Enhanced content tracking system and method

A system for tracking use of a digital audio file, the system comprising:

• a server configured to provide controlled access to a plurality of source digital audio files each containing at least one or more musical sections wherein, in response to a request received from a client device for access to an identified source audio track of the plurality of source digital audio files, to provide the client device with access to the identified source audio track the server being further configured to:
• provide to the client device a unique identifier related to said identified source audio track to which access has been provided;
• receive from the client device tracking data that is linked to the unique identifier, said tracking data relating to at least one of:
• entry and exit points associated with playing, at the client device, of at least one of said musical sections in the identified source audio track, and
• how the identified source audio track was used, performed or manipulated at the client device;
• and
• track use of the identified source audio track by storing or relaying the tracking data linked to the unique identifier of the identified source audio track requested by the client device, said tracking data related to use of at least a portion of the identified source audio track by the client device;
• wherein the server is further configured to:
• provide client devices with access to a database in which is stored associated audio file descriptions defining musically viable cross-fades or cuts between sections in each source audio track, each viable cross-fade or cut in each section being defined by a point in real time corresponding to a point in musical time where an audibly seamless cross-fade maintains musical rhythm between entry and exit points of selected sections;
• send associated audio file description to the requesting client device, the audio file description relating to the source audio track;
• receive, from the client device to which the associated audio file description was sent, transition points referenced with the unique identifier of the source audio track, said transition points identify in real time a succession of cross-fades or cuts between at least some of the sections in the source audio track, each of said transition points corresponding to a point in musical time that realizes an audibly seamless transition;
• and
• resolve specific musical sections of the source audio track identified by the transition points and the unique track identifier to allow reporting of use of the specific musical sections.

A method of playing media content on a client device and tracking use of sections of media content, the method comprising:

• selecting, from a database containing a multiplicity of digital media files each having one or more sections, a selected digital media file;
• receiving, over a communications network, access to the selected digital media file and further receiving a unique identifier related to the selected digital media file;
• establishing use of the selected digital media file at the client device by tracking at least one of:
• entry and exit points associated with playing of at least one section of the selected digital media file, and
• how the selected digital media file was used, performed or manipulated at the client device;
• generating tracking data for one or both of (a) those entry or exit points, and/or (b) how the selected digital media file was used, performed or manipulated at the client device;
• communicating, over the communications network, a report of local use of at least a portion of the selected digital media file at the client device, the report associating the tracking data with the unique identifier;
• receiving an associated file description for the selected digital media file, the file description defining viable cross-fades between sections in the selected digital media file, and
• using the associated file description to identify transition points in real time for a succession of cross-fades between at least some selected ones of a plurality of sections in the selected digital media file;
• and
• sending uplink, over the network, the transition points for the selected digital media file and the unique identifier to allow reporting of use of specific sections.