Abstract: A system and method for enhancing song-to-song transitions in a multi-channel audio environment, preferably a surround environment. In the inventive method, by independently manipulating the volumes of the various channels of each program during transitions, an illusion of motion is imparted to the program which is ending to create an impression that the song is exiting while motion is imparted to the program which is starting to create an impression that the song is entering. Optionally delay may be used to further enhance the effect. In a preferred system, each audio channel includes inputs for both the ending and starting programs, independent volume controls for each program. In one preferred embodiment, the system further includes a means for imparting delay to each program and volume control for the delayed audio to provide greater depth to the illusion of motion.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for the creation of customized applications for mobile computing devices which will allow a user to incorporate selected media items into a preexisting program, thereby customizing it for execution on his or her own brand and model of device (e.g., cell phone). In one preferred embodiment, the media items will be resident on the user's phone and will be selected and transmitted to a remote computer for assembly into a customized application. The customized application will then be transmitted back to the user's phone for execution and viewing/hearing of the embedded media items. In another preferred embodiment, the media items will be resident on a remote computer where they will be selected by the user for incorporation into the customized program. The resulting program will then be transmitted to the user's designated device for execution.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for dynamically creating and/or joining multi-user text communication groups, wherein the user is not restricted to the technical limitations of standard communications protocols and wherein the user is able to create and/or join this multi-user group without a need for elaborate installation or configuration steps. The system and method will primarily be intended for the market of mobile devices and the instant disclosure is generally directed to users who have modern mobile devices that feature support for the Bluetooth communication protocol or have support for Wi-Fi technology and that furthermore allow the user to use that communication protocol/technology for communications with other users.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for enabling a digital photo device to create pictures that contain live images that have been combined with predefined templates in real time, wherein the user selects graphical or effect templates which have been provided by the software developer. Preferably the combination of the templates and subject image will be displayed in real-time so that the user will know exactly how the final product will appear before the image is captured. Preferably, a preview screen will be used to display the combined templates/subject image in real time and the final digital image is similarly captured, calculated, and stored in real time.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for adapting high resolution input material to display specifications of a particular display device, thereby ensuring that the high quality of the input material is preserved as best as possible in the final video work. The instant invention is an improvement over traditional media editing programs, in that controls are provided to ensure the quality of the final product. Additionally specific movement effects selectable when working with still images are also separately monitored by the instant invention to ensure an efficient application of these effects, thereby preserving the visual quality of the material.

Abstract: There is provided herein an invention that utilizes a themed template which is designed to assist novice video editors quickly compose a complete video work which memorializes a particular familiar occasion, such as, for example, a birthday, a wedding, a trip to the theme park, etc. The template for each such occasion will be customized with predefined cells that are annotated with descriptions of events that might occur during said occasions. A user will be able to drop his or her own video and/or audio clips taken at the occasions into the cells and, if this is done according to the annotations, thereby create a complete video work that memorializes the selected occasion.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for implementing a track-specific CPU load meter or a similar track-specific indication of CPU performance in a multi-track multimedia-editing environment. The instant invention is preferably presented to the user in the form of a real time meter for use in multi-track multimedia editing applications, wherein the CPU usage associated with sounding/playing each track will be separately displayed in near or actual real time as the musical work is performed. The system allows the user to instantly determine the CPU load for each particular track of the multi-track environment of the underlying application and therefore allows the user to more quickly identify potential problems in the multi-track arrangement and playback of the multimedia work.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for generating music on multiple cell phones or other mobile computing devices, wherein two or more users (to include a user and a computer) acting together may create a joint musical work. The instant methods enable multiple users to create music in a synchronized fashion by using their cell phones or other portable electronic devices as musical instruments. The instant invention has been made possible because of the enhanced processor power within mobile electronic devices and has the potential to create added value in such devices by assisting users in exploiting multimedia features of their cell phones.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method of defining and storing remixing of existing musical and video works. As a first step, various segments of a digital song or video work are identified, preferably in terms of their starting and ending times. Given the defined loops or video clips, the user next forms a remix of the selected song/video work using those components. The final product, i.e., the resulting remix, can then be completely specified in terms of the loop/clip definitions together with the time at which each of the defined loops/clips appears in the final mix. The remix can thus be compactly stored as a computer file.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method of defining and storing remixing of existing musical and video works. As a first step, various segments of a digital song or video work are identified, preferably in terms of their starting and ending times. Given the defined loops or video clips, the user next forms a remix of the selected song/video work using those components. The final product, i.e., the resulting remix, can then be completely specified in terms of the loop/clip definitions together with the time at which each of the defined loops/clips appears in the final mix. The remix can thus be compactly stored as a computer file.