IE20130120U1 - A system and method for generating an audio file - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system and method for generating an audio file.

Digital audio workstations [DAWs) have been developed to provide users with a production environment in which an audio track may be composed, recorded. edited, mixed and then synchronised with target image content. including films. television shows, commercials, andlor a gaming applications.

Such DAWS typicaily provide users with the required manipulation tools and a library of pre—recorded audio content which users select. edit and combine as desired to ensure that an audio track produced is aesthetically satisfactory and has the correct timings and length for seamless synchronisation with the target image content.

However, the selection of the appropriate pre~reoorded audio content for creating an audio track for a film, a scene in a film, a television show, a commercial and/or a game is extremely time consuming, even for the most skilled audio editors. since it is very unlikely that any singie piece of pre-recorded audio content will have the appropriate timings and marry aesthetically with the image content with which it is be synchronised. Moreover, the use and re—use of pre-recorded audio content in a DAW leaves open the possibility that audio tracks produced may not be sufficiently unique.

It is a therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for generating an audio file which goes at least some way toward overcoming the above problems and Ior which will provide the public and/or industry with a useful alternative.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to the invention, there is provided a system for generating an audio file comprising: receiving means for pre-recorded audio tracks, each pre-recorded audio track created according to pre-defined audio parameters; ‘ " “ ‘ ‘ " -A’\-......‘.‘.:\‘. = . -« . ' 1 uwa« h ' . ‘ t ‘- :21-.',}iQg_ nlulw 3 ejgou ..-2, " " _‘ ‘ j ‘; E“?! «'-' .' .. ,_ \ 1/ -. -. _"?i j: ‘"1 7 \~\ ' ' a.‘ $4.. .;-_\. l"‘iia'M;f.=.i) 2 means to separate each pre-recorded audio track into at least one selectable audio block, each audio block corresponding to a musical instrument involved in creating the pre-recorded audio track; tagging means for assigning to each audio block a unique identifier. wherein, audio block selection means is operable to select audio blocks for an audio file based on user preference data received, and whereby. the audio block selection means is further operable to record the unique identifiers of the selected audio blocks, such that if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is located in a memory then an audio file based on the same combination of audio blocks is not generated. and if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is not located in a memory than an audio file based on the selected audio blocks is generated.

The present invention provides a system and method for generating an audio tile in a computer implemented development environment. The invention creates a library of pre- The stored audio blocks each correspond to a single instrument. such as a piano. a drum. a synthesiser and the like and recorded audio content in the form of audio blocks. are grouped for selection by the system based on the genre and audio parameters of the original of pre-recorded audio tracks. The invention imptements a tagging or indexing mechanism to associate with each audio block a unique identifier, and a check on selected audio content from the library is performed to ensure that the combination of audio blocks for an audio file to be generated is unique. in another embodiment of the invention. the pre-defined audio parameters comprise one or more of: tempo, genre and harmonic map. The audio parameters define a music genre template map for a pre-recorded audio track.

Preferably. the audio block selection means selects audio blocks with the same audio parameters for generating the audio fiie. In this way. the audio blocks which are combined and used to create an audio file have the same tempo and harmonic map, which ensures the harmonic integrity of the audio file generated. lEt.'§0t:_éo In another embodiment of the invention, the audio blocks are stored in a storage means according to the audio parameters andlor according to the musical instrument corresponding to the audio block.

In this arrangement, audio blocks separated from pre-recorded audio tracks having the same audio parameters, and therefore have the same music genre template map, and which correspond to the same musical instrument, will be stored together. such as in a folder, of the storage means. Audio blocks separated from pre-recorded audio tracks having the same audio parameters. but which correspond to different musical instruments, will be stored separately in the storage means. Audio blocks separated from pre—recorded audio tracks having different audio parameters. and which correspond to different musical instruments, will also be stored in separately in the storage means. in another embodiment of the invention, the system comprises user interface means.

Preferably, audio blocks are selected by the audio block selection means according to user preference data, such as music genre, style andlor mood data. received via the user interface means of the system. Such user preference data may be input by a user to the user interface means via a menu. such as a drop down menu, an icon based menu or any other suitable means which provides users with the capability to view and select from a plurality of options regarding music genre, styte andlor mood data or other user preference as required or as desired.

In another embodiment, the audio block selection means is operable to interchange at least one selected audio block with a previously unselected audio block according to further user preference data received via the user interface means of the system.

Preferably, the audio block selection means comprises a hoid function operable to enable a user to retain one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means.

Preferably, the audio block selection means comprises a shuffle function operable to enable a user to remove one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means. and select an alternative audio block of the same audio parameters from the storage means. lEiI3’Oi20 in another embodiment. the system further comprises audio file recording means, editing means and mixing means enabling a user full creative control over mix and other parameters to modify as desired the audio file generated by the audio file generation means. Users may also import other instrument performances andior voice from an external source and incorporate them into the audio file using the audio file recording means, editing means and mixing means. which are operable by the user interface means. in another embodiment. the system means further comprises synchronisation means to synchronise the audio file with image content. which is operable by the user interface means.

According to a further aspect of the invention. there is provided a method for generating an audio file comprising the steps of: receiving pre-recorded audio tracks. each pre-recorded audio track created according to pre-defined audio parameters; separating each pre-recorded audio track into at least one seiectable audio block corresponding a musical instrument involved in creating the pre-recorded audio track; assigning a unique identifier to each audio block; receiving user preference data; selecting audio blocks for an audio file based on user preference data. and checking the unique identifiers of the selected audio blocks such that if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is located in a memory then an audio file based on the same audio blocks is not generated. and if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is not located in a memory than an audio file based on the selected audio blocks is generated.

In another embodiment of the invention. the method comprises the further step of: IEi30i2{} selecting audio blocks with the same audio parameters for generating the audio file.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of: storing the audio blocks in the storage means according to the audio parameters andlor according to the musical instrument corresponding to the audio block.

In another embodiment of the invention. the method comprises the further step of: selecting audio blocks according to user preference data. such as music genre, style andror mood data, received via user interface means of the system.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of: interchanging at least one selected audio block with a previously unselected audio block according to further user preference data received via user interface means of the system.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of; operating a hold function to enable a user to retain one or more audio blocks seiected by the audio block selection means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of: operating a shuffle function to enable a user to remove one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means and select an alternative audio block of the same audio parameters from the storage means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of: operating recording means, editing means and mixing means to provide full creative controi over mix and other parameters to modify as desired the audio file generated by the audio file generation means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step of: synchronising the audio file with image content.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computing device andfor arrangement of computing devices implementing a system as described and shown.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computing device andfor 'lE’i30t20 arrangement of computing devices implementing a method as described and shown.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computing device andfor arrangement of computing devices having processor means and display means operable to display an interactive user interface having the features as described and shown.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system for generating an audio file substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings andlor examples.

In another embodiment of the invention. there is provided a method for generating an audio file substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings andfor examples.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only. with reference to the accompanying drawings. in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing of a system for generating an audio file according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a ‘flow diagram showing the initial steps involved in creating audio blocks for use in a method for generating an audio file according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing the fuither steps involved in creating audio blocks according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a stylised illustration showing a pre-recorded audio track separated by musical instrument according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a block schematic showing an exemplary file arrangement in storage means for the audio blocks according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing the steps performed in a method for generating an audio fiie from audio blocks according to the invention; lEi30720 Figs. 7 to 11 are schematics showing the steps performed in selecting audio blocks for generating audio files according to the invention; Figs. 12 to 15 are screenshots of a user interface means according to the invention; Fig. 16 is a biock diagram showing the present invention integrated with a back-end accounting application; Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the present invention integrated with a computing software application for building a gaming application product; Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the present invention integrated as a plug- in or add-on for a digital audio workstation; and Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the present invention integrated with a social network site.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. for generating an audio file. which is understood to be a file containing sequenced audio data which produces an audio output when processed by audio ptayer means. The audio file may be in a format specified by a user, including. but not limited to, an audio WAV file, an MP3 file or in any other format, digital or otherwise, as required by a user. The system ‘I is implemented by computer software 2 executing on a computer or network of connected andfor distributed computers 3.

The system 1 comprises receiving means 4 for pre-recorded audio tracks 5. and each pre- recorded audio track 5 is created according to pre-defined audio parameters, such as tempo. genre and harmonic map. The audio parameters for the pre-recorded audio tracks define a music genre template map 6 which may be distributed to individual human music composers who may author musical or other sound works based on the music genre template map 6, which form pre-recorded tracks 5 for the system 1. lEi30’§2{i Shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3. are four music genre template maps 6, each corresponding to the music genre fantasy. These four music genre template maps 6 are sent to composers or musicians who obey the parameters laid out by the template map and compose one or more unique musical or sound compositions. which may be single or multiple instrument performances. to thereby create pre—recorded audio tracks sent to the system. An audio track is thus an audio file. which may be a music or sound file in an appropriate format. In the example. shown, the music genre template map 6. identified as FANTASY GENRE MID! FILE TEMPLATE MAP 4. has been sent to five composers 7.

Each composer has produced a pre—recorded track 5. referred to as a 1“ GENERATION MUSIC CUE, according to the audio parameters in the music genre template map 6. The various other music genre template maps 6. that is FANTASY GENRE MID! FILE TEMPLATE MAPS 1 to 3, are also sent to the same or other composers or musicians for the composition of further pre—recorded audio tracks.

Each pre—recorded audio track 5 is separated into one or more audio blocks 8. each audio block corresponding to a musical instrument involved in creating the pre—recorded audio track 5. Fig. 4 shows a pre—recorded audio track 5 separated by musical instrument performance. In the instance shown. pre—recorded audio track 5 is separated into six audio biocks 8a to 81‘. the audio block 8a being the piano part of the pre—recorded audio track 5. audio block 8b the drums part of the pre—recorded audio track 5, 8c the guitar part of the pre—recorded audio track 5, 8d the accordion part of the pre—recorded audio track 5. 8r the trumpet part of the pre—recorded audio track 5 and 8f the violin part of the pre- recorded audio track 5. The combination of individual audio blocks 8 therefore make up a pre-recorded audio track 5 for the system 1, and no two pre—recorded audio tracks 5 will have the same audio blocks 8 as they will have been uniquely composed by different composers or musicians.

The audio blocks 8 are stored in a storage means 9 of the system 1. The storage means 9 may be a local storage device. or a remote storage device. such as "c[oud" based storage and access system. Fig. 5 is an exemplary file arrangement in storage means 9 for the audio blocks 8. which in the instance shown, are stored according to the audio parameters and by musical instrument corresponding to the audio block 8. Fig. 5 shows a file arrangement in the form of folder 9a of the storage means 9 containing all the audio blocks 8 corresponding to a single template map. In single template map folder 9a the audio blocks 8 are further categorised by specific instrument. For example. folder 9a lE13awo contains all audio blocks 8 for a specific music genre template map 8. such as FANTASY GENRE MIDI FILE TEMPLATE MAP 4, and within folder 9a is a folder 10a of all drum parts from all pre-recorded audio tracks 5 which belong to FANTASY GENRE MID! FILE TEMPLATE MAP 4. The audio blocks 8 in the folder 9a will thus be interchangeable and compatible without limitation since they are derived from the same template map and thus As audio blocks 8 may be added to folder 9a by receiving a further pre-recorded audio track 5 from a composer or musician based on the FANTASY GENRE MIDI FILE TEMPLATE MAP 4, there is no limit to the number of audio blocks 8 which may be stored in the folder 9a. have the same audio parameters.

The system 1 further comprises tagging means for assigning to each audio block 8 a unique identifier. For example. an audio block 8 derived from folder 9a and in the drums folder 10a may be assigned an identifier based on combinations of tags according to a template map identifier, an identifier based on the instrument part for the audio block. an identifier based on a number for the pre—recorded audio track. and an identifier for the composer or musician. Thus. for example. an audio block 8 in the drums folder 10a of Fig. 5 may be assigned a unique identifier: FT4-D431—JS. which identifies the template map FANTASY GENRE MIDI FILE TEMPLATE MAP 4. as "FT4". the instrument part drums. as "D", the pre-recorded audio track received as track number "431". and the composer as John Smith "JS". Further examples of unique identifiers are also shown in Fig. 11. although it will be understood that any suitable tags may be used to uniquely identify each audio block 8 stored.

The system further comprises an interactive user interface means 11 enabling users to interact with the system 1 to generate an audio file. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 initially, a user 20 inputs user preference data to the user interface means 11 via menus 21, 22. which provides users with the capability to view and select from a plurality of options. such as music genre, style andlor mood data andIor other user preference as required or as desired.

As shown in Fig 8. and by way of example. the user 20 has selected. at step 23. the music genre "fantasy", and at step 24. the mood words "mid tempo". “uplifting”. “magical”. "heroic" and "airy". Based on the user input an audio block selection means 12 (shown in Fig. 1) is operable. at step 25. to parse all templates for the selected genre. and select. at step 26. the most suitable genre for the user based on further refinement according to the 'Ei3()'; mood word input, which in the instance shown is the FANTASY 4 TEMPLATE.

At step 27, a selection of audio blocks 8 from the folder 9a in the storage means 9 corresponding to the FANTASY 4 TEMPLATE is made by the audio block selection means 12, the selection being made according to the user preference data, such as music genre, style and/or mood data, received via the user interface means of the system 1. By selecting audio blocks 8 from the same folder 9a the audio block selection means selects audio blocks 5 with the same audio parameters for generating the audio file at step 28. In this way. the audio blocks 8 which are combined and used to create an audio file have the same tempo and harmonic map. which ensures the harmonic integrity of the audio file generated.

The audio block selection means 12 is further operable to record the unique identifiers of the selected audio blocks 8. such that if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is located in a memory 13 of the system 1 then an audio file based on the same combination of audio blocks 8 is not generated. and if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is not located in a memory 13 then an audio file based on the selected audio blocks 8 is generated. The system 1 thus prevents the use of the same audio btocks in audio files which are generated. The memory 13 may be a local or a remote memory.

The operation of the audio block selection means 12 will be shown by way of example and with reference to Figs. 7 to 11, which are schematics showing the steps performed in by the system 1 for selecting a unique arrangement of audio blocks 8 for generating audio files according to the invention.

In the instance shown in Fig. 7, the user has selected the genre "Country” via the user interface and through refinement based on mood words a suitable country "Template 2" has been selected as being the best selection for the user. Shown in Figs. 8 to 10 are the instrument folders 30 for "Template 2" and in each folder are audio blocks 8. each audio block 8 being referred to as a stem.

As shown in Fig. 8. the audio block selection means 12 has selected audio block "stem ?” from the "Piano folder". and this selection is shown in Fig. 11 in the column indicated by the reference numeral 40 as having the unique identifier "CT2—P207—DW”. The audio block selection means 12 has also selected “Stem 211” from the "Acoustic Guitar” folder. lEl30q and this selection is shown in Fig. 11 at column 40 as having the unique identifier “CT2- AG211—BK", and so on. The audio blocks 8 at column 40 are combined to generate an audio file, which in the present instance is shown at column 40 as being entitled "Crazy Horse”.

Figs. 9 and 10 show selections of audio blocks 8, also from instrument folders 30 for the same "Template 2” for new audio files entitled "Rodeo Bill" at column 41, and “Yellow Texas” as column 42. Notable is that the audio blocks 8 selected for each new audio fiie 41. 42 comprise a unique combination of audio blocks 8, which is indicted by the original combination of unique identifiers in each of columns 40. 41. 42. It is further notable that the same audio blocks 8 may be used in different audio files. but the full combination of audio blocks for each audio file 40, 41. 42 is unique. For example, the audio block "CT2- B202-FJ" is used for both audio files 40, 42 although the full combination of audio blocks. as shown by the unique identifiers for each column is different. The same audio blocks 8 may thus be used in many different audio files, but it is the aggregation of the audio blocks 8 in an audio file that renders the audio file generated unique.

The audio block selection means 12 is also operable to interchange at least one selected audio block 8 with a previously unselected audio block 8 according to further user preference data received via the user interface means 11 of the system 1. The audio block selection means 12 comprises a hold function operable to enable a user to retain one or more audio blocks 8 selected by the audio block selection means 12. A shuffle function is also provided to enable a user to remove one or more audio blocks 8 selected by the audio block selection means 12, and select an ailernative audio block 8 of the same audio parameters from the storage means 9. Thus if the user is unsatisfied with an audio file generated he or she simply asks for a regeneration. The system 1 shuffles the content within each instrument folder 10 within the associated single template map folder 9a and the audio block selection means 12 deals at new hand of audio blocks 8 forming another unique audio file. in addition the user may choose to hold certain performance audio blocks 8. such as piano or guitar and replace the remaining audio blocks 8 until a desired musical cue emerges from the collective single template map folder 9a.

Fig. 12 is screenshot of a user interface means 11 which provides an interactive graphical display via which a user may hold certain audio blocks 8. and then exchange other through the use of a holdrshuffle buttons for alternative or more suitable audio block lE‘l5012i} selections.

The system 1 further provides audio file recording means, editing means and mixing means enabling a user full creative control over mix and other parameters to modify as desired the audio file generated by the audio file generation means. Users may also import other instrument performances andlor voice from an external source and incorporate them into the audio file using the audio file recording means. editing means and mixing means, which are operable by the user interface means 11.

The system means further comprises synchronisation means to synchronise an audio file with image content.

Fig. 13 shows a user interface means 11 which provides an interactive graphical display via which a user may set the mix levels of all instrument perfonnances as required or as desired.

In addition, a user may import other software tools to the system 1 so they may be run as third party plug-ins. Accordingly, unique edits using audio tools by third party manufacturers are able to be imported into the system interface.

The system 1 also allows for an edit function which allows new audio blocks 8 to be added after the editing of previous audio blocks 8 and entitles them to the same automatic editing.

This ensures that all added audio blocks 8 will follow the harmonic integrity of the audio file generated. Also provided is a step back memory system. so that a user may return to an older arrangement if required. This is useful if a user decides he or she preferred an earlier audio file generated.

Fig. 14 shows a user interface means 11 implementing the above feature which is shown as a selectable "FoIlow Edit "user interface button. For example, if a user cuts the audio file in three parts and moves the start portion to the original middle, and the end portion to the original start position and finally the middle portion to the original start position then the late introduction of a new unedited stem will not line up and the harmonic integrity will be lost.

However if they now select follow edit the system will make all necessary past edit events and apply them to the new stem in order to comect the anangement.

When user is fully satisfied with the audio file generated they pay a license fee which grants a license under a publishing agreement with conditions. The final audio file is then lEi3oréc downloaded to the users platfonn system in a format specified by the user. Fig. 15 shows a user interface means 11 implementing the download feature which is shown as a selectable "Download “user interface button. The new and unique audio file is available to be downloaded as a file by the user.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the present invention integrated with a back—end accounting application. The systems back end accounting program will record all audio block combinations in a audio file composition and wilt, according to the approach described above. restrict the combination from ever been generated again and so will prevent the musical cue being repeated to another user and not create a replica musicai cue. However it will allow for the generation of similar or related musical cues in order to give continuity to a certain user project such as a game or film. Each audio block carries an identification finger print which traces its origin right back to its original composer. The author of the musical work are deemed by the system to be composers of the respective performance audio blocks used in the unique musical cue composition and the user as he or she was also creatively involved in the composition process through arrangement of audio blocks. In addition the back end accounting program will keep an updated record of all audio block usage and a trace to the composer of origin identity so that correct and due license payment shares can be calculated and paid. In addition these calculations are made by the systems back end accounting program.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the present invention integrated with a computing software application for building a gaming application product. The present invention provides the user with music genre and sound design menus in order to access and stream appropriate audio blocks for the creative generation and manipulation through destructive mixing and editing, for the creation of unique and original musical cues or sound design audio events. in addition this will allow the user to pre determine audio event settings to allow the further manipulation of the audio blocks during game play in real time. So that all sound design and musical events can be affected to cause additional instant original composition generation events both musical and sound design in actual real time game play. all based on predetermined program values set out in the engine by the user Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the present invention integrated as a plug-in or add-on for a digital audio workstation. The purpose of the DAW like interface is to provide the user with music genre and sound design menus in order to access and stream appropriate audio blocks for the creative generation and manipulation through destructive mixing and editing tools for the creation of unique and audio files and sound design audio tracks.

Fig. 19 is a btock diagram showing the present invention integrated with a social network site to provide a streaming social network site interface. For the purpose of website style, the user interface via which members can access and generate content to generate and destructively edit generated original audio files with the sole purpose of adding additional musical and vocal content from an external source in order to achieve an original audio file.

This original song or audio file work is held on the systems social network interface and can be shared with other members of that network. The social network site has a billboard chart with the sole purpose of rating and ranking such original song works publicly to all social network members.

The present invention provides a software application that may be piugged into a host program, such as UNITY or AVlD, which are examples of programs typically used by game developers or film producers.

A music genre or categony is selected by the user from a menu and an audio file offering is automatically generated. The audio tile offering contains a number of audio blocks or stems of instrument performances and is then ready for audition in the game. Some or all audio block content may be replaced through a shuffle button system until the desired content starts to emerge. If. for example. the audio file is not suitable as an arrangement. but the piano audio block sounds ideal. then the user may hold the piano stem. The system Holds the piano stern and regenerates the remaining stems with alternative selections. This process can be repeated. The piano audio block will remain in place while all other audio block elements continue to change until an ideal arrangement of the chosen genre cue is achieved. The system allows for further editing possibilities such as fx and tools for a final mix.

When it is decided by the developer that the soundtrack works to the satisfaction of the game, film score. TV commercial or whatever application is intended then a licence fee and agreement is set out between the system and the developer. This is done on the fly within the system. When the license is paid, a stereo file of the music work is available for download to the devetopers system for final placement in the film, TV program or game. The final audio file is given a registered title by the user and the authors of that music work are lEl30t2e deemed to be, the composers of the audio blocks combined in the audio file and the project developer or user, as they have been creatively involved in the arranged music work. Each audio block carries a unique identifier as a registration number and it is with these identifiers the software restricts this audio combination or anything close from ever recurring thus deeming the piece of music unique and original to that film or game project. The original audio blocks are returned to the collective for use in future unrelated arrangements.

The present invention integrates into mainstream professional game audio development platforms in a familiar and frictionless way. e.g. as a plug-in to Unity3D, Final Cut Pro and the like.

The present inventions wizard—like functions allow a user to quickly search and audition specially—curated audio collections in stem/audio block formats Audio content is optionally delivered via a cloud-based library with a database of meta-data to facilitate intelligent search, shuffle etc.

The present invention provides a range of editlmix functions similar to those used in typical Digital Audio Workstations, allowing the user to easily tweak the production in familiar ways The present invention delivers a rendered audio file to the user and deliver relevant data to the cloud—based "audio accounting" back end to guarantee the audio file productions uniqueness.

Example Use Case A user is doing some game visuals productions in his favourite production environment and wants to do some audio work. The user activates the present invention plug—in and makes initial wizard—driven creative choices based on desired theme, mood, genre etc. The present invention delivers a set of audio files into a DAW-style environment. User auditions various audio block stems. Some work straight away and these are marked "Hold". A shuffle is performed to get new audio andfor an "advanced search" to drill down deeply into the available content. With content choices made, the user previews the audio timeline and makes edits accordingly. with familiar cut/paste. movelstretch actions. The user adjusts Mix levels, panning, sound effects and the like. using familiar actions. When finished, the user executes a "Save & Download" action and receives a rendered audio file to his |E‘i3tH20 16 sessionfdesktop.

The present invention is primarily a user—facing product which delivers core conterrticreative functionality. Optionally it is a plug—in to a mainstream game/video production environment.

The system optionally comprises one or more of: easy to use drag 8. drop interface with familiar paradigms; multiple audio tracks in "stacked" audio waveform display; independent audio controls on each: Level. Mute; Pan. FX etc; wizard-style functionality which allows user to enterlselect from available themes. moods. genres etc and quickly get to audio he can hear; a shuffle function allows for rapid comparison of creative audio options on a per- lrackistem basis; timelinellinear editing tools are provided e.g. Copyrcut/PastelMove so the User can tweak the audio against e.g. a video timeline; audio Mixer functions include typical DAW dials; faders etc as well as real-time sound effects on individual tracksfstems andfor on the overall Stereo Mix; and "0ne-click Render” function allows renders session as flattened audio file and delivers it as a downloadfsave to the user's computer.

The back end is a cloud-based component which drives coment managementfdelivery functions. optionally including one or more of: mature. proven third-party cloud infrastructure chosen to aid rapid application development, eg. Amazon 83; high levels of service guarantee; automatically scales: go from 10 Users and 100 audio files to 1,000 Users and 100,000 audio files automatically and get billed accordingly; stores audio files uploaded by content creators, along with meta—data to facilitate the "intelligent" features e.g. Search, Shuffle, "You might also like” etc; the capturedistored audio meta-data and tagging means to allow the system to ensure that each users audio file set, edits and mix settings are a unique production.

The present invention includes a Content Creator's Utility which allows the creators of content to tag and upload audio files to become available to other users of the system.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciate that additions andlor modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

MACLACHLAN & DONALDSON, Applicant’s Agents, 47 Merrion Square, DUBLIN 2.

Claims (32)

1. A computer implemented method for generating an audio output file, the method comprising using one or more processors and a memory to perform steps of: receiving audio tracks, each audio track created according to audio parameters; separating each audio track into at ieast one selectable audio block, each audio biock comprising audio content from a musical instrument involved in creating the audio track; assigning a unique identifier to each audio block; using the unique identifiers to select audio blocks, and generating an audio output fire by combining the selected audio blocks.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1. in which the step of using the unique identifiers to select audio blocks comprises selecting a combination of audio blocks such that the unique identifiers tor the combination of audio blocks is not located in a record of a storage device indicating that the combination is allowable.

3. The method as ciaimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the step of using the unique identifiers to select audio blocks comprises comparing the unique identifiers of a selection of audio blocks with records in a storage device, such that if a record of a combination of the unique identifiers is tocated then an audio output file is not generated, and if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is not located then the selected audio blocks are combined to generate an audio output file.

4. The method as ciaimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: storing a record of the combination of unique identifiers for the selected audio blocks of the audio file generated in the storage device.

5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. in which each audio block comprises audio content from a single musical instrument. 35 lE130t2o 18

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step of: seiecting audio blocks with the same audio parameters for use in generating the audio output file, each audio block having audio parameters according to the audio track from which the audio block is separated.

7. Y. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step or’; storing the audio blocks in a storage device according to one of; the audio parameters of the audio block and musical instrument.

8. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step of: selecting audio blocks for the audio output file according to user preference data comprising one or more of: music genre. music style and mood data.

9. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: operating a hold module to retain one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means and to interchange at least one of the audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means with a previously unselected audio block according to user preference data.

10. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step of: operating a shuffte module to automatically remove from the audio output file generated one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block setection means and to incorporate into the audio output file an audio block or audio blocks from the storage device having the same audio parameters as the removed audio block or audio blocks.

11. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step of: operating an audio editing and mixing module to modify. refine. adjust, vary andlor change audio characteristics of the audio output file generated.

12. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step of: operating an audio editing and mixing module to modify. refine. adjust. vary and/or change audio characteristics of an audio block in the audio output file generated. 35 lEi30t2o 19

13. The method as ciaimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: importing other instrument performances andtor voice from an externai source for incorporation into the audio output file.

14. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. comprising the step of: operating an audio synchronisation module to synchronise the audio output file with a video file. a stilt image file, andfor a text file.

15. The method as ciaimect in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: storing each audio output fife generated in a storage device for retrieval as an audio track for the generation of additional audio output files.

16. A computer implemented system for generating an audio output file. the system comprising one or more processors and memory comprising program instructions executable by the one or more processors to provide: means for receiving audio tracks. each audio track created according to audio parameters; means for separating each audio track into at least one selectable audio btock. each audio block comprising audio content from a musical instrument involved in creating the audio track; means for assigning a unique identifier to each audio block; means for using the unique identifiers to select a combination of audio btocks. and means for generating an audio output file by combining the selected audio blocks.

17. The system as claimed in Claim 16. in which the means for using the unique identifiers to select audio blocks is configured for selecting a combination of audio blocks such that the unique identifiers for the combination of audio blocks is not located in a record of a storage device indicating that the combination is allowable. 35 $1301

18. The system as claimed in Claim 16 or Claim 1?, in which the means for using the unique identifiers to select audio blocks is configured to compare unique identifiers of a selection of audio blocks with records in a storage device. such that if a record of a combination of the unique identifiers is located then an audio output file is not generated, and if a record of the combination of unique identifiers is not located then the selected audio blocks are combined to generate an audio output file.

19. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 18. comprising means for recording the combination of unique identifiers for audio blocks of the audio file generated in a storage device.

20. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 19, in which each audio block comprises audio content from a single musical instrument.

21. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 20, in which audio blocks with the same audio parameters are selected for use in generating the audio output file. each audio block having audio parameters according to the audio track from which the audio block is separated.

22. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 18 to 21. in which the audio blocks are stored in a storage device according to one of: the audio parameters of the audio block and musical instrument.

23. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 22, in which audio blocks for the audio output file are selected according to user preference data comprising one or more of: music genre, music style and mood data.

24. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 23. comprising a hold module to retain one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means and to interchange at least one of the audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means with a previously unselected audio block according to user preference data.

25. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 24, comprising a shuffle module to automatically remove from the audio output file generated one or more audio blocks selected by the audio block selection means and to incorporate into the audio output file an 10 ' lEi301 audio block or audio blocks from the storage device having the same audio parameters as the removed audio block or audio blocks.

26. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 1.-8 to 25. comprising an audio and mixing editing module operable to modify. refine. adjust. vary andior change audio characteristics of the audio output file generated.

27. 2?. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 26. in which the audio editing and mixing module is operable to modify, refine, adjust, vary andior change audio characteristics of an audio block in an audio output file generated.

28. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 27, means for importing instrument performances andior voice from an external source for incorporation into the audio output file.

29. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 28. comprising an audio synchronisation module to synchronise the audio output file with a video file. a still image file. and/or a text file.

30. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 29. comprising means for storing each audio output file generated in a storage device for retrieval as an audio track forthe generation of additional audio output fites.

31. A computer implemented system for generating an audio output file substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

32. A computer implemented method for generating an audio output file substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. lfizsoggo Amended Claims filed