Patent ID: 6260194
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: A63F,G09B,H04N

Abstract:
A set top box (Soperable to output sequences of image frames comprising a user-influenced path through a branch structured narrative, the STB comprising:memory for storing image frame data for all branch structure paths of the narrative;branch storage means for data defining the narrative branch structure of the narrative;user operable input means;branch selection means coupled to the branch store means and operable to determine when the narrative reaches a branch point and to call one of two or more image frame sequences from the image frame data source in dependence on the user input;an output connected to the STB and configured to output the selected image frame sequences; andnarrative memory means operable to capture and subsequently recall one or more predetermined information items from the narrative in response to user input, with the or each predetermined information item having a respective information value associated with it;said branch selection means further operable to detect the or each user-directed recall of an information item and, for at least one branch point of the narrative, the branch selection is made in dependence on the information values of said recalled information item or items.