Abstract: An initial distribution list is dynamically modified using criteria determined from the current entries in the list. After an originator generates a distribution list and prior to submission of the message to entries on the generated list, the method of the present invention examines the entries in the created distribution list. From this list, the invention identifies features of the entries. From these features, the method generates criteria that can be used to generate additional entries that may be included in the list. In one approach, the generated criteria are presented to the user for review and approval. If the originator approves the criteria, the generated list is modified to add additional entries to the distribution based on the generated criteria. If the originator rejects the criteria, the initially generated list is submitted and the message is sent to the entries on the initial list.

Abstract: A process of segmenting a single email so that portions of it may be directed to or away from select recipients is disclosed. The sender highlights portions of the email and right clicks (or key command, button, or menu item) and selects an option to select recipients. The operator interface then provides the sender with the option of selecting recipients from their address book or the server's address book. To speed the process along, the sender may select those already on the To, Cc, or Bcc distribution lists. The sender then selects whether those chosen will receive the highlighted portion or if they will be excluded from receiving it. Lastly, the sender will have the option of providing text that is unique to each of the selected groups.

Abstract: A system for verifying and updating a telephone number. After dialing a telephone number, a contact name and a timestamp in a service provider database is compared with a contact name and a timestamp in a storage device. If the contact name in the service provider database does not match the contact name in the storage device and the timestamp in the service provider database is not more recent than the timestamp in the storage device, a determination is made as to whether the service provider database indicates that a new telephone number is associated with the contact name. If a new telephone number is indicated for the contact name, the service provider database is queried for the new telephone number and the dialed telephone number is routed to the new telephone number. Also, the storage device is updated with the new telephone number.

Abstract: A system for verifying and updating a telephone number across service providers. After dialing a telephone number, a contact name and a timestamp in a central repository is compared with a contact name and a timestamp in a storage device. If the contact name in the central repository does not match the contact name in the storage device and the timestamp in the central repository is not more recent than the timestamp in the storage device, a determination is made as to whether the central repository indicates that a new telephone number is associated with the contact name. If a new telephone number is indicated for the contact name, the central repository is queried for the new telephone number. In response to the new telephone number being found, the dialed telephone number is routed to the new telephone number. Also, the storage device is updated with the new telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying emergency responders, family, and other contact parties of an urgent vehicle condition such as a breakdown or crash, by using a short-range wireless communicator mounted on the vehicle to employ a peer-to-peer communications capability to find and co-opt a nearby long-range communication device, such as a Bluetooth enabled phone, which is not mounted on the vehicle, such as a passer's-by telephone. The invention obtains authorization from the co-opted device to use it as a forwarding proxy, and transmits a notification message to one or more parties, such as emergency dispatchers, family members, etc., via the short-range link to the co-opted device, which then transmits the message to the recipient via the long-range network, such as via a telephone network.

Abstract: An email recovery system and method. The method comprises receiving by a server system, an email from a sender. The email comprises a message for a recipient. The email is archived with a plurality of emails saved on said server system. A first copy of the email is sent to the recipient. The first copy is now unavailable to the recipient. A request to query the plurality of emails in order to search for the email is received by the server system from the recipient. The server system authenticates the request and the recipient. The server system queries the plurality of emails. The email is located as a result of the querying. The server system sends a second copy of the email to the recipient.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a computerized system for providing an IP framework, including a storage component, a user interface, and a reporting module. The storage component includes a collection of database tables having a capability field and keyword field. The database tables include data from a strategic planning computer module, an invent computer module, an IP creation computer module, an IP administration computer module, a defend computer module, an influence computer module, and a capitalize computer module. The user interface receives as input, an invention disclosure and/or a configuration file for an IP capability. The reporting module processes the input in the storage component and produces the IP framework.

Abstract: A system and method for storing IM text in a repository where it can be searched by topic or participant based filters is disclosed. The repository may be a centralized database on the server side or it may be distributed in the client environment. The system comprises an IM Topic (IMT) program, an IM Filter (IMF) program, an IM save program (IMS), and an IM automatic alert (IMAL) program. The IMT program assigns topic tags to turns and topic shifts in the IM conversation. The IMF program searches the repository based on user selection of filters as well as full text search. There may be any number of topic tags. The IMS program automatically scans IM transcripts for topic tags and identifiers and saves transcripts or transcript segments that match pre-selected topic tags or identifiers to the repository.

Abstract: Parties are automatically notified mounting a controller and a peer-to-peer short-range wireless communicator on a vehicle; responsive to a vehicle urgency, pinging by the short-range communicator a long-range communication device within peer-to-peer range, the long-range device being capable of delivering a notification to a party via a wireless network which has a longer range than the peer-to-peer range, and being physically detached from the vehicle; receiving a message indicating that user authorization is required; sending a request for authorization; receiving temporary authorization to co-opt the long-range communications device to deliver the emergency notification message via the wireless network; and sending the emergency notification message from the short-range wireless communicator through the co-opted long- range communication device first over the peer-to-peer communications and second over the wireless network, to a hotline service.

Abstract: An initial distribution list is dynamically modified using criteria determined from the current entries in the list. After an originator generates a distribution list and prior to submission of the message to entries on the generated list, the method of the present invention examines the entries in the created distribution list. From this list, the invention identifies features of the entries. From these features, the method generates criteria that can be used to generate additional entries that may be included in the list. In one approach, the generated criteria are presented to the user for review and approval. If the originator approves the criteria, the generated list is modified to add additional entries to the distribution based on the generated criteria. If the originator rejects the criteria, the initially generated list is submitted and the message is sent to the entries on the initial list.

Abstract: A method, product, and system are directed to selective distribution of a virtual universe in a virtual universe. In one embodiment, permission is granted to access the virtual universe, whereby a user navigates to a region. Metadata is detected in a user's profile. A virtual universe object is detected in the region. The virtual universe object includes a tag, which includes one or more fields. The tag and the metadata are compared. A level of similarity is detected between the tag and the metadata in the user's profile. Responsive to detecting the level of similarity between the fields included with the tag and the metadata in the user's profile, the virtual universe object is presented to the user. Either an acceptance or a rejection of the virtual universe object is received. Responsive to receiving an acceptance, the virtual universe object is included in the user's inventory.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for issuing an alert when a method of a live demonstration deviates from demonstration simulation actions. A computer receives a command to commence a demonstration simulation. During the demonstration simulation, capture logic of a computer is initialized. The capture logic records events of the demonstration simulation. When a live demonstration subsequently initiated, demonstration verification logic of the computer continually monitors, in real-time, events of the live demonstration and compares the events to the previously recorded events captured during the demonstration simulation. In response to detecting that a live demonstration has deviated from the recorded demonstration simulation method, the demonstration verification logic issues a non-invasive alert. The non-invasive alert may be issued using visual, audible, or vibration feedback cues in such manner that an audience observing the live demonstration is un-aware of the non-invasive alert.

Abstract: A probability that a selected point of interest is accessible to customers for commercial transactions is determined. In response to receiving a mailing address of a selected candidate point of interest and a calculated estimated time of arrival, it is determined whether the mailing address of the selected candidate point of interest is stored in a data storage device. In response to determining that the mailing address of the selected candidate point of interest is stored in the data storage device, a percentage probability that the selected candidate point of interest is accessible to customers for commercial transactions at the calculated estimated time of arrival is assigned based on utility usage data and a confidence level associated with the utility usage data stored in the data storage device. The percentage probability that the selected candidate point of interest is accessible to customers for commercial transactions is sent via the network.

Abstract: A primary broadcast receiver is automatically tuned by a secondary broadcast receiver receiving a first broadcast signal corresponding to a source of an origin program by program transition detectors detecting monochrome interprogram dead frame or closed captioning for the hearing impaired text words according to user-specified tune conditions; by a tuner controller enabling the secondary broadcast receiver and a program transition detector to begin monitoring a first broadcast signal currently tuned by the primary broadcast receiver, while allowing tuning of the primary broadcast receiver by a user, and by automatically tuning the primary broadcast receiver to the first broadcast signal upon signal by the program transition detector that one or more of the user-specific tune conditions have been met.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying object styles in a virtual universe. An object is rendered in accordance with a first contextual style template from a plurality of contextual style templates. The first contextual style template comprises first geometric and texture data to display the object with a first style. In response to detecting a set of contextual changes associated with the object, a second contextual style template is identified from the plurality of contextual style templates. The set of contextual changes triggers implementation of the second contextual style template to change the first style of the object to a second style. The object is rendered in accordance with second geometric and texture data in the second contextual style template to form a modified object, wherein the modified object is displayed with the second style.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for enhancing the usability of web browsers by analyzing the recent behavior of an operator while executing a search pattern on a computer network. In particular, a browser enhancement utility provides web browsers with the ability to store (for a limited time period) search terms used in a variety of web search patterns. The browser enhancement utility employs ranking algorithms to identify the relationships between searches and a ranking and matching algorithm to utilize stored search terms to find (text) matches in a web document. When the browser displays web pages after a search has occurred, the browser enhancement utility utilizes these matches in order to take actions to enhance document usability. These actions include: Highlighting terms that have been recently searched for; pre-selecting matching terms from drop down boxes or radio buttons; and focusing a web page to relevant sections of text.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automatically detecting display sharing, setting display sharing status, and generating alerts in instant messaging. If the display is shared, the present invention intercepts an instant message before it is displayed and generates alerts to senders. Senders have options to display the message, delete the message, or allow the message to be queued until display is no longer shared. Alternatively, if the sender's instant messaging application supports the functionality, the mechanism of the present invention may present the user with options to display the message or allow the message to be queued until display is no longer shared without sending an alert message. A privacy list of contacts may be automatically built when integrated with a calendar system for controlling instant messaging access and behavior.

Abstract: A method and system for redisplaying or re-presenting an instant message. An instant message is received at a client and stored in a repository. The instant message is displayed in a first window which is provided by the client, and which is viewable by a user of the client. Alternatively, the message is converted to another format (e.g., speech) capable of being comprehended by the user via a non-visual sense, and presented to the user. The message is identified as being unread (or not comprehended) by the user based on pre-defined criteria. Detection of a pre-defined action prompts a search of the repository for any message identified as unread (or not comprehended). The message is located in the repository based on the search. Automatically, the message is redisplayed in a second window viewable by the user, or the message is re-presented to the user.

Abstract: Web pages transmitted from a server to a web browser have at least two scripts and an AJAX-technique web page update command monitoring and collecting script error conditions, and for data exchange between the browser and a server to dynamically update the web pages without interruption of interaction flow caused by a full page refresh action. An browser AJAX engine executes the update commands, intercepts script calls to the server, converts the calls to HTTP requests, receives XML data from the server, and delivers corresponding web page and cascading style sheets to the browser for display and interpretation, using a background channel asynchronous connection to send a non-cacheable error message to an error processing server.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and computer program product for protecting a pre-filled user input field on a returned webpage from an accidental overwrite. The method identifies the pre-filled input field by detecting a mouseover. In response to a user command to change the state of the pre-filled input field, the method changes an initially unlocked pre-filled input field to a locked state or changes an initially locked pre-filled input field to an unlocked state.