Patent Publication Number: US-2015074781-A1

Title: User credential verification indication in a virtual universe

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a virtual universe or virtual world and more specifically relates to user credential verification indication inside a virtual universe. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A virtual universe is an interactive simulated environment accessed by multiple users through an online interface. Users inhabit and interact in the virtual universe via avatars, which are two or three-dimensional graphical representations. There are many different types of virtual universes, however there are several features many virtual universes generally have in common:
         Shared Space: the virtual universe allows many users to participate at once.   Graphical User Interface: the virtual universe depicts space visually, ranging in style from 2D “cartoon” imagery to more immersive 3D environments.   Immediacy: interaction takes place in real time.   Interactivity: the virtual universe allows users to alter, develop, build, or submit customized content.   Persistence: the virtual universe&#39;s existence continues regardless of whether individual users are logged in.   Socialization/Community: the virtual universe allows and encourages the formation of social groups such as teams, guilds, clubs, cliques, housemates, neighborhoods, etc.
 
Virtual universes may also be referred to as massively multi-user online (MMO) environments.
       

     An avatar can have a wide range of business and social experiences. Such business and social experiences are becoming more common and increasingly important in on-line virtual universes, such as that provided in the on-line world Second Life (Second Life® is a trademark of Linden Research in the United States, other countries, or both). The Second Life® client program provides its users (referred to as residents) with tools to view, navigate, and modify the Second Life world and participate in its virtual economy. Other examples of virtual universe environments include Entropia Universe (Entropia Universe is a registered trademark of Mindark) and Kaneva (Kaneva is a registered trademark of Kaneva Inc). 
     Second Life and other on-line virtual universes present a tremendous new outlet for both structured and unstructured virtual collaboration, gaming and exploration, as well as real-life simulations in virtual spaces. These activities, along with yet to be disclosed new dimensions, in turn provide a wide open arena for creative and new business interactions, methods and mechanisms. 
     One aspect in virtual universe is the determination of user credential verification by other users. For example, a user may want to undertake a business or social interaction with a reasonable level of confidence as to the other user&#39;s actual credentials in the real world. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     User credential verification indication in a virtual universe is presented. One method includes verifying a credential of the user of a first avatar in the virtual universe; and establishing a zone that causes an indication of the credential of the user of the first avatar to appear in response to an action being taken relative to the zone. 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a method for user credential verification indication in a virtual universe, the method comprising: verifying a credential of a user of a first avatar in the virtual universe; and establishing a zone that causes an indication of the credential of the user of the first avatar to appear in response to an action being taken relative to the zone. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides a system for user credential verification indication in a virtual universe, the system comprising at least one computing device comprising: a verifier for verifying a credential of a user of a first avatar in the virtual universe; and a zone establisher for establishing a zone that causes an indication of the credential of the user of the first avatar to appear in response to an action being taken relative to the zone. 
     A third aspect of the invention provides a program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium, which when executed, performs a process comprising: verifying a credential of a user of a first avatar in the virtual universe; and establishing a zone that causes an indication of the credential of the user of the first avatar to appear in response to an action being taken relative to the zone. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method for user credential verification indication in a virtual universe, comprising: producing computer executable program code; storing the code on a computer readable medium; and providing the program code to be deployed and executed on a computer system, the program code comprising instructions which, when executed on the computer system, cause the computer system to: verifying a credential of a user of a first avatar in the virtual universe, and establishing a zone that causes an indication of the credential of the user of the first avatar to appear in response to an action being taken relative to the zone. 
     The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and/or other problems not discussed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative system for user credential verification indication in a virtual universe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative computer system for implementing embodiment(s) of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , embodiments of the present invention provides a credential verification indication (CVI) system  106  in a virtual universe  52 . For this invention, focus is on real credential(s)  54  of a user  50  having an avatar  56  controlled by user  50 . In this invention, “credential” may include any evidence concerning any actual characteristic of a user and, thus, may have a broader meaning than is typical. Credential(s)  54  may comprise practically any information about the avatar&#39;s user, for example, an occupational position or certification, credit rating, possessions, education level, employment status, income, place of residence, social circle volunteer actions, social security number, age, actual name, address, driver&#39;s license, etc. For example, the credential may be a real-world name on a credit card associated with a user or a real-world location of the user as associated with the credit card information. Credential(s)  54  may be generated or monitored by one or more credential holding agency(ies)  58 , which may include, for example, an agency, credentialing association (e.g., labor union), etc. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium. 
     Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium may be any medium 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 computer usable program code may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
     The present invention is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustrative environment  100  including a computer infrastructure  102  that can perform the various process steps described herein for credential verification indication. In particular, computer infrastructure  102  is shown including at least one computing device  104  that comprises credential verification indication (CVI) system  106 , which enables computing device  104  to indicate verified credential(s) of a user in the virtual universe  52  by performing the processes of the invention. CVI system  106  may be provided within the virtual universe  52  or (as shown in phantom) as a separate standalone system apart from the virtual universe  52 . In this latter embodiment, CVI system  106  may be provided as a service compatible with a variety of different virtual universes  52 . 
     Computing device  104  is shown including a memory  112 , a processor (PU)  114 , an input/output (I/O) interface  116 , and a bus  118 . Further, computing device  104  is shown in communication with an external I/O device/resource  120  and a storage system  122 . As is known in the art, in general, processor  114  executes computer program code, such as CVI system  106 , that is stored in memory  112  and/or storage system  122 . While executing computer program code, processor  114  can read and/or write data, such as credential(s)  54  ( FIG. 1 ), to/from memory  112 , storage system  122 , and/or I/O interface  116 . Bus  118  provides a communications link between each of the components in computing device  104 . I/O device  118  can comprise any device that enables a user to interact with computing device  104  or any device that enables computing device  104  to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Input/output devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. 
     In any event, computing device  104  can comprise any general purpose computing article of manufacture capable of executing computer program code installed by a user (e.g., a personal computer, server, handheld device, etc.). However, it is understood that computing device  104  and CVI system  106  are only representative of various possible equivalent computing devices that may perform the various process steps of the invention. To this extent, in other embodiments, computing device  104  can comprise any specific purpose computing article of manufacture comprising hardware and/or computer program code for performing specific functions, any computing article of manufacture that comprises a combination of specific purpose and general purpose hardware/software, or the like. In each case, the program code and hardware can be created using standard programming and engineering techniques, respectively. 
     Similarly, computer infrastructure  102  is only illustrative of various types of computer infrastructures for implementing the invention. For example, in one embodiment, computer infrastructure  102  comprises two or more computing devices (e.g., a server cluster) that communicate over any type of wired and/or wireless communications link, such as a network, a shared memory, or the like, to perform the various process steps of the invention. When the communications link comprises a network, the network can comprise any combination of one or more types of networks (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a virtual private network, etc.). Network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters. Regardless, communications between the computing devices may utilize any combination of various types of transmission techniques. 
     As previously mentioned and discussed further below, CVI system  106  enables computing infrastructure  102  to indicate verified credentials of a user&#39;s avatar. To this extent, CVI system  106  is shown including a verifier  130  and an indicator  132  including a zone establisher  134 . Operation of each of these systems is discussed further below. However, it is understood that some of the various systems shown in  FIG. 2  can be implemented independently, combined, and/or stored in memory for one or more separate computing devices that are included in computer infrastructure  102 . Further, it is understood that some of the systems and/or functionality may not be implemented, or additional systems and/or functionality may be included as part of environment  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-2 , embodiments of a methodology will now be described. In process P 1 , verifier  130  verifies a credential of the user of a (first or target) avatar  56  in the virtual universe  52 . Process P 1  may be performed in a number of ways. In one embodiment, verifier  130  may access a third party outside of the virtual universe  52  (i.e., credential holding agency(ies)  58 ) to obtain credential(s)  54  verification based on a user  50  having previously registered with such credential holding agency(ies)  58  and providing adequate access permission to CVI system  106 . 
     In another embodiment, verifier  130  may provide appropriate interfaces for a user  50  to establish verified credential(s)  54 . In this case, verifier  130  may allow user  50  to register a real identity, register his/her credential(s) and register his/her avatar(s)  56 . For example, user  50  may visit a network-connected location using a computing device. This location could either be in a physical world, virtual world or on a website or kiosk. User  50  would then register with CVI system  106 , providing information about themselves including their real name and identification. The user&#39;s real name may then be verified using existing known verification methods. Alternatively, other identifiers, such as social security number, credit card information or other positive identifiers, can by used in place of the name. Examples of user verification include the provision of a credit card and date of expiration, a driver&#39;s license, or knowing the number and personal information such as the owner&#39;s real name, date of birth, or any form of biometric information including but not limited to voice biometrics, signature biometrics, DNA, retina and fingerprints. Other information that can be collected at this point may include a user&#39;s e-mail address, street address, home phone number, work number and any other information CVI system  106  may require. As an option, an additional online or offline verification process may occur. Once registered, depending on the amount of verification data provided and confirmed by verifier  130 , an appropriate identity verification level is assigned to user  50  and/or his/her avatar  56 . Generally, more information provided and confirmed by the verification process equates to higher identity verification levels. 
     Next, in this embodiment, user  50  could then upload all his/her relevant additional information to CVI system  106 , e.g., to storage system  122 . This information may include other personal, academic or any credentials they may possess. Verification of additional information provided can go through normal external services and channels for validation, e.g., credential holding agency(ies)  58 . An example of this upload may be when a particular user  50  states they are a medical doctor. Their real name will then be validated with the college of physicians, or other verifying agency  58 . Verifier  130  may also provide interfaces to establish for real-time validation of information, such as financial status with companies such as Equifax, who provide current credit rating information. 
     Finally, in this embodiment, user  50  can register the user name, password (optionally) and associated the virtual universe  52  account of one or more avatars  56  with CVI system  106  via verifier  130 . This may occur for one or more accounts within one or more virtual universes  52 , thus allowing verified credential indications in one or more virtual universes  52  from a single CVI system  106 . This registration process will continue until all names and passwords are entered. Ideally, the existing virtual universe  52  space application program interfaces (API&#39;s) would be exploited or new ones created to verify that the logged in user  50  had authority to access (authentication credentials) to the accounts in the virtual universe  52  space. Essentially, a user  50  would register their virtual universe  52  accounts and avatars by entering the access credentials with verifier  130 . In this way, verifier  130  could programmatically log into the user&#39;s virtual universe  52  accounts and verify the associate ownership and also potentially automatically populate any other fields necessary via the API. For example, a user who has already registered their real identity will log in to the verifier  130  and enter in their user id and password (and any other required information) to access the virtual universe  52  account and avatar(s). Once saved, verifier  130  can log into the user&#39;s virtual universe  52  account and record that it was successful, then optionally download any other relevant information that is available to that user id, e.g., the date the account was created, status of account, level, time used, etcetera. Some portions of this data can be used to verify or compare existing data in CVI system  106 . 
     It is understood that the above-described methodology for verifying a user&#39;s credentials are not the only possibilities. In addition, the above-described embodiments may not be mutually exclusive. 
     Returning to the process flow of  FIG. 3 , in process P 2 , indicator  132  via zone establisher  134  establishes a zone  70  ( FIG. 1 ) that causes an indication of the credential  54  of user  50  of avatar  56  to appear (in the virtual universe  52 ) in response to an action being taken relative to the zone. As will be described, the zone, the indication and the action can take a variety of forms. For example, in one embodiment, zone  70  includes an area  72  in the virtual universe  52  and the action includes avatar  56  being placed in the area or attempting to enter the area. In one application of this arrangement, other avatars  60  may enter area  72  and credentials  54  for the avatars  56 ,  60  appear for verification by the different users&#39; credentials so that each user is assured the other users are credentialed as claimed. That is, user  50  and his/her potential partner avatar(s)  60  are positioned in area  72  and zone establisher  134  indicates verified credentials  54  of each user to the other users. In another application, an avatar  56  may have to hold a certain level of credential verification to enter an area  72 . An area  72  may be graphically represented (e.g., an amber pentagonal plate may represent an area in some regions or worlds, but the specific graphical representation may be any conceivable). In any event, the verification occurs through three-dimensional (3-D) spatial location within the virtual universe  52 . Although not limited to a business setting, one particular application that this invention finds advantage is relative to indications of age for retailers or individuals that cannot sell or interact inappropriately with underage individuals. 
     With regard to indication types, in one example, an indication may include the appearance of a text window  80  indicating credential(s)  54  or credential verification level of user  50 . For example, the text window may include text like “John Doe, MD”, “Jane Doe (New York)”, etc. In another embodiment, the indication may take the form of a change in an appearance of avatar  56 , e.g., a colored aura  82  may be presented about avatar  56  or other appearance change may occur, or some other visual indicator may be presented, e.g., a shape on avatar  56 , a new piece of clothing such as a hat  84 , etc. Practically any manner of graphically communicating may be employed as an indication. The indication may also include progressive levels corresponding to a level of credential verification of a user  50 . For example, an avatar  56  may appear transparent where the user  50  does not have certain credentials  54 , e.g., age above 18, driver&#39;s license, claimed professional certification, etc., and may appear different shades of a color depending on credentials. In another example, aura  82  may have different shades or other appearance differences that indicated different credentials. If necessary, a legend may be provided, e.g., in text window  80 . More complicated progressive level indications could also be employed such as the reservation of badges, stamps, auras, size, or dynamically appearing indicators (for example those that only appear when requested). 
     In another embodiment, zone  70  may include an object in the virtual universe  52  and the action includes an avatar  56 ,  60  taking the action relative to the object. The object can be practically anything that an avatar may interact with such as a button that can be pushed, a stool that can be stood upon, etc. In one particular embodiment, the object may be a badge  86  associated with avatar  56  (e.g., on or about avatar  56 ) and the action includes a user of a second avatar mousing over, clicking on, and/or having the second avatar touch the badge  86 , which causes an indication to appear such as aura  82  or a text window  80  including verified credential information. In another example, an action relative to an object created by a certified avatar could force a verification of credentials for the user that created the object. An example may include a qualified medical doctor who creates an informational kiosk on medical subjects. The object created would contain a digital seal, and clicking or otherwise accessing this digital seal could result in the credential validation being indicated. In this manner, an implied or forced verification may occur when an action relative to an object occurs. Similarly, event-based verification may occur, e.g., selling a good or service or the inclusion of an “adult term” in a conversation. Before the event could occur, credential verification would need to occur. This could include the ability to mouse over an avatar  56  and see a picture ID card such as a driver&#39;s license with all the verified credentials. 
     Indication of credential verification for avatar  56  may also be controlled by avatar  56 . For example, one or more queries to indicator  132  using unique identifiers supplied by a virtual universe  52  management system  40  may be employed. These identifiers relate to specific elements already verified by CVI system  106  with respect to avatar  56 . The requesting avatar  60  (or zone  72 ) may ask for a verification element and supplies a transaction ID. In this case, avatar  56  may accept the request and the virtual universe  52  management system  40  supplies a unique ID for that account/avatar  56 . The requesting avatar  60  may then use that unique avatar ID and the transaction ID to query CVI system  106 , i.e., indicator  132 . Indicator  132  may then query avatar  56  for authorization to disclose the requested credential verification (using the transaction ID). In alternative embodiments, some pre-authorization of disclosure may be presumed. The target ID grants the request and indicator  132  supplies the requesting avatar  60  with the authorized credential verification. The user interface of the requesting avatar  60  then, for example, overlay the indication on avatar  56 , or otherwise makes it available in a targeted fashion to the appropriate recipient. This methodology would typically involve native calls supported by the virtual universe  52  to and from avatars  56 ,  60  and virtual universe  52  management system  40 . It may also be possible for data to be periodically cached by the virtual universe  52  management system  40 , and replenished as necessary. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     As discussed herein, various systems and components are described as “obtaining” data (e.g., credentials  54 , etc.). It is understood that the corresponding data can be obtained using any solution. For example, the corresponding system/component can generate and/or be used to generate the data, retrieve the data from one or more data stores (e.g., a database), receive the data from another system/component, and/or the like. When the data is not generated by the particular system/component, it is understood that another system/component can be implemented apart from the system/component shown, which generates the data and provides it to the system/component and/or stores the data for access by the system/component. 
     Still yet, computer infrastructure  102  is intended to demonstrate that some or all of the components of implementation could be deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider who offers to implement, deploy, and/or perform the functions of the present invention for user credential verification indication in a virtual universe, for example by licensing methods and browser or application server technology according to the present invention to an internet service providers (ISP) or cellular telephone provider. In one embodiment the invention may comprise a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. Thus a service provider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computer infrastructure, such as the computer infrastructure  102  that performs the process steps of the invention for user credential verification indication in a virtual universe, and in return the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) 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. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.