Virtual World Server Assignment via Social Connectedness Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual world server architectures can only support a limited number of users, leading to users being disconnected from friends and interacting with strangers, as they are assigned to servers based on system considerations rather than social connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that rank virtual world servers based on social network connectivity data, connecting clients to servers with the highest number of close friendships, using online friendship graphs and behavioral characteristics to optimize user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple servers are added to improve scalability, then the system can support more users, but users may be assigned to servers based on system considerations rather than friendship connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assignment parameter from pure system considerations (load balancing, server capacity) to a hybrid approach that incorporates social connection parameters. The load balancer evaluates both system state and friendship graph data to determine server assignment, transforming the single-parameter decision into a multi-parameter optimization problem that weighs both technical and social factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the friendship graph analysis component - that mediates between the user's social connections and the server assignment decision. This intermediary processes social network data and translates it into assignment recommendations, bridging the gap between social considerations and technical server management.
2Reliability
If users are assigned to servers based on system considerations, then server load is balanced, but users are disconnected from friends and interact with strangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the server assignment dynamic by continuously monitoring both system state and social connection data. Rather than static assignment based solely on load, the system dynamically adjusts assignments to maintain both balance and social connectivity, allowing users to be relocated to servers where their friends are currently active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where the load balancer continuously receives information about user connections, server states, and friendship graphs. This feedback enables the system to adjust assignments in real-time, ensuring that load balancing objectives are met while preserving social connections. The system learns from assignment outcomes and refines future decisions.
3Device complexity
If a single server is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the server can only support a limited number of players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user base into different server groups based on social connections rather than purely technical considerations. By dividing users into connection-based clusters and assigning them to appropriate servers, the system achieves better scalability while maintaining manageable complexity through intelligent routing and load distribution across multiple servers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus are provided for assigning users to virtual world servers based on social connectedness. One example method includes receiving a request to connect a client device to one of a plurality of virtual world servers and accessing social network connectivity data of a user account associated with the client device. The method further includes identifying a plurality of other user accounts based on the social network connectivity data, ranking the plurality of virtual world servers based on connections with devices associated with the plurality of other user accounts, and connecting the client device to a virtual world server of the plurality of virtual world servers based on the ranking.