Interactive entertainment apparatus
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Interactive entertainment apparatus operable to output sequences of image frames comprising a user-influenced path through a branch structured narrative, the apparatus comprising:
- a source of image frames for all branch structure paths of the narrative;
branch storage means for data defining the narrative branch structure;
user operable input means;
branch selection means coupled to the branch store and operable to detect narrative branch points and to call one of two or more image frame sequences from the image frame source in dependence on the user input;
an output for the selected image frame sequences; and
interaction memory means arranged to receive and store data relating to user input,the branch selection determining which of said two or more image frame sequences to call on the basis of at least two preceding and separate user inputs.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for user interaction with a branch-structured narrative entertainment, where user input influences the selection of paths at branch points. A user interface (14) holds a record of the narrative structure (48) with the audio and video components being called up from remote or local storage as required. A record is kept (52) of previous user interactions during a narrative and, for one or more branch points, path selection is made by the apparatus at least partially on the basis of the accumulated record.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. Interactive entertainment apparatus operable to output sequences of image frames comprising a user-influenced path through a branch structured narrative, the apparatus comprising:
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a source of image frames for all branch structure paths of the narrative; branch storage means for data defining the narrative branch structure; user operable input means; branch selection means coupled to the branch store and operable to detect narrative branch points and to call one of two or more image frame sequences from the image frame source in dependence on the user input; an output for the selected image frame sequences; and interaction memory means arranged to receive and store data relating to user input, the branch selection determining which of said two or more image frame sequences to call on the basis of at least two preceding and separate user inputs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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- 17. A method for control of an interactive entertainment apparatus, where the apparatus presents to the user a branch structured narrative, and user input determines which path is followed at at least one narrative branch point, characterised in that, a history of user interactions is maintained and determination as to which path is followed at said at least one narrative branch point is made on the basis of two or more preceding and separate user interactions.
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20. A method of supplying an interactive narrative entertainment comprising the steps of:
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providing a branch structure for the narrative; making available sequences of image frames for each path of the branch structure; logging user requests for image frame sequences; and for each branch point for which one or more requests are made, determining which sequence is sent at least partially on a historical record of user interactions, and at least partially on the basis of the number of requests received.
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Specification