Abstract: A system and method for automatically generating a composed audio output sequence of a prescribed, utilizing a unique marker syntax that provides compatibility with MIDI standards and permits musical integrity preservation during automatic audio output sequence generation.

Abstract: Segments or blocks of a file can be distributed among an number n of storage units by using a function of sequentially assigned segment identifiers for each segment, where the function is reduced modulo n, so long as the function is not congruent to segment identifier, modulo n, for any given segment identifier. An example of such a function, where n is the number of storage units and k is a segment identifier, is f(k)=ak+b, where a is relatively prime to n. Such a function can be computed quickly for any given segment. As the list of storage units changes, data may be redistributed using a new mapping of segments to storage units. Any new mapping can be restricted so that segments only move to a new storage unit or from an old storage unit, and not from one existing storage unit to another. In this way, the amount of data to be moved is limited. A chain of the lists of available storage units, as that list changes over time, is maintained to permit the history of file mappings to be recreated.

Abstract: An audiovisual editing system that permits a journalist and other editors to edit both audiovisual and corresponding text segments included in a story. The data structure representing a story includes a list of media segments and a list of corresponding text segments. Each media segment has a type, such as script, SOT and voice, and includes a list of video clips. Each SOT segment or voice segment includes a list of timing control elements that determine the length of a media segment. The difference in the duration of the audiovisual material and the duration of the related text may be displayed to the editor, making it easier for the editor to match video to a script. Similarly, the duration of voice and SOT clips can be displayed to the editor, making it easier for the editor to match the video to the audio.

Abstract: A moving picture recording device includes a random-access, computer-readable and writable storage medium to provide non-linear access to recorded clips. The device provides digital capture of both video and audio information. Multiple data paths are provided to allow recording to and playback from the storage medium. Lists are maintained to manage recorded clips and edited events. An outtake list of deleted clips is also maintained. An event list includes a list of video events including clips from the storage medium as well as other video sources including a camera or external video. With switching circuitry, recorded clips can be viewed during editing while live images are output to a program output. An editing interface includes dedicated keys for performing standard recording functions as well as a display with associated input keys having adaptive functions. The textual display indicates the function currently associated with the input key.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of synchronizing a musical score with a source of time-based information. The method comprises deriving a mapping between rhythmic positions associated with the musical score and a reference time base; and synchronizing the musical score and the source of time-based information using the derived mapping. The synchronization method can be used to synchronize the playback of a score with another source, such as a video clip.

Abstract: In a live audio presentation system, a stage rack and a front of house rack are interconnected by a transmission medium that transmits digital audio data and control information between them. Packets of digital audio data and control information are sent at the audio sampling rate. The packets of data are encoded using an encoding technique that provides unique codes that may be detected, thus enabling clock recovery of a clock signal embedded in the data packets. Data packets may include data for error checking. A serial digital transmission medium may be used as the transmission medium. Such a transmission medium uses low voltage signals and supports high bit rates. The system is synchronized by the FOH rack which transmits data to the stage rack according to a local audio sample clock or an external audio sample clock to which it synchronizes. This clock is embedded in data packets sent to the stage rack.

Abstract: A control surface has a network connection for connecting to a host computer and has an address and an input for communicating data with the host computer. The network interface processes packets received from the host computer. Packets received include a first type and a second type, and the type is indicated by data in the packet. Upon receipt of a packet of the first type an acknowledgment packet is sent. Upon receipt of a packet of the second type, an acknowledgment packet is not sent. The packets of the second type include at least status information for a plurality of meters in the audio control surface. The status of the meters on the audio control surface is overwritten with the status information provided in any packets of the second type.

Abstract: High quality intraframe-only compression of video can be achieved using rate distortion optimization and without resizing or bit depth modification. The compression process involves transforming portions of the image to generate frequency domain coefficients for each portion. A bit rate for each transformed portion using a plurality of scale factors is determined. Distortion for each portion is estimated according to the plurality of scale factors. A scale factor is selected for each portion to minimize the total distortion in the image to achieve a desired bit rate. A quantization matrix is selected according to the desired bit rate. The frequency domain coefficients for each portion are quantized using the selected plurality of quantizers as scaled by the selected scale factor for the portion. The quantized frequency domain coefficients are encoded using a variable length encoding to provide compressed data for each of the defined portions.

Abstract: An authoring tool has a graphical user interface enabling interactive authoring of a multimedia presentation including temporal and nontemporal media. The graphical user interface enables specification of the temporal and spatial relationships among the media and playback of the presentation with the specified temporal and spatial relationships. The spatial and temporal relationships among the media may be changed independently of each other. The presentation may be viewed interactively under the control of the author during the authoring process without encoding the audio and video data into a streaming media data file for combination with the other media, simulating behavior of a browser that would receive a streaming media data file. The multimedia presentation may include elements that initiate playback of the presentation from a specified point in time. After authoring of the presentation is completed, the authoring tool assists in encoding and transferring the presentation for distribution.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for transferring large data files over parallel connections. A file can be transferred between a first application operating on a first system and a second application operating on a second system. A plurality of connections are established between the first application and the second application. A send buffer is created to store N segments of the file at the first system, N being an integer greater than one. The N segments of the file are read into the send buffer. Each segment in the buffer is sent on a corresponding connection among the plurality of connections for delivery to the second application. The number of connections can be selected by a user.

Abstract: A control surface for an audio processing system that performs surround sound panning includes a touchscreen in combination with one or more other input devices. The touchscreen displays the position and movement of sound according to inputs from the various input devices or from recorded control information. An operator can input position information through the touchscreen or through one or more other input devices. The control surface may include two complete, separate panning sections. Each panning section may include the touchscreen, input devices, and switches. The touchscreen may also provide switches that change function based on the state of the other switches in the panning section. The separate panning sections can be linked together, for example to process stereo tracks. An “autoglide” operation enables an operator to move the location of a sound along a fixed path between a start location and a destination location over a time period set by the operator.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed to minimize inefficiencies for local area users to share and access data. A local proxy server operates in conjunction with a central server. Local area users can post or store (“store”) data, e.g., media data, on the local proxy server in order for the data to be accessed locally. The local proxy server can also store the data from the local area users on a central server. Additionally, the local proxy server can copy data being stored on the central server for local access by the local area users. In this manner, local area users can utilize the benefits (e.g., higher bandwidth and faster download speed) of storing and accessing media data to and from a local area source (i.e., the local proxy server).

Abstract: A device and method for electronic data conversion is provided. Data according to IEEE 1394 format and protocol is received and converted to USB format and protocol and supplied to a system configured to receive data according to USB format and protocol.