Abstract: An Entertainment System in combination with a commercially purchased toy, wherein the system allows a toy user to register the toy online using a registration code, allowing the user access to various entertainment activities and scenarios in a “virtual world” including a virtual representation of the toy, via a computer connected to the Internet. The system then encourages the user to purchase additional toys to enjoy additional benefits using the Entertainment System. The Entertainment System including a database subsystem, a registration subsystem, a server subsystem, and a virtual world providing subsystem.

Abstract: There is provided a character training and development system for a virtual environment and related method. A character, such as an animal, human or human-like figure, doll, or other animated or cartoon-like object 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and method provided herein involve a mechanism that allows users to have more input and influence in customizing their virtual characters' profile by developing their attributes. By developing and improving attributes of their characters, the social value of their characters can be increased within the virtual environment. Additional attributes that can be developed include, but are not limited to, strength, speed, agility, intelligence, creativity, style, streets-smart, safety-awareness, grooming, cooking, and manners. Jobs, tasks, classes, sessions, and the like, as well as competitions can be created that emphasize one or more attributes to facilitate encouraging users to have their characters learn, master, and test such new skills.

Abstract: There is provided a character development and exchange system for a virtual environment and related method. A character, such as an animal, human or human-like figure, doll, or other animated or cartoon-like object 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 and to increase their overall value and worth in the virtual environment. As desired, the characters can be securely traded among users, whereby a traded character is given a new code to transfer all control of the character to the new owner.

Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation and includes, on a website, validating a registration code associated with a toy; responsive to said validating, providing a virtual replica of the toy on the website; and providing content that allows obtaining virtual currency on the website when at least one of the following occurs: the registration code is validated on the website, validating an additional registration code, visiting the website on a periodic basis, playing with the virtual replica of the toy on the website, and playing a game with another virtual replica of a different toy that is present on the website. The method also provides content that allows purchasing one or more virtual food items using the virtual currency; subsequent to said validating, providing content that allows feeding the virtual replica of the toy with the food purchased with the virtual currency; and displaying available virtual currency associated with the virtual replica of the toy.

Abstract: A method includes first using a first registration code obtained from purchasing a first toy, to access a website, and second using a second registration code obtained from purchasing a second toy, to access the website. The method further includes allowing, using a first computer, viewing of a first image of the first toy on the website and viewing a second image of the second toy on the website by a user, where the first toy and the second toy are each one of a plurality of different toy types, and where the first image is an image of a first specific toy type that is based on the first registration code, and where the second image is an image of a second specific toy type, different than the first specific toy type, that is based on said second registration code.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation of a product and includes registering at least one registration code for at least one product on a website; after successful registration, viewing a virtual replica of the at least one product on the website, accessing at a least a subset of features on the website that allow user interaction with the virtual replica of the at least one product, and purchasing one or more virtual furnishings for at least one virtual room on the website, in which room said virtual replica is viewable.

Abstract: A method provides defining a profile associated with an image representing a real toy or product, said profile including at least one variable parameter therein, which variable parameter effects the way the image is displayed on the website, based on said interacting, changing a part of the profile that includes at least one parameter related to at least one of health, happiness and/or hunger, based on a registration code associated with the real product or toy, defining a temperament profile that defines how the image will react to interactions with another aspect of the method or a system or a user, and based on the temperament profile and the interactions and the profile, causing the image to react to one or more of the interactions.

Abstract: A method includes first using a first registration code obtained from purchasing a first toy, to access a website, and second using a second registration code obtained from purchasing a second toy, to access the website. The method further includes allowing, using a first computer, viewing of a first image of the first toy on the website and viewing a second image of the second toy on the website by a user, where the first toy and the second toy are each one of a plurality of different toy types, and where the first image is an image of a first specific toy type that is based on the first registration code, and where the second image is an image of a second specific toy type, different than the first specific toy type, that is based on said second registration code.

Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation and includes, on a website, validating a registration code associated with a toy; responsive to said validating, providing a virtual replica of the toy on the website; and providing content that allows obtaining virtual currency on the website when at least one of the following occurs: the registration code is validated on the website, validating an additional registration code, visiting the website on a periodic basis, playing with the virtual replica of the toy on the website, and playing a game with another virtual replica of a different toy that is present on the website. The method also provides content that allows purchasing one or more virtual food items using the virtual currency; subsequent to said validating, providing content that allows feeding the virtual replica of the toy with the food purchased with the virtual currency; and displaying available virtual currency associated with the virtual replica of the toy.

Abstract: A method that provides a virtual presentation including: registering a first registration code for at a product on a website, viewing a virtual replica of the product responsive to a successful registration, accessing a first subset of restricted content responsive to the successful registration, and receiving an additional subset of restricted content when a second registration code is registered by a same user. The first subset includes at least one of: a virtual room, virtual currency, virtual food, a furnishing for the virtual room, and a chat function. The additional subset of restricted content includes at least one of the following: access to additional virtual currency, access to an additional furnishing, access to an additional chat room, access to additional food, access to an additional game, access to an additional challenge, access to an additional room, and access to an additional activity.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hand tool includes an ornamental body, and a non-hidden tool head extending from the ornamental body. The ornamental body and non-hidden tool head together are configured to simulate an object that is not a hand tool. For example, the ornamental body and tool head together simulate a high-heeled shoe.

Abstract: An Entertainment System in combination with a commercially purchased toy, wherein the system allows a toy user to register the toy online using a registration code, allowing the user access to various entertainment activities and scenarios in a “virtual world” including a virtual representation of the toy, via a computer connected to the Internet. The system then encourages the user to purchase additional toys to enjoy additional benefits using the Entertainment System. The Entertainment System including a database subsystem, a registration subsystem, a server subsystem, and a virtual world providing subsystem.