Michael C Sharp

US Patent:

8275658, Sep 25, 2012

Filed:

Jan 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/765985

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US

Assignee:

Ads in Downloads, LLC - Marshall TX

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 144, 705 1415, 705 1469, 705 1473

Abstract:

A method for distribution of advertising that includes combining an audio data file that produces an advertising message when processed with a data file that produces a performance of a musical composition when processed. Alternatively the invention may be viewed as a method for distribution of music which includes providing a server connected to a computer network, permitting message data files to be provided for a fee paid by the party providing the message, purchasing rights to multimedia data files from owners of such rights and making available to end users data files comprising a message and a licensed multimedia file by a connection to the network server. Preferably the method provides a multimedia file that comprises a musical composition. An especially preferred embodiment provides a multimedia data file that is an MP3 file comprising a musical composition.

US Patent:

20100262479, Oct 14, 2010

Filed:

Jul 23, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/507911

Inventors:

Michael A. SHARP - Porter TX, US

Assignee:

Bandtones LLC - Gulfport MS

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 1419, 705 1439, 705 147

Abstract:

A disclosed method for rewarding a commentator includes enrolling the commentator to create commentary on a computer network. A sponsor is enrolled to distribute a message. The message is incorporated in the commentary created by the commentator. A fee is collected from the sponsor each time the commentary is displayed. At least a portion of the fee is provided to the commentator. The commentary may be a network post, such as a post to a thread, a blog, a newsgroup, or a bulletin board. The message may be an announcement or an advertisement. The commentary may be stored on a network server. A described network server includes a memory storing reward system software, and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the reward system software. A disclosed communication system includes a memory storing embedding software, and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the embedding software.

US Patent:

20100278321, Nov 4, 2010

Filed:

Jan 2, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/735323

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US

International Classification:

H04M 1/64

US Classification:

379 8822

Abstract:

Incoming phone calls are answered with playback of an audio feed. A listener can enter a phone number or other identifier to refer a friend. A message recommending the phonecast is then sent to the friend, possibly including a link or some other form of a ‘click-to-call’ facilitation. In some embodiments, the message is a text message sent via the short-message service (SMS) system. Email or voice mail messages may alternatively be employed. The referral identifier is captured along with identifying information of the caller and any message the caller wishes to provide. The system generates recommendation messages based on the captured information.

US Patent:

20110026692, Feb 3, 2011

Filed:

Apr 17, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/736523

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US

Assignee:

PATENT HOLDINGS, LLC - PORTER TX

International Classification:

H04M 1/64

US Classification:

379 8823

Abstract:

A disclosed phonecasting system and method involves receiving a telephone call from a caller via a telephone number, and providing an audio signal in response. An audio file including audio content corresponding to the telephone number is played, thereby producing the audio signal. A message is selectively sent to the caller while the audio signal is being provided to the caller. The audio file may include, for example, a podcast publicly available via the Internet. The audio file may also include an audio advertisement or public service message. The message may be, for example, a text message or an electronic mail (email) message. Alternatively, or in addition, the message may be or include one or more images (e.g., pictures, drawings, diagrams, and the like).

US Patent:

20110051718, Mar 3, 2011

Filed:

Jan 2, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/735322

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US

International Classification:

H04L 12/66

US Classification:

370352

Abstract:

Several methods and systems for providing audio content to callers placed on hold are described. In some on-hold phonecasting methods, a two-way telecommunications link is established between a caller and a call terminus. The caller or the call terminus is temporarily isolated from the link. The audio content is provided via the link while the caller or call terminus is isolated to indicate that the link is still in place. At least a portion of the audio content is specified by a really simple syndication feed. The audio content may include one or more podcasts publicly available via the Internet. The audio content may be generated according to configuration information and by concatenating an audio advertisement or public service essage with the portion of the audio content. The method may also include periodically checking the RSS feed for updates to the audio content, and downloading updated audio content.

US Patent:

20110306330, Dec 15, 2011

Filed:

Feb 24, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/138481

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US
Christopher Coleman - Germantown TN, US

Assignee:

Patent Holding, LLC - Porter TX

International Classification:

H04W 4/00
H04W 88/02

US Classification:

455417, 455566, 4554221, 455567, 4555501

Abstract:

A disclosed wireless phone includes a user interface having at least one button, a processor coupled to the user interface to detect a user's activation of the button, and software stored in a memory including: an acquisition process to obtain a secondary phone number in response to the user's activation of the button, and a display process to display the secondary phone number to the user. A described telecommunications server provides the secondary phone number to the wireless phone, and includes a forwarding process that forwards incoming phone calls directed to the secondary phone number to the wireless phone with modified caller-id information. A described method of enabling anonymous reception of phone calls includes automatically determining a programmed phone number of a wireless phone, and providing a button that causes the wireless phone to automatically obtain a secondary phone number.

US Patent:

20120064869, Mar 15, 2012

Filed:

May 21, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/321359

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/16
H04W 4/00

US Classification:

4554141, 709206

Abstract:

A disclosed method for incorporating audio content in an Internet communication includes assigning a phone number to the audio content, incorporating the phone number in the communication, and providing the communication to a recipient. The audio content may be a recorded audio message. The communication may be a post or status update on a blogging service, or a post to a Web page. The phone number may be automatically dialed when a recipient of the communication selects the phone number. The method may also include receiving a telephone call from the recipient and directed to the phone number, and providing the audio content to the recipient in response to the received telephone call. Two network servers are described, each including a memory that stores communication software, and a processor to execute the communication software. The communication software configures each processor to carry out steps of the disclosed method.

US Patent:

20120166547, Jun 28, 2012

Filed:

Jun 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/174361

Inventors:

Michael A. Sharp - Porter TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/16

US Classification:

709205

Abstract:

The system includes providing a recorded version of a popular song for download to a plurality of users. One or more of the plurality of users are allowed to download the popular song, record their own voice to the popular song, and save the new version of the modified popular song. The modified popular song is received and providing for download to the plurality of users.