Systems and methods for implementing a degree of separation game in an interactive media application

Abstract

Methods and systems of providing a game in an interactive media application based on information stored in a database are provided. The game is provided in part by using a database to select a source individual and a destination individual. Based on the source individual and information stored in a database and associated therewith, a plurality of associated candidates are selected, each of which has a defined relationship with the source individual. Representations of the source individual, the destination individual, and the first plurality of candidates are provided on a display. Based on user input, one candidate of the first plurality of candidates is selected, and it is determined whether the database defines a relationship between the selected candidate and the destination individual. If such a relationship exists, a user is alerted. If no such relationship exists, then a new set of candidates is retrieved based on the selected candidate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Parlor games that are centered upon connections between people, such as celebrities, are widely enjoyed. Some such games involve determining how many degrees of separation exist between two different celebrities. This is best explained by example: Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Bacon are separated by one degree of separation, as they did not co-star in a movie together, but they did each co-star in a movie that included Kiefer Sutherland.[0002]Currently, many limitations exist with regard to degree of separation games. Such games are often played mentally (e.g., Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon). Some limited electronic versions exist, such as http: / / findthebacon.com; however, such implementations require extensive knowledge of media information, such as knowledge of obscure movies actors have been in. Other limitations in degree of separation games include a lack of a finite number of choices of celebrities to choose from when progressing from a starting cel...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Currently, many limitations exist with regard to degree of separation games.

Some limited electronic versions exist, such as http: / / findthebacon.com; however, such implementations require extensive knowledge of media information, such as knowledge of obscure movies actors have been in.

Other limitations in degree of separation games include a lack of a finite number of choices of celebrities to choose from when progressing from a starting celebrity to an ending celebrity, a lack of an easy, intuitive implementation on media guidance equipment, and an inability to play against others electronically.

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