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Inventory item expiration and renewal in a virtual universe

  • US 8,041,614 B2
  • Filed: 09/04/2008
  • Issued: 10/18/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/04/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for dynamically managing non-static items in an inventory in a virtual universe, comprising:

  • providing, using at least one computer device, at least one non-static item in the inventory of an avatar with metadata specifying that the non-static item must be renewed and the frequency of renewal, wherein the avatar is a graphical representation of a humanoid in the virtual universe, and wherein the non-static item is a virtual possession of the avatar;

    obtaining instructions using the at least one computer hardware device regarding a renewal of the non-static item, wherein the non-static item is registered with a source of the non-static item and the non-static item contacts the source to obtain the instructions, wherein the source is a supplier/manufacturer within the virtual universe, wherein the virtual universe is an interactive simulated environment accessed by multiple users through an online interface;

    sending a message regarding the renewal of the non-static item from the source to the non-static item; and

    renewing the non-static item based on the instructions using at least one computer device.

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