U.S. patent application number 11/191233 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for providing risk mitigation in a virtual world.
Invention is credited to Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. JR. Rinaldo.
Application Number | 20060190282 11/191233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36954394 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060190282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jung; Edward K.Y. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Providing risk mitigation in a virtual world
Abstract
Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system,
computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a method
includes operating a protection entity associated with a virtual
world configured to interact with a participant via a network,
participating in a risk management arrangement with the
participant, and saving a record of the arrangement.
Inventors: |
Jung; Edward K.Y.;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Levien; Royce A.; (Lexington,
MA) ; Lord; Robert W.; (Seattle, WA) ;
Malamud; Mark A.; (Seattle, WA) ; Rinaldo; John D.
JR.; (Bellevue, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Searete LLC;Suite 110
1756-114th Ave. S.E.
Bellevue
WA
98004
US
|
Family ID: |
36954394 |
Appl. No.: |
11/191233 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11051514 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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11191233 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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11069905 |
Feb 28, 2005 |
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11191233 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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11096265 |
Mar 30, 2005 |
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11191233 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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11191248 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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11191233 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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11191252 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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11191233 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20130101;
G06Q 40/08 20130101; G06Q 40/06 20130101; G06Q 50/188 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q 99/00 20130101; G06Q 40/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/001 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 99/00 20060101
G06Q099/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: operating a protection entity associated
with a virtual world configured to interact with a participant via
a network; participating in an arrangement with the participant
that includes the protection entity providing a compensation to the
participant upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the
virtual world in exchange for rceiving a consideration; and saving
a record of the arrangement.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
associated with a virtual world configured to interact with a
participant via a network includes operating a protection entity
that is associated with a virtual world and configured to interact
with a participant via a network.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
associated with a virtual world configured to interact with a
participant via a network includes operating a protection entity
associated with a virtual world that is configured to interact with
a participant via a network.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
associated with a virtual world includes operating a protection
entity in communication with a virtual world.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
includes operating a protection entity involved in a business of
entering into risk mitigation agreements in at least one of the
virtual world, the real world, or both the virtual world and the
real world.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
includes operating a virtual world participant protection
entity.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
includes operating a virtual world non-participant protection
entity.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
includes operating a protection entity authorized by the virtual
world to participate in the arrangement.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating a protection entity
associated with a virtual world configured to interact with a
participant via a network includes operating a protection entity
associated with a virtual world configured to interact with at
least one of a program agent, a proxy, or a representative of the
participant via a network.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the participating in an
arrangement with a participant includes receiving a communication
related to at least one of offering, accepting, or negotiating an
opportunity to form an arrangement.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the receiving a communication
related to an opportunity to form the arrangement includes
receiving a communication originating from the virtual world and
related to an opportunity to form an arrangement.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the receiving a communication
related to an opportunity to form the arrangement includes
receiving a communication originating from the participant and
related to an opportunity to form an arrangement.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the wherein the participating in
an arrangement with a participant includes sending a communication
related to at least one of offering, accepting, or negotiating an
opportunity to form an arrangement.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the a consideration includes a
consideration having a value in the virtual world.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the a consideration includes a
consideration having a value in the real world.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the a consideration includes a
consideration transferred by the participant.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the a consideration includes a
consideration transferred by a third-party.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an
indication of an occurrence of the described loss in the virtual
world; and providing the compensation to the participant.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the providing the compensation
to the participant includes providing a virtual-world compensation
to the participant.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the providing the compensation
to the participant includes providing a real-world compensation to
the participant.
21. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an
evidence of a transfer of the compensation.
22. A system comprising: a computing system that includes a
computing device which is configured to communicate with a virtual
world via a network, the virtual world including an operability to
interact with a participant via the network; and instructions that
when executed on the computing device cause the computing system
to: operate a protection entity having an association with the
virtual world; participate in an arrangement with the participant
that includes the protection entity providing a compensation to the
participant upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the
virtual world in exchange for receiving a consideration; and save
data indicative of the arrangement.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the operate a protection entity
having an association with the virtual world includes operate a
protection entity having a presence within the virtual world.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein the operate a protection entity
having an association with the virtual world includes operate a
protection entity having a presence within the virtual world and
under a control of the virtual world.
25. The system of claim 22, wherein the operate a protection entity
having an association with the virtual world includes operate a
protection entity having a presence within the real world and an
operability to interact with the virtual world via the network.
26. The system of claim 22, wherein the operate a protection entity
having an association with the virtual world includes operate a
protection entity involved in a business of a risk mitigation in
the real world and having an operability to interact with the
virtual world via the network.
27. The system of claim 22, wherein the operate a protection entity
having an association with the virtual world includes operate a
protection entity having a presence in the real world and having an
operability to interact with the participant via the network in
response to a referral from the virtual world.
28. The system of claim 22, wherein the protection entity includes
a participant protection entity.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the participant protection
entity includes at least one of a real-world entity, a real-world
entity engaged in a business of entering into contracts similar to
the arrangement, a person, an individual, a virtual-world entity, a
virtual-world entity engaged in a business of entering into
contracts similar to the arrangement, a fictional protection
entity, or an avatar of the virtual world.
30. The system of claim 22, wherein the protection entity includes
a non-participant protection entity.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the non-participant protection
entity includes at least one of a provider of the virtual world, an
operator of the virtual world, or a person associated with the
virtual world.
32. A computer program product comprising: (a) program instructions
operable to perform a process in a computing device, the process
comprising: operate a protection entity having an association with
the virtual world that includes an operability to interact with a
participant via a network; participate in an arrangement with the
participant that includes the protection entity providing a
compensation to the participant upon a future occurrence of a
described loss in the virtual world in exchange for a
consideration; and save data indicative of the arrangement; and (b)
a computer-readable signal-bearing medium bearing the program
instructions.
33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the
computer-readable signal-bearing medium includes a computer storage
medium.
34. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the
computer-readable signal-bearing medium includes a communication
medium.
Description
[0001] The present application is related to, claims the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent
applications; claims benefits under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) for
provisional patent applications), and incorporates by reference in
its entirety all subject matter of the herein listed
application(s); the present application also claims the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from, and also incorporates by
reference in its entirety all subject matter of any and all parent,
grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the herein
listed application(s). The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has
published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs
require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and
indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation
in part. The present applicant entity has provided below a specific
reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant entity understands that
the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and
does not require either a serial number or any characterization
such as "continuation" or "continuation-in-part." Notwithstanding
the foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO's
computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence
applicant entity is designating the present application as a
continuation in part of its parent applications, but expressly
points out that such designations are not to be construed in any
way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the
matter of its parent application(s).
[0002] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation in part of United
States patent application entitled VIRTUAL CREDIT IN SIMULATED
ENVIRONMENTS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A.
Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Feb. 4, 2005,
Ser. No. 11/051,514;
[0003] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation in part of United
States patent application entitled PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL
CREDIT, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud,
and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Feb. 28, 2005, Ser.
No. 11/069,905;
[0004] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation in part of United
States patent application entitled VIRTUAL CREDIT WITH
TRANSFERABILITY, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A.
Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Mar. 30,
2005, Ser. No. 11/096,265;
[0005] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation in part of United
States patent application entitled PARTICIPATING IN RISK MITIGATION
IN A VIRTUAL WORLD, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,
Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as
inventors, filed ______ , Ser. No. ______.
[0006] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation in part of United
States patent application entitled RISK MITIGATION IN A VIRTUAL
WORLD, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord,
Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed
______ ,Ser. No. ______;
SUMMARY
[0007] An embodiment provides a system. The system includes a
program comprising computer-readable instructions operable to
manage a virtual world configured to interact with at least two
participants over a network. The system also includes a risk
mitigation module operable to facilitate an arrangement that
includes a protection entity providing a benefit to a participant
of the at least two participants (hereafter referred to as "the
participant") upon an occurrence of a defined loss in the virtual
world in exchange for a consideration. The system further includes
a computer storage medium operable to save a record of the
arrangement. In addition to the foregoing, other system embodiments
described in the claims, drawings, and text form a part of the
present application.
[0008] Another embodiment by way of non-limiting example includes a
method. The method includes operating a virtual world in
communication with a plurality of players over a network. The
method also includes enabling a player of the plurality of players
(hereafter referred to as "the player") and a risk distribution
entity to form an agreement whereby a thing of value is conveyed to
the risk distribution entity and the risk distribution entity
undertakes to provide a benefit upon the player experiencing a
specified loss in the virtual world. The method further includes
making a digital record of the arrangement. In addition to the
foregoing, other method embodiments described in the claims,
drawings, and text form a part of the present application.
[0009] A further embodiment includes a computer program product.
The computer-program product includes program instructions operable
to perform a process in a computer system. The process includes
communicating with a virtual world and with a participant. The
process also includes providing an opportunity for the participant
to make an arrangement with a protection entity that includes the
protection entity providing a compensation upon a described loss
being experienced in the virtual world in exchange for a
consideration. The process further includes creating a record of
the arrangement. The product further includes a computer-readable
signal-bearing medium bearing the program instructions. In addition
to the foregoing, other computer-program product embodiments
described in the claims, drawings, and text form a part of the
present application.
[0010] An embodiment provides a system. The system includes a
computer-simulated environment wherein a participant is able to
take part. The system also includes a risk management element of
the computer-simulated environment that facilitates an arrangement
that includes a protection entity providing a future benefit to the
participant upon an occurrence of a defined loss in the
computer-simulated environment in exchange for a transfer of a
thing of value to the protection entity. The system further
includes a computer storage medium operable to save a record of the
arrangement. The system may include a participant interface
communication link that enables the participant to access to the
computer-simulated environment and participate in the risk
management element. In addition to the foregoing, other
computer-program system embodiments described in the claims,
drawings, and text form a part of the present application.
[0011] Another embodiment provides a system. The system includes a
computing device couplable to a virtual world via a public network.
The system also includes instructions that when executed on the
computing device cause the computing device to activate a virtual
character that represents a participant in the virtual world.
Further, the instructions enable a participation by the virtual
character in an arrangement with a protection entity that includes
the protection entity providing a compensation to the virtual
character upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the
virtual world in exchange for a consideration transferred to the
protection entity. Also, the instructions make a record of the
arrangement. In addition to the foregoing, other system embodiments
described in the claims, drawings, and text form a part of the
present application.
[0012] A further embodiment provides a method. The method includes
accepting an input operating a virtual character in a virtual
world. The method also includes, participating in an arrangement
with a protection entity that includes the protection entity
providing a compensation to the virtual character upon a future
occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world in exchange for
a consideration transferred to the protection entity. The method
further includes, saving data indicative of the arrangement in a
computer-readable medium. In addition to the foregoing, other
method embodiments described in the claims, drawings, and text form
a part of the present application.
[0013] An embodiment provides a computer program product. The
computer-program product includes program instructions operable to
perform a process in a computing device and a computer-readable
signal-bearing medium bearing the program instructions. The process
includes sending an instruction to a virtual world related to a
virtual character. The process also includes enabling a
participation by the virtual character in an arrangement with a
risk distribution entity that includes the risk distribution entity
providing a compensation to the virtual character upon a future
occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world in exchange for
a consideration transferred to the risk distribution entity. The
process further includes saving data representative of the
arrangement.
[0014] Another embodiment provides a method. The method includes
operating a protection entity associated with a virtual world
configured to interact with a participant via a network. The method
also includes participating in an arrangement with the participant
that includes the protection entity providing a compensation to the
participant upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the
virtual world in exchange for receiving a consideration. The method
includes saving a record of the arrangement. In addition to the
foregoing, other method embodiments described in the claims,
drawings, and text form a part of the present application.
[0015] A further embodiment provides system. The system includes a
computing system that includes a computing device which is
configured to communicate with a virtual world via a network. The
virtual world including an operability to interact with a
participant via the network. The system also includes instructions
that when executed on the computing device cause the computing
system to operate a protection entity having an association with
the virtual world. The instructions also cause the computing system
to participate in an arrangement with the participant that includes
the protection entity providing a compensation to the participant
upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world
in exchange for receiving a consideration. The instructions further
cause the computing system to save data indicative of the
arrangement. In addition to the foregoing, other system embodiments
described in the claims, drawings, and text form a part of the
present application.
[0016] An embodiment provides a computer-program product. The
computer-program product includes program instructions operable to
perform a process in a computing device. The process includes
operate a protection entity having an association with the virtual
world that includes an operability to interact with a participant
via a network. The process also includes participate in an
arrangement with the participant that includes the protection
entity providing a compensation to the participant upon a future
occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world in exchange for
receiving a consideration. The process further includes save data
indicative of the arrangement. The computer-program product
includes a computer-readable signal-bearing medium bearing the
program instructions. In addition to the foregoing, other
computer-program product embodiments described in the claims,
drawings, and text form a part of the present application.
[0017] The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity contains
simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail.
Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the
devices and/or processes described herein, as defined by the
claims, will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments
may be implemented, including a thin computing device;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary system in which
embodiments may be implemented, including a general-purpose
computing device;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
system;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary environment that includes a
partial view of a system;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary operational flow;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
computer-program product;
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
environment in which embodiments may be implemented;
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a partial view of an environment in
which embodiments may be implemented;
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary networked
environment;
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary operational flow;
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 12;
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
computer-program product;
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary operational flow;
[0034] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 16;
[0035] FIG. 18 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow ofFIG 16;
[0036] FIG. 19 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 16;
[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 16;
[0038] FIG. 21 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow of FIG. 16;
[0039] FIG. 22 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
system;
[0040] FIG. 23 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
computer-program product; and
[0041] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary schematic timing diagram of
risk management opportunities that are possible in a virtual world
environment among participants and entities.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] In the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part hereof. In the several figures, like referenced
numerals identify like elements. The detailed description and the
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments may be
utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the
spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. The following
detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by
the appended claims.
[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 are intended to provide a brief, general
description of an illustrative and/or suitable exemplary
environment in which embodiments may be implemented. An exemplary
system may include a thin computing device 20 of FIG. 1 or the
computing system environment 100 of FIG. 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 are
examples of a suitable environment and are not intended to suggest
any limitation as to the structure, scope of use, or functionality
of an embodiment. A particular environment should not be
interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any
one or combination of components illustrated in an exemplary
operating environment. For example, in certain instances, elements
of the environments may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In
other instances, other elements may be deemed necessary and
added.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system that includes a thin
computing device 20 that interfaces with an electronic device (not
shown) that includes one or more functional elements 51. For
example, the electronic device may include any item having
electrical and/or electronic components playing a role in a
functionality of the item, such as a limited resource computing
device, a game console, a digital camera, a cell phone, a printer,
a refrigerator, a car, and an airplane. The thin computing device
20 includes a processing unit 21, a system memory 22, and a system
bus 23 that couples various system components including the system
memory 22 to the processing unit 2 1. The system bus 23 may be any
of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read-only
memory (ROM) 24 and random access memory (RAM) 25. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) 26, containing the basic routines that
help to transfer information between sub-components within the thin
computing device 20, such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM
24. A number of program modules may be stored in the ROM 24 and/or
RAM 25, including an operating system 28, one or more application
programs 29, other program modules 30, and program data 31.
[0045] A user may enter commands and information into the computing
device 20 through input devices, such as a number of switches and
buttons, illustrated as hardware buttons 44, connected to the
system via a suitable interface 45. Input devices may further
include a touch-sensitive display screen 32 with suitable input
detection circuitry 33. The output circuitry of the touch-sensitive
display 32 is connected to the system bus 23 via a video driver 37.
Other input devices may include a microphone 34 connected through a
suitable audio interface 35, and a physical hardware keyboard (not
shown). In addition to the display 32, the computing device 20 may
include other peripheral output devices, such as at least one
speaker 38.
[0046] Other external input or output devices 39, such as a
joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner or the like may be
connected to the processing unit 21 through a USB port 40 and USB
port interface 41, to the system bus 23. Alternatively, the other
external input and output devices 39 may be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or other port. The
computing device 20 may further include or be capable of connecting
to a flash card memory (not shown) through an appropriate
connection port (not shown). The computing device 20 may further
include or be capable of connecting with a network through a
network port 42 and network interface 43, and/or through wireless
port 46 and corresponding wireless interface 47. Such a connection
may be provided to facilitate communication with other peripheral
devices, including other computers, printers, and so on (not
shown). It will be appreciated that the various components and
connections shown are exemplary and other components and means of
establishing communications links may be used.
[0047] The computing device 20 may be primarily designed to include
a user interface having a character, key-based, other user data
input via the touch sensitive display 32 using a stylus (not
shown). Moreover, the user interface is not limited to an actual
touch-sensitive panel arranged for directly receiving input, but
may alternatively or in addition respond to another input device,
such as the microphone 34. For example, spoken words may be
received at the microphone 34 and recognized. Alternatively, the
computing device 20 may be designed to include a user interface
having a physical keyboard (not shown).
[0048] The device functional elements (not shown) are typically
application specific and related to a function of the electronic
device. The device functional elements are driven by a device
functional element(s) interface 50, which coupled with the system
bus 23. A functional element may typically perform a single
well-defined task with little or no user configuration or setup,
such as a refrigerator keeping food cold, a cell phone connecting
with an appropriate tower and transceiving voice or data
information, and a camera capturing and saving an image.
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary system in which
embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 2 illustrates a
general-purpose computing system, shown as a computing system
environment 100. Components of the computing system environment 100
may include, but are not limited to, a computing device 1 10 having
a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 121
that couples various system components including the system memory
to the processing unit 120. The system bus 121 may be any of
several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not
limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus,
Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association
(VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus,
also known as Mezzanine bus.
[0050] The computing system environment 100 typically includes a
variety of computer-readable media products. Computer-readable
media may include any media that can be accessed by the computing
device 110 and include both volatile and nonvolatile media,
removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not of
limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage
media and communications media. Computer storage media includes
volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media
implemented in any method or technology for storage of information
such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program
modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not
limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks
(DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic
tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or
any other medium which can be used to store the desired information
and which can be accessed by the computing device 110.
Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and include any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communications media include wired media such as a wired network
and a direct-wired connection and wireless media such as acoustic,
RF, optical, and infrared media. Combinations of any of the above
should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0051] The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the
form of volatile and nonvolatile memory such as ROM 131 and RAM
132. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 133, containing the basic
routines that help to transfer information between elements within
the computing device 110, such as during start-up, is typically
stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typically contains data and program
modules that are immediately accessible to or presently being
operated on by processing unit 120. By way of example, and not
limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates an operating system 134, application
programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.
Often, the operating system 134 offers services to applications
programs 135 by way of one or more application programming
interfaces (APIs) (not shown). Because the operating system 134
incorporates these services, developers of applications programs
135 need not redevelop code to use the services. Examples of APIs
provided by operating systems such as Microsoft's "WINDOWS" are
well known in the art.
[0052] The computing device 110 may also include other
removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage
media products. By way of example only, FIG. 2 illustrates a
non-removable non-volatile memory interface (hard disk interface)
140 that reads from and writes to non-removable, non-volatile
magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from and
writes to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 152, and an
optical disk drive 155 that reads from and writes to a removable,
non-volatile optical disk 156 such as a CD ROM. Other
removable/nonremovable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage
media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment
include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash
memory cards, DVDs, digital video tape, solid state RAM, and solid
state ROM. The hard disk drive 141 is typically connected to the
system bus 121 through a non-removable memory interface, such as
the interface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disk
drive 155 are typically connected to the system bus 121 by a
removable non-volatile memory interface, such as interface 150.
[0053] The drives and their associated computer storage media
discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 2 provide storage of
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
and other data for the computing device 110. In FIG. 2, for
example, hard disk drive 141 is illustrated as storing an operating
system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146,
and program data 147. Note that these components can either be the
same as or different from the operating system 134, application
programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. The
operating system 144, application programs 145, other program
modules 146, and program data 147 are given different numbers here
to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. A user
may enter commands and information into the computing device 110
through input devices such as a microphone 163, keyboard 162, and
pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, or
touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick,
game pad, satellite dish, and scanner. These and other input
devices are often connected to the processing unit 120 through a
user input interface 160 that is coupled to the system bus, but may
be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a
parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). A
monitor 191 or other type of display device is also connected to
the system bus 121 via an interface, such as a video interface 190.
In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other
peripheral output devices such as speakers 197 and printer 196,
which may be connected through an output peripheral interface
195.
[0054] The computing system environment 100 may operate in a
networked environment using logical connections to one or more
remote computers, such as a remote computer 180. The remote
computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a
network PC, a peer device, or other common network node, and
typically includes many or all of the elements described above
relative to the computing device 110, although only a memory
storage device 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 2. The logical
connections depicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network (LAN)
171 and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but may also include other
networks such as a personal area network (PAN) (not shown). Such
networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide
computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.
[0055] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computing
system environment 100 is connected to the LAN 171 through a
network interface or adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking
environment, the computing device 110 typically includes a modem
172 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN
173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal or
external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user input
interface 160, or via another appropriate mechanism. In a networked
environment, program modules depicted relative to the computing
device 110, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory
storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2
illustrates remote application programs 185 as residing on computer
storage medium 181. It will be appreciated that the network
connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a
communications link between the computers may be used.
[0056] In the description that follows, certain embodiments may be
described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of
operations that are performed by one or more computing devices,
such as computing device 110 of FIG. 2. As such, it will be
understood that such acts and operations, which are at times
referred to as being computer-executed, include the manipulation by
the processing unit of the computer of electrical signals
representing data in a structured form. This manipulation
transforms the data or maintains them at locations in the memory
system of the computer, which reconfigures or otherwise alters the
operation of the computer in a manner well understood by those
skilled in the art. The data structures in which data is maintained
are physical locations of the memory that have particular
properties defined by the format of the data. However, while an
embodiment is being described in the foregoing context, it is not
meant to be limiting as those of skill in the art will appreciate
that the acts and operations described hereinafter may also be
implemented in hardware.
[0057] Embodiments may be implemented with numerous other
general-purpose or special-purpose computing devices and computing
system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known
computing systems, environments, and configurations that may be
suitable for use with an embodiment include, but are not limited
to, personal computers, handheld or laptop devices, personal
digital assistants, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based
systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network,
minicomputers, server computers, game server computers, web server
computers, mainframe computers, and distributed computing
environments that include any of the above systems or devices.
[0058] Embodiments may be described in a general context of
computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being
executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include
routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc.,
that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data
types. An embodiment may also be practiced in a distributed
computing environment where tasks are performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications
network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules
may be located in both local and remote computer storage media
including memory storage devices.
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary system
300. The system 300 includes a server platform 302 and a client or
participant platform 303. The server platform 302 may include a
plurality of individual servers 304, 306, 308. The client platform
303 may include a plurality of individual clients 312, 314, 316,
318. The number of clients is limitless, constrained only by the
physical characteristics of the server platform 302, client
platform 303, and a communications network 310 connecting the
two.
[0060] Each of the clients 312, 314, 316, 318 may include a
personal computer running client software which facilitates a
participant's activation, operation, and/or interaction with the
virtual world. In other embodiments, the clients 312, 314, 316, 318
may include other computing devices, for example but not limited
to, the thin computing devices such as the thin computing device 20
of FIG. 1, general-purpose computing systems such as the computing
system 100 of FIG. 2, cellular telephones, wireless or palmtop
computers, portable digital assistants, handheld game systems,
and/or game consoles. Each client 312, 314, 316, 318 is generally
responsible for displaying interacting objects (other participants,
terrain, non-participant characters, etc.), displaying the virtual
world's interface, processing a participant's inputs, playing music
and sound, and performing other operations.
[0061] In an embodiment a computing system may include one or more
computing devices operating in a coordinated and/or cooperative
manner. In another embodiment, a computing system may include two
or more computing systems operating in a coordinated and/or
cooperative manner.
[0062] Each of the servers 304, 306, 308 generally includes a
computer system having a server platform portion of the virtual
world for communication, database storage, coordination, and
overall control and administration of the virtual world. The
servers 304, 306, 308 generally maintain state information and
coordinate client interaction with various objects in a virtual
environment, including but not limited to other clients, vehicles,
artificial intelligence, terrain, music and sound. Each server 304,
306, 308 provides additional functions, such as security, recording
virtual world goals and scoring and tracking each participant's
advancement towards those goals.
[0063] The clients 312,314,316,318 communicate with the server
platform 302 via the communication network 310. In an embodiment,
the communication network 310 may include the Internet. In other
embodiments, the communication network 310 may include an intranet,
a WAN, a LAN, and/or any other type of network utilizable for
communicating between the server platform 302 and the client
platform 303. For example, the communications network 310 could
include, without limitation, a wireless network, a cellular
network, or any other system that facilitates transmission of data.
Each participant 312, 314, 316, 318 has an associated
communications link (or session) with one or more of the servers
304, 306, 308. As shown in FIG. 3, participant (312) could
communicate with server A (304) via a communications link 322.
Similarly, participant 2 (314) could communicate with server B
(306) via communications link 324. The servers 304, 306, 308 are
preferably interconnected via a communications network 310.
[0064] During operation of the system 300, a particular client, for
example participant 1 (312), who desires to enter a virtual world,
communicates through a communications link 322 with an allocated
server A (304). The determination of which specific server 304,
306, 308 to which a particular participant is linked may depend on
a number of parameters, such as server load, number of
participants, location of clients, status of participant (e.g.,
position) within the virtual world itself, and other parameters. In
the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the number of servers
304, 306, 308 needed for allocation depends upon the number of
participants. FIG. 3 illustrates operation of the system 300 when a
number of participants 312, 314, 316, 318 are logged onto a
plurality of servers 304, 306, 308.
[0065] When there are relatively few clients 303 participating in
the virtual world, only one server may be needed to serve the
clients 303. During virtual world operation, there may be no need
for direct communication between participants. The server platform
302 communicates with each participant positional, status, and
event data (referred to as participant or participant data, or as a
participant's attributes) for other participants and for objects
that the participant may see or interact with the virtual world.
Such participant data may include, but is not limited to, avatar
attributes, type, physics modeling, scoring, position, orientation,
motion vector, animation, background music, participant music,
inventory, vehicle, call sign, or other participant or object
attributes necessary for the particular virtual world. Typically,
the server includes a database of information that is maintained
and updated as the participants interact within the virtual world.
Through the interaction between the client platform 303 and the
server platform 302, the virtual world is facilitated.
[0066] A virtual world may include a virtual reality environment. A
virtual world may include a computer-simulated environment. A
virtual world may be intended for virtual inhabitation and
interaction, often using avatars. In an embodiment, a participant
may include a human user, a spectator, an entity (human or
otherwise based), and/or an entity that provides a service to a
virtual world. Inhabitation may include a representation of its
participants in a form of two or three-dimensional graphical
representations of humanoids, or other graphical or text-based
avatars. In an embodiment, such as illustrated in FIG. 3, a virtual
world allows for multiple participants. In further embodiments, a
virtual world may include a limited environment. For example, a
limited environment may include a classroom, a city, an
organization, and/or a special purpose space.
[0067] In certain embodiments, a virtual world may include at least
one of the following characteristics:
[0068] 1. Shared Space: a virtual world may allow many participants
to participate at once.
[0069] 2. Graphical User Interface: a virtual world may depict
space visually, ranging in style from 2D "cartoon" imagery to more
immersive 3D environments.
[0070] 3. Simulation: a virtual world may include a simulation of
the real world or a simulation of an imaginary world.
[0071] 4. Virtual identity: a participant may participate in a
virtual world through a virtual identity. A virtual identity may
include one or more attributes and/or associations utilized by a
virtual world in managing a participation in the virtual world.
Further, a participant may interact with objects that are part of
the virtual world through their virtual identity. These objects may
be representations of items or other participants, such as
avatars.
[0072] 5. Immediacy: a virtual world may include interaction in
real time.
[0073] 6. Interactivity: a world may allow participants to alter,
develop, build, or submit customized content. A virtual world may
allow inter-participant communication.
[0074] 7. Persistence: a virtual world's existence may continue
regardless of whether individual participants are logged in. In an
embodiment, a virtual world includes an online persistent world,
active and available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. In
another embodiment, a virtual world may persist for less than a
whole day, or less than a whole week.
[0075] 8. Socialization/Community: a virtual world may allow and
encourage the formation of in-world social groups like guilds,
clubs, cliques, housemates, neighborhoods, etc.
[0076] In certain embodiments, a virtual world may include a single
player game. A virtual world may include a graphical reality as
presently exists in multi-participant virtual worlds. In other
embodiments, a virtual world may include communities and chat
rooms. In further embodiments, a virtual world may include a
training and/or classroom setting. A virtual world may be adapted
for educational purposes. Educators may create an online community
in which students log into and interact. Within an educational
virtual world, students may use their avatar to learn about new
assignments and to create projects that are viewable within the
virtual world. For example, students taking a computer class may
log into a virtual world in which they are the inhabitants of a
village that needs their expertise. In other embodiments, a virtual
world may be adapted for commerce, for professional, military, and
vocational training, for medical consultation and psychotherapy,
and even for social and economic experimentation.
[0077] In further embodiments, a virtual world may include a
virtual monetary system that constitutes a medium of exchange that
allows virtual world transactions. The monetary system may include
virtual currency, monetary chips, discount coupons, award points,
access rights, entrance keys, experience medals, level permits,
bonus vouchers, skill merits, character traits, health benefits,
success awards, entrance tickets, authorization passes, eligibility
credentials, benefit tokens, vested rights, licenses, permissions,
decryption codes, bonus vouchers, test certificates, game time
credits, additional characters, control over other player
characters, control over non-player characters, aliases, privacy
levels, visibility levels, and disguises.
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary environment that includes a
partial view of a system 400. The system may be incorporated in a
server, for example, such as the server 304 of FIG. 3. The system
includes a processor 402, computer storage medium 404, user
interface 406, risk mitigation module 408, and virtual world
program 410. In an embodiment, these elements may be at least
substantially similar to corresponding elements of the thin
computing device 20 of FIG. 1 and/or the computing system
environment 100 of FIG. 2. A plurality of participants, such as the
participants 1-4 associated with clients 312, 314, 316, 318 of FIG.
3, who may be at different locations, have bidirectional
communication links 414 with the risk mitigation module via the
user interface. The risk mitigation module may include one or more
computer program products with a carrier medium having program
instructions thereon. Such computer program products may run on
multiple computer devices or run on an integrated computer system,
depending on the circumstances.
[0079] The computer storage medium 404 provides a storage
capability. Various categories of data stored in the computer
storage medium 404 may include a record or data indicative of
assents to arrangements 416, consideration transfers 418, loss
occurrences 422, and benefit provisions 424. The system 400 enables
at least two participants to respectively form an arrangement with
a protection entity (not shown) that includes the protection entity
providing a respective benefit to a participant upon an occurrence
of a defined loss in the virtual world in exchange for a
consideration.
[0080] In an embodiment, the system 400 includes a program 410
comprising computer-readable instructions operable to manage a
virtual world configured to interact with at least two participants
over a network. In an embodiment, the computer-readable
instructions operable to manage a virtual world include
computer-readable instructions operable to administer a virtual
world. In another embodiment, the computer-readable instructions
operable to manage a virtual world include computer-readable
instructions operable to control a virtual world. In another
embodiment, the computer-readable instructions operable to manage a
virtual world include computer-readable instructions operable to
provide a virtual world a virtual world experience to the at least
two participants.
[0081] The system also includes a risk mitigation module, such as
the risk mitigation module 408. The risk mitigation module includes
operability to facilitate an arrangement that includes a protection
entity (not shown) providing a benefit to a participant, such as
the participant 1 (312) of FIG. 3 upon an occurrence of a defined
loss in the virtual world in exchange for a consideration. The
system also includes the computer storage medium, such as for
example the computer storage medium 404, operable to save a record
of the arrangement.
[0082] In an embodiment, the at least two participants may include
at least two participants who control their respective virtual
identity in the virtual world. The virtual identity may be embodied
in an avatar. For example, a participant A would individually
control their virtual identity A, which by way of further example
may be an avatar representative of warrior. Participant B would
individually control their virtual identity B, which by way of
further example may be an avatar representative of a queen. The at
least two participants who control their respective virtual
identity in the virtual world include at least two participants who
control their respective virtual identity having at least one
attribute in the virtual world. The at least one attribute may
include at least one of an attribute native to the virtual world,
an attribute acquired from a source not native to the virtual
world, an attribute created by another participant of the at least
two participants, an attribute created by a third party, a weapon,
a property, an asset, and or an item.
[0083] The network may include at least one of a private computer
network or a public computer network. The network may include the
Internet.
[0084] In another embodiment, the risk mitigation module operable
to facilitate an arrangement may include a submodule operable to
facilitate at least one of forming the arrangement, an interaction
between the participant and the protection entity, creating the
arrangement, negotiating a term of the arrangement, revising the
arrangement, resolution of disputes, transferring the
consideration, transferring a right of the participant in the
arrangement, memorializing the arrangement, and notification
regarding matters relevant to the arrangement.
[0085] In a further embodiment, the protection entity (not shown)
may include a participant protection entity. The participant
protection entity may include at least one of a real-world entity,
a real-world entity engaged in a real-world business of entering
into agreements similar to the arrangement, a person, an
individual, a virtual-world entity, a virtual-world entity engaged
in a business of entering into contracts similar to the
arrangement, a fictional protection entity, or an avatar of the
virtual world.
[0086] In an embodiment, the protection entity may include a
non-participant protection entity. The non-participant protection
entity may include at least one of a provider of the virtual world,
an operator of the virtual world, a person associated with the
virtual world, or a program associated with the virtual world
program 410.
[0087] The providing a benefit to the participant may include
providing a virtual-world benefit to the participant. The providing
a benefit to the participant may include providing a real-world
benefit to the participant. The providing a benefit to the
participant may include providing a compensation to the
participant. For example, the compensation may include payment in a
form of a real world currency, and/or a virtual world currency. The
providing a benefit to the participant may include providing an
agreed-upon benefit to the participant. The providing a benefit to
the participant may include providing a predetermined benefit to
the participant. For example, a predetermined benefit for a loss of
an avatar attribute, such as a life, an arm, or weapon, may include
restoration of the life, arm, or weapon. In another example, a
predetermined benefit may include extending a participant's
subscription to a virtual world for a predetermined length of time.
In a further example, a predetermined benefit may include a fixed
amount of virtual-world compensation. The providing a benefit to
the participant may include providing a compensation determined
with relative to a circumstance existing at an occurrence of the
loss. For example, a loss of life of an avatar having a high
attained level in a virtual world may receive a greater benefit
than a loss of an avatar life at a low attained level in the
virtual world. In a further example, a loss of life of an avatar
owning significant attributes and/or associations may receive a
greater benefit than loss of a life of an avatar owning
insignificant attributes and/or associations.
[0088] The providing a benefit to the participant may include
providing a compensation that is a function of a participant
attribute and/or environmental attribute measured at an occurrence
of the loss. The providing a benefit to the participant may include
providing an attribute replacement to the participant. The
providing an attribute replacement to the participant may include
providing at least one of a replacement of an attribute, a
resurrection of a virtual identity of the participant in the
virtual world, a replacement of a virtual-world property, a payment
of a virtual-world fine, and a satisfaction of a virtual-world
punishment.
[0089] In another embodiment, the defined loss may include a
determinable contingency. The defined loss may include at least one
of loss suffered by a participant occurring by reason of a harm, an
injury, a death, a damaging, a casualty, a disability, and an
imposed punitive obligation. The defined loss may include a loss
relative to a subject matter of the arrangement in which the
participant has an interest. The defined loss may include at least
one of loss suffered by another participant having a relationship
with the participant. For example, a loss suffered by another
participant may include a loss suffered by another participant with
whom the participant has a business relationship, a community
relationship, and/or a familial relationship.
[0090] In an embodiment, a first participant may have an interest
in a subject matter of the arrangement when a loss or damage to it
would cause the first participant to suffer a financial loss or
other kind of loss. For example, if a property owned by the first
participant is damaged, the value of the property is reduced, and
whether the first participant pays to have the property repaired or
sells it at a reduced price, the first participant has suffered a
financial loss resulting from the damage. By contrast, if a second
participant's property is damaged, the first participant may be
emotionally upset or disadvantaged, but the first participant would
not directly suffer any loss by the damage. The first participant
has an interest in their own property, but in this example the
first participant does not have an insurable interest in the second
participant's property.
[0091] In a further embodiment, the consideration may include a
virtual-world consideration. The virtual-world consideration may
include virtual-world money. The virtual-world consideration may
include at least one of an attribute, a right, a body part, a
weapon, or a token. The consideration may include a real-world
consideration. The real-world consideration may include a
real-world money. The consideration may include anything having a
value. The consideration may include a consideration provided by
the participant. The consideration may include a consideration
provided by another participant of the at least two
participants.
[0092] In an embodiment, the computer storage medium 404 operable
to save a record of the arrangement may include a computer storage
medium operable to save at least one of a record of a conveyance of
the consideration 418 to the protection entity, a record of assents
416 to the arrangement, such as for example a record of the
protection entity's assent to the arrangement, a record of an
occurrence of the loss 422, or a record of any provision of the
benefit 424. The computer storage medium operable to save a record
of the arrangement may for example include the computer storage
media described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0093] In an embodiment, the system 400 further includes a monetary
module 412 operable to manage a medium of exchange in the virtual
world expressed as a virtual-world currency unit. In an embodiment,
the virtual world program 410 may include the monetary module. In
another embodiment, the monetary module may not be included in the
virtual world program. The virtual-world currency unit may include
a virtual-world currency having a value in the virtual world and
facilitating an exchange for goods and services. The virtual-world
currency having a value in the virtual world and facilitating an
exchange for goods and services may include a virtual-world
currency having a value in the virtual world and usable as at least
one of the consideration and the benefit.
[0094] In another embodiment, the system 400 further includes the
monetary module 412 providing a native virtual-world medium of
exchange expressed as a native virtual-world currency unit having a
value in the virtual world. The system also includes a secondary
monetary module 444 coupled with the virtual world. In an
embodiment, the secondary monetary module may be an integral
component of the system 400. In an alternative embodiment, the
secondary monetary module may be coupled with the system, such as
for example, it may be coupled by communication via a computer
network. The secondary money module includes an operability to
manage a secondary virtual-world medium of exchange expressed as a
secondary virtual-world currency unit having a value in the virtual
world and facilitating at least one of the benefit and the
consideration. The monetary module coupled with the virtual world
may include a monetary module coupled with the virtual world and
subject to control of the virtual world. The monetary module
coupled with the virtual world and subject to control of another
participant of the at least two participants may include a monetary
module coupled with the virtual world and subject to control of a
participant protection entity. The secondary virtual world currency
may include a secondary virtual world currency having a value in
another virtual world.
[0095] Although a participant may be illustrated and/or described
herein as a single illustrated figure, a participant may be
representative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computational
entity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a
participant may be assisted by one or more robotic agents). In
addition, a participant, as set forth herein, although shown as a
single entity may in fact be composed of two or more entities.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in general, the same
may be said of "player," "protection entity," and/or other
entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein. Further, a
participant may include an agent, a program agent, a proxy, and/or
a representative of the participant.
[0096] The following includes a series of illustrations depicting
implementations of processes. For ease of understanding, certain
illustrations are organized such that initial illustrations present
implementations from an overall "big picture" viewpoint, and
following illustrations present alternate implementations and/or
expansions of the "big picture" illustrations as either sub-steps
or additional steps building on one or more earlier-presented
illustrations.
[0097] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary operational flow 500. After
a start operation, the operational flow moves to a managing
operation 510. The managing operation operates a virtual world in
communication with a plurality of players over a network. A
facilitation operation 520 enables a player of the plurality of
players (hereafter referred to as "the player") and a risk
distribution entity to form an agreement whereby a thing of value
is conveyed to the risk distribution entity and the risk
distribution entity undertakes to provide a benefit upon the player
experiencing a specified loss in the virtual world.
[0098] In an embodiment, the thing of value may include virtual
world thing of value, or a real world thing of value. The thing of
value may be conveyed to the risk distribution entity by the
player. The thing of value may be conveyed to the risk distribution
entity by another player of the plurality of players. The risk
distribution entity may undertake to provide a benefit to the
player, or to another player of the plurality of players. The risk
distribution entity may undertake to provide a benefit upon the
player experiencing a specified loss in the virtual world, or upon
to another player of the plurality of players experiencing a
specified loss in the virtual world.
[0099] A documenting operation 530 makes a digital record of the
arrangement. The digital record of the arrangement may include at
least one of a digital record of a conveyance of a thing of value
to the protection entity, the protection entity's assent to the
arrangement, the player's assent to the arrangement, a provision of
the benefit in the virtual world or in the real world, or an
occurrence of the specified loss in the virtual world. The
operational flow then moves to an end operation.
[0100] The operational flow 500 may include at least one additional
operation, such as an assistance operation 540. The assistance
operation facilitates a transfer of the benefit in response to an
indication that the player experienced the specified loss in the
virtual world.
[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 500 of FIG. 5. The managing operation
510 may include at least one additional operation. An additional
operation may include an operation 512, and/or an operation 514.
The operation 512 operates at least one of an online interactive
gaming environment, a massive multiplayer online game, or a massive
multiplayer on-line role-playing game. The operation 514 operates
at least one of a learning environment, an online community, and/or
a participant interactive environment.
[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 500 of FIG. 5. The facilitation
operation 520 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 522, an operation
524, and an operation 526. At the operation 522, the enabling a
player and a risk distribution entity to form an agreement includes
at least one of creating an opportunity for an interaction between
the player and the risk distribution entity, providing a capability
for the player and the risk distribution entity to form the
arrangement, assisting an interaction between the player and the
risk distribution entity, creating the agreement, negotiating a
term of the agreement, revising a term of the agreement, resolving
the agreement, transferring the consideration, transferring a right
of the player in the agreement, and memorializing the agreement. At
the operation 524, the risk distribution entity includes an entity
that shifts and/or distributes a risk of the specified loss among
the plurality of players. At the operation 526, the thing of value
includes at least one of a thing having a value in the virtual
world and a thing having a value in the real world.
[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
computer-program product 550. The computer-program product includes
a computer program 554 for executing a computer process in a
computing system. An embodiment of the exemplary computer-program
product may be provided using a computer-readable signal-bearing
medium 552, and includes computer executable instructions. The
computer product encodes the computer program for executing a
computer process. The computer process includes communicating with
virtual world and a participant. The computer process also includes
providing an opportunity for the participant to make an arrangement
with a protection entity that includes the protection entity
providing a compensation upon a described loss being experienced in
the virtual world in exchange for a consideration. The process
further includes creating a record of the arrangement.
[0104] In an alternative embodiment, the computer process 554 may
further include an additional process, such as a process 556, a
process 558, and/or a process 560. At the process 556, the
communicating with a virtual world and with a participant may
include communicating with a virtual world and with a participant
via a network. At the process 558, the computer process may further
include communicating between the virtual world and the protection
entity. At the process 560, the computer process may further
include providing a notification of an occurrence of the described
loss.
[0105] In another embodiment, the computer-readable signal-bearing
medium 552 may include a computer storage medium 562, which may be
carried by a computer-readable carrier (not shown). The
computer-readable signal-bearing medium 552 may include a
communications medium 564. In an alternative embodiment, the
computer program 554 may be implemented in hardware, software,
and/or firmware, and/or a combination thereof.
[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
environment in which embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 9
includes a computing device 600 having a processor 602 and computer
storage medium 604 for saving a program 605. In an embodiment, the
computing device may include elements at least substantially
similar to the thin computing device 20 of FIG. 1 and/or the
computing device 110 of FIG. 2. The program 605 may be incorporated
in one or more computer program products having a carrier medium
with program instructions thereon. Peripheral components may
include display 606, as well as input devices such as keyboard 610
and mouse 612. An active participant 614 may have access to
features disclosed in the exemplary operational flows described in
conjunction with FIGS. 12-14 by running the program 605. Inactive
participants 616, 618 may also periodically have access to the
program 605 including non-real time interaction through the program
with each other and/or with active participant 614 in order to
participate in the benefits and advantages of the methods and
processes disclosed herein.
[0107] FIG. 10 illustrates a partial view of an environment 601 in
which embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 10 includes a networked
system having a network server 620 with communication links to
different virtual world environments 622, 624, 626. In this
exemplary version, terminal 628 has access through cable connection
630, terminal 632 has access through dial-up line 634, terminal 636
has access through wireless connection 638, and terminal 640 uses
transmission signals 642 (e.g., radio or television signals) via
satellite 644 for access to a network, illustrated as a computer
network, the Internet, a WAN, and/or a LAN. The network server 620
is coupled with the network. Participants may be logged on to
participate simultaneously in risk mitigation arrangements in
virtual world environments, or be respectively logged on during
non-overlapping or partially overlapping time periods. Such
participation may be directly with other parties or indirectly
through intermediaries, depending on the circumstances
involved.
[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary networked
environment 660. The networked environment is interactive with
players 650 via a network 652 having an interactive communication
link 654 through I/O interface 656. Such a network 660 may include
a virtual lobby arcade 662 with various types of virtual
opportunities. The categories for such virtual opportunities are
almost unlimited, and may for example include shops, competitions,
journeys, test, battles, entertainment, careers, vehicles,
training, auctions, communication manager, events, awards, skills,
health, and homes. A non-participant protection entity 672
operating, for example, as a storefront business, interacts with
participants to facilitate an arrangement with them to mitigate,
manage, and/or distribute risk in a virtual world, for example,
such as the game environment 664, the virtual world 666, and/or the
role-playing virtual community 668. A risk management element 670
enables the non-participant protection entity.
[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the networked environment 600
may include a participant protection entity 674. The participant
protection entity may be coupled with the networked environment via
the network 656.
[0110] It will be understood that separately owned virtual
environments may be included as part of the virtual network
environment 660, including the virtual game environment 664, the
virtual world 666, and/or the role-playing virtual community 668.
The services of the non-participant protection entity 672 may also
be usable in these separate individual virtual environments based
on appropriate agreements with their owners and/or operators.
[0111] A system embodiment may be implemented employing the
environments illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The system includes a
computer-simulated environment wherein a participant is able to
take part. In an embodiment, the computer-simulated environment may
include the virtual world I 622, the virtual world II 624, and/or
the virtual world III 626 of FIG. 10. In another embodiment, the
computer-simulated environment may include the virtual game
environment 664, the virtual world 666, and/or the role-playing
virtual community 668 of FIG. 11.
[0112] The system also includes a risk management element of the
computer-simulated environment. In an embodiment, the risk
management element may include the risk management element 670 of
FIG. 11. The risk management element includes an operability that
facilitates an arrangement that includes a protection entity
providing a future benefit to the participant upon an occurrence of
a defined loss in the computer-simulated environment in exchange
for a transfer of a thing of value to the protection entity. In an
embodiment, the future benefit may include at least one of a
compensation, or an attribute replacement. In another embodiment,
the defined loss may include at least one of harm, damage, injury,
death, damage to others, damage to property of others, or criminal
penalties, or punishment. In a further embodiment, the thing of
value may include at least one of a virtual world or a real world
thing of value. In an embodiment, the transfer may be procured by
the participant, or by another participant.
[0113] The system includes a computer storage medium operable to
save a record of the arrangement. In an embodiment, the record of
the arrangement may include at least one of a record of any
provision of the benefit to the participant.
[0114] In an embodiment, the system may further include a
participant interface communication link that enables the
participant to access to the computer-simulated environment and
participate in the risk management element. In another embodiment,
the system may further include a protection entity interface
communications link that enables the protection entity to access to
the computer-simulated environment and participate in the risk
management element.
[0115] Returning to FIG. 9, the figure illustrates another
embodiment that provides a system. The system includes a computing
device couplable to a virtual world via a public network. The
computing device is illustrated as the computing device 600. The
system also includes instructions, illustrated as the program 605.
The instructions, when executed on the computing device, cause the
computing device to activate a virtual character that represents a
participant in the virtual world. The instructions also enable
participation by the virtual character in an arrangement with a
protection entity that includes the protection entity providing a
compensation to the virtual character upon a future occurrence of a
described loss in the virtual world in exchange for a consideration
transferred to the protection entity. The instructions further make
a record of the arrangement.
[0116] In an embodiment, the protection entity includes a
participant protection entity. In another embodiment, the
protection entity includes a non-participant protection entity.
[0117] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary operational flow 700. After
a start operation, the operational flow moves to a control
operation 710 that accepts an input operating a virtual character
in a virtual world. A negotiation operation 720 participates in an
arrangement with a protection entity. The arrangement includes the
protection entity providing a compensation to the virtual character
upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world
in exchange for a consideration transferred to the protection
entity. A memory operation 750 saves data indicative of the
arrangement in a computer-readable medium. The operational flow
proceeds to an end operation.
[0118] In an embodiment, the control operation 710 may include at
least one additional operation, such as the operation 712. The
additional operation 712 includes operating an avatar that
represents a participant in a virtual world.
[0119] In an alternative embodiment, the operational flow 700 may
include at least one additional operation 760. An additional
operation may include an operation 762 and/or an operation 764. The
operation 762 includes establishing a communication link via a
network between the virtual world and the participant. The
operation 764 includes receiving a notification of an occurrence of
the described loss.
[0120] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 700 of FIG. 12. The negotiation
operation 720 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 722. The operation
722 receives a communication related to at least one of offering,
accepting, or negotiating an opportunity to form the arrangement.
The operation 722 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 724 and/or operation
726. The operation 724 receives a communication originating from
the virtual world and related to an opportunity to form the
arrangement. The operation 726 receives a communication originating
from the protection entity and related to an opportunity to form
the arrangement. The operation 726 may include at least one
additional operation. An additional operation may include an
operation 728 and/or operation 732. At the operation 728, the
protection entity includes a participant protection entity. At the
operation 732, the protection entity includes a non-participant
protection entity.
[0121] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 700 of FIG. 12. The negotiation
operation 720 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 734, an operation
736, an operation 738, an operation 742, an operation 744, and/or
an operation 746. The operation 734 sends a communication related
to at least one of offering, accepting, or negotiating an
opportunity to form the arrangement. At the operation 736, the
exchange for a consideration transferred to the protection entity
includes an exchange for a consideration having a value in the
virtual world. At the operation 738, the exchange for a
consideration transferred to the protection entity includes an
exchange for a consideration having a value in the real world. At
the operation 742, the exchange for a consideration transferred
includes an exchange for a consideration transferred by the
participant. At the operation 744, the exchange for a consideration
transferred includes an exchange for a consideration transferred by
a third-party. At the operation 746, the participating in an
arrangement with a protection entity includes sending an
authorization to transfer the consideration to the protection
entity.
[0122] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
computer-program product 780. The computer-program product includes
a computer program 784 for executing a computer process in a
computing system. An embodiment of the exemplary computer-program
product may be provided using a computer-readable signal-bearing
medium 782, and includes computer executable instructions. The
computer product encodes the computer program for executing a
computer process. The computer process includes sending an
instruction to a virtual world related to a virtual character that
represents a participant. The process also includes enabling a
participation by the virtual character in an arrangement with a
risk distribution entity that includes the risk distribution entity
providing a compensation to the virtual character upon a future
occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world in exchange for
a consideration transferred to the risk distribution entity. The
process further includes saving data representative of the
arrangement.
[0123] In another embodiment, the computer-readable signal-bearing
medium 782 may include a computer storage medium 786, which may be
carried by a computer-readable carrier (not shown). The
computer-readable signal-bearing medium may include a
communications medium 788. In an alternative embodiment, the
computer program 784 may be implemented in hardware, software,
and/or firmware, and/or a combination thereof.
[0124] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary operational flow 800. After
a start operation, the operational flow moves to an administration
operation 810. The administration operation operates a protection
entity associated with a virtual world configured to interact with
a participant via a network. A negotiating operation 830
participates in an arrangement with the participant that includes
the protection entity providing a compensation to the participant
upon a future occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world
in exchange for receiving a consideration. A storage operation 850
saves a record of the arrangement. The operational flow then moves
to an end operation.
[0125] In an embodiment, the operational flow 800 may include at
least one additional operation, such as an operation 870. The
operation 870 receives an evidence of a transfer of the
compensation.
[0126] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 800 of FIG. 16. The administration
operation 810 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 812, an operation
814, and/or an operation 816. The operation 812 operates a
protection entity that is associated with a virtual world and
configured to interact with a participant via a network. The
operation 814 operates a protection entity associated with a
virtual world that is configured to interact with a participant via
a network. The operation 816 operates a protection entity involved
in a business of entering into risk mitigation agreements in at
least one of the virtual world, the real world, or both the virtual
world and the real world.
[0127] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 800 of FIG. 16. The administration
operation 810 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 818, an operation
822, an operation 824, and/or an operation 826. The operation 818
operates a virtual world participant protection entity. The
operation 822 operates a virtual world non-participant protection
entity. The operation 824 operates a protection entity authorized
by the virtual world to participate in the arrangement with the
participant. The operation 826 operates a protection entity
associated with a virtual world configured to interact with at
least one of a program agent, a proxy, or a representative of the
participant via a network.
[0128] FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 800 of FIG. 16. The negotiation
operation 830 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 832, and/or an
operation 838. The operation 832 receives a communication related
to at least one of offering, accepting, or negotiating an
opportunity to form an arrangement. The operation 832 may include
at least one additional operation. An additional operation may
include an operation 834, and/or an operation 836. The operation
834 receives a communication originating from the virtual world and
related to an opportunity to form an arrangement. The operation 836
receives a communication originating from the participant and
related to an opportunity to form an arrangement. The operation 838
sends a communication related to at least one of offering,
accepting, or negotiating an opportunity to form an
arrangement.
[0129] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 800 of FIG. 16. The negotiation
operation 830 may include at least one additional operation. An
additional operation may include an operation 842, an operation
844, an operation 846, and/or an operation 848. The operation 842
receives a consideration having a value in the virtual world. The
operation 844 receives a consideration having a value in the real
world. The operation 846 receives a consideration transferred by
the participant. The operation 848 receives a consideration
transferred by a third-party.
[0130] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
exemplary operational flow 800 of FIG. 16. The operational flow
includes claims operation 860 that receives an indication of an
occurrence of the described loss in the virtual world, and provides
the compensation to the participant. The claims operation 860 may
include at least one additional operation. An additional operation
may include an operation 862, and/or an operation 864. The
operation 862 provides a virtual-world compensation to the
participant. The operation 864 provides a real-world compensation
to the participant.
[0131] FIG. 22 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary system
900. The system includes a computing system 910 that includes a
computing device 920. In an embodiment, the computing system may be
at least substantially similar to the thin computing device 20 of
FIG. 1 and/or the computing system environment 100 of FIG. 2. The
computing system includes configuration to communicate with a
virtual world via a network, the virtual world including an
operability to interact with a participant via the network. In
another embodiment, the computing device may be at least
substantially similar to the thin computing device 20 of FIG. 1
and/or the computing device 110 of FIG. 2. The system further
includes computer-executable instructions 930 that when executed on
the computing device cause the computing system to operate a
protection entity having an association with the virtual world. The
instructions further cause the computing system to participate in
an arrangement with the participant that includes the protection
entity providing a compensation to the participant upon a future
occurrence of a described loss in the virtual world in exchange for
receiving a consideration. The instructions also save data
indicative of the arrangement.
[0132] In an alternative embodiment, the computer-executable
instructions may include an additional instruction. Additional
instructions may include instructions 932, instructions 934,
instructions 936, instructions 938, and/or instructions 942. The
instructions 932 operate a protection entity having a presence
within the virtual world. In a further embodiment, the protection
entity may be under control of the virtual world operator or a
player participant. In another embodiment, the player participant
may be an individual or a company. The instructions 934 operate a
protection entity having a presence within the virtual world and
under a control of the virtual world. The instructions 936 operate
a protection entity having a presence within the real world and an
operability to interact with the virtual world via the network. The
instructions 938 operate a protection entity involved in a business
of a risk mitigation in the real world and having an operability to
interact with the virtual world via the network. The instruction
942 operate a protection entity having a presence in the real world
and having an operability to interact with the participant via the
network in response to a referral from the virtual world.
[0133] In an embodiment, the protection entity may include a
participant protection entity. The participant protection entity
may include at least one of a real-world entity, a real-world
entity engaged in a business of entering into contracts similar to
the arrangement, a person, an individual, a virtual-world entity, a
virtual-world entity engaged in a business of entering into
contracts similar to the arrangement, a fictional protection
entity, or an avatar of the virtual world. In another embodiment,
the protection entity may include a non-participant protection
entity. The non-participant protection entity includes at least one
of a provider of the virtual world, an operator of the virtual
world, or a person associated with the virtual world.
[0134] FIG. 23 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary
computer-program product 960. The computer-program product includes
a computer program 964 for executing a computer process in a
computing system. An embodiment of the exemplary computer-program
product may be provided using a computer-readable signal-bearing
medium 962, and includes computer executable instructions. The
computer product encodes the computer program for executing a
computer process. The computer process includes operating a
protection entity having an association with the virtual world that
includes an operability to interact with a participant via a
network. The process also includes participating in an arrangement
with the participant that includes the protection entity providing
a compensation to the participant upon a future occurrence of a
described loss in the virtual world in exchange for receiving a
consideration. The process further includes saving data indicative
of the arrangement.
[0135] In another embodiment, the computer-readable signal-bearing
medium 962 may include a computer storage medium 966, which may be
carried by a computer-readable carrier (not shown). The
computer-readable signal-bearing medium may include a
communications medium 968. In an alternative embodiment, the
computer program 964 may be implemented in hardware, software,
and/or firmware, and/or a combination thereof.
[0136] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary schematic timing diagram
1060 of risk management opportunities that are possible in a
virtual world environment among participants and entities. A time
line 1062 provides a reference for real time and delayed time
accessibility for different virtual world and real-world entities,
including a protection entity with an active time period 1064
commencing at 1065, a third party virtual provider with an active
time period 1066 commencing at 1067, a virtual world provider with
an active time period 1068 commencing at a starting time 1069, and
a programmed virtual character role with an active time period 1070
commencing at time 1071 and terminating at time 1073. Because of
the benefits of computerized technology, real time and delayed time
interaction between entities are possible for purposes of
practicing the methods and implementing the systems for virtual
credit opportunities as disclosed herein.
[0137] For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a participant John 1072
having an actual logon time period 1074 commencing at time 1075 and
terminating at time 1077 has the capability of having real time
interaction during logon time period 1074 with participant David
1076. It is noted that David's actual logon time period 1080
commencing at time 1083 and terminating at time 1085 partially
overlaps with John's logon time period 1074, and similarly with
active time 1066 of the third party virtual provider, as well as
with an active time period of a real-world group participant 1086.
It is further noted that John's logon time period 1074 completely
overlaps with active period 1064 of the protection entity, and with
the active period 1068 of the virtual world provider, and further
with an active period of a participant character role 1088. This
enables real time interaction between entities, including repeated
dialogue communications if deemed appropriate, while risk
mitigation arrangements are being negotiated, arranged,
implemented, transferred, resolved, and/or canceled. Of course, it
is understood that time delays between real time interactive
messages may also occur intentionally, or because of system
limitations.
[0138] Even though John 1072 is logged off between his termination
time 1077 and his re-commencement time 1079, other entities that
are active or logged on during the interim period may respond to
any of John's requests, actions or questions that have been
appropriately stored in memory, or may pursue their own dialogue
with respect to new, pending or existing risk mitigation
arrangements. Such other entities may include Mary 1082 whose logon
period 1084 commences at time 1087 and terminates at time 1089.
Similarly, John can resume his virtual world risk mitigation
arrangement participation during his new logon time period 1078
until termination at time 1081. This new period may include
responses to requests, action or question previously made by Mary
1082 whose logon period 1084 does not overlap either of John's
logon time periods 1074, 1078.
[0139] Further real time interaction may be initiated or received
by participants or other entities in the virtual world environment
through links in the virtual world environment as shown by a
real-world website link 1090 activated to commence at time 1091 and
terminate at time 1093, a virtual environment link 1092 activated
to commence at time 1095 and terminate at time 1097, and a
real-world protection entity link 1094 activated to commence at
time 1098 and terminate at time 1099. It is therefore to be
understood that both unidirectional and bi-directional links across
a boundary between a virtual world environment and a real-world
location or real-world entity may be used to facilitate,
effectuate, implement, resolve, or perpetuate a risk mitigation
arrangement.
[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 24, participation in a virtual world
environment may include activities, events and transactions that
are wholly within the simulated or virtual world environment as
well as activities, events and transactions that are initiated or
partly pursued in the simulated or virtual world environment. A
virtual world participant or participant taking a class, for
example, could mean a virtual character taking a class in the
virtual world to increase his virtual world skill level, as well as
a participant using his virtual character to interact with a
real-world course (for example, to take an online class), or some
combination of these.
[0141] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art has progressed to the point where there is little
distinction left between hardware and software implementations of
aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally
(but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between
hardware and software can become significant) a design choice
representing cost versus efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill
in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which
processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein
can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and
that the preferred vehicle may vary with the context in which the
processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed.
For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy
are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or
firmware vehicle;
[0142] alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer
may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again
alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several
possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or
other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which
is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be
utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the
vehicle may be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed,
flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical
aspects of implementations will require optically-oriented
hardware, software, and or firmware.
[0143] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flow diagrams, operation diagrams, flowcharts,
illustrations, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams,
operation diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, and/or examples
contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be
understood by those within the art that each function and/or
operation within such block diagrams, operation diagrams,
flowcharts, illustrations, or examples can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware,
software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one
embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein
may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits
(ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal
processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those
skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the
embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be
equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or
more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as
one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as
firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that
designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software
and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in
the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter
described herein are capable of being distributed as a program
product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment
of the subject matter described herein applies equally regardless
of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually
carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing media
include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type
media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital
tape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as
digital and analog communication links using TDM or IP based
communication links (e.g., packet links).
[0144] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one
or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where
a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
[0145] The herein described aspects depict different components
contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely
exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of
being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited
to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components
and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting
components.
[0146] While particular aspects of the present subject matter
described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein,
changes and modifications may be made without departing from this
subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and,
therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope
all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit
and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it
is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *