BR102023013855A2 - MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES - Google Patents

Abstract

This is a product related to the virtual reality industry. A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of parallel dimensions modeled in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a three-dimensional physical space with corresponding characteristics such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts of each other. Avatars are located within the corresponding parallel dimensions so as to avoid overpopulation of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different parallel dimensions using input from the respective users to provide virtual reality data. The virtual reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to produce an animated display of one of the parallel dimensions and corresponding avatars.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to computer-generated virtual environments in which participants are represented by computer-generated avatars, and in particular to environments that simulate a real 3-D environment and allow simultaneous participation by multiple players. Computer-generated virtual environments are increasingly popular methods for people, both real and automated, to interact in a networked system.

[002] The creation of virtualized worlds, three-dimensional or not, is well known.

[003] Simple text-based adventures such as “Zork”, early “first-person shooter” games such as “Doom”, and finally various highly complex environments such as “Halo” are well known in the art.

[004] Various online environments are known in which a physical 3D world (real or fantasy) is simulated. Environments of this type are sometimes referred to as “virtual reality” environments or “virtual reality universe” (VRU). In known VRU environments, a real or fantasy universe is simulated within a computer memory. Multiple players can participate in the environment through a computer network, such as a local area network or a wide area network. Each player selects an “avatar,” which may be a three-dimensional figure of a man, woman, or other being, to represent them in the VRU environment. Players send inputs to a VRU engine to move their avatars around the VRU environment, and may cause interaction between their avatars and objects in the VRU. For example, a player's avatar may interact with an automated entity or person, simulated static objects, or avatars operated by other players.

[005] With the ubiquity of computer networks, engineers and designers have included the ability for players to interact in these virtual environments.

[006] A disadvantage of VRU is that, as in the real world, space is limited by environmental constraints. In addition, limitations in computer processing speed, network bandwidth, and other factors also limit the number of participants and the richness of the environment. Accordingly, prior art VRU environments may limit the number of simultaneous players and their methods of interaction for a variety of reasons, including to avoid exceeding the programming, network, and hardware limitations of the servers and/or clients.

[007] Such limitations may be present in “massively multiplayer” environments such as “Everquest” or “Second Life”, which are specifically built on the concept of mimicking real-world environments, including the natural ability of real-world environments to support multiple simultaneous inhabitants.

[008] Such limitations may be implemented in a less desirable manner because they limit the ability of the VRU to accommodate the desires of its clients. However, such limitations are provided for a variety of reasons, including because (a) the server capacity is incapable of simultaneously serving the desired number of users, or (b) the client capacity, for each user, is insufficient to process and display the data necessary for such user's computer to properly and adequately render avatars or other representations of other users and otherwise construct a complete and accurate representation of the environment; or (c) independent of hardware or software capacity considerations, limitations imposed by geometric constraints of the simulated environment, or simply, a lack of simulated space.

[009] Mechanisms to address server capacity and client capacity issues, although flawed, exist in the art.

[010] Such mechanisms may include automatically moving avatars from one part of the environment to another (with or without the player's consent), preventing additional avatars from entering an environment when a set capacity is reached, limiting the ability of the environment's inhabitants to interact with each other and the environment, and having servers operate completely (or partially) independently.

[011] For example, one problem in implementing a VRU arises from its presentation of content in a virtual approximation of real three-dimensional space.

[012] As a result, there is a limit to how much modeled space can be occupied at one time. When using the HTTP application layer or other conventional Internet modalities, the number of users able to simultaneously participate in a Web site is limited only by the computing power and network bandwidth available to the site hosting the page. In contrast, a VRU mimics the three-dimensional space found in the physical world, and therefore the space limitations found in the real world are also experienced in the VRU. These include limitations such as the inability to realistically portray multiple users in the same location, the inability for users to pass through the same door simultaneously, the inability to exceed occupancy limitations, and similar space limitations in the real world. Because VRU users are visible to other users, they occupy space, a portion of the visual field, or both.

[013] The problem can best be demonstrated with the example of a nightclub within a VRU. The nightclub would be represented as a fixed area of space within the VRU. Although the VRU could, in theory, contain a very large nightclub, there would be areas within the club, such as near a stage or near celebrities present, that would be very desirable areas to inhabit.

[014] As a result, whether the area in question is described as the entire nightclub or the most desirable areas, some or all of the nightclub may have less available space for occupancy than there are people who want their avatars to occupy. While the same solutions exist in a VRU that exist in the real world to increase occupancy capacity (i.e., making the facility larger, accommodating more people with less available space to reach, etc.), the very limitations encountered in these real-world solutions would apply in a VRU.

[015] A second common problem with VRUs is that they rely on the computers of their various users to render the environments presented in the VRU. Thus, there are limitations on how many avatars, objects, textures, and other resources can be rendered and animated for each user.

[016] Again using the example of a nightclub, if the dimensions of the club were designed so that 10,000 avatars could be accommodated, viewed, and interacted with simultaneously, each user's computer would be tasked with tracking, rendering, and animating each of the 10,000 controlled avatars autonomously. Likewise, avatars within the same space, when allowed to communicate, whether via chat, voice over IP, or otherwise, could generate too much content to allow for effective communication.

[017] It is therefore desirable to address these issues and provide access to a greater number of avatars within a VRU space, minimizing unwanted experiences for VRU participants and providing new, more varied and interesting opportunities and experiences for users within the VRU space.

[018] The present inventions disclose a method, system and apparatus for establishing and dynamically managing multiple instances of a space within a VRU. Such multiple instances may be referred to herein as "dimensions".

[019] The inventions allow for the creation of an unlimited number of duplicate instances of a space within a VRU, which instances are created dynamically and which instances users can interact with. Furthermore, the inventions allow such dimensions to be utilized in a manner that does little or nothing to impair the VRU's ability to emulate those parts of the real-world environment that may be crucial to a positive user experience within a VRU.

[020] In one embodiment of the inventions, once the occupancy capacity of an area has been reached, another attempt to access the area by an additional avatar may trigger the creation of a new instance, or dimension, of the area.

[021] The new area may then be populated with avatars subsequently seeking to enter that area of the VRU environment. The term “new dimension” or “duplicated dimension” encompasses a virtual space such as may be provided by duplicating certain portions of the content within an area, such as, for example, simulated walls and other structural elements, a stage and all participants therein, or other elements. This may alternatively be achieved by making the elements not desired to be duplicated (i.e., avatars) invisible and inaccessible to other equally unduplicated elements (i.e., other avatars).

[022] New attempts to access the area can fill the new dimension until the new dimension reaches its occupancy capacity, at which point a new additional dimension would be generated and the cycle repeated.

[023] It should be understood that in other embodiments, other algorithms for filling dimensions may be used.

[024] These algorithms may include, for example, adding new avatars to the less populated dimension.

[025] Thus, if one or more avatars have left the first dimension after the creation and population of a second dimension, new users may be preferentially placed in the first dimension before the second dimension reaches its occupancy capacity. For another example, avatars may be added approximately evenly across multiple dimensions, all below their occupancy capacity, and/or avatars may be placed in one of the duplicate dimensions based on the users' status, achievements, or other rankings. Users may also create their own duplicate dimension with limited subscriptions or purposes. These may include and/or allow, without limitation, (a) themselves; (b) a private party; (c) members of a group; (d) the general public; (e) paid participants; and/or (f) specified guests.

[026] In embodiments, avatars may be distributed to a new dimension from one or more crowded dimensions.

[027] Crowding can be determined by a number of measures. For example, an optimal or “full” population level can be determined for a particular dimension. Avatars may continue to populate these dimensions beyond their optimal capacity. New dimensions can be formed by transporting avatars from one or more dimensions to a new dimension when a triggering event occurs. Triggering events may include, for example, one or more dimensions exceeding their optimal occupancy capacity by some amount or percentage; and/or when the total number of users in all relevant dimensions justifies the creation of a new dimension when at least one of these dimensions exceeds its optimal occupancy capacity. So, for example, if Dimension A exceeds its ideal capacity by 30% and Dimension B exceeds its ideal capacity by 30%, Dimension C will be created and some users from Dimension A and Dimension B will be imported into Dimension C. Alternatively, a triggering event might occur at some level below the ideal or full occupancy level, for example to make room for preferred users of a given dimension.

[028] Two or more dimensions can be combined to form a larger dimension containing all the participants of the previous dimensions.

[029] Similarly, one or more dimensions may be split into multiple smaller dimensions, with avatars assigned to dimensions based on random selection, user preferences, user profiles, and/or other criteria. Various triggers may be used to determine when a dimension should be combined or split, such as the population of the dimension being above or below a defined threshold.

[030] In other embodiments, avatars may populate dimensions based on user-generated preferences.

[031] Thus, for example, a Spanish-speaking user may prefer to populate a dimension shared by other Spanish-speaking users, even though that dimension has, for example, fewer avatars than other available dimensions that are populated predominantly by speakers of other languages. Similarly, users from language groups that are more easily mechanically translated into other users' languages may be treated as a single group. Thus, for example, if Spanish and French are more easily translated than Spanish and Chinese, users of Spanish and French may be grouped together on a dimension with a translation function.

[032] In other embodiments, avatars may populate dimensions based on preferences inferred from user-provided information or information otherwise obtained about the user.

[033] Thus, for example, a user may prefer to populate a dimension shared by users who appear on his or her friends list, even if such a dimension has, for example, fewer avatars than other available dimensions that are populated predominantly by users who do not appear on his or her friends list. Similarly, a user may wish to avoid dimensions populated by users on his or her ignore users list. Algorithms that incorporate information from users, including their friends, friends of friends, ignored users; as well as users who belong to groups or groups with interests similar to the groups with which the user is involved are examples of preferences that can be used to infer a preferred dimension for a user to join.

[034] Users may have the opportunity to travel between dimensions, optionally subject to set limits or conditions.

[035] Thus, if a user is directed to populate a particular dimension, but would prefer to populate a different dimension, the user may choose to have their avatar shift dimensions to the desired dimension. Users may transport themselves to the desired dimension unless prevented by factors including, but not limited to: that the desired dimension is restricted; that the desired dimension is private; and/or that the intended dimension is equal to or greater than their relevant occupancy capacity. Transporting to different dimensions may be accomplished, for example, by clicking on the name or a link related to a user, avatar, or object, or by manipulating an avatar into a portal that may lead, directly or through one or more additional portals, to a corresponding space in a different dimension. The avatar may then be transported to the dimension where the user, avatar, or object resides. Alternatively, or additionally, a VRU space may include “locked dimensions,” which do not allow travel to and/or from the dimension, or which impose other restrictions not generally imposed on other dimensions in the VRU space.

[036] Different dimensions may be related to each other and interact or influence each other in defined ways.

[037] For example, users may also be allowed to observe other dimensions without being visible to and/or able to interact with those dimensions. This may be useful, for example, before traveling to such a dimension, or if a user is simply interested in observing other people's interactions. Users may be allowed to obtain information about dimensions that other users are in, such as users marked in the user's friends list or ignored users list.

[038] Users may have the option to chat across dimensions; that is, with users populating other dimensions.

[039] Such chat may include private chat; public chat; or group chat or any other chat channel the user desires. Thus, public chat may, for example, aggregate chat from more than one dimension. Alternatively, or additionally, public chat may not aggregate more than one dimension, but individual users may wish to monitor or participate in public chat (or any other chat channel) from dimensions other than the one their avatar currently populates.

[040] In one embodiment of the inventions, a defined area or portion of multiple dimensions may be visible and/or interact with other parts or members of the dimensions.

[041] For example, a stage area may be defined visibly and audibly in multiple dimensions surrounding the stage area. Access to such a stage or common area may be limited in any manner desired. Actions on the stage may affect multiple dimensions. For example, if a robot avatar or normal avatar throws an object from a stage area into a surrounding nightclub, as the object passes through a boundary between the stage area and the multidimensional floor of the nightclub, the thrown object may be replicated and appear in each of the surrounding dimensions.

[042] Likewise, surrounding multidimensional areas can influence a common area.

[043] Continuing with the nightclub example, a performer on a common stage may receive feedback from the audience in multiple surrounding dimensions. For another example, a storefront may comprise a common area in which an avatar for a sales clerk may reside. The sales clerk may serve customers who are avatars in multiple dimensions, with priority of service determined in different ways. For example, customers in different dimensions may call the sales clerk, who may be depicted as “busy” (e.g., depicted as interacting with another avatar) at times when the sales clerk is busy serving a customer in another dimension. The waiting customer may receive a message with an estimated wait time or an offer to make an appointment with a sales clerk. If multiple customers are waiting, they may be queued and served in any order desired by the sales clerk. For example, repeat customers may be served first.

[044] In both of the previous examples, the performer and the clerk provide examples of an object—for example, an avatar—that has presence in multiple instances in more than one dimension.

[045] In one embodiment of the invention, the presence in multiple dimensions may be asynchronous. In other words, each instance of the object in multiple dimensions may be generated asynchronously, depending on the input for each dimension. Alternatively, the object may be generated synchronously, i.e., as a single instance using the same input for each dimension. A more complete understanding of the method and system for managing multiple dimensions in a VRU space will be provided to those skilled in the art, as well as an understanding of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

State of the art:

[046] Process: PI 102016020420-8, Filing date: 09/03/2016 Title: inverse augmented reality, virtual database of real attributes through the capture of quantitative and qualitative analog variables from the real world and conversion into digital information and storage for interactive sharing.

[047] Abstract: Inverse augmented reality, virtual database of real attributes through the capture of quantitative and qualitative analog variables from the real world and conversion into digital information and storage for interactive sharing. The virtual database of real attributes makes it possible to capture various quantitative and qualitative information from individuals in the real world and convert it into digital information for storage in a specific individual virtual registry with the possibility of sharing and integrating information with applications and games. Each game or application will be able to use the virtual database of real attributes together with an algorithm that best adapts the use of the attributes to the gameplay or applicability of the attributes to their platforms. A character in a game, for example, will be able to have strength, agility and intelligence proportional to what the user has in real life, bringing the virtual world even closer to the real one. In order to achieve better attributes in virtual reality, users of these databases will end up increasing their virtues in the real world. Attributes such as strength, intelligence, stamina, resistance and others are commonly used in virtual realities, in the search for better characters in games, for example, young people will seek to do more physical exercise or seek to study more.

[048] Process: PI 102019025862-4, Filing date: 12/06/2019 Title: Virtual profile generator, application for capturing user information in the real world, validation and storage for use in platforms that use inverse augmented reality as a technology for enriching virtual experiences.

[049] Abstract: Virtual profile generator, application for capturing user information in the real world, validation and storage for use in platforms that use inverse augmented reality as a technology for enriching virtual experiences. The V-Real profile generator, application for capturing individual information from users in the real world, subsequent validation of the information through the analysis of the credibility of the information and comparison with performance indexes predefined by the application to generate an individual score for each piece of information captured for subsequent storage of this information in list format for use in various platforms that may use the inverse augmented reality initiative to enrich their virtual experiences, in which the individual's virtual profile will reflect their information captured in the real world, allowing their virtual experience to be directly affected by their real characteristics. A character in a game that uses the capture of information captured by the VReal profile generator, for example, will be able to have strength, agility and intelligence proportional to what the user has in real life, bringing the virtual world even closer to the real one. In the desire to achieve better attributes in virtual reality, users of these databases will end up increasing their virtues in the real world. Attributes such as strength, intelligence, stamina, resistance and others are commonly used in virtual realities, in the search for better characters in games, for example, young people will seek to do more physical exercise or seek to study more.

[050] Process: PI 0002467-8, Date of filing: 06/13/2000 Title: Merchandising modality in virtual simulation of facts experienced by people through the internet.

[051] Abstract: "Merchandising modality in virtual simulation of facts experienced by people through the internet". consists of a modality of insertion of commercial advertising in an indirect system commonly called "merchandising" whose appearances occur during situations experienced by users who are participating in simulation of facts of life, through the respective scenarios as in real life, either with endings defined by a specific program or by editing/creating new situations by remote scriptwriters on an internet site.

[052] Process: pi 9910919-0, filing date: 05/21/1999 title: Removable memory card, communication device and process for transmitting avatar information to a virtual world.

[053] Abstract: "Removable memory card, communication device and method of transmitting avatar information to a virtual world". Information about avatar characteristics for a user is stored on a memory card (115), for example on a SIM card for the GSM system. The information concerning the avatar can then be moved from one access terminal to another. A virtual world, which the avatar is to enter, can then be accessed from many different access terminals by inserting the SIM card and registering a personal identity number (PIN) code. Thus by adding such a memory function to a removable memory card (for example a SIM card or a smart card), in addition to making it possible to access a virtual world from different access terminals, it also makes it possible to use avatars in new applications, such as in a GSM telephone or other mobile telephone or terminal.

[054] Process: PI 102013020481-1, Date of filing: 08/12/2013 Title: Environment for development of virtual product for multiple users.

[055] Abstract: A multi-user virtual product development environment. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing a product (102). A product development environment (100) comprises a system. The system further comprises a global online virtual product manager (112) (202) and a transformer (204). The global online virtual product manager (112) (202) is configured to manage elements (108) for a product (102) under development in an online virtual product world (112). The transformer (204) is configured to exchange the elements (108) with any number of product development systems (116) that develop the elements (108) in a network (114).

[056] Process: PI 112022024836-9, Filing date: 10/20/2021 Title: Web-based virtual videoconferencing environment with navigable avatars and applications thereof.

[057] Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and system for enabling videoconferencing and tangible, non-transitory computer-readable device. According to the above abstracts, the mentioned processes have no similarity with the subject matter of this patent, which is why we consider that there are no technical or legal impediments to obtaining the requested privilege.

[058] For a perfect visualization and understanding of the “Multi-instance and multi-user virtual reality spaces” in question, the following illustrative drawings are provided, where:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[059] FIG. 1- is a schematic diagram showing a system according to the inventions.

[060] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a system in accordance with the inventions.

[061] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing aspects of a multi-dimensional system according to the inventions.

[062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing aspects of a system for handling multiple dimensions in accordance with the inventions.

[063] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing aspects of a method for managing multiple dimensions in accordance with the inventions.

[064] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing management aspects of an interface between multiple dimensions in accordance with the inventions.

[065] FIGS. 7A-C are simplified exemplary screenshots of user displays in accordance with the inventions.

[066] FIGS. 8-10 are flow diagrams showing exemplary steps of methods according to the inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS MODALITIES

[067] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 for providing a VRU to multiple users may comprise a plurality of client sites, nodes, or terminals, e.g., a personal computer 104, portable computers 106, 110, a compact player, cellular telephone, or digital assistant 108, and/or router 112 communicating over a WAN 102 to one or more servers 114. Servers 114 store and provide VRU data and software to the client sites. Software or firmware may also be located at each client site, configured to function in cooperation with software or firmware operating on servers 114. Generally, any number of users may be communicating with servers 114 for participation in the VRU at any given time.

[068] Referring to FIG. 2, a system 200 for providing a VRU in accordance with the invention may be considered to be composed of server-side components (left of dashed line 222) and client-side components (right of dashed line 222). The server-side components may include a portal 220 for managing connections for multiple simultaneous players. The portal 220 may interact with a VRU engine 218, passing user input from multiple clients to a VRU engine and transmitting data from the VRU engine to respective individual players. The VRU engine 218 may be operationally associated with multiple memory spaces, including dimensional spaces 208 containing two or more parallel dimensions 212, 214, 215, and 216, and a custom or common data space 210.

[069] As known in the art, objects in a VRU are modeled as three-dimensional objects or two-dimensional objects, having a defined location, orientation, surface, surface texture, and other properties for graphical rendering or game behavior. The 208-dimensional memory space may contain active or inactive instances of defined spaces used in the VRU environment. For example, the environment of a simulated popular nightclub may be replicated in different spaces.

[070] The personalized space 210 may be composed of several different personal areas, each assigned to a different user, e.g., avatar or avatar accessory data. The VRU engine may operate with other memory areas not shown in FIG. 2, e.g., several data libraries, files, and records not inconsistent with the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[071] In one embodiment of the invention, each user may customize an avatar to have a user-specified appearance and qualities by choosing avatar characters, features, clothing, and/or accessories from a catalog or online store. The particular layout selected by a user may reside in a personalized space210 associated with a given user, specifying which avatar elements are to be drawn from a common space to construct an avatar.

[072] In one embodiment of the invention, a custom avatar instance may be stored in a custom space for the user. Alternatively, or additionally, a user may possess custom elements of an avatar, including clothing, accessories, simulated physical powers, etc., which are stored exclusively in the custom space and are not available to other users. Avatars may move and interact with both common elements and custom elements.

[073] A separate administration module 202 may operate at the server level to create, update, modify, or control the contents of the VRU as defined in memory areas 204 and 210. Generally, changes to the personal space area 210 are conducted by individual users, either through the VRU administrator 202 or another module. Control of common areas, i.e., the game environment and the objects contained therein, including any multidimensional areas, may be done through the administrator module 202.

[074] At the client level, a player interface module 224 may be installed to receive player input from one or more user input devices 228, such as a keyboard, mouse or other pointer, or microphone, and provide data to the VRU engine 218 via portal 222 in response to the input.

[075] The player interface module may also receive game data from portal 220 and process the data for display on monitor 226 and/or for audio output to speaker 230.

[076] Various systems and methods for providing three-dimensional multiplayer interactive animation for multiple players are known in the art or may be adapted by one skilled in the art for use with the invention. For example, rendering of a scene may be performed at the client or server level.

[077] Generally, it may be advantageous to perform calculations and graphical operations, to the extent possible, at the client level, thereby freeing up network bandwidth and minimizing loads on the server. The invention is not limited to a particular hardware or software architecture for performing the steps described herein.

[078] FIG. 3 schematically shows a system 300 for providing multi-user multi-dimensional animation. The system 300 comprises a portal or interface 308 connected to receive data, such as via a wide area network 306, from a plurality of users 302, 304 (two of many shown). The users 302, 304 may operate a client computer with a web browser or application configured to communicate animation commands to the VRU engine 310 via the interface 308. The VRU engine 310 may model a virtual three-dimensional environment 311 within a computer memory 312. A first user 302 may provide commands via portal 308 to the VRU engine 310 used to control the operation of a first avatar 314. Likewise, a second user 304 may control a second avatar 316.

[079] Environment 311 may include various scenes or regions modeled to simulate a region of space, for example, the surface of a planet or region thereof, the interior of a room or building, the surface of an island, and so on.

[080] FIG. 3 presents a highly simplified schematic view of a modeled environment. A real modeled environment may be highly complex, including thousands of different modeled spaces, some or all of which may exist in more than one dimension. The modeled scenes or spaces may be of different types, that is, they may be modeled according to different rules. They are connected in that transportation between the spaces is permitted, at least for some avatars in the environment 311. The environment 311 may permit passage of avatars between the scenes through simulated portals or transportation elements, e.g., simulated doors, teleportation terminals, roads, cars, trains, etc. Upon entering a portal or transportation element, an avatar may exit a first scene and be delivered to a second scene being simulated in memory 312. One of the tasks of the VRU engine may be to keep track of the various portals and transportation elements between scenes, operating these elements when requested by users, and adding or deleting portals as scenes are added or deleted. Generally, portals should act in a stable and predictable manner so that a user can navigate his or her avatar through the simulated environment 311 to achieve the user's goals. For example, a simulated entrance to the simulated address of 100 East Main Street of the simulated public road system in Computerville should always lead to the tenant registered at that address, whether a private residence or a business. For example, some transportation elements, e.g., teleportation portals or subways, may lead to different destinations. However, in this case, the transportation element should be configured to allow the user to control the destination of the user's avatar, if so desired.

[081] The VRU engine 310 may operate such that some scenes in the environment 311 may be replicated to create another instance of the scene, e.g., multi-dimensional spaces 320, while other scenes may not be replicated, e.g., a non-replicable or mono-dimensional space 318. Thus, the environment 311 may contain both types of spaces, as well as portals or transportation elements that allow avatars to transport between multi-dimensional and mono-dimensional spaces. Avatars 314, 316 present in the mono-dimensional space 318 may be transported via portal 317 to any of the multi-dimensional spaces 320. Conversely, avatars in the multi-dimensional spaces 320 may pass into space 318 via portal 317, which may be replicated as an instance in each multi-dimensional space 321a-d.

[082] Multidimensional spaces 320 may originate as a single, bounded, one-dimensional modeled space. If the space becomes too crowded, it may be replicated into any number of instances to provide room for the avatar population to grow. However, the replicated space is not just a copy, but exists as a connected part of the same environment 311. For example, space 321d may be a popular virtual nightclub originally existing in a single instance.

[083] As the club grows in popularity, it may be desirable, for example, to replicate the nightclub experience for new customers. Therefore, each dimension 321b, c, and d may be created in response to the population limit of existing club instances being exceeded. Each additional dimension may allow for two-way travel through a portal 317 to a common area or through any number of alternate portals.

[084] The additional dimensions 321b-d may therefore provide the advantages of accommodating any number of users without requiring users to subscribe to a new game or environment 311. The most popular and successful destination of environment 311 may therefore be enjoyed by more users, with almost no limits. Users therefore need not leave a given game or environment to enjoy these popular attractions. Likewise, users need not be prevented from communicating or otherwise interacting with any other users participating in multi-user environment 311 while still being able to freely access the most crowded destinations within the environment. The existence of multiple dimensions 320 may be revealed or hidden from some of all users 302, 304.

[085] In one embodiment of the invention, some or all users may enter one or a series of multidimensional spaces without being aware of the existence of other dimensions. Alternatively, users may receive an indication that their avatars have entered or are entering a space for which multiple instances exist. Both alternatives may coexist within the same environment 311, depending on the identity of the user and the desired characteristics of a multidimensional space.

[086] Environment 311 may further comprise one or more common spaces 322 that provide simultaneous interaction with multiple instances of parallel dimensions 320. For example, a common space may comprise a stage for a club or theater. The interior of the common space may be visible and/or audible in each of the dimensions 321a-d. An avatar or other object in the common space 322 may pass into each of the parallel spaces, being replicated in the process. Certain objects or avatars may also pass from the parallel dimensions 320 into the common area. For example, avatars may queue up within different parallel dimensions and access the common area 322 in sequence. For example, some avatars may be granted special rights or powers that allow them to enter a common space 322 that allows simultaneous interaction with multiple dimensions. Various other exemplary interactions between common spaces and parallel dimensions will be described in the detailed description below.

[087] FIG. 3 may also serve to illustrate an alternative embodiment in which users are segregated into independent, isolated groups that simultaneously share a simulated space or facility. In this embodiment, dimensions 321a-d may represent isolated groups of avatars and interactive objects. These groups may be contained within a common, non-interactive environment, such as the walls, ceilings, and floors of a simulated nightclub or other space. The common, non-interactive environment may serve as a common backdrop that is shared by the different groups 321a-d, who need not be aware of each other's existence. This embodiment serves to illustrate that the experience of multiple parallel dimensions may be implemented in a variety of ways, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions.

[088] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing exemplary aspects of a multidimensional system 400. System 400 may be implemented, for example, by a server or group of servers operating at a network-accessible location. Input data 402, including, for example, user commands or data used to direct the movement of avatars and other objects, may be provided to system 400 via a portal. Output data 404, including, for example, virtual reality data configured to cause remote clients to produce an animated display of one of the parallel dimensions and corresponding avatars, may be sent to a portal module for distribution to remote clients.

[089] The system 400 may comprise an avatar manager component 406 operatively connected to a database 408 of avatar data. Like other components of the system 400, the avatar manager component 406 may be implemented in any software, hardware, or combination thereof.

[090] The avatar manager may process user input command and associate commands with corresponding avatar and other object data.

[091] For example, the avatar manager may ensure that each avatar is configured according to the user's commands with clothing, accessories, or equipment available to the corresponding user.

[092] The avatar manager may communicate with a dimensional configurator 410 and population manager 418 to ensure that each avatar is correctly placed in one of the parallel dimensions managed by the configurator and population manager. The avatar manager may further communicate with an animation component 414 to ensure that each avatar is positioned and moved in accordance with user commands. In addition, the avatar manager may cooperate with a communication component that operates to enable communication, e.g., text or audio chat, between different users.

[093] A population manager 418 may monitor the population density of avatars in a defined area of the environment, or more generally throughout the environment. If a population threshold is exceeded, the population manager may instruct the dimensional configurator 410 to generate or activate another instance of the overcrowded area. Similarly, the population manager may monitor parallel dimensions and instruct the dimensional configurator to collapse two or more parallel dimensions into one if the population density falls below a defined threshold.

[094] A dimensional configurator 410 may generate or activate additional parallel dimensions as needed to accommodate population growth. Essentially, the configurator may generate another instance of a crowded space within a virtual reality environment by copying an existing space or model

[095] Alternatively, different populations of avatars may share common elements that define the envelope of a modeled space. Elements of modeled spaces may be stored in a dimensional database 412 in operative association with the configurator 410. The configurator may also ensure, in cooperation with the avatar manager 406, that each dimension is properly populated with avatars. The configurator 410 may also operate to collapse empty or sparsely populated spaces from parallel dimensions. For example, the configurator may move the remaining avatars to another dimension and disable or delete the empty dimension.

[096] A communication module 416 may operate more or less independently of other components to enable communication, such as chat, between different users. In one embodiment of the invention, chat operates independently of animation. Alternatively, a chat process may be coordinated with avatar animation. For example, an avatar's lips may move in sync with audio chat. In either embodiment, the communication module may enable users to chat with other users corresponding to nearby avatars. In addition, the communications module may enable users to make a chat “phone call” to any user logged into the system, regardless of the relative locations of the users' avatars.

[097] An animation component 414 may operate to process user commands, dimensional data, and other model data to produce simulations of all active parallel spaces and other active regions of the modeled environment. Generally, a space or region may be considered active if it is in view from a user-selected viewpoint. Various methods are known for simulating avatars and objects within modeled spaces, and any suitable method may be used. Furthermore, it is anticipated that a new method may be developed that may also be suitable. In general, any method that is suitable for modeling non-parallel, regular regions of the modeled space should be readily adaptable for modeling parallel dimensions.

[098] The animator 414 may produce raw model data that is not configured for efficient distribution to remote clients. Accordingly, the animator may cooperate with an output control module 420 to prepare the output data 404 for distribution to remote clients. This may include translating or transforming the animator's animated model data into a format suitable for distribution to clients of the system. The form of translation or transformation will depend on the application software used at the client level and other details that should be apparent to an ordinary skilled artisan.

[099] In another preferred embodiment, several of the dimensions may overlap, for example, to prevent users from experiencing an excessively empty dimension. Such overlap may be geographic (i.e., areas within a virtual “club” or other environment), overlap between users grouped in dimensions, or otherwise.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary multidimensional system 500 is shown schematically as it may be represented in a system memory. The system 500 may comprise a first dimension 502 adjacent to a second dimension 504, representing, for example, areas of a virtual nightclub. The first dimension may be connected to a common space 506 via a transparent interface 507. The common space may represent, for example, a stage area. The first and second dimensions may be demarcated by a pair of interfaces 512, 514 that define an overlapping region 510 belonging to both dimensions 502, 504. The interfaces 512, 514 may also be transparent, such that all portions of the interior of the system 500 are potentially visible from the viewpoint in any of the areas 502, 504, and 506. The parallel dimensions 502, 504 may also be enclosed by a common wall. In general, avatars in the parallel dimensions 502, 504 may not be able to pass through the interfaces 507, 512, and 514. In one embodiment of the invention, however, passing through one of the interfaces 512 and 514 may trigger a reassignment to another dimension designed to keep the user within an assigned group of avatars.

[0101] With further reference to FIG. 5, an implementation of this modality may be the creation of four instances of a nightclub, with four different audiences (A, B, C and D), as shown in Table 1 below.1. TABLE 1

[0102] The nightclub appears to be fully contiguous to all avatars in all instances, but the population of Areas 1 and 2 (corresponding to spaces 502, 504, respectively) depends on which instance and audience area an avatar is located in. Thus, for example, in Instance Number 1, Audience Area 1, an avatar looking toward Audience Area 2 might see Group B. However, when the avatar moves to Audience Area 2, it might be automatically moved to Instance 3. Therefore, from that avatar's point of view looking back toward the stage, Group D is seen within Audience Area 1, and the avatar remains in Group A, but on the other side of the group.

[0103] The boundaries between the two Audience Areas and between Audience Area 1 and the stage may be referred to as an “interface”. Interfaces may be precise, non-overlapping, or there may be areas within the interface where multiple instances of the universe may exist simultaneously. Similarly, communication (visual, audio, chat, or otherwise) may be implemented in interfaces potentially limited by the proximity of users to the interface.

[0104] For example, an avatar 518 present in region 510 can converse with avatar 520 in Audience Area 1, even if avatar 518 belongs to a different group than the one present in Area 1.

[0105] The common dimension 506, or the stage area in the diagram above, may be created such that the performer 516 is visible to all users across all instance numbers. Certain audience groups, or members, may be allowed to interact with the performers and may be selected by any of a number of criteria, including but not limited to paid membership, early arrivals, random selection, etc. Performers may optionally see only one or more user groups, may see all users even if they are displayed on different computers, screens or windows, or by representative methods such as statistics, applause meters, etc.

[0107] Multi-dimensional audiences may also be presented translucently and superimposed on each other, so as to make additional members visible to the performers.

[0108] In embodiments of the inventions, multiple end users may be merged into the same avatar with or without the ability to share control of the avatar. For shared control, control inputs from multiple users may be aggregated to generate activity or may be granted in a round robin or other manner.

[0109] An example of this would be allowing people in multiple dimensions in a nightclub to enter the “stage dive” line, and then inhabit a single avatar that can enter the “performer” dimension, be seen by all users, and then jump off the stage, disaggregate, and land, each user in their own dimension.

[0110] Other examples of multi-user animations of one or more avatars can be found in Provisional Application No. 60/871,446, filed December 21, 2006, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0111] Objects moving from a common dimension may optionally automatically replicate when crossing an interface to a parallel dimension, so as to replicate into multiple instances of themselves.

[0112] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary system 600 comprising a common dimension 604 linked to parallel dimensions 601, 602, and 603. In embodiments of the inventions, such replication may place a copy of the item in each dimension or instance linked to the common dimension. The item may then be independently manipulated and utilized within each dimension or instance. Optionally, items may be tagged, numbered, or tracked by the dimension in which they were first replicated. For example, a performer avatar 606 may throw a ball 607 toward interface 610. As the ball penetrates the interface, it may be subtracted from common space 604 and appear as separate independent instances 608a-c in parallel dimensions 601, 602, and 603, respectively.

[0113] Essentially, any number of new objects may be generated in this manner. After fully penetrating through the respective interfaces 611a-c, the newly generated spheres may exist as new objects 612a-c, respectively.

[0114] Common areas linked to multiple dimensions may also be useful for commercial use, for example, the provision of virtual services or products. Some of these applications may involve the personal attention of a marketer or service provider. Such a user may wish to be marketed to across all linked parallel dimensions, but cannot simultaneously serve users across different dimensions.

[0115] For such applications, it may be desirable to manage the interface between the common area and the parallel dimensions to enable pan-dimensional presence for the merchant or service provider and personal service for each customer.

[0116] FIGS. 7A-C are simplified screenshots exemplifying an implementation of an exemplary method for achieving this goal.

[0117] FIG. 7a shows a screen capture 710 representing system output data as may be provided to a first user having an avatar 702 in a first parallel dimension visiting a physician avatar 701 located in a common dimension. A client computer belonging to the first user may obtain the output data and render a display as shown. The first user may view an animation of his or her own avatar 702 conversing with the physician 701. A chat window 703 may include chat text from a conversation between the physician and the first user.

[0118] Other objects, for example virtual goods, if the user of the common dimension is a trader of such goods, may optionally be shown to the first user.

[0119] FIG. 7B shows a screen capture 720 representing data similarly provided to a second user operating an avatar 722 located in a second parallel dimension. This user may see an animation indicating that the physician is engaged with another patient. For example, a view of a closed door 721 may be presented. Alternative presentations may include, for example, a robot receptionist avatar for the physician.

[0120] Optionally, a message box 723 may be provided explaining the status of the physician, the second user's place in the physician's queue, an estimated wait time, or any other desired information, including but not limited to advertising.

[0121] FIG. 7C shows an exemplary screen shot 730 similarly representing the data that may be provided to a user of the common dimension. Such a user may receive views of all linked parallel dimensions. The illustrated example shows side-by-side views, but any other arrangement, e.g., overlays or successive views, may also be used. In this example, the physician sees the active patient 702 and a view 731 of the first dimension where the active patient resides. A chat window 734 showing the active conversation may also be displayed. The physician may also see a view 732 of the second dimension showing the patient 722 waiting there. In this example, a view 733 of a third dimension is provided showing no patients waiting in that dimension. Alternatively, views of dimensions with no waiting patients may be omitted. Any number of parallel dimensions may thus be made visible to a user operating in a common dimension.

[0122] Accordingly, therefore, parallel dimensions can be implemented on a computer platform using programming steps that should be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

[0123] FIG. 8 shows exemplary steps of a method 800 for managing multi-instance, multi-user animation platforms, as may be implemented in a VRU environment.

[0124] Step 802 may comprise modeling a plurality of parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Computer modeling of three-dimensional spaces is known in the art. Such models may obey rules that mimic the physical environment of the Earth, or may use modified rules to simulate other environments. Any suitable model and modeling method may be used. As used herein, a "parallel dimension" means a duplicate or recognizable counterpart of a bounded, computer-modeled space that is accessible through a common environment. Parallel dimensions may be created, for example, by copying an element of an existing space or model into a space in computer memory.

[0125] Each of the plurality of parallel dimensions may comprise an independent model of a three-dimensional physical space with corresponding characteristics such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts of each other.

[0126] It is not necessary for each dimension to be an exact duplicate of other dimensions. Because dimensions operate independently, some divergences may occur after dimensions become active. For example, a piece of furniture that is initially positioned identically in opposite dimensions may be moved.

[0127] Parallel dimensions may have the characteristic of operating simultaneously within a system memory. Although certain activities within each parallel dimension may be independent, e.g., the activity of avatars, parallel dimensions may maintain some relationships with each other. For example, parallel dimensions may share common spaces or portals to common spaces. For another example, communication between avatars in different dimensions may be allowed. Avatars may also travel between dimensions.

[0128] An important interdimensional relationship may involve interdimensional population control. The VRU system may comprise, for example, a VRU module that operates to monitor the population of certain spaces within the VRU to ensure that they do not become overcrowded with avatars, as indicated in step 804. In addition to ensuring that additional dimensions are generated or activated as needed to alleviate overcrowding, the VRU system may operate to distribute avatars between parallel dimensions.

[0129] For example, step 804 may comprise locating or assigning avatars within corresponding parallel dimensions so as to avoid overpopulation of any of the parallel dimensions by avatars.

[0130] To perform this step, the VRU engine or module may compare a current avatar population, population density, and/or rate of change from the previous one, with criteria established for the space in question.

[0131] For example, an ideal avatar density for a nightclub floor might be in the range of 1 to 4 avatars per square meter of simulated space, while for a simulated park the ideal density might be 0.2 to 1 avatars per square meter.

[0132] As the population of a space approaches or exceeds a defined limitation, as indicated in steps 808 and 808, the VRU system may generate or activate a parallel dimension that replicates the overcrowded dimension. In one embodiment of the invention, multiple parallel dimensions may operate simultaneously. If, for example, only one of these dimensions becomes overcrowded, the overcrowding may be resolved by transferring avatars to less crowded dimensions, as indicated in step 810. If no less crowded dimension is available, a new dimension may be generated and/or activated.

[0133] In one embodiment of the invention, a new parallel dimension can be generated by copying certain elements from an existing space or by copying a template into an existing space that is reserved in memory for the purpose of generating parallel dimensions when needed.

[0134] Parallel dimensions may also be collapsed into fewer dimensions as avatar populations decrease. For example, if an average population density across multiple dimensions falls below a defined threshold, any empty dimensions may be shut down. The process of shutting down a dimension may include erasing the dimension from computer memory used to model the computer environment. In one embodiment of the invention, the closed dimension may be archived or reserved for future use, optionally for a limited period of time. If it is desired to shut down a dimension that is not empty of avatars, the avatars present in the dimension may be transported to an adjacent parallel dimension.

[0135] Before turning off a dimension, the system may inform users corresponding to any avatars in the dimension. These users may be given the option to transport themselves to a parallel dimension or to another location in the VRU environment. If a user does not select an alternate destination, the VRU system may choose for them. Advantageously, turning off underpopulated dimensions may conserve system resources and prevent users from encountering underpopulated environments.

[0136] As indicated in step 810, avatars may be distributed among related parallel dimensions according to various schemes. Method 800 may further comprise relocating an avatar from a first of the parallel dimensions to a second of the parallel dimensions.

[0137] Relocation may be accomplished by any desired method of transporting avatars within a VRU environment. For example, an avatar may pass through a door into another space or be “teleported” to another space in the environment. An avatar may be relocated from a first of the parallel dimensions to a second of the parallel dimensions (or to any other location in the environment) in response to user input, meaning a request to relocate the avatar. Alternatively, relocation may be accomplished without user input. For example, an avatar may be relocated between parallel dimensions or out of a parallel dimension when a population of avatars in one or more of the parallel dimensions reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0138] One or more avatars may be automatically relocated from the crowded parallel dimensions to an additional parallel dimension that is generated or activated to accommodate the growing avatar population.

[0139] Regardless of the number of operable dimensions within an environment, a VRU system must operate to independently animate some of the plurality of avatars within different parallel dimensions, using input from their respective corresponding users.

[0140] “Animate” in this sense essentially means processing user input data, rules of the modeled environment, modeled properties of objects in the environment, or other data to calculate the positions and/or shape of objects in the environment at successive instants of modeled time. Such an animation process may be encompassed within what is generally called “computer simulation.”

[0141] FIG. 9 shows exemplary steps of a method 900 for animating a VRU environment and objects contained therein. It should be appreciated that method 900 may be operated concurrently with method 800 to manage a multi-user, multi-dimensional animation process and provide a plurality of users with desired output data. In step 902, the VRU engine may animate avatars and objects in each dimension. Avatars and objects may be modeled in any desired manner. In one embodiment of the invention, avatars may be modeled as articulated figures covered by a skin.

[0142] Objects may interact with each other through “contact” that occurs when modeled objects attempt to occupy the same volume of modeled space. Various physical attributes, such as mass, momentum, muscular and skeletal limitations, and so on, may be associated with the modeled objects to lend greater realism to the simulation. In embodiments of the inventions, physical rules may be modeled to allow activities that cannot occur in the real world, such as winged flight by humans.

[0143] In general, various computer modeling methods are known in the art for simulating the motion of objects and figures in modeled space, and any suitable method can be used to simulate the motion of avatars and other objects.

[0144] Animation of objects in parallel dimensions can generally occur independently of each other. For example, a first avatar in a first dimension should not be able to contact or be visible to a second avatar in a second dimension. Avatars can converse across dimensions, which can be conducted as a separate process from animation. Objects and avatars in a common dimension can be modeled along with each parallel dimension. For example, if “c” represents the common space model and “p” represents the parallel space model, the animation for each parallel space “pi” can include “pi+c.

[0145] In step 906, portal output data may be generated for a plurality of remote clients. A system module, e.g., a portal module, may separate and route data from multiple animation streams so that the correct data is provided to each client in the correct format and sequence. Each client should receive sufficient data to generate a view of the environment as seen through the virtual eyes of its avatar, or as seen from another viewpoint close to the avatar. The display should include at least nearby avatars and objects. More distant objects may also be visible, optionally in decreasing resolution with increasing distance from the viewpoint.

[0146] In general, identifying a viewpoint associated with each user can make it possible to reduce the amount of information sent to each user, since more distant information does not need to be provided.

[0147] As an output of the animation process, virtual reality data may be provided to each of the plurality of users, as indicated in step 906.

[0148] Various methods are known in the art for providing data to clients, and any suitable method may be used. A connection may be made to one or more communication ports of client computers running an application to receive data and transform it as needed for a visual display. The virtual reality data may be configured to cause remote clients of each of the users to produce an animated display of one of the parallel dimensions and corresponding avatars, as indicated in step 910.

[0149] For example, a first user corresponding to an avatar located in parallel dimension 'A' may receive virtual reality data to view objects and other avatars within dimension 'A', while a second user controlling an avatar located in parallel dimension 'B' may receive data to view the interior of dimension 'B'. Both users may receive data to view a common dimension 'C' linked to dimensions 'A' and 'B', if present.

[0150] As noted previously, a common space may be modeled in computer memory, configured with respect to multiple parallel dimensions such that an interior of the common space is visible from viewpoints located within each of the parallel dimensions.

[0151] In one embodiment of the invention, the common space may be modeled such that information relating to each of the parallel dimensions is provided to a user operating an avatar in the common space or otherwise assigned a viewpoint located in the common space.

[0152] This information may be provided, for example, as internal views of each of the plurality of dimensions.

[0153] In embodiments of the inventions, it may be desirable to model a common space in a computer memory, configured with respect to multiple parallel dimensions such that a modeled object originating from the common space is capable of passing into at least one of the parallel dimensions, or vice versa.

[0154] FIG. 10 shows exemplary steps of a method 1000 for managing an interface between a common space and a parallel space. In step 1002, an interdimensional interface may be defined between the common space and two or more parallel spaces or between adjacent parallel spaces. For example, a surface may be defined as a boundary between the common space and each of the parallel spaces. Such surfaces may be contoured to fit each other. That is, an interface surface that divides the common space from multiple parallel dimensions may be contoured to fit each of the surfaces that divide each of the parallel dimensions of the common space. An interface may be modeled to include an interactive overlap region with both adjacent dimensions of the plurality of dimensions or without an overlap region.

[0155] In one embodiment of the invention, an interface may be modeled as a transparent object. Thus, the common space may be visible to each of multiple parallel dimensions, for example, as a stage, storefront, or entrance area. Similarly, multiple parallel dimensions may be visible from the common space, overlapping one another, side by side, presented in sequence, or in some other arrangement. If multiple parallel dimensions are arranged around a common space, providing a transparent interface around the common space may make adjacent parallel dimensions visible to each other. Alternatively, an interface may be modeled as a translucent or opaque object.

[0156] In step 1004, the interface may be monitored for approaching objects. When an object touches or approaches the interface, the system may determine the interface properties of the object, as shown in step 1006. For example, the system may consult a property table associated with the object to determine whether or not the object has the ability to pass through the interface. The simulation may then proceed differently depending on the properties of the object.

[0157] If the object is allowed to "pass" through the interface, an object passing from ordinary space to multiple parallel dimensions may be replicated as it passes through the interface, as indicated in step 1008.

[0158] The replicated objects can then be animated synchronously (as in the case of an avatar controlled by a single user) or asynchronously (as in the case of a passive object) in each of the parallel dimensions.

[0159] In one embodiment of the inventions, a common space in computer memory may be configured with respect to multiple parallel dimensions such that an avatar originating from the common space is able to transition to one of the parallel dimensions.

[0160] This is a special case that can be used to populate multiple dimensions with avatars originating from a common space, for example, a space modeled as a public road or hallway. In this embodiment, one of the parallel dimensions is selected as the target of the object. The selection can be performed using various criteria. In one embodiment of the invention, the selection can be based on populations of avatars from each parallel space.

[0161] For example, an avatar may be directed to a dimension with the lowest population or any other desired population criteria.

[0162] Alternatively, or additionally, the selection may be based on a corresponding user preference.

[0163] For example, a user may indicate a preference for a dimension populated by other avatars who speak French.

[0164] Furthermore, a common space in computer memory may be configured relative to the plurality of parallel dimensions such that an avatar originating from any of the multiple parallel dimensions is able to pass into the common space. An object passing from a parallel space into a common space may be subtracted from the parallel space and added to the common space as it passes through the interface. This may be used as a way for avatars to exit a parallel dimension and re-enter non-parallel portions of the modeled environment.

[0165] Furthermore, a common space in computer memory may be configured relative to the plurality of parallel dimensions such that an avatar originating from any of the multiple parallel dimensions is able to pass into the common space.

[0166] This can be used as a way for avatars to exit a parallel dimension and re-enter non-parallel parts of the modeled environment.

[0167] If the object cannot pass through the interface, the object may be bounced off the interface or stopped before the interface, as indicated in step 1010. The object, therefore, cannot leave the source dimension through that particular interface. Of course, since the dimension is part of a larger modeled environment, it must contain at least one other door or other transportation element that allows objects to leave the dimension and enter other parts of the modeled environment.

[0168] According to the above, therefore, implementations of parallel dimensions may require the creation and tracking of at least three different categories of items. The first category may include items such as walls that are non-manipulable and identical in all dimensions. Walls may in fact exist only in a single dimension, which is shared via an interface with all other dimensions, thus minimizing the number of items that servers and clients must track. The second category may include items that exist only in a single dimension, such as avatars.

[0169] The third category may include items that are created identically across all dimensions, but become independent of each other once created. This third category may be exemplified by furniture and the like. When a dimension is generated or activated, it may be populated with standardized furniture or other objects belonging to the third category. Such furniture, while potentially identical when created and created simultaneously in multiple dimensions, may be manipulable, destructible, and alterable within each dimension independently. Replicated movable objects, e.g. furniture and the like, existing across dimensions may lead to divergence between parallel dimensions that may make travel or other interactions between parallel dimensions disorienting to those experiencing them. At the same time, it may not be desirable to render such objects immobile or unchanging.

[0170] Therefore, it may be desirable to return certain movable objects back to their initial position when displaced.

[0171] In one embodiment of the invention, therefore, analogous objects may be tracked in different parallel dimensions. Any of the analogous objects that move from a starting position may be moved back to the starting position, such that the positions of analogous objects within each of the parallel dimensions tend to converge to the starting position over time. For example, a chair may be moved by an avatar in one of the dimensions. However, in related parallel dimensions, the chair does not move. A component of the system may cause the moved chair to move slowly, possibly over hours, to return to the position of the chair in the adjacent dimensions.

[0172] The return movement can be performed relatively slowly, so that it is not noticeable to nearby avatars.

[0173] The speed of the return movement may therefore depend on the relative proximity of the nearest avatars.

[0174] For example, if a cup falls within one dimension, the server could cause it to fall and roll toward the corresponding cup in a neighboring dimension. In this way, the dimensions would continue to resemble each other over time, making travel between dimensions less disorienting for people manipulating the avatars.

[0175] In general, a VRU environment may provide communication tools for users to communicate with each other in real time.

[0176] For example, a typical environment may include a text chat or audio chat. In general, it may be desirable not to disable such communication features for users associated with avatars located in different parallel dimensions. In other words, although the parallel dimensions may be animated separately, they are still part of the same environment and may still make use of the same communication tools. In one embodiment of the invention, therefore, a communication channel may be provided between avatars in different of the plurality of dimensions.

[0177] Having thus described method and system embodiments for multi-user multidimensional animation, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the internal system have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, a method implemented on a public network such as the Internet has been illustrated, but the inventive concepts described above would be equally applicable to implementations on other networks.

Claims (25)

1a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, characterized by comprising: modeling, in a computer memory, multiple parallel instances of a multidimensional virtual reality space, each of the plurality of parallel instances replicating the multidimensional virtual reality space; assigning some of a plurality of modeled multidimensional avatars within the computer memory such that each of the plurality of avatars populates a respective of the parallel instances and each of the plurality of parallel instances is populated by a unique subset of the plurality of avatars, wherein the assignment limits a total number of the plurality of avatars in each of the unique subsets; and generating an additional parallel instance of the multidimensional virtual reality space, based on detecting an increase in a plurality of client devices providing input to the modeling to control those of the plurality of modeled multidimensional avatars. 2a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by further comprising relocating an avatar from a first of the parallel instances to a second of the parallel instances in response to the determination that a number of avatars in the first of the parallel instances has reached a predetermined limit. 3a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by further comprising modeling actions of the plurality of avatars that populate different of the parallel instances in response to input from the respective correspondents of the plurality of client devices to provide virtual reality data in the computer memory, the virtual reality data configured to allow the client devices to produce an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel instances and avatars assigned to them. 4a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by, further comprising modeling a common space in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that at least one object located within the common space is visible from viewpoints located within each of the plurality of parallel instances. 5a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by, further comprising modeling a common space in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an avatar originating from the common space is capable of passing to a selected one of the plurality of parallel instances. 6a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by further comprising the selection of which of the plurality of parallel instances the avatar is capable of passing through based, at least in part, on a total number of the plurality of avatars that fill each of the plurality of parallel instances. 7a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by further comprising tracking analogous objects in different parallel instances and moving any displaced parts of the analogous objects so that the positions of analogous objects within each of the parallel instances tend to converge over time. 8a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by further comprising modeling an interface space between at least two adjacent of the plurality of parallel instances, including an overlapping region that is interactive with at least two adjacent of the plurality of parallel instances; a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations, including: modeling, in a computer memory, multiple parallel instances of a multidimensional virtual reality space, each of the plurality of parallel instances replicating the multidimensional virtual reality space; assigning some of a plurality of modeled multidimensional avatars within the computer memory such that each of the plurality of avatars populates a respective of the parallel instances and each of the plurality of parallel instances is populated by a unique subset of the plurality of avatars, wherein the assignment limits a total number of the plurality of avatars in each of the unique subsets; and generating an additional parallel instance of the multidimensional virtual reality space in response to detecting an increased number of a plurality of client devices providing input to the modeling for controlling those of the plurality of modeled multidimensional avatars. 9a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the apparatus 100 comprises a computer processor coupled to a memory containing instructions that, when executed by the computer processor, cause the apparatus to perform operations including:110 modeling, in a computer memory, multiple parallel instances of a multidimensional virtual reality space, each of the plurality of parallel instances replicating the multidimensional virtual reality space;113 assigning some of a plurality of multidimensional avatars modeled within the computer memory such that each of the plurality of avatars populates a respective of the parallel instances and each of the plurality of parallel instances is populated by a unique subset of the plurality of avatars, wherein the assignment limits a total number of the plurality of avatars in each of the unique subsets to one of the unique subsets; and 118 generating an additional parallel instance of the multidimensional virtual reality space in response to detecting an increased number of a plurality of client devices providing input to the modeling to control those of the plurality of modeled multidimensional avatars. 10a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized by , in which the memory contains additional instructions for relocating an avatar from a first of the parallel instances to a second of the parallel instances in response to user input signifying a request to relocate the avatar. 11a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for relocating an avatar from a first of the parallel instances to a second of the parallel instances in response to the determination that a number of avatars in the first of the parallel instances has reached a predetermined limit. 12a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for modeling actions of the plurality of avatars that populate different of the parallel instances in response to input from the respective correspondents of the plurality of client devices to provide virtual reality data in the computer memory, the virtual-reality data configured to allow the client devices to produce an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel instances and avatars assigned thereto. 13a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions to relocate avatars from the plurality of parallel instances in the additional parallel instance. 14a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for modeling a common space in the memory of the computer configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that at least one object located within the common space is visible from viewpoints located within each of the plurality of parallel instances. 15a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for animating at least one avatar that fills the common space in response to input from a corresponding one of the client devices, to provide the virtual reality data, further allowing the corresponding client device to output an animated display including at least at least a portion of each of the plurality of parallel instances and avatars populated therein. 16a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, according to claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for modeling a common space in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that a modeled object originating from the common space is capable of passing to at least a portion of each of the plurality of parallel instances. 17a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, according to claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for replicating the modeled object passing to the plurality of parallel instances so that a replica of the object is modeled in each of the plurality of parallel instances after the object passes from the common space. 18a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions to model a common space in the memory of the computer configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an avatar originating from the common space is capable of passing to a selected one of the plurality of parallel instances. 19a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for selecting which of the plurality of parallel instances the avatar is capable of passing through based, at least in part, on a total number of the plurality of avatars that populate each of the plurality of parallel instances. 20a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for selecting which of the plurality of parallel instances the avatar is capable of passing to based, at least in part, on a corresponding user preference. 21a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for tracking analogous objects in different parallel instances and moving any offsets of the analogous objects so that the positions of the analogous objects within each of the parallel instances tend to converge over time. 22a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions to collect at least two of the plurality of parallel instances into a combined instance populated by the avatars previously in the first and second of the plurality of parallel instances. 23a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions to automatically animate an avatar present in several of the plurality of parallel instances. 24a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, according to claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions for modeling an interface space between at least two adjacent of the plurality of parallel instances, including an overlapping region that is interactive with at least two adjacent of the plurality of parallel instances. 25a) “MULTI-INSTANCE AND MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES”, as per claim one, characterized in that the memory contains additional instructions to provide a communication channel between avatars that fill different of the plurality of parallel instances.