Virtual Object Sharing via Group Profile Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems do not allow for the sharing of in-application virtual objects among multiple users, limiting their use and accessibility within online communities or games.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for in-application virtual object sharing, where a virtual object acquired by a first user is associated with additional user identifiers within a user group, allowing all users in the group to access and use the virtual object, with updates to user profiles based on the object's properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual objects are made individual/avatar specific for each user, then ownership and control are clearly defined, but accessibility and usability are limited to single users only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments virtual object access rights by creating distinct user profiles within a group, where each profile can be selectively associated with specific virtual objects. This allows the system to maintain clear ownership attribution while enabling controlled sharing among group members, thus resolving the contradiction between ownership reliability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional user profile system where profiles can serve both as individual ownership identifiers and as shared access credentials. The same profile structure supports both exclusive user ownership and group-based sharing, allowing virtual objects to function in multiple access modes without requiring separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual objects cannot be shared among multiple users, then individual user progress and customization are maintained, but community engagement and collaboration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic access rights that can be adjusted based on group settings and individual profile associations. Users can dynamically share virtual objects with their group while maintaining the ability to customize their own profiles and progress. This dynamic system enables both individual customization and community collaboration to coexist.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a system allows multiple users to access the same virtual object, then accessibility and community sharing are improved, but complexity of object management and user profiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges user identification and virtual object association functions into a unified profile system. By combining group membership data with individual profile attributes in a single data structure, the system reduces management complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple user accesses to the same virtual object.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer program products for in-application virtual object sharing include (i) responsive to a first acquiring a virtual object recognized by a software application, identifying a first user identifier associated with the first user, (ii) identifying a virtual object identifier associated with the virtual object, (iii) identifying a user group representing a plurality of users including the first user (iv) associating the virtual object identifier with one or more additional user identifiers associated with users within the user group, and (v) updating in a non-transitory memory, a profile corresponding to each user associated with the user group, that also has the virtual object identifier associated with a user identifier corresponding to said user, wherein said update to the profile is based on the properties of the virtual object.