Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of providing an interactive virtual environment is provided. The method includes using a computer system to receive registration information, establish an account for a user and associating a virtual character with the account. In response to an interaction between the virtual character and a non-player character in the virtual environment, task information is served over the communication network for presenting the user controlling the virtual character with a request from the non-player character to perform a task. An invitation is received over the communication network inviting at least one additional virtual character to participate in performing the task. In response to receiving an acceptance of the task on behalf of the additional virtual character, task content is served over the communication network to allow both the virtual character and the additional virtual character to take actions to perform the task included in the request.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 interne 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.