Printed Calendar with Viewing Panel for Virtual Goods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to bridge the gap between virtual and physical gifts, as virtual gifts are intangible and not considered 'real' gifts, and users prefer to give physical gifts that incorporate virtual goods associated with specific occurrences of time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for preparing a printed calendar that associates occurrences of time with virtual goods, allowing selected recipients to access these goods at designated times, by using a calendar server connected to client devices and social media services, which generates a printed calendar with a form sheet and back sheet, where the back sheet has graphical representations of virtual goods visible through a viewing panel aligned with the form sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual goods are given as electronic gifts, then the delivery is fast and convenient, but the gift is intangible and not considered a real gift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical calendar as an intermediary object that bridges the gap between virtual and physical gift-giving. The calendar contains hidden compartments or viewable areas that reveal virtual good codes or information, allowing the gift to be both physically tangible and functionally virtual. This mediator transforms the intangible electronic gift into a tangible physical object while preserving the virtual good's redeemability.
2Ease of operation
If virtual goods are made accessible at any time, then the accessibility is high, but the perceived value and excitement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-locked access mechanisms where virtual goods are made available only after specific dates or events. The physical calendar structure naturally enforces this timing, as recipients must wait for the appropriate date to reveal or access the associated virtual good. This preliminary timing action builds anticipation and maintains perceived value while still providing eventual accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic revelation of virtual goods tied to calendar dates, creating a rhythm of anticipation and fulfillment. Each date on the calendar represents a periodic opportunity to access a virtual good, transforming continuous accessibility into structured, periodic access that maintains excitement and perceived value while ensuring eventual accessibility.
3Quantity of substance
If a physical calendar is created to represent virtual goods, then the tangibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calendar into discrete segments or compartments, each corresponding to a specific date or event and containing or representing a particular virtual good. This segmentation allows the complex information about multiple virtual goods to be organized into simple, manageable physical sections, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining tangibility. Each segment can be independently accessed or revealed.
Data Source
AI summary
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.