Time-dependent client inactivity indicia in a multi-user animation environment

摘要

A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.

主权项

1. A method for multi-user animation, comprising:
modeling a space within a computer memory; locating an avatar of a client within a three-dimensional space modeled in a computer memory, the avatar being responsive to client input commands to act within the modeled three-dimensional space; monitoring the client input commands to determine how long the client is inactive; and controlling a degree of transparency within the modeled three-dimensional space to indicate how long the client is inactive, so that a degree of transparency of the avatar increases and occlusion of at least one background object displayed within the modeled three-dimensional space alters in proportion to a length of time the client is inactive.