Virtual World Invitation Module for Seamless IMS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instant messaging systems (IMS) lack the ability to seamlessly transition into virtual world sessions, requiring users to manually log out and log back in, and often lack integration for transferring session histories and avatars, making it cumbersome to initiate virtual world interactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual world invitation module within the IMS client that allows users to invite others to virtual world sessions, cross-referencing IMS user identifiers with virtual world identities, and automatically logging users into the selected virtual world, enabling secure and integrated virtual world interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually transition from IMS session to virtual world session, then they can participate in virtual world interactions, but the process becomes cumbersome requiring manual log out and log in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IMS client and virtual world client into a single integrated application. The virtual world invitation module is implemented within the IMS client interface, allowing users to initiate virtual world sessions directly from the IMS environment without switching applications or manually logging in/out, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated client serves multiple functions: it acts as both an IMS client for text-based messaging and a virtual world client for graphical interactions. This multi-functionality allows the same application to handle both communication modes, eliminating the need for separate login processes and improving transition efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If IMS and virtual world applications are separate, then each can function independently, but integration for transferring session histories and avatars is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
By merging IMS and virtual world functionalities into a single client application, the system enables seamless transfer of session histories, transcripts, and user identities between the two modes. The shared database and memory space allow information to be preserved and transferred without loss, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and information loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual world client is launched concurrently with IMS client, then users can access both environments, but the launching of virtual world client may preclude concurrent use of IMS client
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by merging both clients into a single application that can operate in different modes. Users can switch between IMS mode and virtual world mode within the same application instance, enabling concurrent access to both environments without the conflicts that arise from launching separate applications
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for initiating a session in a virtual world. An instant messaging system (IMS) comprises a registry of IMS user identifiers cross-referenced to their corresponding virtual world user identifiers. A first IMS user implements a virtual world invitation module as a result of an IMS session to invite a second IMS user to participate in a virtual world session. The first IMS user selects the IMS user identifier of the second IMS user, followed by selection of a target virtual world and a virtual world identifier. Once completed, the invitation is sent the IMS user identifier of the second IMS user, who receives the invitation and signifies their acceptance or declination. If accepted, the cross-referenced virtual world user identifiers of the first and second IMS users are used to log them into the agreed-upon virtual world venue and initiate a virtual world session.