Patent Application
20100332644
This invention relates generally to virtual universes and more specifically to optimizing methods of delivery of virtual universe applications to users by prioritizing types of communication methods based on users' communication preferences previously used.
Virtual universes or virtual worlds are computer-based simulated environments intended for its users or residents to inhabit and interact via avatars, which are personas or representations of the users of the virtual universes. These types of virtual universes are now most common in massively multiplayer online games such as Second Life®, which is a trademark of Linden Research Inc. in the United States. Avatars in these types of virtual universes, which can number well over a million, have a wide range of business and social experiences.
Such virtual worlds involve complex interactions, whereas users are employing a variety of communication mechanisms to interact with avatars. The interactions further involve communications between avatars within virtual universe and between avatars and other objects within such universe. Presently, these interactions are all executed using native protocols associated with each object type, i.e., HTTP for textures, RTSP for audio or video, SIMPLE or SIP for Instant Messaging, etc.
While some forms of caching are used to accelerate access to objects, methods are not employed to improve communications over the protocols themselves. In other words, no determination is performed to find which protocol is used most heavily by a given user. Such determination would benefit the communication process greatly, as it will allow for optimization of a protocol utilized the most, therefore resulting in streamlining the communication process in general.
The current invention describes methods for prioritizing communication types in a Virtual Universe. Different communication protocols are used for different entities, such as objects, messages, textures, audio and scripts. The currently proposed method allows for associating each communication method with its sensitivity latency. A user's usage of each communication method is tracked to determine the communication method that should receive priority. Communication optimization methods are then applied to ensure that the prioritized communication types receive the most efficient optimization technique.
The methods presently described allow for tracking of all types of communication methods used, and prioritizing of such methods by usage thereafter. Such tracking, in turn, permits detection of the communication types that should receive prioritized attention for protocol optimization.
The prioritized communication methods thereafter receive application of the most efficient optimization techniques within a protocolizer, which is a component described in greater detail below. This optimization improves users' experience by ensuring that the most important communication methods receive priority and that the most efficient optimization techniques are applied to such methods.
The described method further enables the most efficient usage of user's prioritized communication types in a Virtual Universe. Since a Virtual Universe is a multidimensional environment, such environment permits many different types of communications concomitantly. Use of such an environment, therefore, differs greatly from a standard web browsing experience.
To ensure the best user experience, a system optimizes only the most used communication types and ensures that the most appropriate optimization techniques are applied for delivery of the most used communication method. Such approach, therefore presents a great advantage, since most optimizations have a resulting utilization cost, such as CPU consumption, network consumption, etc., making it greatly disadvantageous to optimize all communication types within a virtual universe.
In one embodiment, there is a method for optimizing delivery of virtual universe applications to users of such virtual universe applications, the method comprising: ranking types of communication methods based on frequency of utilization of such communication methods by a user; determining a most desirable optimization technique for each available communication method for the application, and utilizing the most desirable optimization technique for delivering a most frequently used communication method.
In a second embodiment, there is a computer system for optimizing delivery of virtual universe applications to users of such virtual universe applications, the system comprising: at least one processing unit; memory operably associated with the at least one processing unit; and an optimization tool storable in memory and executable by the at least one processing unit, the optimization tool comprising: a ranking component configured to rank types of communication methods based on frequency of utilization of such communication methods by a user; a determining component configured to determine a most desirable optimization technique for each available communication method for the application, and a utilizing component configured to utilize the most desirable optimization technique for delivering a most frequently used communication method.
In a third embodiment, there is a computer-readable medium storing computer instructions, which when executed, enable a computer system to provide optimizing delivery of virtual universe applications to users of such virtual universe applications, the computer instructions comprising: ranking types of communication methods based on frequency of utilization of such communication methods by a user; determining a most desirable optimization technique for each available communication method for the application, and utilizing the most desirable optimization technique for delivering a most frequently used communication method.
In a fourth embodiment, there is a method for deploying an optimization tool for use in a computer system that provides optimizing delivery of virtual universe applications to users of such virtual universe applications, the method comprising: providing a computer infrastructure operable to: rank types of communication methods based on frequency of utilization of such communication methods by a user; determine a most desirable optimization technique for each available communication method for the application, and utilize the most desirable optimization technique for delivering a most frequently used communication method.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.
Embodiments of this invention are directed to optimizing delivery of virtual universe applications to users of such virtual universe applications in a virtual universe, such that wait times for the rendering of virtual content are reduced. In these embodiments, an optimization tool provides the capability to optimize delivery of virtual universe application based on frequency of communication methods used for such delivery of the applications. Specifically, the ranking component ranks types of communication methods based on frequency of utilization of the communication method, a determining component determines a most desirable optimization technique and utilization component utilizes the most desirable optimization technique for delivering the most frequently used communication method.
A motion controls component 44 enables the user to make movements through the virtual universe. In one embodiment, movements through the virtual universe can include, for example, gestures, postures, walking, running, driving, flying, etc. An action controls component 46 enables the user to perform actions in the virtual universe such as buying items for his or her avatar or even for their real-life selves, building homes, planting gardens, etc. These actions are only illustrative of some possible actions that a user can perform in the virtual universe and are not limiting. A communications interface 48 enables a user to communicate with other users of virtual universe 12 through modalities such as chatting, instant messaging, gesturing, talking and electronic mail (e-mail).
An optimizing component 53 optimizes delivery of virtual universe applications to users of such application. As shown in
A cache 45 is provided to be used as one potential optimization technique by optimization component 53. As used herein, cache 45 is defined as a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access. Cache 45 is a collection of data duplicating original values stored elsewhere or computed earlier, where the original data is expensive to fetch (due to slow access time), or to compute relative to the cost of reading cache 45. Once the data is stored in cache 45, future use may access the cached copy rather than downloading or re-computing the original data, resulting in a lower average access time.
As shown in
Database 56 contains a list of all the avatars that are online in the virtual universe 12, while databases 58 and 60 contain information on the actual human users of virtual universe 12. In one embodiment, database 58 contains general information on the users such as names, addresses, interests, ages, etc., while database 60 contains more sensitive information on the users such as email addresses, and billing information (e.g., credit card information) for taking part in transactions. Databases 62 and 64 contain information on the avatars of the users that reside in virtual universe 12. In one embodiment, avatar database 62 contains information such as all of the avatars that a user may have, the profile of each avatar, and avatar characteristics (e.g., appearance, voice and movement features).
Those skilled in the art will recognize that databases 58-64 may contain additional information if desired. Databases 58-64 may be consolidated into a single database or table, divided into multiple database or tables, or clustered into a database system spanning multiple physical and logical devices. Further, although the above information is shown in
An avatar transport component 66 enables users to transport, which as mentioned above, allows avatars to travel through space from one point to another point, more or less instantaneously. An avatar management component 68 keeps track of what the avatars are doing while in the virtual universe. For example, avatar management component 68 can track where each avatar presently is in the virtual universe, as well as what activities it is performing or has recently performed. It can further communicate such data to ranking component 40 (
Since a typical virtual universe has a vibrant economy, server array 14 (
In one embodiment, an avatar pays for a service that provides this optimizing capability. In such an embodiment, the avatar purchases this service using the virtual universe currency.
In another embodiment, the user takes part in a commercial transaction that benefits the user and not an avatar. As such, while walking around a commercial zone, a user sees a pair of shoes that he or she would like for themselves and not their avatar. A commercial transaction management component 72 allows the user to participate in the transaction. In order to fulfill this type of transaction and others similarly related, commercial transaction management component 72 interacts with banks 74, credit card companies 76 and vendors 78.
In yet another embodiment of this invention, optimizing tool 53 is used as a service to charge fees for each optimization performed. As shown in
In still another embodiment, the methodologies disclosed herein can be used within a computer system to provide optimizing of the virtual content in the virtual universe. In this case, optimizing component 53 can be provided, and one or more system for performing the processes described in the invention can be obtained and deployed to a computer infrastructure. To this extent, the deployment can comprise one or more of (1) installing program code on a computing device, such as a computer system, from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computing devices to the infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the infrastructure to enable the infrastructure to perform the process actions of the invention.
In the computing environment 100 there is a computer 102, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with exemplary computer 102 include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
The exemplary computer 102 may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types. The exemplary computer 102 may be practiced in distributed computing environments 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.
As shown in
Bus 108 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or 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 Interconnects (PCI) bus.
Computer 102 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer 102, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
In
Computer 102 may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example only,
The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for computer 102. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs hard disk 116, a removable magnetic disk 118 and a removable optical disk 122, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, RAMs, ROM, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment.
A number of program modules may be stored on hard disk 116, magnetic disk 120, optical disk 122, ROM 112, or RAM 110, including, by way of example, and not limitation, an operating system 128, one or more application programs 130, other program modules 132, and program data 134. Each of operating system 128, one or more application programs 130 other program modules 132, and program data 134 or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of the networking environment 10 of
The one or more program modules 130 carry out the methodologies disclosed herein, as shown in
Protocolizer 760 evaluates communication methods against a variety of optimization techniques to determine the most efficient method to deliver that communication method to the user at that particular moment. Each method of communication is improved by using an array of specialized optimization techniques that optimize that particular communication method the most at this particular time.
In one embodiment, a test is performed to determine such best optimization technique. Module 710 illustrates all the synthetic transactions, i.e., IM 711, HTTP 712, RTSP 713, being accepted by protocolizer 760. In turn, different methods of optimization, i.e., hyperthread, pipeline, caching, etc. are performed at modules 770, 780 and 790 respectively. Results of such tests are recorded in the mapping table 715 to produce the needed correlation of communication methods to protocols. Thereafter, the best optimization technique is mapped to the prioritized list of communication methods.
The flow chart of
Referring back to
An optional monitor 142 or other type of display device is also connected to bus 108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 144. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers, which may be connected through output peripheral interface 146.
Computer 102 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote server/computer 148. Remote computer 148 may include many or all of the elements and features described herein relative to computer 102.
Logical connections shown in
In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to computer 102, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,
An implementation of computer 102 may be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.”
“Computer storage media” include volatile and non-volatile, 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 includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical 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 a computer.
“Communication media” typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media also includes 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, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.
In another embodiment, there is provided a business method that performs the process of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to provide the functionality described herein. In this embodiment, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computer infrastructure, similar to computer 102 that performs the process of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customers under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.
In still another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for performing the functionality described herein is provided. In this case, a computer infrastructure, such as computer infrastructure 102, can be provided and one or more systems for performing the process of the invention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified, etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, the deployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on a computing device, such as computer system 102, from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computing devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computer infrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to perform the process of the invention.
As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and “computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent, program code can be embodied as one or more of: an application/software program, component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basic device system/driver for a particular computing and/or device, and the like.
In yet another embodiment, a data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code is provided hereunder that includes at least one processor communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can include, but are not limited to, local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/output or device devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening device controllers.
While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.
The invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.
The invention can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus or device.
The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk read/write (CD-R/W), and DVD.
The system and method of the present disclosure may be implemented and run on a general-purpose computer or computer system. The computer system may be any type of known or will be known systems and may typically include a processor, memory device, a storage device, input/output devices, internal buses, and/or a communications interface for communicating with other computer systems in conjunction with communication hardware and software, etc.
The terms “computer system” and “computer network” as may be used in the present application may include a variety of combinations of fixed and/or portable computer hardware, software, peripherals, and storage devices. The computer system may include a plurality of individual components that are networked or otherwise linked to perform collaboratively, or may include one or more stand-alone components. The hardware and software components of the computer system of the present application may include and may be included within fixed and portable devices such as desktop, laptop, and server. A module may be a component of a device, software, program, or system that implements some “functionality”, which can be embodied as software, hardware, firmware, electronic circuitry, etc.
