AN INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING SYSTEM WITH USER-DIRECTED PLOT CHOICES

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive storytelling system with user-directed plot choices. A new narrative framework to give users control over the storytelling experience through a progression of interactive choices at the decision points making in the system. The system comprises a user interface comprising multiple narratives presented side by side along with several decision points that enable the users to influence character interactions and plot developments; a narrative engine that drives the story creatively based on the accumulation of inputs from all users, making each user’s experience unique, thus personalized in turn; and a mechanism for feedback in terms of post-interaction responses from the user to continue its improvement over narrative pathways. This system enhances the emotional connection of the users with the storytelling itself and elevates the traditional telling of stories to the immersive, interactivity experience by fostering deeper engagement and replay ability.

Specification

Description:Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of interactive storytelling and narrative design, more particular to an interactive storytelling system with user-directed plot choices.
Background of the Invention
The traditional storytelling approach is mostly linear. A user simply sits back and waits for the content, as he is unable to influence the story. Although interactive storytelling systems are in existence, it tends to suffer from constraints of predestination of its branching paths, limited number of choices of the user, or the inability to provide meaningful narrative personalization. Such constrains usually lead to repetition of similar experiences and lower levels of engagement. The "Interactive Storytelling System with User-Directed Plot Choices" addresses all these issues by making a dynamic adaptation of the storyline in real-time based on users' choices. With this system, every user gets an experience distinctly his or her own and chances for deeper emotional involvement, tailored story-telling, and higher replay value. Unlike existing systems, this new invention introduces a dynamic narrative engine that uses user feedback to evolve story arcs continuously, allowing for an even more immersive and adaptive process for storytelling.
In US patent no. US 12022974B2, This system focuses on interactive storytelling through pre-recorded multimedia sessions where users pose questions and the system retrieves relevant recorded responses according to the query. While giving some kind of interactivity in retrieving answers to the queries posed by the user, the narrative is limited to some extent by being based on pre-recorded responses. There is no real-time adaptation of narrative based on user choices, and the storytelling is static in nature.
In US patent no. US20170232358A1, patent describes an interactive storytelling space in which the user moves through virtual spaces, and the system actually maps the virtual space based upon user interactions. While this relates to the spatial and environmental aspects of storytelling, the patent concentrates more on these aspects than on dynamic plot adjustment based on user choices.
In US patent no. US10799808-B2 - describe to a storytelling kit where users interact with physical and digital elements of storytelling. Although very interactive, this kit is more or less based on predefined components and, hence, can't attain much depth in what is told. Users can control the story objects, but they cannot change much in the overall structure of the narrative.
Drawings
Figure 1: illustrates the process diagram of the present invention system
Detailed Description of the Invention
The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
The present invention relates to an interactive storytelling system with user-directed plot choices. A new narrative framework to give users control over the storytelling experience through a progression of interactive choices at the decision points making in the system. The system comprises a user interface comprising multiple narratives presented side by side along with several decision points that enable the users to influence character interactions and plot developments; a narrative engine that drives the story creatively based on the accumulation of inputs from all users, making each user's experience unique, thus personalized in turn; and a mechanism for feedback in terms of post-interaction responses from the user to continue its improvement over narrative pathways.
In preferred embodiment, the present invention developed a modular narrative architecture. Modularity in the architecture is developed by breaking the story down into multiples of modules that would represent a scene or an event in the story. Within each module, there are several decision points offering a number of user choices, determining the direction of action for characters or events.
Process
• The system defines possible paths from each decision point.
• Each option results in unique narrative continuations.
• The paths are crossed, forming a spider-web-like rather than a tree-like structure that allows for non-linear narration.
In preferred embodiment, the innovation employs an AI-driven decision engine to support real-time and flexible decisions based on user inputs. At every point when a user makes a decision, AI comes up with a decision from a set of predefined parameters for the change in the trajectory of the narrative.
Process
• When the users input decisions, the system operates on processing them into the database of possible branches of the story.
• Next, AI identifies the next best scene at times dependent on the current state of the narrative and the history of the user.
• Then, real-time adaptation of the chosen scene happens, observing user behavior as well as past decisions.
In preferred embodiment, the system is based on an AI engine, where a story is read and personalized for the user in the experience. It combines this by using the user's input and prior decisions and brings out short-term outcomes, such as immediate character interaction, and long-term consequences, such as the plot as a whole.
Process
• The AI learns from previous user interactions and adjusts future decision points so that altogether different users are able to experience completely unique narratives.
• The AI learns and, with time, perfects its decision-making algorithm to fit each person's tastes; thus, the arc becomes tailored into a personally distinctive storytelling experience.
In preferred embodiment, the system encourages the respondent to provide feedback regarding his or her experience, and this can be by asking him or her at certain segments of the narrative or at pivotal points in the decision. Feedback can be collected by using simple rating systems, surveys, or comments.
Process
• Feedback will be incorporated into subsequent decision-making processes, meaning that preferences of the user are subsequently reflected in other parts of the story.
• The AI analyzes the feedbacks on character behaviors, narrative pacing, and plot directions to get a more personalized experience.
The story doesn't follow any fixed sequence of events; rather, it is a plot that will be generated dynamically given consecutive decisions made by the user. This means the system can show an enormous number of different possible outcomes, depending on the choices and deciding how one event in the story will lead to the next.
Process
• The AI continuously updates the narrative state, progressing the storyline based upon user input.
• Since every kind of combination of choice leads to a different storyline, each user also gets to have an experience different from the others.
• It enables continuity and coherence to be ensured by managing how the plot branches evolve such that a user's choice feels impactful and organic.

Example Case: Detective Story
A. Plot Setup:
• A mystery will be presented to a user in which he acts as a detective. The mystery begins with the discovery of a crime, and the player is pointed towards suspects whom he should interrogate or investigate. Each suspect provides different clues, and the user needs to decide on whom to interrogate and what to collect for evidence.
B. User Choices:
• The user faces multiple decision points:
• Interrogate suspect A or suspect B.
• Investigate further the crime scene for other leads or to another suspect lead
• Interrogate the suspect or gather more evidence.
C. Results:
• Different leads emerge based on user's decisions, and several suspects either get cleared or seem to be part of a list of suspects. Every decision makes a difference such that there are three different endings out of the following possibilities:
• Solve the crime and catch the criminal
• Fail to gather enough evidence and make a wrong arrest.
• Finding a deeper conspiracy that results in an entirely different narrative ending.
A primary feature of the innovation will be real-time adaptation of the plot. The plot will be dynamic in nature - always changing based on user choice without regard to a fixed branching structure, thus fluid with a rich, personalized experience in which every decision by the user has meaningful, immediate effects on the direction of the narrative.
The AI uses artificial intelligence to not only personalize interactions but also the whole storyline. Artificial intelligence assesses choices users make, building the story according to the preferences, behaviors, and past interactions of users to build a very personalized narrative experience.
The system fosters a deeper emotional connection between the user and the story because the user is directly involved in shaping the narrative,. By allowing users to influence character development and plot outcomes, the invention enhances engagement and emotional investment in ways that traditional storytelling cannot match.
The new invention removes much need for large amounts of manual content since, through the use of AI that dynamically creates and changes narrative paths, it replaces massive manual content common in traditional systems of interactive storytelling.

, Claims:1. An interactive storytelling system with user-directed plot choices, comprises of:
• a user interface comprising multiple narratives presented side by side along with several decision points that enable the users to influence character interactions and plot developments;
• a narrative engine that drives the story creatively based on the accumulation of inputs from all users, making each user's experience unique, thus personalized in turn; and
• a mechanism for feedback in terms of post-interaction responses from the user to continue its improvement over narrative pathways.
2. The interactive storytelling system with user-directed plot choices as claimed in the claim 1, wherein system
• Modular narrative architecture- Breaking the story down into multiples of modules that would represent a scene or an event in the story. Within each module, there are several decision points offering a number of user choices, determining the direction of action for characters or events;
• AI-Driven Decision Engine: Utilizing an AI-driven decision engine that processes user inputs in real-time, generating narrative trajectories based on a set of predefined parameters each time a user makes a decision, allowing for flexible narrative progression;
• Personalized Narrative Experience: Implementing an AI engine that personalizes the storytelling experience by combining user inputs and prior decisions, yielding short-term outcomes, such as immediate character interactions, and long-term consequences that affect the overarching plot;
• User Feedback Mechanism: Encouraging user feedback at strategic segments of the narrative or pivotal decision points, which can be collected through rating systems, surveys, or comments, thereby enhancing user engagement and interaction; and
• Dynamic Plot Generation: Allowing the story to be generated dynamically based on consecutive user decisions, resulting in a vast array of possible narrative outcomes, where each choice influences subsequent events and decisions, creating a non-linear storytelling experience.
3. The interactive storytelling system with user-directed plot choices as claimed in the claim 1, wherein method of the present system comprising the following steps:
• Step 1: Plot setup- giving a user a mystery scenario in which they take on the position of a detective entrusted with resolving a crime that starts with the finding of the crime scene. The user is routed to a number of suspects for questioning or further research.
• Step 2: User Choices- The user faces multiple decision points: Interrogate suspect A or suspect B, Investigate further the crime scene for other leads or to another suspect lead, and Interrogate the suspect or gather more evidence.
• Step 3: Decision- Solve the crime and catch the criminal, Fail to gather enough evidence and make a wrong arrest, and Finding a deeper conspiracy that results in an entirely different narrative ending.

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