Multi-instance, multi-user virtual reality spaces

Abstract

A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 modeling, by a server, a multi-dimensional virtual reality environment, comprising:   an avatar; and   a plurality of users of the multi-dimensional virtual reality environment, wherein each of the users provide control inputs to the avatar; and   animating the avatar, wherein the animating comprises at least two users sharing control of the avatar by each providing at least some control inputs to generate the animation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising aggregating the control inputs from the at least two users, and animating the avatar based on the aggregated control inputs. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising animating the avatar by assigning the control inputs from the at least two users to the movements of the avatar in a round robin manner. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the animated avatar may be seen by all of the plurality of users.