed in anti-piracy efforts to ensure the accuracy of identification information attached to a digital music file. The third category identifies a song by analyzing an analog sample (e.g., recording an audio source using a microphone). Analog music identification is beginning to be used in cellular phone music identification services. 
         [0007]    Typically, when a user wants to use an analog music identification service, that user dials the number for the music identification service into a mobile phone and lets the music identification service listen to a sample of the song. The music identification service then identifies the song and then informs the user which song was heard. Typically, the service sends a text (SMS) message with information about the song to the mobile phone. Additionally, the music identification service typically also stores the information sent to the mobile phone on-line, which the user may access through a web browser. 
         [0008]    However, a mobile phone is often not the best device to use for analog music identification applications. Generally, wireless networks have limitations in service area and reliability issues. Moreover, wireless network airtime is typically expensive and special services such as music identification usually cost extra. 
         [0009]    Alternately, some music identification services allow a user of an MP 3  player to record a sample of a song being broadcast over the airwaves (i.e., FM radio). The recorded song sample can be later identified when it synchronizes with a client computer, which communicates with a music identification service to obtain artist name and song title. 
         [0010]    Unfortunately, however, conventional music identification only provides minimal identification information about the music, such as artist and song title. Conventional music identification is also not always reliable in its identifications. Even when a song is able to be properly identified, there is no ability to provide additional services to users, such as the ability to purchase identified songs. 
         [0011]    Thus, there is a need for music identification services that are not only more reliable but also provide e-commerce functionality. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In general, the invention pertains to facilitating purchase of media items, such as digital media assets. For the benefit of a user, a computing device can acquire media item indicia pertaining to one or media items of interest. The media indicia can thereafter be used to purchase the one or more media items or other products associated therewith. Regardless of the product(s) purchased, the purchase process can be user friendly and substantially automated. 
         [0013]    A first aspect of the invention pertains to techniques for identifying audio media recordings (e.g., songs) by a using portable media device. These techniques allow a user of a portable media device to identify, for instance, an audible song, by recording an audio sample using a microphone and later identifying the audio sample using media identification technology. Alternately, an audio sample may be obtained by tuning to a wireless signal. In any event, the audio sample can be identified using some form of audio or song recognition program, typically at a server computer to which the audio sample has been uploaded. Once the audio sample has been identified, the user can be given the option to purchase one or more digital media assets associated with the identified audio sample. 
         [0014]    Digital media assets available for purchase and download can include a variety of media file types, including audio (e.g., MP3, MP4, AAC, WAV, etc.), video (AVI, Quicktime™, etc.), electronic book (eBook), as well as others. Digital media assets can include music singles and music videos, for example. Additionally, ring tones and graphics associated with the digital media asset can also be purchased. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the invention pertains to a media tagging and acquisition system. As explained in more detail below, a portable media player can be coupled to a media system within a vehicle or other environment such that one or more digital media assets being presented by the media system can be tagged (flagged). After a digital media asset has been tagged, the portable media player can be removed from the vehicle or other environment and coupled to an electronic commerce environment. The electronic commerce environment facilitates the purchase of the digital asset that has been tagged. 
         [0016]    The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus, or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
         [0017]    As a method for facilitating e-commerce, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: recording an audio sample using a portable media device; subsequently transferring the audio sample from the portable media device to a networked client device; identifying one or more media assets associated with the audio sample; and obtaining the purchased media assets at the networked client device. Media assets can include various media types, such as music singles or albums, music videos, motion pictures and electronic books (e-books). 
         [0018]    As a method for facilitating e-commerce, another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: receiving, at a server computer, an audio sample from a client computer; identifying at least one media asset associated with the audio sample; receiving a request to purchase the identified media asset, processing a payment for the identified media asset; and delivering the one or more identified media assets to the client computer. 
         [0019]    As a method for facilitating e-commerce, still another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: recording an audio sample using a portable media player; transferring the audio sample from the portable media player to a networked client device; receiving, from the networked client device, media information identifying one or more media assets associated with the audio sample; purchasing, at the networked client device, the one or more media assets identified by the media information; and obtaining, at the networked client device, the media assets that have been purchased. 
         [0020]    As a method for facilitating e-commerce, yet still another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: recording an audio sample using a portable media device; identifying one or more media assets associated with the audio sample; and obtaining, at the portable media device, the one or more identified media assets. 
         [0021]    As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for facilitating e-commerce, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: computer program code for storing a media indicia at a portable media device, the media indicia being associated with a digital media asset of interest to a user of the portable media device; computer program code for subsequently transferring the media indicia from the portable media device to a networked client device; computer program code for identifying at least one digital media asset associated with the audio sample based on the media indicia; and computer program code for obtaining, at the networked client device, the at least one identified digital media assets from a remote server via a network. 
         [0022]    As a method for facilitating on-line purchase of media related items, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: coupling a portable media device to an in-vehicle network having an in-vehicle media receiver-player coupled thereto; outputting media using the in-vehicle media receiver-player; querying the in-vehicle network for descriptive media information pertaining to the media being output; and storing the descriptive media information at the portable media device. 
         [0023]    As a method for facilitating on-line purchase of products, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: perceiving, by a user, information about a product; interacting with a portable media device to signal an interest in the product; capturing digital data associated with the product using a wireless receiver, the digital data being receivable at the vicinity of where the user perceived the product; and subsequently forwarding the digital data to an electronic commerce engine to facilitate purchase of the product or a related product. 
         [0024]    As a method for facilitating on-line purchase of products, another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: receiving, at a portable media device, a signal from a user indicating an interest in a product being perceived by the user; capturing digital data associated with the product using a wireless receiver, the digital data being receivable at the vicinity of where the user perceived the product; and subsequently forwarding the digital data to an electronic commerce engine to facilitate purchase of the product or a related product. 
         [0025]    Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media purchase system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of an audio sample identification and purchase process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of an application program window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a flow diagram of a basic media identification process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is a flow diagram of a server side media identification and purchase process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of an audio sampling process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of a client-side audio sample identification and purchase process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary portable media device suitable for use with the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a block diagram of a media tagging and acquisition system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7B  is a block diagram of a media tagging and acquisition system according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a media tagging process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a media content tagging process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a media information transfer process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are flow diagrams of a purchase process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
         [0043]    One aspect of the invention pertains to techniques for identifying audio media recordings (e.g., songs) by a using portable media device. These techniques allow a user of a portable media device to identify, for instance, an audible song, by recording an audio sample using a microphone and later identifying the audio sample using media identification technology. Alternately, an audio sample may be obtained by tuning into a wireless signal. In any event, the audio sample can be identified using some form of audio or song recognition program, typically at a server computer to which the audio sample has been uploaded. Once the audio sample has been identified, the user can be given the option to purchase one or more digital media assets associated with the identified audio sample. 
         [0044]    Digital media assets available for purchase and download can include a variety of media file types, including audio (e.g., MP3, MP4, AAC, WAV, etc.), video (AVI, Quicktime™, etc.), electronic book (eBook), as well as others. Digital media assets can include music singles and music videos, for example. Additionally, ring tones and graphics associated with the digital media asset can also be purchased. Digital media assets can include single songs, complete albums, box sets, or compilations. Further, a song or other audio sample may have been featured in a television show or motion picture, and associated media assets might include one or more soundtrack albums or the actual television show or motion picture in which the song/audio sample was featured. 
         [0045]    When referring to “purchase” of media items, namely, digital media assets, it is meant to correspond to the purchase of rights to the media items. These rights include ownership, license, usage, contractual or rental rights in or to the media items. 
         [0046]    A portable media device is an electronic device that can be used to store and present media (e.g., audio). The recording may occur by using a microphone or by tuning into a wireless signal (e.g., AM FM radio, digital radio, or WiFi). The portable media device may have a built-in microphone or wireless tuner/network card, or may have the capability to accept accessories to add the necessary functionality. One example of a suitable portable media device is a digital media player (e.g., digital music player). 
         [0047]    Media management applications (MMAs) operating on personal computers or media players, typically include software applications that typically incorporate the ability to do one or more of the following: play, browse, organize, purchase, and/or transfer digital media items between devices, including to portable media players (e.g., MP3 or MPEG4 players). 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media purchase system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media purchase system  100  includes an on-line media commerce server  102 . The on-line media commerce server  102  stores a plurality of digital media assets that are available for purchase via client devices via a network. In one implementation, the on-line media commerce server  102  is an on-line media store. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the media purchase system  100  includes a client device  104  and a portable media device  125 . The client device  104  couples to a data network  106 . Additionally, the on-line media commerce server  102  couples to the data network  106 . In one implementation, the data network  106  can refer to high data-bandwidth networks, namely, wired networks, such as the Internet, Ethernet, gigabit Ethernet, and fiber optic, as well as wireless networks such as IEEE 802.11(a), (b) or (g) (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMax), and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB). 
         [0049]    According to a first aspect of the invention, a user of the portable media device  125  obtains an audio sample, for instance, by recording an audio source  121  using a microphone  127  coupled to the portable media device. The audio sample may then be transferred to the client device  104  using a data cable or some other data transfer medium. A computer program  108 , typically a media management application (MMA) or other media player application, which is running on the client device  104  can send the audio samples transferred from the portable media device  125  to a media identification server  114  via the data network  106 . The media identification server  114  is capable of identifying the audio samples. For example, one or more songs that the user of the portable media device  125  has previously sampled can be identified at the identification server  114 . Alternately, in another embodiment, the portable media device  125  can send the audio samples directly to the media identification server  114 , either by a physical connection to the data network  106  (e.g., a network cable) or by using a wireless network (not shown). Once the identification server  114  receives the audio samples, the media identification server  114  communicates and/or coordinates with the client device  104  and/or the media commerce server  102  to enable the user of the client device  104  to purchase media assets (e.g., songs, videos, albums) associated with the identified audio sample. Subsequently, the client device  104  can download the purchased media assets from a media storage server  110 , which is coupled to a media store  112 , via the data network  106 . As will be understood by those familiar with data networks, other network configurations are possible. Furthermore, while the media storage server  110 , media identification server  114 , and on-line media commerce server  102  are shown as individual and separate server computers, it will be understood by those familiar with the art that other configurations are possible. As one example, each server can be implemented such that it is distributed over multiple server computers. As another example, these various servers can be implemented by a single physical server computer. 
         [0050]    In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the portable media device  125  connects directly to the data network  106  without the use of a client  104 . According to this embodiment, the computer program  108  that is used to send the audio samples to the media identification server  114  resides on the portable media device  125 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of an audio sample identification and purchase process  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The audio sample identification and purchase process  200  is, for example, performed by an on-line media store and a media identification service interacting with a networked client, which in turn interacts with a portable media device. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the on-line media store can be the on-line media commerce server  102 , the media identification service can be provided by the media identification server  114 , the networked client can be the client device  104 , and the portable media device can be the portable media device  125 . 
         [0052]    The audio sample identification and purchase process  200  begins with recording  201  of an audio sample using a portable media device. Following block  201 , the audio sample is transferred  203  to a networked client (e.g., by a synchronization operation). Alternately, several audio samples can be recorded and transferred. Next, the networked client device sends  205  the sample to a media identification server. In one embodiment, sending  205  is accomplished using a media management application or media player. At the media identification server, one or more digital media assets associated with the audio sample are identified  207 . The one or more identified digital media assets can include a wide variety of digital media asset types, including, but not limited to, music (songs, compilations, albums, soundtracks, etc.), music videos, motion pictures, electronic books (eBooks), and digital graphics. 
         [0053]    Next, according to one embodiment of the invention, a media access response (MAR) is composed  209  (e.g., at a media commerce server linked to the media identification server). The MAR contains e-commerce information that will allow the recipient of the MAR to purchase one or more of the identified digital media assets. For example, the MAR can contain links to download the identified digital media assets or media previews (e.g., partial or low quality digital media assets) therefor, and/or links to a streaming audio media server associated with the identified digital media assets. Alternately, the MAR can contain information that enables a media management application or media player to interact with a user, for example, by using dialog boxes to ask a user for permission and/or authorization to buy and download the identified digital media assets. Following block  209 , the MAR is sent  211  to the networked client. 
         [0054]    Thereafter, decision  213  determines if the user wishes to purchase one or more of the identified digital media assets, for example, by some form of user interaction with a media management application. Alternately, the decision  213  can make the determination automatically without user interaction in accordance with a previously set user preference, for example, an “automatic buy” feature incorporated into a media management application. When the decision  213  determines that the user does not wish to purchase one or more of the identified digital media assets, the audio sample identification and purchase process  200  ends. On the other hand, if the decision  213  determines that the user wishes to purchase one or more of the identified digital media assets, the media assets are obtained  215  and the audio sample identification and purchase process  200  ends. 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of an application program window  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The application window  300  can be, for instance, provided by a media management application operating on a client device or a portable media player. An example of a media management application is iTunes® brand media management application, produced by and available from Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. 
         [0056]    According to one embodiment, the application program window  300  is displayed on a networked client, for example, the client device  104  in  FIG. 1 . Alternately, the application program window  300  can be displayed on a portable media device, for example, the portable media device  125  in  FIG. 1 . The application program window  300  contains one or more Graphical User Interface (GUI) elements, such as check boxes, text boxes, buttons, and hyperlinks. A user can interact with the GUI elements to browse digital media assets that are available on a remote server for purchase, download, or preview, including those which have been previously identified by, for example, the audio sample identification and purchase process  200  described illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The remote server can, for example, include one or both of the media commerce server  102  and the media storage server  110  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternately, in another embodiment, the application program window  300  displays e-commerce information contained in a media access response (MAR), which is described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]    The application window  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3  includes a list of digital media asset entries  301 , each associated with a particular digital media asset. As an example, the digital media assets can be provided in a list. In one embodiment, the list includes metadata information (e.g., media asset title, publication information, author/artist/songwriter information, etc.). In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the metadata information for each of the digital media asset entries  301  includes a media asset name and artist information. Additionally, the application window  300  contains buttons  303 , each associated with one particular digital media asset entry  301 . In the embodiment shown, buttons  303  are labeled “Buy”, indicating that the user may select (e.g., click on) a button  303  associated with a particular media asset entry  301  in order to purchase the media asset. Alternately, buttons  303  can have other functionality/labels, enabling a user to download and/or preview the listed media assets. Also shown is button  305 , labeled “Buy All”, which allows a user to select (e.g., click on) a single button in order to purchase the digital media assets associated with all listed digital media asset entries  301 . As is the case for buttons  303 , button  305  can have other functionality/label, such as allowing a user to obtain previews or download multiple free promotional media assets, for example, a music artist sampler. 
         [0058]      FIG. 4A  is a flow diagram of a basic media identification process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The basic media identification process  400  is, for example, performed by the media identification server  114  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0059]    The basic media identification process  400  begins with receiving  401  an audio sample. The audio sample is received  401  from a client computer, for example, the client device  104  shown in  FIG. 1 . Next, one or more media assets associated with the received audio sample are identified  403 . The identification of the received audio sample can use an appropriate audio (e.g., song) recognition algorithm. For an example of one algorithm suitable for use in identifying  403  audio samples, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,072, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Next, the one or more media assets are returned  405  (i.e., to the requesting client). The returning  405  can include sending media assets directly to the requestor. In other embodiments, the returning  405  can include sending a media access response (MAR) or deferred download instructions (see, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,267). 
         [0060]      FIG. 4B  is a flow diagram of a server side media identification and purchase process  450  according to another embodiment of the invention. This process is performed at a server computer. For example, the server computer can pertain to the media identification server  114 , the media storage server  110 , and the media commerce server  102  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the server computer implements an on-line media store. The client, for example, may be a client  104  (e.g., a personal computer connectable to the internet) running a media management application  108  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0061]    The server side media identification and purchase process  450  begins with receiving  451  an audio sample at the server computer, for instance a media identification server. In general, the audio sample may be received at a server computer that has been setup to route received audio samples to another server computer which is setup to identify the audio sample. The received audio sample is then processed in order to identify  453  one or more media assets associated with the received audio sample. Here, in this embodiment, the one or more audio assets are songs. In one implementation, several versions associated with an audio sample of a song may be available—possibly by different artists or in different remixes. 
         [0062]    Next, a media access response (MAR) is returned  455 , for instance, to a requesting client computer. As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 , the MAR generally contains eCommerce information identifying media assets and enabling the recipient of the MAR to retrieve the media assets and/or previews of those assets and then access the media content (e.g., music, video) for the selected media assets. Following block  455 , a decision  457  determines if a client has requested previews for one or more media assets. Alternately, the decision to preview the identified media assets may be set as a user preference (i.e., the user may decide in advance to always preview or never preview). Media asset previews can be, for example, short and/or low-quality snippets of available media assets. For more information on media asset previews, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,592 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/622,178. If the decision  457  determines that no preview request has been made, the server side media identification and purchase process  450  proceeds to a decision  463  and subsequent blocks. On the other hand, if the decision  457  determines that the request has been made, media asset previews are obtained  459  and then sent  461  to the client. Media asset previews can be obtained  459 , for instance, by retrieving previews from a server computer or by creating previews as needed from available media assets. The sending  461  of the media asset previews can be accomplished, for example, by sending a link to the client that will allow the user to download or stream the media asset preview to the client. 
         [0063]    The media identification and purchase process  450  continues with the decision  463 , which determines if a client purchase request has been received for one or more media assets. If not, the decision  463  waits until a client purchase request has been received. Once the decision  463  determines that a client purchase request has been received, the desired media asset is purchased  465  and sent  467  to the client. Several embodiments of a method and system for network based purchase and distribution of media assets, for example, are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,267. 
         [0064]      FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of an audio sampling process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. This process  500  is performed using, for example, a portable media device such as the portable media device  125  of  FIG. 1  or the portable media device  600  of  FIG. 6  discussed below. Generally, a portable media device suitable for use with this embodiment has the capability to transfer recordings to another device, such as a personal computer or server computer by, for example, a cable (e.g., USB or Firewire®) or by using wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, IR, or WiFi). 
         [0065]    The audio sampling process  500  begins with a decision  501 , which determines if an audio sample is to be acquired. Generally, an audio sample is taken when a user selects a record function on a portable media device. This selection can be, for example, via a button on the portable media device or via a menu selection. Alternately, a user can elect to set a user preference on a portable media device that instructs the portable media device to periodically make a recording without user input. In another embodiment, the audio sampling process maintains a sampling window. For example, the sampling window might be several minutes in length, such as five or ten minutes. Thus, if the user hears a song, but does not select the record function while it is still playing, the sample can still be stored if a sample window is being used. This allows a user the flexibility of listening to a song for some time, perhaps all the way through, before having to make a decision to record a sample. 
         [0066]    If the decision  501  determines that an audio sample is to be acquired, an audio sample is recorded  503  using the portable media device. Recording can be accomplished using a microphone, or by tuning into a wireless signal (e.g., AM/FM radio, satellite radio, WiFi). Next, the quality of the audio sample is evaluated  505 . Following evaluation  505 , a decision  507  determines if the sample quality is sufficient for later identification of the sample. If so, the audio sample is stored  509  on the portable media device and the audio sampling process  500  ends. On the other hand, if decision  507  determines that the sample quality is insufficient for later identification of the sample, audio sampling process  500  returns to block  503  and subsequent blocks such that another or longer sample is taken to replace or supplement the low quality sample. Alternately, the portable media device may acquire a sample for a fixed period of time (e.g.,  30  seconds) without evaluating  505  sample quality. 
         [0067]    In the case where a user has set a user preference on the portable device to take periodic samples, the samples may be stored  509  for a short period of time, for example 24 hours. This prevents the accumulation of large amounts of recorded data in the portable media device&#39;s memory. 
         [0068]      FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of a client-side audio sample identification and purchase process  550  according to one embodiment of the invention. The client-side audio sample identification and purchase process  550  is performed, for example, using the portable media device  125  of  FIG. 1  or the portable media device  600  of  FIG. 6 , coupled with a networked client device. The networked client  104  is, for example, the client  104  running the media management application  108  of  FIG. 1 . Generally, suitable client devices include personal computers and/or network appliances (e.g., WebTV, PlayStation®). Further, client devices are preferably connected to a computer network. 
         [0069]    The client-side audio sample identification and purchase process  550  begins with a decision  551 . The decision  551  waits for a request to transfer an audio sample from a portable media device. Upon determining that a request to transfer an audio sample has been made, the audio sample is transferred  553 . As discussed above in reference to  FIG. 5A , the transfer  553  of the audio sample can occur by a variety of mechanisms, such as by using a cable or wireless link. Next, the transferred audio sample is sent  555  to a media identification server, for example, the media identification server  114  of  FIG. 1 . Next, audio identification information is received  557  from the media identification server and displayed  558  using, for example, a media management application. The audio identification information can be, for example, the media access response (MAR) described above in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4B . 
         [0070]    In one embodiment of the invention, where media asset previews are provided, optional blocks  559 - 563  can be performed. A decision  559  determines if a preview request has been made, for example, by clicking on a link displayed by a media management application. Next, a preview is received  561  and presented  563  to the user. Previews may be obtained, for instance, as described above in reference to  FIG. 4B . Alternately, previews may be embedded in an MAR. 
         [0071]    Next, a decision  565  determines if a purchase request has been made, for example, by a user interacting with a media management application. If no request has been made, the client-side audio sample identification and purchase process  550  ends. Otherwise, if the decision  565  determines that a purchase request has been made, a purchase request is sent  567  to a media commerce server, for example, the media commerce server  102  of  FIG. 1 . Next, purchased media assets are obtained  569 , for example, by downloading from the media store  112  of  FIG. 1 . Therefore, the client-side audio sample identification and purchase process  550  ends. It should be noted that any or all of the transfer request (decision  551 ), the preview request (decision  559 ) and the purchase request (decision  565 ) can be manually performed by a user or automatically performed without requiring user input. 
         [0072]    In another embodiment of the invention, the portable media device is capable of connecting, either by wired (e.g., Ethernet) or wireless (e.g., cellular) connection, directly to the various identification and commerce servers, making it unnecessary to employ a networked client device as an intermediary. In such case, blocks  555 - 569  of the client-side audio sample identification and purchase process  550  can occur on the portable media device. 
         [0073]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary portable media device  600  suitable for use with the invention. The portable media device  600  includes an (optional) display  603 , a control pad  605  containing one or more playback controls (e.g., play, rewind, fast forward, and/or pause), a microphone  601 , and a microphone control. In this embodiment, the microphone control is a button  607 . In another embodiment, the microphone control could be accessed using a menu system, rather than by using a button. 
         [0074]    Another aspect of the invention pertains to a media tagging and acquisition system. As explained in more detail below, a portable media player can be coupled to a media system within a vehicle such that one or more digital media assets being presented by the media system can be tagged (flagged). After a digital media asset has been tagged, the portable media player can be removed from the vehicle environment and coupled to an electronic commerce environment. The electronic commerce environment facilitates the purchase of the digital asset that has been tagged. Although the media tagging according to this aspect of the invention is largely described with reference to a vehicle environment, it should be understood that the media tagging can also be used in other environments, such as a home entertainment environment. 
         [0075]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 7A-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
         [0076]      FIG. 7A  is a block diagram of a media tagging and acquisition system  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media tagging and acquisition system  700  is described with reference to a vehicle environment. The media tagging and acquisition system  700  includes a portable media device  702 . The portable media device  702  is able to couple to an in-vehicle media system  704 . The in-vehicle media system  704  includes an in-vehicle receiver-player  708  and an in-vehicle network  710 . The in-vehicle receiver-player  708  also couples to the in-vehicle network  710 . In addition, the portable media device  702  can couple to the in-vehicle network  710 . As a result, the portable media device  702  can communicate with the in-vehicle receiver-player  708  via the in-vehicle network  710 . In one embodiment, the in-vehicle network  710  has a connection port that is able to receive the portable media device  702  either directly or indirectly via a cable. As an example, the portable media player can be a digital media player. 
         [0077]    When the portable media device  702  is connected to the in-vehicle network  710 , the portable media device  702  has access to media information that is descriptive the media being played by the vehicle media system  704 . For example, if the in-vehicle receiver-player  708  is playing audio content that is received from a radio frequency broadcast (e.g., AM, FM or XM), the portable media device  702  is able to determine descriptive media information associated with the audio content being played. The descriptive media information can vary with implementation or situation. In one implementation or situation, the descriptive media information includes a title, artist and/or album name for the audio content. In another implementation or situation, the descriptive information includes circumstantial information such when (e.g., time) the audio content was played and at least a radio frequency for a broadcasting station from which the media content being played originated. In any case, when the user of the portable media device  702  determines that they are interested in the particular media being played by the vehicle media system  704 , the portable media device  702 , through automatic or manual means, stores the descriptive media information. 
         [0078]    After the descriptive media information has been acquired and stored, the portable media device  702  can be removed from the vehicle environment and used in the electronic commerce environment. Here, the portable media player  702  can connect to a media purchase system  706 . The media purchase system  706  is typically an on-line commerce system. The portable media device  702  can couple to the media purchase system  706  in various different ways. For example, the portable media device  702  can couple to a host computer that in turn couples to the media purchase system  706 . In another example, the portable media device  702  can couple to a kiosk which can be the media purchase system  706  or which in turn couples to the media purchase system  706 . Regardless of how the portable media device  702  couples to the media purchase system  706 , the descriptive information stored by the portable media device  702  can be provided to the media purchase system  706 . The media purchase system  706  then facilitates purchase of a digital media asset that is associated with the descriptive media information. 
         [0079]    In one implementation, the media purchase system  706  can be represented by the media commerce server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In another implementation, the media purchase system  706  can be represented by the media commerce server  102  together with one or both of the media storage server  110  and the media identification server  114 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0080]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the portable media player is able to couple to and communicate over the in-vehicle network  710 . However, in another embodiment, the portable media device  702  could couple to the in-vehicle receiver-player  708  without utilizing any in-vehicle network  710 . 
         [0081]    In another embodiment, the in-vehicle receiver-player  708  can be an in-vehicle receiver without any player capabilities (e.g., no ability to play CDs or MP 3  files). In still another embodiment, the in-vehicle receiver-player  708  incorporates the functionality of the portable media device  702 , at least as to the acquisition of descriptive media information. In such an embodiment, not only is the in-vehicle network  710  not utilized, but a separate portable media device  702  is also not needed. Instead, the in-vehicle receiver-player  708  acquires descriptive media information as appropriate and also interacts with the media purchase system  706  to facilitate purchase of a digital media asset that is associated with the descriptive media information. The in-vehicle receiver-player  708  can be either affixed to the vehicle or be removable therefrom. 
         [0082]      FIG. 7B  is a block diagram of a media tagging and acquisition system  750  according to another embodiment of the invention. The media tagging and acquisition system  750  has various components that are the same as those in the media tagging and acquisition system  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7A . Additionally, however, the media tagging and acquisition system  750  includes a host computer  752  and a data network  754 . The host computer  752  is, for example, a personal computer. The data network  754  can represent the Internet, a wide area network and/or a local area network. The data network  754  can be a wired network, a wireless network, or some combination thereof. 
         [0083]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , the portable media device  702  can couple to the host computer  752 . For example, the portable media device  702  can couple to the host computer  752  by way of a peripheral bus (e.g., USB or Firewire®). The host computer  752  can then communicate with the media purchase system  706  by way of the data network  754 . Typically, the host computer  752  can operate a media management application that assists a user in acquiring and managing media, including media purchased from the media purchase system  706 . In one implementation, the host computer  752  receives the descriptive media information from the portable media device  702 . The host computer  752  can then interact with the media purchase system  706  to preview and/or purchase the digital media associated with the descriptive media information. 
         [0084]    In the various embodiments of media tagging and acquisition systems noted above, coupling or communications between devices can be achieved in a wired or wireless manner. Wire connections typically offers greater data transmission rates, but wireless connections require less user interaction. For example, with reference to  FIG. 7B , as a vehicle having the portable media device  702  is parked in a garage or driveway at one&#39;s home, the host computer  752  at the home can discover the portable media device  702  via a wireless network and thus establish a wireless connection, even automatically if desired. 
         [0085]      FIG. 8  is a media tagging process  800  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media tagging process  800  is associated with a vehicle environment that includes a media system (e.g., in-vehicle receiver-player) and an in-vehicle network. 
         [0086]    The media tagging process  800  initially couples  802  a portable media device to the in-vehicle network. Here, the portable media device is not part of the vehicle environment. However, the portable media device can be removably coupled to the in-vehicle network. By coupling the portable media device to the in-vehicle network, the portable media device indirectly connects to the media system. As suggested above, the media system includes at least an in-vehicle receiver-player. The in-vehicle receiver-player outputs  804  audio for the vehicle environment. Thereafter, during or proximate to the audio output  804 , the in-vehicle network can be queried  806  for media information pertaining to the audio being output. The media information that is received in response to the query can then be recorded  808  at the portable media device. Following the operation  808 , the media tagging process  800  ends with the tagging having been performed. 
         [0087]      FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a media content tagging process  900  according to another embodiment of the invention. The media content tagging process  900  is associated with a vehicle environment that includes a media system (e.g., in-vehicle receiver-player) and an in-vehicle network. 
         [0088]    The media content tagging process  900  begins when a portable media device is coupled  902  to an in-vehicle network. Next, media content is output  904  using an in-vehicle receiver-player. A decision  906  then determines whether automatic tagging is to be performed. When the decision  906  determines that automatic tagging is to be performed, a decision  908  determines whether the media content being output  908  is new media content. For example, the media content is deemed new if the same media content has not already been output and tagged (i.e., not already tagged during this session). When the decision  908  determines that the media content being output is new media content, then processing can continue to tag the media content. Alternatively, when the decision  908  determines that the media content being output is not new media content, then the media content tagging process  900  returns to repeat the block  904  and subsequent blocks. 
         [0089]    On the other hand, when the decision  906  determines that automatic tagging is not being utilized, then a decision  910  determines whether a user has requested to tag the media content being output. When the decision  910  determines that the user is not requesting to tag the audio content, then the media content tagging process  900  returns to repeat the block  904  and subsequent blocks. 
         [0090]    Alternatively, when the decision  910  determines that the user is requesting to tag the audio content, or when the decision  908  determines that the media content being output is new media content, then the media content tagging process  900  proceeds to tag the media content being output (e.g., played). In particular, tagging the media content involves querying  912  the in-vehicle network for media information pertaining to the media content being output. Then, the media information can be recorded  914  at the portable media device. Following the block  914 , then media content tagging process  900  is complete and ends. 
         [0091]      FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a media information transfer process  1000  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media information transfer process  1000  begins with a decision  1002 . The decision  1002  determines whether a portable media device is coupled to a host computer. As previously noted, a portable media device can be coupled to a host computer, such as through use of a peripheral cable or a wireless connection. When the decision  1002  determines that the portable media device is not coupled to the host computer, then the media information transfer process  1000  awaits such coupling. On the other hand, once the decision  1002  determines that the portable media device is coupled to the host computer, the media information transfer process  1000  effectively begins. In one implementation, the media information transfer process  1000 . 
         [0092]    Once the media information transfer process  1000  proceeds, the media information from the portable media device is transferred  1004  to the host computer. In one implementation, the media information can be automatically transferred  1004 , such as part of a synchronization process. In another implementation, the media information can be transferred  1004  in response to a user request (i.e., a manual user action). Regardless, once the media information is transferred  1004 , the media information is stored  1006  at the host computer. 
         [0093]    Once the media information is stored  1006  at the host computer, a user of the host computer can view or edit the media information. For example, the media information can be displayed at the host computer for the user&#39;s viewing. The user might choose to delete the media information when the user no longer desires to purchase any associated digital media assets. 
         [0094]    Next, a decision  1008  determines whether the host computer is connected to a media purchase system. The connection can be implemented as a wired connection or a wireless connection. When the decision  1008  determines that the host computer is not connected to the media purchase system, the media information transfer process  1000  awaits such a connection. At this point, it is no longer necessary for the portable media device to be coupled to the host computer. However, the host computer does need a connection to the media purchase system. Hence, the subsequent processing of the media information transfer process  1000  can be deferred until the host computer subsequently connects to the media purchase system. 
         [0095]    In any event, once the decision  1008  determines that the host computer is connected to the media purchase system, the media information can be sent  1010  from the host computer to the media purchase system. Here, it should be noted that the media information being sent  1010  to the media purchase system can be the same media information that was transferred to the host computer from the portable media device. However, it should be equally understood that the media information can be different then the media information received from the portable media device, such as in the information could be processed, formulated or otherwise altered for purposes of use with the media purchase system. Next, the media information transfer process  1000  facilitates  1012  purchase of one or more of digital media assets associated with the media information. Following the block  1012 , the media information transfer process  1000  is complete and ends. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are flow diagrams of a purchase process  1100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The purchase process  1100  is, for example, performed by a host computer. One example of a host computer is the host computer  752  illustrated in  FIG. 7B . Some of the purchase process  1100  involves interaction between the host computer and a media purchase system (e.g., the media purchase system  706  illustrated in  FIG. 7B ). 
         [0097]    The purchase process  1100  initially receives  1102  access information for one or more digital media assets that have been tagged. The access information is used to acquire media content associated with the one or more of digital media assets that were tagged. The access information is stored  1104  in a user account. In other words, the access information pertaining to the one or more digital media assets that have been tagged are now stored on the host computer in a manner associated with a user account. Hence, when an appropriate user is operating the host computer, the user is able to access the user account and make use of the access information. 
         [0098]    Next, a decision  1106  determines whether an automatic purchase feature is enabled. When the decision  1106  determines that the automatic purchase feature is not enabled, a decision  1108  determines whether a display request has been made. When the decision  1108  determines that a display request has not been made, the purchase process  1100  awaits such a request. Once the decision  1108  determines that a display request has been received, the media information for the one or more digital media assets is displayed  1110 . 
         [0099]    Next, a decision  1112  determines whether a preview request has been received. When the decision  1112  determines that a preview request has been received, previews for the one or more digital media assets are received  1114 . Then, one or more of the previews are presented  1116 . For example, the previews can be presented  1116  by playing the previews at the host computer. Alternatively, when the decision  1112  determines that a preview request has not been received, the operations  1114  and  1116  are bypassed. 
         [0100]    Following the operation  1116 , or its being bypassed, a decision  1118  determines whether a purchase request has been received. When the decision  1118  determines that a purchase request has been received, a purchase request is sent  1120  to the media purchase system for purchase of one or more on the digital media assets. In response to the purchase request to the media purchase system, the one or more purchased media assets are then received  1122  at the host computer. The one or more purchased media assets are then stored  1124  at the host computer. A decision  1126  then determines whether the portable media device is attached to the host computer. When the decision  1126  determines that the media device is attached to the host computer, the one or more purchased media assets can be sent  1128  to the media device. In other words, the one or more media assets that have been purchased at the host computer can be downloaded to the media device, assuming the media device is attached (or wirelessly available). Alternatively, when the decision  1126  determines that the media device is not attached, the operation  1128  is bypassed so that the purchased media assets are not sent to the media device at such time. For example, during a later connection of the media device to the host computer, the purchased media assets can be sent  1128  to the media device. In one implementation, the purchased media assets can be sent  1128  to the media device during a synchronization process between the host computer and the media device. 
         [0101]    Still further, when the decision  1106  determines that automatic purchase is enabled, then the purchase process  1100  proceeds to automatically purchase the one or more digital media assets by proceeding to perform the operation  1120  and subsequent operations. In such case, the one or more of the digital media assets can be purchased, received and stored without requiring any user input. The purchased media assets can be provided to a media device without requiring any user input. Hence, in certain implementations, the purchase process  1100  can be substantially or fully automated. 
         [0102]    On the other hand, when the decision  1118  determines that a purchase request has not been made, the operations  1120 - 1128  are bypassed. Also, following the block  1128 , or its being bypassed, the purchase process  1100  is complete and ends. 
         [0103]      FIG. 12  shows an exemplary computer system  1225  suitable for use with the invention. Computer system  1225  includes a display monitor  1228  having a single or multi-screen display  1230  (or multiple displays), cabinet  1232 , keyboard  1234 , and mouse  1236 . Cabinet  1232  houses a drive  1238 , such as a CD-ROM or floppy drive, system memory and a hard drive (not shown) which may be utilized to store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code that implements the present invention, data for use with the invention, and the like. Although CD-ROM  1240  is shown as an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, flash memory, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. Additionally, a data signal embodied in a carrier wave (e.g., in a network including the Internet) may be the computer readable storage medium. In one implementation, an operating system for the computer system  1225  is provided in the system memory, the hard drive, the CD-ROM  1240  or other computer readable storage medium and serves to incorporate the computer code that implements the invention. 
         [0104]    Although a portable media device typically includes the capabilities to store and present media (e.g., audio), other devices can be used in place of the portable media device discussed above, so long as the devices include the required functionality for the implementations. As an example, one such other device can be referred to as a recording device since one of its significant functions is to record an audio sample. 
         [0105]    Although the media assets (or media items) of emphasis in several of the above embodiments were audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks), the media assets are not limited to audio items. For example, the media assets can alternatively pertain to videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). Also, in one implementation, the audio files or audio tracks can pertain to songs or audiobooks. 
         [0106]    The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination. 
         [0107]    The invention can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
         [0108]    The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that users of portable media device can identify media items of interest with minimal effort and then have a media management application inform the user of the identified media items. Another advantage of the invention is that electronic commerce as well as electronic delivery for identified media items (and/or other associated items) can be conveniently provided, even substantially or fully automated if desired. 
         [0109]    The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.