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:
 serving a virtual environment, wherein a concert is taking place in a venue within the virtual environment;   setting a maximum number of avatars at the concert based on one or more of:
 a size of the venue; 
 a number of avatars visible in an audience at the venue; 
 a number of avatars client computers can render; or 
 user settings; 
   multicasting the concert to a plurality of substantially identical instances of the venue, wherein each instance of the venue is populated by not more than the maximum number of avatars.   
     
     
         2 . A system comprising:
 a server comprising a computer processor and a memory, the server configured to serve a virtual environment and a concert taking place in a venue within the virtual environment;   the server determining a maximum number of avatars in the venue based on one or more of:
 a size of the venue; 
 a number of avatars visible in an audience at the venue; 
 a number of avatars client computers can render; or 
 user settings; 
   the server multicasting the concert to a plurality of substantially identical instances of the venue, wherein each instance of the venue is populated by not more than the maximum number of avatars.