WO2008115142A1

WO2008115142A1 - System, method and device for downloading media products

Info

Publication number: WO2008115142A1
Application number: PCT/SE2008/050301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Sandholt; Peter Sandholt
Original assignee: EMDO AB
Current assignee: EMDO AB
Priority date: 2007-03-19
Filing date: 2008-03-18
Publication date: 2008-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2009-09-19

Abstract

The invention is directed to a system for purchasing and/or downloading media content by: transmitting a signal from a broadcasting station, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein the data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content; receiving the broadcasted signal and extracting the media product identifier from the received data content; transmitting a download request to the service- provider, which download request at least comprises the media product identifier and a unique user identity held by the terminal; executing an authorization control based on the received user identity; executing a media product retrieval based on the received media product identifier, as a response to a successful authorization and transmitting the retrieved media product to the mobile terminal.

Description

TITLE

System, Method and Device for Downloading Media Products

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system, a method and a device for purchasing and downloading a media product connected to the media content streamed or broadcasted to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Downloading of various media products from a remote system is nowadays an ordinary and well known occurrence performed by ordinary people. For example, it is well known to download music and/or films from a server on the Internet to a home computer.

However, downloading of media products from a remote system typically involves a substantial amount of browsing, e.g. to find a suitable supplier and to find the desired media product at the selected supplier etc. Moreover, suppliers are frequently requiring a more or less complicated purchase and identification procedure requesting the user to fill in order forms, emptying carts; providing such facts as name, address, credit card number and other facts or information that may be of interest for the supplier etc.

In addition, even if the purchase and download procedure should be simple there is still a problem of keeping track of the desired media products. The user may e.g. have forgotten some crucial information about the desired media product, e.g. the name of the artist, the title of the music piece, the name of the movie, the name of the actor(s) etc. The user may even be unaware of the desired media product until it is heard or seen, which may occur in a situation when the user is unable to properly acquire and/or register the information required for a subsequent successful download of the product.

A typical example of the later may be when a user hears a song broadcasted from a radio station without receiving the necessary information to be able to download the product or is unable to properly register any received information. However, in addition to the problems associated with a substantial amount of browsing, a complicated purchase and identification procedure, and keeping track of and remember crucial details about desired media product(s) the download itself usually suffers from non-negligible mobility limitations. Typically, the download is performed to a stationary device connected by wire to LAN (Local Area Network) providing a very limited mobility.

Hence, there is a need for an improved solution that enables a user to purchase and download a desired media product connected to the media content currently heard or viewed by a user, which improvement involves at least one of: substantially no browsing; a simple and minimal purchase and identification procedure; a minimum requirement of keeping track of information about the media product and an enhanced mobility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved solution that enables a user to purchase and download a desired media product connected to the media content currently heard or viewed by a user.

This is accomplished by a download system comprising a broadcasting station, a plurality of wireless mobile terminals operatively connected to a wireless telecommunication network, and a service-provider. The broadcasting station (1 10) is arranged to operatively transmit a signal comprising media content and data content, which data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content.

At least two mobile terminals within the system are arranged to operatively: receive the broadcasted signal and at least extract the media product identifier form the data content; transmit a download request to the service-provider via said telecommunication network as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal; and receive the requested media product from the service-provider.

The service-provider within the system is arranged to operatively receive a download request from at least one of said mobile terminals via said telecommunication network, which request at least comprises a media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal. In addition, the service-provider is arranged to operatively execute an authorization control based on the received user subscriber identity, execute a media product retrieval, based on the received media product identifier, as a response to a successful authorization, and transmit the retrieved media product to the mobile terminal.

An embodiment of the download system comprises mobile terminals arranged to operatively receive the broadcasted signal and at least extract the media product identifier form the data content; transmit a download request to the service-provider via a wireless telecommunication network, as a response to a first command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal; receive a download answer from the service- provider as a response to the download request; transmit an order request to the service- provider as a response to a second command from a user of the terminal, which order request at least comprises one of: a user subscriber identity or a terminal equipment identification held by the terminal; receive the requested media product from the service- provider.

Said embodiment of the download system have a service-provider that is arranged to operatively receive a download request from at least one mobile terminal via said telecommunication network, which request at least comprises a media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal; execute an authorization control based on the received user subscriber identity; execute a media product availability request based on the received media product identifier and as a response to a successful authorization; transmit a download answer to the mobile terminal as a response to an executed product availability request; execute a media product retrieval, based on the media product identifier, as a response to a download order request received from the mobile terminal; transmit the retrieved media product to the mobile terminal.

The above improvements are also accomplished by a service-provider for downloading media products into at least one wireless mobile terminal via a wireless telecommunication network in response to a received download request from the terminal. The service-provider is arranged to operatively: receive a download request from a mobile terminal via said telecommunication network, which request at least comprises a media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal; execute an authorization control based on the received user subscriber identity by communicating an authorization request with a network operator operating said telecommunication network; execute a media product retrieval, based on the received media product identifier, as a response to a verified authorization of the subscriber; and transmit the retrieved media product to the mobile terminal.

An embodiment of the service-provider is preferably arranged to operatively: receive a download request from a mobile terminal via said telecommunication network, which request at least comprises a media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal; execute an authorization control, based on the received subscriber identity, by communicating an authorization request with said network operator; execute a media product availability request based on the received media product identifier and as a response to a successful authorization; transmit a download answer to the mobile terminal as a response to an executed product availability request; execute a media product retrieval, based on the received media product identifier and as a response to a download order request received from the mobile terminal; and transmit the retrieved media product to the mobile terminal.

The above improvements are also accomplished by a mobile terminal comprising: a wireless broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcasted signal, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein said data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content; a wireless mobile phone unit holding a unique user subscriber identity and adapted to communicate with a service provider (140) via a wireless telecommunication network. The mobile terminal is characterized by comprising a download unit arranged to operatively: at least extract the media product identifier from the data content; activate the mobile terminal to be able to receive download commands from a user of the terminal; transmit a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service-provider as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval; and control the reception of the requested media product from the service-provider. An embodiment of the mobile terminal has a download unit that is arranged to operatively: at least extract the media product identifier from the data content; activate the mobile terminal to be able to receive download commands from a user of the terminal; transmit a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service-provider as a response to a first command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval; receive a download answer from the service-provider as a response to the download request; transmit an order request to the service-provider as a response to a second command from a user of the terminal, which order request at least comprises one of: a user subscriber identity or a terminal equipment identification held by the terminal; control the reception of the requested media product from the service-provider.

The above improvements are also accomplished by a download unit adapted to be arranged in a mobile terminal, which terminal comprises: a wireless broadcast receiver function for receiving a broadcasted signal, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein said data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content; a wireless mobile phone unit holding a unique user subscriber identity and adapted to communicate with a service provider via a wireless telecommunication network. Said download unit is arranged to operatively: at least extract the media product identifier from the data content; activate the mobile terminal to be able to receive commands from a user of the terminal; transmit a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service-provider as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval; and control the reception of the requested media product from the service-provider.

In an embodiment the download unit is arranged to operatively: at least extract the media product identifier from the data content; activate the mobile terminal to be able to receive download commands from a user of the terminal; transmit a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service-provider as a response to a first command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval; receive a download answer from the service- provider as a response to the download request; transmit an order request to the service- provider as a response to a second command from a user of the terminal, which order request at least comprises one of: a user subscriber identity or a terminal equipment identification (123) held by the terminal (120); and control the reception of the requested media product from the service-provider.

The above improvements are also accomplished by a program product comprising a computer readable medium, having thereon: computer program code means, to make a mobile terminal execute, when said program is loaded in the mobile terminal; which mobile terminal comprises: a wireless broadcast receiver function for receiving a broadcasted signal, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein said data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content; a wireless mobile phone unit holding a unique user subscriber identity and adapted to communicate with a service provider via a wireless telecommunication network;

- extraction of at least the media product identifier from the data content;

- activation of the mobile terminal to be able to receive download commands from a user of the terminal;

- transmission a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service- provider as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval;

- control of the reception of the requested media product from the service-provider.

An embodiment of the program product comprises a computer readable medium, having thereon: computer program code means, to make the mobile terminal (120) execute, when said program is loaded in the mobile terminal;

- extraction of at least the media product identifier from the data content;

- activation the mobile terminal to be able to receive download commands from a user of the terminal;

- transmission of a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service- provider as a response to a first command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval; - reception of a download answer from the service-provider as a response to the download request;

- transmission of an order request to the service-provider as a response to a second command from a user of the terminal, which order request at least comprises one of: a user subscriber identity or a terminal equipment identification held by the terminal;

The above improvements are also accomplished by a computer program element comprising: computer program code means to make a mobile terminal execute, when said program element is loaded in the mobile terminal; which mobile terminal comprises: a wireless broadcast receiver function for receiving a broadcasted signal, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein said data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content; a wireless mobile phone unit holding a unique user subscriber identity and adapted to communicate with a service provider via a wireless telecommunication network;

- extraction of at least the media product identifier from the data content;

An embodiment of the computer program element comprises computer program code means to make a mobile terminal execute, when said program element is loaded in the mobile terminal;

- extraction of at least the media product identifier from the data content;

The above improvements are also accomplished by a method for downloading media products within a download system, comprising the steps of: - transmitting a signal from a broadcasting station, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein the data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content;

- receiving the broadcasted signal by means of a mobile terminal and extracting at least the media product identifier from the received data content; - transmitting a download request from the mobile terminal to a service-provider via a wireless telecommunication network as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal;

- executing an authorization control by means of the service-provider based on the received user subscriber identity;

- executing a media product retrieval by means of the service-provider based on the received media product identifier, as a response to a successful authorization of the subscriber;

- transmitting the retrieved media product from the service-provider to the mobile terminal via the wireless telecommunication network.

An embodiment of the method for downloading media products within a download system comprises the steps of:

- transmitting a signal from a broadcasting station, which signal comprises media content and data content, wherein the data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content;

- receiving the broadcasted signal by means of a mobile terminal and extracting at least the media product identifier from the received data content;

- transmitting a download request from the mobile terminal to a service-provider via a wireless telecommunication network as a response to a first command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal;

- executing an authorization control by means of the service-provider based on the received user subscriber identity; - executing a media product availability request by means of the service-provider based on the received media product identifier and as a response to a successful authorization;

- transmitting a download answer to the mobile terminal by means of the service- provider as a response to an executed product availability request; - transmitting an order request to the service-provider by means of the mobile terminal as a response to a second command from a user of the terminal, which order request at least comprises one of: a user subscriber identity or a terminal equipment identification held by the terminal;

- executing a media product retrieval, based on the received media product identifier, as a response to a download order request received from the mobile terminal;

- executing a media product retrieval by means of the service-provider based on the received media product identifier and as a response to a successful authorization of the subscriber;

- transmitting the retrieved media product from the service-provider to the mobile terminal.

The above improvements are also accomplished by a method for downloading media products into a mobile terminal comprising the steps of:

- receiving a broadcasted signal, which signal comprises media content and data content, by means of a wireless broadcast receiver, wherein said data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content;

- at least extracting the media product identifier from the data content;

- activating the mobile terminal to be able to receive a command from a user of the terminal;

- transmitting a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service- provider as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises a user subscriber identity held by the terminal and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval; - receiving the requested media product from the service-provider.

An embodiment of the method for downloading media products into a mobile terminal comprises the steps of: - receiving a broadcasted signal, which signal comprises media content and data content, by means of a wireless broadcast receiver, wherein said data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content;

- at least extracting the media product identifier from the data content; - activating the mobile terminal to be able to receive a download command from a user of the terminal;

- transmitting a download request by means of the mobile phone unit to a service- provider as a response to a first command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the user subscriber identity and the media product identifier for enabling an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval;

- receiving a download answer from the service-provider as a response to the download request;

- transmitting an order request to the service-provider as a response to a second command from a user of the terminal, which order request at least comprises one of: a user subscriber identity or a terminal equipment identification held by the terminal;

- receiving the requested media product from the service-provider.

It should be emphasized that the steps in the methods described above must not necessarily be performed in the given order.

Another embodiment of the present invention, a media device for interacting with a user is provided, wherein the media device comprise at least a processor and an interface unit, the processor is arranged to react to interface signals from the interface unit for purchasing media content broadcasted directly or indirectly to the media device and further arranged to send purchase information via a bridging device with a user subscriber identity and a unique tag indicating the media to purchase to a service provider located on an IP network.

The present invention may also be realized as a business model for providing media content to an end user using a wireless communication protocol, wherein the business model comprise a broadcasting station sending uniquely tagged media content, a network operator providing a communication channel, and a content host providing media content and purchase capabilities, the business model comprise the steps of:

- the end user receives media content on a broadcasting or streaming communication link and decides to acquire the media content;

- the end user interacts with a control device to indicate the interest to acquire the media content;

- the control device sends directly or indirectly via a bridging device a message indicating this interest to acquire the media content to a content provider using the uniquely tagged information for identification of the media content; the message is sent on the network operator communication channel; the content provider provides the media content to the end user on the network operator communication channel; and

- at least one of the network operator or content provider receives consideration in some form.

Further advantages of the present invention and embodiments thereof will appear from the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is schematic illustration of an exemplifying media product download system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplifying radio station 1 10 comprised by the download system 100 shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplifying mobile terminal 120 comprised by the download system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplifying service-provider 140 comprised by the download system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a use case.

Fig. 6 shows a CD Rom on which program code for executing the method according to an embodiment of the invention is provided. Fig. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 illustrates schematically a device according to the present invention; Fig. 9 illustrates schematically in a use case diagram another method according to the present invention; and Fig. 10 illustrates schematically different channels for obtaining media content according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF AN EXEMPLIFYING DOWLOAD SYSTEM

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplifying media product download system 100. The exemplifying download system 100 in Fig. 1 comprises a radio broadcast station 1 10, a plurality of mobile terminals 120 (only one is shown in Fig. 1 ), a telecommunication network 130, and a service-provider 140.

Radio Broadcast Station

The exemplifying radio broadcast station 1 10 generally shown in Fig. 1 comprises the necessary equipment for broadcasting radio programs together with a Radio Data System signal (RDS-signal), as is well known to those skilled in the art.

Radio Data System, or RDS, is a standard from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU, see e.g. www.ebu.ch/) for sending small amounts of digital information using conventional FM radio broadcasts. The RDS system standardizes several types of information transmitted, including but not limited to time and station identification. The RDS is standard in Europe since the early 90s and well known to those skilled in the art.

In this connection reference can be made to e.g. the CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) and the specification EN 50067 of April 1998 with the title "Specification of the radio data system (RDS) for VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range from 87,5 to 108,0 MHz".

Before we proceed it should be emphasized that the broadcasting of radio programs together with a RDS-signal is merely one example of several techniques that enables transmission of a data signal together with a radio program or other media programs. Another example is the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), which is the official name used for the U.S. version of RDS. RBDS was approved by the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC, see e.g. wwvvjiigcjtandjj^Org). In addition, similar functions are well known in connection with broadcasting of television programs. On example is the "Teletext", which is an information retrieval service provided by television broadcast companies. Teletext pages can be viewed on television sets with suitable decoders. They offer a wide range of text-based information, usually including national, international and sporting news, weather and TV schedules etc.

A Music Database

As shown in more detail in Fig. 2, it is preferred that the exemplifying radio station 1 10 has access to a music database 1 1 1 being locally and/or externally arranged. The database 1 1 1 comprises pieces of music to be broadcasted by the radio station 1 10. It is also preferred that the database 1 1 1 , for each piece of music, comprises additional information about the artist, the title and the ISRC or a similar unique identifier.

The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code, see e.g. Mtpj/MvvwJfgLorg/isrc/) is the international identification system for sound recordings and music video recordings. Each ISRC is a unique and permanent identifier for a specific recording which can be permanently encoded into a product as its digital fingerprint. Encoded ISRC provide the means to automatically identify recordings for royalty payments etc.

A Studio Function

In addition, it is preferred that the radio station 1 10 comprises a studio function 1 12 for selecting and organizing the content in radio programs broadcasted from the radio station 1 10, e.g. selecting and organizing such content as music and commercials etc.

A modern studio function 1 12 is typically implemented by means of radio-station software running on commercially available computers or computer systems. These computers or computer systems are typically provided with and/or connected to the necessary audio resources, such as digital-to-analogue converters, mixers, amplifiers, loudspeakers etc, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Radio-station software as now discussed is e.g. available from the company RCS with head quarter address: RCS World Headquarter, 12 Water Street, White Plains, New York 10601 , USA (see e.g. www.rcsworks.com).

However, as is well known by those skilled in the art, a primitive studio function can be achieved by the manual work of e.g. a disc jockey and/or a studio technician having access to music a player (e.g. a CD-player or even a computer) and music pieces (e.g. CD-records or music files stored in a database on a computer hard disc).

The studio function 1 12 in Fig. 2 has access to the music data base 1 1 1 for retrieving the music pieces to be broadcasted, and any additional information about the music pieces stored in the database, such as the artist, the title and/or the ISRC.

In addition, the studio function 1 12 has access to an RDS-encoder 1 14, which encoder will be further discussed below. The studio function 1 12 provides the RDS-encoder 1 14 with the audible radio program to be broadcasted by the radio station 1 10. If a modern radio-station software is used this can e.g. be done by connecting an output from the computer on which the software is running to the RDS-encoder, as is well known by those skilled in the art. If a primitive studio function is used this can e.g. be done by connecting the output from the music player to the RDS-encoder.

Moreover, the studio function 1 12 has access to a RDS formatting function 1 13, which will be further discussed below. It is preferred that the studio function 1 12 provides the RDS formatting function 1 13 with suitable information about the music piece currently broadcasted by the radio station 1 10. It is particularly preferred that this music piece information provided to the RDS formatting function 1 13 comprises the ISRC or a similar unique identifier associated with the music piece currently broadcasted. Such an identification connected to the currently broadcasted music piece or other currently broadcasted information is more generally denoted a "media product identifier" below. In addition, it is preferred that the information provided to the RDS formatting function 1 13 comprises the artist and/or the title associated with the music piece currently broadcasted.

If the studio function 1 12 is implemented by means of modern radio-station software this software can provide the RDS formatting function 1 13 with the media product identifier (e.g. the ISRC) being extracted by the software from the information accessed in the music database 1 1 1 , as is well known by those skilled in the art. However, if a primitive studio function 1 12 is used the RDS formatting function 1 13 can be provided with the media product identifier e.g. entered manually by a studio technician on computer keyboard connected to a computer provided with the necessary software for formatting and communicating with the RDS-encoder e.g. using the RDS Universal Encoder Communication Protocol (UECP).

An RDS Formatting Function

The RDS formatting function 1 13 shown in Fig. 2 is preferably implemented by means of software. The software may be running on a separate computer and/or on the same computer as the above mentioned radio-station software. As previously mentioned, the RDS formatting function 1 13 receives the media product identifier (e.g. an ISRC) from the studio function 1 12. This media product identifier is formatted by the formatting function 1 13 so as to have an adequate structure and content to fit the download function, which download will be further explained below.

It is particularly preferred that the media product identifier is formatted and communicated by the RDS formatting function 1 13 to the RDS-encoder 1 14 by using the RDS Universal Encoder Communication Protocol (UECP) and in particular the UECP, SPB 490 Version 6.01 produced by the RDS Forum (see e.g. ψwψjds.QjQ.ukJ). However, other formatting functions are clearly conceivable.

As regards the location of the media product identifier within the RDS signal it is preferred that one or several of the so-called Open Data Application (ODA) groups are used. The ODA-groups are not explicitly specified in the RDS standard. Rather, the ODA-groups can be freely utilized by RDS broadcasters - some groups under certain conditions and some groups unconditionally. The use of ODA-groups is itself well known by those skilled in the art and more information can e.g. be found in the above mentioned specification EN 50067 of April 1998 by CENELEC. A use of the ODA-groups is subject to a registration process and registered applications are listed in the EBU/RDS Forum ODA Directory.

A RDS Encoder and a RDS Radio Transmitter

As can be seen in Fig. 2 the radio station 1 10 is provided with an RDS-encoder 1 14 and a radio transmitter 1 15. The radio transmitter 1 15 can be any commercially available radio transmitter being adapted to transmit an RDS radio signal. Similarly, the RDS-encoder can be any commercially available RDS-encoder being able to receive and convert the audible radio program and the information regarding the music piece or other information to be broadcasted, so as to enable the RDS radio transmitter 1 15 to broadcast the radio program and a media product identifier etc in a RDS radio signal.

From the above discussion of the Studio function 1 12 and the RDS formatting function 1 13 it should be clear that the RDS-encoder 1 14 is provided with the audible radio program from the studio function 1 12, whereas the RDS-encoder 1 14 is provided with information about the music piece currently broadcasted (music piece information) from the RDS formatting function 1 13.

It should be added that it is mandatory to transmit certain information in a broadcasted RDS signal. The current time and the station identification are two examples of such mandatory information. The mandatory information can to a large extent be stored in the RDS-encoder in connection with an installation of the RDS transmission equipment.

A Mobile Terminal

In addition to the radio station 1 10 describe above the media product download system 100 in Fig. 1 also comprises a mobile terminal 120.

The mobile terminal 120 comprises the necessary equipment for communicating via a telecommunication network with other mobile terminals as well as other stationary or semi-stationary devices such as computers and servers in various data networks, e.g. computers and servers connected to the Internet.

It is particularly preferred that the mobile terminal 120 is a mobile phone in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) connected to a subscription offered by the operator of the UMTS in question as is well known by those skilled din the art. The UMTS is only one of the third generation (3G) mobile cell phone technologies. However and mobile phones operating according to other 3G cell phone technologies are clearly conceivable. Alternatively 2,5G or 2,75G cell phone technologies providing a fairly high bandwidth may also be conceivable, e.g. the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or the Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) or technologies comparable to these technologies.

A mobile terminal 120 in a UMTS is referred to as the User Equipment (UE). A UMTS User Equipment (UE) comprises the terminal, referred to as the Mobile Equipment (ME), and a smart card referred to as the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). The USIM stores user subscriber information, authentication information and provides with storage space for text messages.

In particular, the USIM stores a unique user identification called the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An IMSI analysis is the process of examining a subscriber's IMSI in order to identify which network the IMSI belongs and to establish whether subscribers from that network are allowed to use a given network (if they are not local subscribers, this will require a roaming agreement between the network operators). Hence, an unique user identification like the IMSI enables roaming between networks operated by different service providers as well as handovers between cells within the same network.

The USIM provides a user with access to subscribed services irrespective of the specific mobile terminal 120 used. Hence, by inserting a USIM-card into a mobile terminal 120, the user is able to receive calls at that terminal, make calls from that terminal, and receive other subscribed services. Almost every telecommunication system comprises something corresponding to the UMTS user equipment (UE) and user subscriber module (USIM). For example, in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) the Mobile Station (MS) corresponds to the User Equipment (UE) in the UMTS-system, whereas the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) corresponds to the USIM in the UMTS-system.

In addition, every a UMTS User Equipment (UE) and GSM Mobile station (MS) is provided with an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), which is a number unique to every UE and MS.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplifying mobile terminal 120. As discussed above, it is preferred that the mobile terminal 120 correspond to an UMTS cellular mobile phone, though other alternatives are clearly conceivable. A Mobile Phone Unit

Hence, the mobile terminal 120 is preferably provided with a cellular UMTS mobile phone unit 121 or similar for communicating by means of a 3G cellular telecommunication network with other mobile phones and other units such as computers and servers on the internet, as described above and as is well known by those skilled in the art. Similarly, as is well known, the mobile phone unit 121 is provided with a unique subscriber identity 122 (e.g. an USIM provided with an IMSI) and an equipment identity 123 (e.g. IMEI), which is a unique number given to the mobile terminal 120 by the manufacturer.

It should be particularly emphasized that the unique subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIM/IMSI) in the cellular mobile unit 121 is connected to a subscription or similar offered by the operator of the telecommunication network 130, as is well known by those skilled din the art.

In addition, it should be particularly emphasized that the mobile unit 121 may be enabled for handover as well as roaming based on the unique subscriber identity 122. This is particular true if the mobile phone unit 121 is a cell phone, which provides a true mobility for the mobile terminal 120 in the download system 100 shown in Fig. 1 , which mobility typically extends over entire countries and regions, and in most cases over several countries and regions depending on the roaming agreements etc provided by the operator of the telecommunication network 130.

An RDS-Receiver

In addition to the ordinary phone unit 121 it is preferred that the mobile terminal 120 is provided with an RDS-receiver 124. The RDS-receiver 124 is preferably implemented by means of a single or a few microchips, such as e.g. a FM tuner chip connected to the "High-speed Locking PLL Frequency Synthesizer IC LC72151 V" and to the "Single-chip RDS Decoder LC72722, LC72722M, LC72722PM" for RDS decoding. All three of these chip types are available from the Japanese company SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Semiconductor Company, having its Head Office at: Ueno Hirokoji kaikan, 19-10, Ueno 1 - chome, Taito-ku,Tokyo, 1 10-0005, Japan. Such RDS receivers implemented by a single or a few microchips can e.g. be comprised in an exterior accessory module attached to the mobile terminal 120 through a connector, e.g. a connector arranged at the lower end of a mobile phone. In addition there are mobile terminals 120 in the form of mobile phones commercially available that is provided with a built-in RDS FM radio receiver, such as e.g. the Sony Ericsson K600i, K608i, K750i, P990i, V600i, W300i, W550i, W700i, W800i and W810L

The RDS-receiver 124 in the mobile terminal 120 is adapted to receive and decode a RDS radio signal, which has been formatted by a RDS formatting function 1 13, encoded by a RDS-encoder 1 14 and broadcasted by a RDS radio transmitter 1 15, as described above in connection with the radio station 1 10. The reception and decoding of such RDS signals is well known to those skilled in the art. Here it is particularly preferred that the decoding of the received RDS radio signal extracts the media product identifier, which has preferably been encoded into one or several of the so-called Open Data Application (ODA) groups within the RDS signal as described above. As previously explained, it is particularly preferred that the media product identifier comprises the ISRC or a similar unique identifier associated with the music piece or other information currently broadcasted. In addition, in case the media product identifier is a music piece, the media product identifier may comprise the artist and/or the name of the music piece.

A Download Unit

Moreover, it is preferred that the mobile terminal 120 comprises a download unit 125. The download unit 125 may be implemented by means of hardware circuitry, such as one or several ASIC or other suitable circuits being programmable or not. However, it is preferred that the download unit 125 is implemented by means of software, e.g. in the form of a JAVA application or some other suitable program or program application for witch the mobile terminal 120 is enabled. Naturally, the software may e.g. be installed in the terminal 120 during manufacturing or downloaded later by the user or other partner or operator. The software may be native, i.e. adapted to the specific mobile terminal 120, in which case it may be suitable to replace the software by hardware. The software may also be more or less generic, e.g. adapted so as to be executed under an operative system that is used by a plurality of mobile terminals provided from different manufacturers.

The download unit 125 is provided with a suitable interface to the RDS-receiver 124, e.g. an Application Program Interface (API) in case the download unit 125 is implemented as software. The interface enables the download unit 125 to retrieve and/or receive the above mentioned music piece information and possibly other information in the received RDS radio signal, including but not limited to time and radio station identification.

In addition, the download unit 125 is provided with a suitable interface to the mobile phone unit 121 of the mobile terminal 120. This interface may also be an Application Program Interface (API) in case the download unit 125 is implemented as software. The interface to the mobile phone unit 121 enables the download unit 125 to provide the mobile phone unit 121 with the music piece information and possibly other information in the received RDS radio signal.

Moreover, the interface to the mobile phone unit 121 enables the download unit 125 to access, initiate and use the data communication capability of the mobile phone unit 121. In particular, an access, initiation and use of the data transmission capability in case of an mobile phone unit 121 in the form of an UMTS mobile cell phone is a well known task for those skilled in the art, which e.g. can be done by means of a JAVA application or any other suitable software utilizing the data transmission capabilities of the UMTS mobile phone.

It is particularly preferred that the download unit 125 is adapted to access, initiate and use of the data transmission capability of the mobile phone unit 121 to establish communication with the Internet, though other data networks are clearly conceivable. The application protocol used for communicate with the Internet or similar data network may e.g. be the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), whereas the protocols used within the transport layer may e.g. be the Internet User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for IP services, and the Internet Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) for services which require delivery guarantee such as X.25 services. The HTTP is a request/response protocol between clients and servers on e.g. the Internet. The originating client, such as a web browser, which in our case is the mobile terminal 125, is referred to as the user-agent. The destination server, which stores and/or creates resources such as HTML files, music pieces, images and movies etc, are called the origin server, which in our case is a service-provider, as will be further explained below. In general, an HTTP client initiates a request by establishing a TCP connection to a particular port on a remote host (port 80 by default). An HTTP server listening on that port waits for the client to send a request message. Upon receiving the request, the server sends back a status line, such as "HTTP/1 .1 200 OK", and a message of its own, the body of which is perhaps the requested file, an error message, or some other information. Resources to be accessed by HTTP are identified using Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) (or, more specifically, Uniform Resource Locators, URLs) using the http: or https URI schemes.

As can be seen in Fig. 3 it is also preferred that the download unit 125 is operatively connected to a data memory 126 arranged in the mobile terminal 120. The data memory 126 may e.g. be an internal memory forming an integral part of the mobile terminal 120, or it may be an exchangeable memory unit, such as a smart card, a memory stick or some other suitable memory. The memory 126 may additionally or alternatively be operatively connected directly to the mobile unit 121.

As will be further discussed below an embodiment of the download unit 125 is preferably arranged to operatively: extract information such as a media product identifier (e.g. ISRC) from a received RDS radio signal; preferably display at least parts of the extracted information on a display in the mobile terminal 120; activate the mobile terminal (120) to be able to receive download commands from a user of the terminal (120). The activation could e.g. be the activation of a key on the mobile terminal 120, e.g. a button key or a touch key. It could also be an activation of a voice command function etc; transmit a download request to a service-provider 140 as a response to a first download command from the user of the mobile terminal 120. This command may be followed by further commands or clicks. Preferably, the download request comprises the media product identifier (e.g. ISRC) extracted from the decoded RDS signal and a user subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIIWIMSI) or similar held by the mobile phone unit

121 in the mobile terminal 120; preferably receive a download answer from the service-provider 140, preferably comprising the name and/or prize of the media product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded; preferably display at least parts of the received download answer on a display in the mobile terminal 120; preferably transmit an order request to the service-provider 140 as a response to a second command from the user of the mobile terminal 120. Preferably, the request comprises a terminal equipment identification 123 {e.g. an IMEI) and/or a subscriber identity 122 {e.g. USIIWIMSI); control the reception of the ordered media product from the service-provider 140 so that the received media product is stored in the memory 126; and - preferably display a message on a display in the mobile terminal 120 informing about the completed download.

As previously explained it is preferred that the download unit 125 is implemented by means of one or more processors with corresponding memory containing the appropriate software in the form of a program code. Previously it was also explained that the software, i.e. the program code, may be downloaded. Here it should be emphasized and clarified that the program code can also be provided on a data carrier such as a CD ROM disc 60 as depicted in fig. 6 or an insertable memory stick, which will perform embodiments of the invention when loaded into a mobile terminal 120 having suitable processing capabilities. It should also be repeated and clarified that program code can be downloaded remotely from a server either outside or inside the telecommunication network 130 or be downloaded via a computer like a PC to which the mobile terminal 120 is temporarily connected.

A Service-Provider

In addition to the radio station 1 10 and the mobile terminal 120 describe above the media product download system 100 in Fig. 1 comprises a service-provider 140. An exemplifying service-provider 140 is schematic illustrated in Fig. 4.

As illustrated in Fig. 4 the service-provider 140 is preferably connected to or has at least communicative access to a network operator function 141 and a content host 142. However, it should be emphasized that the physical location of the service-provider 140, the network operator function 141 and the content host 142 is less important; in fact they may all be comprised by one single unit or each be distributed over several different units. In addition, regardless of the physical location, the service-provider 140, the network operator function 141 and the content host 142 may be controlled and operated by a single operator, e.g. a telecommunication network operator. Similarly, the service-provider 140 may access the network operator function 141 and/or the content host 142 via other servers and/or similar data network units. The service-provider 140 may e.g. access the network operator function 141 via the content host 142, or the content host 142 via the network operator function 141 .

If we now turn our attention to the content host 142 it is preferably representing the access to a plurality of different data storage servers and in particular to data storage servers connected to the Internet, e.g. so as to form an Internet hosting function. These data storage servers are provided with the media products to be downloaded to the mobile terminal 120, e.g. the different pieces of music broadcasted by the radio station 100 as previously described. However, the media products may be a vast variety of items that can be identified by a media product identifier (e.g. an ISRC) extracted from the decoded RDS signal as previously described. The media products may, e.g. be pictures, newspapers, talking books, television programs, movies or even electronic tokens, identifiers, PIN-codes etc to be used for collecting a ticket or similar requested and purchased as a response to a commercial offer broadcasted by the radio station 100 etc.

It is further preferred that the storage servers are provided with the appropriate software for enabling a communication with the service-provider 140, e.g. so as to enable an availability check of the media product requested by the download unit 125 on the mobile terminal 120. However, if the content host 142 is a data storage that is more or less directly connected to the service-provider 140, e.g. a local hard disc, it may be more appropriate to perform the availability check directly by means of the software comprised by the service-provider 140 itself. In general, the availability check can e.g. be performed by searching the storage in question for a media product comprising a suitable media product identifier (e.g. an ISRC) connected to the media product identifier extracted and provided by the download unit 125 in the mobile terminal 120 as previously described.

In addition, it is preferred that the storage servers are provided with the appropriate software for enabling a Digital Rights Management (DRM) of the media product prior to a delivery to the service-provider 140 for a subsequent download to the mobile terminal 120. However, it should be emphasized that a Digital Rights Management (DRM) of the media product may alternatively be enabled by the service-provider 140 before a subsequent download to the mobile terminal 120. Suitable software for at least providing a simple DRM encoding in the form of an encryption of the media product based on a key or cryptovariable is well known to the person skilled in the art. The DRM encoding may e.g. use the terminal equipment identification 123 {e.g. an IMEI) so as to attach the media product to the specific mobile terminal 120 requesting the download, e.g. with the result that the downloaded media product can only be utilized on that specific terminal 120. Alternatively, the subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIIWIMSI) may be used so as to attach the media product to the specific subscription under which the download is performed, e.g. with the result that the downloaded media product can only be utilized under that specific subscription. This may e.g. imply that the appropriate USIM/IMSI must be used in the mobile terminal 120 in question for enabling a utilization of the downloaded media product.

Providing the storage servers with the ability to perform a DRM encoding has the advantage of enabling the entity or entities controlling the storage servers to also control the DRM encoding, which e.g. may be desired by record companies before they considering opening up their servers and/or data bases for downloading as described above.

If we now turn our attention to the network operator function 141 shown in Fig. 4 it is preferred that this function 141 represents the functions for controlling and supervising the telecommunication network 130 to which the mobile terminal 120 is associated via a subscription. As previously mentioned the telecommunication network 130 is preferably an UMTS network and the network operator function is therefore preferably an UMTS operator function for controlling and supervising the UMTS network. As is well known to those skilled in the art, a UMTS network operator function is provided with appropriate functions for handling such tasks as identification, authorization and billing etc associated with a particular subscription.

As stated above, the network operator function 141 and the content host 142 are connected to or are at least provided with communicative access to the service-provider 140. The service-provider 140 is preferably a server that can be accessed via the Internet, e.g. by means of TCP/UDP and HTTP protocols as mentioned above in connection with the data communication ability of the mobile terminal 120. In particular, it is preferred that the service-provider 140 is provided with a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) for interfacing the service-provider 140 with the download unit 125 on the mobile terminal 120. Similarly, it is preferred that the service-provider 140 communicates with the network operator function 141 by means of an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting protocol (AAA-protocol) to access and utilize such tasks as identification, authorization and billing etc in the network operator function 141. The communication between the service-provider 140 and the content host 142 depend on the nature of the content host 142. If the content host 142 is a local storage such as a hard disk connected to the service-provider 140, then it may be appropriate to use an USB-connection or an Ethernet connection or any other suitable connection for communicating by means of a suitable protocol as is well known by those skilled in the art. On the other hand, if the content host 142 represents the access to a plurality of different and distributed data storage servers, then it may be more appropriate to utilize the Internet and any of the suitable connections and protocols associated therewith, as briefly described above and as is well known to those skilled in the art, for the communication between the service-provider 140 and the data storage servers.

As will be further discussed below the service-provider 140 is preferably arranged to operatively: receive a download request from a mobile terminal 120 transmitted from the mobile terminal 120 as a response to a first command from the user of the mobile terminal 120. This command can be followed by further commands or clicks. Preferably, the download request comprises a media product identifier (e.g. ISRC) extracted from an RDS-signal received by the mobile terminal 120 and a user subscriber identity 122

{e.g. SIIWIMSI) or similar held by the mobile terminal 120; transmit an authorization request to a network operator 141 or similar. Preferably, the request comprises the user subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIIWIMSI) or similar received in the download request; - receive an authorization answer from the network operator 141 indicating whether the subscriber identified by the subscriber identity 122 is authorized to make the requested download, which answer may e.g. indicate whether the subscriber has access to the download service in question and/or whether the subscriber be charged for the requested service etc.; - preferably transmit a media product availability request to a content host 142 upon a successful authorization of the subscriber identified by the subscriber identity 122. Preferably, the request comprises the media product identifier (e.g. ISRC), which is directly or in directly used by the content host 142 in a search for the requested media product; preferably receive a media product availability answer from the content host 142. Preferably, the answer comprises information about the availability of the requested media product etc, e.g. information corresponding to a simple yes or no and/or information comprising the name and/or prize of the media product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded; preferably transmit a download answer to the mobile terminal 140. Preferably, the answer comprises information about the availability of the requested media product, e.g. information corresponding to a simple yes or no and/or information comprising the name and/or prize of the media product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded; preferably receive a download order from the mobile terminal 140 transmitted from the mobile terminal 120 as a response to a second command from the user of the mobile terminal 120. Preferably, the order comprises the media product identifier (e.g. ISRC) and a subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIIWIMSI) and/or a terminal equipment identification 123 {e.g. an IMEI) previously received from the mobile terminal 120; transmit a delivery request to the content host 142, which request may comprise the media product identifier (e.g. ISRC) and a terminal equipment identification 123 (e.g. an IMEI) and/or a subscriber identification 122 (USIM/IMSI); receive a delivery of the media product from the content host 142; - transmit the received media product to the mobile terminal 120; transmit a message to the network operator function 141 with instructions for charging the subscription connected to the user subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIM/IMSI). This message may e.g. comprise the user subscriber identity 122.

OPERATION OF AN EXEMPLIFYING DOWLOAD SYSTEM

Figure 5a is a schematic graph illustrating the exemplifying steps that are preferably taken by the media product download system 100 shown in Fig. 1.

As previously explained with reference to Fig. 1 , the exemplifying download system 100 comprises a radio broadcast station 1 10, a plurality of mobile terminals 120 (one is shown in Fig. 1 ), a telecommunication network 130, and a service-provider 140. In addition, it has been previously explained with reference to Fig. 4 that the service-provider 140 is preferably connected to or has at least communicative access to a network operator 141 and a content host 142. However, it should be emphasized that the physical location of the service-provider 140, the network operator function 141 and the content host 142 is less important; in fact they may all be comprised by one single unit or alternatively each be distributed over several different units. Moreover, regardless of the physical location, the service-provider 140, the network operator function 141 and the content host 142 may be controlled and operated by a single operator, e.g. a telecommunication network operator. Similarly, the service- provider 140 may access the network operator function 141 and/or the content host 142 via other servers and/or data network units. For example, the service-provider 140 may access the network operator function 141 via the content host 142, or the content host 142 via the network operator function 141.

Regarding the layout in Fig. 5 the mobile terminal 120 and the service-provider 140, as well as the network operator 141 and the content host 142, are represented by vertical lines. Arrows extend horizontally between the vertical lines so as to represent actions or steps taken by the mobile terminal 120, the service-provider 140, the network operator 141 and/or the content host 142. The first step or action illustrated in Fig. 5 is represented by the left uppermost arrow pointing to the right towards the vertical line representing the mobile terminal 120, whereas the last step or action illustrated in Fig. 5 is represented by the left lowermost arrow pointing to the left from the vertical line representing the mobile terminal 120.

In Fig. 5 it is presumed that a radio station 1 10 is already broadcasting an RDS radio signal, which signal at least comprises a media product identifier referring to the broadcasted media content currently heard by a user, as previously explained.

It is preferred that information extracted from the received RDS radio signal - e.g. by the previously mentioned download unit 125 - is shown on a display in the mobile terminal 120. The displayed information may e.g. be the name of the radio station 1 10 and/or the name of the media product currently broadcasted or currently referred to in the broadcasted media content. In addition, it is preferred that the download unit 125 has activated at least one of the button keys or similar on the mobile terminal 120 so as to be able to receive a download command from the user of the mobile terminal 120. Hence, the steps or actions illustrated in Fig. 5 are preferably performed under these conditions.

According to step 1 in Fig. 5 the mobile terminal 120 receives a download command from a user of the terminal 120, implying that the user requests a download of the media product identified by the media product identifier extracted from the broadcasted RDS radio signal as previously explained.

In step 2 the activated terminal 120 transmits a download request to the service-provider 140. Preferably, the download request comprises the media product identifier (e.g. ISRC) extracted from the broadcasted RDS signal and the user subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIIWIMSI) held by the mobile phone unit 121 in the mobile terminal 120. This enables an authorization control of the subscriber and a media product retrieval.

In step 3 the service-provider 140 transmits an authorization request to the network operator function 141 . Preferably, the request comprises the user subscriber identity 122 (e.g. USIIWIMSI) in the download request from the mobile terminal 120.

In step 4 the network operator function 141 answers the service-provider 140 by transmitting the outcome of an authorization control based on the user subscriber identity 122. It is preferred that the authorization control establishes whether the particular subscriber identified by the subscriber identity 122 is authorized to download the requested media product, e.g. whether the particular subscriber has access to the download service in question and/or if the subscriber can be charged for the requested service etc.

In steps 5 and 6, following the reception of the authorization outcome from the network operator function 141 , the service-provider 140 will retrieve information about the availability of the requested media product, provided that the authorization was verified, i.e. that the subscriber is allowed to perform the requested download. Here, it is preferred that the retrieval is performed in step 5 by transmitting an availability request to the content host 142, which in turn performs the necessary steps for retrieving information about the requested media product, e.g. the availability of the product, the prize of the product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded etc. Similarly, in step 6 it is preferred that the content host 142 transmits an answer to the service-provider 140, which answer comprises the outcome of the availability request, e.g. whether the media product is available, the prize of the media product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded.

Here, it should be added that some embodiments may retrieve the requested media product directly, i.e. perform a direct delivery of the product upon a verified authorization of the subscriber without any previous retrieval of information about the availability and such of the requested product. In that case, the above step 4, in which the outcome of an authorization control is received by the service-provider 140, will be followed by a delivery request corresponding to step 1 1 in Fig. 5 and the suitable steps thereafter as will be further discussed below.

However, in Fig. 5 step 6 is followed by step 7, in which the service-provider 140 transmits a download answer to the mobile terminal 120. Preferably, the download answer comprises suitable information about the requested media product, e.g. such as the availability and/or the prize of the product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded.

In step 8, at least a part of the information received by the download answer from the service-provider 140 is shown by the mobile terminal 120 on a display, such as is commonly present on modern cell phones of today. Preferably, the displayed information comprises the availability and/or prize of the product and/or the size of the file to be downloaded.

In step 9 the mobile terminal 120 receives a second download command from the user implying that the user now orders a download of the requested media product identified by the media product identifier as previously explained.

In step 10 the mobile terminal 120 transmits a download order request to the service- provider 140. Preferably, the order comprises the terminal equipment identification 123 (e.g. an IMEI) and/or or the user subscriber identity 122 (USIIWIMSI), which enables DRM to be imposed on the ordered media product, e.g. by means of encryption using the unique terminal equipment identification 123 as a key or cryptovariable, which implies that the ordered media product can only be decrypted and used by the specific mobile terminal 120 ordering the download and/or by utilization of a terminal provided with the specific user subscriber identity 122. In step 1 1 the service-provider 140 retrieves the requested media product from the content host by transmitting a delivery request to the content host 141 . Similarly, in step 12 the content host 141 transmits the requested product to the service-provider 140.

In step 13 the service-provider 140 transmits the requested media product to the mobile terminal 120, which receives and preferably stores the product in the memory 126. In a possible step 14 the mobile terminal 120 may display a message on a display in the terminal 120 informing about the completed download.

In a possibly step 15 it is further preferred that the service-provider 140 transmits an order to the network operator 141 instructing the network operator 141 to charge the specific subscription identified by the user subscriber identity 122 for the download performed. This order message may e.g. comprise the user subscriber identity 122.

It should be noted that the mobile terminal may be arranged to store media product identification and purchasing information for a certain period of time and for a certain number of media products in memory so as to provide the facility of later download of the media product. The user is thus not restricted to purchase and/or initiate download during streaming or broadcasting of the media product to the user but may decide within a maximum time period to start the purchase/download process. The user may also store permanently media product information for later purchase/download. The time period and number of media product information to store is given by the memory available in the mobile terminal.

Let us now turn to Fig. 7 which illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a media device, such as a listening device 702 with earphones 705 connected 707. The listening device has controls 704 and optionally a display 702 for displaying media content information and purchasing information. The controls may be used for various purposes such as initiating purchase of media content or enable the phone to do a hand-over to another application e.g. a web browser or a media player. The media device is connected to a bridging device such as a mobile phone which in turn is connected to a network 710 for communication with a media content host 142, 730 for purchasing media content. The procedures for purchasing media operates in a similar manner as described earlier in this document with the exception that a separate media device is used for interfacing with the user. The media may be provided through a media receiver in the bridging device or directly provided through a receiver in the media device 702. The media device 800 is shown in detail in Fig. 8 and may comprise a processor 801 for operating program code stored in a memory 802 of any suitable kind (e.g. a RAM, ROM, Flash, or hard disk memory) and an interface unit 803 for handling user interface control and display devices. The media device may further comprise a communication unit 804 for communicating with the bridging device through a suitable communication interface 805. The media device may even further comprise a receiver 806 for receiving media content directly from a broadcasting station (e.g. a radio and/or TV station). However, in one embodiment the media device receives media content from the bridging device. The media device 800 may comprise an earphone connector and/or speaker.

The media device 702 may communicate with the mobile phone over at least a wireless or wired link and the communication type may for instance be using Bluetooth, 802.1 1 , 802.15 or 802.16 standards or any other suitable communication with data transfer capabilities, even proprietary communication protocols may be used. A wired link may be used also and the type of functions available will then depend on the bridging device type, make and version.

It should be understood that the media device can be of any suitable form and type as long as it is enabled to communicate directly or indirectly with the content host 142 and optionally receive purchasing information. However, purchasing information may be stored in the bridging device (e.g. mobile phone) and the listening device will send a signal to the bridging device when the user indicates that he/she is interested in downloading media content. The bridging device will then initiate the purchase/download of the requested product according to the method described earlier in this document.

The media device may for instance be just an earphone solution for allowing the user to listen to music or other audio content (e.g. language course or speech book) or the media device may be a more complex device with storage facilities, for instance an MP3 player with storage in the form of hard disk or flash memory. The MP3 player may be of a type that can handle audio and/or video content.

Another embodiment with a similar solution may be a media viewing device such as a portable DVD. These are becoming common devices in cars or other transportation vehicles. The user may then purchase image content (such as motion picture, TV programs, photos or similar content) on the move. The DVD may be receiving media content from the mobile phone over a high speed link using wireless communication protocols, such as but not limited to 2.5G (e.g. GPRS and EDGE), 3G (e.g. UMTS and CDMA) or higher versions or other wireless communication protocols such as 802.1 1 , 802.15, and 802.16 series of protocols. The media viewing device may also be receiving media content directly from a media broadcast service, such as TV broadcasting or IP broadcasting (streaming) over wireless links. The media content may be transported to any device that utilizes the present invention on any type of suitable transport channel as long as it is possible to tag media with a unique identification. The media may be transported as digital or analog radio broadcast or even as digital streaming over a data communication channel (e.g. over a GPRS or UMTS link).

Fig. 10 illustrates different communication channels according to the present invention; a radio station sends media content to the mobile terminal using at least one of digital radio channel, analog radio channel or internet streaming channel.

One of the main benefits of the present invention is that it provides a fast and convenient way of purchasing/downloading media products heard or seen through a streaming or broadcasting channel as discussed above. The user may purchase and download the media product in a few entries in the mobile terminal, e.g. a first entry for requesting an offer and a second entry for accepting the offer and at the same time starting the download of the media product. The directness of the purchasing process creates a rapid response and the user thus perceives the purchase as almost instantaneous and this may create and increase revenue streams for media content providers due to the possibly increased sales.

BUSINESS MODEL

The business model designed and structured to allow the media content acquisition to operate in a sufficient and cost effective manner is unique as the application allows for separate and individual capabilities and functions to be operated together as a single system and service.

The invention draws together three possibly independent function providers to deliver, as single system using a wireless communication protocol, end user specified digital content to a mobile handset of an end-user. The three independent function providers are as follows and utilize the end-user mobile handset:

1 . A Radio Station broadcasting media, principally but not exclusively, music. The invention utilizes an RDS program or similar means to identify and tag media in a unique manner, i.e. each media content will be tagged with a unique identification.

The broadcasted media is identified by a device according to the present invention for use by the mobile handset and the other function providers. This tagging can be accomplished for both broadcasted as well as streamed media.

2. A mobile telephone network operator provides a service for a mobile handset to function as a communications device with other devices by means of its established system involving a form of individual subscription, individual mobile handset, and interchange of information through a service provider (owned by the network operator or nominated by it) for the access and exchange of information and data, including the requested media. 3. A Service Provider, such as a WAP gateway (or using any other suitable data communication protocol for mobile handsets), portal and/or content host (or content provider) that with the technical solution of the present invention is able to route the data request, retrieve and deliver correctly the requested data from a designated database (its own or a nominated one) as well as perform the necessary functions for identification monitoring and reconciliation of the specific request.

The function providers can be individual entities, amalgamated together in some fashion, entirely or in parts and can be operated on the basis of for profit or not for profit. The media content may be provided free of charge if the user agrees to receive other types of information, for instance advertisement information or provide information such as information about himself that may be of value (e.g. interests, contact details, and/or other personal information). The function providers may in such a case receive revenue streams in relation to the advertisement information sent using different types of payment schemes (e.g. on a per advertisement event, amount of data sent, type of advertisement, click trough (i.e. if the user follows any links connected to the advertisement information), or time basis). In case of the user providing information to the function providers, these can in turn sell this to interested parties. This consideration (using the legal meaning of the word consideration) can come to at least one of the network operator or content provider. In addition, there are two other members of the business system. These are:

1 . the provider's of the mobile handsets; and

2. the suppliers of the content.

The present invention, when applied to the mobile handset allows it to function as the linking device in terms of hardware and software, to provide the system as described.

The present invention, when applied to the digitized version of the content allows the suppliers of the content to have their content processed and delivered by the system as described.

An example of a Use-Case for requesting and downloading a media product of interest to purchase and/or obtain is schematically described as a use case diagram in Fig. 9. In the example of Fig. 9 the flow is illustrated with a distinct point of purchase. The use case method may be as follows:

1 . user initiates download;

2. the mobile terminal sends (directly or indirectly) a quotation to a service provider;

3. the service provider sends an authorization request to a network operator; 4. which sends back an authorization answer;

5. the service provider sends a product availability request to a content host (provider);

6. which sends back a product availability answer;

7. the service provider sends a quotation answer to the mobile terminal; 8. the mobile terminal displays the quotation answer for the user;

9. the user order a download of the product using the interface of the mobile terminal;

10. the mobile terminal sends a order request to the service provider;

1 1. which sends a charge subscription to the network operator;

12. the service provider sends a download address (e.g. a URL) with a OMA descriptor to the mobile terminal;

13. the mobile terminal sends a download request to the content host using the download address;

14. the content host sends the requested information to the mobile terminal;

15. the mobile terminal displays the result during download and/or upon download complete. The above embodiments concerning the user side of the present invention may be realized as a hybrid mobile handset that can utilize middleware for both a FM RCS/RDS and/or Streamed transmission of media content in the first part, i.e. when the user first get into contact with the media and thereafter have the ability to choose to purchase it. The mobile handset can receive media using both types of channels: broadcasting (e.g. FM radio) and/or streaming over digital link.

It should also be appreciated that a computer terminal may be used instead of a mobile handset, the terminal is then capable of receiving a digital media stream and/or FM RCS/RDS transmission for purchasing and/or downloading media content. The present invention then utilize the tagged media content in a media stream (being it over digital link or over radio interface) for simple and convenient purchase possibility of the media content. For instance, today many music radio channels broadcast both over radio link (e.g. FM transmissions) and at the same time (or independently) over a streaming "radio" link over the Internet. However, the listeners are as likely to purchase media content independently of which transport medium that is used. The invention is then provided with the same type of network configuration as for the mobile handset embodiment with the difference that the mobile communication network part is not implemented but only a data communication network (for instance a connection to the Internet using a service provider connection, e.g. a broadband connection via ADSL, optical fiber, cable, or similar connection) is used. The computer terminal may of course alternatively be connected using a mobile connection, for instance using a mobile handset (cell phone) connection, a WLAN connection, or similarly, then the infrastructure for this connection is used. The computer terminal can be arranged to receive media content over the digital streaming channel or via an FM transmission using an FM receiver connected to the computer terminal.

The system is arranged to handle cash flow management between parties of the network setup: end user - operator - Download service provider - media content holders, by using a unique identifier of the end user (e.g. using SIM card of the mobile terminal). Each party may benefit from the transaction, for instance the user obtains media, the operator earns revenue from the media transport in the infrastructure network or from kick-backs from the media content holder or download service provider, and the media content holder earns revenue from the direct purchase of the media. The present invention has now been described with reference to exemplifying embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the full extent of the invention is only determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A download system comprising a broadcasting or streaming station, a plurality of terminals operatively connected to a communication network, and a service-provider, wherein: the broadcasting station is arranged to operatively transmit a signal comprising media content and data content, which data content at least comprises a media product identifier connected to the currently broadcasted media content; and wherein: said plurality of terminals is arranged to operatively: - receive the broadcasted signal and at least extract the media product identifier from the data content;

- transmit a download request to the service-provider via said communication network , as a response to a command from a user of the terminal, which download request at least comprises the media product identifier and a unique user subscriber identity held by the terminal;

- receive the requested media product from the service-provider; and the service-provider is arranged to operatively:

- receive a download request directly or indirectly from at least one of said terminals via said communication network , which request at least comprises a media product identifier and a unique user identity held by the terminal;

- execute an authorization control based on the received user identity;

- execute a media product retrieval, based on the received media product identifier, as a response to a successful authorization;

- transmit the retrieved media product to the terminal .

2. A user terminal arranged with a receiving interface for receiving media content of at least one of FM radio and digital streaming, further arranged to operate in a system according to claim 1.

3. The user terminal according to claim 2, comprising one of a computer terminal (e.g. PC, laptop, PDA, or similar) or a mobile handset (e.g. mobile phone).