Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for enabling a user of digital video editing software to automatically create an emotionally controlled soundtrack that is matched in overall emotion or mood to the scenes in the underlying video work. In the preferred arrangement, the user will be able to control the generation of the soundtrack by positioning emotion tags in the video work that correspond to the general mood of each scene. The subsequent soundtrack generation step will utilize these tags to prepare a musical accompaniment to the video work that generally matches its on-screen activities.

Abstract: There is provided herein an application-oriented backup and restore system, which leads the user through a plurality of different selectable steps to repair specific application errors/problems. The preferred embodiment minimizes the loss of user productivity and because of its easy and accessible layout and presentation it may eliminate the need for tech-support to repair the problem. The average user can initiate the steps, wherein the restore steps are explicitly directed to secure the safe storage of user created documents and files.

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 automatically creating digital video works within a remote server based on digital image content contained in a user's camera cell phone or attached memory card. In the preferred arrangement, the cell phone owner will begin by selecting digital content (e.g., still images and/or video clips) that is to appear in the video work. Optionally, the user will also select a video theme or style that is to be given to the video. The details of the user's choices and the selected video images will be sent to a remote server where the video work will be automatically created. The completed video will then be transmitted back to the user for viewing on his or her own cell phone, thereby creating a custom video work without requiring interaction with a desktop or laptop personal computer.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method that allows a user to automatically generate similarity playlists of digital media files on portable devices and, preferably, on devices having minimal computing power. The digital media files will preferably be analyzed with respect to their musical characteristics on a PC and a similarity value will be generated as a result. The similarity value will preferably be stored in a music attribute file on the personal computer. The media files and the music attribute file will be transferred to the portable music playing device. On that portable device a similarity playlist for a each digital media file will be created by comparing the similarity value of the selected song with the similarity value of the stored digital media files and selecting the digital media files that are most similar to the selected digital media file.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for automatically creating a multi-version/hybrid storage medium for storage of a plurality of different output versions from digital high definition source material on one storage medium. In the preferred embodiment, the instant invention will create the storage medium without the interaction of the user and will additionally ensure that the specific output versions are created with the best possible quality.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for creating and storing encrypted digital media files that are compatible with a base audio work and that provide the artist some degree of control over how the encrypted files are used. The encrypted files will preferably be stored on an audio CD along with conventional/unencrypted audio in such a fashion that the user will be able to immediately play the audio material. Preferably, the encrypted information will include auxiliary audio information such as additional music tracks, remixes of some of the songs, and other materials that allow a user to create remixes. Additionally, the creator of the encrypted material will be able to specify rules that define how the user can use the encrypted information. Preferably, the encrypted information will be created by the artist during the creation of the CD's unprotected audio content.

Abstract: According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a system and method for supplementing a multimedia work with content from the Internet. The instant method utilizes a combined multimedia editing and browsing functionality in one multimedia editing program. The instant invention will make it possible for casual users to be able to extract multimedia data from a website and include that data in a project. Multimedia content that is not supported by the editing component will be automatically converted to a format that is supported.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for automatically aligning audio and video tracks of a multimedia work, wherein in one preferred embodiment change points or “markers” are located in the accompanying audio work and then transitions are constructed around “breaks” or discontinuities in the video work to match the audio markers. This produces the impression that the audio and video tracks are in synchronization. In another preferred embodiment, video clips around the audio markers are shortened or lengthened according to predetermined rules to cause the video work to be aligned with the audio work.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for creating a digital representation of personal events enhanced with related global content. Personal event frameworks are selectable by the user and are provided with insertion points to receive media items therein and are structured to complement type of personal event. Media items are automatically reformatted as necessary. The instant invention allows the user to enhance the event framework by inserting related global content, wherein global content stands for media items matching either the date, location or event type. The additional content is provided from local sources or over the Internet.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for content sharing over the Internet, wherein the user creates visual representations of specific content share sections and, by graphically accessing and interacting with these visual representations, the user is able to quickly, efficiently and easily create multi-user content sharing environments, thereby still retaining full control over all specific shares. With this graphical approach the accessibility and understanding of the user regarding content sharing over the Internet is enhanced, therewith allowing even the casual user of computers to initiate content sharing.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for creating automated content dependent procedures in an online environment, wherein the user will be able to create graphical objects representing a collection of operations and desired online services, wherein both the editing operations and desired online services are associated with a specific type file, preferably a file type of a data file. The process is based on selection of a file type by the user and is illustrated to the user by a graphical user interface containing the content dependent information. With this approach the user will be able to create automated procedures for processing of computer file types.

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 application-oriented backup and restore system, which leads the user through a plurality of different selectable steps to repair specific application errors/problems. The preferred embodiment minimizes the loss of user productivity and because of its easy and accessible layout and presentation it may eliminate the need for tech-support to repair the problem. The average user can initiate the steps, wherein the restore steps are explicitly directed to secure the safe storage of user created documents and files.

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.