Virtual credit in simulated environments
First Claim
1. A system for credit arrangements in a virtual world environment comprising:
- a virtual charge card server configured to provide a virtual credit account to a user in the virtual world environment;
computerized apparatus including a memory and a processor configured to maintain information regarding a virtual credit transaction in the virtual world environment involving a debt or obligation posted to the virtual credit account, wherein the virtual credit transaction involves one or more purchases by the user of one or more of various virtual products, virtual services and virtual items; and
a bi-directional user interface programmed to exchange informational messages between the user and the computerized apparatus regarding one or more virtual credit account terms associated with said one or more purchases, and programmed to facilitate a transition by the user to an actual financial account from the virtual credit account based on user completion of one or more performance benchmarks in the virtual world environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system provides for the use of credit arrangements in simulated environments. A user can participate in credit transactions involving purchases of virtual products, virtual services, and virtual items of value. Feedback is provided to the user regarding results of the credit transactions. In some embodiments multiple users can make simulated purchases or incur simulated credit obligations that are posted to virtual accounts, and the multiple users can also make simulated compensation against balances due or obligations owed for said virtual accounts. The user is also provided with an opportunity of engaging in real-world financial transactions related to the virtual credit arrangement. In some implementations of the system and method, multiple players at different locations can use virtual charge accounts and/or real world financial accounts in connection with arranging or resolving a virtual credit transaction.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A system for credit arrangements in a virtual world environment comprising:
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a virtual charge card server configured to provide a virtual credit account to a user in the virtual world environment; computerized apparatus including a memory and a processor configured to maintain information regarding a virtual credit transaction in the virtual world environment involving a debt or obligation posted to the virtual credit account, wherein the virtual credit transaction involves one or more purchases by the user of one or more of various virtual products, virtual services and virtual items; and a bi-directional user interface programmed to exchange informational messages between the user and the computerized apparatus regarding one or more virtual credit account terms associated with said one or more purchases, and programmed to facilitate a transition by the user to an actual financial account from the virtual credit account based on user completion of one or more performance benchmarks in the virtual world environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification