Patents by Inventor Brain M. O'Connell

Brain M. O'Connell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8605084
    Abstract: In various embodiments, virtual universe regions are dynamically generated within a virtual universe based on user requests. Dynamic generation allows virtual universe users or “residents” to create virtual universe regions that are tailored to their desired specifications. Additionally, in some implementations, virtual universe users may have the option to instantly discard or retain a created region after evaluation based on whether the region meets the user's expectations. Furthermore, dynamic generation of regions may increase user satisfaction and provide additional means for revenue generation for the virtual universe administrator and for virtual universe businesses and entrepreneurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vittorio Castelli, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brain M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Publication number: 20090312080
    Abstract: An approach that automatically transforms an inventory item of an avatar that is online in a virtual universe without requiring manual changes is described. In one embodiment, there is an avatar locator component configured to locate an avatar that is online in the virtual universe. An inventory item transforming component is configured to automatically transform an inventory item associated with the located avatar that is visual, functional, security or linguistic in nature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brain M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20090313556
    Abstract: An approach that redistributes licensed items in a virtual universe is described. In one embodiment, there is a marketplace facilitation tool for use in a virtual universe. A database is configured to store information relating to the virtual universe. A receiving component is configured to receive a request for an item within the virtual universe. An inventory search component is configured to search the database for other avatars within the virtual universe that may possess the requested item. A transfer component is configured to establish a transfer of the item between at least one avatar determined to have possession of the requested item and an avatar requesting the item after there has been a manifestation of an assent to transfer the item. An intellectual property enforcement component is configured to specify and enforce any intellectual property rights restrictions with the item to the transfer component for the transfer to the avatar requesting the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brain M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker