System for generating an output file

Abstract

A system for creating an output comprises a processing unit, a user input module operably connected to the processing unit, and a video monitor operably connected to the processing unit. The processing unit provides on the video monitor: a grid image comprising multiple cells, each cell representing a duration of time; and a selection area comprising multiple select icons, each select icon representing a source data file. The processing unit is configured such that a user can create a grid layout representing the correlation between individual selected source data files and one or more of the multiple cells. The processing unit produces the output based on the correlation.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of creating an output file, the method comprising:
 providing a graphical user interface to a user, the graphical user interface comprising:
 a grid image comprising multiple cells, each cell representing a duration of time; and 
 a selection area comprising multiple select icons, each select icon representing a source data file; 
   creating a grid layout with the graphical user interface, wherein the grid layout represents a correlation between individual selected source data files and one or more of the multiple cells; and   generating an output file based on the correlation.   
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising providing a preview output based on the correlation. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the providing of the preview output comprises mastering a cumulative set of selected source data files. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the mastering of the cumulative set of selected source data files comprises a process selected from the group consisting of: summing, combining, manipulating, processing, mastering, equalizing, compressing, filtering, delaying, adding reverb, adding harmonic excitement, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the mastering of the cumulative set of selected source data files is configured to be adjusted by the user. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the mastering comprises a predefined mastering process. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the method is configured to prevent the user from saving the preview output. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the preview output is provided with an audio overlay. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , further comprising removing the audio overlay upon purchase of the output file. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising associating a source data file with a cell when the user drags and drops the associated select icon into the cell. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the icon is configured to be dragged from the selection area to the cell. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising providing cost information related to the selected source data files and/or the output. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising dynamically adjusting the cost information as content of the grid layout changes. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising adjusting the cost information based on one or more of: a length associated with the output, one or more source data files included in the output, and a cost reduction associated with the user. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising displaying the cost information on a video monitor prior to purchase of the output by the user.