Patents by Inventor Karl Joseph Borst
Karl Joseph Borst 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: 20120197692Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: GANZInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20120178537Abstract: The subject application describes an activity performed with or without a website, such as a game. The game can be played either when in contact with the website or when disconnected from the website. The game playing can be carried out for example on a mobile device. The game can be used to earn virtual cash on the website, when playing from the mobile device. The game can also be played when the mobile device is not attached to the website, in which case the points that are received are saved along with an encryption to avoid a user's improper increasing of the points.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: GANZInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst, John Alexander Larsen
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Patent number: 8205158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20120116898Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: GANZInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Patent number: 8128500Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation including a virtual character in an environment other than a natural environment of the virtual character. The method includes validating a registration code associated with a toy, providing at least one virtual room representing a natural environment of the toy in the virtual presentation, and displaying the virtual character in the virtual room representing the natural environment of the toy, which represents the toy in the virtual presentation. The method further includes providing at least one additional virtual room representing an unnatural environment of the toy in the virtual presentation, the unnatural environment of the toy being different than the natural environment of the toy, and providing the virtual character with an environment extension tool that enables the virtual character to exist in the room representing the unnatural environment of the toy.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GanzInventors: Karl Joseph Borst, Stephen Braund
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Patent number: 8118636Abstract: 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: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20120036147Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: GANZInventors: Karl Joseph Borst, Sally Christensen
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Publication number: 20110282764Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Karl Joseph Borst, Michael Kwant, Jessica Boyd
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Publication number: 20110265041Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, Frank James Caron, Jesse Daniel Scoble, Gord Scott McLeod, John Alexander Larsen, Felix Leung, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110265044Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, Frank James Caron, Jesse Daniel Scoble, Gord Scott McLeod, John Alexander Larsen, Felix Leung, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110265018Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Karl Joseph Borst, John Alexander Larsen, Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos
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Publication number: 20110261071Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, Felix Leung, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110263324Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, Gord Scott McLeod, Frank James Caron, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110264741Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, Jesse Daniel Scoble, John Alexander Larsen, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110264562Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventor: Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110264796Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, John Alexander Larsen, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110264489Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Joseph Benjamin Ganetakos, Felix Leung, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110213682Abstract: There is provided a character training and development system for a virtual environment and related method. A character can be purchased by a user and then registered on a communication network via a unique code. Once registered, a set of attributes can be assigned to the character based on the type and class of the character. Attribute values can be assigned to the attributes by default or by user preferences. The characters can be manipulated within the virtual environment. In particular, the characters can be trained in order to improve their skills, to add new skills, and to increase their overall value and worth in the virtual environment. In addition, the characters can be traded among users for a price based on their skills. Fees can be charged for each trade. Traded characters are given a new code to transfer all control of the character to the new owner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: S.H. GANZ HOLDINGS INC. AND 816877 ONTARIO LIMITEDInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst
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Publication number: 20110201423Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: GANZInventors: Karl Joseph Borst, John Alexander Larsen
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Patent number: 7983955Abstract: A method of selling products and/or services using an interactive entertainment system. The method includes steps of: providing access to interactive content to a user at a first level of access over a computer network; selling a product and/or service to the user; responsive to the selling, providing access to the content at a second level of access over the network; receiving consent from the user to display advertisements along with the content; and responsive to the selling and the receiving, providing access to the content at a third level of access over the network. The first level of access provides first access privileges, the second level of access provides second access privileges that are excluded from the first level of access, and the third level of access provides the second access privileges and third access privileges that are excluded from the second level of access.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: GanzInventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst