# US 2019/0168116 A1 · Virtual environment for computer game > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0168116 A1 - Document ID: US20190168116A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/272,866 - Filed: 2019-02-11 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2006-10-03 - Assignees: Pfaqutruma Research LLC - Inventors: Brian Mark SHUSTER - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190168116A1 ## CPC - A63F 13/12 - A63F 13/30: Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers - A63F 13/35: Details of game servers - A63F 13/63: by the player, e.g. authoring using a level editor - A63F 13/79: involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories - A63F 2300/572: Communication between players during game play of non game information, e.g. e-mail, chat, file transfer, streaming of audio and streaming of video - A63F 2300/6009: for importing or creating game content, e.g. authoring tools during game development, adapting content to different platforms, use of a scripting language to create content - A63F 2300/8082: Virtual reality - A63F: CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract A multi-user virtual reality universe (VRU) process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. A VRU host models movement of avatars in the VRU environment in response to client input, which each user providing input for control of a corresponding avatar. The modeled VRU data is provided by the host to client workstations for display of a simulated environment visible to all participants. The host maintains personalized data for selected modeled objects or areas that is personalized for specific users in response to client input. The host includes personalized data in modeling the VRU environment. The host may segregate VRU data provided to different clients participating in the same VRU environment according to limit personalized data to authorized users, while all users receive common data. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus comprising a memory coupled to at least one processor, the memory holding instructions executable by the at least one processor for causing the apparatus to perform: modeling a virtual area within a three-dimensional computer environment; customizing one or more three-dimensional objects within the virtual area for one or more users using an automated process based at least in part on one of: responses to questions; user preferences as set in the software; a specific user request; clicking on one or more results from a search; user geographic location; user movement within the virtual area; aggregated information about similar users and their behavior; or past user behavior. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on responses to questions. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on user preferences as set in software. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on a specific user request. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on one or more results from a search. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on user geographic location. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on user movement within the virtual area. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on aggregated information about similar users and their behavior. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customizing is based at least in part on past user behavior. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9, where the past user behavior includes at least past user purchasing behavior. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9, where the past user behavior includes at least past user shopping behavior. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the virtual area is a store. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, where the customized objects are books. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the customized objects are initially visible only to the user. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14, where the user is permitted to make one or more of the customized objects visible to one or more other users. ### Claim 16 An apparatus comprising a memory coupled to at least one processor, the memory holding instructions executable by the at least one processor for causing the apparatus to perform: modeling a virtual area within a three-dimensional computer environment; customizing a portion of the virtual area, where the customized portion is accessible through a door or other portal; hiding and/or rendering inaccessible the door or other portal from users other than a user or users for whom the customized portion of the virtual area was created. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16, where the user or users for whom the customized portion was created are able to make the door or portal visible and/or accessible to other users. ### Claim 18 An apparatus comprising a memory coupled to at least one processor, the memory holding instructions executable by the at least one processor for causing the apparatus to perform: modeling a virtual area within a three-dimensional computer environment; customizing one or more three-dimensional objects within the virtual area by changing the texture of the virtual area without modifying other attributes of the one or more three-dimensional objects. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The apparatus of claim 18, where the customizing is done in response to payment of an amount of virtual money. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The apparatus of claim 18, where the customization is made for more than one user, and the priority in choosing which user's data to use in the customization is made at least in part based on which user has a higher score in a game, quest, or contest.