Music identification system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a music identification/purchasing system, specifically to a method for marking the time and the name of the radio station in portable device such as a key holder, watch, cellular phone, beeper or the like which will allow the user to learn via internet or regular telephone the name of the song, artist and/or music company by matching the stored data with broadcast archive. The system will allow for purchase of the full length of the identified music item or related music. An alternate embodiment provides the listener with convenient means to record a segment of the music in which he/she is interested. The recorded music segment is played back into an apparatus which can identify the song based on the play back and provide the user with information on the identified song such as title, singer or artist, composer, producer, etc., and provide related purchasing information. The user can make selections and provide payment data to the music identification/purchasing system which will result in the selections being delivered to the user by mail.

1 . A method for purchasing a recorded music item comprising the following steps: 
 a recording data related to a music item playing on a radio;    b transmitting said data to a music identification/purchasing system;    c receiving purchasing information from said music identification/purchasing system related to said music item;    d transmitting at least one music item selection and payment information to said music identification/purchasing system; and    e receiving said at least one music item selection.    
     
     
         2 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 1  further comprising the step, after step b and before step c, of identifying said music item by comparing the time said music item was recorded with a play list from a designated music station.  
     
     
         3 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said data includes at least a time, a date, and either a station frequency and a location of said station or a four letter station identification code.  
     
     
         4 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said data is transmitted to said music identification/purchasing system by means of the Internet.  
     
     
         5 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said data is transmitted to said music identification/purchasing system by means of a telephone.  
     
     
         6 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said purchasing information is received by means of the Internet.  
     
     
         7 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said purchasing information is received by mail.  
     
     
         8 . The method for purchasing and recorded music item has recited in  claim 1 , wherein said step of receiving said at least one music item selection is accomplished over the Internet.  
     
     
         9 . The method for purchasing and recorded music item has recited in  claim 1 , wherein said step of receiving said at least one music item selection is accomplished by mail.  
     
     
         10 . A method for purchasing a recorded music item comprising the following steps: 
 a recording a segment of music playing on a radio;    b transmitting said recorded segment to a music identification/purchasing system;    c receiving purchasing information from said music identification/purchasing system;    d transmitting at least one music item selection and payment information to said music identification/purchasing system; and    e receiving said music item selection.    
     
     
         11 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 10  further comprising the step, after step b and before step c, of identifying said music item.  
     
     
         12 . The method for purchasing a recorded music item as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said step of identifying said music item comprises the following steps: 
 entering said recorded music item into a central processing unit;    analyzing and comparing said recorded musical item to music contained in a database; and    identifying a music selection providing the closest match to said recorded music item.    
     
     
         13 . A process of identifying music comprising: 
 providing a recorded musical segment;    entering said musical segment into a central processing unit;    analyzing and comparing said musical segment to a database of musical works;    identifying at least one closest match; and    generating database information regarding said at least one closest match.