PERSONALIZED VIRTUAL GOODS HOLIDAY OR EVENT CALENDAR

Abstract

A printed calendar, method and system for preparing the printed calendar, and system for redeeming virtual goods are provided herein. The printed calendar includes at least one form sheet having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time. The one or more occurrences of time being coupled with at least one viewing panel capable of hiding and revealing an image. The printed calendar further includes at least one back sheet having printed thereon at least one graphical representation associated with the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation being aligned with the form sheet, such that, the graphical representation is visible through the at least one viewing panel coupled to the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation representing a virtual good accessible to the selected recipient at one of the one or more occurrences of time.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A printed calendar and a system and method for preparing a printed calendar are provided herein. The printed calendar has printed thereon occurrences of time and representations of virtual goods. The printed calendar may specifically be prepared by associating occurrences of time with the virtual goods and a specific recipient, controlling access to virtual goods based on occurrences of time, and representing the association between the virtual goods and the occurrences of time on the printed calendar.

BACKGROUND

The virtual goods market is growing in popularity. The market for virtual goods is estimated to be five billion dollars in Asia. The growing United States market for virtual goods is expected to meet or exceed the Asian market. Virtual goods are available through social media services, such as, web-based games and social networking websites. Examples of social media services include Neopets® brand virtual pet community, Webkinz™ brand stuffed toys and virtual children's world, and Facebook® brand social networking website.

Users of social media services have an account with the social media service and each user may be identified by a user name and/or representative image. Users can typically purchase virtual goods, such as, in-game items, gadgets, or images via micro-payments (i.e., financial transactions involving small sums of money). These virtual goods may be purchased by a user for themselves, and/or a user may purchase these virtual goods for other users as gifts.

Currently, virtual goods typically are given as gifts to other people via electronic means provided by the social media service, or occasionally via gift cards that include codes that can be redeemed for virtual currency or items. However, many people would prefer to give gifts of a physical nature instead of virtual gifts, since virtual gifts are provided in an intangible form, and intangible gifts may not be considered a “real” gift. Thus, there is a need to bridge the gap between virtual and physical goods by providing personalized physical gifts having virtual goods associated therewith.

SUMMARY

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for preparing a printed calendar. The system includes a calendar server connectable to at least one client device over a network. The calendar server including: a receiver, a record module, a generator, and a transmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive a plurality of calendar parameters for generating the printed calendar. The calendar parameters including one or more occurrences of time, one or more virtual goods, one or more selected recipients and at least one graphical representation of the one or more virtual goods. The record module may be configured to associate the plurality of calendar parameters with the printed calendar to enable the one or more selected recipients to access the one or more virtual goods at the one or more occurrences of time. The generator may be configured to prepare a set of instructions for generating the printed calendar. The set of instructions for generating the printed calendar including: at least one form sheet having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time and at least one back sheet having printed thereon the at least one graphical representation associated with the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation representing the one or more virtual good accessible to a selected recipient at the one or more occurrences of time. The transmitter may be configured to transmit the set of instructions for generating the printed calendar to a calendar generation device.

According to other aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a method for preparing a printed calendar. The method includes the following two steps. First, generating the printed calendar having at least one form sheet and at least one back sheet. The at least one form sheet having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time. The one or more occurrences of time being coupled with at least one viewing panel capable of hiding and revealing an image. The at least one back sheet having printed thereon at least one graphical representation associated with the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation being aligned with the form sheet, such that, the graphical representation is visible through the at least one viewing panel coupled to the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation representing one or more virtual goods accessible to a selected recipient. Second, associating the one or more occurrences of time and the one or more virtual goods with the one or more selected recipients.

According to further aspects illustrated herein, there is a provided a system for redeeming one or more virtual goods. The system includes at least one client device and a social media device connectable to the at least one client device. The at least one client device is configured for use by one or more selected recipients of the one or more virtual goods. The at least one client device is further connectable to a network. The social media device is connectable to the at least one client device through a network. The social media device is configured to provide the one or more selected recipients with access to one or more virtual goods at one or more occurrences of time. The one or more virtual goods being associated with the one or more occurrences of time and the one or more selected recipients, such that, redemption of each the one or more virtual goods may only occur at the one or more occurrences of time associated therewith.

According to yet further aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a printed calendar. The printed calendar includes at least one form sheet having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time. The one or more occurrences of time being coupled with at least one viewing panel capable of hiding and revealing an image. The printed calendar further includes at least one back sheet having printed thereon at least one graphical representation associated with the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation being aligned with the form sheet, such that, the graphical representation is visible through the at least one viewing panel coupled to the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation representing one or more virtual goods accessible to a selected recipient at one of the one or more occurrences of time.

Additional features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for creating a printed calendar.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for use with the system of FIG. 1 for preparing a printed calendar.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a printed calendar generated with the system and method of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 shows a computer system configured to perform the method of FIG. 2.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A printed calendar, a system and method for preparing the printed calendar, and a system for redeeming virtual goods associated with the printed calendar are provided herein. The printed calendar bridges the gap between physical goods and virtual goods by: linking an account held by a selected recipient (i.e., a social media account) with a virtual good; associating occurrences of time and/or events with access to the virtual goods; and representing the association between the occurrences of time and/or event with virtual goods on a printed calendar that may be personalized for the selected recipient.

As used herein, the phrase “virtual good(s)” refers to non-physical objects that are purchased for use in various online environments, such as web-based communities, social networking websites, and online games. Virtual goods, by definition, are intangible. Virtual goods, may, for example, include an electronic file stored in a database or other data structure on a server. Examples include, but are not limited to, virtual pets, virtual clothing or accessories for avatars, virtual property, computer images, virtual game currency, and virtual game weapons.

As used herein, the phrase “virtual marketplace” refers to a virtual location where intangible or virtual goods are exchanged. For example, the virtual marketplace may be a website, and the website content (i.e., files, web scripts, etc.) for the virtual marketplace may be stored on a server.

As used herein the term “calendar” refers to a listing of occurrences of time which may be presented as traditional and non-traditional yearly, monthly, weekly, or daily calendars; a countdown calendar; an event or milestone calendar; and/or any combination of the above that provide specific dates, times, or events that may be definitively identified. The calendar may be a physical or virtual object. The occurrences of time may be displayed on one or more sheets with each sheet referred to as a calendar sheet.

As used herein, the phrase “occurrence of time” refers to any indications of time, such as, a date, an hour, a year, an event or milestone, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the phrase “printed calendar” refers to a physical object having specific occurrences of time printed thereon. The printed calendar may represent each of the virtual goods associated with each of the occurrences of time using a graphical representation.

As used herein, the phrase “graphical representation” refers to an image, picture, text, symbol, or other object printed on a back sheet of a printed calendar.

As used herein, the phrase “form sheet” refers to a top layer and/or first sheet of a calendar having the occurrences of time visible. The form sheet includes a viewing panel for each of the occurrences that may include a perforated opening or cut out section that enables hiding and revealing of an image, code, and/or object thereunder. The form sheet may also include additional images, text, and/or designs.

As used herein, the phrase “back sheet” refers to a bottom layer and/or second sheet of a calendar configured to hold or have printed thereon a graphical representation of a virtual good. The graphical representation of the virtual good is configured, such that, the representation of the virtual good on the back sheet aligns with the associated occurrence of time on the form sheet to enable viewing of the graphical representation through the viewing panel of the form sheet.

As used herein, the phrase “social networking service” or “social networking website” refers to a service that builds and reflects on social networks or social relationships among users. The social network may, for example, be determined by schools attended, interests, activities, and/or geographic regions. Most social network services are web based and provide a means for user interaction over the internet. Social networking services are usually individual-centered and allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests with other people within their individual network. Examples of social networking websites include, but are not limited to: MySpace® brand social networking website, Facebook® brand social networking website, LinkedIn® brand business oriented social networking website, Twitter® brand social networking and microblogging service, and Friendster® brand social networking website.

As used herein, the phrase “social media” includes services that provide web based games and social networking websites. Social media may utilize web 2.0 technology or analogous technology that provides users with the ability to create and exchange user-generated content over the web. Hence, social media is typically defined as enabling a blending of technology and social interaction. Examples of web based games include, Neopets® brand virtual pet community, Webkinz™ brand stuffed toys and virtual children's world, Second Life® brand virtual world, Entropia Universe™ brand massively multiplayer online virtual universe, and World of Warcraft® brand massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Examples of social networking websites include MySpace® brand social networking website, Facebook® brand social networking website, LinkedIn® brand business oriented social networking website, Twitter® brand social networking and microblogging service, and Friendster® brand social networking website.

As used herein, the phrase “user identification” refers to a virtual character, a user name and/or number, an email address, an avatar, an image, or other means for identifying a person through a social media service.

As used herein, the phrase “selected recipient” refers specifically or generally to one or more person or groups of persons who are indicated as being given access to a virtual good. The selected recipient may typically be identified by a user identification that is used for accessing a social media service.

With reference to FIG. 1, a system 10 for creating a printed calendar 20 is provided herein. The system 10 may be configured to enable selection, ordering, and sending of personal gifts to a selected recipient who has a personalized character and/or user identification on a social media service, such as, a social networking and/or online gaming website.

The system may include a calendar server 30 that may be operatively connected to at least one social media server 35 and at least one client device. The calendar server 30 may be configured to collect input from the at least one social media server 35 and/or the at least one client device. The at least one social media server 35 may be configured to provide the calendar server 30 with information relating to the selected recipients 44, the one or more virtual goods 72, and/or a calendar generation device 80 for the purpose of configuring the associations between the calendar parameters 140 and/or the account information 135. The at least one social media server 35 may further be configured to be a platform for the selected recipient 42 to access a social media service and redeem, view, and/or use the one or more virtual goods 72 provided with the printed calendar 20. The calendar server 30 is connected to the social media server 35 and the at least one client device via a network 50 in FIG. 1. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the calendar server 35 may also be directly connected to the social media server 35 and/or the at least one client device (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the at least one client device may include, two client devices, a giver client device 40 and a recipient client device 43. The giver client device 40 being configured to enable a giver 41 to access the calendar server 30 to order the printed calendar. The recipient client device 43 being configured to enable a selected recipient 40 to access the calendar server 30 and/or access a social media server 35. Each client device may include, for example, a personal computer with an internet browser for use by the giver 41 or the selected recipient 42 to access the calendar server 30 and/or the social media server 35.

The calendar server 30 may include an interface 90, a receiver 100, a record module 110, a generator 120, and a transmitter 130. The calendar server 30 may further include an account information database 135 that contains accounts for persons who prepare and/or order a printed calendar 20 through the calendar server 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the interface 90 may be operatively connected to the receiver 100; the receiver 100, may be operatively connected to the record module 110; the record module 110 may be operatively connected to the receiver 100 and the generator 120; and the generator 120 may be operatively connected to the record module 110 and the transmitter 130.

The interface 90 may be a user interface, such that, the interface 90 may be configured to connect with the giver and/or receiver client devices 40, 43 and provide the giver and/or receiver client devices 40, 43 with access to the calendar server 30 for entering and/or viewing the calendar parameters 140. The interface 90 may be connected to the databases storing the calendar parameters 140 and account information 135. The account information 135 may include the account holder's name, address, email address, phone number, payment method, credit card/bank account information, etc. obtained from the client devices 40, 43 and stored in a database of the account information 135 and/or provided to the receiver 100. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the interface 90 may also be able to be used to view account information 135 and/or any additional data stored on the calendar server 30, such as, a copy of the printed calendar 20 if the system is configured to provide the calendar server 30 with access to the printed calendar 20. The interface 90 may further be connected to the social media server 35 to receive additional input for the calendar parameters 140 and/or the account information 135. Alternatively, the interface 90 may be a separate device connected to the calendar server 30 and giver client device 40 via the network 50 or a component of the giver client device 40 (i.e., a software program).

The receiver 100 may be configured to receive requests for preparing and optionally, accessing the printed calendar 20 and redeeming the one or more virtual goods 72. In particular, the receiver 100 may receive account information 135 and a plurality of calendar parameters 140 for generating and providing access to the printed calendar 20 from the respective databases and/or the interface 90. The calendar parameters 140 may be stored in a database (shown in FIG. 1), or any data structure known in the art, such that, the data may be searched and the access permissions determined based on the plurality of calendar parameters 140. The calendar parameters 140 may be stored on the calendar server 30 (shown in FIG. 1), or alternatively, stored on a separate server connected to the calendar server (not shown).

The plurality of calendar parameters 140 may include an occurrence of time parameter 150, a virtual good identification parameter 155, a selected recipient identification parameter 160, a graphical representation identification parameter 165, a personalized image identification parameter 170, a calendar identification parameter 175, and a delivery type parameter 180. The occurrence of time parameter 150 may represent the date, time, and event on the printed calendar 20 that triggers the availability of the one or more virtual goods 72. The virtual good identification parameter 155 may represent the one or more virtual goods 72 to be given to the selected recipient 42 at a particular occurrence of time on the printed calendar 20. The selected recipient identification parameter 160 may represent the selected recipient 42 of the printed calendar 20. The one graphical representation identification parameter 165 may represent the one or more virtual goods 72 accessible to the selected recipient 42 at a particular occurrence of time. The personalized image identification parameter 170 may represent an image to be printed on the printed calendar 20 (i.e., on the top or bottom of the form sheet). The calendar identification parameter 175 may represent a particular printed calendar 20 being prepared and/or generated. The delivery type parameter 180 may represent how and/or where the printing and/or shipping of the printed calendar 20 occurs.

The record module 110 may be configured to associate the plurality of calendar parameters 140 and account information 135 with the printed calendar 20, such that, a selected recipient 42, may be given access to the one or more virtual goods 72 at the occurrence of time indicated on the printed calendar 20. Specifically, the record module 110 performs the associations by creating a linking structure between the plurality of calendar parameters 140 and/or account information 135. The linking structure may include linking the selected recipient identification parameter 160 to the occurrence of time parameter 150, the virtual good identification parameter 155, the graphical representation identification parameter 165, the personalized image identification parameter 170, the calendar identification parameter 175, and/or the delivery type parameter 180, such that, the printed calendar 20, with a graphical representation of the one or more virtual goods 72 printed thereon, may be delivered to the selected recipient 42. The linking structure may further provide a printed calendar, such that, the virtual goods 72 may be accessible to the selected recipient 42 at the time designated by the occurrence of time parameter 150. The record module 110 may further link the personalized image identification parameter 170 with the above calendar parameters 140, such that, the personalized image represented by the personalized image identification parameter 170 is also displayed and/or printed on the printed calendar 20.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the manner in which the record module 110 associates the plurality of calendar parameters 140 with the printed calendar 20 may vary depending on the data structure used to collect and store the plurality of calendar parameters 140 and/or the hardware and/or software components of the system 10. For example, the linking structure may link an electronic account held by the selected recipient 42 (indicated by the selected recipient identification parameter 160) to the virtual good identification parameter 155 based on the virtual good identification parameter 155 and the occurrences of time parameter 150.

The generator 120 may be configured to prepare a set of instructions 122 for generating the printed calendar 20 based on the linking structure created in the record module 110. The set of instructions 122 may be stored in a database or another data storage device, as may be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The set of instructions 122 may include computer executable instructions, that when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to generate a printed calendar 20. The printed calendar 20 generated may include: (1) a form sheet having printed thereon occurrences of time as specified in the occurrence of time parameter 150; and (2) a back sheet having printed thereon a graphical representation of the one or more virtual goods 72 associated with the occurrence of time for each of the occurrences of time as specified in the one graphical representation identification parameter 165. Similar to the record module 110, the configuration of the generator 120 may vary depending on the data structures, the hardware, and/or the software used in conjunction with the preparation of the set of instructions 122.

The transmitter 130 may receive the set of instructions 122 for generating the printed calendar 20 from the generator 120 and may be configured to transmit the set of instructions 122 to a calendar generation device 80. The calendar generation device 80 may be directly connected to the transmitter 130 and/or calendar server 30 (not shown); located on a separate server (i.e., shown in FIG. 1 as part of the social media server 35); or located on an entirely different server connected to the calendar server 30, via the network 50 (not shown). The calendar generation device 80 may alternatively be part of a software package run on a client device (i.e., the giver client device 40), and/or a software and/or hardware component of the social media device 60 or the virtual marketplace device 70. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the set of instructions 122 may be transmitted in various ways from the transmitter 130 to the generation device 80, such as, directly (not shown) or through a network 50 (shown in FIG. 1).

After the printed calendar 20 is generated and delivered to the selected recipient 42, the selected recipient 42 may access the one or more virtual goods 72 that have been associated with the printed calendar 20 in accordance with the one or more occurrences of time associated therewith. As shown in FIG. 1, the system in operation may include the selected recipient 42 accessing the social media server 35 through the recipient client device 43 that is connected to the network 50. Note, that FIG. 1 shows two client devices for the giver 41 and the selected recipient 42; however, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the same client device 40, 43 may be used by both the giver 41 and the selected recipient 42. In fact, the giver 41 and the selected recipient 42 could in theory be the same person. For illustrative purpose, the giver 41 and the selected recipient 42 are shown and described as different people on different client devices (i.e., giver client device 40, recipient client device 43).

The at least one social media server 35, as shown in FIG. 1, may include a social media device 60, a virtual marketplace device 70, and a calendar generation device 80, each being located on one server. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, each of the social media device 60, the virtual marketplace device 70, and the calendar generation device 80 may be located on separate servers (not shown) or each may be grouped into multiple servers using various combinations (not shown). Moreover, one or more of the social media device 60, the virtual marketplace device 70, and calendar generation device 80 may be configured to be directly attached to or located within the calendar server 30 (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the social media device 60 may be operatively connected to the calendar server 30 and/or the recipient client device 43 and the giver client device 40 through the network 50. The calendar server 30 and the social media device 60 may be capable of communicating by transferring of signals between the interface 90 and the social media device 60, such that, the interface can access information regarding the selected recipient's account from the social media device 60, including recipient data from the recipients database 44. The information from the social media device 60 may be stored in a database and/or used in the record module 110 to link the plurality calendar parameters 140. Examples of information that may be obtained from the social media device 60 includes: the selected recipient's user identification (i.e., user name, email address, etc.) and/or a link to the selected recipient's social media account; the selected recipient's avatar; and the selected recipient's interests, preferences, and/or wish lists. The social media device 60 may further communicate with the calendar server 30 to display the printed calendar 20 or an electronic replica thereof, and/or provide additional notifications to the selected recipient 42.

The social media device 60 may further be configured to provide and control the selected recipient's access to the one or more virtual goods 72 in accordance with the set of instructions transmitted from the calendar server 30. For example, the selected recipient 42 may be provided with access to the one or more virtual goods 72 at the one or more occurrences of time associated with each of the one or more virtual goods 72. Each of the one or more virtual goods 72 associated with the one or more occurrences of time may be represented on a calendar 20 by a graphical representation of the one or more virtual goods 72. Such access may be provided after the social media device 60 receives a selected recipient's entered code that matches the code provided on the calendar 20. Alternatively, the social media device 60 may automatically provide the selected recipient 42 with access to the one or more virtual goods 72 when the selected recipient 42 associated with an electronic account logs into the social media device 40, i.e., a Facebook® account. The calendar 20 may represent the one or more virtual goods 72 associated with each of the one or more occurrences of time, with at least one graphical representation.

The virtual marketplace device 70 may be connected to the social media device 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The virtual marketplace device 70 may be configured to store the one or more virtual goods 72 available for redemption by the selected recipient 42 at the one or more occurrences of time. The virtual marketplace device 70 is shown as an independent device connected to the social media device 60; however, the virtual marketplace device 70 may, alternatively, be a component of a social media device 60 (not shown).

The virtual marketplace device 70 may also be operatively connected to the calendar server 30, such that, the calendar server 30 may access the virtual marketplace device 70 to receive one or more of the plurality of calendar parameters 140, such as, the virtual good identification parameter 155, the selected recipient identification parameter 160, and/or the at least one graphical representation identification parameter 165 of the virtual good identification parameter 155.

As discussed above, the calendar generation device 80 may be a component of the social media server 35 directly connected to the social media device 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The calendar generation device 80 may be configured to generate the printed calendar 20 according to the set of instructions 122 transmitted from the transmitter 130. The calendar generation device 80 may further be configured to provide the selected recipient 42 through the recipient client device 43 with a notifications of the availability of the one or more virtual goods 72. The printed calendar 20 may be printed using a printing device 86 and sent via mail to the selected recipient 42 and/or it may alternatively be sent electronically, such as, email, or messaging service within the social media device 60. The print device 86 may further be configured to send the printed calendar 20 via the mail and/or electronically. Furthermore, a storage device 90 may be operatively connected to the calendar generation device 80 and may be configured to store one or more of the following: the set of instructions 122, a viewable version of the printed calendar 20, information about the selected recipient 42 (i.e., selected recipient identification parameter 160), calendar identification information (i.e., calendar identification parameter 175), and/or any intermediate data created to generate the printed calendar 20.

The system 10 may further include an access controller 46 configured to determine and control access to the one or more virtual goods 72 based on the one or more occurrences of time parameter 150 and the selected recipient identification parameter 160. The access controller 46, as shown in FIG. 1, is a component of the social media device 60. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the access controller 46 may be a separate device within the social media server 35 and/or an independent device outside the social media sever 35, but connected to the social media server 35.

FIG. 2 provides a method 200 for preparing a print calendar 20. The method 200 may be used with the system 10 of FIG. 1. The method 200 first generates the printed calendar in step 210. The printed calendars 20 having at least one form sheet having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time and at least one back sheet. The at least one back sheet having printed thereon at least one graphical representation associated with the one or more occurrences of time. The at least one graphical representation representing one or more virtual goods 72 accessible to a selected recipient at the one or more occurrences of time. Second, in step 220, the method 200 associates the one or more occurrences of time with the one or more virtual goods 72 and the selected recipient 42.

The at least one graphical representation may be one or more of an image or a code, or any other object representing the one or more virtual goods 72. The printed calendar 20 may further be personalized to include additional pictures, images, text, and/or objects for the selected recipient 42. Examples include a picture of the selected recipient 42, the selected recipient's name or initials, images of the selected recipient's avatar, images of a selected recipient's virtual pet, and/or any other designs or online representations. As one skilled in the art may appreciate, the printed calendar 20 may be personalized in various ways that may only be limited by the hardware and/or software of the system.

The printed calendar 20 may further be associated with a calendar server 30 on a computer network 50, as discussed with regards to FIG. 1. The calendar server 30 may be configured to determine access to the one or more virtual goods 72 by associating the selected recipient 42 with the one or more virtual goods 72. The one or more virtual goods 72 may be accessible to the selected recipient 42 at a predefined time period determined by the occurrence of time, and the one or more virtual goods 72 may be accessible in one or more of the following manners: after the social media device 60 receives a selected recipient entered code that matches the code provided on the printed calendar 20 (i.e., similar to how funds are accessed from a gift card) and/or automatically provided to the user during a predefined time period associated with the received calendar parameter 140 for the one or more occurrences of time upon accessing a social media service associated with the selected recipient 42. For example, the received calendar parameter 140 for the selected recipient identification parameter 160 may be associated with the virtual good identification parameter 155 and the one or more occurrences of time parameter 150 by linking an electronic account held by the selected recipient 42 to the one or more virtual goods 72.

As shown and described with reference to FIG. 3, the printed calendar 20 may be, for example, a personalized Advent calendar 300 used as a mechanism to give the one or more virtual goods 72 to a user (or the selected recipient 42) of an online game or other social media service. Personalized Advent calendars are a mechanism to count down from the first (1^st) of December to Christmas Eve on the twenty-fourth (24^th) of December. Personalized Advent calendars typically have a colorful Christmas themed image, which includes 24 flaps, labeled 1 to 24. One flap may be opened each day, revealing a hidden image, or a gift, such as, chocolate or other small gifts.

The personalized Advent calendar 300 may include at least one form sheet 310 having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time 320, shown in FIG. 3 as a traditional calendar format. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the format of the calendar could be non-traditional. For example, the personalized Advent calendar 300 may have a Christmas scene printed on the form sheet 310 with the occurrences of time 320 (dates) printed in any pattern and/or order on the form sheet 310, such as, in a circle (not shown) instead of a traditional row and column arrangement (shown in FIG. 3).

The personalized Advent calendar 300 may further include at least one back sheet 330 having printed thereon at least one graphical representation 340 associated with the one or more occurrences of time 320. The at least one graphical representation 340 representing the one or more virtual goods 72 accessible to a selected recipient at one of the one or more occurrences of time 320. The at least one graphical representation 340 may be one or more of a picture or a code, or any combinations of text, symbols, and/or objects, as one skilled in the art will appreciate.

The personalized Advent calendar 300 may further be personalized to include additional pictures, images, text, symbols and/or objects. Examples include a picture of the selected recipient 42, the selected recipient's name or initials, and/or any other designs. As one skilled in the art may appreciate, the personalized Advent calendar 300 may be personalized in various ways that may only be limited by the hardware and/or software of the system.

In preparing the personalized Advent calendar 300, a giver 41 specifies a recipient (selected recipient 42) and chooses the one or more virtual goods 72 to include in the printed calendar 20 at specified occurrences of time 320, which in this example include each day between the first (1^st) of December and the twenty-fourth (24^th) of December. The giver 41 may also include personalized images 350 displaying art work from the social media device 60, including a theme of the calendar or some component specific to the selected recipient 42, such as, an avatar, virtual pet, or virtual house. FIG. 3 shows personalized images 350, the selected recipient's avatar 352, and text 354 representing the selected recipient's name. Each flap of the form sheet 310 of the personalized Advent calendar 300 reveals one of the one or more graphical representations 340 of the one or more virtual goods 72 (e.g., virtual gifts).

The personalized Advent calendar 300 may further be associated with a calendar server 30 on a computer network 50, as discussed with regards to FIG. 1. The calendar server 30 may be configured to designate access to the one or more virtual goods 72 by associating the selected recipient 42 to the one or more virtual goods 72. The one or more virtual goods 72 may be accessible to the selected recipient 42 in one or more of the following manners: after the social media device 60 receives a selected recipient entered code that matches the code provided on the personalized Advent calendar 300 and/or automatically provided to the user during a predefined time period associated with the received calendar parameter 140 for the one or more occurrences of time upon accessing a social media service associated with the selected recipient 42.

In operation, the system 30 and method 200 provided herein may be utilized to prepare a printed calendar 20, such as, the personalized Advent calendar 300 as follows. First, the calendar server 30 connects with a client device, i.e., the giver client device 40. The giver 41 may not be required to be a member of the social media service, but need only know the username and/or other identifying credentials of the selected recipient 42. Next, the interface 90 communicates with the giver client device 40 to collect data relating to the preparation of the printed calendar. The data collected may include information for the plurality of calendar parameters 140 and/or account information relating to the giver 41 and/or the selected recipient 42. The collected data may be stored in data structures, such as, databases and/or sent to the receiver 100.

For example, data collected with regards to the selected recipient 42 may include the selected recipient's email address being received by the interface. Additionally, the data collected related to the one or more virtual goods 72 may, for example, include the items selected by the giver 41 from a catalog of virtual items or bundles of items, which may be accessed by the calendar server 30 from a virtual marketplace 70. The catalog may be connected to a social media service and may further be connected to a selected recipient's wish list containing a compilation of the selected recipient's desired items. The data collected may further be related to the design of the printed calendar 20. The giver 41 may be provided with a set of pre-defined calendar templates to choose from. The calendar templates may include a generic set of templates, and the templates may be personalized with images and/or designs based on the social media service's art work, and designs and/or images specific to the selected recipient 42, such as, an avatar or virtual pet 352.

Moreover, the calendar templates may include the calendar form sheet 310 and back sheet 330, as provided in FIG. 3. The form sheet 310 includes predefined areas corresponding to the flaps for each day and the back sheet 330 of the printed calendar 300 provides the option to be filled in with images or graphical depictions 340 representing the one or more virtual goods 72 selected. The design of the form sheet 310 and back sheet 330 in addition to the images printed thereon, all may be based on templates and/or customized. The information related to the templates and customization may be collected by the interface 90 and stored in data structures, such as, databases.

The data that may be collected by the interface 90 may further include payment information. The giver 41 may then pay for the printed calendar 300, including the cost of printing, shipping, delivery, and the one or more virtual goods 72 using a credit card. For example, the payment may be made via the calendar server, i.e., the interface obtains and stores payment information in the account information database 135. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the payment may also be made via the social media device 60, the virtual marketplace device 70, the calendar generation device 80, or a specialized payment device.

After the data is collected, the data may be sent to the receiver 100, which sends the data to the record module 110. The record module 110 associates the data, including the plurality of calendar parameters 140 and the account information 135, with the printed calendar 20 being prepared to provide the selected recipient 42 with the one or more virtual goods 72 at a the defined occurrences of time. The association further includes providing the selected recipient with the ability to view the at least one graphical representation 340 of the one or more virtual goods 72 on the printed calendar 20. Then, the data and associations from the record module 110 used to generate a set of instructions 122 for generating the printed calendar 20, such as, the personalized Advent calendar 300 of FIG. 3. The set of instructions generated may subsequently be transmitted through the transmitter 130 to a generation device (i.e., calendar generation device 80) for printing and distribution to the selected recipient 42. The personalized Advent calendar 300 may also be configured, such that, the giver 41 is given an option to print the pieces of the calendar and assemble the personalized Advent calendar 300 himself/herself using an electronic form, suitable for printing of the personalized Advent calendar 300.

The personalized Advent calendar 300, as shown in FIG. 3, is designed, such that, as the selected recipient 42 opens a flap 360 of the form sheet 310 each day (i.e., each of the one or more occurrences of time 320), the one or more virtual goods 72 may be accessed by the selected recipient (a) logging into the social media service and automatically receiving the one or more virtual goods 72 or (b) logging into the social media service and entering a code (not shown) printed on the inside of the flap 360 of the form sheet 310 of the personalized Advent calendar 300 to receive the one or more virtual goods 72. The code may include, for example, numeric codes, Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), and Quick Response two-dimensional barcodes (QR codes). As one skilled in the art will appreciate, after accessing the one or more virtual goods 72, the selected recipient 42 may be allowed to trade the one or more virtual goods 72 with other members of the social media service in accordance with the configuration of the social media service.

The benefit of creating the printed calendar 20 provided herein, includes the perception of many that giving a gift consisting of the printed calendar 20 with the associated the one or more virtual goods 72 may be more valuable giving an intangible gift, since the printed calendar 20 is a physical object. Moreover, the printed calendar 20 may be personalized, further enabling a giver 41 to provide a memorable gift that is more than an intangible good. Examples of other printed calendars 20 include calendars for holidays or events, countdown calendars, and daily calendars.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a general computer system 400. The computer system 400 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system 400 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 1-3. The computer system 400, or any portion thereof, may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network 460, to other computer systems or devices disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 1-3. For example, the computer system 400 may include or be included within any one or more of the systems, networks, hosts, routers, servers, proxy devices, or any other devices disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 1-3.

In a networked deployment, the computer system 400 may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system 400 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a web appliance, a communications device, a mobile device, a wireless telephone, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single computer system 400 is illustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the computer system 400 may include a processor 405, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics-processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system 400 can include a main memory 410 and a static memory 415 that can communicate with each other via a bus 465. As shown, the computer system 400 may further include a video display unit 425, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system 400 may include an input device 430, such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 435, such as a mouse. The computer system 400 can also include a disk drive unit 440, a signal generation device 455, such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device 420.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, the disk drive unit 440 may include a machine or computer-readable medium 445 in which one or more sets of instructions 450 (e.g., software) can be embedded. Further, the instructions 450 may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-3. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 450 may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 410, the static memory 415, and/or within the processor 405 during execution by the computer system 400. The main memory 410 and the processor 405 also may include computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

In accordance with the various embodiments, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs that are tangibly embodied in a processor-readable medium and that may be executed by a processor. Further, in an example, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein.

While the machine-readable medium 445 is shown to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, example embodiment, the machine-readable medium 445 can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the machine-readable medium 445 can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the machine-readable medium 445 can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium 445 or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

In accordance with various embodiments, the methods described herein may be implemented as one or more software programs running on a computer processor. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

It should also be noted that software which implements the disclosed methods may optionally be stored on a tangible storage medium, such as: a magnetic medium, such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk; or a solid state medium, such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium as listed herein and other equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein may be stored.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternative thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. In addition, the claims can encompass embodiments in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

Claims

1. A system for redeeming one or more virtual goods comprising: a client device usable by one or more selected recipients of virtual goods, the client device connectable to a network; anda social media device connectable to the client device through the network and configured to provide the one or more selected recipients with access to one or more virtual goods at one or more occurrences of time within a predetermined interrelated set of occurrences of time, the one or more virtual goods being associated with the one or more occurrences of time and the one or more selected recipients, such that, redemption of each the one or more virtual goods may only occur at the one or more occurrences of time associated therewith.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a virtual marketplace device connectable to the social media device and configured to store the one or more virtual goods available for redemption by the one or more selected recipients at the one or more occurrences of time.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a calendar generation device for generating and providing access to a calendar for the one or more selected recipients based on the association of the one or more virtual goods and the one or more occurrences of time, the calendar including at least one graphical representation representing the one or more virtual goods accessible to the selected recipient at the one or more occurrences of time.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a social media server configured to: receive a plurality of calendar parameters for generating and providing access to a calendar the one or more occurrences of time associated with the one or more virtual goods, the calendar parameters including the one or more occurrences of time, the one or more virtual goods, and the one or more selected recipients;associate the plurality of calendar parameters with the calendar to enable the one or more selected recipients to access the one or more virtual goods at the one or more occurrences of time;prepare a set of instructions for generating and providing access to the calendar, the set of instructions for generating the calendar includes one or more sheets having printed thereon the one or more occurrences of time, the one or more occurrences of time being associated with the one or more virtual goods and the one or more selected recipients, the set of instructions being based on one or more pre-defined calendar templates and including the ability to add at least one personalized image; andtransmit the set of instructions for generating and providing access to the calendar to the calendar generation device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the social media device is further configured to provide the one or more selected recipients, through the at least one client device, with a notification of availability of the one or more virtual goods.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the social media device is configured to provide the one or more selected recipients with access to the one or more virtual goods after the social media device receives a selected recipient entered code that matches the code provided on the calendar.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the social media device is configured to provide the one or more selected recipients with access to the one or more virtual goods automatically upon the one or more selected recipients accessing an electronic account on the social media device associated with the one or more selected recipient.

8. A printed calendar comprising: at least one form sheet, the at least one form sheet having printed thereon one or more occurrences of time within a predetermined interrelated set of occurrences of time, the one or more occurrences of time being associated with at least one viewing panel, the at least one viewing panel capable of hiding and revealing an image; andat least one back sheet having at least one graphical representation associated with the one or more occurrences of time, the at least one graphical representation being aligned with the form sheet, such that, the graphical representation is visible through the at least one viewing panel associated with the one or more occurrences of time, the at least one graphical representation representing the one or more virtual good accessible to a selected recipient at one of the one or more occurrences of time.

9. A method for redeeming one or more virtual goods comprising: using a client device usable by one or more selected recipients of virtual goods, connecting to a network; andusing a social media device connectable to the client device through the network, providing the one or more selected recipients with access to one or more virtual goods at one or more occurrences of time within a predetermined interrelated set of occurrences of time, the one or more virtual goods being associated with the one or more occurrences of time and the one or more selected recipients, such that redemption of each of the one or more virtual goods may only occur at the one or more occurrences of time associated therewith.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising using a virtual marketplace device connectable to the social media device to store the one or more virtual goods available for redemption by the one or more selected recipients at the one or more occurrences of time.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising using a calendar generation device to generate and provide access to a calendar for the one or more selected recipients based on the association of the one or more virtual goods and the one or more occurrences of time, the calendar including at least one graphical representation representing the one or more virtual goods accessible to the selected recipient at the one or more occurrences of time.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising using a social media server to: receive a plurality of calendar parameters for generating and providing access to a calendar the one or more occurrences of time associated with the one or more virtual goods, the calendar parameters including the one or more occurrences of time, the one or more virtual goods, and the one or more selected recipients;associate the plurality of calendar parameters with the calendar to enable the one or more selected recipients to access the one or more virtual goods at the one or more occurrences of time;prepare a set of instructions for generating and providing access to the calendar, the set of instructions for generating the calendar includes one or more sheets having printed thereon the one or more occurrences of time, the one or more occurrences of time being associated with the one or more virtual goods and the one or more selected recipients, the set of instructions being based on one or more pre-defined calendar templates and including the ability to add at least one personalized image; andtransmit the set of instructions for generating and providing access to the calendar to the calendar generation device.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising using the social media device to provide the one or more selected recipients, through the at least one client device, with a notification of availability of the one or more virtual goods.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising using the social media device to provide the one or more selected recipients with access to the one or more virtual goods after the social media device receives a selected recipient entered code that matches the code provided on the calendar.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising using the social media device to provide the one or more selected recipients with access to the one or more virtual goods automatically upon the one or more selected recipients accessing an electronic account on the social media device associated with the one or more selected recipient.