WO2013064720A1

WO2013064720A1 - Method and apparatus for providing items using tone-based identifiers

Info

Publication number: WO2013064720A1
Application number: PCT/FI2012/050921
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dhaval Jitendra Joshi; Ari Antero Aarnio
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation
Priority date: 2011-10-31
Filing date: 2012-09-26
Publication date: 2013-05-10

Abstract

An approach is provided for providing items using tone-based identifiers. The tone-based platform causes, at least in part, an association of one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store, wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more identifiers.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR

PROVIDING ITEMS USING TONE-BASED IDENTIFIERS

BACKGROUND

Service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless, cellular, etc.) are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers by, for example, providing compelling network services. One area of interest has been the development of services and technologies for distribution of, and access to, applications and other content items. For example, in recent years, access to applications has significantly improved. Users, for instance, are now able to access applications by exploring and downloading these applications from central repositories directly with their mobile devices. To recommend applications to other users, a user will typically provide a series of instructions to the other users for accessing the recommended applications. However, these instructions may not be sufficiently understood by the other users. Moreover, after a lapse of time, these instructions may be forgotten. In addition, because mobile devices are not always connected to the Internet (e.g., mobile devices in emerging markets), other ways of accessing the applications are desired.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, there is a need for an approach for providing items using tone -based identifiers.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises causing, at least in part, an association of one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store, wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more identifiers.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more computer programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause, at least in part, the apparatus to associate one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store, wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more identifiers.

According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium carries one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause, at least in part, an apparatus to associate one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store, wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more identifiers.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for causing, at least in part, an association of one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store, wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more identifiers.

In addition, for various example embodiments of the invention, the following is applicable: a method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal based, at least in part, on (or derived at least in part from) any one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is also applicable: a method comprising facilitating access to at least one interface configured to allow access to at least one service, the at least one service configured to perform any one or any combination of network or service provider methods (or processes) disclosed in this application.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is also applicable: a method comprising facilitating creating and/or facilitating modifying (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality based, at least in part, on data and/or information resulting from one or any combination of methods or processes disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention, and/or at least one signal resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is also applicable: a method comprising creating and/or modifying (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality based at least in part on data and/or information resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention, and/or at least one signal resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention. In various example embodiments, the methods (or processes) can be accomplished on the service provider side or on the mobile device side or in any shared way between service provider and mobile device with actions being performed on both sides. For various example embodiments, the following is applicable: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of originally filed claims 1-36 and 60-62.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing items using tone-based identifiers, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of a tone -based platform, according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for providing items using identifiers, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for sharing items using identifiers, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for performing operations on items based on identifiers, according to one embodiment;

FIGs. 6A-6J are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the processes of FIGs. 3-6, according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 7A-7D are diagrams of item recommendations within an application, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of hardware that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for providing items using tone-based identifiers are disclosed. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing items using tone-based identifiers, according to one embodiment. As mentioned, in recent years, there have been substantial advances in application access and distribution. For example, exploration and downloading of applications can now be performed directly with mobile devices. Typically, early adopters explore, download, and install applications. If these users find the applications useful, they may recommend the applications and provide instructions to other users for accessing the recommended applications. As discussed, these instructions may not be sufficiently understood by the other users, and, after a lapse of time, these instructions may also be forgotten. In addition, mobile devices are not always connected to the Internet (e.g., through a cellular data network), especially in emerging markets where the users are unable to afford expensive mobile data access plans. As such, other ways of obtaining the applications are desired.

To address this problem, a system 100 of FIG. 1 introduces the capability to obtain items using identifiers (e.g., tone-based identifiers based on dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) tones). By way of example, the system 100 may utilize a voice-based communication portal that is configured to support an entry of one or more operations with respect to items in an online store based on identifiers compatible with the voice-based communication portal. As used herein, the term "online store" may refer to any online catalog, database, storage, etc. To enable the operations on the items and sharing of the items using the identifiers, the system 100 may associate the identifiers with the items of the online store. Particular tones may, for instance, be utilized to identify the location of the online store as well as the items of the online store. As such, the identifiers may include tone-based identifiers (e.g., based on DTMF tones). In some embodiments, the one or more tone -based identifiers associated with the one or more items may be customized, selected, etc., by one or more developers (e.g., of the one or more items), one or more services, etc. The following scenarios illustrate typical situations in which items can be effectively provided using tone -based identifiers.

In one scenario, every application in an online store may be assigned a unique DTMF identifier. A first user, who has a particular application on his mobile phone, may want to share the application with a second user. As such, the first user may provide the unique DTMF identifier associated with the application to the second user in the form of a contact card in a short message service (SMS) message. If, for instance, the second user wants to download and install the application, she may save the contact card to her phonebook on her mobile phone, and then call the online store, via the online store's voice-based communication portal, using the unique DTMF identifier stored in the contact card (e.g., the DTMF tones may initiate the path to the online store over the voice-based communication portal). The second user may then be asked to press "1" to save the application to her cloud account associated with the online store. After the second user presses "1 ," the online store will save the application to her cloud account. Thereafter, the second user may decide to download the application to her mobile phone from the cloud account over a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network connection. In this way, the second user is easily able to obtain the application by dialing the unique DTMF identifier stored in her phonebook of her mobile phone. Moreover, the second user is able to avoid high costs that may be associated with a mobile data access plan by downloading the application to her mobile phone over the WiFi network connection (or other fixed line).

In another scenario, a DTMF identifier associated with a particular application may be displayed on an advertisement poster. Upon seeing the poster, a user may initiate a call to an associated online store by dialing the DTMF identifier into the user's mobile phone. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may save the DTMF identifier as a contact in the phonebook of the user's mobile phone (e.g., to initiate a call at a later time, to share the DTMF identifier with another user in the form of a contact card, etc.). Based on the call, the application may be activated on the user's cloud account. As such, the user may download the application from the online store (e.g., based on the user's cloud account) to the user's mobile phone. If, for instance, the user has a mobile data access plan, the user may want to download the application immediately. On the other hand, if the user wishes to avoid substantial charges or does not have a mobile data access plan, the user may download the application at a later time over another available network connection.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 comprises a user equipment (UE) 101 (or multiple UEs 101a- 101η) having connectivity to a tone -based platform 103 via a communication network 105. The UE 101 may include or have access to an application 107 (e.g., applications 107a-107n) to enable the UE 101 to interact with, for instance, the tone -based platform 103 to (1) request sharing of items, (2) transmit identifiers, (3) generate contact records including the identifiers, (4) request performing operations on the items, (5) process the identifiers to determine associated items, (6) or perform other functions. The tone -based platform 103 may include or have access to an identifier database 109 to access or store the identifiers, information relating to the identifiers, etc. The tone-based platform 103 may also include or have access to an item database 11 1 to access or store the items, information relating to the items, etc. Data stored in the identifier database 109 and the item database 1 1 1 may, for instance, be provided by the UEs 101 , a service platform 1 13, one or more services 115 (or services 115a-l 15k), one or more content providers 117 (or content providers 117a- 117m), and/or other services available over the communication network 105. For example, a particular service 115 may obtain items (e.g., applications, media content, etc.) from a particular content provider 117 to offer the item to the UE 101. It is noted that the tone -based platform 103 may be a separate entity of the system 100, a part of the one or more services 115 of the service platform 1 13, or included within the UE 101 (e.g., as part of the application 107).

By way of example, the communication network 105 of system 100 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that the data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof. The UE 101 is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, or any combination thereof, including the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the UE 101 can support any type of interface to the user (such as "wearable" circuitry, etc.). In another embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 may determine a request to share at least one of the one or more items from a first device to a second device. As such, the tone-based platform 103 may cause a transmission of at least one of the one or more identifiers associated with the at least one item to the second device in response to the request. The transmission may, for instance, be via a SMS message, a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, a voicemail, an email, a publication, or a combination thereof. In one use case, a user may select an option on an application to share the application with another user. As such, based on the selection, a request to share the application may be determined. Consequently, the identifier associated with the application may be determined, and thereafter transmitted to a mobile device of the other user in an SMS message. The other user may then utilize the identifier to obtain the application (e.g., by dialing the identifier).

In another embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 may cause a generation of a contact record including the at least one identifier associated with the at least one item, wherein the transmission of the at least one identifiers includes the contact record. The contact record may, for instance, include an access number for the at least one voice-based communication portal. Additionally, or alternatively, the contact record may include a link to the at least one item. The link to the at least one item may, for instance, be accessible over a data network. In one scenario, a contact record (e.g., contact card) may be generated when a user selects an option on an application to share the application with another user. The contact record may then be transmitted to a mobile device of the other user and saved in the other user's contact list. As such, the other user may access the voice-based communication portal by dialing the access number contained in the saved contact record. Dialing the access number may, for instance, include entering the identifier also contained in the contact record to activate the application for the other user's mobile device. As indicated, the contact record may further contain a link to the application that is accessible over a data network. Thus, after activation is complete, the other user may, for instance, download the application over a WiFi network at a later time using the link contained in the contact record.

In another embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 may determine another identifier associated with the first device, wherein the transmission of the at least one tone -based identifiers includes the another identifier for identifying the first device. By way of example, there may be an incentive for item sharing. As such, it may be important to identify the source device from which the item sharing is initiated. In one scenario, a tone -based identifier that corresponds to a particular item may also include the other tone-based identifier as part of the tone-based identifier. Thus, the source device may be identified simply by dialing the tone -based identifier since dialing the tone-based identifier would include dialing the other tone -based identifier. In another scenario, the tone-based identifier and the other tone-based identifier may be separate identifiers contained in a contact record. The tone -based identifier may, for instance, be dialed to access the voice-based communication portal (e.g., as part of the access number for the voice-based communication portal), and the other tone-based identifier may be entered as an extension to identify the source device for the shared item.

In another embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 may determine a request for performing the one or more operations, wherein the request identifies a specified one of the one or more identifiers. Additionally, or alternatively, the request for performing the one or more operations may be received via the at least one voice-based communication portal, a data communication portal, or a combination thereof. The one or more operations may, for instance, include a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, or a combination thereof of the one or more items for a device. By way of example, the dialing of an access number associated with the voice-based communication portal may indicate that a user is requesting that the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, and/or the storage of the one or more items for a device (e.g., the user's mobile device) be performed. As part of the request, the device may also produce tones (e.g., DTMF tones) corresponding with a particular tone-based identifier while connected with the voice-based communication portal. As such, the particular tone-based identifier may be identified based on the produced tones.

In another embodiment, the specified one tone-based identifier may be provided based on one or more location-based triggers. In one scenario, a user may come across a poster for a free game at a downtown game store. If, for instance, the user's mobile device is detected within a predetermined distance from the poster, the poster may provide a tone-based identifier corresponding with the game to the mobile device (e.g., using near field communication (NFC) techniques). The user may thereafter utilize the tone-based identifier to access the game. Additionally, or alternatively, geographical coordinates of the mobile device, the user, the poster, etc., may be utilized to determine whether to provide the specified one tone-based identifier to the user, the mobile device, etc.

In another embodiment, the tone -based platform 103 may process and/or facilitate a processing of the specified one identifier to determine an associated one of the one or more items. The tone- based platform 103 may then initiate the one or more operations on the associated one item, such as a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, etc., of the associated one item for a device. By way of example, the tone -based platform 103 may cause the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item to a cloud account associated with the device. The associated one item may, for instance, be transferred to an online storage corresponding with the device for access by the device at a later time. In this way, the user of the device is able to avoid high costs that may be associated with an immediate download of the associated one item under a mobile data access plan. Instead, the user may download the associated one item from the online storage to her mobile phone at a later time over a WiFi network or other fixed line.

In another embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 may cause the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item from the cloud account to the device based on a network availability status of the device. As indicated, users may want to avoid the high costs associated with a mobile data access plan. Thus, the download, for instance, from the cloud account to the device may be postponed until a WiFi network connection is detected. In one use case, the device may initiate an access of the cloud account upon detection of the WiFi network connection to download the associated one item. In another embodiment, the tone -based platform 103 may determine to maintain a communication session for at least a specified duration based on a cost of the associated one item, a cost of the maintaining of the communication session, or a combination thereof. The tone-based platform 103 may then determine cost information based on the specified duration. In one scenario, a user may be required to dial a premium-rate telephone number to initiate and maintain the communication session for the specified duration to activate the associated one item. If, for instance, the cost of the associated one item is $5 and the cost of maintaining the communication session is $1 for every 6 seconds, the user may be required to maintain the communication session for at least 30 seconds to complete the activation process. Thus, the user may be charged $5 by the user's telephone provider for maintaining the communication session for 30 seconds. It is noted that the cost of maintaining the communication session may also be based on the associated one item. In another scenario, for instance, the cost of the associated one item may be $10 and the cost of maintaining the communication session associated with the same premium-rate telephone number may be adjusted to $2 for every 6 seconds based on the associated one item (e.g., the high cost of the associated one item). As such, the user may still only be required to maintain the communication for at least 30 seconds to complete the activation process. In this way, users would not need to wait for any substantial duration to complete the activation (or the payment process) for the associated one item.

In another embodiment, the one or more identifiers may be received by one or more applications, and the one or more applications may cause an initiation of the one or more operations, a presentation of instructional information for causing the initiation of the one or more operations, or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the one or more items may be presented in at least one user interface of the one or more applications. As an example, a user who wants to recommend a music video to another user may send the identifier of the music video to the other user, for instance, via a SMS message. In one scenario, an music video application on the other user's device may automatically detect the identifier in the SMS message as the SMS message is being sent to the other user's device, and subsequently retrieve the music video using the detected identifier for the other user (e.g., by downloading the music video to the other user's cloud account). In another scenario, after detecting the identifier in the SMS message, the music application may notify the other user that the user has recommended the music video, and then offer instructions to the other user for obtaining the music video. By way of example, the UE 101, the tone-based platform 103, the service platform 113, the services 1 15, and the content providers 1 17 communicate with each other and other components of the communication network 105 using well known, new or still developing protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a set of rules defining how the network nodes within the communication network 105 interact with each other based on information sent over the communication links. The protocols are effective at different layers of operation within each node, from generating and receiving physical signals of various types, to selecting a link for transferring those signals, to the format of information indicated by those signals, to identifying which software application executing on a computer system sends or receives the information. The conceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging information over a network are described in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.

Communications between the network nodes are typically effected by exchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet typically comprises (1) header information associated with a particular protocol, and (2) payload information that follows the header information and contains information that may be processed independently of that particular protocol. In some protocols, the packet includes (3) trailer information following the payload and indicating the end of the payload information. The header includes information such as the source of the packet, its destination, the length of the payload, and other properties used by the protocol. Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocol includes a header and payload for a different protocol associated with a different, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for a particular protocol typically indicates a type for the next protocol contained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is said to be encapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers included in a packet traversing multiple heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet, typically include a physical (layer 1) header, a data- link (layer 2) header, an internetwork (layer 3) header and a transport (layer 4) header, and various application (layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7) headers as defined by the OSI Reference Model.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of a tone -based platform, according to one embodiment. By way of example, the tone -based platform 103 includes one or more components for providing items using tone-based identifiers. It is contemplated that the functions of these components may be combined in one or more components or performed by other components of equivalent functionality. In this embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 includes control logic 201 , memory 203, an association module 205, a sharing module 207, an account manager 209, a payment module 211, and a communication interface 213.

The control logic 201 executes at least one algorithm for executing functions of the tone-based platform 103. For example, the control logic 201 may interact with the association module 205 to associate identifiers (e.g., tone-based identifiers based on DTMF tones) with items of an online store. As discussed, these identifiers are compatible with a voice-based communication portal, and the voice-based communication portal supports an entry of operations with respect to the items of the online store based on the tone -based identifiers.

The control logic 201 may also work with the sharing module 207 to determine a request to share an item (e.g., of the online store) from a first device to a second device. The sharing module 207, in conjunction with the association module 205, may process the request to determine the identifier associated with the item. The sharing module 207 may then generate a contact record including the identifier and transmit the contact record to the second device in response to the request. As mentioned, the contact record may further include an access number for the voice- based communication portal as well as a link to the item.

The control logic 201 may additionally direct the account manager 209 to create and maintain cloud accounts for users, devices, items, online stores, etc. The account manager 209 may, for instance, interact with the sharing module 207 to download, transfer, install, activate, and/or store an item to a cloud account associated with a device. In this way, a user of the device may subsequently interface with the account manager 209 to access the item from the cloud account (e.g., over a WiFi network connection).

The control logic 201 may further cause the payment module 21 1 to charge the user for one or more operations (e.g., a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, etc.) on the item. The payment module 21 1 may, for instance, require the user to maintain a communication session, such as a premium-rate number session, for a specified duration to transfer the item to the device's cloud account. When the communication session has been maintained for at least the specified duration, the payment module 211 may then signal to the sharing module 207 to transfer the item. As such, payment for the one or more operations on the items may be processed even in the absence of an immediate data network connection.

The control logic 201 may also utilize the communication interface 213 to communicate with other components of the tone -based platform 103, the UEs 101, the service platform 1 13, the content providers 1 17, and other components of the system 100. For example, the communication interface 213 may initiate or perform the transmission of the identifiers to the respective devices (e.g., in response to a request for corresponding items). The communication interface 213 may further include multiple means of communication. In one use case, the communication interface 213 may be able to communicate over SMS, MMS, internet protocol, email, instant messaging, voice sessions (e.g., via a phone network), or other types of communication.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for providing items using identifiers, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the tone -based platform 103 performs the process 300 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 9. As such, the control logic 201 can provide means for accomplishing various parts of the process 300 as well as means for accomplishing other processes in conjunction with other components of the tone -based platform 103.

In steps 301 and 303, the control logic 201 may determine that one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and that the at least one voice- based communication portal supports entry of one or more operations with respect to one or more items of an online store based on the one or more identifiers. By way of example, the at least one voice-based communication portal may utilize one or more DTMF tones to determine the location of the online store as well as the particular items of the online store. As such, the one or more identifiers may be based on the one or more DTMF tones to ensure compatibility with the at least one voice-based communication portal. Moreover, as mentioned, the one or more operations may include a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, or a combination thereof with respect to the one or more items. The one or more operations may, for instance, be initiated using the one or more identifiers (e.g., by dialing the one or more identifiers).

In step 305, the control logic 201 may cause, at least in part, an association of the one or more identifiers with the one or more items of the online store. As a result, each of the one or more items may be identified by a respective one of the one or more identifiers. In this way, users are able to obtain a particular item (or perform other operations on the one or more items) of the online store, for instance, by dialing the respective identifier.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for sharing items using identifiers, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the tone -based platform 103 performs the process 400 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 9. As such, the control logic 201 can provide means for accomplishing various parts of the process 400 as well as means for accomplishing other processes in conjunction with other components of the tone-based platform 103.

In step 401 , the control logic 201 may determine a request to share at least one of the one or more items from a first device to a second device. A request to share items may be initiated in a number of ways. As an example, a user may initiate a request to share an application by selecting an option on the application to share the application with another user. As another example, the user may access a web portal to share previously downloaded items with other users. Notwithstanding the utilized approach, the control logic 201 may, as in step 403, determine at least one of the one or more identifiers associated with the at least one item as well as another identifier associated with the first device (e.g., for identifying the first device).

In step 405, the control logic 201 may generate a contact record including the at least one identifier and the another identifier. In step 407, the control logic 201 may cause, at least in part, a transmission of the contact record to the second device in response to the request. As discussed, the transmission may be via a SMS message, a MMS message, a voicemail, an email, a publication, or a combination thereof. By way of example, the contact record may thereafter be saved in the contact list of the second device. As such, the user of the second device may dial the voice-based communication portal using the information in the contact record, such as the at least one identifier and the another identifier, to access the at least one item. As noted, the another identifier may be utilized to identify the first device as the source device for the at least one item. In some embodiments, the another identifier may be required to access the at least one item through the voice-based communication portal. In one scenario, sharing of particular items may be limited to a select group of users. As such, only the selected users (e.g., via their respective device) may invite other users to download and install the particular items. Consequently, the other users may need to provide both the identifier associated with the desired item as well as the identifier associated with at least one of the selected users.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for performing operations on items based on identifiers, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the tone-based platform 103 performs the process 500 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 9. As such, the control logic 201 can provide means for accomplishing various parts of the process 500 as well as means for accomplishing other processes in conjunction with other components of the tone-based platform 103.

In step 501, the control logic 201 may determine a request for performing the one or more operations, wherein the request identifies a specified one of the one or more identifiers. In one use case, the request may include one or more tones (e.g., DTMF tones) that identifies the specified one identifier. For example, each tone may relate to a particular number, letter, or other character, and the combination of the tones may specify the identifier.

In step 503, the control logic 201 may process and/or facilitate a processing of the specified one identifier to determine an associated one of the one or more items. By way of example, a search may be performed on the identifier database 109 using the specified one identifier. The identifier database 109 may then, for instance, produce a data structure corresponding to the specified identifier, which may also contain identifying information (e.g., name, location, etc.) of the associated one item. Based on the determination, the control logic may, as in step 505, cause, at least in part, an initiation of the one or more operations on the associated one item. As mentioned, the one or more operations may include a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item to a cloud account associated with a device, to the device, or a combination thereof.

FIGs. 6A-6J are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the processes of FIGs. 3-5, according to various embodiments. FIG. 6A features the user interface 600, which illustrates several applications including "Money," "Contacts," and "Angry Auto." In one scenario, the user interface 600 may be associated with a first user, Raj . In this case, Raj is an early adopter of the recently launched application, "Money," and has been using "Money" to make payments. Priya, a second user and also a friend of Raj, is interested in trying "Money." Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, Raj selects the "Money" application. As shown in FIG. 6C, Raj then uses the "Options" menu to select the "Send Contact Card" action, which packages all contact information embedded in the "Money" application. As mentioned, each application may include contact information, such as a link to the application, a unique tone-based identifier for the application, an access number for a voice-based communication portal for the application, etc. FIG. 6D features the user interface 630, which illustrates an SMS message for Priya that includes the contact card associated with the "Money" application.

FIG. 6E features the user interface 650 associated with Priya's device. In this scenario, Priya has received and saved the contact card from Raj, and "Money" is now listed as a contact in Priya's contact list. As shown in FIGs. 6F and 6G, Priya may then select "Money" from her contact list and call the voice-based communication portal for the "Money" application using the contact information stored in her contact list. FIG. 6H features the user interface 670, which demonstrates the request for the "Money" application. As part of the request process, the tone- based identifier of the "Money" application is identified and thereafter processed to determine that Priya is requesting the "Money" application. In FIG. 61, the "Money" application is downloaded to Priya's device over an established voice channel between Priya's device and the voice-based communication portal. It is noted that since the "Money" application is downloaded, via the voice channel, Priya is able to avoid the high costs associated with downloading over an established data channel of a data communication portal (e.g., associated with a mobile access data plan). Although Priya may initiate installation of the "Money" application, the completion of the installation may require an activation of the application. As illustrated in FIG. 6J, Priya must call a premium-rate number service and maintain the communication session with the service for at least 30 seconds to activate the "Money" application for her device. As shown, Priya will be charged $1 for initiating and maintaining the communication session, which will be accepted as payment for the "Money" application.

FIGs. 7A-7D are diagrams of item recommendations within an application, according to various embodiments. FIG. 7A features a user interface 700 of a map application. As shown, the user has selected the "Recommended Apps" option to browse applications recommended by the map application. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, a user interface 730 of the map application features a list of recommended applications. In this case, the user has selected the "Social Location App." The selection of the "Social Location App" may, for instance, cause a contact record for the "Social Location App" to be generated and transmitted to the user's device to be saved in the user's contact list. As discussed, the contact record may include an access number for the voice-based communication portal and a unique tone-based identifier associated with the application as well as other relevant information. Thus, the user may use the contact record to call the voice-based communication portal for retrieving and installing the "Social Location App" to the user's device.

FIG. 7C features a user interface 750 of a music application. As demonstrated, the user is currently listening to "Song X." As the user is listening to "Song X," the music application presents the user with a recommendation for "Song Y" based, for instance, on the user's current and previously listening habits. In addition to recommending "Song Y," the music application retrieves the identifier associated with "Song Y," and prompts the user as to whether the user would like to download "Song Y" (e.g., to the user's cloud account). If, for instance, the user selects the option "YES," the music application will transmit a request specifying the identifier to obtain "Song Y" for the user. FIG. 7D features a user interface 770 of another music application. In this case, the music application has also recommended "Song Y" while the user is using the music application, and the music application has retrieved the identifier (e.g., combination of 1- 888-888-8888 and 8985#) for "Song Y." Moreover, the music application presents the user with instructions to download the "Song Y." As shown, the user has the option to "DIAL" the identifier to obtain "Song X," or to "SAVE" the instructions for dialing at a later time if, for instance, the user is currently occupied with other matters. It is noted that the instructions may be also be saved and sent as a message to other users for downloading "Song Y." In one or more embodiments feelings and/or thoughts can be associated to an object and could be shared between people.

The processes described herein for providing items using tone -based identifiers may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/or firmware and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein, may be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer system 800 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer system 800 is depicted with respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) within FIG. 8 can deploy the illustrated hardware and components of system 800. Computer system 800 is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or instructions) to provide items using tone -based identifiers as described herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 810 for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system 800. Information (also called data) is represented as a physical expression of a measurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, in other embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, biological, molecular, atomic, subatomic and quantum interactions. For example, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and non-zero electric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of a binary digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base. A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states before measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or more digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. In some embodiments, information called analog data is represented by a near continuum of measurable values within a particular range. Computer system 800, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing items using tone-based identifiers. A bus 810 includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus 810. One or more processors 802 for processing information are coupled with the bus 810. A processor (or multiple processors) 802 performs a set of operations on information as specified by computer program code related to providing items using tone-based identifiers. The computer program code is a set of instructions or statements providing instructions for the operation of the processor and/or the computer system to perform specified functions. The code, for example, may be written in a computer programming language that is compiled into a native instruction set of the processor. The code may also be written directly using the native instruction set (e.g., machine language). The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus 810 and placing information on the bus 810. The set of operations also typically include comparing two or more units of information, shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication or logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), and AND. Each operation of the set of operations that can be performed by the processor is represented to the processor by information called instructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. A sequence of operations to be executed by the processor 802, such as a sequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions, also called computer system instructions or, simply, computer instructions. Processors may be implemented as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical or quantum components, among others, alone or in combination.

Computer system 800 also includes a memory 804 coupled to bus 810. The memory 804, such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for providing items using tone-based identifiers. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system 800. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory 804 is also used by the processor 802 to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system 800 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 806 or any other static storage device coupled to the bus 810 for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system 800. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus 810 is a non- volatile (persistent) storage device 808, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system 800 is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for providing items using tone-based identifiers, is provided to the bus 810 for use by the processor from an external input device 812, such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, a microphone, an Infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into physical expression compatible with the measurable phenomenon used to represent information in computer system 800. Other external devices coupled to bus 810, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device 814, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma screen, or a printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device 816, such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or a motion sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display 814 and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display 814. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system 800 performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device 812, display device 814 and pointing device 816 is omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 820, is coupled to bus 810. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor 802 quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of ASICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display 814, cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.

Computer system 800 also includes one or more instances of a communications interface 870 coupled to bus 810. Communication interface 870 provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a network link 878 that is connected to a local network 880 to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface 870 may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface 870 is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface 870 is a cable modem that converts signals on bus 810 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface 870 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. For wireless links, the communications interface 870 sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams, such as digital data. For example, in wireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones, the communications interface 870 includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface 870 enables connection to the communication network 105 for providing items using tone -based identifiers to the UE 101.

The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 802, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to computer-readable storage medium (e.g., nonvolatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Non-transitory media, such as non- volatile media, include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 808. Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory 804. Transmission media include, for example, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The term computer- readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC 820.

Network link 878 typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link 878 may provide a connection through local network 880 to a host computer 882 or to equipment 884 operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment 884 in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet 890. A computer called a server host 892 connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host 892 hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display 814. It is contemplated that the components of system 800 can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host 882 and server 892. At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system 800 for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system 800 in response to processor 802 executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory 804. Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory 804 from another computer-readable medium such as storage device 808 or network link 878. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory 804 causes processor 802 to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC 820, may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software, unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.

The signals transmitted over network link 878 and other networks through communications interface 870, carry information to and from computer system 800. Computer system 800 can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks 880, 890 among others, through network link 878 and communications interface 870. In an example using the Internet 890, a server host 892 transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer 800, through Internet 890, ISP equipment 884, local network 880 and communications interface 870. The received code may be executed by processor 802 as it is received, or may be stored in memory 804 or in storage device 808 or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system 800 may obtain application program code in the form of signals on a carrier wave.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor 802 for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host 882. The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 800 receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red carrier wave serving as the network link 878. An infrared detector serving as communications interface 870 receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus 810. Bus 810 carries the information to memory 804 from which processor 802 retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory 804 may optionally be stored on storage device 808, either before or after execution by the processor 802.

FIG. 9 illustrates a chip set or chip 900 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set 900 is programmed to provide items using tone-based identifiers as described herein and includes, for instance, the processor and memory components described with respect to FIG. 8 incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set 900 can be implemented in a single chip. It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip 900 can be implemented as a single "system on a chip." It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not be used, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed herein would be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or chip 900, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing user interface navigation information associated with the availability of functions. Chip set or chip 900, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing items using tone-based identifiers.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 900 includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 901 for passing information among the components of the chip set 900. A processor 903 has connectivity to the bus 901 to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory 905. The processor 903 may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor 903 may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus 901 to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor 903 may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 907, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 909. A DSP 907 typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor 903. Similarly, an ASIC 909 can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a more general purpose processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein may include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more controllers, or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 900 includes merely one or more processors and some software and/or firmware supporting and/or relating to and/or for the one or more processors. The processor 903 and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory 905 via the bus 901. The memory 905 includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the inventive steps described herein to provide items using tone-based identifiers. The memory 905 also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps. FIG. 10 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) for communications, which is capable of operating in the system of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, mobile terminal 1001, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing items using tone -based identifiers. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to both: (1) hardware-only implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the particular context, to a combination of processor(s), including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions). This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application and if applicable to the particular context, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) and its (or their) accompanying software/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover if applicable to the particular context, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or other network devices.

Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU) 1003, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 1005, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit 1007 provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of providing items using tone-based identifiers. The display 1007 includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display 1007 and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry 1009 includes a microphone 1011 and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone 1011. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone 1011 is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 1013.

A radio section 1015 amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna 1017. The power amplifier (PA) 1019 and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU 1003, with an output from the PA 1019 coupled to the duplexer 1021 or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 1019 also couples to a battery interface and power control unit 1020. In use, a user of mobile terminal 1001 speaks into the microphone 1011 and his or her voice along with any detected background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 1023. The control unit 1003 routes the digital signal into the DSP 1005 for processing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 1025 for compensation of any frequency- dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator 1027 combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface 1029. The modulator 1027 generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter 1031 combines the sine wave output from the modulator 1027 with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer 1033 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA 1019 to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 1019 acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 1005 from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer 1021 and optionally sent to an antenna coupler 1035 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 1017 to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 1001 are received via antenna 1017 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA) 1037. A down-converter 1039 lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator 1041 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer 1025 and is processed by the DSP 1005. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 1043 converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 1045, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 1003 which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The MCU 1003 receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard 1047. The keyboard 1047 and/or the MCU 1003 in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone 1011) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 1003 runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal 1001 to provide items using tone-based identifiers. The MCU 1003 also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display 1007 and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU 1003 exchanges information with the DSP 1005 and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card 1049 and a memory 1051. In addition, the MCU 1003 executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP 1005 may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP 1005 determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone 1011 and sets the gain of microphone 101 1 to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal 1001.

The CODEC 1013 includes the ADC 1023 and DAC 1043. The memory 1051 stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device 1051 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card 1049 carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card 1049 serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal 1001 on a radio network. The card 1049 also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.

While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal based, at least in part, on the following:

an association of one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store, wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based

communication portal, and

wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more identifiers.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

at least one determination of a request to share at least one of the one or more items from a first device to a second device;

a transmission of at least one of the one or more identifiers associated with the at least one item to the second device in response to the request.

3. A method of claim 2, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

a generation of a contact record including, at least in part, the at least one identifier associated with the at least one item,

wherein the transmission includes, at least in part, the contact record.

4. A method of claim 3, wherein the contact record includes, at least in part, an access number for the at least one voice-based communication portal.

5. A method according to any of claims 3 and 4, wherein the contact record includes, at least in part, a link to the at least one item, and wherein the link is accessible over a data network.

6. A method according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the transmission is via a short message service (SMS) message, a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, a voicemail, an email, a publication, or a combination thereof.

7. A method according to any of claims 2-6, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

at least one determination of another identifier associated with the first device, wherein the transmission includes, at least in part, the another identifier for identifying the first device.

8. A method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

at least one determination of a request for performing the one or more operations, wherein the request identifies, at least in part, a specified one of the one or more identifiers.

9. A method of claim 8, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

a processing of the specified one identifier to determine an associated one of the one or more items,

wherein the one or more operations are applied to the associated one item.

10. A method of claim 9, wherein the one or more operations include, at least in part, a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, or a combination thereof of the one or more items for a device, and wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination

thereof of the associated one item to a cloud account associated with the device.

1 1. A method of claim 10, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

thereof of the associated one item from the cloud account to the device based, at least in part, on a network availability status of the device.

12. A method according to any of claims 9-11 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

at least one determination to maintain a communication session for at least a specified

duration based, at least in part, on a cost of the associated one item, a cost of the maintaining of the communication session, or a combination thereof; and

at least one determination of cost information based, at least in part, on the specified duration.

13. A method according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the request for performing the one or more operations is received via the at least one voice-based communication portal, a data communication portal, or a combination thereof.

14. A method according to any of claims 8-13, wherein the specified one identifier is provided based, at least in part, on one or more location-based triggers.

15. A method according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the one or more identifiers are received by one or more applications, and wherein the one or more applications cause, at least in part, an initiation of the one or more operations, a presentation of instructional information for causing the initiation of the one or more operations, or a combination thereof.

16. A method of claim 15, wherein the one or more items are presented in at least one user interface of the one or more applications.

17. A method according to any of claims 1-16, wherein the one or more identifiers include, at least in part, one or more tone-based identifiers.

18. A method of claim 17, wherein the one or more tone -based identifiers are based, at least in part, on dual-tone multi- frequency signaling (DTMF) tones.

19. A method comprising:

causing, at least in part, an association of one or more tone-based identifiers with one or more items of an online store,

wherein the one or more tone-based identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based communication portal, and

wherein the at least one voice-based communication portal supports an entry of one or more operations with respect to the one or more items based, at least in part, on the one or more tone-based identifiers.

20. A method of claim 19, further comprising:

determining a request to share at least one of the one or more items from a first device to a second device;

causing, at least in part, a transmission of at least one of the one or more tone-based

identifiers associated with the at least one item to the second device in response to the request.

21. A method of claim 20, further comprising:

causing, at least in part, a generation of a contact record including, at least in part, the at least one tone-based identifier associated with the at least one item,

wherein the transmission includes, at least in part, the contact record.

22. A method of claim 21, wherein the contact record includes, at least in part, an access number for the at least one voice-based communication portal.

23. A method according to any of claims 21 and 22, wherein the contact record includes, at least in part, a link to the at least one item, and wherein the link is accessible over a data network.

24. A method according to any of claims 20-23, wherein the transmission is via a short message service (SMS) message, a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, a voicemail, an email, a publication, or a combination thereof.

25. A method according to any of claims 20-24, further comprising:

determining another identifier associated with the first device,

wherein the transmission includes, at least in part, the another identifier for identifying the first device.

26. A method according to any of claims 19-25, further comprising:

determining a request for performing the one or more operations, wherein the request

identifies, at least in part, a specified one of the one or more identifiers.

27. A method of claim 26, further comprising:

processing and/or facilitating a processing of the specified one identifier to determine an

associated one of the one or more items,

wherein the one or more operations are applied to the associated one item.

28. A method of claim 27, wherein the one or more operations include, at least in part, a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, or a combination thereof of the one or more items for a device, and wherein the method further comprises:

causing, at least in part, the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item to a cloud account associated with the device.

29. A method of claim 28, further comprising:

causing, at least in part, the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item from the cloud account to the device based, at least in part, on a network availability status of the device.

30. A method according to any of claims 27-29, further comprising:

determining to maintain a communication session for at least a specified duration based, at least in part, on a cost of the associated one item, a cost of the maintaining of the communication session, or a combination thereof; and

determining cost information based, at least in part, on the specified duration.

31. A method according to any of claims 26-30, wherein the request for performing the one or more operations is received via the at least one voice-based communication portal, a data communication portal, or a combination thereof.

32. A method according to any of claims 26-31 , wherein the specified one identifier is provided based, at least in part, on one or more location-based triggers.

33. A method according to any of claims 19-32, wherein the one or more identifiers are received by one or more applications, and wherein the one or more applications cause, at least in part, an initiation of the one or more operations, a presentation of instructional information for causing the initiation of the one or more operations, or a combination thereof.

34. A method of claim 33, wherein the one or more items are presented in at least one user interface of the one or more applications.

35. A method according to any of claims 19-34, wherein the one or more identifiers include, at least in part, one or more tone-based identifiers.

36. A method of claim 35, wherein the one or more tone -based identifiers are based, at least in part, on dual-tone multi- frequency signaling (DTMF) tones.

37. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following,

cause, at least in part, an association of one or more identifiers with one or more items of an online store,

wherein the one or more identifiers are compatible with at least one voice-based

communication portal, and

38. An apparatus of claim 37, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

determine a request to share at least one of the one or more items from a first device to a second device; cause, at least in part, a transmission of at least one of the one or more identifiers associated with the at least one item to the second device in response to the request.

39. An apparatus of claim 38, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

cause, at least in part, a generation of a contact record including, at least in part, the at least one identifier associated with the at least one item,

wherein the transmission includes, at least in part, the contact record.

40. An apparatus of claim 39, wherein the contact record includes, at least in part, an access number for the at least one voice-based communication portal.

41. An apparatus according to any of claims 39 and 40, wherein the contact record includes, at least in part, a link to the at least one item, and wherein the link is accessible over a data network.

42. An apparatus according to any of claims 38-41, wherein the transmission is via a short message service (SMS) message, a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, a voicemail, an email, a publication, or a combination thereof.

43. An apparatus according to any of claims 38-42, further comprising:

determine another identifier associated with the first device,

44. An apparatus according to any of claims 37-43, further comprising:

determine a request for performing the one or more operations, wherein the request identifies, at least in part, a specified one of the one or more identifiers.

45. An apparatus of claim 44, further comprising:

process and/or facilitate a processing of the specified one identifier to determine an associated one of the one or more items,

wherein the one or more operations are applied to the associated one item.

46. An apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more operations include, at least in part, a download, a transfer, an installation, an activation, a storage, or a combination thereof of the one or more items for a device, and wherein the method further comprises:

cause, at least in part, the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item to a cloud account associated with the device.

47. An apparatus of claim 46, further comprising:

cause, at least in part, the download, the transfer, the installation, the activation, the storage, or a combination thereof of the associated one item from the cloud account to the device based, at least in part, on a network availability status of the device.

48. An apparatus according to any of claims 45-47, further comprising:

determine to maintain a communication session for at least a specified duration based, at least in part, on a cost of the associated one item, a cost of the maintaining of the

communication session, or a combination thereof; and

determine cost information based, at least in part, on the specified duration.

49. An apparatus according to any of claims 44-48, wherein the request for performing the one or more operations is received via the at least one voice-based communication portal, a data communication portal, or a combination thereof.

50. An apparatus according to any of claims 44-49, wherein the specified one identifier is provided based, at least in part, on one or more location-based triggers.

51. An apparatus according to any of claims 37-50, wherein the one or more identifiers are received by one or more applications, and wherein the one or more applications cause, at least in part, an initiation of the one or more operations, a presentation of instructional information for causing the initiation of the one or more operations, or a combination thereof.

52. A method of claim 51 , wherein the one or more items are presented in at least one user interface of the one or more applications.

53. An apparatus according to any of claims 37-52, wherein the one or more identifiers include, at least in part, one or more tone-based identifiers.

54. An apparatus of claim 53, wherein the one or more tone-based identifiers are based, at least in part, on dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) tones.

55. An apparatus according to any of claims 37-54, wherein the apparatus is a mobile phone further comprising:

user interface circuitry and user interface software configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile phone through use of a display and configured to respond to user input; and a display and display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile phone, the display and display circuitry configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile phone.

56. A computer-readable storage medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to perform at least a method of any of claims 1-18 or 19-36.

57. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method of any of claims 1-18 or 19-36.

58. An apparatus of claim 57, wherein the apparatus is a mobile phone further comprising: user interface circuitry and user interface software configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile phone through use of a display and configured to respond to user input; and

a display and display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile phone, the display and display circuitry configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile phone.

59. A computer program product including one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to at least perform the steps of a method of any of claims 1-18 or 19-36.

60. A method comprising facilitating access to at least one interface configured to allow access to at least one service, the at least one service configured to perform a method of any of claims 1-18 or 19-36.

61. A method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal based, at least in part, on the method of any of claims 1-18 or 19-36.

62. A method comprising facilitating creating and/or facilitating modifying (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality based, at least in part, on the method of any of claims 1-18 or 19-36.