Abstract: A computer-implemented method of enabling communication between a first client and a second client mutually participating in a communication session, in which the second client, but not the first client, has an application for rendering multi-dimensional virtual environments, is claimed. The method includes transmitting to the second client information representing a plurality of objects in a multi-dimensional virtual environment, wherein the multi-dimensional virtual environment is rendered at the second client, and transmitting to the first client an image for display by a first client application in a web page, the image including a representation of the multi-dimensional virtual environment rendered at the second client. The second client has an application, distinct from the first client application, for rendering multi-dimensional virtual environments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented hierarchical revenue model to manage revenue allocations among derived product developers in a networked system is disclosed. The model includes providing a first revenue value associated with a first digital component, providing a second revenue value associated with a second digital component, and combining the first revenue value with a second revenue value to produce a third revenue value associated with the second digital component, the second digital component including at least a portion of the first digital component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of enabling communication between a first client and a second client mutually participating in a communication session, in which the second client, but not the first client, has an application for rendering multi-dimensional virtual environments, is claimed. The method includes transmitting to the second client information representing a plurality of objects in a multi-dimensional virtual environment, wherein the multi-dimensional virtual environment is rendered at the second client, and transmitting to the first client an image for display by a first client application in a web page, the image including a representation of the multi-dimensional virtual environment rendered at the second client. The second client has an application, distinct from the first client application, for rendering multi-dimensional virtual environments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method enables participation by a plurality of clients in a first multi-dimensional virtual environment and a second multi-dimensional virtual environment. A first client sets an object in the multi-dimensional virtual environment system to function as a portal to a second multi-dimensional virtual environment. The portal can be used by the first client and/or the second client to enter the second multi-dimensional virtual environment. A server system receives from the first client data indicating that a first object in the first multi-dimensional virtual environment has been set to function as a portal to the second multi-dimensional virtual environment, and receives from a second client participating in the first multi-dimensional virtual environment data indicating that the second client has invoked the first object. The server system transmits to the second client data representing objects in the second multi-dimensional virtual environment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of enabling communication between a first client and a second client mutually participating in a communication session, in which the second client, but not the first client, has an application for rendering multi-dimensional virtual environments, is claimed. The method includes transmitting to the second client information representing a plurality of objects in a multi-dimensional virtual environment, wherein the multi-dimensional virtual environment is rendered at the second client, and transmitting to the first client an image for display by a first client application in a web page, the image including a representation of the multi-dimensional virtual environment rendered at the second client. The second client has an application, distinct from the first client application, for rendering multi-dimensional virtual environments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented hierarchical revenue model to manage revenue allocations among derived product developers in a networked system is disclosed. The model includes providing a first revenue value associated with a first digital component, providing a second revenue value associated with a second digital component, and combining the first revenue value with a second revenue value to produce a third revenue value associated with the second digital component, the second digital component including at least a portion of the first digital component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented chat system having dual channel communications and self-defining product structures is disclosed. The system and method includes providing a first logical communication channel between a first chat client and a second chat client, the first logical channel conveying text chat messages between the first chat client and the second chat client; providing a second logical communication channel between the first chat client and the second chat client, the second logical channel conveying text chat command/control information between the first chat client and the second chat client; and using the chat command/control information to modify a 3D chat scene displayed on each of the first chat client and the second chat client systems.

Abstract: A computer-implemented hierarchical revenue model includes providing a first revenue value associated with a first avatar component, providing a second revenue value associated with a second avatar component, and combining the first revenue value with a second revenue value to produce a third revenue value associated with a third avatar component, the third avatar component being a derived avatar component that inherits characteristics of the first and the second avatar components, the third avatar component inheriting the first revenue value from the first avatar component, the third avatar component inheriting the second revenue value from the second avatar component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for home page customization and e-commerce support is disclosed. The present invention relates to avatar home pages and the combination of a home page customization service with an e-commerce marketplace through which users can purchase home page decorations made by third party developers. Various embodiments include a “chat now” online matching system and a real-time map showing the geographical location of users in an online community.