Patent ID: 8788952
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
1. A system for a virtual universe in which missing items may be located, comprising: a computer hosting a virtual universe, said computer being connected to a network to which one or more user terminals for users of the virtual universe are also connected; a database storing data accessible by said computer hosting the virtual universe, said database containing metadata for an item in the virtual universe, said metadata comprising a unique identifier and designating said item as owned by a user, and said database being in communication with the computer to exchange information enabling the computer to use the metadata to scan the virtual universe for the unique identifier of the item responsive to an input from an owner of an item that said item is thought to be missing; a user interface connected to one of said one or more user terminals, said user interface being capable of informing an owner of said item thought to be missing as to the location of said item in response to output received from the computer when the location of the item is determined; and communication apparatus to issue an alert to a user of the virtual universe, said alert providing notice that a process is underway to determine the location of the item in the virtual universe; and change the graphic rendering of the item being sought when the process of scanning for the item begins.