Virtual World Layer Extension via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual worlds face challenges in easily augmenting or expanding functionality and capacity, often requiring intrusive infrastructure modifications and duplication of resources, which can disrupt service and be costly, especially when segregating user populations for security or age-appropriate content.
Innovation Solution
A virtual world layer is introduced that overlays and extends the base virtual world, providing additional functionality and user access through a middleware system, allowing for segregated user communities and efficient management without modifying the base infrastructure, enabling customization and resource optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual world functionality is extended by modifying the base infrastructure, then functionality and capacity are improved, but system stability and service disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the virtual world system into a base virtual world and multiple virtual world layers. Each layer can be independently modified and managed without affecting the base infrastructure. This segmentation allows functionality extension while maintaining system stability, as changes in one layer do not propagate to other layers or the base world.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a layered architecture where virtual world layers are nested upon the base virtual world. Each layer contains its own objects, users, and functionality while utilizing the base world's infrastructure. This nesting structure enables functional extension without requiring modification of the base infrastructure, thereby preventing service disruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual world infrastructure is duplicated for segmentation, then user population segmentation and security are improved, but device complexity and resource cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user populations into different virtual world layers, each with its own users and objects. This allows security and age-appropriate content segmentation without duplicating the entire base infrastructure. Each layer is independent but shares common infrastructure resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The base virtual world infrastructure serves multiple functions by supporting multiple virtual world layers. The same base infrastructure (rendering engine, communication protocols, etc.) is universally used across all layers, eliminating the need for infrastructure duplication while enabling user population segmentation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual world content is added to existing world, then functionality and capacity are improved, but ease of operation and integration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates content creation and management into distinct virtual world layers. Content can be added, modified, or removed in specific layers without affecting other layers or the base world. This segmentation simplifies integration operations, as content changes are isolated to their respective layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic addition and removal of virtual world layers based on functional requirements. New layers can be created and integrated without disrupting existing content or requiring complex integration procedures. The system dynamically adapts to changing functional needs while maintaining ease of operation through standardized layer interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing virtual world functionality to a user of a base virtual world having base virtual world functionality and a base world list of base virtual world users, includes providing a virtual world layer, communicating to the base virtual world that the virtual world layer will overlay the base virtual world and adding the virtual world layer to the base world list in order to register the virtual world layer with the base virtual world.