| GANZ Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120116898 | PET OF THE MONTH EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME REWARDS - A unique code is used to register a virtual pet or other item using a code that is associated with the pet, and which, when entered, allows viewing and interacting with a virtual representation of the actual item on the website. If the code is entered during a specific time period, it allows obtaining at least one additional item, for example an exclusive item that cannot be obtained in any other way. The specific time period can be extended, e.g., using supplemental codes. The codes may specify fixed or variable time periods, and may be generic extension codes and extend other things other than this period. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120042260 | BACKDOOR ADOPTION PROCESS AND TOOL - A customer service tool which is used to locally adopt a virtual item in a virtual world. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036147 | MESSAGE FILTER WITH REPLACEMENT TEXT - A computer network-based messaging system controls the content of messages sent by users. A database includes permitted words and replacement text elements corresponding to at least one permitted word. A message filter receives an entered word or phrase input by a user on a messaging device as part of a message. The message filter replaces the entered word in the message with a corresponding replacement text element stored in the database. A message sending part transmits the message including the replacement text element over a data network for viewing by other users only if every entered word in the message is included in the database. The message sending part transmits the message even though one or words contained in the replacement text element are not permitted words in the database. The system may allow deletion of a replacement text element from a message only in its entirety. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20110282764 | VIRTUAL PARTIES AND PACKS - A party pack is purchased from an electronic store that includes everything necessary to have a party including games, prizes, food items, an invitation template, and prizes for the party recipients. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110270718 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - Provided are a method and computer system that provide a virtual world. A server of the computer system includes a storage subsystem that stores two or more items of different personalized information about multiple different users, including different user identifications and passwords associated with the user identifications respectively representing the users. The server computer system is programmed to accept login credentials including a user identification and password and validate the login credentials. The server computer system is also programmed to control formation of a first user account and storage of the first user identification and first password. The storage subsystem stores information about registration codes that have not yet been entered. Further, the server computer system is programmed to accept entry of one or more of the registration codes that have not yet been entered and, based on entry of the registration codes, to associate stored information indicative of the one registration code with the first user identification. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265044 | ACHIEVEMENTS FOR A VIRTUAL WORLD GAME - A user interface for a virtual world controls and allows registering new characters and also registering achievement when the user has carried out a number of different items. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110265041 | RADIAL USER INTERFACE AND SYSTEM FOR A VIRTUAL WORLD GAME - A user interface for a virtual world includes a circular area forming a display for an item in the virtual world, and controls surrounding only a portion of the display for controlling that item. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110265018 | EMOTION AND MOOD CONTROL OF VIRTUAL CHARACTERS IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - A virtual world in which users can be represented by avatars that can communicate with both other avatars and with non-player characters (NPC's). During the communication, entering of an emotional text language causes the avatar itself to be animated to show emotion. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264796 | SEARCH AND NAVIGATIONAL RATING SYSTEM FOR ONLINE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT - The subject application involves enhancing search and navigation through a social virtual environment through the use of a ratings system. The environment is comprised of smaller communities or villages. The rating of a village is determined in part by the activities performed in a village, by the user who is performing the activity, and the duration and recurrence of the activity. Another element that affects a village's current rating is the state of decline or decay to which it is subjected. Certain activities that are performed can effectively delay or negate an amount of decay to the rating, but even so, village ratings are in a continual state of decline. To increase or maintain a particular rating, village residents need to perform activities. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264741 | MATCHMAKING SYSTEM FOR VIRTUAL SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT - A matchmaking system is provided herein to facilitate the development of relationships in a virtual social environment. The amount of development (positive or negative) is measured through the detection and analysis of the villager's actions and activity in the virtual social environment. By performing actions including participating in events, activities, sharing an opinion, and giving gifts to other villagers or NPCs present in the environment, a villager creates relationships between herself and other villagers (regardless if owned by the same or different user) or NPCs which then contributes to the development of her own “life” in the virtual social environment. Through this system, villagers are able to meet again based on multiple factors to further develop life-like relationships. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264562 | Estore One Click - Provided are a method and system that promote the conversion of visitors to a website into full members using a one click protocol. The method, which can be executed by a computer system, includes hosting a website on a server. User profiles are stored on the website, and the users include a first set of users who are full members and a second set of users who are not full members. Access is granted to an electronic store associated with the website, and a different version of the electronic store is accessible by the first and second sets of users. Members of the second set of users who purchase an item from the limited selection of items of the electronic store are converted into additional members, and subsequently granted access to portions of the website reserved for full members. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264489 | DUAL-CURRENCY ECONOMY FOR A VIRTUAL SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT - A system is provided in which at least two different types of currencies exist in an economy established for a virtual environment. A first currency is earned or obtained by a participant through activities performed while in the environment, and it is used to pay for activity fees and to purchase personal use items including but not limited to food, clothing, home furnishings, house pets, and event tickets. A second currency is limited in its use and is more difficult to obtain. The second currency is used to purchase infrastructure items for a particular town in the environment (e.g., new buildings, villager homes, or upgrades to existing properties). These two currencies are not interchangeable and items/property purchased by village contributions cannot be transferred between villagers. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263324 | VILLAGERS IN A VIRTUAL WORLD WITH UPGRADING VIA CODES - A user interface for a virtual world includes a circular area forming a display for an item in the virtual world, and controls surrounding only a portion of the display for controlling that item. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261071 | CRAFTING SYSTEM IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - A crafting system and method are provided that allow users or players in a social virtual environment to create their own unique virtual items for use on the site. With the crafting system and method, players can collect different types of materials, some more common than others, from within the virtual social environment to customize items, which the player can use to express their individuality as well as sell or trade within the environment. The complexity and uniqueness of the crafted item makes it much more difficult for another player to obtain the same materials and to replicate the design. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110258684 | TEMPORARY USER ACCOUNT FOR A VIRTUAL WORLD WEBSITE - A computer system and method are provided that facilitate permitting temporary access to a website or other computer application in which temporary access is given to a generic virtual character and its corresponding user. Temporary access is made available through a temporary user account that is set up by the user. The temporary user account is active for a limited time and allows the user to learn about the website, for instance, via the generic virtual character. The generic virtual character has limited access to the website and in particular to various activities or areas on the website. Unlike temporary user account holders, users who have purchased a real world item and have created premium user accounts have full access to the website via their corresponding premium virtual characters. In addition, the system and method prevent at least some interaction between the generic virtual characters and the premium virtual characters. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110250954 | GAME WITH COLLECTION IN ADVANCE - Special items can be collected in advance, and only used on a special day. For example, the items can be rockets, they can only be used on Webkinz day. When the special day arrives, the countdown icon associated with the collection that has been made is changed to a launch icon. The user can drag and drop the items into order, and then they are launched in that order. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110201423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIMITING THE NUMBER OF CHARACTERS DISPLAYED IN A COMMON AREA - A system providing a graphical chat room and/or virtual world on a website in which users can control avatars or other characters to participate in activities and interact with other users' avatars/characters. The chat room or virtual world has a large common location where a large number of users might participate with their characters/avatars, but where because display of all of the participants and/or all of the area becomes impractical or otherwise unwieldy, the system determines an appropriate portion of the area and a limited number of avatars/characters to display based on some criteria. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110190047 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A computer system provides a virtual world. The computer system includes a server subsystem serving virtual world data, via a communication network, and receives data and/or commands. A registration subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, and determines a quantity of toys registered by a user who is registering the toy. The verifying includes determining the validity of the information. A virtual world providing subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, provides the virtual world data, which produces data that presents the virtual world. The virtual world data includes a virtual toy representing the toy and a reward provided to the user for registering the toy. The reward is based on the quantity of toys previously registered by the user, such that the reward received for registering the toy is different than another reward previously received by the user for registering another toy. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110184797 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A computer system provides a virtual world. The computer system includes a server subsystem serving virtual world data, via a communication network, and receives data and/or commands. A registration subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, and determines a quantity of toys registered by a user who is registering the toy. The verifying includes determining the validity of the information. A virtual world providing subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, provides the virtual world data, which produces data that presents the virtual world. The virtual world data includes a virtual toy representing the toy and a reward provided to the user for registering the toy. The reward is based on the quantity of toys previously registered by the user, such that the reward received for registering the toy is different than another reward previously received by the user for registering another toy. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110167485 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - Provided are a method and computer system that provide a virtual world. A server of the computer system includes a storage subsystem that stores two or more items of different personalized information about multiple different users, including different user identifications and passwords associated with the user identifications respectively representing the users. The server computer system is programmed to accept login credentials including a user identification and password and validate the login credentials. The server computer system is also programmed to control formation of a first user account and storage of the first user identification and first password. The storage subsystem stores information about registration codes that have not yet been entered. Further, the server computer system is programmed to accept entry of one or more of the registration codes that have not yet been entered and, based on entry of the registration codes, to associate stored information indicative of the one registration code with the first user identification. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110167481 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method and computer system for providing a virtual world are disclosed. First and second registration codes, which are different and are obtained from purchasing items are used to access different portions of a website. Subsequent to accessing the portions of the website using the registration codes, a first image and a second image are accessed to be viewed, each by using a user identification name and a password without reentering the first and second registration codes. A name is to be selected for each of the images after using the registration codes. After entering the user identification name, the first and second images are to be interacted with to bring about changes to the first and second images, and the changes are based on the interacting. An invitation is to be extended to at least one friend on the website, the at least one friend to view at least one of the first and second images in a virtual room owned by and customizable by the user. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110167267 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - Provided are a method and computer system for providing a virtual world. The computer system includes a virtual product interface system, which includes a server system with an encrypted part, a non-encrypted part, and a computer-readable memory for storing an encryption key. The server system includes a network connection and sends the encryption key over the network connection addressed to a client via a secured protocol. The non-encrypted part of the server system sends multimedia information addressed to the client over the network via a non-secure protocol. The encrypted part controls adopting a virtual product by receiving a code that is indicative of a virtual product to be virtually adopted by a user and confirming the code. A communication indicative of a specific product that has been registered is carried out using the encryption key, and communication indicative of the multimedia information is carried out unencrypted, without using the encryption key. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110165939 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A 3D ACTIVITY IN A VIRTUAL PRESENTATION - Provided is a method of developing user-generated challenges in a virtual environment. The method includes receiving registration information transmitted over a communication network, validating the registration information, establishing a user account on a computer and associating a first virtual character with the user account. A user is granted access to a course creation tool comprising a plurality of different course portions that are to be arranged in the virtual environment to construct a course to be navigated from a start point to an end point. Included along the course, to be encountered by another virtual character between the starting point and the end point, is a challenge region that is to interfere with a progression of the another virtual character along the course in a direction generally toward the end point. Two or more virtual obstacles represented by icons are selectable for inclusion in the challenge region. The another virtual character will be required to interact with at least one of the virtual obstacles included in the challenge region before continuing the progression along the course beyond the challenge region. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110161093 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A computer system provides a virtual world. The computer system includes a server subsystem serving virtual world data, via a communication network, and receives data and/or commands. A registration subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, verifies information from a toy, and registers the toy. The verifying includes determining the validity of the information. A virtual world providing subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, provides the virtual world data, which produces data that presents the virtual world. The virtual world data includes a virtual toy representing the toy and a reward provided to the user for registering the toy. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110126115 | PET OF THE MONTH WITH MUSIC PLAYER - A unique code is used to register a virtual pet or other item using a code that is associated with the pet, and which, when entered, allows viewing and interacting with a virtual representation of the actual item on the website. If the code is entered during a specific time period, it allows obtaining at least one additional item, for example an exclusive item that cannot be obtained in any other way. The specific time period can be extended, e.g., using supplemental codes. The codes may specify fixed or variable time periods, and may be generic extension codes and extend other things other than this period. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110113112 | MULTIPLE-LAYER CHAT FILTER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer network-based messaging system includes a multiple-layer chat filtering system for controlling the content of messages sent by users. A computer receives a message including a plurality of words entered by a sender. A word database includes a plurality of permitted words which are allowed to be transmitted. A phrase database includes a plurality of prohibited phrases which are not allowed to be transmitted. At least one of the plurality of prohibited phrases consists of a plurality of individual words that are each included in the word database. A message sending part that transmits the message over a computer network only if all of the plurality of words entered by the sender are contained in the word database and none of the plurality of prohibited phrases are contained in the message. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110092128 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method, system and toy that provides a product that is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The product has a registration code associated with it. Data associated with the product is electronically stored in the product using an electronic storage medium. A user is registered on the website by associating the user with a user ID. The user ID is associated with the virtual replica of the product by utilizing the registration code. Access is granted to one or more features on the website in connection with the virtual replica of the product subsequent to input and validation of the registration code via the user ID without requiring additional entry of the registration code. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110087967 | SOCIAL NETWORKING IN A NON-PERSONALIZED ENVIRONMENT - A social networking website allows users to interact socially without revealing any information about themselves. The only information they reveal is about their virtual pets in the virtual website world. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110086702 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A VIRTUAL PRESENTATION INCLUDING A VIRTUAL COMPANION AND VIRTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY - A method and computer system for providing a virtual presentation is provided. A plurality of different groups of virtual objects within a virtual world on a display device, wherein at least one of the different groups is selectable by a user. The desired group of virtual objects are to be displayed within a virtual optical viewfinder. A selection tool is provided within the virtual optical viewfinder and is controllable by the user to select a target virtual object from the desired group of virtual objects displayed within the virtual optical viewfinder. The user is presented with a magnified image of the target virtual object and revealing an identity of the target virtual object that has been selected in response to selection of the target virtual object by the user. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110078030 | WEBSITE WITH ACTIVITIES TRIGGERED BY CLICKABLE ADS - A website stores a user account with information indicative of items associated with a website user. Those items are usable on the website. The website displays a virtual world and accepts inputs which allow interacting with the virtual world. An advertisement is produced. At only some times, the selection of that advertisement is entitled to additional content. The additional content can include an additional item usable on the website. The user therefore has some statistical chance of getting that additional item when they click on the site. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110055734 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIMITING THE NUMBER OF CHARACTERS DISPLAYED IN A COMMON AREA - A system providing a graphical chat room and/or virtual world on a website in which users can control avatars or other characters to participate in activities and interact with other users' avatars/characters. The chat room or virtual world has a large common location where a large number of users might participate with their characters/avatars, but where because display of all of the participants and/or all of the area becomes impractical or otherwise unwieldy, the system determines an appropriate portion of the area and a limited number of avatars/characters to display based on some criteria. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110029409 | PURCHASES USING UNIQUE CODES - An E-store allows purchase of codes for use on another website. The codes can be redeemed for items or credit on a website different from the site on which they were purchased. This allows obtaining items on the web site without requiring real money or virtual money to be paid for the items. In addition, credits can be awarded using an administrative tool that distributes the credits or a portion thereof based on automatically detected events. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100293473 | UNLOCKING EMOTICONS USING FEATURE CODES - Provided is a method of making a graphic available to be transmitted over a communication network. Access is granted to a graphic that a sender of a first communication can select for inclusion in the first communication to be transmitted over the communication network. Selection by the sender of a restricted graphic for inclusion in the first communication is prevented. Using a computer operatively connected to the communication network, the content of the first communication entered by the sender is received, and includes the graphic available for selection by the sender. The first communication including the graphic is transmitted over the communication network. A code associated with a product is received, and the product is registered based at least in part on the code. In response to successful registration of the product, the sender is granted access to the restricted graphic, allowing the sender to select the restricted graphic for inclusion in a second communication. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100162137 | ITEM CUSTOMIZATION AND WEBSITE CUSTOMIZATION - Customized item that is usable on both a website as an item in a virtual world, and outside the website as a tangible item in the real world is provided and described. One single customization is used to create both items. The item can be the same in the virtual world as it is in the virtual world, or can be different in the virtual world. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100151940 | INTERACTIVE ACTION FIGURES FOR GAMING SYSTEMS - An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character's traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100107214 | TEMPORARY USER ACCOUNT FOR A VIRTUAL WORLD WEBSITE - A computer system and method are provided that facilitate permitting temporary access to a website or other computer application in which temporary access is given to a generic virtual character and its corresponding user. Temporary access is made available through a temporary user account that is set up by the user. The temporary user account is active for a limited time and allows the user to learn about the website, for instance, via the generic virtual character. The generic virtual character has limited access to the website and in particular to various activities or areas on the website. Unlike temporary user account holders, users who have purchased a real world item and have created premium user accounts have full access to the website via their corresponding premium virtual characters. In addition, the system and method prevent at least some interaction between the generic virtual characters and the premium virtual characters. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100100447 | TOY SYSTEM AND EXTRAVAGANZA PLANNER - A customer may obtain an authorization which allows accessing a website that has prestored templates which are each associated with use by the customer. The authorization may be obtained by purchasing products. The prestored templates each represent an event that can be hosted at a place of business. The templates each include activities that can be hosted, days when the activities can be hosted, and times for the activities. The customer can select activities by the customer, and automatically produce pages and form an Internet webpage which advertises the activities based on said templates and information about the customer. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100058235 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NAMING VIRTUAL ROOMS - A method for naming a virtual room provided in a virtual world presentation. The method includes steps of: receiving a user's selection of a first word or phrase from a first list including character names; receiving a user's selection of a second word or phrase from a second list, the second list comprising a plurality of room-type words; and composing a room name by combining the first word or phrase with the second word or phrase. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100042486 | DONATIONS IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - A donation aspect for a website is provided. Amounts of donations are limited and users are given awards based on their donations. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20090318234 | METHOD OF CONDUCTING A TRADE OF VIRTUAL ITEMS IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - Conducting a trade of virtual items between a first virtual character and a second virtual character in a virtual environment is provided. Displaying a trade icon within the virtual environment such that a first user controlling the first virtual character can interact with the trade icon to initiate the trade. At least a portion of the inventory of the first virtual character is presented to the second user and at least a portion of the inventory of the second virtual character is presented to the first user. Further, a selection by the first user of at least one virtual item from the inventory of the second virtual character is communicated to the second user; and a selection by the second user of at least one virtual item from the inventory of the first virtual character is communicated to the first user. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090254434 | METHOD FOR DISABLING AND RE-ENABLING THIRD-PARTY ADS - A method for disabling and re-enabling third-party advertisements is disclosed. An Internet accessible “virtual world” or interactive on-line community can have its advertisements disabled by the entering and subsequent validation of a registration code that is associated with a toy into a website, once validated, displaying a virtual representation of the toy on the website, providing virtual world content so that the virtual representation of the toy is caused to interact with the virtual world content and the toy virtual representations of other users, displaying advertisement on the website in a first mode and allowing customization of the virtual world content including the disabling of advertisements in a second mode. In a similar manner the third party advertisements can be re-enabled. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090204908 | FRIENDS LIST MANAGEMENT - A method and system of managing a user's friends in a virtual environment are presented. The method includes interacting a virtual character with a plurality of additional virtual characters in response to commands input from the user entered via the user computer. A subset of the additional users, the additional virtual characters, or a combination of the additional users and the additional virtual characters are designated as friends of the user in the virtual environment, and the friends are added to a list of friends associated with the user. The friends on the list displayed to the user can be ranked in an order based at least in part on the interacting of the virtual character controlled by the user with the plurality of additional virtual characters in the virtual environment. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method for providing a virtual world presentation includes registering a first product on a computer system; registering a user on the computer system and associating that user with a user ID; responsive to registering the first product, displaying a virtual representation of the first product on the computer system; associating the virtual representation of the first product with the user ID; registering a second product on the computer system; and responsive to registering the second product, generating specialized content on the computer system. The specialized content is also associated with the user ID and may include a virtual representation of the second product. Accessing the computer system using the user ID provides access to both the virtual representation of the first product and the specialized content on the computer system. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090131164 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method, system and toy that provides a product that is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The product has a registration code associated with it. Data associated with the product is electronically stored in the product using an electronic storage medium. A user is registered on the website by associating the user with a user ID. The user ID is associated with the virtual replica of the product by utilizing the registration code. Access is granted to one or more features on the website in connection with the virtual replica of the product subsequent to input and validation of the registration code via the user ID without requiring additional entry of the registration code. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090118009 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method provides a virtual presentation includes providing a toy that is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the toy, wherein the toy is associated with a registration code; validating the registration code; responsive to said validating, displaying said virtual replica of the toy representing said toy on said website; providing at least one virtual room on the website for the virtual replica of the toy; offering one or more virtual furnishings for the at least one virtual room; providing content that allows the one or more virtual furnishings to be arranged in the at least one virtual room; and interacting the virtual replica of the toy with at least one of the one or more virtual furnishings. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090063282 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A computer system provides a virtual world. The computer system includes a server subsystem serving virtual world data, via a communication network, and receives data and/or commands. A registration subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, and determines a quantity of toys registered by a user who is registering the toy. The verifying includes determining the validity of the information. A virtual world providing subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, provides the virtual world data, which produces data that presents the virtual world. The virtual world data includes a virtual toy representing the toy and a reward provided to the user for registering the toy. The reward is based on the quantity of toys previously registered by the user, such that the reward received for registering the toy is different than another reward previously received by the user for registering another toy. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090063271 | PET OF THE MONTH EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME REWARDS - A unique code is used to register a virtual pet or other item using a code that is associated with the pet, and which, when entered, allows viewing and interacting with a virtual representation of the actual item on the website. If the code is entered during a specific time period, it allows obtaining at least one additional item, for example an exclusive item that cannot be obtained in any other way. The specific time period can be extended, e.g., using supplemental codes. The codes may specify fixed or variable time periods, and may be generic extension codes and extend other things other than this period. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090054155 | INTERACTIVE ACTION FIGURES FOR GAMING SYSTEMS - An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character's traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090053970 | INTERACTIVE ACTION FIGURES FOR GAMING SCHEMES - An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character's traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090029772 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION MARKETING - A method provides a virtual presentation includes providing a toy that is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the toy, wherein the toy is associated with a registration code; validating the registration code; responsive to said validating, displaying said virtual replica of the toy representing said toy on said website; providing at least one virtual room on the website for the virtual replica of the toy; offering one or more virtual furnishings for the at least one virtual room; providing content that allows the one or more virtual furnishings to be arranged in the at least one virtual room; and interacting the virtual replica of the toy with at least one of the one or more virtual furnishings. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090029768 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method provides a virtual presentation includes providing a toy that is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the toy, wherein the toy is associated with a registration code; validating the registration code; responsive to said validating, displaying said virtual replica of the toy representing said toy on said website; providing at least one virtual room on the website for the virtual replica of the toy; offering one or more virtual furnishings for the at least one virtual room; providing content that allows the one or more virtual furnishings to be arranged in the at least one virtual room; and interacting the virtual replica of the toy with at least one of the one or more virtual furnishings. | 01-29-2009 |
