Sprint Spectrum L.p.

Jay S Harmon

Geoff S Martin

Jonathan R Kindred

Baoquan Zhang

Boaquan Zhang

Charles Woodson

A media system includes a content platform that provides an interface for browsing and/or purchase of ringback media content by a user of a communications device. The system includes a profiles database containing profile information for a multitude of users of communications devices. The media system further includes a memory storing instructions for execution by the platform which causes it to 1) obtain information from the device including assignment of ringback media content to contacts in an address book maintained on the device; and 2) update the profiles database in accordance with the information obtained from the device. The information obtained in 1) may be obtained automatically, each time the user accesses the content platform. The system may further include an analyzer module which is used to generate targeted promotional messages based on the contents of the profile database.

Method and system for offering a media content item

A method for causing a calling client station to obtain content from a network server in response to a trigger signal received by the client during the ringback period for a call. The trigger signal is transmitted from a ringback server to a calling client station during the ringback period of call setup, whereby the trigger signal, once received and recognized by the calling client station, causes the station to request and obtain content from a network server. In another aspect, a method for providing content to a calling client station by transmitting a trigger signal to the calling client station during call setup, thereafter receiving at a network-based content server a request from the calling client station, generated in response to the trigger, for a content-download, and providing the content-download in response to the request.

Method for triggering content download during call setup

A method for the viral distribution of ringback media. A trigger is transmitted from a calling client station to a ringback server during the ringback period of call setup, whereby in response to receipt of the trigger by the ringback server, the subscriber associated with the calling client station is granted the right to the particular ringback media played out during the ringback period. Upon receiving the trigger, the ringback server may request that an indication that the right has been granted be stored in the subscriber's account record. Subsequent to the granting of the right to the particular ringback media to the subscriber, callers to the subscriber may be presented with the particular ringback. Further, these callers may also request to acquire the right to the particular media via the same trigger-initiated process.

Method for viral distribution of ringback media

A carrier providing wireless services provides ringback media such as call tones via one or more call tones content providers. In one aspect, a service entity (e.g., SCP or application server) is provisioned with data unique to ringback media service subscribed to by the subscriber. The service entity provides routing instructions to a mobile switching center identifying a ringback media server (e.g., content provider platform) to render ringback media to the caller. In another aspect, a caller can exercise control over the play of ringback media, e.g., by inputting DTMF tones, which responsively cause a ringback media server to change the play of ringback media, e.g., stop it or play a different selection. In another aspect, when a subscriber initiates a call to called party that subscribes to a competitor carrier, the carrier limits exposure of the subscriber to the ringback media of the competitor carrier. In one possible configuration, the carrier inserts its own ringback media.

Method and system for providing call tones service in a system with multiple media content providers

A call tones management platform provides a facility for configuration of a user profile. The user profile specifies the circumstances under which organizational call tones (such as a call tone of an employer of the subscriber using the phone) or a personal, non-organizational tone should be rendered to a calling party. When a call is placed to the subscriber, the profile is consulted and an instruction for rendering a call tone in accordance with the profile is sent to a call tones content provider or run time site generating call tones during the time of a call. The call tones management platform implements logic for resolving potential scheduling conflicts between organizational call tones and private call tones, such as, for example, a rule in which the organizational call tone trumps personal call tones for calls are made to the subscriber telephone during business hours.

Ringback tones management for phones having a profile specifying both organizational and personal ringback tones

After a call with a called party ends, a caller is provided with prompts or messages which allow the caller to control ringback media content which is to be rendered when the caller calls the called party in the future. For example, the caller is provided with prompts by which they can select ringback content from content they already have purchased and apply it to the called party number. Alternatively, the caller is linked to a content provider where they can purchase additional content and have it applied to the called party number. Thus, the caller is able to exert control over ringback media.

Personal ringback tone content selection and activation

Methods and systems are disclosed for integrating a plurality of providers of media content such as call tones, games, ringers, etc. with a wireless service provider network. The wireless service provider network includes a media service platform, a profile database and a media database. The media content providers provide an interactive facility, e.g., Web interface, allowing a user to purchase content. A notification message is sent to the user which is triggered in response to purchase of content. The notification message includes a network address (e.g., URL) of the media service platform. The media service platform checks to see if the purchased content is stored in the media database, and if not, it pulls it over from the content provider. The profile database is updated regarding the purchased content in response to information from the user.

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Overland Park, KS, United States of America

Jay S Harmon