Virtual World Layer Module Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual worlds face challenges in easily augmenting or expanding functionality and capacity, particularly in scenarios requiring security segmentation, age-appropriate content, and managerial control, which often leads to cumbersome and costly processes involving multiple virtual world copies and intrusive infrastructure modifications.
Innovation Solution
A virtual world layer is introduced that provides additional functionality beyond the base virtual world, allowing user access through a middleware layer that manages its own objects and users independently, enabling segregation of user communities and leveraging existing infrastructure without disrupting the base virtual world.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple virtual world copies are created to provide different functionality and security levels, then user population segmentation and security control are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the virtual world system into multiple layers (base virtual world layer and one or more overlay virtual world layers), where each layer serves different user populations with different security requirements and functionality. This segmentation allows security control without requiring separate complete virtual world copies, as each layer operates within the same underlying infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating multiple horizontal copies of virtual worlds, the patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking overlay layers on top of a base layer. This dimensional change allows multiple user communities with different security levels to coexist in a single virtual world instance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security segmentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infrastructure modifications are made to extend virtual world functionality, then capacity and functionality are improved, but disruption to base virtual world operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overlay virtual world layer as an intermediary between users and the base virtual world. This overlay layer provides extended functionality and capacity while isolating modifications from the base layer, preventing disruptions to base virtual world operation. The overlay acts as a buffer that absorbs changes without affecting the underlying infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay virtual world layer is configured and provisioned in advance with desired functionality and capacity extensions. This preliminary configuration allows functionality to be extended before users interact with the system, ensuring that base virtual world operation remains undisturbed during the extension process.
3Ease of manufacture
If virtual world content creation tools are integrated directly into the base virtual world, then ease of content creation is improved, but security management and system stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content creation functionality into the overlay virtual world layer, separate from the base virtual world. This allows content creation tools to be easily integrated into the overlay where they can operate with full functionality while being isolated from the base layer, maintaining system stability and security management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing virtual world functionality to a user of a base virtual world having base virtual world functionality, includes providing a virtual world layer having virtual world layer functionality beyond the base virtual world functionality, encapsulating the virtual world layer to provide a virtual world module and transmitting the virtual world module to virtual world layer infrastructure to provide a transmitted virtual world module. The transmitted virtual world module is executed to provide user access to the base virtual world functionality and the virtual world layer functionality.