US5884029A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
User interaction with intelligent virtual objects, avatars, which interact with other avatars controlled by different users
Assignee: PayPal Inc
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Filing: 1996-11-14
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Granted: 1999-03-16
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Expires: 2016-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus wherein a user interacts with an intelligent virtual object, or avatar, wherein the user is able to program a personality into the intelligent virtual object. The programmed personality allows the intelligent virtual object to react to stimuli without the need to communicate each stimuli to the user. This optimizes the flow of traffic over the transmission medium.
Inventors
- 👤 II Abbott Purdy Brush
- 👤 Sarah D. Redpath
- 👤 David Bruce Lection
- 👤 Donald Robert Wood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 00:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method in which a user communicates with a first intelligent virtual object, said method comprising the steps of: said user selecting a set of characteristics for said first intelligent virtual object wherein each of said characteristics is associated with one or more predetermined responses to stimuli; said first intelligent virtual object filtering communication with other intelligent virtual objects utilizing said predetermined responses such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects; and, said first intelligent virtual object interactively passing communication from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method in which a user communicates with a first intelligent virtual object, said method comprising the steps of: said user selecting a set of characteristics for said first intelligent virtual object wherein each of said characteristics is associated with one or more predetermined responses to stimuli; said first intelligent virtual object filtering communication with other intelligent virtual objects utilizing said predetermined responses such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects; and, said first intelligent virtual object interactively passing communication from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said characteristics depict the personality of said first intelligent virtual object.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
48 words
A method as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 comprising the additional steps of: said user sending said first intelligent virtual object direction for one or more additional responses if said desired response is inconsistent with said predetermined response or incomplete as to said predetermined response.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein said first intelligent virtual object reports results from said communication to said user after said communication is complete.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
41 words
A method as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein said first intelligent virtual object interactively passes communications from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user only when said predetermined response to said stimuli is unknown or indefinite.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said communication to said user causes said user to initiate additional action by said first intelligent virtual object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
117 words
A computer system contained within a computer network wherein multiple computers are connected together using telecommunications mechanisms and in which a user communicates with a first intelligent virtual object, said computer system comprising the steps of: said user selecting a set of characteristics for said first intelligent virtual object wherein each of said characteristics is associated with one or more predetermined responses to stimuli; said first intelligent virtual object filtering communication with other intelligent virtual objects utilizing said predetermined responses such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects; and, said first intelligent virtual object interactively passing communication from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
117 words
A computer system contained within a computer network wherein multiple computers are connected together using telecommunications mechanisms and in which a user communicates with a first intelligent virtual object, said computer system comprising the steps of: said user selecting a set of characteristics for said first intelligent virtual object wherein each of said characteristics is associated with one or more predetermined responses to stimuli; said first intelligent virtual object filtering communication with other intelligent virtual objects utilizing said predetermined responses such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects; and, said first intelligent virtual object interactively passing communication from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A computer system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said characteristics depict the personality of said first intelligent virtual object.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
A computer system as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8 comprising the additional steps of: said user sending said first intelligent virtual object direction for one or more additional responses if said desired response is inconsistent with said predetermined response or incomplete as to said predetermined response.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A computer system as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8 wherein said first intelligent virtual object reports results from said communication to said user after said communication is complete.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
A computer system as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8 wherein said first intelligent virtual object interactively passes communications from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user only when said predetermined response to said stimuli is unknown or indefinite.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said communication to said user causes said user to initiate additional action by said first intelligent virtual object.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
102 words
Programmable media containing programmable software enabling a user to communicate with a first intelligent virtual object, programmable software comprising the steps of: said user selecting a set of characteristics for said first intelligent virtual object wherein each of said characteristics is associated with one or more predetermined responses to stimuli; said first intelligent virtual object filtering communication with other intelligent virtual objects utilizing said predetermined responses such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects; and, said first intelligent virtual object interactively passing communication from other intelligent virtual objects to said user.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
102 words
Programmable media containing programmable software enabling a user to communicate with a first intelligent virtual object, programmable software comprising the steps of: said user selecting a set of characteristics for said first intelligent virtual object wherein each of said characteristics is associated with one or more predetermined responses to stimuli; said first intelligent virtual object filtering communication with other intelligent virtual objects utilizing said predetermined responses such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects; and, said first intelligent virtual object interactively passing communication from other intelligent virtual objects to said user.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
Programmable media as claimed in claim 13 wherein said characteristics depict the personality of said first intelligent virtual object.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
Programmable media as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14 comprising the additional steps of: said user sending said first intelligent virtual object direction for one or more additional responses if said desired response is inconsistent with said predetermined response or incomplete as to said predetermined response.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
Programmable media as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14 wherein said first intelligent virtual object reports results from said communication to said user after said communication is complete.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
42 words
A programmable media as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14 wherein said first intelligent virtual object interactively passes communications from said other intelligent virtual objects to said user only when said predetermined response to said stimuli is unknown or indefinite.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A programmable media as claimed in claim 17 wherein said communication to said user causes said user to initiate additional action by said first intelligent virtual object.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-09-14 | 2003-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-15 | 2006-09-14 | 2007-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-15 | 2010-09-14 | 2011-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |