Virtual Item Gifting System with Relationship-Based Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual item systems do not facilitate the gifting of virtual items between users, as purchased items are typically associated with the purchaser and cannot be transferred to others.
Innovation Solution
A system configured to allow users to select and gift virtual items to others with whom they have established virtual space relationships, utilizing a client/server architecture with modules for managing virtual spaces, user accounts, virtual item purchases, and distribution, enabling the transfer of selected virtual items upon payment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual items are associated with the purchaser and cannot be transferred, then the purchaser has full control over the virtual item, but the system cannot facilitate gifting between users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual item's control rights by introducing a distinction between ownership (purchaser retains ownership) and control (can be temporarily transferred to recipient). This allows the item to be both owned by the purchaser and controllable by the recipient simultaneously, enabling gifting while maintaining clear property rights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing predefined control mechanisms and relationships before the gifting transaction occurs. User relationships (friends, guild members, family) are pre-established in the system, and control rules are pre-configured, allowing the gifting process to execute smoothly without complex real-time negotiations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive relationship management system is implemented to enable gifting, then gifting between users is facilitated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal relationship management framework that handles multiple types of user relationships (friends, guild members, family members) through a common structure. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to support various gifting scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for each relationship type, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between the purchaser and recipient. This intermediary layer manages the transfer of control rights, handles the gifting logic, and maintains the relationship data, simplifying the interaction between users while enabling comprehensive relationship management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual items can be gifted to multiple relationship types (friends, guild members, family), then the gifting system becomes more versatile, but the management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by tailoring the gifting experience to each relationship type. Different relationship categories (friends, guild members, family) have specific characteristics and rules applied locally to them, such as appropriate item recommendations or gifting restrictions, while maintaining a unified overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtering and organization of potential recipients by relationship type before the user makes their selection. This pre-organization of users into meaningful groups based on their relationship to the purchaser simplifies the item selection process by presenting relevant options in a structured manner.
Data Source
AI summary
Gifting of virtual items between users of a virtual space may be facilitated. A purchase interface may be presented to a first user. The purchase interface may be configured to receive selection from the first user of (i) a virtual item for purchase, and (ii) one or more users with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship. Responsive to selection by the first user through the purchase interface of a first virtual item and a second user with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship, the first virtual item may be distributed to the second user in the virtual space.