SmartBot

@create #143 named MySmartBot

@create #144 named MySmartBotManual

Description

The SmartBot is adapted from EricM's SmartBot (EricM@DUMOO). It is arguably the most versatile of the generic objects. It is also one of the most complex.

You may create your own copy of the SmartBot Manual or use the one in the Generics Library (Room #111).

When activated, the SmartBot listens to conversation in the room and responds when it hears keywords or phrases. The 'bot can be turned off if its presence becomes disruptive.

Uses

A SmartBot can be a storyteller, museum guide, or, "extra" in a movie. Through its rules or response chains (groups of actions performed after a keyword is heard), the SmartBot can perform complex behaviors -- one step at a time.

Each rule or step can cause the SmartBot to:

• say
• emote
• do nothing
• run another rule's response list
• execute a "verb"

Complex rules can be built using boolean logic.

Uncertainty or randomness can be built into the rules using probabilities, i.e. if you give a step within a rule a 100% probability, it is always executed. Remember to have your percentages sum to 100%.

The trick to creating an outstanding SmartBot is choosing your keywords wisely. Then, after you have the keywords, design a chain of events or actions that you want the SmartBot to perform. Finally, decide if you want an element of randomness and, if so, select the probability of occurrence for each step. Once you have done these things your design is ready to be entered into the SmartBot.

Commands

• activate MySmartBot The bot starts listening to what is said in the room.
• inactivate MySmartBot The bot stops listening to what is said in the room.
• @addrule MySmartBot Add a rule (a key + a response) to the bots rule list
• @rmrule # from MySmartBot Delete rule number rule # from the bot's rule list
• @editrule # in MySmartBot Edit a rule you have entered.
• @rules MySmartBot Give the rule list, numbered, as well as the keys and responses for all rules the SmartBot knows.
• @addowner player to MySmartBot Add a person to the list of who can add to or edit the bot's rules.
• @rmowner player from MySmartBot Remove someone from the list of owners.
• @listowners MySmartBot List the bot's owners.
• @reprioritize n-m in MySmartBot Reorders the rule list (or a range of rules from n-m)
• @botnews MySmartBot Get the latest in hints and update info.
• @legalnotice MySmartBot Just what it sounds like.
• usage MySmartBot Display command summary.

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Last Updated: 07 January 2001
This webpage is maintained by Kit Finn (director@tagfam.org)