Group Shared Inventory Management in Virtual Universes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual universe inventory systems are cumbersome for users to manage, as they require manual management of extensive lists and lack sharing capabilities, leading to storage and maintenance challenges due to duplicated software code for each user.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for maintaining group shared inventories in a virtual universe, which involves receiving and analyzing usage information for shared inventory items, performing actions such as archiving, deleting, or modifying items based on usage trends and rules, and comparing usage trends to established heuristics to optimize inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If each user maintains their own inventory separately, then users have full control over their items, but storage requirements increase significantly due to duplicated code for each user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared inventory system where multiple users access the same inventory pool. Instead of each user having separate inventory copies, the system merges inventories into a shared resource, reducing redundant code storage while maintaining user access rights through permission-based control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory system is designed to serve multiple users simultaneously with a single unified structure. The same inventory codebase can be accessed by numerous users, making the system universal rather than individual-specific, thereby eliminating duplication while preserving functionality for all users.
2Productivity
If users manually manage their inventories, then they have complete control, but the process becomes tedious when inventory lists become extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated inventory management features that perform maintenance tasks without requiring user intervention. The inventory manager automatically handles operations such as removing unused items, organizing inventory structures, and managing user access rights, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors inventory usage patterns and provides feedback to the inventory manager. Based on usage data, the system can automatically adjust inventory management decisions, such as archiving unused items or optimizing inventory structures, creating a closed-loop system that improves productivity without manual input.
3Ease of manufacture
If inventory code is stored separately for each user, then user-specific customization is maintained, but maintenance requirements increase within the virtual universe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates inventory code into a single shared repository that serves all users. Instead of maintaining separate code copies for each user, the system merges all inventory code into one unified structure, significantly reducing storage volume while maintaining user-specific customization through permission controls and user-specific inventory configurations.
4Quantity of substance
If sharing of inventory items is not available, then individual user control is maintained, but storage problems are exacerbated as code must be stored for each individual user
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges inventory resources into a shared pool that can be accessed by multiple users. This consolidation eliminates redundant code storage while implementing sharing capability through controlled access mechanisms, allowing users to access and utilize inventory items from the shared pool rather than maintaining separate copies.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for maintenance of group shared inventories in a virtual universe are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include receiving usage information for one or more inventory items each shared by a group having a plurality of users and storing the received usage information. Embodiments may also include analyzing the usage information for at least one shared inventory item and performing an action based on the analysis of the usage information. The action performed may include archiving, deleting, changing the price for, or adding to a list of included inventory items the shared inventory item. Further embodiments may include determining whether a rule based on group usage is satisfied and performing the action accordingly. Further embodiments may also include analyzing the usage information to determine trends of usage, comparing the determined usage trends to an established heuristic, and performing an action as a result.