Patents by Inventor Nicholas M. Kruge

Nicholas M. Kruge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11670270
    Abstract: Embodiments described provide a method for mixing vocal performances from different vocalists. A vocal score temporally synchronized with a corresponding backing track and lyrics is retrieved via a communications interface of a portable computing device. A first vocal performance of a user is captured, via a microphone interface of the portable computing device, and in correspondence with the backing track. An open call indication for soliciting, from a second vocalist, a second vocal performance to be mixed for audible rendering with the first vocal performance is transmitted. A mix to one of the user and the second vocalist is provided by selecting, based on to whom the mix is provided, the mix from alternative mixes each having a different prominent vocal performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20220262404
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a computing pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Parag P. CHORDIA, Perry R. COOK, Mark T. GODFREY, Prerna GUPTA, Nicholas M. KRUGE, Randal J. LEISTIKOW, Alexander M.D. RAE, Ian S. SIMON
  • Patent number: 11264058
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a computing pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag P. Chordia, Perry R. Cook, Mark T. Godfrey, Prerna Gupta, Nicholas M. Kruge, Randal J. Leistikow, Alexander M. D. Rae, Ian S. Simon
  • Publication number: 20210248985
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Patent number: 10930256
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20200294550
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a computing pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Parag P. Chordia, Perry R. Cook, Mark T. Godfrey, Prerna Gupta, Nicholas M. Kruge, Randal J. Leistikow, Alexander M.D. Rae, Ian S. Simon
  • Patent number: 10607650
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a computing pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag P. Chordia, Perry R. Cook, Mark T. Godfrey, Prerna Gupta, Nicholas M. Kruge, Randal J. Leistikow, Alexander M. D. Rae, Ian S. Simon
  • Publication number: 20190266987
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Patent number: 10229662
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20170301329
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20170125057
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a computing pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Parag P. Chordia, Perry R. Cook, Mark T. Godfrey, Prerna Gupta, Nicholas M. Kruge, Randal J. Leistikow, Alexander M.D. Rae, Ian S. Simon
  • Patent number: 9601127
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook
  • Patent number: 9459768
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a computing pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag P. Chordia, Perry R. Cook, Mark T. Godfrey, Prerna Gupta, Nicholas M. Kruge, Randal J. Leistikow, Alexander M. D. Rae, Ian S. Simon
  • Publication number: 20150279427
    Abstract: A generally diverse set of audiovisual clips is sourced from one or more repositories for use in preparing a coordinated audiovisual work. In some cases, audiovisual clips are retrieved using tags such as user-assigned hashtags or metadata. Pre-existing associations of such tags can be used as hints that certain audiovisual clips are likely to share correspondence with an audio signal encoding of a particular song or other audio baseline. Clips are evaluated for computationally determined correspondence with an audio baseline track. In general, comparisons of audio power spectra, of rhythmic features, tempo, pitch sequences and other extracted audio features may be used to establish correspondence. For clips exhibiting a desired level of correspondence, computationally determined temporal alignments of individual clips with the baseline audio track are used to prepare a coordinated audiovisual work that mixes the selected audiovisual clips with the audio track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mark T. Godfrey, Turner Evan Kirk, Ian S. Simon, Nicholas M. Kruge
  • Publication number: 20140229831
    Abstract: Coordinated audio and video filter pairs are applied to enhance artistic and emotional content of audiovisual performances. Such filter pairs, when applied in audio and video processing pipelines of an audiovisual application hosted on a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone or media player, a compute pad or tablet, a game controller or a personal digital assistant or book reader) can allow user selection of effects that enhance both audio and video coordinated therewith. Coordinated audio and video are captured, filtered and rendered at the portable computing device using camera and microphone interfaces, using digital signal processing software executable on a processor and using storage, speaker and display devices of, or interoperable with, the device. By providing audiovisual capture and personalization on an intimate handheld device, social interactions and postings of a type made popular by modern social networking platforms can now be extended to audiovisual content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag P. Chordia, Perry R. Cook, Mark T. Godfrey, Prerna Gupta, Nicholas M. Kruge, Randal J. Leistikow, Alexander M.D. Rae, Ian S. Simon
  • Publication number: 20140039883
    Abstract: Vocal musical performances may be captured and, in some cases or embodiments, pitch-corrected and/or processed in accord with a user selectable vocal effects schedule for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at the mobile device in accord with pitch correction settings. Vocal effects schedules may also be selectively applied to such performances. In these ways, even amateur user/performers with imperfect pitch are encouraged to take a shot at “stardom” and/or take part in a game play, social network or vocal achievement application architecture that facilitates musical collaboration on a global scale and/or, in some cases or embodiments, to initiate revenue generating in-application transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Smule, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeannie Yang, Nicholas M. Kruge, Gregory C. Thompson, Perry R. Cook