Abstract:
A method, medium and implementing processing system are provided for enabling enhanced help or guidance that is tailored to a user and is available on a multitude of “levels” and in a variety of ways. A user is enabled to create a user profile by inputting information about his or her personal interests, i.e. what they plan or hope to do in a virtual world application and possibly how the application can best meet the individual&#39;s needs. Users are enabled to specify interests using a form, free-form text, or other means of input. Based on the user input specifications, and depending upon user activity while in the metaverse application, information will be provided about users, places, and events that may be useful to the user in accomplishing the individual user&#39;s objectives.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to information processing systems and more particularly to a methodology and implementation for providing profile-based help in interactive applications. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Currently, there are computer-based applications that are designed to emulate real life situations in which the players are presented with real life situations and enabled to make choices among screen objects and take actions relative to displayed situations on a display screen. Using a “joystick”, a player is able to move a player icon or “avatar” on a display screen relative to the displayed environment and the displayed situation changes depending upon the actions taken by the player. These “virtual life” or “metaverse applications” are also referred to as “alternate reality applications”, and/or “virtual reality applications” among others, and can be executed either locally from a user&#39;s computer system or from a game server which may be interconnected with other servers and other user systems. 
         [0003]    When a new user registers in a metaverse application, they traditionally create a simple profile with the name of the avatar and a few other things such as an initial avatar look. The freeform nature of these virtual worlds, by virtue of the fact that they are representations of the real world, offer limited help other than to teach the user how to translate movements and actions which would be performed in the real world into the two-dimensional world of the virtual environment. Also things which are not possible in real life such as flying are explained. Beyond that, the user is basically on his own with the freedom to do what he wishes and to go where he wants. For example in an exemplary metaverse application, the user gets some directions to go to certain locations and also has the ability to display maps. However it is a one-size-fits-all approach. This can leave the new user of a metaverse application confused as to what to do and where to go. It can also prevent the user from having a meaningful experience and/or from doing anything creative. For example if the new user goes to a first site and after that realizes it does not address his needs then there is no help for the user to go to different site which will be an exact match to what the particular user desires. 
         [0004]    Therefore, there is a need for a system and methodology for metaverse or virtual reality applications which provide automatic help and enable a user to take actions which are more directly related to the objectives and/or topics of interest to the particular user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A method, medium and implementing processing system are provided for enabling enhanced help or guidance that is tailored to a user and is available on a multitude of “levels” and in a variety of ways. A user is enabled to create a user profile by inputting information about his or her personal interests, i.e. what they plan or hope to do in a virtual world or other interactive application and possibly how the application can best meet the individual&#39;s needs. Users are enabled to specify interests using a form, free-form text, or other means of input. Based on the user input specifications, and depending upon user activity while in the application, information will be provided about users, places, and events that may be useful to the user in accomplishing the individual user&#39;s objectives. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of one embodiment of a system in which the present invention may be implemented; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing several of the major components of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a displayed user preference input screen useful in explaining an exemplary operation of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an exemplary displayed screen which may be presented to a user while in a metaverse application; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a screen display which may be presented to a user in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present invention; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary operation of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The various methods discussed herein may be implemented within a computerized system which includes processing means, memory, updateable storage, input means and display means. The exemplary application may be executed from a single user computerized system or it may be coupled through an interconnection network to other users and/or server systems for enhanced effects. Since the individual components of a system which may be used to implement the functions used in practicing the present invention are generally known in the art and composed of electronic components and circuits which are also generally known to those skilled in the art, circuit details beyond those shown are not specified to any greater extent than that considered necessary as illustrated, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present invention. Although the invention is illustrated in the context of a user application running on a single computer system, it is understood that disclosed methodology may also be applied in many other available and future devices, applications and systems to achieve the beneficial functional features described herein. Further, even though the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein is a metaverse application, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to metaverse applications and that features described herein may also be implemented in other interactive applications including virtual reality and other interactive visual games, or applications including games or applications in which a joystick is used as an input device. 
         [0014]    In accordance with the present disclosure, enhanced help or guidance which can be tailored to the user, is available on a multitude of “levels” and is provided in a variety of ways. A user is enabled to input his or her own profile containing the user&#39;s preferences and/or objectives. For example, a user inputs information about what the user&#39;s interests are, what the user plans or hopes to do in the metaverse application and possibly how the application can best meet their needs. Based on the user&#39;s actions or inactions while in a metaverse application for example, the need for personalized help is detected and personalized “Help” tailored to the user profile is then automatically delivered to the user. The determination of the need for “Help” can be made in many ways. For example, the need for “Help” can be made by a user selecting a “Help” icon or button on the display screen, or by the application detecting an inactivity period in which the user does not move a controlled avatar. 
         [0015]    Several mechanisms are disclosed for providing personalized Help to the user. Targeted guidance is provided i.e. upon login, a set of instructions are given to achieve a goal. For example in one application, if the user completes the profile stating the user interests as art collection, then the Help will alert the user when he or she is near stores that sell art, art galleries, events where the subject matter is related to art or people who have art for sale in their inventory. Without the targeted guidance of personalized Help, the user may have to wander around aimlessly and only by luck would the user be able to find something of interest. 
         [0016]    Another feature is available for implementing periodic guidance, i.e. when the user appears to need help, a popup appears suggesting activities or things to do, places to go, etc. which have to do with the user&#39;s defined interests. This help could also be delivered by the real-time creation of a signpost near the avatar visible only to them with arrows pointing in directions which will lead them to places of interest to them. 
         [0017]    The help level is also tunable and persists until changed. For example beginning users might want almost immediate help with detailed instructions every time they falter or stop whereas experienced users might wish to get very limited help only when they look really lost. Help could also be turned off completely. 
         [0018]    In one example, the system detects that the user needs help by monitoring the behavior, i.e. the activity or inactivity, of the avatar. For example, it may be determined that Help is needed if there is a lack of activity, an idleness or “spinning” (doing something nonsensical or other predetermined actions) on the part of the avatar, or by detecting a predetermined keystroke or other input delivered by the user when help is desired. 
         [0019]    In  FIG. 1 , there is shown a display device  101  and a control box  103  in which various sub-systems are contained to support the playing of a metaverse application. In the example, a keyboard  105  and/or mouse  107  may be used as user input devices. A joystick (not shown) may also be used as an input device for other applications. 
         [0020]    In  FIG. 2 , several of the major components of the control box  103  are illustrated. As shown, the electronics includes a processor system  201  which is coupled to a main bus  203 . Also connected to the bus  203  are a system memory  205 , a storage system  207  and a network interface  208 . The metaverse application may be stored locally on the storage device  207  or coupled through the network interface  208  to a game server and possibly other users on other systems.  FIG. 2  also shows an input interface  211  which is arranged to receive inputs from a keyboard  213 , a mouse  217  or, in other applications, a joystick  215 . The system also includes a display system  209  connected to the main bus  203 . 
         [0021]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , as hereinbefore noted, when a user first logs-in to the metaverse application, an input profile screen  301  is presented. The profile screen  301  includes a profile section  303  to receive input from the user. The profile screen  301  has several tabs  305  including an “Interests” tab  307 . In one section, the user is enabled to input what the user wants to do  309  in the metaverse application. For example, if the user wishes to be hired  311 , an appropriate box is checked. In another input section  313 , the user is enabled to input special skills that the user may have. In the illustrated example, the user checks a “scripting” entry  315  and an “event planning” block  317 . The user may also input any language proficiency the user may have  319 . The language input will enable the user to converse with avatars in the application who speak the input languages. In another section, the user is enabled to input items of particular interest to the user  321 . In the is example, the user has indicated special topics of interest to include “technology”, “art”, “health care”, “politics”, “cars” and “electronics”. These topics of interest, skills and desires of the user are used by the metaverse application in providing personalized “Help” alerts to the user within the metaverse application. 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary environment or situation in which the user may find himself. As shown, the avatar  401  is on a street where several places are located. Among the places to which the player may move the avatar are a bank  403 , a shopping mall  405  and a restaurant  407 . By manipulating the input devices, the user is enabled to move the avatar to the door of the shopping mall  405  at which time a new series of screens will be presented to the user. The user may continue from this point to move the avatar to any store in the mall  405  to shop for any item which the user may wish to price or buy. In the illustrated example shown in  FIG. 4 , if the avatar does not move from a given position for a predetermined period of time, or continues to walk back and forth from the bank  403  to the restaurant  407 , the system will sense this predetermined condition and interpret this apparent indecision on the part of the avatar as an indication that the user needs help in directing or moving the avatar  401 . When such aimless behavior, or other predetermined behavior such as, inter alia, a period of inactivity, is detected, a Help process will be initiated, and by referencing the user&#39;s input to the profile database ( FIG. 3 ), Help will be provided to the user to suggest a move that will serve the user&#39;s desires, and relate to the user&#39;s interests and skills. 
         [0023]    In the  FIG. 5  illustration, an application screen  501  shows a main Avatar  503  which is controlled by the user. Also shown in the exemplary screen are various places including a mall  511 , a bank  513 , and two conference centers  515  and  517 . Two other Avatars, Avatar B  505  and Avatar C  507 , are also illustrated. Avatars B and C are presented by the metaverse application and are not controlled by the user. When the main Avatar  503  is within the environment shown, and it is detected that the user needs or wants Help with his or her next move, the user&#39;s profile is accessed and a series of “Help Alert” windows are presented. In the example, one Help Alert  521  indicates that the Mall  511  is hiring an Event Planner. In other examples, the user can see that Avatar B  505  is interested in cars  523 , the Bank  513  is hiring for Scripting  525 , Conference Hall  515  is currently having a conference on Technology, and Conference Hall  517  is currently having a conference on Health Care  529 . It is also noted in the example that Avatar C  507  is interested in Politics  531 . The user is now able to select his or her next move depending upon which interest the user wishes to pursue at the current time. It is noted that perhaps only a single Help Alert may be presented on a given screen situation but many are shown in the drawing for purposes of illustration. 
         [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary flow sequence which may be implemented in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the user&#39;s activity is monitored  601  as the user moves through the metaverse application. As hereinbefore noted, when it is detected, either through avatar inactivity or aimless or repetitious movements, inter alia, that the user needs Help  603 , then the system determines the avatar&#39;s environment  605 , determines the available resources and objects  607  and the possible actions that the user may take consistent with and based upon the user preferences  609  which the user has previously indicated and/or input. Help, consistent with the user&#39;s preferences including the user&#39;s input desires, skills and topics of interest, is then displayed  611  to the user. In the example, Help is provided in the form of displayed Help Alert panels although Help may be presented in other forms, including visual and/or audio and other non-text forms, as well. The Help Alerts are based upon the avatar&#39;s situation, the availability of resources and objects, and the user&#39;s desires, skills and interests. After the user takes another action  613 , and the avatar is moved  615 , the system returns to again monitor the avatar&#39;s activity  601  for an indication that user personalized Help is again needed by the user. 
         [0025]    The method and apparatus of the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment as disclosed herein. The disclosed methodology may be implemented in a wide range of sequences, menus and screen designs to accomplish the desired results as herein illustrated. Although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art, and even included or integrated into a processor or CPU or other larger system integrated circuit or chip. The disclosed methodology may also be implemented solely or partially in program code stored in any media, including portable or fixed, volatile or non-volatile memory media device, including CDs, RAM and “Flash” memory, or other semiconductor, optical, magnetic or other memory storage media from which it may be loaded and/or transmitted into other media and executed to achieve the beneficial results as described herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.