Notification Server for Virtual Environment Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of virtual environments, such as simulation games and virtual pets, often need to frequently access computer-based environments to check on status changes, which can be time-consuming and interfere with other activities.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a notification server to provide alerts to mobile wireless communication devices about events or changes in virtual environments, allowing users to set preferences for notifications and outputs, such as messages or device actions, based on specific conditions or events, even when they are not actively engaged with the environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users frequently access virtual environments to check status changes, then users stay informed about environment changes, but users experience time consumption and interference with other activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about virtual environment changesVSAvoidtime spent accessing virtual environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively sending notifications to users about status changes in virtual environments before users would need to check manually. The notification server monitors environment changes and pushes information to mobile devices, eliminating the need for users to repeatedly access the virtual environment to stay informed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A notification server acts as an intermediary between the virtual environment and the user's mobile device. This intermediary receives status change information from the virtual environment and delivers it to the user through notifications, eliminating the need for direct user access to the virtual environment and thereby saving time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users manually monitor virtual environments continuously, then users receive immediate information about changes, but users cannot engage in other activities simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimeliness of information about virtual environment changesVSAvoiduser ability to engage in other activities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling the notification server to automatically monitor and detect status changes in virtual environments without requiring user intervention. The server independently identifies changes and sends notifications, allowing users to engage in other activities while maintaining reliable awareness of environment changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the notification server continuously monitors virtual environment status and provides feedback to users through notifications when changes occur. This automated feedback loop ensures timely information delivery without requiring continuous user monitoring or manual checking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8712442B2Systems, methods, and computer readable media for providing information related to virtual environments to wireless devices

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing information related to virtual environments. One such method includes receiving user input identifying an event related to the virtual environment for which a notification is to be provided to a mobile wireless communication device. User input is also received identifying an output to be provided by the mobile wireless communication device in response to receipt of the notification. A determination is then made that the event related to the virtual environment has occurred. In response to determining that the event occurred, the mobile wireless communication device is provided with the notification, and the output identified by the user input is provided by the mobile wireless communication device.