Computer system and method of using presence visualizations of avatars as persistable virtual contact objects
US8117551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/695
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Computer method and apparatus represent users by respective avatars in a subject virtual environment. The invention system displays the avatars in the virtual environment, and for each avatar, displays in proximity to the avatar, a respective trail of virtual contact objects. The respective trail of virtual contact objects is associated with the user represented by the avatar and serves as a visual indication of presence and activeness (level of activity) of the user in the subject virtual environment. Each virtual contact object in the respective trail stores and provides user contact data of the user and is persistable upon end-user command.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.