Secure Communication Modes in Virtual Universes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual environments lack effective mechanisms for secure communication among avatars, which is essential for private conversations and sensitive interactions within shared spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows avatars to request and accept secure communication modes, initiating a secure session and altering virtual universe features to ensure privacy, using methods such as privacy tokens, gestures, and encryption, while also detecting sensitive exchanges to prompt secure communication automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If private chat and invitation only areas are used for secure communication, then communication privacy is improved, but the effectiveness of secure communication mechanism is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic secure communication modes that can be activated and deactivated in real-time during conversations. The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as encryption levels, visibility settings, and audio routing based on the conversation context and user requests, making the security mechanism more effective and adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication manager as an intermediary system that handles secure communication protocols. This manager mediates between different avatars and the communication infrastructure, managing encryption keys, authentication, and secure data transmission to enhance both privacy and effectiveness
2Reliability
If secure communication modes are implemented with encryption and privacy features, then user privacy and security are improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The communication manager serves multiple functions including encryption key management, authentication, audio routing, and privacy control within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating security features rather than implementing separate security modules
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service security features where avatars can automatically initiate secure communication modes by simply requesting privacy protection. The communication manager automatically handles encryption setup and key exchange without requiring manual configuration, reducing user burden and system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system, method and program product for providing secure communications in a virtual universe. A system is disclosed that includes a system for allowing a first avatar to request a secure communication mode and for allowing a second avatar to accept the secure communication mode. Once accepted, a secure session is initiated within the virtual universe between the first avatar and the second avatar and at least one feature of the virtual universe is altered to effectuate the secure communication mode.