Embedding Audio Processing Settings in WAV Files

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio processing workflows lack a method to effectively store and share the settings used to create specific sounds, leading to difficulties in recreating sounds for overdubbing and sharing audio processing configurations between composers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating audio processing effects metadata directly into audio files, allowing settings to be stored and retrieved alongside the audio data, enabling seamless recreation and sharing of sounds across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual note-taking or device presets are used to record settings, then some settings can be saved, but the settings are not reliably linked to the audio file and may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesettings preservationVSAvoidsettings data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the audio data and settings data into a single integrated audio file structure. The settings data is embedded within the audio file as metadata, creating a unified structure where both the audio content and the processing settings coexist in one file, eliminating the risk of separation or loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a complete digital copy of the settings state and embeds it within the audio file. This copied settings information is stored in a structured format that can be automatically retrieved and applied, ensuring exact reproduction of the original audio processing configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If composers attempt to recreate sounds from scratch, then they can achieve the desired sound, but significant time is lost in the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound recreation accuracyVSAvoidrecreation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically capturing and storing the exact settings state at the moment audio processing is completed. This pre-saved settings information is immediately available for retrieval, eliminating the need for time-consuming recreation efforts while ensuring precise sound reproduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the settings data is automatically extracted from the audio processing device and fed back into the audio file structure. This automated feedback loop ensures that the settings information is accurately captured and preserved without manual intervention, enabling rapid and precise sound recreation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If processed audio is shared, then the audio file can be transferred, but the precise settings and controls used to create the audio cannot be shared

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio sharing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the settings data with the audio data into a single transferable unit. By embedding the settings as metadata within the audio file structure, both the processed audio and the processing configuration are packaged together, allowing complete sharing of both elements through a single file transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8793005B2Embedding audio device settings within audio files
Publication Date: 2014.07.29 AVID TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US8793005B2 patent drawing
  • US8793005B2 patent drawing
  • US8793005B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of representing, recreating, and editing an audio composition involving: receiving at a digital audio workstation audio data that has been processed by an audio processing device; receiving at the digital audio workstation a set of metadata specifying a value for each of a plurality of settings of the audio processing device that define the state of the corresponding setting of the audio processing device when raw audio data received by the audio processing device was processed to generate the processed audio data; and storing the received processed audio data and the received set of metadata in an audio file, wherein the processed audio data is designated as audio information and the metadata is designated as settings data. The settings may be stored in a WAV or AIFF audio file, and may be retrieved, parsed, and applied to restore the audio processing device to the state corresponding to the retrieved audio.