Separated Audio Track Editing With Metadata Remix Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio technologies allow end users to excessively modify mixed audio productions, which can compromise the integrity and quality of the original music, and may lead to unauthorized use of separated audio tracks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that provide an audio file with discrete tracks, allowing users to separate and remix these tracks while setting limits on the extent of alteration, ensuring that the remixing does not exceed predefined limits set by the music producer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If end users are allowed to separate and remix audio tracks freely, then user flexibility and interactivity are improved, but the integrity and quality of the original music production deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibility in remixingVSAvoidintegrity of original music
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the degree of user control over audio tracks based on metadata-defined parameters. Users can interactively remix tracks within dynamically set boundaries that preserve the integrity of the original production while allowing flexibility in permitted ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter space available to users by defining minimum and maximum values for track adjustments. Metadata specifies parameter ranges (e.g., volume adjustments between -6dB to +6dB, panning limits) that constrain user modifications while maintaining original production quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If end users can separate audio tracks without limits, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful effects such as unauthorized use and quality degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of track separationVSAvoidunauthorized use and quality degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by embedding metadata in the audio file that pre-defines separation parameters and usage limits before the user performs any remixing operations. This preliminary configuration ensures that ease of operation is maintained while harmful effects are prevented through pre-established constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Metadata acts as an intermediary between the original music production and user remixing operations. It mediates the interaction by carrying information about permitted separations, adjustments, and limitations, allowing easy user operation while preventing unauthorized use and quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complete control over track alteration is given to users, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information about the original production intent increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over editingVSAvoidoriginal production intent
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses metadata as feedback information that continuously guides user remixing operations. The metadata provides feedback about the original production intent, track separation quality, and permitted modification ranges, ensuring users can adapt their mixes while preserving the original artistic vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3520105B1Method of editing audio signals using separated objects and associated apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3520105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method comprises providing an audio file comprising two or more discrete tracks;separating the two or more discrete tracks; setting a limit on an amount at least one of the two or more discrete tracks may be altered; and outputting the separated and limited discrete tracks as a file for use by an end user.