DE10297460B4 - A system for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device and method, computer readable medium, and associated interface device - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (100) for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 102 for display to a user that allows the user to play a musical instrument 112 in conjunction with the multimedia presentation, the system comprising: a Server 104 for transmitting a session file 539 to the computing device 102 via a computer network 105 in response to selection of a piece of music by a user, wherein the session file 539 is associated with the selected piece of music and the session file 539 is an audio file and containing multimedia data such that the computing device 102 processes the session file 539 to present the multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user; and an interface device 106 connected to the user's computing device 102 and musical instrument 112, wherein the interface device 106 comprises an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter and serves to communicate the musical instrument 112 with such Computing device 102 that an analog audio signal is digitized and transmitted to the computing device 102 from the musical instrument 112 when the user plays the musical instrument 112, wherein the computing device 102, a control panel graphic interface 600 with an amplifier 604 for the musical instrument 112 is displayable, with the ...

Description

BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device for display to a user. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a user so that the user can play a musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Software packages using digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms have been developed to allow computer users to create and edit music. Further, the development of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard protocol has enabled the exchange of music information between musical instruments, synthesizers, and computers. The MIDI protocol defines the codes of a musical event involving the use of a note, its pitch, upbeat, volume, and musical characteristics, such as pitch. B. specify vibrato. A computer with a midi interface can be used to record a musical session, but instead of recording the analog sound waves, as in a tape recorder, the calculator stores the music as keystrokes and control codes. The recording can then be edited using a software package in a completely different manner than in conventional recording; for example, the rhythm can be changed by editing the time codes in the midi messages. As another example, the computing device may easily transpose a performance from one key to another. The variety of processing of a midi recording is virtually unlimited.

Further, certain software programs have been developed with and without the use of MIDI to allow the user to use his computing device to make music, where a musical instrument (e.g., a keyboard or guitar) is coupled into its computing device. In general, the analog audio signal from the musical instrument is subjected to analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion (for example, by a sound card in the computer) and the digital version of the audio signal can then be digitally processed by the computer be subjected to be changed by a computer program. This change may take place under the control of the user (for example, for music editing) or in a predetermined manner by the software program. The digitally altered signal may then be converted back to the analog form for playback to the user (for example, digital to analog (D / A) conversion). For example, a user playing a guitar hooked into his or her computer could choose to digitally alter the guitar audio signal so that it is distorted.

The WO0146829 (A1) discloses a server that provides files over a network. A user can retrieve the files using a client and play the retrieved files on a musical instrument.

The DE 694 27 873 T2 discloses a microprocessor-assisted musical instrument having an exciter that generates a plurality of excitation signals in response to the user's play, an audio synthesizer, a memory storing a score, a video display unit, and a digital processing device.

The US 5,583,308 A discloses an automated system for learning a musical instrument which stores audio data for a musical instrument in a machine-readable form. Sounds played with the musical instrument to be learned are converted into audio data and mixed with the stored audio data. The resulting auto-data, for example, be spun on a conventional CD-ROM. The GB 2 354 095 A discloses a server which is bi-directionally connected to a user and provides audio signals thereto. If the user determines that he would like to receive the audio signals permanently, he tells the server, whereupon he provides the audio signals in a storable, with a user-specific code.

Unfortunately, with all the benefits of digital signal processing that allow the user to use their computers to create and edit music, computers are still not properly used in a way to make it easier for the user to learn to play music successfully.

Further, at present, users do not have quick and easy access to a wide range of musical choices that they want to learn from.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a multimedia Presenting an audio file to a computing device for display to a user and further allowing the user to play a musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation.

In a first embodiment, in response to a user selecting a piece of music at a computing device, a server transmits a session file associated with the music piece to the computing device via a computer network. The session file contains an audio file and multimedia data so that the computing device can process the session file to present to the user a multimedia presentation of the audio file. An interface device comprising an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter is coupled to the user's computing device and musical instrument. The interface device couples the musical instrument to the computing device so that the user can play the musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file. Thus, users are provided with easy and fast access to a wide variety of songs that they can download from a server, and the user can play music with the downloaded tune presented in order to facilitate learning in a multimedia presentation format.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention, wherein:

1 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary system for delivering a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device; FIG.

2 A conventional data processing or computer system usable with embodiments of the present invention.

2 B a conventional structure of the conventional data processing or computer system 2a shows.

3a a top view of an interface device shows.

3b shows a front view of an interface device.

3c shows a rear view of an interface device.

3d shows a schematic view of the internal components of the interface device,

4 a block diagram illustrating a more detailed view of the example system for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 1 showing commonly used software modules are shown.

5a FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a multimedia presentation to a user; FIG.

5b a flowchart showing a method for providing a sound for a user.

5c FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of providing a piece of music to a user; FIG.

5d shows a diagram showing the contents of a session file.

6a shows a screen view particularly illustrating the control panel graphic interface for a guitar (for example, for the embodiment where the musical instrument is a guitar),

6b a screen view shows which the user is displayed on successful logon to the server.

6c a screen view of the display, which is displayed to the user after selecting a piece of music (for example, a Jamtracks), and in particular a multimedia presentation (for example, with music notation) for the selected piece of music, so that the user his or her guitar can play in conjunction with the multimedia presentation,

7a shows a security system

7b shows the associated safety components of the safety device used in the safety system,

8a FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process (operation) for the server for authorizing the security device; FIG.

8b FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for the security device to respond to an authorization request from the server; FIG.

8c FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for the server to update the security device with the current date and time Update the expiration date of the subscription rights,

8d FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for the server to unlock the memory of the security device. FIG.

8e FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for the security device to update the current date received by the server and the authorization expiration date (authorization expiration date); FIG.

8f FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for the server to lock the non-volatile memory of the security device storage of the security device; FIG.

8g FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for the security device to lock the security device memory. FIG.

8h FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for the computing device to update the current date at the safety device. FIG.

8i FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for the security device to update the current date and time received by the computing device. FIG.

9 shows an example of a secure value delivery system,

10a Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process for the encrypting value server;

10b FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for the server to provide values; FIG.

10c FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process in which the calculator performs functions of extracting a value key from the security device; FIG.

10d FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation wherein the calculator performs the function of decrypting a value; FIG.

10e FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the security device extracts the value key.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, these details are included to facilitate the understanding of the invention and to describe example embodiments for implementing the invention. Such details should not be used to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described, as other modifications and embodiments are possible while remaining within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, although numerous details are set forth to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the present invention. On other occasions, details such as known methods, data types, protocols, procedures, components, network equipment, operations, interfaces, electrical structures, circuits, etc. have not been described in detail or shown in block diagram form, not to the present invention to disguise or make unclear. Further, aspects of the invention are described in particular embodiments, but may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, or a combination thereof.

It will be up now 1 Referenced. 1 shows a block diagram with an example system 100 for delivering a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 102 , One or more servers 104 are with the computing device 102 over a computer network (for example, the Internet) 105 coupled. In one embodiment, the server transmits 104 a music file associated with the session file to the computing device 102 over the computer network (for example the internet) 105 , in response to a selection of a piece of music at a computing device 102 by a user. The session file contains a digital audio file and multimedia data. The computing device 102 Processes the session file to present the multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user, as will be described. The server or the servers 104 are also network connections to a value (asset) database 107 coupled, which stores the session files and other values and with a user information database 109 storing the user-related information as will be described.

An interface device 106 with a safety device 110 is with the computing device 102 and the musical instrument 112 (for example, a guitar) of the user connected. The interface device 106 couples the musical instrument 112 with the computing device 102 via an input / output (I / O) connection 114 (For example, a universal serial bus connection), so that the User the musical instrument 112 in conjunction with a multimedia presentation by the computing device 102 processed digital audio file can play. Furthermore, the interface device 106 with an analog sound device, such as amplified speakers 120 or headphones 122 be connected to the audio file associated with the selected piece of music along with the sound from the musical instrument 112 of the user while the user plays with his or her musical instrument.

In particular, the interface device performs 106 an analog to digital (A / D) conversion of the audio signal from the musical instrument 112 through and transmits the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument 112 via an I / O connection 114 to the computing device 102 where the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument 112 a digital signal processing (DSP) may pass through a software module to generate a processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument, for example, to tailor it to the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user. The computing device 112 generates a mixed digital signal from both the digital audio file and the processed digital signal of the musical instrument, which is from the computing device 112 over the I / O connection 114 to the interface device 106 where the mixed digital signal is converted to the analog form (D / A conversion) into a mixed analog audio signal by an analog sound device such as speakers 120 or headphones 122 is issued. Thus, the user can play along with the downloaded tune, which is presented in a multimedia presentation format on the calculator to facilitate the user's learning. Furthermore, the user gets quick and easy access to a wide variety of music tracks from the server 104 can be downloaded as described.

It should be clear to those skilled in the network technology that the computing device 102 and the server (s) 104 with the computer network 105 can be coupled in a variety of ways, including direct connection or dial-up telephone or other network transmission lines, using a modem pool (not shown) or through an additional network or gateway (not shown). For example, the computing device 102 with the server 104 via a connection using one or more conventional telephone systems (POTS), or via a radio network telephone system, cables, digital subscriber lines, a digital services integrating network, satellite connection, computer network (for example the Internet, a wide-area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN), etc.), or communicate generally with any type of private or public telecommunications system and a combination of these. Examples of transmission media for these connections are, but are not limited to, electrical cables, optical fibers, twisted pair cables, or wireless channels (eg, radio frequency (RF), terrestrial, satellite, or other wireless signal transmission methods).

In particular, the computer network 105 usually a computer network (for example the Internet, a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN), etc.) with packet format, packet switching, connection orientation, etc., a network which transmits Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay (FR), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Systems Network Architecture (SNA), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or any other type of protocol can. The computer network 105 allows data traffic between the computing device 102 and the server (s) 104 using packages. The traffic through the computer network 105 can be of any kind, including audio, text, graphics, video, email, fax, multimedia, documents, voice or other generic data forms. The computer network 105 is typically a data network that may include switching or routing equipment fabricated to carry digital traffic. It should be clear that the configuration in 1 by way of example only, the embodiments of the present invention may be used with any type of telecommunication system and / or computer network, protocols, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the network connections between the server (s) 104 and the values database 107 and the user information database 109 also be coupled in a manner indicated in the examples described above.

Having briefly described an exemplary network configuration in which embodiments of the present invention may be applied, FIG 2a a conventional data processing or computer system 200 , which is usable with embodiments of the present invention. In particular shows 2a an example of general data processing or computer system 200 , which as an exemplary computing device 102 (for example personal computer) or server computer system 104 can be used with various aspects of the present invention being applicable.

As shown, the data processing or the computer system 200 from a system unit 202 , Output devices such as a display device 204 and a printer 210 , and input devices such as a keyboard 208 and a mouse 206 , The data processing system 200 receives data for processing by the operation of the input device 208 and 206 or directly from fixed or removable media storage devices, such as the floppy disk 212 and a network connection interface (not shown). The data processing system 200 then processes the data and presents the generated output data via output devices, such as the display device 204 , the printer 210 or the fixed or removable media storage devices such as the floppy disk 212 or network connection interfaces. It should be clear that the computing device 102 may be any type of computer system or computing device (e.g., a personal computer (laptop / desktop), a network computer, a handheld computing device, a server computer, or any other type of computer). Furthermore, in the case of the computing device 102 the data processing system 200 a serial I / O port 113 (for example, a USB port) to input and output data from the interface device 102 through the I / O connection 114 (for example a USB connection).

It will be up now 2 B Referenced. It is an abstracted (high-level) block diagram of the components of a data processing system 200 shown, such. B. by 2a shown. In a conventional computer system, the system unit contains 202 a processing device, such as a processor 220 , in communication via a local or system bus 214 or other communication means for communicating data between such devices with a main memory 222 which may contain various types of cache, random access memory (RAM), or other high-speed dynamic storage devices. The processor processes information to implement the functions of the embodiments of the present invention. As illustrative examples, the "processor" may comprise a central processing unit of any type of architecture, such as Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC), Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC), Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) or a hybrid architecture or digital signal processor , a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. included.

The main memory 222 can provide data and instructions for execution by the processor 220 store and may store temporary variables or other preliminary information during execution of the instruction by the processor 220 be used. The computer system 200 further comprises a read only memory (ROM) and / or other static storage devices 224 that with a local bus 214 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 220 are coupled. Examples of non-volatile memories 224 are hard disks, flash memory, battery-backed random access memory, read only memory (ROM), and the like, the volatile main memory 222 random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), and the like.

The system unit 202 of the data processing system 200 also has an expansion bus 216 on, communication between different facilities and with the system bus 214 connected devices via the bus bridge 218 allows. For storing data and instructions via the expansion bus 216 may be a data storage device 228 such as a magnetic disk 212 or an optical disc, e.g. CD-ROM or DVD, and a corresponding drive with the data processing system 200 be coupled. The computer system 200 can also via the expansion bus 216 with a display device 204 , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying data, such as meeting package descriptions and associated images, to a computer user. Usually, an alphanumeric input device 208 with alphanumeric or other buttons for communication / indication of information and / or instruction selections to the processor 220 by bus 216 coupled. Another type of user input device is the cursor controller 206 , such as a conventional mouse, trackball, or cursor control keys, for notifying / indicating control information and instruction selection to the processor 220 and to control cursor movement on the display 204 , In the case of the computing device 102 contains the data processing system 200 also a serial I / O port 113 (for example, a USB port) to input and output data from the interface device 106 through the serial I / O connection 114 (for example a USB connection).

A communication device 226 is also by bus 216 to access remote computers or servers, such as the server 104 or other servers or, for example, the Internet coupled. The communication device 226 can be a modem, a network interface card or include other known interface devices, such as those for interfacing with Ethernet, token rings, or other types of networks. In any case, this way the computer system can 200 with a number of servers 104 be coupled via a network infrastructure, such as the in 1 shown and described above.

Continuing the example of conventional data processing or the computer system 200 can both the computing device 102 as well as the server 104 operate under the control of an operating system which is booted for execution in the memory of the device when the device is turned on or reset. On the other hand, the operating system controls the execution of one or more software modules or computer programs. These software modules typically include application programs or applications that inform the user when using the computing device 102 and the server 104 and the various features that come with delivering a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 102 to assist the user in displaying and to allow the user to play a musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation, as well as security and distribution functions, as will be described. These functions may be implemented as single or multiple instructions (eg, code segments) to perform the desired functions of the invention. When implemented in software (for example, by a software module), the elements of the present invention are instructions / code segments for performing the required tasks. The instructions, when read and executed by a machine or processor (e.g., the processor 220 ) the machine or processor to perform the necessary operations to implement and / or use the embodiments of the invention. The instructions or code segments may be stored in / on a machine-readable medium (eg, a processor-readable medium or a computer program product) or transmitted through a computer data signal on a carrier wave, or with a carrier-modulated signal over a transmission medium or communication link. The machine readable medium may include any medium capable of storing information in a readable and executable form by a machine (eg, a processor, a computer, etc.). Examples of machine-readable media are electronic circuits, semiconductor memory device, ROM, flash memory, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), floppy disk, compact disk CD-ROM, optical disk, hard disk, optical fiber medium, a radio frequency (RF) connection, etc. The computer data signal may be any type of signal that can propagate across a transmission medium, such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air, electromagnetic, RF links, etc. The code segments may be over networks such as the Internet, intranet, etc. are downloaded.

Now it will open 3a Referenced. 3a shows a plan view of an interface device 106 , The interface device 106 couples the musical instrument 112 via the input / output (I / O) connection 114 such with the computing device 102 in that the user is a musical instrument 112 in conjunction with a multimedia presentation by the computing device 102 processed audio file can play. As in above 3a shown contains the interface device 106 a volume knob or volume knob (or volume control dial) or knob 304 to adjust the volume of the musical instrument 112 and the audio file and a LED indicator 308 to indicate the operational status of the interface device (ie whether turned on or off). The interface device 106 may include a metallic housing, plastic housing, or metallized plastic housing for receiving the internal electronic components. It will be up shortly 3b Referenced. This shows a front view of the interface device 106 wherein the interface device has an input port 310 for receiving an input plug (or other input device) from a musical instrument 112 so that the musical instrument is electrically connected to the interface device 106 is coupled.

It will be up now 3c Referenced. 3c shows a rear view of the interface device 106 , The interface device 106 contains output connections 320 and 322 for left and right speakers that accept speaker plugs for amplified speakers 120 can be used so that the interface device 106 can be connected to amplified speakers. This allows the user to use his or her musical instrument 112 plays, both the musical instrument and one of the computing device 102 listen to the audio file associated with the processed music piece. Furthermore, the interface device contains 106 an additional line-in connection (input connection) 323 , For example, the additional line-in port 323 to support input from a sound card of the computing device 102 be used so that sounds of games or other software programs from the computing device 102 simply through the interface device 106 to the speakers 120 or headphones 122 can be directed.

Furthermore, the interface device contains 106 a headphone output connector 326 , which is for recording headphone plugs for headphones 122 can be used to allow the user his or her musical instrument 112 and also the audio file using the headphones 122 to listen. The interface device 106 also has a serial I / O port 330 (for example, a USB port) to receive an I / O (I / O) connector (for example, a USB connector) so that the I / O connection 114 (For example, a USB connection) between the interface device 106 and the computing device 102 can be formed. It should be clear that the interface device 106 can have any number of other inputs and outputs.

It will be up now 3d Referenced. 3d is a schematic view of the inner components 334 the interface device 106 , The interface device 106 contains a microprocessor 340 containing the components of the interface device 106 to perform functions that control A / D and D / A conversion of signals between the musical instrument 112 and the computing device 102 concern, as well as safety features, a safety device 110 as described later in detail.

As in 3d shown contains the interface device 106 an instrument that is in series with the input port 310 the one with an amplifier 336 connected is. For example, a through the input terminal 310 entering analog audio signal from a musical instrument 112 through an amplifier 336 strengthened. The amplifier 336 is using an analog to digital (A / D) converter 338 connected such that the amplified analog audio signal through the A / D converter 338 is processed and converted into a digitized audio signal of the musical instrument.

The microprocessor 340 the interface device 106 is with components of the safety device 110 , a buffer RAM 344 and a digital audio interface 346 coupled. The microprocessor 340 controls the components 334 the interface device 106 to perform functions that allow the A / D and D / A conversion of signals between the musical instrument 112 and the computing device 102 affect. The digital audio interface 346 performs conventional functions regarding the formatting and timing of the digitized audio signals. The digital audio interface 346 may include a number of timing timers to perform these functions. To proceed with the present example, the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument is next 112 through the digital audio interface 346 formatted. Further, the digital audio interface 346 with a buffer RAM 344 which is used to store portions of the digitized audio signals for rate matching.

Further, the buffer RAM 344 with the microprocessor 340 and a serial I / O controller 348 connected. The serial I / O controller 348 controls the flow of digital data to and from the computing device 102 via the serial I / O connection 114 , In one example, the serial I / O controller 348 a USB controller and the serial I / O connection 114 be a USB connection. The serial I / O controller 348 Controlled digital data may include the digitized audio signals directly from the musical instrument 112 come and to the computing device 102 for digital signal processing (DSP), and the mixed digital signal from both the processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument, the DSP by the computing device 102 has gone through and the digital audio file, that of the computer 102 associated with the selected piece of music. It should be understood, however, that the digitized signal of the musical instrument is not provided by the computing device 102 for DSP processing and directly to the DAC 350 and can be passed on to the analog sound device so that the user can continue to interact with the audio file. The buffer RAM 344 is also used to store the digital audio signal of the musical instrument (before DSP processing), the digital audio file and the mixed digital signal for conventional purposes such as transmission rate adjustment.

The digital audio interface 346 is also equipped with a digital to analogue converter (DAC) 350 connected. The mixed digital signal from both the processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument and the digital audio file from the computing device 120 be through the DAC 350 for converting these mixed digital signals into analog form, ie a mixed analog audio signal, processed so that the mixed analog audio signal through an analog sound device, such as amplified speakers 120 or headphones 122 , can be played. As described above, however, it should be understood that the digitized signals of the musical instrument are not related to the computing device 102 for DSP processing, but directly to the DAC 350 and on to the analog sound device can be routed so that the user can continue to interact with the audio file.

With the outputs of the DAC 350 is a mixer 352 connected. The mixer receives analog audio signal inputs from other input sources, such as B. the line-in connection 323 passing through the amplifiers 358 respectively 360 be strengthened so that they too through the amplified speakers 120 or headphones 122 can be played back.

These additional analog audio signal inputs from the line-in connector 323 can be mixed with the analog audio signal of the musical instrument and the audio file, or can be easily passed through the interface device to the speakers 120 or headphones 122 be directed. For example, the additional line-in inputs from the line-in port 323 from a sound card of the computing device 102 come from, so that sounds of games or other software programs from the computing device 102 simply through the interface device 106 to the speakers 120 or headphones 122 can be directed. In this way, other software programs can continue to work with the computer 102 (for example, a personal computer) latched interface device 106 and the user need not reconfigure his or her personal computer system to toggle between using the interface device and not using the interface device.

The analog signals from the mixer 352 are then through the line-outs (exits) (for example, left and right) 360 and 362 over the speaker connections and 320 and 322 to the amplified speakers 120 directed. In particular, the analog signals can be through the amplifiers 364 and 366 under control of a volume controller 368 be amplified, in turn, by the volume dial 304 is controlled. In the same way, the analog signals from the mixer 352 also through the line-outs 360 and 362 (for example, left and right) via the headphone connection 326 to the headphones 122 directed. In the same way, the analog signals through the amplifier 374 and 376 under control of the volume control 368 be amplified, in turn, by the volume knob 304 is controlled.

This is how the interface couples 106 a musical instrument 112 via an input / output (I / O) connection 114 with a computing device 102 so that the user is a musical instrument 112 in conjunction with a multimedia presentation by the computing device 102 processed audio file can play. As already described, the interface device performs 106 in particular an analog to digital (A / D) conversion of the audio signal from the musical instrument 112 through and transmits the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument via the I / O connection 114 to the computing device 102 where the digitized signal of the musical instrument 112 can undergo digital signal processing (DSP) performed by a software module (for example, to adapt the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user). A mixed digital signal from both the digital audio file and the processed digital signal of the musical instrument is provided by the computing device 102 back over the I / O connection 114 to the interface device 106 where the mixed digital signal is converted to the analog form (D / A conversion), that is, a mixed analog audio signal passing through the speakers 120 or the headphones 122 is issued. Thus, a user may play along with a downloaded tune presented in a multimedia presentation format on the computing device to facilitate the user's learning as described later.

The interface device 106 also includes a safety device 110 , The safety device 110 Contains components that are used to uniquely identify the interface device 106 on the server 104 (or opposite the server) can be used, so that access to the server 104 is only allowed to a user who works with an authorized interface device. Furthermore, the safety device 110 in connection with the server 104 used to ensure that the audio files are properly encrypted and decrypted so that only a properly authorized interface device 106 Can receive and use audio files. This protects against unauthorized copying of licensed material and allows secure earning opportunities for content providers (for example, audio files).

The safety device contains a microprocessor 340 , a secure storage 379 with security logic 380 , a program memory 382 to save the security firmware 383 and a non-volatile memory (for example EEPROM) 384 , Generally, the security firmware allows 383 when executed by the microprocessor 340 in conjunction with the secure storage 379 and the non-volatile memory 384 a secure operation that allows the server 104 allows the interface device 106 uniquely identify and allow the computing device 102 in connection with the interface device 106 to decrypt the audio files specifically for use by the authorized Interface device 106 were encrypted. The secure storage 379 includes both read-only memory (ROM) and writable memory for reading and writing using the security logic 380 implemented hardware can be locked and unlocked.

One with a serial number 386 the interface device 106 linked user key 387 is through the security logic 380 for authentication of the interface device 106 opposite the server 104 used. Further, by the security logic 380 a memory key 389 initially used the secure memory 379 to unlock. The serial number 386 , the user key 387 and the memory key 389 are in the secure storage 379 protected during manufacture and can not be overwritten afterwards, as the secure memory 379 is protected. The serial number 386 , the user key 387 and the memory key 389 are also in the user information database 109 stored on the server so that the server 104 initially a request and response for unique authentication of the interface device 106 generate and secure memory 379 and the non-volatile memory 384 can open and lock, as described in detail later.

The non-volatile memory 384 is called an extension of secure storage 379 used. The firmware 383 prevents access to the non-volatile memory 384 until the secure memory 379 also unlocked. The non-volatile memory 384 has a hardware write protection provided by the firmware 383 is controlled. The non-volatile memory 384 saves the keys 388 such as the value encryption keys (eg, audio file keys) associated with particular acquired values (eg, audio files), the current date, and the subscription data for particular values 390 and value information (for example, information about values) 392 , It should be clear that the serial number 386 , the user key 387 , the memory key 389 , the keys 388 , the data 390 , the values information 392 and also the firmware 383 instead or additionally, may be located in any of the safety device memories: the program memory 382 , the secure storage 379 , the non-volatile memory 384 ; this particular arrangement is just one embodiment.

As will be described in more detail later, the safety device allows 110 in conjunction with the computing device 102 and the server 104 the server 104 the unique identification of the interface device 106 and allows the computing device 102 in connection with the interface device 106 to decrypt the audio files specifically for use by the authorized interface device 106 were decrypted, in addition to many other features.

4 Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an illustrative view of the example system 100 which is for delivering a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 102 serves and shows commonly used software modules. As previously described, the / are the servers 104 with the computing device 102 over a computer network (for example, the Internet) 105 coupled. Furthermore, an interface device 106 with the computing device 120 coupled and a musical instrument 112 is coupled to the interface device. In one embodiment, the server transmits 104 in response to the selection of a piece of music at a computing device 102 by a user, a session file associated with a piece of music to the computing device 102 over the computer network (for example the internet) 105 , This session file contains an audio file and multimedia data. The computing device 102 processes the session file to present the multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user, so that the user can use a musical instrument 112 in conjunction with a multimedia presentation by the computing device 102 processed audio file can play.

As in 4 shown have the computing device 102 and the server 104 In particular, each of a plurality of software modules, which enable the functions of the embodiments of the present invention. These software modules typically include application programs or applications that assist the user in using the computing device 102 and the server 104 support and for the various functions that come with the delivery of a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 102 are connected to the display for a user, and that allow the user to play a musical instrument in connection with the multimedia presentation, as well as other functions related to the collateral and the selling methods, as will be described. For example, the calculator contains 102 an application module 402 which also has an embedded browser 404 , an audio playback software module 406 and security software module 408 having. Furthermore, the computing device contains 102 a device driver software module 410 and an audio DSP software module 412 , The server contains the server side 104 a server software module 415 , an application software module 416 , a database software module 418 , a sales software module 420 and a security software module 422 ,

The application software module 402 the computing device 102 forms an interface and controls the implementation of the embedded browser 404 and all other software modules (for example, the Audio DSP software module 412 , the audio playback software module 406 , the device driver software module 410 and the security software module 408 ), so that the embodiments of the invention relating to the presentation of a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a user to allow the user to play a musical instrument in conjunction with a multimedia presentation, as well as others, security and sales relevant functions are implemented in an appropriate manner. In one embodiment, the application software module is shown 402 in conjunction with the embedded browser 404 The user initially has a web page (for example, a home page) and offers the user a variety of pieces of music from which to select. The embedded browser 404 is particular to the application software module 402 Its various functions can be based on any type of conventionally known browser, such as the Microsoft Explorer.

The application software module 402 also causes the display of a control panel graphic interface for a musical instrument 112 containing settings that determine the sound characteristics of the musical instrument. The control panel graphics interface also allows the user to customize the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112 adjust. Further, the application software module provides 402 the settings of the control panel graphic interface, in response to the to the computing device 102 multimedia data sent by the server of the session file of a selected piece of music (for example, selected by the user) to predetermined values to mimic the sound characteristics of the musical instrument associated with the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user. Furthermore, the application software module 402 a piece of music selected by the user (for example, one from the server 104 to the computing device 102 broadcast), with a track (track) removed from the audio file associated with the user's musical instrument, so that the user his or her musical instrument 112 play in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file, which does not include the user's musical instrument. It also processes the application software module 402 the multimedia data of the session file to effect the display of the music notes to the user associated with the audio file of the music piece. The display of the multimedia presentation may be on a display device 204 the computing device 102 take place and the sound can be through the amplified speakers 120 the interface device 106 be directed.

To perform these functions, the application software module uses 402 a conventional device driver software module 410 , an audio DSP software module 412 an audio playback software module 406 , The audio DSP software module 412 processes the audio signal of the musical instrument 112 (for example, using DSP algorithms) so that the user can adjust the sound characteristics of the musical instrument. As previously described, the audio DSP software module 412 from the application software module 402 can be used to set the settings of the control panel graphic interface to predetermined values in order to reproduce the sound characteristics of the musical instrument so that they fit in the right way to the piece of music selected by the user. Further, the audio DSP software module combines 412 both the digital audio file and the processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument for generating the mixed digital audio signal, as already described. Further, the application software module controls 412 an audio playback software module 406 for controlling the transmission of the mixed digital signal of the digital audio file and the digital processed sound of the musical instrument 112 back to the interface device 106 where they have the amplified speakers 120 or the headphones 122 is played back to the user. However, the application software module 402 the audio playback software module 406 also control to control the transmission of only the digital audio file, in the case where the musical instrument only through the interface device 106 and not for processing by the computing device 102 is directed. It should be understood that in the prior art audio DSP software modules are known for a variety of different musical instruments. For example, common types of DSP software modules that can manipulate MIDI files are well known (for example, MIDI Shop). Further, audio playback software modules for playing audio files and audio signals from a musical instrument are also known.

In a particular embodiment, which will be used hereinafter to describe aspects of the present invention, are the application software module 402 , the audio DSP software module 412 , the user's login page, and the control panel graphic interface to support a guitar as a musical instrument 112 directed. In particular, it should be understood that DSP algorithms for altering the audio signals from a guitar are well known in the art and are easily incorporated into software on the market computing device 102 can be implemented. A DSP algorithm for altering audio signals from a guitar to mimic various amplifiers and speaker cabinet configurations contained in the audio DSP software module 412 is suitable for practicing aspects of the present invention, is described in Patent No. 5,789,689 entitled "Tube Modeling Programmable Digital Guitar Amplification System", which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, a wide variety of software-implemented control-panel graphics interfaces are known for a variety of different instruments, and there are some basic control-panel graphic interfaces known for guitars, for example, AMPS FARM includes some sort of software-implemented control Panel graphic interface for a guitar. However, none of these contain many of the new and non-obvious features of the guitars control panel graphic interface, which will be described in more detail later. Further, the aspects of the security software module 408 the computing device 102 later also described in more detail.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the server includes 104 a server software module 415 , an application software module 416 , a database software module 418 , a sales software module 420 and a security software module 422 , The application software module 416 forms an interface and controls the implementation of the server module 415 and all other software modules (for example, the database software module 418 , the sales software module 420 and the security software module 422 ) on the server 104 such that the embodiments of the invention relate to displaying a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a user to enable the user to play a musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation, as well as other functions related to security and sales functions are implemented in the right way.

At the server 104 represents the application software module 416 in conjunction with the server software module 415 the computing device 102 The data required to implement these functions of the invention will be available as will be described. The server software module 415 For example, conventional server software may transmit and receive data to and from a computing device 102 be. For example, the server 104 using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML) with the computing device 102 over the computer network 105 communicate to provide various functions and data to the user. At the computing device 102 can the computing device 102 Data to the server 104 deliver or access processed or unprocessed data from it, using the embedded browser 404 , the part of the application software module 402 is or by other browsers such. Netscape ^™ Navigator ^™ , published by Netscape ^™ Corporation of Mountain View, CA, Internet Explorer ^™ published by Microsoft ^™ Corporation of Redmond, WA, the America Online ^™ user interface or any other browser or HTML / XML translator of one known suppliers.

Sas server software module 415 transmits in response to the selection of a piece of music at the computing device 102 by the user under the control of the application software module 416 a session file to the computing device 102 over the computer network 105 , as already described. The session file contains an audio file and multimedia data so that the computing device 102 process the session file to present a multimedia presentation to the user to allow the user to use his or her musical instrument 112 (for example, a guitar) in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file to play. As will be further described, the server software module receives and transmits 415 under the control of the application software module 416 a variety of different types of data to and from the computing device 102 to implement the functions of the invention.

The database software module 418 can be a traditional database software, such as MySQL, to input and output data from the values database 107 and the user information database 109 under the control of the application software module 416 to control, as will be described in more detail later. Further, the aspects and functions of the sales software module 420 and the security software module 422 described in more detail later.

The between the server 104 and the computing device 102 The data exchanged includes session files containing multimedia data and audio files, user information, sales information for tracking the acquisition and licensing restrictions of the audio files and other items, security information with encrypted keys and decrypted values and audio files, multimedia data for presentation of one Website, along with a host of other data. Many of the information regarding the session files, multimedia data, audio files, sales information and other values can be found in the values database 107 stored as will be described. User information, including the user name, the e-mail address, the home address, the connection speed of the computing device, the credit card number, the subscription right information including a user serial number for its security device 110 , the user key, the memory key, and other user information may be in the user information database 110 stored as will be described. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant fields of technology that the value database 107 and the user information database 109 may be stored on a storage device, including various mass storage devices, such as one or more DASD arrays, tape drives, optical drives, or the like, and that the aforementioned information may be stored in one of a variety of formats and data structures.

In a particular embodiment, which will be used hereinafter to describe some aspects of the present invention, the computing device will be described 102 , the server 104 and its associated value and user information databases 107 and 109 and the interface device 106 , along with the associated software modules to support a guitar 112 used as a musical instrument. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be used to assist any type of musical instrument. Further, it should be understood that the present invention can also support the case where a microphone is used as a musical instrument and the input audio signal is a human voice, so that embodiments of the invention can be operated as a virtual karaoke machine. These aspects become even clearer after further reading the description.

It will be up now 5a Referenced. 5a shows a method using a flowchart 500 for providing a multimedia presentation to a user using the exemplary system described above 100 out 4 , At block 502 represents the application software module 402 the user the control panel graphic interface 600 according to 6 After a user enters the application software module 402 on his or her computing device 102 has loaded. For example, the control panel graphic interface 600 on the display device 204 the computing device 102 are displayed. Next, the calculator uses 102 the application software module 402 to the user logging on to the server 104 to allow and access the server. The server displays a guitars-related web page to the user, hereinafter referred to as the GUITARPORT web page. Therefore, the user will first see a GUITARPORT homepage and later other GUITARPORT web pages.

It will be up now too 6a Referenced. Logging in to the server 104 can by selecting the user from the GUITARPORT online button 606 be achieved. For example, the computing device 102 the server 104 via the computer network (for example, the Internet) using standard computer network protocols (for example, TCP / IP). At block 506 identifies the server 104 under the control of the application software module 416 and in conjunction with the security software module 422 the user based on a unique identifier from the security device 110 (For example, the serial number of the interface device 106 ) to determine if access to the server 104 should be authorized. These security features will be described in more detail later. If the user is not through the server 104 is authorized, the session (or session) is at block 508 canceled. However, if the user to use the server 104 is authorized, the procedure goes 500 to block 510 ,

At block 510 uses the application software module 402 the embedded browser 404 to display the GUITAPORT HOMEPAGE from the server 104 was received, as in 6b shown. The GUITAPORT homepage will initially be below the control panel graphic interface for guitars 600 displayed. It will also open 6b Referenced. The GUITAPORT homepage contains features, news, discussions, user pages, guitar tools, music pieces (for example the latest Jamtracks) and sounds. The GUITAPORT homepage will be described separately later. Furthermore, the server can 104 based on the user information provided to the user (for example, in particular, the musical preferences of the user) in the user information database 109 on the server 104 to tailor the GUITAPORT homepage to the musical preferences of the user. For example, if a user prefers rock and roll, then the latest jamtracks (such as music pieces) will showcase the rock and roll tunes, or even specific rock and roll sounds. Furthermore, other components of the GUITARPORT homepage may also be interleaved with the preferences of the user, for example the messages, the features and so on. At block 512 the user may select from a sound or a piece of music (for example a jamtrack). If the user selects a sound, then the procedure 500 in 5b at block 514 continued. On the other hand, when the user plays a piece of music (for Example, a Jamtrack), the procedure becomes 500 in 5c at block 516 selected. A Jamtrack is a kind of piece of music that comes from the server 104 can be downloaded.

To explain the methods of the invention and associated control panel graphic interfaces, some control panel graphic interfaces will now be described. It will be up now 6a Referenced. 6a shows a screen view, in particular the control panel graphic interface for a guitar 600 represents. As already described, the application software module generates 402 the control panel graphic interface 600 and allows in conjunction with the DSP software module 412 the user can change the settings of the control panel graphic interface (or the settings can be set to predetermined values determined by a session file or a predetermined patch) so that the audio DSP software module 412 the audio signal from guitar 112 processed to adapt to the desired settings. The settings of the control panel graphic interface 600 for a guitar are now described.

The control panel graphic interface 600 contains a plurality of standard control buttons 604 common with most guitar amps, including: a drive knob 606 , a bass control knob 608 , a middle knob 610 (Center knob), a treble knob 612 (Treble control), a presence control knob 614 (Presence knob) and a volume knob 616 (Volume control). These control knobs are user selectable to alter the sound of the guitar. The control panel graphic interface 600 also includes a boost switch 620 for amplifying the power of the audio signal from the guitar. When selected, a bypass button will turn on 622 DSP processing so that the direct unprocessed audio signal from the guitar is used. A comparison button 624 Allows you to compare two different control panel graphic interface configurations side by side when you select them. A Collapse button 628 When selected, reduces the size of the control panel graphic interface 600 , A mute guitar button 630 switches the audio signal from the guitar to mute when selected.

The master volume knob 632 controls the volume of the audio signal of the guitar 112 and the volume of any other audio signal (for example from an audio file) currently being processed. The selection of the hum reduction button 634 allows the user to make the hum interaction between the guitar 112 and the display device 204 to reduce. Once the hum reduction button 634 is selected and the Learn button 636 is pressed, measures the computing device 102 the humming interaction between the guitar 112 and the display device 204 (For example, the user may be or move their guitar next to the display) and the DSP processing compensates for and removes the hum interaction. The noise gate button 638 when selected, amplifies the input audio signal from the guitar when it is below a threshold level, but does not amplify the audio signal from the guitar when it is above a threshold level. So can the noise gate button 638 used to get rid of things like the noise caused by the handling of the guitar. A guitar pan slider 640 can be used to move the sound of the guitar between the left and right speakers.

Further, as already described, the user may select a sound, or a sound may be automatically selected for the user to be able to play along with the music piece he has selected. The type of selected sound will be in the sound field 642 displayed. Any number of sounds that amp models play based on virtually any type of guitar amp (for example, MARSHALL, FENDER, VOX, ROLAND, etc.), almost any type of speaker cabinet, and many other types of effects can be played back. For example, the sounds for the Hells Bells Rhythm Section of AC / DC, a Heavy Funk Rock Lead, a '64 Fender Deluxe, or any other sound can be selected (for example, one of the Top 10 sounds 685 ( 6b )) or created by the user. In particular, it should be understood that the DSP algorithms are for altering the audio signals from a guitar 112 are known in the art and easy in software on the computing device 102 can be implemented. For example, one example of DSP algorithms is to alter the audio signals from a guitar to mimic various amplifier and speaker cabinet configurations used in the audio DSP software module 412 can be used to implement the aspects of the present invention, described in detail in patent No. 5,789,689 entitled "Tube Modeling Programmable Digital Guitar Amplification System", which is incorporated herein by reference.

Typically, a sound can be determined through the guitar amp, speaker cabinet, and a number of different effects, as well as other settings. Again, the sound can be selected by the user, created by the user or pre-set to work with to play the selected piece of music together. The nature of the imitated guitar amp sound becomes in the guitar amp model field 644 displayed (for example '90 Marshall JCM-800). The imitated speaker cabinet configuration becomes in the speaker cabinet model box 646 displayed (for example, 4x12 '78 Marshall with Stock 70s). The speaker cabinet configuration 646 mimics or simulates the effect of a speaker cabinet on the amplified guitar sound. Further, a number of digitally produced and well-known effect boxes are provided by the control panel graphics interface 600 provided to produce sounds. In particular, is a compression effect box 650 , a delay effect box 652 a modulation effect box 654 (for example, with chorus, flanger, rotary, tremolo, etc.) and a reverb effect box 656 provided. Effect boxes are commonly found in additional digital audio instrument processors coupled with a guitar and a conventional amplifier. It also shows this particular control panel graphic interface 600 that the delay effect box 652 is currently selected and displays certain characteristics of the delay effect, such as the delay time 660 , the feedback percentage 662 and the level percentage 664 , As previously described, a user can log in to the GUITARPORT website by selecting the GUITARPORT online button 606 Sign in.

It will be up now 6b Referenced. 6b shows a screen view of the view displayed to the user when he successfully contacts the server 104 has registered. In particular, the application software module show 402 and the embedded browser 404 the from the server 104 received GUITARPORT homepage 670 at the bottom of the control panel graphic interface 600 is arranged and connected to the server 104 received data many of the functions requested by the user. It should be clear that the control panel graphic interface 600 the same is how the in 6a except that in this case the compression effect box has been selected and a compression effect window (for example, to allow selection of different compression ratio) is shown.

As in 6b shown contains the GUITARPORT homepage 670 a home button 671 , a feature button 672 , a news button 673 , a discussion button 674 , a user button 675 and a guitar tools button 676 , When a user presses the home button 671 the user is returned to the GUITARPORT home page. Press the Feature button 672 Brings the user to a feature page that contains things like artist interviews, studio announcements, and other music related items that the user may find useful. Select the message button 673 brings the user to a news page that provides articles on the subject of music and especially guitars. If the user has the discussion button 674 the user is brought to a bulletin board which allows the user to leave messages (eg questions, answers, news, articles, etc.) on any topic, but which are usually related to music and especially guitars Respectively. The selection of the user button 675 Provides the user with a user page that allows the user to update their user profile (for example, name, address, type of subscription rights, musical preferences, etc.). Press the Guitar Tools button 676 Brings the user to a tools page that provides the user with information for playing a guitar, for example: what is the representation of a C-chord, how do I set my amp, etc. This can be done by "frequently asked questions" Lists (FAQ), a searchable database, e-mail questions to a guitar technician etc.

The GUITARPORT home page can also be populated with selectable icons that display links to new articles, interviews, news, chords, guitar licks, the latest jamtracks (for example, tunes), and the most popular sounds. For example, shows 6b selectable studio message icons links 678 and 679 , a selectable interview icon link 680 , a selectable daily news icon link 681 , a chord-of-the-week icon link 682 and a Lick-the-week icon link 683 as well as the latest Jamtracks (for example tunes) links 684 and sound links 685 , Further, as already described, the GUITARPORT web page may be based on user information (for example, the particular musical preferences of the user) contained in the user information database 109 on the server 104 stored to be tailored to the user. With this information, the server can 104 in particular, tailor the GUITARPORT website to suit the user's musical preferences. For example, if a user prefers rock and roll, then the latest Jamtracks 684 (for example pieces of music) on rock and roll pieces of music and the respective sounds 685 point. Furthermore, the other components of the GUITARPORT web page may also be interleaved with the user's preferences, such as the studio message, interviews, news, chord of the week, lick of the week, etc.

It also has the control panel graphic interface 600 some selectable buttons on the interact with the GUITARPORT website. Like in the 6b shown is the GUITARPORT online button 606 already selected to connect to the GUITARPORT website.

An artist and equipment button 687 is provided and, upon selection, provides the user with a list of artists from which to choose, so that the user can find articles written about the artist and provide biographies of the artists and the type of musical equipment used by the artist. The tracks button 680 When selected, provides the user with a list of pieces of music (for example, Jamtracks) from which the user can choose. In response to selection of a piece of music by a user (for example, a Jamtrack), the server transmits a session file associated with the selected piece of music to the computing device 102 over the computer network (for example the internet) 105 , The session file contains an audio file and multimedia data. The computing device processes the session file to display a multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user, as will be described. The sound button 689 When selected, provides the user with a list of available sounds. Depending on the selection of a sound by the user, the server transmits 104 patch information (for example, type of amplifier, speaker cabinet, effects settings, etc.) so that the control panel graphics interface 600 properly configured and the DSP software module 412 correctly process the guitar signal to emulate the right sound. However, it should be understood that the user, with or without connection to the GUITARPORT website, can use previously stored sounds and music (for example Jamtracks).

It also has the control panel graphic interface 600 a tuner button 690 which, when selected, allows the action of the calculator as a chromatic tuner so that the user can tune his guitar. The control panel graphic interface 600 also has a help button 691 which, when selected, provides the user with standard help features. It also has the control panel graphic interface 600 Back and forward arrows 692 and 693 which allows the user to go back and forth through previously visited web pages of the GUITARPORT website.

As already described, the method becomes 500 at 5b (Block 514 ) continues when the user selects a sound. For example, the user can select one of the provided sounds by pressing the sounds button 689 selects or one of the top sounds 685 (for example, Heavy Funk Rock Lead ( 6b )). It will be up now 5b Referenced. 5b shows a flowchart of a method 501 for providing a sound to a user. The server transmits in response to the user's sound selection 104 Patch information (eg, amplifier type, speaker cabinet, effects settings, etc.) to the computing device 102 (Block 518 ). The application software module 402 Represents the control panel graphic interface 600 to the appropriate configuration for imitating the sound characteristics of the sound for the musical instrument (for example, the guitar) (block 520 ). It also processes the DSP software module 512 suitably the audio signal of the guitar to emulate the appropriate sound. So the user can have his or her guitar 112 play with the right sound through the interface device 106 with the computing device 102 connected is. For example, the patches may be guitar sounds for various music artists (for example, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Chet Atkins, Robert Cray, etc.), or may have been created specifically for the GUITARPORT website to present various guitar styles. such as rock, country, jazz, etc.

As already described, the method 500 at 5c (Block 516 ) continues when the user selects a piece of music. For example, the user may select one of the provided pieces of music (for example Jamtracks) by selecting the Tracks button 688 or one of the latest Jamtracks (for example, Welcome to the Jungle ( 6b )) choose. It will be up now 5c Referenced. 5c shows a flowchart of a method 503 to provide a piece of music to a user. In particular, the server transfers 104 in response to the user selecting a music piece (eg, Jamtracks), a session file associated with the selected piece of music (eg, Jamtrack) to the computing device 102 over the computer network (for example the internet) 105 (Block 524 ). The session file contains an audio file and multimedia data.

It will be up shortly 5d Referenced. 5 shows the contents of a session file 539 , The session file 539 contains an audio file 540 associated with the piece of music (for example Jamtrack). The audio file 540 The song is usually a song that the user wants to interact with. The audio file 540 may be the full song (that is, with all instrument tracks and vocal tracks). Alternatively, from the audio file 540 one or more tracks are removed, for example: one or more guitar tracks are removed, one or more vocal tracks are removed, one or more bass tracks are removed, one or more Drum tracks are removed, etc. As described, for example, the user may select a piece of music (for example, Jamtrack) with the guitar track removed therefrom, so that the audio file 540 through the computing device 102 and the interface device 106 (for example through the amplified speakers 120 ) is played with the guitar track removed, so that the user can play along with the song with the guitar track removed.

It also assigns the session file 539 a multimedia block 542 on, the HTML data embedded with JAVA script for presentation and display of multimedia information to the user. Briefly referring to 6c In particular, the multimedia data may be processed by the application software module 402 and the embedded browser 404 the computing device 102 (along with other software modules of the computing device 102 ), as will be described in more detail below, the name of the song or song 601 , the music notation 603 that the sheet music 605 is assigned to represent so that the user with the audio file played 540 can play together. The multimedia data block 542 also contains all other data required to accomplish these functions.

The session file 539 also contains a patch block 544 that contains patch information so that the guitar 112 has the right sound or sound to match the associated selected tune / audio file 540 play together. The patch information includes the type of amplifier and speaker cabinet, the effects settings and so on, so that the settings of the guitar on the control panel graphics interface 600 to play with the selected music / audio file. The application software module 402 Represents the control panel graphic interface 600 the right configuration to mimic the sound characteristics of the sound for the guitar and for the particular piece of music / audio file 540 one. It also processes the DSP software module 412 the guitar signals suitably emulate the correct sound, so that the guitar sound to the music piece / audio file 540 fits.

It also contains the session file 539 a MIDI file 546 indicating the tempo changes, the program changes, the sign changes, position markers and so on for the selected tune / audio file 540 represents. MIDI files are known in the art. The computing device 102 (for example, using the application software module 402 ) interprets the tempo map of the midi file during playback to convert the current audio playback position to the corresponding audio file position in the MIDI file to determine what events should occur in the MIDI file. Program changes from the midi file are used to select patch information 544 used to select amplifiers, speaker cabinets and effects settings and so on, and for the control panel graphics interface amplifier controls 600 for each position in the audio file (for example, the particular sound for using the DSP software module 412 emulated guitar) is needed. Sign changes from the MIDI file 546 are used to display the current sign to the user. Markings of the midi file 546 are used to cause display events at various points of the music piece. Each mark in the MIDI file 546 is associated with a text label. The label corresponds to a JavaScript function that is to be executed when the label is reached.

It will be up shortly 6c Referenced. For example, the piece of music (for example Jamtrack) is the LA Smooth Jazz in C. 601 and its associated sheet of music 605 with the musical notation 603 was selected by the user and will be displayed. MIDI markers are linked to the LA Smooth Jazz tune. The text labels 609 for the MIDI markers 607 be above the music notation 603 displayed and are from the MIDI file 546 the session file 539 , In this example, the text labels 609 the MIDI marker 607 different sections of the song / audio file 540 Intro, verses, bridge, chorus, solo 1, etc. For example, a MIDI marker 607 the text label 609 Have "chorus". The MIDI tag 607 for the text etiquette 609 "Chorus" causes the music notation 603 (for example, chords, notes, guitar tablature, and lyrics, etc.) are displayed when the chorus of the song starts playing. As another example, as in 6c shown the music notation 603 for the intro (for example the chords). If then the computing device 102 a MIDI marker 607 from the assigned session file 539 receives, processes the MIDI tag using JavaScript, which looks up the corresponding function and executes the associated script. JavaScript typically loads an image or draws something on the display. In this example, JavaScript shows the music notation 603 (for example, the chords) for the intro of the selected piece of music, LA Smooth Jazz in C if it's the MIDI mark 607 for the "intro" receives.

Back to the process 503 performing 5c becomes at block 528 the session file 539 (for example, the audio file 540 and the rest of the multimedia data) to present a multimedia presentation of an audio file 540 for the user (for example with a music notation 603 ) processed. This allows the user to get a guitar 112 in connection with the multimedia presentation of the audio file 540 to play (block 530 ).

With further reference to the 6c can the computing device 102 Display images, text and graphics during playback (for example, on the display 204 ). For example, the computing device may be music notation 603 so that while playing the piece of music / Jamtracks (for example, with an audio file 540 ), the current position in the music piece is displayed, usually along with other information: for example, the texts, the sign, and the guitar tablature (for example, chords, notes, pictorial representation, etc.), and a user can play his or her guitar 112 in connection with the multimedia presentation of the audio file 540 play.

In the present example the 6c For example, the piece of music (for example Jamtrack) LA Smooth Jazz in C 601 and the associated sheet music 605 with the music notation 603 selected by the user and on the GUITARPORT screen 671 displayed. In this example, the text labels 609 the midi markings 607 and display different sections of the song / audio file 540 Dar: Intro, Verse, Bridge, Chorus, Solo 1, etc. As in 6c shown is the music notation 603 for the intro (for example the chords). Accordingly, the user can be or their guitar 112 in conjunction with the music notation 603 and the audio file 540 play. While the audio file 540 continues, the music notation can 603 automatically updated (for example, to the next section of the piece of music, Bridge, Chorus, Solo, etc.) so that the user can read and play the music notation. Further, the user may have versions of the tune / audio file 540 select with and without guitar track to activate learning or jamming. As already described, music pieces / audio files to which the vocals, drums, bass and so on have been removed can be selected.

It also contains a patch block 544 , Patch information, so that the guitar 112 has the right sound and sound to match the associated tune / audio file 540 play together. The patch information includes the type of amplifier, speaker cabinet, effects settings, and so on, so that the settings of the guitar on the button interface 600 are adjusted to play with the selected piece of music / audio file and also changes within the same piece of music to be adjusted. This can, as already described, be triggered by the midi markings. The application software module 402 sets the control panel graphic interface 600 to the appropriate configuration to mimic the sound characteristics of the sound of the guitar for the particular tune or section of the tune and the DSP software module 412 appropriately processes the guitar signal to emulate the correct sound so that the guitar sound matches the tune / audio file 540 matches.

As previously described, the user's guitar is electrically powered by the computing device 120 directed what it is the computing device 120 allows the sound of the guitar to be controlled during playback so that the amp model, its settings, and any effects can change dynamically, as during the tune / audio / file 540 is required. As in 6c An amplifier model based on a '90 Marshall JCM-800 amplifier with a delay setting to emulate a jazz sound is used to play along with the intro of the selected LA smooth jazz in C piece of music. In this way, appropriate patches for each section of a piece of music / jamtrack are automatically provided, for example, to move from one sound during the chorus to another sound during the solo.

Considering the 6c Be certain aspects of the GUITARPORT ad 671 to emphasize certain features of the invention. As shown the tracks button 688 selected and the piece of music LA Smooth Jazz in C 601 was specially selected by the user. Accordingly, the LA Smooth Jazz in C 601 linked sheet music 605 with the music notation 603 continue on the GUITARPORT ad 671 displayed. Below the selected piece of music (for example Jamtrack) Smooth Jazz in C 601 There are buttons that control the way music is selected. The web store button 611 allows a user to select a piece of music from the GUITARPORT website and this to the computing device 102 load the user (for example, to save it to local storage 613 allows a user to select a piece of music that is already locally on the computing device 102 (for example, on the hard disk of the user) is stored. The CD button 615 allows a user to play a piece of music from a CD in the CD drive of the computing device 102 of the user. When a song is selected on the CD, the GUITARPORT server determines 104 whether he has an associated session file 539 available for the song, and if so, and a user selects it, the Multimedia Presentation for the song (for example, the patch file, the music notation) etc. available to the user.

The jam button 617 starts the multimedia presentation of the tune (eg Jamtracks) as selected by a user as described so that the user can jam. The mixer slider 619 controls the volume of the piece of music. The automatic select on / off button can be used to toggle between the predefined patch settings for the control panel graphic interface 600 (that is, the amp setting) that are automatically selected for the currently playing multimedia presentation (for example, Auto Select On), or else the user can change the settings of the control panel graphic interface 600 (that is to say the settings of the amplifier) itself after own favor set (for example automatic selection off).

A usual time display 623 for music pieces (for example jam tracks) and loops comes together with conventional digital multimedia control features 625 (for example play, record, stop, rewind, fast forward, etc.). A lick learning button 627 When selected, reduces the speed of the currently playing piece of music (for example Jamtracks) without altering the pitch to facilitate learning. There is also a loop button 629 when selected, loops (i.e., repeatedly plays) a current section of the tune / jamtrack (eg, intro, chorus, and so on) to facilitate learning of that portion of the tune. Furthermore, the track details 631 which provide information about the piece of music. For example, when it was recorded, information about the artists, what kind of guitars, amplifiers and effects were used. Besides, the credits can be 633 which provide information about where a piece of music comes from, for example, Sony, Arist, etc., or whether the piece of music was created specifically for the GUITARPORT website (and by Wen). For example, pieces of music (eg, Jamtracks) for facilitating the learning of a particular type of music, for example, rock, blues, jazz, country, etc., may be generated exclusively for the GUITARPORT website at the customer's request.

Accordingly, the present invention allows a user his or her guitar 112 with a computing device 102 via the interface device 106 so that he or she can download sounds and tunes from the GUITARPORT website. The interface device 106 is required along with subscription rights to obtain the online subscription services (for example downloading the music and sounds). The interface device 106 uniquely identifies the user and gets in touch with the rest of the system 100 used to authorize the user, to encrypt and decrypt audio files, and to track the purchase of values, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, the server transfers 104 in response to a selection of a piece of music (for example, Jamtracks) by the user, a session file 539 assigned to the piece of music to the computing device 102 over the computer network 105 , The session file 539 includes an audio file and multimedia data so that the computing device can process the session file to present the multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user. The computing device 102 processes the session file 539 for presenting the multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user (for example, including scrolling the music notation 603 ), so that the user his or her guitar 112 play in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file. It also features an intuitive control panel graphic interface 600 provided for the guitar, which is similar to the known guitar equipment.

The control panel graphic interface 600 includes an amplifier control panel with standard controls that allow the user to select from several different types of amplifiers to achieve different sounds. Furthermore, a set of effect boxes is provided.

As previously described, the user may listen to music while listening to the music notation 603 (for example, chords, notes, tablature, texts, etc.). These pieces of music may contain both commercial pieces of music and pieces of music created exclusively for use by the GUITARPORT website to facilitate learning from the guitar. Users can play versions of a song with and without the original guitar track to facilitate the exercise. This provides users with quick and easy access to a variety of pieces of music (Jamtracks) from a server 104 and the user can then interact with the downloaded tune presented to facilitate learning in a multimedia presentation format.

Users can be provided access to hundreds or thousands of pieces of music (for example Jamtracks) in a range of different styles. Music pieces can include: existing sound recordings; Remixes of existing sound recordings (for example, without Guitar track or without vocal track); resumed versions of previously released and copyrighted songs, original songs created for the GUITARPORT website (for example, songs created for easy learning of the guitar); Drum loops, rhythms (grooves), etc. Further, for ease of jamming and exercise, grooves (for example, rhythm sections, drum beats, etc.) may be provided. Furthermore, the GUITARPORT website may also facilitate the sale of many other music-related works, other than pieces of music (for example, Jamtracks), for example: CDs from a variety of artists, printed music sheets, tablature, guitar notation, chord tables, texts, digital sheet music, T-shirts, music memorabilia, etc. In addition, each individual piece of music or sound or type of purchase purchased is tracked and recorded for accurate reporting to the content licensing partners (for example, the copyright owners), as described in detail later ,

Embodiments of the present invention further provide a safety device 110 ready to uniquely identify a user and to decrypt encrypted values for use by the computing device 102 , Thus, the security device protects against unauthorized copying of licensed material and allows for secure payment options for content providers. Typically, the values relate to pieces of music (for example Jamtracks), including audio files (for example copyright-protected sound recordings), but it should be understood that the values may be any type of data transmitted over a computer network (for example Multimedia, video, movies, voice, software, generic data formats, etc.) As will be described in more detail later, the security device allows 110 in conjunction with the computing device 102 and the server 104 the server 104 the unique identification of the safety device 110 and allows a computing device 102 that with the authorized safety device 110 coupled is to decrypt the values required for the authorized security device 110 encrypted, along with many other features. As will be described, the safety device contains 110 an embedded electronic serial number and a user key combined with a hardware encryption and a key storage circuit to each security device 110 opposite the server 104 uniquely identify, and to ensure that values are only with a computing device 102 work that is coupled with an authorized security device, thereby enabling secure earning opportunities for content suppliers.

It will be up now 7a Referenced. 7a shows a security system 700 , The server 104 is, as already described, over the computer network 105 (for example, the Internet) with the computing device 102 coupled and the computing device 102 is again via an I / O connection (for example, a USB connection with a security device 110 connected.

To the safety aspects of the security system 700 highlight the server contains 104 the security software module 422 , the application software module 416 , the server software module 415 , the database software module 418 and, not shown, the sales software module 420 , Furthermore, with the server 104 over the computer network connections the values database 104 and the user information database 109 coupled. To highlight the security aspects of the security system 700 is further shown that the computing device 102 the application software module 402 with the security software module 408 and the security hardware interface software 704 contains. The safety device 110 contains security services 706 and safety components 710 to implement the security services 706 , Furthermore, it is a local value memory 712 , for example a local memory in the form of a hard disk, via the I / O connection 714 with the computing device 102 coupled or is part of the computing device 102 , The local value memory 712 can be used to store values (for example, audio files) previously downloaded by the user.

The safety device 110 contains security components 710 involved in the implementation of security services 706 can be used. Such security services 706 contain the unique identification of the safety device 110 opposite the server 104 so that access to the server 104 Only one user is allowed to work with an authorized security device 110 is working. Another security service 706 passing through the safety device 110 in connection with the server 104 Running is to ensure the correct encryption and decryption of values (for example, audio files), so that only computing devices 112 Receive and use values associated with a properly coupled security device 110 are coupled.

With reference to the server 104 contains the server 104 the security software module 422 containing the security programs and algorithms for performing the security functions as described. The security software module 422 Coordinates the information from a clock / calendar on the server 104 and various databases, that is the User information database 109 and the values database 107 to authenticate users and provide encrypted values to authenticated users. The clock / calendar is a common part of a server computer 104 which allows the exact determination of date and time. Furthermore, the server works 104 in a secure operating environment (for example, using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), S-HTTP, etc.).

The user information database 109 contains subscription and registration information for each user who accesses the server 104 is registered (e.g., in one embodiment, a GUITARPORT webpage subscriber); and also an authorized safety device 110 Has. The subscription information for each user includes the expiration date for the user's subscription rights and the user's unique serial number for his or her security device 110 , the user key and storage key used to determine the authenticity of each security device 110 needed and for encryption and decryption of values, as will be described.

The values database 107 contains values (for example, multimedia presentations associated with tunes and audio files as described above, full track jamtracks and songs with various instrumental tracks removed) and any other types of digital data values. It also contains the values database 107 unique value encryption keys for each value (for example, each audio file). It should also be clear that the values database 107 Any other type of values can be included over a computer network 105 to a computing device 102 downloaded and purchased or rented.

With reference to the computing device 102 contains the computing device 102 especially the application software module 402 and the security software module 408 , The security software module 408 contains standard encryption and decryption routines for encrypting and decrypting values as described. Any suitable block mode cipher that uses pseudorandom generators to apply XOR operations of pseudorandom numbers to data may be used. Some examples include Data Encryption Standard (DES), International Date Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), etc. Further, as will be described later, the security software module allows the computing device to be used 102 as a conduit to the interaction between the server 104 and the safety device 110 is used and in particular for authentication of the service facility 110 , However, it is not assumed that the application software module 402 and the security software module 408 in a safe operating environment.

The security hardware interface software 704 provides a standard input / output interface (for example, a USB interface) between the computing device 102 and the safety device 110 to disposal. Furthermore, the computing device uses a standard clock / calendar (that is, common on almost all computers) which corresponds to the application software module 412 the exact determination of the date and time for interactions between the computing device 102 and the safety device 110 allow.

With reference to 7b Now, in particular, the safety device 110 considered. The 7b shows the associated safety components 710 the safety device 110 , As in 7b shown contains the safety device 110 a microprocessor 340 , a secure storage 379 with security logic 380 , a program memory 382 for storing security firmware 383 and non-volatile memory 384 for example EEPROM). It also controls an I / O controller 716 the flow of digital data to and from the computing device 102 via the serial I / O connection 114 , In one example, the serial I / O controller 716 a USB controller and the serial I / O connection 114 can be a USB connection. The through the serial I / O controller 716 Controlled digital data may include keys, value information and other data as described.

In general, the security firmware allows 383 when executed by the microprocessor 340 in conjunction with the secure storage 379 and the non-volatile memory 384 secure operations to the server 104 the unique identification of the safety device 110 allow it and the computing device 102 in conjunction with the safety device 110 allow to decrypt values specifically for use by a computing device 102 with the authorized computer 102 coupled to decode. The secure storage 379 includes both read-only memory (ROM) and writable memory for reading and writing using the hardware-implemented security logic 380 can be locked and unlocked.

One with the serial number 386 the safety device 110 linked user key 387 is through the security logic 380 for authentication of the security device 110 to the server 104 used. Furthermore, a memory key 389 from the security logic 380 initially used the secure memory 379 to unlock. The serial number 386 , the user key 387 and the memory key 389 be in safe storage during manufacture 379 saved and can no longer be written after the secure memory 379 sealed (secured) was. The serial number 386 , the user key 387 and the memory key 389 are also in the user information database 109 stored on the server so that the server 104 initially a request and response for unique authentication of the security device 110 can generate and secure memory 379 and the non-volatile memory 384 can open and lock, as described in more detail later.

The non-volatile memory 384 is called an extension of secure storage 379 used. The firmware 383 prevents access to the non-volatile memory 384 until the secure memory 379 also unlocked. The non-volatile memory 384 has a hardware write protection provided by the firmware 383 is controlled. The non-volatile memory 384 saves the keys 388 such as the value encryption keys (eg, audio file keys) associated with particular acquired values (eg, audio files), the current date, and the subscription data for particular values 390 and value information (for example, information about values) 392 , It should be clear that serial number 386 , the user key 387 , the memory key 389 , the keys 388 , the data 390 , the value information 392 and also the firmware 383 instead may be located in any security device memory or additionally arranged: the program memory 382 , the secure storage 379 , the non-volatile memory 384 ; this particular arrangement is just one embodiment.

Furthermore, the security software included on the server 104 as will be described, the computing device 102 and the firmware of the safety device 110 Standard encryption and decryption routines for encrypting and decrypting values, keys, data and (calendar data) other data sent between these devices. Any suitable block mode enciphering which pseudorandom number generators XOR associations of pseudo-random numbers with data may be used. Some examples are Data Encryption Standard (DES), International Date Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), etc.

Various security features by combining the server 104 , the computing device 102 and the safety device 110 are now implemented with reference to the schedules of 8a - 8i described.

One of the security features to perform is that the server 104 clearly a safety device 110 Identified to ensure that with the safety device 110 coupled computing device is authorized to access the server and its many functions (eg GUITARPORT website in one embodiment). Furthermore, the server determines 104 the authenticity of the security device 110 to prevent unauthorized access to the server 104 and its values (for example, audio files). This is done when a user first tries to connect to the server 104 and can be repeated thereafter. This authentication process contains the output of a coded request from the server 104 to the security device through a scripting language provided by the security software module 422 of the server 104 is performed. The firmware 383 the safety device 110 runs a program to generate a response. An authorized safety device 110 gives a unique (unique) answer to the server 104 using the security software module 422 checked for validity. Is the answer for the particular security device 110 valid, the session will continue. If this answer is not valid, the session is aborted.

Now it will open 8a Referenced. 8a shows a flowchart showing a process 800 of the server 104 , for authentication of the security device 110 shows. The steps 800 of the operation are common to the security software module 422 of the server 104 implemented in conjunction with the other software modules on the server. First, the server asks 104 the serial number 386 from the safety device 110 on (block 802 ) in the secure storage 379 the safety device 110 is stored. In response to the received serial number, the server determines at block 803 Whether the serial number is in the user information database 109 located. If this is not the case, the session is aborted (block 805 ). However, if the serial number is in the user information database 109 located, the server gets 104 the user key for the serial number from the user information database 109 (Block 806 ). As previously described, the user information database stores 109 a unique user key for each serial number of each security device 110 assigned. The server 104 also gets a time and date from the clock / calendar of the server 104 , which will later be used to check if the subscription rights have expired (block 808 ).

Next, the server calculates 104 a request block 810 ) and the expected answer from the safety device 110 (Block 812 ). The request is essentially a request to the security device 110 for accurate identification by sending an appropriate response. This request will be sent to the server 104 by performing a mathematical transformation of the user key 387 generated, the safety device 110 assigned. Both the server 104 , as well as the security device 110 use the same mathematical transformation and have the same user key 387 so that the at the safety device 110 generated response should be the same as that generated on the server (assuming it is actually the security device associated with the user's serial number). In one embodiment, the common mathematical transformation of the server 104 and the safety device 110 be any suitable one-way hashing feature.

The request will then be from the server 104 to the safety device 110 (Block 814 ) Posted. The server 104 then wait for the answer from the safety device 110 (Block 816 ). When a specified period of time has elapsed, the process begins 800 a time limit is triggered and the session is aborted (block 817 ). However, if a response is received within the specified time, the server determines 104 whether the answer from the safety device 110 corresponds to the expected answer (block 818 ).

If this is not the case, the session is aborted (block 819 ). If this is the case, however, the user is logged on to the server 104 allowed and the process 800 is completed (block 821 ). For example, the user may access the GUITARPORT web page as previously described.

It will be up now 8b Referenced. 8b shows a flowchart showing a process 822 represents where the safety device 110 to the authentication request from the server 104 responds. The steps of the process 822 are generally under the control of the firmware 383 the safety device 110 implemented. First, the user key 389 from the secure storage 379 held (block 824 ). Next is at block 826 the answer to the request is calculated. As previously described, the answer is usually a mathematical transformation (for example, a one-way hashing function) that both the server 104 as well as the safety device 110 have in common, from the user key 389 (again together on the server 104 and the safety device 110 ). The answer to the request is to the server 104 (Block 828 ) Posted. The process 822 is then completed (block 830 ).

Other security features by combining the server 104 , the computing device 102 and the safety device 110 are implemented, the updating of the current date and subscription right expiration dates related to the security device 110 are stored. The current date and the subscription expiration date 390 be in the non-volatile memory 384 the safety device 110 saved. The server 104 updates both the subscription expiration date and the current date 390 in the safety device 110 , However, the application software module updates 402 the computing device 102 the current date 390 even if the server 104 not connected. Because the application software module 402 is not considered secure, the server updates 104 the subscription rights expiration date and the current date 390 when connected, to ensure safety.

It will be up now 8c Referenced. 8c a flowchart shows the one operation 832 represents, the server 104 the safety device 110 updated with the current date and the subscription expiration date. These process steps 832 are generally through the security software module 422 on the server 104 in conjunction with the other software modules on the server 104 implemented. First, the subscription expiration date is taken from the user information database 109 received for the user (block 834 ). Next is the current date from the server's clock / calendar 104 received (block 836 ). The subscription expiration date and the current date are then encrypted (block 838 ). In the further sends the server 104 an instruction to the safety device 110 to the safety device memory 721 with the non-volatile memory 384 to unlock ( 840 ). 8d describes the process of unlocking the safety device memory 721 as will be described. Based on a response from the safety device 110 as to the question of whether the safety device memory 721 successfully unlocked, the server determines 104 whether the unlock operation was successful or not (block 842 ). If the safety device memory 721 was unsuccessfully unlocked, the process fails 832 wrong (block 844 ).

However, if the safety device memory 721 successfully unlocked, the server sends 104 the encrypted subscription expiration date and the current date to the security device 110 , and the safety device 110 updates the data (block 846 ). 8e describes the process of updating the data by the security device 110 as will be described. The server sends an instruction to the security device to block the Safety device memory 721 (Block 848 ). The 8f and 8e describe the process of locking the safety device memory 721 as will be described. The process 832 is then completed (block 850 ).

It will be up now 8d Referenced. 8d shows a flowchart showing a process 852 shows, where the server 104 the safety device memory 721 the safety device 110 unlocked. At block 854 the server gets 104 the serial number 386 from the safety device 110 , Next the server gets at block 856 the memory key 389 which is the serial number for the user from the user information database 109 assigned. The server 104 then receives the current time and date from the server's clock / calendar 104 (Block 858 ). The server then receives the current cryptogram from the security device 110 (Block 860 ). The current cryptogram is one through the security device 110 every authentication of the security device 110 through the server 104 generated random number.

The server 104 Next, it calculates an unlock message to unlock the safety device memory 721 and a matching expected response value from the security device 110 (Block 862 ). Next, the server sends 104 the memory unlock message to the security device 110 (Block 864 ).

If the unlock message is valid, that is by the safety device 110 so decipherable that the safety device 110 properly to unlock your safety device memory 371 is instructed (so that both the security device and the server must be authorized subscribers), sends the security device 110 the expected answer back to the server 104 , The server 104 requires a suitable and expected response from the safety device 110 to verify that it is the authorized security device 110 is and that the safety device memory 371 therefore was unlocked. In contrast, the safety device 110 verify on the basis of the unlock message that the server 104 to instruct the safety device to unlock its safety device memory 371 is authorized. The symmetric expected response sent to the server 104 was generated and that at the safety device 110 generated response, using the memory key 389 and, in one embodiment, the cryptogram may be based on a proprietary anti-werie tapping algorithm created and licensed by ELVA Corporation. However, any suitable zero-knowledge proofing algorithm can be used to accurately authenticate two parties. Further, in one embodiment, the security logic 380 implementing the ELVA anti-wire tapping algorithm, should be a cryptographic device manufactured by the ATMEL Corporation.

Continuing this example, the server is waiting 104 on an appropriate response from the safety device 110 for a fixed period of time (block 866 ). If the safety device 110 does not respond within a set time frame, the process fails 852 wrong (block 868 ). If the server 104 timely response from the safety device 110 receives, then determines the server 104 at block 870 whether he has the expected response from the safety device 110 has received. If not, the process beats 852 wrong (block 872 ). If the server 104 the expected answer from the safety device 110 then the server knows 104 that the safety device memory 721 the safety device 110 was unlocked. Accordingly, the memory is unlocked so that the security device can update the current and subscription expiration dates sent by the server 104 was received as referring to 8e is described. The process 852 is then completed (block 873 ). It should also be clear that the safety device memory 721 can be unlocked to perform many other functions, for example, to store value information 392 , Value keys 391 , etc. as described.

It will be up now 8e Referenced. 8e shows a flowchart showing a process 874 represents, wherein the safety device 110 The current and subscription expiration date is updated by the server 104 were received. Again, the security device and control of the firmware 383 operated to implement their functions. At block 876 decrypts the security device 110 the current date and that of the server 104 received subscription rights expiration date. Next, the safety device stores 110 at block 878 the current date and the subscription expiration date 390 in the non-volatile memory 384 , The process 874 is then completed (block 880 ).

It will be up now 8f Referenced. 8f represents a process in a flowchart 882 where the server 104 the non-volatile memory 384 of the safety device memory 721 the safety device 110 locks. To accomplish this, the server sends 104 only a memory lock instruction to the safety device 110 (Block 884 ). The process 882 is then completed (block 886 ). After the server 104 a memory lock command to lock the non-volatile memory 384 has sent, can the safety device 110 the secure storage 379 lock. It will now be on the 8g Referenced. 8g represents a flowchart of an operation 888 wherein the safety device 110 the secure storage 379 locks. At block 870 determines the safety device 110 whether the secure memory 379 is unlocked. If this is not the case, this indicates that the memory 379 already locked and the process 888 is completed (block 899 ). If the secure storage 379 is unlocked, checks the safety device 110 whether the memory blocking command has already been received (block 892 ). If this is the case, locks the safety device 110 the secure storage 379 and the security logic 380 (Block 894 ) and blocks access to the non-volatile memory 384 (Block 898 ). The process 888 is then completed (block 899 ).

However, if at block 892 the memory lock instruction has not been received, then the safety device checks 110 whether the memory unlock time has been exceeded. If not, the process is 888 completed and the safety device 110 can the security device memory 721 lock later (block 899 ). On the other hand, the safety device locks 110 the secure storage 379 and the security logic 380 (Block 894 ), if the memory unlock time has been exceeded, and locks access to the non-volatile memory 384 (Block 898 ), so that the process 888 then completed (block 899 ). Accordingly, the entire security memory is 721 locked when the secure memory 391 as well as the non-volatile memory 384 Is blocked. So after the security device memory 721 has been unlocked to update the current and subscription expiration dates and the value information 392 , the values key 391 etc., it can be locked again.

As already described, the application software module 402 and the security software module 408 the computing device 102 to update the current date and time in the security device 110 be used. However, this is not safe and these dates and times are always checked exactly against the dates and times used by the server 104 be received, as already described.

It will be up now 8h Referenced. 8h shows a flowchart showing a process 801 representing the application software module 402 the computing device in conjunction with the other software modules the current date and the safety device 110 updated. At block 805 determines the computing device 102 whether the safety device 110 request the date and time. If not, that is the process 801 completed (block 807 ). However, if the safety device 110 Request date and time, then receives the computing device 102 the date and time of the clock / calendar of the computing device 102 (Block 809 ). The computing device 102 then sends the date and time to the safety device 110 (Block 811 ). The process 801 is then completed (block 813 ).

It will be up now 8i Referenced. 8i shows a flowchart showing a process 815 represents, wherein the safety device 110 that from the computing device 102 updated current date and time updated. At block 823 determines the safety device 110 whether the received current date is beyond the subscription expiration date. In this case, the safety device stores 110 the expiry of subscription rights (for example in non-volatile memory 384 ) (Block 825 ). The process 815 is then completed (block 827 ). The security device can then use the computing device 102 instruct the user to indicate that his or her subscription rights have expired and the server 104 Guides the user to update the subscription rights on the next connection.

On the other hand, if the current date is not beyond the subscription expiration date, the security device becomes 110 Check if this is from the application software module 402 the computing device 102 received date is valid, compared with the trusted date and time provided by the server 104 received at the last update (block 829 ). If this is not the case, the safety device becomes 110 assume a security breach and save expiration of subscription rights (Block 825 ). The process 815 is then completed (block 827 ). Again, the safety device 110 the computing device 102 instruct the user to indicate that his or her subscription rights have expired and the server 104 Guides the user to update the subscription rights on the next connection. However, if the date of the application software module 402 the computing device 102 through the safety device 110 is determined to be valid, the safety device becomes the date and time 390 in the nonvolatile memory 384 save (block 831 ). The process 815 is then completed (block 833 ).

Another security service 706 passing through the safety device 110 in connection with the server 104 is to ensure that digital values (for example, audio files) are suitably encrypted and decrypted so that only one computing device 102 Values can be received and used with a properly authorized safety device 110 is coupled. As already described, contains the values database 104 Values (for example, multimedia presentations associated with songs, audio files (for example, as previously described, full track jamtracks, and songs with different remote soundtracks)) and other digital data values. It also contains the values database 107 unique value encryption keys for each value (for example, for each audio file). It should also be clear that the values database 107 Any type of digital data values may include (for example, multimedia data, video data, voice data, software, other generic data forms, etc.) that may have been purchased or leased to a computing device 102 can be downloaded with an authorized safety device 110 over a computer network 105 connected is. Thus, the term "value" will be used later to include, in particular, audio files (for example, Jamtracks) already described with reference to the GUITARPORT website), but further includes any other type of digital values.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a secure value delivery system. Values are passed through the security system 700 (again with reference to 7a ) to protect against unauthorized copying of licensed material. Each value is in the values database 107 of the server 104 stored and encrypted with a different, unique value key specifically for that value. Each value is uniquely identified using the security software module 422 on the server 104 encrypted in conjunction with the other software modules. If the encrypted value to request the computing device 102 is sent, the encrypted value in the value memory 712 the computing device 102 saved. Further, the value key for the value is made using the user key of the associated security device 100 the requesting computer 102 the encrypted value key is also requested by the computing device 102 sent where he is in the value store 712 the computing device 102 is stored. As already described, each user key is 389 for each user security device 110 unique and each user key 389 is both at the safety device 110 as well as in the user information database 109 on the server 104 saved. When the time to access the value at the computing device 102 For example, if the user wishes to play a downloaded audio file value (for example, as part of a multimedia presentation of a Jamtrack to facilitate learning the guitar), the security software module sends 408 in conjunction with the application software module 402 and the other software modules of the computing device 102 the encrypted value key for decryption to the security device 110 , The decrypted value key is then used by the security device 110 to the computing device 110 sent back to where he came from the computing device 102 used in turn with the security software module 408 in conjunction with the application software module 402 and the other software modules to decrypt the value (for example, an audio file) into the memory. The decrypted value can then be used. For example, an encrypted audio file may be decompressed for playback.

Reference is now made to reference 9. 9 shows an example of a secure value delivery system 900 , as already described. At block 902 is a value (A) 904 with a value key (AK) 906 encrypted. The encrypted value 905 (For example, (E _AK A))) is then sent to the computing device 102 sent where it is in memory (for example, the value memory 712 ) is stored (block 910 ). In addition, at block 920 the value key (AK) 906 with the user key (UK) 389 encrypted by the user. The encrypted value key 909 (For example, (E _UK (AK))) is then sent to the computing device 102 sent where it is stored in memory (block 924 ). At block 930 decrypts the security device 110 the encrypted value key 909 with the unique user key (UK) 389 of the user (for example, D _UK [E _UK (AK)]) to the value key 906 (AK), which then to the computing device 102 is forwarded. At block 923 can the computing device 102 then the encrypted value 905 with the value key (AK) 906 decrypt (for example, D _AK [E _AK (A)]) to get the value (A). The value can then be determined by the application software module 402 the computing device 102 be used. For example, if the value is an audio file, the audio file may be decompressed for playback as part of a multimedia presentation of a Jamtrack to facilitate the learning of a guitar. It should be understood that the encryption and decryption algorithms are known in the art and that various types of encryption and decryption algorithms are used by the server 104 , the computing device 102 and the safety device 110 are usable.

The security software on the server 104 , the computing device 102 and the firmware of the safety device 110 include standard encryption and decryption routines for encrypting and decrypting values, keys, data, and other data sent between these devices. Any suitable block mode cipher that uses pseudo-random number generators to perform XOR associations of pseudo-random numbers with data may be used. Some examples are the Data Encryption Standard (DES), International Date Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), etc.

Now, a more detailed embodiment of the secure value delivery system 900 , As already described, the server encrypts 104 each value sent to a user with a unique value key. Furthermore, the server sends 104 also an indication of whether the value should be rented or owned by the user. Rented values expired when the user's subscription rights expired and can not be used after the end of the subscription rights. Values owned by the user did not expire when the user's subscription rights expired. The server 104 also sends, in an encrypted form, the unique value key required to decrypt the value at the user, the value key containing the user key 389 the safety device 110 is encrypted to the user, so that the security device 110 can decrypt the encrypted value key and the computing device 102 then decrypt the value with the decrypted value key to allow the user to access the value. Thus, a value can be safely delivered by a particular user having a particular security device.

The computing device 102 that with the application software module 402 , the security software module 408 and operated in conjunction with other software modules performs many functions related to the decryption of and access to the values, as previously described. The computing device 102 receives and stores the encrypted values and the encrypted value key in the local memory (for example, the value memory 712 ). The computing device 102 sends the encrypted value key (and an identifier whether the value is rented or owned) to the security device 110 , Under the control of the firmware 383 decrypts the security device 110 the value key and determines whether the value has expired due to expired subscription rights. If the value has not expired, the safety device sends 110 the encrypted value key to the computing device 102 so that the value can be decrypted by the computing device and then used. As already described, the computing device decrypts 102 the value with the value key to get the value.

On the other hand, the safety device notifies 110 the computing device 102 when the subscription rights have expired and the computing device 102 notifies the user that the subscription rights have expired. The specific steps of the process will now be described to perform this functionality.

It will be up now 10a Referenced. 10a shows a flowchart showing a process 1000 represents, the server 104 Values encrypted. The server 104 works with the control of the application software module 416 , the security software module 422 and in conjunction with other software modules to perform the functions of the process as will be described. At block 1002 , the server receives 104 Time and date from the clock / calendar of the server 104 , Next, the server generates 104 an encryption key (block 1004 ). The server 104 then encrypts the value with a unique value key (block 1006 ). The server 104 then stores the encrypted value and the value key in the values database 107 (Block 1008 ). The process 1000 is then completed (block 1010 ).

It will be up now 10b Referenced. 10b shows a flowchart showing a process 1012 represents, the server 104 provides the value. At block 1014 the server gets 104 the value, the value key, and a status identifier, whether the value is from the value database 107 rented or owned. The status flag may be implemented as a rent flag, for example, a law of the rent flag corresponds to a value rented by the user, and an unset rent flag corresponds to a value owned or purchased by the user. Further, the server receives 104 the user key 389 for the user (according to the safety device 110 user) from the user information database 109 (Block 1016 ). Next, the server encrypts 104 the value key and the rent flag using the user key 389 from the user (block 1018 ). The server 104 then sends the encrypted value key and the encrypted lease flag to the computing device 102 (Block 1020 ). Furthermore, the server sends 104 the encrypted value to the computing device 102 (Block 1022 ). The process 1012 is then completed (block 1024 ).

It will be up now 10c Referenced. 10c shows a flowchart showing a process 1026 represents, wherein the computing device 102 the functions of extracting the value key from the security device 110 performs. The computing device 102 works under control of the application software module 402 , the security software module 408 and in Connect to the other software modules to perform the functions of the process as described. At block 1028 sends the computing device 102 the one from the server 104 received encrypted value key and rental flag to the security device 110 , Next comes the calculator 102 an answer from the safety device 110 (Block 1030 ). The response includes a notification as to whether the value has expired, and if the value has not expired, the decrypted value key. The creation of the application at the safety device 110 will be later referring to 10e described.

At block 1032 determines the computing device 102 based on the response from the safety device 110 whether access to the value has expired (block 1032 ). For example, if the value is rented and the subscription rights have expired (that is, the current date is beyond the subscription expiration date for the value), then access to the value has expired. If access to the value has expired, then notify at block 134 the computing device 102 the user that access to the value has expired. If access to the value has not expired (that is, the value is owned or the subscription expiration date has not elapsed yet), then the calculator extracts the value key from the security device response (Block 1036 ). The process 1026 is then completed (block 1038 ).

It will be up now 10d Referenced. 10d shows a flowchart showing a process 1040 represents, wherein the computing device 102 performs the functions of decrypting the value. At block 1024 initializes the computing device 102 a decryption algorithm with that of the security device 110 received value key. Next, the calculator loads 102 the encrypted value in the memory (block 1044 ). The computing device 102 then decrypts the memory copy of the encrypted value using the security device 110 received value key to decrypt the encrypted value (that is, the encrypted value is encrypted with the value key) (block 1046 ). So will be at the computing device 102 the value for use by the computing device 102 receive. The value can be used by applications of the computing device. For example, if the value is an audio file, the audio file may be played back for playback as part of a multimedia presentation of a jamtrack to facilitate learning a guitar, as previously described.

It will be up now 10e Referenced. 10e shows a flowchart showing a process 1050 represents, wherein the safety device 110 extracts the value key. As already described, the safety device works 110 under the control of the firmware 383 , At block 1052 receives the safety device 110 the encrypted value key and the lease flag from the computing device 102 , The encrypted value key and the rental flag are encrypted with the user key. The safety device 110 then receives the user key 389 from the non-volatile memory 384 (Block 1054 ). Next, the security device decrypts 110 the value key and the rental flag with the user key 389 (Block 1056 ).

The safety device then determines whether the value is rented (block 1058 ). If not (ie he is in possession) gives the security device 110 the decrypted value key to the computing device 102 back (block 1060 ) and the processing 1050 is complete (block 1068 ). However, if the value is rented, the safety device will determine 110 next, whether the subscription rights have expired (that is, if the current date is beyond the subscription rights expiration date for the value) (Block 1062 ).

If this is not the case, the safety device indicates 110 the decrypted value key to the computing device 102 back (block 1060 ) and the processing 1050 is complete (block 1068 ). However, if the subscription rights have expired, the security device gives 110 an answer with a label to the computing device 102 back that the subscription rights have expired (block 1064 ). The processing 1050 is then complete (block 1068 ).

It should be clear that the security software of the server 104 , the computing device 102 and the firmware of the safety device 110 Use standard encryption and decryption routines to encrypt and decrypt values, keys, data, and other data sent between these devices, as described. Any suitable block mode cipher that uses pseudo-random number generators to perform XOR concatenations of pseudorandom numbers with data may be used. Examples are Data Encryption Standard (DES), International Date Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), etc.

As already described, the secure value delivery system ensures that digital values are encrypted and decrypted, so that only one computing device coupled to a properly authorized security device will in turn assigned to a particular user / beneficiary, receiving and using values. Embodiments of the present invention provide a secure value delivery system wherein digital values pass through the secure server 104 be encrypted in the right way and only by a computing device 102 can be decrypted with a properly authorized security device 110 is coupled so that only properly authorized computing devices 102 can receive and use the values, providing protection against unauthorized copying of licensed material. As already described contains the values database 107 in one embodiment, values (for example, in multimedia presentation) associated with music pieces, audio files (such as Jamtracks with full songs and songs with different remote instrumental tracks), as well as other digital values. For example, in one embodiment, the value of an audio file, the audio file may be decompressed for playback as part of a multimedia presentation of a Jamtrack to facilitate the learning of a guitar as already described. It should also be clear that the values database 107 may contain any other digital values (for example, multimedia, video, movies, voice, sound recordings, software, other generic data forms) that can be purchased or rented and to a computing device 102 over a computer network 105 can be downloaded.

The various aspects of the inventions described above may be implemented as single or multiple instructions (eg, software modules, programs, code segments, and so forth) for performing the various described functions. When read and executed by a processor, these instructions cause the processor to perform the operations necessary to implement and / or use embodiments of the invention. In general, these instructions are tangibly embodied in and / or readable by a machine-readable medium, device or carrier, such as a memory, data storage devices and / or terminals. These instructions may be from the memory, data storage devices and / or terminals into the memory of the computing device 102 , the server 104 and the interface device 106 be charged for use during operation. These instructions may be used to implement a general purpose processor or a specialized processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps of the present invention. Alternatively, the features or steps of the present invention may be performed by certain hardware components having hard-wired logic for performing these steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and matched hardware components. While embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the World Wide Web, the methods, systems and devices described herein are equally applicable to any other network infrastructure or data communication system.

While the present invention and its various functional components have been described in terms of particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, or a combination thereof and in systems, subsystems, components, or subcomponents can be implemented by them. If implemented in software (for example, as a software module), the elements of the present invention are the instructions / code segments for performing the required tasks. The programs or code segments may be stored on a machine-readable medium, such as a processor-readable medium or computer program product, or transmitted through a computer data signal over a transmission medium or communication link represented by a carrier wave or by a carrier-modulated signal becomes. The machine-readable medium or processor-readable medium may be any medium that can store or transfer information in the form of readable and executable data by a machine (eg, a processor, a computer, etc.). Examples of machine-processor-readable media are electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, a ROM, a flash memory, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a disk, a compact disc CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, an optical fiber medium, a radio (RF) connection, etc. The computer data signal may include any signal that may propagate through a transmission medium such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air, electromagnetic, RF links, etc. The code segments can be downloaded over a computer network, such as the Internet, an intranet, etc.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, the description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention which will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, are to be considered to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (66)

A system ( 100 ) for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a computing device 102 for displaying to a user that allows the user a musical instrument 112 playing in conjunction with the multimedia presentation, the system comprising: a server 104 to transfer a session file 539 to the computing device 102 via a computer network 105 , in response to the selection of a piece of music by a user, the session file 539 associated with the selected piece of music and the session file 539 contains an audio file and multimedia data, so that the computing device 102 the session file 539 processed to present the multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user; and one with the computing device 102 and the musical instrument 112 user-connected interface device 106 , wherein the interface device 106 includes an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter and serves the musical instrument 112 with such with the computing device 102 to couple that an analog audio signal digitized and to the computing device 102 from the musical instrument 112 is transmitted when the user the musical instrument 112 plays, being used by the computing device 102 a control panel graphic interface 600 with an amplifier 604 for the musical instrument 112 can be displayed, using the control panel graphic interface 600 Settings, the sound characteristics for the musical instrument 112 determine and alter the audio signal, wherein changing the audio signal comprises performing digital signal processing (DSP) on the audio signal, wherein the computing device 102 generates a mixed signal representing the altered digital audio signal of the musical instrument 112s combined with the audio file, with the mixed signal to a sound device 120 is transferable to allow the user the musical instrument 112 to play in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file The system of claim 1, wherein it is the control panel graphics interface 600 allows the user to control the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112 adjust. The system of claim 1, wherein the multimedia data for the session file 539 the control panel graphic interface 600 set to predetermined values to the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112es which are associated with the audio file for the piece of music selected by the user. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the musical instrument 112 the user assigned track is removed from the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user, so that the user of the musical instrument 112 the user can play in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file that is not the musical instrument 112 contains the user. The system of claim 1, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 effect the display of music notation associated with the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user. The system of claim 1, wherein the server 104 the user based on one in the interface device 106 stored unique identifier identifies. The system of claim 6, wherein in the interface device 106 user's unique identifiers stored by the interface device 106 assigned serial number is. The system of claim 6, wherein the server 104 tailor a presentation of music pieces to the user based on the unique identifier. The system of claim 6, wherein the interface device 106 one of the interface devices 106 assigned user key 387 stores. The system of claim 9, wherein the server 104 to the computing device 102 the user's audio file is encrypted with an audio file key associated with the audio file, and wherein the audio file key is encrypted with a user key 387 encrypted for the user and also to the computing device 102 is transmitted. The system of claim 10, wherein the interface device 106 the one with the user key 387 encrypted audio file keys using the stored user key 387s decrypted and the decrypted audio file key to the computing device 102 transfers, so that the computing device 102 uses the decrypted audio file key to decrypt the audio file. The system of claim 1, wherein the musical instrument 112 a microphone is. The system of claim 1, wherein the musical instrument 112 a guitar is. The system of claim 13, wherein the computing device 102 a control panel graphic interface 600 with an amplifier 604 for a guitar, showing the control panel graphic interface 600 Has settings that determine the sound characteristics for the guitar. The system of claim 14, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 the control panel graphic interface 600 to predetermined values to emulate the sound characteristics of the guitar associated with the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user. The system of claim 15, wherein a guitar track is removed from the audio file of the music selected by the user so that the user can play the user's guitar in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file that does not contain the guitar track , The system of claim 15, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 cause the display of a music notation for a guitar associated with the audio file of the music piece selected by the user. A method for providing a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a user that allows the user to play a musical instrument 112 playing in conjunction with the multimedia presentation, the method comprising: transmitting a session file 539 in response to the selection of a piece of music by a user, the session file 539 associated with the piece of music and containing an audio file and multimedia data; Processing the session file 539 using a computing device 102 to present to the user a multimedia presentation of the audio file; and coupling the musical instrument 112es with the computing device 102 so while playing the musical instrument 112s an analog audio signal from the musical instrument 112 digitized and to the computing device 102 is transmitted, displaying a control panel graphic interface 600 with an amplifier 604 for the musical instrument 112 where the control panel graphic interface 600 Settings, the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112es determine and alter the audio signal, wherein changing the audio signal comprises performing digital signal processing (DSP) on the audio signal; and generating a mixed signal representing the altered digital audio signal of the musical instrument 112s combined with the audio file, with the mixed signal to a sound device 120 is transmitted to allow the user the musical instrument 112 to play in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file. The method of claim 18, wherein it is the control panel graphics interface 600 allows the user to customize the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112 adjust. The method of claim 18, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 the control panel graphic interface 600 set to predetermined values to the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112es mapped to the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the musical instrument 112 user assigned track from the audio file for the piece of music selected by the user, so that the user of the musical instrument 112 the user can play in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file containing the musical instrument 112 of the user does not contain. The method of claim 18, further comprising displaying a musical notation associated with the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user in the multimedia presentation to the user. The method of claim 18, further comprising identifying the user based on a unique identifier. The method of claim 23, wherein the unique identifier is a serial number. The method of claim 23, further comprising trimming a presentation of music pieces to the user based on the unique identifier. The method of claim 23, further comprising storing a user key 387s , The method of claim 26, further comprising: encrypting the to the computing device 102 the user transmitted audio file with an audio file associated with the audio file key; and encrypting the audio file key with the user key 387 for the user. The method of claim 27, further comprising: a decrypting with the user key 387 encrypted audio file key using the stored user key; and decrypting the audio file with the decrypted audio file key. The method of claim 18, wherein the musical instrument 112 a microphone is. The method of claim 18, wherein the musical instrument 112 a guitar is. The method of claim 30, further comprising displaying a control panel graphics interface 600 with an amplifier 604 for a guitar, using the control panel graphic interface 600 Has settings that determine the sound characteristics for the guitar. The method of claim 31, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 the control panel graphic interface 600 to predetermined values to emulate the sound characteristics of the guitar associated with the audio file for the piece of music selected by the user. The method of claim 32, further comprising removing a guitar track from the audio file for the music piece selected by the user so that the user can play the user's guitar in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file containing the guitar track does not contain. The method of claim 32, further comprising displaying to the user a music notation associated with the audio file of the music piece selected by the user in the multimedia presentation. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon when executed by a computing device 102 the computing device 102 for carrying out the method according to claim 18 causes. The computer readable medium of claim 35, wherein the control panel graphics interface 600 allows the user to control the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112 adjust. The computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 the control panel graphic interface 600 set to predetermined values to the sound characteristics of the musical instrument 112s mapped to the audio file of the piece of music selected by the user. The computer readable medium of claim 35, further comprising removing the musical instrument 112 user's assigned track from the audio file for the piece of music selected by the user, so that the user the musical instrument 112 the user can play in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file containing the musical instrument 112 of the user does not contain. The computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising displaying to the user a musical notation associated with the audio file of the music piece selected by the user in the multimedia presentation. The computer readable medium of claim 35, further comprising identifying the user based on a unique identifier. The computer-readable medium of claim 40, wherein the unique identifier is a serial number. The computer-readable medium of claim 40, further comprising trimming a presentation of music pieces to the user based on the unique identifier. The computer-readable medium of claim 40, further comprising storing a user key. The computer-readable medium of claim 43, further comprising: encrypting the to the computing device 102 the user transmitted audio file with an audio file associated with the audio file key; and encrypting the audio file key with the user key for the user. The computer-readable medium of claim 44, further comprising: decrypting the audio key encrypted with the user key using the stored user key 387s ; and decrypt the audio file with the decrypted audio file key. The computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the musical instrument 112 a microphone is. The computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the musical instrument 112 a guitar is. The computer readable medium of claim 47, further comprising generating and displaying a control panel graphic interface 600 with an amplifier 604 for a guitar, using the control panel graphic interface 600 Has settings that determine the sound characteristics for the guitar. The computer-readable medium of claim 48, wherein the multimedia data of the session file 539 the control panel graphic interface 600 to predetermined values to emulate the sound characteristics of the guitar associated with the audio file for the piece of music selected by the user. The computer readable medium of claim 49, further comprising removing a guitar track from the audio file for the music piece selected by the user so that the user can play the user's guitar in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file, which does not contain the guitar track. The computer-readable medium of claim 49, further comprising displaying to the user a musical notation associated with the audio file of the music piece selected by the user in the multimedia presentation. An interface device 106 for coupling a stringed musical instrument 112s with a computing device 102 , wherein the computing device 102 digital signal processing (DSP) on a digitized, from the interface device 106 received audio signal of the musical instrument 112s can execute a processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument 112es to generate, with the computing device 102 presenting to the user a multimedia presentation of a digital audio file and a mixed digital audio signal from the processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument 112s and the digital audio file generated, the interface device 106 causes the mixed digital signal to be transmitted by an analogue sound device 120 is converted to the user in the analog form, wherein sound is presented to the user to allow the user a musical instrument 112 to play in conjunction with the multimedia presentation, the interface device 106 comprising: a processor; an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter for converting an analog audio signal from the musical instrument 112 which while playing the musical instrument 112s generated by the user into a digitized audio signal; a digital-to-analog (D / A) converter for converting the mixed digital signal from the processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument 112s and that of the computing device 102 received digital audio file into a mixed analog audio signal; and a digital audio interface for controlling the timing and formatting of the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument 112s and the mixed digital signal; wherein the processor controls the digital audio interface such that the mixed digital signal through the D / A converter and through the analogue sound device 120 is transmitted to the user to allow the user to use a musical instrument 112 to play in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file. The interface device 106 according to claim 52, further comprising a serial input / output (I / O) controller for interfacing the interface device 106 with the computing device 102 via a serial I / O connection. The interface device 106 according to claim 53, wherein said serial input / output (I / O) controller is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller and said interface means 106 with the computing device 102 is coupled via a USB connection. The interface device 106 according to claim 52, further comprising a mixer for outputting to the analog sound device 120 to integrate other audio signals. The interface device 106 according to claim 52, further comprising a volume control for controlling the volume of the processed analog audio signal and the analog audio file for output to the analog sound device 120 , The interface device 106 according to claim 52, wherein the analog sound device 120 contains at least one speaker. The interface device 106 according to claim 52, wherein one of the musical instrument 112 the user assigned track is removed from the multimedia presentation associated digital audio file, so that the user of the musical instrument 112 the user can play in conjunction with a multimedia presentation of the audio file containing the musical instrument 112 of the user does not contain. The interface device 106 according to claim 58, wherein the multimedia presentation includes a music notation displayed to the user associated with the audio file. The interface device 106 according to claim 52, wherein the musical instrument 112 a guitar is. The interface device 106 according to claim 52, wherein the computing device 102 the multimedia presentation of the digital audio file from the server 104 via a computer network 105 receives. The interface device 106 according to claim 61, further comprising a safety device 110 for identifying the interface device 106 as an authorized interface device 106 , based on one in the safety device 110 stored unique identifier. The interface device of claim 62, wherein the in the security device 110 stored unique identifiers of the interface device 106 assigned serial number is. The interface device 106 according to claim 62, wherein the safety device 110 one of the interface devices 106 assigned user key stores. The interface device 106 according to claim 64, wherein the server 104 to the computing device 102 the user transmitted digital audio file is encrypted with an audio file key associated with the digital audio file, and wherein the audio file key is encrypted with the user key for the user and also to the computing device 102 is transmitted. The interface device 106 according to claim 65, wherein the safety device 110 decrypts the audio file key encrypted with the user key using the stored user key and decrypts the decrypted audio file key to the computing device 102 transfers, so that the computing device 102 uses the decrypted audio file key to decrypt the audio file.

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