Patents by Inventor Howard Ganz
Howard Ganz 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).
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Publication number: 20150024837Abstract: A method that provides a virtual presentation includes providing a real-world toy associated with a registration code, receiving the code by a registration subsystem via a computer interface of a computer system, and validating the registration code. Responsive to the validating, the computer system processes the registration code to transform the real-world toy into a virtual toy that is a virtual replica of the real-world toy in a virtual world to be displayed by a computer display. Content is provided for displaying a virtual room and a selection of virtual furnishings. In response a user command, the virtual furnishings are provided, arranged and displayed at an initial location within the virtual room. In response to another user command, the one or more virtual furnishings are moved to a new virtual location within the virtual room. The virtual toy interacts with one of the virtual furnishings and exhibits an animated response that simulates a real-world activity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8900030Abstract: A method that provides a virtual presentation includes associating a toy with a registration code and receiving the registration code from a user computer over a communication network. A computer system validates the registration code entered on a website and provides a virtual replica of the toy on the website. An appearance of the virtual replica is animated during participation in at least one activity on the website. The virtual presentation allows for adopting and caring for the virtual replica. Adopting and caring includes maintaining at least one of a health and happiness of the virtual replica via at least one maintenance activity, which includes taking the virtual replica to a virtual health and welfare facility at the direction of a user and at a time chosen by the user. The maintenance activity cannot be carried out without the validating of the registration code.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Inventor: Howard Ganz
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Publication number: 20140274389Abstract: Interacting with a virtual presentation includes: entering a first registration code associated with a first product for registering the first product on a website via a user account; accessing a restricted portion of the website that was not accessible prior to registering the first product; displaying a virtual character that is controllable on the website; registering a second product by entering a second registration code provided to the product, wherein the second product is different than the first product, the second character also accessed via the user account; receiving content for displaying a second virtual character that is controllable on the website; and gaining access to additional content, beyond a chat function, for the first product in response to registration of the second product with the user account, wherein the additional content comprises additional resources of the website beyond the resources provided after registration of the first product.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GANZInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8826383Abstract: 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. After a temporary account expires, it is purged from the system and associated virtual currency and virtual items are no longer accessible. Users who have purchased a real world item and have created a premium user account have full ongoing access to the website via their corresponding premium virtual characters.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: GanzInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8814624Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GanzInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8808053Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: GanzInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8790183Abstract: Virtual world website allows customizing characters by purchasing items for the characters using virtual cash. The virtual cash is in the first currency format. A user can also link to another website, for example a second website, which allows earning cash in a second currency format different than the first currency format. The second website allows converting virtual currency into the first currency format. Embodiments allow multiple different currency conversions.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: GANZInventors: Howard Ganz, Felix Leung
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Patent number: 8777687Abstract: A computer system provides a virtual world. A registration subsystem verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, provides a virtual character in the virtual world representing the toy, and allows caring for the virtual character. Caring for the character includes maintaining one or more value assigned to a virtual health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character via at least one maintenance activity including shopping for virtual food to be fed to the virtual character. The maintenance activity is available to be performed subsequent to said validating said registration code. The values are tracked by the computer system and representations of the values are transmitted to a user computer for display to a user to convey a status indication of the health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: GanzInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8753167Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20140156405Abstract: A method of delivering interactive content using an entertainment system. The method includes a step of providing access to interactive content to a user at a first level of access over a computer network including first access privileges. The method also includes a step of providing access to the content to the user at a second level of access in response to the user satisfying a first predetermined condition. The second level of access provides second access privileges that are excluded from the first level of access. The method also includes a step of providing access to the content to the user at a third level of access in response to the user satisfying both the first predetermined condition and a second predetermined condition. The third level of access provides the second access privileges and third access privileges. The third access privileges are excluded from said second level of access.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Patent number: 8721456Abstract: A game system that can be played on two websites. The game allows a user to play a first game on both a first website which is a website intended for the user to play the game, and also allows the user to play the game on a second website which is a social networking website. The game as played on both the first website and on the second social networking website accumulates points and rewards for a user, and the points and rewards are commonly accumulated for play on both the first website and on the second website. The game engine controlling the user playing the game on the second website comprising receiving a reward from the game on the second website that requires the user to go to the first website. This drives the user to the main version of the game.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20140128165Abstract: A first website earns rewards, e.g. points and items, for carrying out activities. Those rewards can be transferred to a second website. For example, a parent's website allows the parent to carry more adult tasks and also earn points. The points can be transferred to the child's website. A center of the universe website allows obtaining rewards for any of these websites. A social networking component operates across multiple websites.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: GANZInventor: Howard Ganz
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Publication number: 20140120800Abstract: A toy is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The toy has a registration data associated with it that is electronically stored in the toy 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 data. 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GANZInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8641471Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: GanzInventor: Howard Ganz
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Publication number: 20140017969Abstract: A toy is represented on a website via a virtual replica of the product. The toy has a registration data associated with it that is electronically stored in the toy 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 data. 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 data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: GANZInventor: Howard Ganz
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Publication number: 20140011596Abstract: A computer system provides a virtual world. A registration subsystem verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, provides a virtual character in the virtual world representing the toy, and allows caring for the virtual character. Caring for the character includes maintaining one or more value assigned to a virtual health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character via at least one maintenance activity including shopping for virtual food to be fed to the virtual character. The maintenance activity is available to be performed subsequent to said validating said registration code. The values are tracked by the computer system and representations of the values are transmitted to a user computer for display to a user to convey a status indication of the health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: GANZInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8626819Abstract: A first website earns rewards, e.g. points and items, for carrying out activities. Those rewards can be transferred to a second website. For example, a parent's website allows the parent to carry more adult tasks and also earn points. The points can be transferred to the child's website. A center of the universe website allows obtaining rewards for any of these websites. A social networking component operates across multiple websites.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: GanzInventor: Howard Ganz
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Patent number: 8627209Abstract: A social networking website allowing users to interact socially without revealing any personal information about themselves. The only information they reveal is about their virtual pets in the virtual website world. Different templates for the personalizable portion of the website can be selected, some of which are restricted.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: GANZInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst, Jesse Scoble, Sally Christensen
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Patent number: 8612302Abstract: Rewards, which can be virtual currency which can include items, on one website are transferred to be used on another website. The one website on which the rewards are earned has reciprocity with other websites, and can send those rewards to another website, either associated with the user's own account, or with someone else's account. In one embodiment, the rewards can be transferred even if the user who earns those rewards does not participate in the website that is receiving the transfer.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20130317953Abstract: An Entertainment System including a website, in combination with a commercially purchased product, wherein the system allows a product user to register a primary product online using a registration code, allowing the user access to various activities and scenarios in a “virtual world” including a virtual representation of the product, via a computer connected to the Internet. Additional ancillary products are also provided that may be related to the primary product or the virtual world, with these ancillary products also being provided with one or more codes to provide additional content, bonus items, and/or bonus access in the virtual world.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst