System and method for enhancing socialization in virtual worlds

Number: 9987563
Published: 2018-06-05
Filed: 2014-09-18
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Jones; Allan D. et al.
CPC: A63F13/795; A63F13/87; G06F3/04815; G06Q30/02; H04L12/1831; H04L51/04; H04L67/131
Verdict: Set aside virtual-world socialization feature, generic
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

Abstract

There is provided a system and method for inducing a reply from a first client connected to a virtual world to facilitate a social interaction using a second client connected to the virtual world. There is provided a method for inducing a reply from a first client connected to a virtual world to facilitate a social interaction using a second client connected to the virtual world, the method comprising locating, in the virtual world, an avatar of the second client in a proximity of an avatar of the first client, executing a social action using the avatar of the second client such that the social action is observable by the first client but not observable by the second client, receiving the reply from the first client in response to the social action, and rendering the reply from first client using the avatar of the first client.

Background

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(1) 1. Field of the Invention(2) The present invention relates generally to virtual worlds. More particularly, the present invention relates to social interaction in virtual worlds.(3) 2. Background Art(4) With the increased popularity of computers and the Internet, online applications are occupying more leisure time for many people, particularly for younger generations comfortable with technology. In particular, social communications are increasingly taking place over networks rather than in person, such as e-mail, text messages, web forums, and online gaming such as virtual worlds. Many virtual worlds also emphasize social aspects of gameplay along with traditional achievement and skill-based gameplay. In this manner, besides being entertained by the virtual world, people can enjoy additional benefits from fostering online friendships and social relations.(5) However, it may still be difficult for some people to establish these online social relationships, particularly if their natural disposition is towards shyness or introspection. While using a computer may lessen some of the normal pressures that might otherwise be experienced in a face-to-face social encounter, it still requires some courage and initiative to initiate an online conversation or to solicit an online gaming partner. Without making that first step, people may miss many of the opportunities and benefits that online social interactivity has to offer.(6) Accordingly, there is a need

Claims

1. A method for use by a server hosting a virtual world and having a processor, the method comprising: locating, using the processor, a first avatar of a first client being used by a first user in a proximity of a second avatar of a second client being used by a second user, in the virtual world; retrieving a first history of the first avatar; determining, based on the first history, whether to execute a social action using the first avatar to initiate a social interaction; if the determining determines that, based on the first history, the first user is not inclined to initiate a contact with other avatars, executing the social action using the first avatar of the first client to initiate the social interaction, such that the social action is observable by the second user on a second display of the second client, but the social action is not observable by the first user on a first display the first client so that the first user is not made aware of the social action executed using the first avatar; receiving a reply from the second client in response to the social action; and rendering the reply for displaying on the first display of the first client and the second display of the second client using the second avatar of the second client. 11. A server for hosting a virtual world, the server comprising: a processor configured to: locate a first avatar of a first client being used by a first user in a proximity of a second avatar of a second client being used by a second user, in the virtual world; retrieve a first history of the first avatar; determine, based on the first history, whether to execute a social action using the first avatar to initiate a social interaction; if the determining determines that, based on the first history, the first user is not inclined to initiate a contact with other avatars, executing the social action using the first avatar of the first client to initiate the social interaction, such that the social action is observable by the second user on a second display of the second client, but the social action is not observable by the first user on a first display the first client so that the first user is not made aware of the social action executed using the first avatar; receive a reply from the second client in response to the social action; and render the reply for displaying on the first display of the first client and the second display of the second client using the second avatar of the second client.