Electronic system and method for facilitating sound media and electronic commerce by selectively utilizing one or more song clips

Abstract

A system and method permit users to selectively search for, and identify short segments (called snippets) of music. The user may enter one or more search terms for which they are searching within a database of musical selections. Once the search terms have been defined, the user initiates the search by selecting the search button. The system searches for one or more of the musical selections that most closely match the user's search parameters, and returns those musical selections as search results back to the user. The user then selects one of the results of the search that they like best. Once the selection is made, the user may input recipient information for the person to which they would like to send this musical selection. This musical selection may then be sent to the recipient by the system.

1 . A system for selective communication between a sender and a recipient, comprising:
 a. an input interface for receiving an input from a sender;   b. electronic storage for storing a database of information relating to a plurality of songs, including at least title, album, artist, lyrics and related audio files;   c. a processor, for receiving the input, searching the database and returning search results to the sender, and receiving a selection of one of said search results, the processor for further associating the selection with a corresponding audio selection and for inserting the audio selection in an electronic message; and   d. a communication interface for transmitting the electronic message to a recipient.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , whereby the input from the user is a spoken message. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , whereby the input from the user is a textual message. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , whereby the search results each comprise an audible playback of snippets of songs. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , whereby the audio files comprise way files. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the search results comprise portions of lyrics comprising a predetermined length, and the processor associates only the related portion of the audio file. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , whereby the recipient receives the electronic message and has the option of sending a reply electronic message including a selected audio file. 
     
     
         8 . A method for selective communication between a sender and a recipient, comprising:
 a. receiving an input from a sender;   b. storing a database of information relating to a plurality of songs, including at least title, album, artist, lyrics and related audio files;   c. searching the database and returning search results to the sender, and receiving a selection of one of said search results;   d. associating the selection with a corresponding audio selection;   e. inserting the audio selection in an electronic message; and   f. transmitting the electronic message to a recipient.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , whereby the input from the user is a spoken message. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , whereby the input from the user is a textual message. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , whereby the search results each comprise an audible playback of snippets of songs. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , whereby the audio files comprise way files. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the search results comprise portions of lyrics comprising a predetermined length, and only the related portion of the audio file is associated with the lyrics. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , whereby the recipient receives the electronic message and has the option of sending a reply electronic message including a selected audio file.