METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERCONNECTING A PLURALITY OF VIRTUAL WORLD ENVIRONMENTS

• US 20100005028A1
• Filed: 07/07/2008
• Published: 01/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Penman, Neil, Hartley, John
• Application Number:
  US12/168,717
• Publication Number:
  US 20100005028A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/50
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/061 for key exchange, e.g. in peer-to-peer networks cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key agreement H04L9/0838
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/123 received data contents, e.g. message integrity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/131 Protocols for games, networked simulations or virtual reality

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to interconnect a plurality of three-dimensional, computer-generated virtual worlds. More specifically, the present invention relates to moving avatars, or electronic representations of users, and their related attributes and assets between multiple independent virtual worlds. Existing virtual worlds are proprietary electronic islands. Users cannot move avatars between existing virtual worlds. The invention uses bi-lateral pipes, also known as virtual worm holes, to interconnect existing virtual worlds. The virtual worm holes facilitate data transfer and communication between existing independent virtual worlds, allowing users to move avatars from one virtual world to another while retaining their avatars'"'"' attributes and assets.

Claims

1. A method of interconnecting a plurality of three-dimensional, computer-generated virtual worlds, the method comprising the steps of:

establishing a session in a first virtual world;

selecting an asset from the first virtual world related to an avatar, the asset including a virtual personal item data or a virtual real estate holding data;

determining if the asset is compatible with a second virtual world;

connecting the first virtual world to the second virtual world by defining a link between the first virtual world and the second virtual world;

encrypting the link to prevent a third-party access to data transmitted in the link;

placing the asset in a virtual shipping container encrypted with a plurality of digital signatures;

charging a transfer toll prior to transferring the avatar and the asset from the first virtual world to the second virtual world, the transfer toll payable through a virtual currency;

transmitting a request to transfer the virtual shipping container from the first virtual world to the second virtual world;

placing the shipping container in an escrow location pending an approval to transfer from the second virtual world;

determining if the avatar has previously been accessed within the second virtual world;

transferring the virtual shipping container, the avatar, and an authentication token from the first virtual world to the second virtual world through the link;

receiving the virtual shipping container, the avatar, and the authentication token at an arrival terminal in the second virtual world;

authenticating an identity of an avatar owner corresponding to the avatar using the authentication token;

requesting a key from the first virtual world to decrypt the virtual shipping container;

transmitting the key from the first virtual world to the second virtual world;

unlocking the virtual shipping container with the key in the second virtual world;

rendering the asset in the virtual shipping container through a rendering engine, the rendering of the asset irreversible; and

maintaining the avatar in an invisible state in the second virtual world until the avatar exits the arrival terminal, the avatar remaining editable in the invisible state.