Non-linear Audio Object Arrangement Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital audio workstations (DAWs) employ outdated and cumbersome user interfaces that hinder non-technical musicians from participating in computer-based music creation, requiring constant switching between creative and logical activities, which disrupts the creative flow.
Innovation Solution
A non-linear computer-based music creation system that allows audio objects to be displayed and manipulated on a flexible interface, enabling users to create, combine, and arrange audio objects without static timelines, using features like multi-clip objects, snapping, and cued playback to enhance creative flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional linear interfaces (timelines, tracks-and-lanes) are used in DAWs, then precise time-based control and playback accuracy are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome user interface and disruption of creative flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear one-dimensional timeline interface to a two-dimensional grid-based arrangement interface. Musical ideas are represented as objects that can be positioned both horizontally (time) and vertically (track), allowing users to manipulate audio clips in a more intuitive spatial arrangement rather than being constrained to a single linear timeline, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining playback accuracy through the object-oriented system's temporal positioning capabilities
2Manufacturing precision
If static linear timeline interfaces are used, then precise temporal arrangement is improved, but creative flow deteriorates due to constant switching between creative and logical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the grid arrangement can be freely manipulated without rigid temporal constraints. Users can drag and drop audio objects to any position on the grid, and the system automatically adjusts timing and synchronization. This dynamic flexibility allows creative ideas to emerge naturally without the disruption of switching between creative mode and logical timeline adjustment, while still maintaining precise temporal arrangement through the system's automated timing engine
3Ease of operation
If object-oriented arrangement is used, then ease of operation is improved by mimicking cognitive process, but device complexity increases due to non-linear interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the music creation process into discrete, manageable units called audio objects, each representing a specific musical idea or clip. These segmented objects can be independently manipulated, arranged, and edited on the grid without affecting the entire composition. This segmentation simplifies the interface by breaking down complex musical arrangement tasks into smaller, more intuitive operations, making the system easier to use despite the non-linear interface paradigm
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method for playing a plurality of audio objects is provided. The method includes displaying the plurality of audio objects on a display, each audio object being displayed at a location having a horizontal component and a vertical component, wherein the location of each audio object is changeable by a user.