Abstract:
A method for providing a phone service to a user for purchasing a recording is provided. The method includes providing a phone to the user, receiving over the phone a request to purchase a recording, determining the recording to be purchased, delivering the recording to the user and wherein the step of determining the recording to be purchased is based on at least one item from the set consisting of a satellite radio channel being listened to by the user, a satellite video channel being listed to by the user, a geographic position associated with the user, a voice recording stored on the phone, a set of images stored on the phone, a video stored on the phone.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/842,207, filed May 10, 2004, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a method and system for purchasing during or after exposure to a recording. More specifically, but without limitation, the present invention relates to providing immediate and convenient access to an audio or video recordings at or about the time of exposure to the recordings or live events.  
       PROBLEMS IN THE ART  
       [0003]     The present invention addresses a number of distinct problems in the art. The present invention should not be limited to the scope of the problems described herein.  
         [0004]     The present invention offers a novel and immediate solution to the major problem relating to unauthorized use of copyrighted works, including unauthorized use of audio and video recordings. The invention recognizes that one of the major contributing factors to piracy of copyrighted works is that legitimate copies of such copyrighted works, or authorized access to the copyrighted works, cannot be provided in a manner that is convenient to the consumer. The present inventor has further recognized that the inconvenience in obtaining a legitimate copy of a copyrighted work can also serve to reduce the sales of the copyrighted work.  
         [0005]     The inconvenience of obtaining a legitimate copy of a copyrighted work is present in a number of situations. Consider the use of radios in cars. Radios are typically utilized while driving the vehicle. One of the problems most often encountered is that a listener will hear music, or other audio events that they particularly enjoy, but is unaware of the creator. The listener may desire to obtain a copy of the music or audio event for their own personal listening pleasure, yet there are significant and important obstacles to doing so.  
         [0006]     One difficulty is in identifying the very music being played by artist, and the title of such work. Sometimes this information is presented by an announcer prior to the music being played, but oftentimes not. After listening to the music, one becomes interested in purchasing the selection but usually cannot remember the artist, or title of the song because there was simply no way to easily recall this information while operating the vehicle and listening to the selection.  
         [0007]     Even if one hears the artist and title of the song after the music has completed, one would preferably want to write this information down instead of relying upon memory, which is typically fleeting. This is problematic when driving, as it would remove the driver&#39;s concentration from the road.  
         [0008]     A further problem is that even if one has properly noted the artist and song, there may be great difficulties in obtaining a recording of the music. Although not a major problem with popular music, there can be significant problems when the music is a lesser known jazz or classical selection that is played infrequently and not widely available at music stores, which themselves are under significant pressure and becoming harder to find.  
         [0009]     The problems of obtaining identifying information about an audio event and purchasing a recording of the event is not confined to the use of car radios. This problem applies to any number of situations where audio, or video is being played, including when the audio is live, and a listener desires to purchase a recording of the audio or video event. What is needed is a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio or video recording that is convenient to the listener.  
         [0010]     A similar problem exists with respect to video. While watching a movie or other video event, or preview of a video event, it may be desirable to conveniently purchase the video. Although recording devices may ameliorate some of the need to do so, there are still a number of advantages to purchasing a recording as there may be special bonus footage associated with the recording that is not present in a mere transmission, and there may be advantages to having original media containing the video recording, including the additional clarity in the right to use the video recording without violation of any copyrights.  
         [0011]     Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art.  
         [0012]     It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio recording of an audio event that is convenient to listener.  
         [0013]     A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio or video recording of an audio or video event that encourages sales of the recording, and therefore discourages unauthorized copying.  
         [0014]     Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio or video recording of an event that allows a listener to purchase the recording of the event during, or shortly after the event associated with the audio or video.  
         [0015]     Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing recording of an event that does not significantly distract the driver of a motor vehicle.  
         [0016]     It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio or video recording of an event that provides for delivery of the recording to the user.  
         [0017]     A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio or video recording that does not require the listener to take notice of the name of the artist or name of the song.  
         [0018]     Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio recording that quantifies the relationship between an audio event and sales of audio recordings of the audio event.  
         [0019]     These and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. These objects, features, or advantages of the present invention do not limit the invention as the present invention can provide other features and advantages in different embodiments and different contexts.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     The present invention is a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing audio events. A user who is listening to an audio event, in person, on the radio, or otherwise can select audio events to be purchased and delivered. Preferably, the purchase is initiated through pressing a buy button. The purchase transaction can occur over a two-way communication system, such as, but not limited to, a cellular telephone. The cellular telephone receives identifying information for the audio event directly, through a short range communication link, or otherwise.  
         [0021]     According to one aspect of the invention, the audio events of interest to a user are associated with a radio. For example, the present invention provides a method that includes listening to an audio event transmitted to a radio and then pressing a button to initiate purchase of a recording of the audio event. According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for providing radio audio and for purchasing of audio recordings is disclosed. The system includes a radio receiver for playing audio, an intelligent control electrically connected to the radio receiver, a transceiver operatively connected to the intelligent control for transmitting and receiving purchase information, and a user interface operatively connected to the intelligent control adapted for receiving a buy command from a user.  
         [0022]     According to another aspect of the invention, a method of purchasing an audio recording is disclosed. The method includes playing an audio event transmitted to a radio, receiving a purchase request from a user listening to the radio, transmitting the purchase request over a network with audio or video event identifying information, and receiving verification of the purchase over the network.  
         [0023]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of selling audio or video recordings is disclosed. The method includes receiving a purchase request from a radio or digital video interface device that a user is listening to, identifying a recording to sell based on the purchase request, and completing a financial transaction with the user for the audio recording.  
         [0024]     The present invention also provides for methods, apparatus, and system related to use of a phone in the purchase of audio recordings. In one embodiment of the present invention, a phone is adapted for purchasing access to an audio recording of audio associated with a source of audio. The phone includes a phone housing, a user interface for selecting the source of audio and initiating a purchase of the audio recording of audio associated with the source of audio, and a communications link to an ordering system for ordering access to the audio recording. Preferably the phone includes a “buy” button which can be a joystick-type button. This easily allows for tracking of the user for buying purposes.  
         [0025]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for providing convenient purchase of access to a recording of audio is disclosed. The system provides for a device for producing audio to have an associated short range transceiver such as a BLUETOOTH or UWB transceiver. The short range transceiver is adapted to transmit information describing the audio for use in purchasing access to the audio without transmitting the audio itself. A phone having a second short range transceiver is in operative communication with short range transceiver of the device that produces audio. Thus, the phone can receive identifying information associated with the audio and can initiate the purchase of an audio recording.  
         [0026]     According to another method of the present invention, the present invention provides for convenient purchase of a recording through determining at least one source of audio proximate a user, automatically receiving identifying information for the at least one source of audio or video input, and receiving a request from the user for purchase of a recording of the audio. The steps of determining and receiving may be performed by a phone.  
         [0027]     A method for providing a phone service to a user for purchasing a recording is provided. The method includes providing a phone to the user, receiving over the phone a request to purchase a recording, determining the recording to be purchased, delivering the recording to the user and wherein the step of determining the recording to be purchased is based on at least one item from the set consisting of a satellite radio channel being listened to by the user, a satellite video channel being listed to by the user, a geographic position associated with the user, a voice recording stored on the phone, a set of images stored on the phone, a video stored on the phone. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]      FIGS. 1-2  provide a pictorial representation of one embodiment of a phone according to the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  provides a pictorial representation of the phone of  FIGS. 1-2  with a user interface that allows the source of audio and delivery preferences to be selected.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a pictorial representation of yet another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is an overview of a system of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is graphical representation of one embodiment of selection options according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is an overview of a system of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of a satellite system used in various embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention for receiving satellite transmissions.  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention for receiving satellite transmissions.  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  illustrates one embodiment of a user interface according to the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 17  illustrates one embodiment of a system of the present invention installed on a rearview mirror of a vehicle.  
         [0044]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 19  is a flow diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0047]     The present invention includes a method and system for purchasing recordings of audio or video events. The present invention is described in terms of the preferred embodiments that follow. The present invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments and the claims of the patent should not be construed to be so limiting.  
         [0048]     The present invention provides for a phone being used to collect identifying information about an audio event and to initiate a purchase of an audio recording of the audio event. The present invention contemplates that the collection of information and initiation of a purchase can be performed in any number of ways.  
         [0049]     In  FIG. 1 , a phone  200  is shown. The phone includes a phone housing  202 . The phone also includes a first display area  204 . There are a plurality of buttons  206  shown, preferably configured as a dial pad. There is a second plurality of buttons  208  also shown to provide for additional functionality. This second plurality of buttons  208  preferably includes a “buy” button  20 . The purpose of the buy button  20  is to initiate the purchase of an audio recording. The buy button  20  is preferably a joystick type button that allows the button  20  to be pressed upward towards top member  212 , downward to bottom member  214 , leftwardly to left member  216 , and rightwardly to right member  218 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 2  illustrates another type of phone, similar to the phone of  FIG. 1 , but with an open, as opposed to closed, positioning capability. The first body  222  is hinged to the second body  224  through a hinge  220 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the phone includes a first body  222  and a second body  224 . There is also a second display  226  shown. The present invention is not limited to the particular configuration of phone shown. The present invention contemplates numerous variations in the type of phone, including its physical configuration.  
         [0051]      FIG. 3  illustrates the phone of  FIGS. 1-2  with a screen  230  on the display that allows the user to select the source of audio that the user wishes to purchase an audio recording of and the user&#39;s delivery preference. The combination of the buttons and the screen form one embodiment of a user interface. The user can select the source of audio or video encountered from the drop-down list box  232  and a delivery preference from the drop-down list box  234 . The present invention contemplates any number of sources of audio can be used. These include sources of audio directly associated with the phone, such as an FM radio built-into the phone. The sources of audio that can be used also include sources of audio for which the phone receives identifying information. For example, as will later be discussed, the phone can receive identifying information for audio associated with public performances, local broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, other types of audio, or digital video. The identifying information can be communicated to the phone through short range transmission, such as through Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH or UWB.  
         [0052]     In addition to specifying the particular source for the recording that the user wishes to purchase, the user can also select one of a number of delivery preferences. The delivery preferences are discussed herein in more detail, but can include download to a hard drive MP3 downloads, digital media such as CDs, DVDs, or audio cassettes, or other types of analog media. The present invention is not limited to a particular manner of delivery.  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  also illustrates a “Confirm” button  236  which can be used to confirm a purchase. The present invention contemplates that pressing the buy button  20  once again can have the same effect as selecting “confirm.” 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , a device  76  for producing audio or video is disclosed. The device  76  includes an audio source  78 , a speaker  84 , and a transmitter  64 . The transmitter  64  transmits identifying information for the audio source  78  or identifying information for the audio being played by the audio source  78 . Such a device can be used in any number of environments. For example, such a device can be present at amusement parks, or historical areas, or other places of interest. In such a use, the audio source can play an appropriate recording that may be of interest to a user. The transmission of identifying information allows a user to receive that information and then purchase a recording of the audio being played. Thus, it should be clear that the present invention contemplates use with any number of types of audio source.  
         [0055]     In  FIG. 4 , a purchasing device  11  is also shown. The purchasing device  11  can be a phone. The purchasing device  11  includes an intelligent control  40 . The intelligent control  40  is operatively connected to a buy button  20 , a receiver  44 , a display, and a communication channel  48 . The receiver  44  receives identifying information from the transmitter  64  about an audio event. If a user desires to buy a recording of the audio event, the user can initiate a transaction with the buy button  20  to purchase an audio recording. The purchase can be transacted by sending appropriate information over the communication channel  48 .  
         [0056]     In  FIG. 5 , a satellite radio interface  10  is shown. The satellite radio  10  is preferably capable of receiving XM or SIRIUS transmissions. The satellite radio  10  includes a display  12 , a plurality of radio controls such as radio control buttons  14  which can define preset channels and radio controls  16  and  18  which control channel and volume, respectively. The present invention contemplates that numerous other types or variations of radio controls can be used. The present invention provides for communication between the satellite radio  10  with the phone  200 . Thus, a user can select the satellite radio as an audio source and thereby purchase audio events being played by the satellite radio. In such an embodiment, the satellite radio  10  communicates identifying information for the radio event to the phone  200 . In this embodiment of  FIG. 5 , communication between the phone  200  and the satellite radio  10  is wireless and preferably through a short range transmission such as through BLUETOOTH, UWB, WiMax.  
         [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 6 , however, the satellite radio  10  includes a buy button  20 , but does not include its own two-way communication channel. In such an embodiment, the satellite radio  10  can be operatively connected to a phone  30  having a display  32  and a keypad  34  via a wired connection. In such an embodiment, the present invention provides for proper interaction between the satellite radio and the phone for communicating purchase information from the satellite radio  10 , using the phone  30 .  
         [0058]     In  FIG. 6 , there is a buy button  20 . The buy button  20  is conveniently placed as a part of the satellite radio  10 . Thus, a listener of the radio can simply press the BUY button  20  to purchase a recording of a currently playing audio event. A telephone  30  with display  32  and keypad  34  is shown operatively connected to the satellite radio  10 . The present invention contemplates that the purchase request can be transmitted over cellular or satellite network. When a request is made, audio event identifying information such as channel or station as well as buyer identifying information is transmitted over the network so that the purchase can be made. The present invention also contemplates that the purchaser may also need to verify the purchase through entering a code on the satellite radio or the phone  30  at the time of the purchase or may otherwise need to verify the purchase prior to purchase and delivery. Although a satellite radio and cellular telephone are shown, the present invention contemplates that other types of radios and other types of communications channels can be used. A satellite radio is preferred for a number of reasons. First, a satellite radio is a part of a large a network as opposed to independent ratio stations. This simplifies the process of resolving purchase requests. For example, only a time (in some instances a time and location) and channel information is needed in order to determine the audio event associated with that particular time. Although the present invention contemplates other types of transmissions, such as FM radio transmissions, satellite radio presently provides an ideal platform for the present invention.  
         [0059]      FIG. 7  provides a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 7 , a satellite radio  10  is shown. The satellite radio  10  includes an intelligent control  40 . The intelligent control  40  can include a processor, microcontroller, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or other type of intelligent control. Operatively connected to the intelligent control  40  is a display  12  and a satellite receiver  48  for receiving satellite radio signals. The satellite radio includes radio controls  50  which can be used for defining channel presets, changing volume, changing channels, and otherwise controlling radio functions. The buy button  20  is also operatively connected to the intelligent control  40 . The buy button  20  is considered to be a part of a user interface for purchasing a recording of an audio event. The present invention contemplates that instead of using buy button  20 , the user interface can provide for receipt of voice commands to purchase a recording of an audio event or other types of user interface can be used.  
         [0060]     A communications interface  42  is also electrically connected to the intelligent control  40 . The communication interface  42  allows a communications channel  44  to be established. The communications interface  42  allows the intelligent control  40  to communicate over a communications channel  44  with a service that provides administration for purchase requests. The communications channel  44  can be a satellite link or a cellular communications channel or can be another type of communications channel, such as a SMS protocol channel that allows for the sending and receiving of short text messages. The communications channel may also be a communications channel that is associated with a motor vehicle, such as ONSTAR. It is preferred that the communications channel be bidirectional so that verification of receipt of purchase requests can be given or optionally, addition information can be requested. The type of communications channel used is in no way limited to the specific types of communication channels described herein as one skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of different types of communications channels can be used and the decision of which type of communication channels to use may be made based on a particular implementation of the present invention in a particular environment. Preset information regarding financial information of the purchaser may be stored and verified through confirmation pass codes stored with the satellite or cellular user contract.  
         [0061]     An optional GPS receiver  46  is also operatively connected to the intelligent control  40 . When present, the GPS receiver  46  provides accurate time and location information. Time and or location information from the GPS receiver can accompany a purchase request to help identify a requested audio event along with channel identifying information. The present invention also contemplates that where satellite radio is used, the satellite radio transmissions includes identifying information for the audio event and that this identifying information can accompany a purchase request.  
         [0062]     A storage device  49  is also operatively connected to the intelligent control  40 . The storage device  49  is preferably a magnetic or solid state memory, such as a hard drive or a FLASH drive. The present invention, however, is not limited to the particular type of memory or storage device used. One of the advantages of having a storage device  49  is that music can be downloaded directly to the storage device  49  for future enjoyment. When music is ordered, a preference can be set to directly download the music to a storage device  49  associated within the vehicle so that the music will always be available to the driver of the vehicle.  
         [0063]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , a device  62  has a housing  62  that houses both a satellite radio and a voice communications transceiver. In  FIG. 8 , the device includes a display  12  with radio controls  14  and a buy button  20 . A telephone keypad  60  is also shown. Alternatively, the voice communications transceiver, instead of being integrated with the satellite radio, can be interfaced to the satellite radio through a cable or operatively connected through BLUETOOTH, UWB, infrared, or other types of short range wireless transceivers.  
         [0064]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 9 , a device  80  includes a satellite radio  86 , a short range transceiver  82 , and an optional local determination unit  84 . The short range transceiver can be a BLUETOOTH transceiver, a UWB transceiver, or other type of short range transceiver. The optional location determination unit  84  can be a GPS unit or other type of location device. The short range transceiver  82  is in operative communication with a short range transceiver  72  associated with a communications device  70 . The communications device  70  also includes a voice transceiver  74 . Preferably the communications device  70  is a phone or smart phone, but the present invention contemplates that other types of communications devices can be used. The link between the short range transceiver  72  of the communication device  70  and the short range transceiver  82  of the device  70  allows purchasing requests and purchase verification information concerning audio events played by the satellite radio  86  to be communicated over a communications channels such as that provided by voice transceiver  74 .  
         [0065]     The present invention contemplates that the devices  80  can be housed within a vehicle, including being housed within a dashboard of a car. The device  80  can also include a storage device  85 . The storage device  85  is a memory such as a magnetic memory, a hard drive, a flash drive, or an optical drive. The present invention contemplates that works such as songs can be stored directly on the storage device  85  so that a listener can order a selection being played on their satellite radio  86  and have the selection delivered to the storage device  85 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 10  provides an overview of one embodiment of the system of the present invention. In  FIG. 10 a  system  100  is shown. A motor vehicle  102  includes a satellite radio  104 . A communications channel interface  106  is operatively connected to the satellite radio  104 . A purchase request is made over the communications channel to a communications network  108 . Optionally the communications network can send verification requests or options requests to the communication channel interface  106 . The communications network  108  is also operatively connected with a purchasing agent  110  which can include computers, software, and combinations of computers and software. The purchasing agent  110  can access a database of audio events  112 . Thus, when given proper identifying information about an audio event—such as the identifying information included in a purchase request, the purchasing agent can determine additional information about the audio event.  
         [0067]     A user interface for review of selections  114  is optionally provided. The present invention contemplates that instead of buying a selection immediately, the user can instead place the information concerning a particular audio event into a shopping cart or otherwise flag the audio event for potential purchase. The user can then later review these selections to determine if the user wishes to purchase the particular selections. Once a user selects the audio events to purchases, a fulfillment agent  116  which may be automated in whole or in part provides for fulfillment of the purchases. The present invention contemplates that the audio events can be recorded onto digital media such as a CD or DVD  118  (or other digital media). Alternatively, the audio events can be made available to a user as downloads  120  or can be sent as attachments to an email  122  that is sent to the user or other recipient.  
         [0068]      FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a user interface for review of selections. The present invention contemplates that a user can review the selections they have made prior to purchase or set other purchasing options. These selection options can be accessed in any number of ways, including being reviewed online on a web page or a wireless web page. These selection options can include credit card or account information as well as information about each audio event that has been selected. Examples of the type of audio event information can include a category of music  154 , a name  156  of a song, the name of an artist  158 , the channel  160  on which the song was played, and a time  162  that the song was played or the time the song was selected. In addition, a price  164  for a recording of the music event can also be displayed.  
         [0069]     The user can also make selections regarding how the recordings of the music events should be delivered. For example, the present invention contemplates that the user can have each song delivered on a separate piece of digital media. Alternatively, the user can group one or more selections on a piece of digital media such as a CD or DVD by selection option  166 . Alternatively, the user can have one or more selections delivered via email by selecting option  168 . The present invention also contemplates that the selections can be automatically download to a memory, such as a hard drive associated with a computer or a phone, or a satellite receiver by selecting a send as download to hard drive option  169 . Then the user can finalize the order by selecting the order button  170 .  
         [0070]     The present invention contemplates that the user can preset these selections so that the user need not review this information. The user can, for example, set preferences such that every time a buy button is pressed the audio event is delivered as a CD or DVD or delivered as an MP3 to email. The present invention is flexible in this regard and contemplates numerous variations that would accommodate the preferences of a particular user.  
         [0071]     It is preferred, that when the purchasing device is phone, that there be simple presets within the phone so that one need not even review any information after initiating a purchase. Instead, the purchase automatically occurs, and delivery is made, according to the user&#39;s presets.  
         [0072]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of a system  249  of the present invention. In  FIG. 12 , a user  240  is shown. The user  240  is in proximity to one or more audio sources. The audio sources produce audio of interest to the user  240 . The user indicates their desire to purchase a recording of an audio event. The identifying information for the audio event and delivery information is then transmitted trough a communications link  252  to a fulfillment center  254 . The fulfillment center then provides for delivery according to the user&#39;s preferences. The present invention contemplates that delivery can be performed in any number of ways. For example, the delivery can be electronic delivery to phone memory  256 , electronic delivery to an email account associated with the user, or physical delivery of a hard copy media, such as, but not limited to a CD-ROM, DVD, or tape. The electronic delivery can also be electronic delivery to a storage device  255 , such as a hard drive, associated with a vehicle.  
         [0073]     As indicated in  FIG. 12 , the present invention is not limited to any particular type of audio source. For example, the audio source can be a broadcast  262 , such as associated with a radio or video broadcast. Alternatively, the audio source can be a public performance  264 . For example, a user can request an audio recording of an audio track for a song at a movie or concert. Alternatively, the audio source can be a local broadcast  266  such as may be confined to a local vicinity, such as music playing at an amusement park, or in a historical district that a user finds of interest.  
         [0074]     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides benefits and advantages beyond those that most directly affect a user of the system. For example, each purchase (or selection for potential purchase) of a music event is directly tied to a channel and a time. Therefore, recording each request and each purchase provides valuable data for the purchasing agent. This data can be used to determine relationships between time of day and purchasing, particular channels and purchasing, and particular music events, and purchasing. This data can then be used to determine which music (or other audio event) to play at what time in order to increase purchases of that music. Also, this data can provide some insight into which music is not of particular interest and which music is. Thus, each purchase request can be recorded for later data analysis. This data analysis can be used to recommend particular artists, songs, performances, videos, channels, or other products or services of potential interests to the user. Therefore, the user or purchases of a recording of an audio event will not be the only one who can benefit from the present invention.  
         [0075]      FIG. 13  illustrates communications in a satellite system  300 . In  FIG. 13 , a satellite system including at least one satellite  302  is in communication with a satellite receiver  48 . The present invention contemplates that the satellite  302  can be adapted for communication of different types of information, including audio and/or video transmissions. A communications channel  44  is operatively connected to the satellite receiver  48 .  
         [0076]      FIG. 14  illustrates one embodiment of a system  310  of the present invention. In  FIG. 14 , a communication channel  44  is shown. The communication channel  44  is operatively connected to an intelligent control  40 . The intelligent control is operatively connected to storage  49 . The storage  49  can be a hard drive, a solid state memory, a magnetic memory, or other type of storage device. The intelligent control  40  is also operatively connected to an interface system  311 . The interface system  311  includes a link to satellite  312  and a link to an audio or audio-visual system  313 . The communication channel  44  can be a cellular communication channel. The link to satellite  312  can be a link to a satellite receiver. The link to AV system  313  can be a link to a vehicle entertainment system.  
         [0077]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of a system  360  of the present invention. In  FIG. 15 , a satellite  302  is shown. There is a link  312  to the satellite  302 . The link  312  may be a link to a satellite receiver. The link  312  is operatively connected to an intelligent control  40  which may be a computer, processor, microcontroller, or other type of intelligent control. The intelligent control  40  is also operatively connected to an audio-visual system  313  which may include speakers and/or a video display. The AV system may be of a kind typically associated with a vehicle such as a car or a plane. Alternatively, the AV system may be of a type associated with a home entertainment system. The AV system may include one or more speakers, video displays, and related equipment. The communication channel  48  is in operative communication with a communication channel interface  362 . The communication channel  48  is preferably a wireless communication channel such as that associated with a cellular phone, however, the communication channel  48  may be of other types. The communication channel interface  362  is operatively connected to a server  364  which is operatively connected to a recording database  366 . Thus, for example, a user can access a satellite radio or satellite television system. If the user finds a transmission of interest, the user can request that the transmission be purchased as a recording and in then the recording can be delivered from the recording database  366  or other location to the user. The recording can be delivered electronically to the communication channel  48 , electronically through other means (such as over a high-speed Internet connection), delivered on a physical storage medium such as a CD, DVD, solid state memory, or otherwise.  
         [0078]      FIG. 16  illustrates a representation of a screen display  330  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 16 , a recording manager software is executed on a computing device. The recording manager allows one to store and organize recordings. The recordings can be audio recordings, video recordings, or other types of recordings. As shown in  FIG. 16 , recordings can be organized into archived recordings  332  through the use of file folders or another filing or organization system. “MY RECORDINGS”  336  is shown has a file holder which includes a “CATEGORY 1”  338  and a “CATEGORY 2”  340  sub folders. Within “CATEGORY 1” subfolder  338  are recordings  342 ,  344 ,  346 . Within “CATEGORY 2” subfolder  340  and recordings  348 ,  350 , and  352 . Note that the screen display  330  also provides for organizing recordings which have been marked for purchase but have not yet been purchased or recordings that have been purchased. For example, recordings  334  can be associated with transmissions heard over a satellite radio system or a satellite televisions system. One way of organizing these transmissions is to have a separate folder for each channel or station. For example, a first folder  354  is associated with a first channel and a second folder  356  is associated with a second channel. This allows one to keep recordings organized. For example, if the recordings are songs, then the user may already associate one of the channels with blues music and another channel with jazz music. Organizing music recordings based on the channels where the music was first heard provides a convenient method for organization.  
         [0079]      FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention adapted for use in a vehicle. In  FIG. 17 , rear view mirror  400  hangs from support structure  404 . The rear view mirror has a mirror surface  402  and a user interface panel. The user interface panel includes conventional manual inputs  406  as may be associated with an ONSTAR system or other vehicle navigation system, including buttons  408 ,  410 ,  412 , and  414 . In addition, there is a buy button  416 . The buy button  416  allows a user to purchase a product or service. The buy button  416  is preferably adapted to communicate over a communication system associated with ONSTAR or other vehicle safety and security system or telematics system.  
         [0080]     As shown in  FIG. 18 , a telematics system  420 , such as associated with the manual inputs  406  of  FIG. 17 , is operatively connected to an audio receiver  424 , such as a satellite radio receiver. Preferably, the audio receiver  424  is a satellite radio receiver that can communicate channel information to the telematics system  420 . A device interface  422  is operatively connected to the telematics system  420  and a personal device  426  via a connection  428 . The connection  428  may be a wireless connection. Thus, for example, a user can plug (or otherwise connect) a portable MP3 player device or phone into their vehicle&#39;s telematics system  420 . The user can use the telematics system  420  to communicate purchase decisions over the telematics system  420 . Where the services are audio and/or video recordings, the services can be delivered to the personal device  426 . The present invention contemplates other types of services may also be communicated.  
         [0081]      FIG. 19  illustrates one embodiment of the methodology of a system such as that presented in  FIGS. 17 and 18  or variations on such a system. In step  430 , a request is initiated to make a purchase. Preferably the request is initiated through use of the buy now button of a telematic system. Alternatively, the request can be initiated through a request to a telematic operator or through a personal device operatively connected to a telematic system. As shown in step  432 , where the request is for a recording, a determination is made as to information necessary to identify the request. The request can include vehicle, location, vehicle time, channel selection, and whether the request is through a personal device. For example, if the request is a request for a recording of a song being played over a satellite radio and the request is made during the song, then knowing the channel selection is sufficient information to identify the song. If the request is associated with a FM radio, then knowledge of time and channel is enough information to identify information. The present invention further contemplates that the request can be made in response to a radio advertisement for a product. Or the request can be made in response to a billboard advertisement for a product in which case vehicle location would be required to identify the request. Where more than one possible request exists for a location, the user can be prompted contemporaneously or after the fact for to select from a list of potential selections. Where the request is made through a personal device, the communications channel associated with the personal device can be used, but the personal device can access channel information, location information, or other information from the radio receiver and telematics system.  
         [0082]      FIG. 20  illustrates one embodiment of a system  450  of the present invention. In  FIG. 20 , an intelligent control  452  is operatively connected to an interface  456 . A buy button  460  is operatively connected to the intelligent control. A clock  458  is operatively connected to the intelligent control. A storage device  462  is operatively connected to the intelligent control  452 . A radio receiver  454  is operatively connected to the intelligent control and a speaker  464  is operatively connected to one or more of the radio receiver  454  and the intelligent control  452 . The system  450  is one embodiment of a system that can be used within a vehicle. The interface  456  is a communications interface which can be implemented through cellular communications, through a communications channel of a separate personal device, through a telematics communication channel or otherwise.  
         [0083]      FIG. 21  is one embodiment of a screen display  470  which can be displayed on a personal device such as a phone. The screen display  470  provides a media buy list that allows a user to select one or more media purchases based on recent requests. A user can check or un-check various selections. In addition, the user can specify the manner of the delivery through options  474 . The purchases can be delivered via download to one or more different file formats or the purchases can be placed on physical media and delivered. The present invention contemplates numerous variations in the type of delivery options which may, in part, be based on the type of purchase.  
         [0084]     The present invention provides for a personal device such as a cell phone to be used for other types of purchases as well.  FIGS. 22A through 22D  illustrate a cell phone  500  adapted for different types of products or services. As shown in  FIG. 22A , phone  500  has a first body  502  and a second body  504  which are operatively connected. There a display  508  on the outside of the cell phone  500 . In addition, a video camera  506  for taking still shots or video is incorporated into the phone  500 . In  FIG. 22B , a second screen  510  is shown with a screen display  512 . The screen display  512  shows a set of photos  514  which have been taken with the phone  500 . The software allows a user to select a service  516  associated with the photos, delivery options  518 , if appropriate, and a selection  520  to initiate purchase. Upon purchase, photos stored on the phone are communicated over a cellular network for processing. This is highly advantageous to a user because it allows a user to have their photos physically delivered or available for pick up on CD, or in prints of one or more sizes.  
         [0085]      FIG. 22C  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. On the display  510  of the phone  500  are audio selections  530  such as those recorded with a voice recorder associated with the cell phone. The service options  532  include merely storage of the voice recordings, translation of the voice recording, or other types of service. The delivery options  534  include via voicemail or phone call or email if translation service is desired, via CD or DVD if a physical service is desired.  
         [0086]      FIG. 22D  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 22S , different video selections  533  are available. The service or deliver options  524  include delivery on a DVD, Video-CD, download, email or other types of options.  
         [0087]     Therefore, a system and method for purchasing of audio events has been disclosed. The present invention contemplates variations in the type of audio source, the type of communications channel, the type of purchasing device, whether it be a phone, a radio, or some other the device, the manner in which verification and purchase options are provided if they are present, the types of delivery options, and other variations within the spirit and scope of the invention now claimed.