Virtual Space Web Interactivity via HTTP Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual world systems are isolated and lack interactivity with external Internet resources, requiring proprietary client applications and restricting users' access to information outside the virtual world.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables enhanced interactivity between virtual spaces and the Web using standard web protocols like HTTP, allowing entities within virtual spaces to be associated with network locations for direct interaction with Web resources, including web browsers, websites, and web servers, and supports commands for querying, manipulation, and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary client application is used to access virtual worlds, then the virtual world system can provide real-time interaction among users, but users cannot access information outside the virtual world and the system lacks interactivity with external Internet resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables virtual world entities to serve multiple functions by allowing them to be accessed both through traditional proprietary client applications and through standard web browsers via assigned network locations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the virtual world system universally accessible without requiring specialized software, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity requirements for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (network location assignment system) that bridges virtual world entities and the external Internet. By assigning network locations to virtual entities and enabling web browsers to interact with them through standard protocols, the system facilitates communication between the closed virtual environment and external information sources without requiring users to abandon their standard web browsing tools.
2Reliability
If the virtual world system is configured to be closed and isolated, then it can maintain system stability and control, but it cannot facilitate communication with outside information sources and users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual world system into independently addressable entities, each assigned a network location. This segmentation allows selective interaction with specific virtual entities through web browsers while maintaining the overall integrity and stability of the virtual world system. The segmentation enables controlled information exchange with external sources without compromising system-wide stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary layer that manages communication between the closed virtual world system and external Internet resources. This intermediary mechanism (the network location assignment and web protocol interface) filters and manages information flow, allowing beneficial external information to enter while maintaining system stability and control. The intermediary prevents direct, uncontrolled access that could compromise system integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard web protocols are used for interaction between virtual spaces and the Web, then direct interaction with Web resources is enabled, but the system must handle diverse command formats and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of web browser interaction capabilities within the virtual world context. By assigning network locations to virtual entities and implementing a standardized interface layer, the system replicates familiar web interaction patterns (HTTP requests, URL navigation) within the virtual environment. This copying approach allows the system to handle diverse web protocols through a unified, simplified interface, reducing the apparent complexity for both the system and users.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to provide one or more virtual spaces that are accessible to users. The virtual spaces may be provided such that an enhanced level of interactivity between the virtual spaces and the Web, including resources that communicate with the system via the Internet (e.g., via users, websites, webpages, other web resources, etc.) and/or other networks. To provide this enhanced level of interactivity, the system may enable interactions between an instance of a virtual space and the Web (e.g., queries, commands, communication, administrative controls, etc.) via a standard web protocol, such as a HyperText Transfer Protocol (e.g., http, https, etc.) and/or other standard web protocols. Since interactions take place between the instance of the virtual space and the Web via a standard web protocol, the instance of the virtual space may interact directly with Web resources such as web servers, web browsers, websites, webpages, and/or other Web resources.