Branching Playback Logic for Interactive Pre-Rendered Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia content, such as movies and TV shows, cannot be played back in a non-sequential order without dynamic rendering, limiting the ability to create interactive experiences where viewers can choose different paths through the content.
Innovation Solution
Implementing branching logic in pre-rendered multimedia items, allowing users to select different paths through the content by applying branching points and trigger conditions that direct non-sequential playback, using a visual editing interface and domain-specific language to define complex logic and custom user state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-rendered multimedia items are played back in sequential order only, then manufacturing precision and reliability are maintained, but adaptability and interactivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multimedia content is divided into discrete segments with defined entry and exit points. Branching logic is segmented into separate rules that can be independently evaluated and executed, allowing the playback system to navigate between segments without re-rendering entire sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
A playback system with branching logic interpretation capability serves as an intermediary between the pre-rendered content and the user. This intermediary evaluates trigger conditions and executes state transitions, enabling interactivity without requiring the content itself to be dynamically generated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If branching logic is hard-coded into the playback system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of repair increase
Solution Approach 1:
Branching logic rules are stored as data structures that can be copied, modified, and updated without changing the underlying playback system code. The system interprets these rules at runtime, allowing content creators to modify branching behavior by updating rule data rather than reprogramming the playback engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The playback system is designed with universal interpretation capabilities that can handle multiple types of branching logic rules and trigger conditions through a single unified framework. This multi-functional design allows the same system to support various content types and interaction patterns without requiring specialized hard-coded paths for each scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic rendering is used to enable non-sequential playback, then interactivity is improved, but productivity and resource consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
All multimedia segments are pre-rendered and prepared in advance, with metadata describing entry points, exit points, and associated trigger conditions. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for runtime rendering, allowing the playback system to simply navigate between pre-existing segments based on user interactions and evaluated rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of dynamic rendering with a data-driven rule interpretation system. Instead of generating video frames in real-time based on user choices, the system evaluates stored branching rules and plays back pre-rendered segments, substituting computational rendering with logical evaluation and data retrieval.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex branching logic is implemented, then adaptability and user experience are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex branching logic is segmented into discrete, atomic rules that each evaluate a specific trigger condition and produce a defined state transition. This segmentation allows the rules engine to process complex overall logic by evaluating simple individual rules in sequence, reducing the cognitive and computational burden on the playback system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses state parameters that change based on rule evaluation outcomes. By representing complex logic states as simple parameter values, the system can track user progress and make decisions without maintaining complex internal logic structures, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method may include accessing a pre-rendered multimedia item. The pre-rendered multimedia item may have branching logic associated with it, where the branching logic includes branching points that direct non-sequential playback of the pre-rendered multimedia item. The method may also include initializing playback of the pre-rendered multimedia item and accessing, at the branching points, various trigger conditions that direct playback order of different segments of the pre-rendered multimedia item. The method may then include updating, based on the trigger conditions, at least some portion of custom state data. The method may further include playing back the segments of the pre-rendered multimedia item according to the updated state data. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.