Patent ID: 8434004
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
1. A method of representing a communications session in a virtual environment implemented in a server computer system, comprising the steps of: a) said server computer system providing access to said virtual environment to a user employing a user computer system whereby an observation point into said virtual environment at a current location is provided to said user computer system; b) receiving at said server computer system a notification of a request for a communications session with said user; c) said server computer system generating a presentation entity, said presentation entity being visible and/or audible within said virtual environment and having the ability to present to said user information regarding said request for said communications session; d) providing said presentation entity at a location within said virtual environment where the presentation entity is visible and/or audible to said user's observation point; and e) controlling the presentation entity to present to said user information regarding said request for said communications session, wherein the presentation entity operates at least part of the time in a contact mode of operation or an acquisition mode of operation, wherein the server computer system is operable to switch the presentation entity between the contact mode and the acquisition mode based on an activity level of the server computer system.