Abstract:
A method providing an online environment for a user to interact with a decision tree. The method includes operating a webserver providing a web-based, interactive decision tree, including communication content. The content is distributed by first transmitting a user interface, including the interactive decision tree, to a web browser operated by a user. The decision tree includes user interactive choices. The web server then receives a message from the user indicative of his selection of one or more choices. The web server then modifies the user interface to incorporate the user&#39;s selected choices. The server then transmits the modified user interface incorporating the choices to the web browser operated by the user so that he receives an appropriate response to the choices. 
     One of the user&#39;s choices is uploading video content. Also preferred is a technique whereby the user may playback a sequence of content chapters with one selective action.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and system utilizing a web-based, interactive environment. More particularly, it is directed to an online environment using a decision tree made up of informational content chapters. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    The Internet revolution has brought together many people who would not otherwise have met. Virtual communities have sprung up, allowing people separated geographically to discuss issues, trade information and display digital photographs and other images to each other. One common activity is to post opinions on a virtual bulletin board. As other members view the opinion, they have the option to respond, thereby creating a discussion thread which may eventually include many members of the community. 
         [0005]    A more recent development is the use of full streaming video (“video content”) on websites. Youtube.com has become a phenomenal success due to the ability of individuals to post whatever video content is desired to share in a public environment. However, as of yet, no one has offered a satisfactory environment where video content may be used in threads (also referred to as “branches”), whether it be for community discussion, collaborative creation of a fictional story or the use of segmented video content to provide a training scenario. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a web-based environment which facilitates discussion, collaboration or training through the use of video content and other information. In particular, the environment should allow the informational content to be organized in “trees” made up of “branches,” so that the user can have a full range of interactive choices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a convenient web-based environment for a user to interact with a decision tree offering content choices. In preferred embodiments the method includes operating a computer system having a web server. An online environment is provided featuring a web-based, interactive decision tree, including communication content. The content is distributed to one or more users by first transmitting a user interface, including the interactive decision tree, to a web browser operated by an individual user. The interactive decision tree includes predetermined user interactive choices. The web server then receives a message from the user indicative of the user&#39;s selection of one or more of the predetermined interactive choices. The web server then modifies the user interface to incorporate the user&#39;s selected interactive choices. The server then transmits the modified user interface incorporating the selected choices to the web browser operated by the user so that the user receives an appropriate response to the interactive choices. 
         [0008]    In particularly preferred embodiments, one of the user&#39;s choices is uploading content to the web server, especially video content. Also particularly preferred is a technique whereby the user may playback a sequence of content chapters with one selective action. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  partially illustrates a web-based, online environment according to the invention, in particular the homepage thereof; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a box diagram indicating the system within which the environment operates; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates in schematic fashion elements of a computer used in conjunction with the environment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a screenshot illustrating the environment in operation; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is another screenshot of the environment in operation; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram indicating a process used in furtherance of the environment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is another flow diagram used in furtherance of the environment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is another flow diagram indicating a process used in furtherance of the environment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is another flow diagram indicating a process used in furtherance of the environment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating major processes conducted in the environment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11   a  is a box diagram representing a set of root node content chapters; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11   b  is a box diagram representing a set of root node content chapters with one original content chapter uploaded sequentially to one particular root node content chapter; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11   c  is a box diagram representing a set of root node content chapters with a second level of four content chapters all sequentially connected to one particular root node content chapter; and; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11   d  is a box diagram representing a set of root node content chapters with a second level of four content chapters all sequentially connected to one particular root node content chapter, and a second root node content chapter which is sequentially linked to one content chapter from the second level. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Referring now to the drawings in general and  FIG. 1  in particular, an interactive, web-based environment  20  is partially depicted by illustration of homepage  22 . Environment  20  allows certain interactive processes to occur as generally illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a system  24  is shown allowing environment  20  (not shown) to be utilized by one or more human users  26 . In particular, system  24  includes a host server  28 , internet  30 , browser  32 , and communications device  34  for each user  26 . Host server  28  is a conventional computer functioning as a server. Browser  32  is a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Foxfire (although it is anticipated that a wide variety of web browsers would be supported in the context of the invention). Communication device  34  is any device which can support a web browser  32  and communicate via internet  30 . For example, a conventional desktop computer, a laptop computer, Palm Pilot and other similar devices. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that other communication technologies or platforms other than a web browser might be used in future adaptations or embodiments of the invention. 
         [0025]    The recommended system requirements for the communication device  34  of a user  26  are as follows: 1.0 Ghz Processor, Broadband Internet connection, 128 Mb of RAM, and a browser whose creation date is later than 2002. These recommended system requirements are not necessary for utilization of the application, but greatly enhance the user&#39;s experience. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the major elements of host server  28  are shown. In particular, host server  28  includes a CPU  36 , a clock  38 , a video card  40 , RAM memory  42 , ROM memory  44 , a communication port  46 , a set of electronically-stored software elements  48 , including an operating system  50 , a Social Saga application software  52  and a Social Saga data storage  54 , as well as a video terminal  56 . All elements are conventional in nature although the functionality of Social Saga application software  52  and Social Saga data storage  54  will be discussed below, according to the present invention. 
         [0027]    Social Saga application software  52 , as discussed above, is loaded on server  28 . In preferred embodiments, the software for the user side of the application is written in Actionscript. The presentation layer that the user interacts with is created in the Flash IDE. Server side programming is done in php and perl. Many other programming languages could be used to create an application with similar functionality. 
         [0028]    Macromedia Flash Player is downloaded from server  28  to browser  32  (See  FIG. 1 ) to initialize the ability of user  26  to use his communication device  34 . After initialization, a Macromedia Flash Movie is implemented on browser  32  during usage of environment  20 . 
         [0029]    Referring once again to  FIG. 1 , homepage  22  includes a plurality of root node content chapters  58  through  72 , an introduction frame  74 , a menu selection frame  76 , an aesthetic graphic  78 , a Next button  80 , a “D” button  82 , a “C”  84  and an “F” button  86 . Content chapters  58  through  72  are referred to as “root node” content chapters for reasons which will be explained below. Each content chapter (whether of the root node variety or not) contains original information content, typically in video form, however such content may be in a textual form or merely audio or graphical or any other means by which content can be conveyed in electronic or optical medium. When video content is referred to, it is understood that audio content is normally included. Also, it should be noted that a content chapter can include other multi-media combinations of content for example, video with graphical as well as audio or textual information embedded into video content, etc. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , depicting a modified display screen  87  in environment  20 , content chapters  58  through  72  are displayed as in  FIG. 1 . In addition, content chapters  88  through  96  are also displayed. Content chapters  58  through  72  form a first content chapter level  98 , while content chapters  88  through  92  form a second content chapter level  100 . Content chapter  94  forms a third content chapter level  102  and content chapter  96  forms a fourth level  104 . How user  26  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) arrives at display screen  87  will now be discussed. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a first flowchart box  105   a,  a second flowchart box  105   b,  and third flowchart box  105   c  are depicted. Flow process as described relates to the relationship between particular content chapters. For example, in  FIG. 4 , node content chapter  72  was selected by user  26  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) which in turn yielded a display screen also showing content chapters  88 ,  90  and  92 . In this illustration, root node content chapter  72  would be a “parent” and thus the parent identification information of content chapter  72  would be referenced in first flowbox  105   a  of  FIG. 6 . The reference in second flowchart box  105   b  to “child Ids” would refer to the identification information for content chapters  88 ,  90  and  92 . In other words, content chapter  72  is a parent in relation to content chapters  88 ,  90  and  92 . Thus at second flowchart box  105   b  the identification information for content chapters  88 ,  90  and  92  is passed to a software method that collects all detailed information associated with content chapters  88 ,  90  and  92 , respectively. 
         [0032]    Finally as depicted at third flowchart box  105   c,  an XML image is built from the information gathered and sent back to communication device  34  of user  26 , particularly at web browser  32 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , flow chart boxes  105   d  and  105   e  describe the process by which web browser  32  is updated to reflect the selection of a specific content chapter. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the basic functionality of environment  20  for a user  26  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) is depicted in flowchart format. In particular, the Social Saga environment  20  has an associated content chapter investigation mode  106 , a content chapter playback mode  108 , a content chapter upload mode  110  and a content chapter autopilot mode  112 . In particular with respect to content chapter investigation mode  106 , user  26  simply moves his cursor over a particular content chapter and then will be provided with a textual box which provides additional information about that particular content chapter, for example, the genre of content (action, comedy, discussion, etc.), length of the content chapter, etc. 
         [0035]    Playback mode  108  will be described by further reference to the figures. Referring first to  FIG. 10 , user  26  will select a content chapter, as indicated at reference numeral  114  in playback mode  108 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , user  26  will have eight content chapters to choose from. In this example, user  26  decides to pick content chapter  72 . He then double clicks on content chapter  72  (as indicated at reference numeral  114  of  FIG. 10 ) and then the process steps indicated by reference numerals  116  and  118  are performed (see also  FIGS. 6 and 7  which describe that process in more detail). Still referring to  FIG. 10 , user&#39;s  26  web browser  32  is incorporated to the selection of content chapter  72 . 
         [0036]    Accordingly, web browser  32  is updated to present display screen  122  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . It will be noted that three “child” content chapters  88 ,  90  and  92 , all sequentially related to content chapter  72  are then displayed as well as a streaming video frame  72 ′ which plays the video content of content chapter  72  for user  26 . At this time, user  26  may select any of content chapters  88 ,  90 , or  92  as desired. With reference to  FIG. 10  he may utilize content chapter investigation mode  106  as indicated at  FIG. 10  to get information on each individual content chapter. 
         [0037]    In this example, he then selects content chapter  88 , repeating the process described in playback mode  108  at  FIG. 10 . By selecting content chapter  88  the newly modified display screen will show the third content chapter level  102 , which currently only includes one content chapter  94 . Finally, he repeats the playback mode process  108  by selecting content chapter  94  which in turn yields display screen  87  having four content chapter levels displayed. 
         [0038]    In addition to using playback mode  108  for viewing sequences of existing content, user  26  may also choose, in the preferred embodiment, to upload content of his own. This process is illustrated at  FIG. 10  as the content chapter upload mode  110 . 
         [0039]    For ease of illustration, reference is made to  FIG. 11  a which is an abstract representation of the eight root node content chapters depicted in  FIG. 1 . As an example, user  26  may select content chapter  58  and decide to upload (i.e. add) a content chapter in sequence to content chapter  58 . He will do this by selecting “C” button  84  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and then the content chapter upload mode  110  will be initiated as indicated at reference numeral  124 . User  26  will then be presented with a display screen allowing him to upload a file of content which may be video content, text, etc. User  26  then uploads the content after denominating several categories such as action, comedy, discussion, etc. as indicated in the box at reference numeral  126 . The upload process is initiated by user  26  as indicated by reference numeral  128  in  FIG. 10 . Finally, the content is uploaded on server  28  with side scripts registering the new content chapter. This process is also illustrated at  FIG. 8 . 
         [0040]    In this fashion, user  26  will select, for example content chapter  58  of  FIG. 11   a  and then upload a sequential content chapter as discussed above so that his web browser is updated as shown in  FIG. 11   b  to include his uploaded content chapter  130 . In this fashion, all users  26  in the environment  20  will see the new content chapter  130  in respective web browsers  32 , whenever any particular user should select content chapter  58  for playback mode. 
         [0041]    Referring again to  FIG. 10 , autopilot mode  112  will now be discussed. Autopilot mode  112 , according to the invention, allows user  26  to select a sequence of related content chapters. This process is also illustrated by the flowchart in  FIG. 9 . In particular, autopilot provides several options. It will be noted by reference to  FIG. 1  that menu selection box  76  includes an autopilot button  132 . User  26  may then select autopilot based on his own previous sequential selection of content chapters (to be discussed in more detail below). Alternatively he may select another autopilot function based on recent branches (or threads) of content chapters, or a content chapter branch selected by server  28  on the basis of user community popularity or at random or on the basis of newness of the branch, or some combination of such parameters. 
         [0042]    Operation of the Social Saga environment  20  will now be discussed in more detail from the perspective of a particular user  26 . User  26  will utilize his communication device  34  and web browser  32  to go to the Social Saga environment  20 , located at SocialSaga.com on the internet. He will then download a Flash platform from the host server onto his browser  32  in the preferred embodiment. User  26  will then restart his browser with the Flash platform incorporated into his browser  32 . It will be readily appreciated that upon subsequent visits to Social Saga environment  20  the Flash platform will always be ready for use. User  26  will typically go homepage display screen  22  as depicted at  FIG. 1 . He may then assess content chapters  58  through  72  by using the content chapter investigation mode  106  as indicated at  FIG. 10 . If he chooses not to select any of the content chapters  58  through  72  and desires to view other root node content chapters, he may select the “next” button  80  at which time a new set of root node content chapters will be displayed. Users  26  will ultimately select a particular root node content chapter at which time Social Saga environment  20  will be updated and user  26  will then see the playback of the particular content chapter selected as indicated at the streaming video frame  72 ′ for content chapter  72 , for example, as shown at  FIG. 5 . User  26  may then choose to respond with uploading content to create a new content chapter, as described at uploading mode  110  in  FIG. 10  thereby creating a new content chapter as illustrated at  FIG. 11   b.    
         [0043]    User  26  may also advance up the branch by selecting successive content chapters in each branch. 
         [0044]    Branches and trees of content will now be discussed. A content branch is described as at least two sequential content chapters. A tree is made up of one or more branches originating from one root node content chapter. 
         [0045]    Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 1 , user  26  has the option of creating his own root node content chapter. 
         [0046]    As another alternative, user  26  may sequentially link unrelated content chapters so that they become sequential. For example, with reference to  FIG. 11   c,  root node content chapters  58  through  72  are shown. Content chapter  58  in this example includes four sequential “child” content chapters  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  140  all forming a second content chapter level  142 . In this example, root node chapters  60  through  72  have no sequential relationship to content chapters  134  through  140 . In utilizing the linking function, user  26  may select one of these unrelated root node content chapters (for example content chapter  72  and decide to link it sequentially to content chapter  136 , for example because he believes there is some aesthetic or editorial value in creating this sequence. After completing the linking process, the result will be as displayed at  FIG. 11   d.  In other words, now user  26  has the option to playback root node  58  followed by content chapter  136  and then content chapter  72 . 
         [0047]    In this example, several branches have been created from the tree originating at root node content chapter  58 . In particular, one branch is content chapter  54  and content chapter  134 , another branch is content chapter  58  and content chapter  136 , another branch is content chapter  58  and content chapter  138 , and another branch is content chapter  58  and content chapter  140 . And another branch is content chapter  58 , content chapter  136  and content chapter  72 . 
         [0048]    As previously discussed, the autopilot function may be utilized to replay a just completed playback of a sequence of content chapters in a branch. For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , if user  26  selected content chapter  72  and then content chapter  88  followed by content chapter  94  and finally content chapter  96 , he could then replay that sequence of the four named content chapters automatically by selection of autopilot  132 . 
         [0049]    Based on the functionality of environment  20 , user  26  may thus participate in a community of other users  26  for such purposes as collaborative creation of fictional content, a documentary, or simply a discussion thread (i.e. branch). User  26  may start his own branch by uploading a content chapter to start a new tree or he may participate in a tree already started. In this fashion, a community of users  26  may create fictional stories collaboratively or discuss or inform on desired topics. Users may also take content from an unrelated tree and put it into the sequence of another tree if desired. 
         [0050]    In addition, Social Saga may be used for training scenarios. For example, a law enforcement agency as a user could create a tree with several branch scenarios. In that instance it would be possible for the trainee/users interaction to be limited to only to the selection of alternative branches for appropriate training responses. In other words, the trainee/user in such a law enforcement scenario may not be allowed the option to upload content but simply allowed to select alternate branches based on a decision prompt. 
         [0051]    It should be apparent that the invention not only accomplishes the major functions required from such systems but does so in a particularly advantageous manner. It should be equally apparent, however, that various minor and equivalent modifications from the embodiments disclosed herein for illustrative purposes could be employed without departing from the essence of the invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention should be regarded as encompassing not only the subject matter literally defined by the claims which follow, but also technical equivalents thereof