Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for automating information sharing and propagation of control commands and events between software objects created in Web applications and 3D virtual world objects created in virtual world applications. A relationship is created to link a Web object with one or more virtual world objects, or to link a virtual world object with one or more Web objects. A Web application may retrieve the meta-data of one or more virtual world objects or send commands or events to manipulate one or more virtual world objects to which a Web object within the Web application is linked. A virtual world system may retrieve the meta-data of one or more Web objects or send commands or events to manipulate one or more Web objects to which a virtual world object within the virtual world system is linked.

Abstract: Generating popularity ratings for virtual world artifacts based on how often and in what manner avatars access the artifacts is provided. The popularity ratings for virtual world artifacts may be used to determine what virtual world artifacts are selected to have a prominent presence in a virtual world. When an event caused by an avatar accessing a virtual world artifact in a virtual world is detected, the illustrative embodiments receive information about the event, such as the event type, the avatar identifier (ID), and the time the event occurred. The illustrative embodiments generate a rating score for the virtual world artifact based on the information received about the event. The illustrative embodiments update a rendering of the virtual world artifact in the virtual world based on the rating score.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus in which recyclable materials are collected, analyzed, crushed, sorted and stored; interactive media content is displayed and coupons are printed, wherein the content is selected based upon location, material collected, user information, user responses, and other variables; information about the user, user responses, materials received and other variables are stored in memory; and rewards for providing recyclable materials are given to the user in the form of points, coupons, and/or cash.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus to generate popularity ratings for virtual world artifacts based on how often and in what manner avatars access the artifacts. The popularity ratings for virtual world artifacts may be used to determine what virtual world artifacts are selected to have a prominent presence in a virtual world. When an event caused by an avatar accessing a virtual world artifact in a virtual world is detected, the illustrative embodiments receive information about the event, such as the event type, the avatar identifier (ID), and the time the event occurred. The illustrative embodiments generate a rating score for the virtual world artifact based on the information received about the event. The illustrative embodiments update a rendering of the virtual world artifact in the virtual world based on the rating score.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for automating information sharing and propagation of control commands and events between software objects created in Web applications and 3D virtual world objects created in virtual world applications. A relationship is created to link a Web object with one or more virtual world objects, or to link a virtual world object with one or more Web objects. A Web application may retrieve the meta-data of one or more virtual world objects or send commands or events to manipulate one or more virtual world objects to which a Web object within the Web application is linked. A virtual world system may retrieve the meta-data of one or more Web objects or send commands or events to manipulate one or more Web objects to which a virtual world object within the virtual world system is linked.

Abstract: A method for selling entertainment such as music, movies, videos, and personal messages which includes the steps of receiving a music choice from a user, transferring the chosen music to a remote terminal such as a personal computer, storing information regarding the music choice, and receiving payment for the music from a debit system. The method may also use the stored information to determine royalties and adjust pricing for the purchase of subsequent entertainment. The method may also include receiving payment for the entertainment from a prepaid account.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computing system which contains a plurality of subunits. Each subunit contains a computing subcomponent and a subunit supervisor subcomponent. The subunit supervisor component monitors functions of the subunit and output signals corresponding to the monitored functions. The plurality of subunits are contained within a housing. The housing contains a housing supervisor subunit which receives the output signals of each of the plurality of subunits. The supervisor subunit outputs the accumulated signals to an input/output device for monitoring the plurality of subunits and for sending commands to each subunit.