Branching-Plot Video Content Traversal Using Node Relational Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current movie technologies do not allow users to interact with the narrative, limiting the story to a single outcome, whereas video games enable user interaction and multiple story paths.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating and displaying branching-plot movie content using a set of nodes with video and audio elements, where user selections traverse through a relational table to determine the next elements to display, allowing multiple story outcomes and interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movies use a single predetermined script, then the movie can be created and displayed efficiently, but the user cannot interact with or choose different narrative outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The movie script is segmented into multiple independent nodes, each representing a scene or story segment with its own video and audio elements. These nodes are organized in a database structure where each node contains identifiers for parent and child nodes, allowing the system to navigate between different story outcomes based on user selections without requiring a completely different movie structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a relational dimension to traditional linear movie playback by creating a multi-dimensional node structure with parent-child relationships. This allows the system to traverse different narrative paths (branches) from a single movie file, enabling multiple endings and interactive story choices while maintaining efficient storage and playback.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video and audio files are created for different story outcomes, then user choice is enabled, but the complexity of managing and processing these files increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple video and audio files representing different story outcomes are merged into a single comprehensive movie file stored in the database. The file contains all possible narrative paths, and the system selectively plays relevant segments based on user selections, eliminating the need to manage separate files for each story outcome while still enabling multiple endings.
Solution Approach 2:
The movie file structure is designed to be universal, containing all possible narrative paths, scenes, and outcomes within a single file. This multi-functional structure allows the same file to support multiple different story outcomes and interactive choices, reducing file management complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system processes and displays multiple video segments dynamically based on user selection, then interactive branching plots are achieved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
All video and audio segments for different story outcomes are pre-processed and organized into the movie file during creation. The relational structure with parent-child node identifiers is established in advance, allowing the playback system to quickly navigate to specific segments based on user selections without requiring complex real-time processing or file assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system for creating and displaying branching-plot video content. The method comprises obtaining, from a database, a set of nodes and each node comprises an audio element, video element, and a set of node branches, wherein at least on node is a parent and another a child; obtaining a relational table; designating a current node, creating a playlist of audio segments and video segments for display; and traversing the set of nodes by: integrating the audio and video elements, receiving a selection from the user, and designating the child node as the current node. The system comprises a computer store containing data; a set of nodes and each node has a video and audio element and relationships exist between the nodes; and a computer server that obtains a set of nodes, generates a playlist, displays an audio and video sequence, and traverses the set of nodes.