Virtual world internet web site using common and user-specific metrics

Abstract

Techniques make surfing global computer networks, such as the Internet World Wide Web, more satisfying and/or pleasurable. A “Virtual World” is simulated which graphically and functionally restores a user's sense of proximity, or distance, while surfing on the Web. A visitor to this Virtual World is presented with the ability to traverse a two- or three-dimensional geographic terrain. The visitor’ icon is moved along the graphic display in the direction of various destinations representing by appropriate graphic designations, with subsequent pages being cached in the preferred embodiment so that subsequent pages are instantly displayed, eliminating the annoying delay often associated with the choice of a subsequent page of a web site. Metrics, including Common Metrics and Customized Metrics, are used to enhance user interactions. A Common Metric is when the geographic terrain on which the various visitors are located is common to all, so that one person can approach the other person by reducing the distance between the two. Customized Metrics, based upon user profiles or interaction histories, are attached to a person, indicating how their “view” of the Virtual World should be constructed. In addition to dedicated Web sites, the invention is applicable to portals or front ends of web sites wherein, for example, an initial or early screen provides a user or visitor with a variety of choices, each connected with one or more additional screens or Web site pages. Regardless of implementation, the invention improves a user's experience during visiting a Web site in several ways, including e-commerce sites wherein each visitor is be assigned an icon that can be moved between destinations graphically represented on the site display at a visually perceptible rate, using virtual currency to purchase goods or services.

1 . A method of user interaction on the world-wide web, comprising the steps of: 
 defining a virtual world using at least one web site, the virtual world including a virtual geographic terrain with a set of virtual locations;    displaying the virtual geographic terrain and virtual locations to a plurality of visitors to the virtual world, each being interconnected to the web site through the world-wide web;    identifying each visitor to the virtual world with a symbol superimposed on the geographic terrain;    providing a facility whereby visitors may traverse virtual geographic terrain and visit virtual locations by moving the symbols; and    establishing a common metric with respect to each visitor, enabling one visitor to interact with another visitor in accordance with the metric.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of defining a spatial perspective within the virtual world using one or more vanishing points.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein different visitors see the virtual world from a different perspective.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the virtual locations include one or more virtual commercial enterprises offering goods or services for purchase by the visitors.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of profiling visitors to determine their preferences.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further including the step of using the visitor preferences to determine the level of interaction between two visitors.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the steps of: 
 predicting a next location where a visitor might traverse within the virtual world based upon previous symbol movements; and    caching information to provide a more immediate presentation of the next location.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the interaction between two visitors is textual.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the interaction between two visitors is audible.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the symbol for a visitor includes a real-life graphical representation of that visitor.