WO2022109193A1

WO2022109193A1 - System and method for creation of audio snippets

Info

Publication number: WO2022109193A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/059979
Authority: WO
Inventors: Audra GOLD; Jerry BOONSTRA; Justin LABAW-RIVERS
Original assignee: Vurbl Media, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-11-18
Filing date: 2021-11-18
Publication date: 2022-05-27

Abstract

A system and method are provided that present listeners of audio content the ability to create short shareable snippets from existing long-form audio content. The user selects a master audio file for reducing into a snippet and indicates an in point and out point as the boundaries for the new shortened file. The create snippet tool processes the endpoints into a new file with associated metadata which can then be shared across multiple platforms.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATION OF AUDIO SNIPPETS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. App. No. 63/115,457, filed November 18, 2020, which is incorporated by reference .

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for creation of audio snippets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As a general matter, consumers of audio content may have a desire to reduce existing full-length audio content into smaller snippets of content that are more easily shareable online than the original full-length version. Full-length audio content may be less engaging for consumers of the content who lack the time or attention span necessary to listen to the full-length version. As a result, having only a single, full-length version of the content may be less useful for the owner of the content should they choose to consume and share their content.

[0004] For specific content within a full-length master audio file to be effectively stored and shared, consumers of the content may desire a shorter version. A solution to create shorter versions is to “snip” part of the longer audio file, resulting in the generation of a reference to a shorter version of the file within the master audio file. These shorter audio files create individual soundbites, which can be used to increase shareability and virality of targeted audio.

[0005] Most existing editing programs of audio content require a user to be granted access and authorization to download the full-length master audio file on their personal device for editing. For many reasons, the user may not have access or authorization to download the file. Even if the user can gain access to the master file and download the file, they might have to convert the file into multiple formats in order to ensure compatibility with existing audio editing programs within which their edits occur.

[0006] Existing technology allows for some degree of snipping larger audio files to generate shorter audio files. However, current technology often makes edits directly to the master audio file during editing, thus resulting in potential irreparable corruption of the master audio file after an edit. Alternatively, a completely separate, standalone file may be generated for creation of the snippet which has no association with the master file from which it was originated, thus making it difficult to identify the master audio file in the event a listener of the content wished to hear the full-length version.

[0007] Upon generation of a snippet, existing technology requires a multiple step process to share and distribute the content online, often requiring conversion of the audio file to alternative formats required by different platforms. If the user wishes to share the snippet on a social media page, the user must log into each social media account separately and upload the snippet in the appropriate format.

[0008] It should, therefore, be appreciated that there exists a need for a system and method for creation of audio snippets where the user does not have to gain access to download the master audio file to their personal device, the master audio file remains preserved during the editing process of the snippet and the resulting snippet remains directly associated with the master audio file instead of becoming a standalone file. Furthermore, there exists a need for automated sharing of the resulting snippet across multiple platforms upon its creation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Briefly, and in general terms, a user generates a short audio clip as a copy from a longer master audio clip. The resulting short audio clip and its associated metadata is known as a “snippet.” In creating the snippet, the user does not have to download the entire master audio file to their personal device for manipulation. The master audio file remains preserved during and after the editing process of the snippet, which remains directly associated with the master audio file. Snippets contain information indicating the master audio file from which it originated as well as the starting and ending cue points within the master audio file. Each snippet has associated metadata, referenced pages, unique ID, unique URL and an audio detail page. The snippet may be automatically shared across multiple platforms upon its creation.

[0010] More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a user can listen to a master audio file on their client device within an audio player interface. The user may select the snippet icon within the audio player to open an interface in which the user may define an in point and out point on the master audio file as well as input a “Title” and “Description” to generate a shorter, shareable snippet without altering the master audio file.

[0011] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the snippet generation interface includes the ability to select an “in point” and “out point” within the master audio file to designate the snippet length. The user may then preview the snippet within the interface before it is generated. The user enters information into a ““Title”” field and ““Description”” field which will become associated metadata upon creation of the snippet.

[0012] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the snippet will automatically be assigned a unique URL based on a unique identifier upon generation of the snippet by the user and the user will have the option of sharing the snippet across multiple social media platforms. In addition, the user will have the ability to share the snippet as a URL beyond the suggested social media platforms by copying and pasting the generated URL.

[0013] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0014] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: [0016] FIG. 1 is a high-level depiction of the system as used over a digital network with system backend and user devices.

[0017] FIG. 2 is the back end of a system with relevant modules and a database management system.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a system for generating a snippet featuring both front-end and back-end processes in accordance with the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a screenshot of a system application on a client device in accordance with the system of FIG. 1, depicting the “create snippet” interface for a desktop.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a screenshot of a system application on a client device in accordance with the system of FIG. 1, depicting the “create snippet” interface for a mobile device.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a screenshot of a system application on a user interface allowing the snippet to be shared across multiple platforms.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, there is shown a computerized system platform 10 that provides consumers 26 with the means to generate audio snippets. The system platform 10 allows a user to play a master audio file in an audio player, select and label a shortened version of the master audio file as a snippet, listen to the snippet as part of a playlist and share the resulting snippet across multiple platforms. During the process of generating the snippet, the consumer 26 does not have to download the entire master audio file to their personal device for manipulation. The master audio file remains preserved during the editing process of the snippet and the resulting snippet remains directly associated with the master audio file, which allows for the snippet to be used in playlists within the system platform 10.

[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a database management system (DBMS) 12 that maintains detailed data relating to master audio files and their associated snippets. The system 10 further includes modules for performing various tasks related to capturing, analyzing, and presenting data, including an audio player module 14, create snippet module 16, and share snippet module 18. The system 10 gathers data from consumers 26 and data sources 28, e.g. via a digital network 30, e.g., internet, to aid in populating the DBMS 12. The system 10 can be implemented in a variety of applications without departing from the invention.

[0025] With reference now to FIG. 2, there is shown a simplified block diagram of a database management system (DBMS) 12 within the system platform 10. The DBMS maintains detailed data relating to master audio file data 32, snippet identification data 34, and snippet sharing data 36.

Master Audio File Data

[0026] Master Audio File Data 32 includes the original audio file in an audio format with its associated information such as the title, description, and imagery. Data can be provided by a variety of sources e.g., consumer 26, third-party sources 28, or the host audio firm 24. The Master Audio File Data 32 is utilized by the Audio Player Module 14 to enable the consumer 26 to listen to the file. The Master Audio File Data 32 is also used by the Create Snippet Module 16 to generate a snippet as well as the Share Snippet Module 18 when a snippet is shared on a network 30 e.g., the internet. In one particular embodiment, multiple snippets may reference a single master audio file.

Snippet Identification Data

[0027] The create snippet module 16 utilizes information from the snippet identification data 34 in addition to the master audio file data 32 and snippet sharing data 36. The snippet identification data 34 includes a reference to the master audio file 32 as well as a specific in point and out point within the master audio file. In addition, the snippet identification data 34 can include a title and description generated by the consumer 26. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the snippet identification data 34 also includes a first-class identifier which allows for generation of a unique URL. The first-class identifier allows for identification of the snippet internally within the system platform 10 and the unique URL allows for identification of the snippet outside of the system platform 10 e.g. on social media platforms or third-party websites. In yet another particular embodiment of the invention, additional metadata may be added to the snippet identification data 34 to alter the performance of the master audio file without corrupting the master audio file e.g. adding multiple levels of audio quality for the snippet, changing the volume level of the snippet, applying audio effects to the snippet, etc.

Snippet Sharing Data

[0028] Once a snippet has been generated with the create snippet module 16, the share snippet module 18 can utilize the snippet sharing data 36 in order to generate a unique URL and unique identifier for the snippet and give the consumer 26 the option to automatically share the snippet on multiple platforms.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown an exemplary computerized system platform 10 with a front-end process comprising an audio player 40, which a user can select to open a snippet creation overlay 42. Within the snippet creation overlay 46, the user selects the snippets’ in point and out point 48 and enters in a “Title” and “Description” for the snippet. After snippet processing 50 occurs, the share snippet screen 52 will appear and snippet detail page is displayed 54.

[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the computerized system platform 10 includes a back-end process where the system determines whether the selected content is system platform 10 hosted content 60 at the time when a user selects snippet in point and out point and enters in a “Title” and “Description” for the snippet. During snippet processing 50, the snippet becomes a file that is searchable, shareable, and has a unique URL 66. If the snippet has become an individual file, then it is stored as a unique object and indexed for searches and playlists 70 in a database. To acquire transcription data, the snippet is sent to a transcription service 68 which will return the transcription data to augment the metadata 72 of the snippet in the stored snipped database 70. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the system platform 10 generates playlists of audio files for users to listen to. The playlist can feature both master audio files as well as snippets referencing their corresponding master audio files. The system can be implemented in a variety of applications without departing from the invention.

[0031] With reference now to FIG. 4, there is shown a screenshot of a system application on a client device in accordance with the system of FIG. 1, depicting the create snippet interface for a desktop 80. The create snippet interface for a desktop 82 indicates the master audio file title 82 from which a left in point 88 indicated by a left movable slider and a right out point 90 indicated by a right movable slider can be selected. The specific time for the in point 84 and out point 86 within the master audio file that have been selected are indicated beneath the master audio file title 82. The user may listen to a preview of the snippet before it is generated using the preview button 92. The user inputs a “Title” 94 and “Description” 96 for the snippet, which, in the exemplary embodiment, will be associated with the snippet upon generation. Other embodiments may include different or additional information associated with the snippet, e.g., date, time, geolocation, categorization, and/or others.

[0032] With reference now to FIG. 5, there is shown a screenshot of a system application on a client device in accordance with the system of FIG. 1, depicting the create snippet interface for a mobile device 100. The create snippet interface for a mobile device 100 indicates the master audio file title 102 from which a left in point 104 indicated by a left movable slider and right out point 106 indicated by a right movable slider can be selected. The user may listen to a preview of the snippet before it is generated using the preview button 108. The user inputs a “Title” 110 and “Description” 112 for the snippet which will be associated with the snippet upon generation. Other embodiments may include different or additional information associated with the snippet, e.g., date, time, geolocation, categorization, and/or others.

[0033] With reference now to FIG. 6, there is shown a screenshot of a system application on a client device in accordance with the system of FIG. 1, depicting the “share snippet” interface 120. The interface allows for sharing of a generated snippet across multiple platforms 122. The snippet will have a unique URL 124 and associated metadata allowing for additional platform compatibility. In an alternate embodiment, the “share snippet” interface 120 allows the user to select a specific audio format (e.g. MP3, MP4, WAV, etc.) for the snippet with which to share on additional platforms. In yet another alternate embodiment, the associated metadata with the snippet will include a function to convert between a stereo audio file and mono audio file depending on the platform with which the snippet is shared. Audio Player

[0034] Snippets can be created when the user is listening to an audio file in an audio player 40. The audio player reads audio files and plays the audio file for the user. On the audio player 40, there is a snippet icon the user can select to enable snippet creation of the master audio file that is currently being played. The user can select the icon to open the interface for creating a snippet; however, the user must have an account on the system platform 10 and must be logged into the account in order for the snippet creation overlay 46 to be displayed. If the user is not logged into their account, then they will be prompted to sign up or log in to their account 44 before having access to the snippet creation overlay 46 interfaces.

Snippet Creation Overlay for Desktop

[0035] The snippet creation overlay interface for a desktop 80 allows a user to manually enter an in point 84 and out point 86 for the snippet by typing specific times into the selected time code area. Alternatively, the user may adjust a left slider in point 88 and right slider out point 90 by dragging each point to its desired location within the master audio file. Then the user may preview the selected audio range in the overlay by selecting the preview button 92. To generate associated metadata for the newly created snippet, the user must enter in a “Title” 94 as well as a “Description” 96. The “Title” 94 and “Description” 96 fields may each feature suggested words to use which are drawn from the master audio file prior to the user manually entering in a “Title” 94 and “Description” 96. In one particular embodiment, the “Title” 94 and “Description” 96 fields are prepopulated with suggested words which are drawn from the existing system platform 10 metadata database as well as the user’s existing audio library and other user’s audio library.

Snippet Creation Overlay for Mobile

[0036] The snippet creation overlay interface for a mobile device 100 allows a user to adjust a left slider in point 104 and right slider out point 106 by dragging each point to its desired location within the master audio file. Selecting the in point 104 and out point 106 will designate the desired snippet length from the master audio file which is indicated at the bottom of the interface by the master audio file title 102. Then the user may preview the proposed snippet in the overlay by selecting the preview button 108. To generate associated metadata for the newly created snippet, the user must enter in a “Title” 110 as well as a “Description” 112. The “Title” 94 and “Description” 96 fields may each feature suggested words to use which are drawn from the master audio file prior to the user manually entering in a “Title” 94 and “Description” 96.

Snippet Processing

[0037] Snippet processing 50 generates the snippet through the create snippet module 16, drawing from master audio file data 32, snippet identification data 34, and snippet sharing data 36. If a user attempts to snip more than 90% of the audio, the user will not be able to expand the box further and an error message will appear. If the user tries to duplicate the title of an existing snippet, the title will be rejected, and the user will be prompted to generate a unique snippet title.

Share Snippet Screen

[0038] The share snippet screen 120 includes the option for the user to share the snippet that has been created across multiple platforms 122 as well as refer to the snippet on the system platform 10 or link to the snippet on any existing website with a uniquely generated URL 124.

System Overview

[0039] With reference again to FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that data of the DBMS can be combined into different database configurations in other embodiments of this invention. Additional information regarding these databases will be discussed throughout this description. The data stored on the data storage assembly can be read, written, and executed by the various components, servers and modules included in the system.

[0040] Connections between components are shown using lines and single or doublesided arrows, which may be physical, fiber optic, wireless, or any other type of communications link over a network. The network can be any of a variety of conventional network topologies and types (including optical, wired and/or wireless networks), using a variety of conventional network protocols (including public and/or proprietary protocols). The network can include, for example, home networks, cellular networks, corporate networks, Intranet(s), or the Internet, as well as possibly at least portions of one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs) or telephone networks, among others.

[0041] The client devices that may be any of a variety of digital devices, including, for example, and not limited to, a desktop PC, a notebook or portable computer, a workstation, an Internet appliance, a handheld PC, a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a set-top box, or combinations thereof. Other hardware components capable of digitally communicating and interacting with the system can be used without departing from the invention.

[0042] The system 10 is arranged to process data, control data access and storage, issue commands, and control other desired operations, including the various modules individually and collectively (e.g., 14, 16, and 18). The system includes a processor assembly having processing circuitry configured to implement desired programming, as utilized by the modules. For example, processing circuitry (hardware) may be implemented as one or more of a processor and/or other structure configured to execute executable instructions including, for example, software and/or firmware instructions, and/or hardware circuitry. Exemplary embodiments of processing circuitry include hardware logic, state machines, and/or other structures alone or in combination with a processor. Storage circuitry is configured to store programming such as executable code or instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware), electronic data, databases, or other digital information and may include processor-usable media. Processor-usable media may be embodied in any computer program, product(s), or article of manufacture(s) that can contain, store, or maintain programming, data, and/or digital information for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system including processing circuitry in the exemplary embodiment. System capabilities (including processing, data processing, data storage, module features, and others) of the system can be co-located or distributed across a network (including internet) without departing from the invention.

[0043] It will be understood that when components, apparatus, appliance, functions, steps or elements of this invention need to be or may be implemented on a data processing apparatus as a whole, or any individual component thereof described herein, that the apparatus or any individual component as described herein may be utilized within the contemplation of this invention. For instance, if a flowchart as described herein expressly or implicitly requires for example that a processor or storage be utilized, the applicable components described herein may be so utilized even if not specifically recited for that step.

[0044] As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention and variations of elements, steps and system components that may be used, all within the scope of this invention.

[0045] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

[0046] The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A network-based, computer-implemented system for creation of digital audio snippets files, comprising: accessing from at a network-based system, master audio file data; receiving from a client device, a first and second position in a master audio file to generate a shortened audio file without altering the master audio file; accessing data relating to the master audio file and the shortened audio file in a database management system (DBMS) within the network-based system; and effectuating the shortened audio file to a user interface of a client device, providing the ability for the client to share the shortened audio file across a multitude of social media platforms.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of modules for performing various tasks.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein data is gathered from consumers and data sources to populate the DBMS.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the master file is maintained in an original audio format located at an original URL or data storage medium.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a first and second position are selected in the displayed master file waveform to indicate the boundaries of the shortened audio file;

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the shortened audio file has associated metadata contained within the master audio file.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the metadata includes a unique identification data and a unique URL.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification data includes a reference to the master audio file, the first and second position of the shortened audio file within the master audio file, and user inputs.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the URL allows for the shortened audio file to be shared on multiple social media platforms.

10. A method for creation of digital audio snippets files, comprising: receiving, at a network-based system, a master audio file; receiving from a client computing platform a first and second position in the master audio file to generate a shortened audio file without altering the master audio file; accessing data relating to the master audio file and the shortened audio file in a database management system (DBMS) within the network-based system; and effectuating the shortened audio file to a user interface of a client computing platform, providing the ability for the client to share the shortened audio file across a multitude of social media platforms.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein there is a plurality of modules for performing various tasks.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein data is gathered from consumers and data sources to populate the DBMS.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the master file is maintained in an original audio format located at an original URL or data storage medium.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein a first and second position are selected in the displayed master file waveform to indicate the boundaries of the shortened audio file;

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the shortened audio file has associated metadata contained within the master audio file.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the metadata includes a unique identification data and a unique URL.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the identification data includes a reference to the master audio file, the first and second position of the shortened audio file within the master audio file, and user inputs.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the URL allows for the shortened audio file to be shared on multiple social media platforms.

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