This is a blog about my teaching, research and service with some occasional personal comments thrown in. These are my notes on a variety of topics. If you want to follow my blog posts on a specific topic, then see the Table of Contents in the right-hand column. While I try to work in the realm of facts, logic and moral absolutes, if there are any opinions expressed here, they are my own. -WilliamHartPhD
WilliamHartPhD reached the rank of Amateur among Haunt (XBLA) players. To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
As part of some adaptation research I'm working on, I've gathered together in one of my YouTube playlists a collection of videos about the science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick. Dick's stories were adapted into such films as Total Recall (1990 and 2012) and Blade Runner (1982).
Thought, I'd share the playlist below. The playlist starts with some trailers from PKD adapted films and then moves into some insightful documentaries and interviews.
I've been doing a little adaptation research on the science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick. Many of his stories have been adapted to film (Total Recall, Blade Runner, etc.)
Funny little SF story, yeah? PKD, however, wrote that the story "tells of fear, it tells of loyalty and of obscure menace." It makes us think of seeing the world from different perspectives, too.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
Description: "In this video, we take a look at Lytro's interesting Light Field Camera that features a key bit of technology that lets you refocus after the shot has been taken. We take it out to the streets to find out how it performs."
In my last post, I wrote about how to reverse engineer Sherlock Holmes deductions. I'm interested in learning how to create these deductions in my current computer game research project and also some future fiction that I'm working on.
Like in my last post, let's continue working with a deductions from the new series "Sherlock" on the BBC, specifically from the "Hounds of Baskerville" episode.
See the video clips and then the transcript and analysis below.
(If these video clips are no longer available full video on the PBS site (39:00-40:40).)
The Widow and the Fisherman Deduction (Part 1 of 2)
The Widow and the Fisherman Deduction (Part 2 of 2)
Text of the deduction:
SHERLOCK: There is nothing wrong with me! Do you understand? You want me to prove it, yes?
We're looking for a dog, yes? That's your brilliant theory. Cherchez le chien! Good, excellent, yes, where shall we start? How about them? The sentimental widow and her son, the unemployed fisherman. The answer's yes. WATSON: Yes? SHERLOCK: She's got a West Highland Terrier called Whisky, not exactly what we're looking for. WATSON: Sherlock, for God's sake. SHERLOCK: Look at the jumper he's wearing, hardly worn. Clearly he's uncomfortable in it. Maybe it's because of the material, or more likely the hideous pattern, suggesting it's a present, probably Christmas. So he wants into his mother's good books. Why? Almost certainly money. He's treating her to a meal but his own portion small. That means he wants to impress her, but he's trying to economize on his own food. WATSON: Maybe he's just not hungry. SHERLOCK: No, small plate, starter. He's practically licked it clean. She's nearly finished her pavlova. If she'd treated him, he'd have had as much as he wanted. [first video clip ends] He's hungry all right, and not well-off, you can tell that by the state of his cuffs and shoes. [second video clip begins] SHERLOCK (continues): "How do you know she's his mother?" Who else would give him a Christmas present like that? Well, it could be an aunt or older sister, but mother's more likely. Now he was a fisherman, the scarring pattern on his hands very distinctive, fish hooks. They're all quite old now, which suggests he's been unemployed for some time. Not much industry in this part of the world, so he's turned to his widowed mother for help. "Widowed?" Yes, obviously. She's got a man's wedding ring on a chain around her neck, clearly her late husband's and too big for her finger. She's well dressed, but her jewelry is cheap. She could afford better, but she's kept it-- sentimental. SHERLOCK (continues): Now the dog-- tiny little hairs all over the leg from where it gets a little bit too friendly. But no hairs above the knees, suggesting it's a small dog, probably a terrier. In fact, it is a West Highland Terrier called Whisky. "How the hell do you know that, Sherlock?" Because she was on the same
train as us and I heard her calling its name. And that's not cheating, that's listening. I use my senses, John, unlike some people, so, you see, I am fine.
---------
In this set of deductions there are five claims.
The woman is a "sentimental widow."
The jumper/sweater is a present from his mother.
The man is trying to get money from his mother.
The man is a fisherman who has been employed for some time.
The woman has a West Highland Terrier called Whisky.
Claim 1:
In this deduction there is a new basis in the reasoning. Holmes basis comment about the jewelry on some expert knowledge. We did not see this in the previous analysis.
Claim 2:
With this deduction there are some unstated assertions. How to work those into a computer game? Also new: there is an objection (in red).
Claim 3:
Here: A reason based on logic and unstated widely held belief.
Claim 4:
This deduction is the most complex so far. Not new: Observation and widely held belief. New: An objection (in red) and then a counter to the objection (in yellow).
Claim 5:
In this deduction, there is observation as before. What's new, though? The observation regarding the name of the dog does not happen at the time of the deduction. A player in a computer game would then need to be able to recall previous observations/examinations.
So far, based on the above analysis and the previous analysis, it seems that a computer game which allows the player to use the Holmes method would need to be able to do the following.
Allow the play to observe. Observe or examine is a common ability given in computer games, so that would not be difficult. An observe/examine action would result in the player getting information about the object, person, etc."
Allow the player to recall/know.
General knowledge
Facts - train schedules, size of dogs, etc.
Commonly held beliefs
Expert knowledge
Value of jewelry
Other?
Also, once this information is gathered (observed) and recalled, then there needs to be some way of combining this information to arrive at higher level conclusions. How to do that?
I'm currently working on a computer game and a related research paper. As part of this research, I'm trying to determine how Sherlock Holmes (in the stories) did his deductions.* I'm working on putting this deduction algorithm into my game.
Perhaps the best way to do this would be to reverse engineer a deduction from a Holmes story. For now, let's start with a deduction, actually a series of deductions, from the new series "Sherlock" on the BBC.
The particular series of deductions analyzed here come from the "Hounds of Baskerville" episode.
See the deductions from about 7:00 to about 10:45 in the clip.
Sorry about the advertising.
If the above video is no longer available, see also this YT video for a part of the deduction.
Text of the deduction:
SHERLOCK: Because of what happened last night. WATSON: Why, what happened last night? KNIGHT: How do you know? SHERLOCK: I didn't know, I noticed.
You came up from Devon on the first available train this morning. You had a disappointing breakfast and a cup of black coffee. The girl in the seat across the aisle fancied you. Although you were initially keen, you've now changed your mind. You are, however, extremely anxious to have your first cigarette of the day.
Sit down, Mr. Knight,and do please smoke. I'd be delighted. KNIGHT: How on earth did you notice all that? WATSON: It's not important... SHERLOCK: Punched out holes from where your ticket's been checked. WATSON: Not now, Sherlock. SHERLOCK: Oh, please, I've been cooped up in here for ages. WATSON: You're just showing off. SHERLOCK: Of course, I am a show-off, that's what we do.
Train napkin you used to mop up the spilled coffee. Strength of the stain shows that you didn't take milk. There are traces of ketchup on it and around your lips and on your sleeve. Cooked breakfast, or the nearest thing those trains can manage. Probably a sandwich. KNIGHT: How did you know it was disappointing? SHERLOCK: Is there any other type of breakfast on a train?
The girl, female handwriting's quite distinctive, wrote her phone number down on the napkin. I can tell from the angle she wrote at that she was sat across from you on the other side of the aisle. Later, after she got off, I imagine, you used the napkin to mop up your spilled coffee, accidentally smudging the numbers. You've been over the last four digits yourself in another pen, so you wanted to keep the number. Just now, though, you used the napkin to blow your nose-- maybe you're not that into her after all. SHERLOCK (continues): Then there's the nicotine stains on your fingers, your shaking fingers. I know the signs. No chance to smoke when on the train, no time to roll one before you got a cab here. It's just after 9:15, you're desperate. The first train from Exeter to London leaves at 5:46 a.m. You got the first one possible, so something important must have happened last night. Am I wrong? KNIGHT: No. You're right. You're completely, exactly right. Bloody hell, I heard you were quick. SHERLOCK: It's my job.
------
Holmes makes six claims at the beginning.
Something "happened last night."
"You came up from Devon on the first available train this morning."
"You had a disappointing breakfast and a cup of black coffee."
"The girl in the seat across the aisle fancied you."
"Although you were initially keen, you've now changed your mind" about the girl.
"You are, however, extremely anxious to have your first cigarette of the day."
"How on earth did you notice all that?"
Let's start with the second claim. What line of reasoning brings Holmes to make that claim. I've diagrammed the line of reasoning or argument below.
In this case, the claim is based on some keen observation. The claim here is about travelling by train. The deduction about coming on the first available train, is dealt with in latter deductions.
The third claim is a little more complicated.
This claim is based on two observations, common knowledge and knowledge of the time of day.
The fourth claim can be diagrammed as follows.
The above claim is based on observations and common knowledge.
The fifth claim...
The sixth claim...
There are new bases for claims here. Again, we have observation, but we also have laws/rules and documents/data regarding the train schedule which apparently Holmes knows well.
And now back to the first claim...
While the above may not be perfect, it does give a clear sense of how the Holmes Method works.
So, in my computer game I want to give the player the ability to "do" the Holmes method. The first, obvious thing that a player would need to be able to do is observe. Observe or examine is a common ability given in computer games, so that would not be difficult. An observe/examine action would result in the player getting information about the object, person, etc. It also appears that the player will need to "know" certain facts and be able to access those facts (e.g., train schedules). Perhaps a "recall" or "remember" action. But, what other actions would there be?
To be continued.
* Yes, I know these are more accurately called abductions, but I thought I'd stay consistent with the words used in the Holmes stories.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research purposes (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now.
via williamhartphd's Raptr Activity http://raptr.com/williamhartphd/activity/4fd253305cb5be8a50/game-activity
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now. Also see: My Xbox profile | My Steam profile | My game collection Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog. See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.
via williamhartphd's Raptr Activity http://raptr.com/williamhartphd/activity/4fd258d03e69a16b60/game-activity
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now. Also see: My Xbox profile | My Steam profile | My game collection Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog. See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.
via williamhartphd's Raptr Activity http://raptr.com/williamhartphd/activity/4fd248d3e7d8c062a5/game-activity
To see what other games I'm currently playing for research (and fun), check out my Now Playing page on Gamespot or the current activity on my Raptr wall.
If you'd like to know about my videogame research, let me know. I do research on adaptation games (i.e., games adapted from novels or films) and mystery/detective games. I'm working on my own detective game now. Also see: My Xbox profile | My Steam profile | My game collection Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog. See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.
Description: "Delve into the first gameplay of Lara's first adventure in Tomb Raider. Catch more videos and breaking news from E3 2012 at GameTrailers: http://www.gametrailers.com/e3 See more Tomb Raider media on GameTrailers: http://www.gametrailers.com/game/tomb-raider/14223"
" on the BBC, specifically from the "Hounds of Baskerville" episode.
