Abstract: A compiler has the capability to selectively compile individual portions of a compilable code module for optimum execution performance or for serviceability. In one aspect, individual portions, such as procedures (being less than the entire module) are selectively optimized. In another aspect, debug activity data is used for determining whether or not to optimize compiled code. It is optionally possible to support one or more levels of partial selective optimization.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to the dynamic activation and deactivation of a spell check feature option for instant message chat session features within a virtual environment. As such, the spell check feature can be activated and deactivated within the virtual environment based upon the identity of an engaged party to chat session or the identities of other parties that are in proximity to the chat session parties within the virtual environment.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment find all those breakpoints that meet a selection criteria and add the breakpoints to a breakpoint group. In various embodiments, the selection criteria may be a condition criteria, a hierarchy criteria, or a skipping criteria. In this way, the programmer is freed from needing to individually add breakpoints to the group and all the breakpoints in the group may be enabled, disabled, or removed as a group.

Abstract: A conditional breakpoint for debugging computer programming code includes a condition identifying of one or more expected code paths used to reach the breakpoint. The breakpoint is triggered if it is reached during execution using an unexpected code path. Preferably, an expected code path is identified by specifying the expected preceding breakpoint, by specifying basic code blocks which should or should not be encountered before the breakpoint, or some combination thereof. The expected code path condition may be used alone or in conjunction with any conventional breakpoint condition.

Abstract: A development environment tracks code sections which have been copied and pasted into a code module from a source code section which has not been subjected to certain verifications. In one aspect, if an error in a copied section is later found during a verification process, the programmer is allowed to perform a multi-edit operation, whereby an edited change to a single copy is automatically propagated to multiple copies. In another aspect, the programmer is warned when copying and pasting a code section which has not been verified. Preferably, verification is performed in the process of compiling source into executable object code.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for providing information for avoiding specific users of an immersive virtual environment. Generally, a primary user may specify other users to be avoided in a blacklist. The blacklisted users may be specified to be avoided at all times, or may be specified to be avoided in certain situations. In one embodiment, a user may be added to the blacklist during a specific situation, resulting in the characteristics of the situation being automatically stored in the blacklist. Subsequently, the blacklist may be used to determine the locations of the blacklisted users matching the current situation. The primary user may then avoid the locations having the greatest probability of encountering blacklisted users.

Abstract: A method that associates the first telephone number of a first user with a second telephone number of a second user that has a relationship with the first user; tracks incoming and outgoing telephone calls; and stores a plurality of telephone messages received by the first user. For each telephone message, the method assigns such telephone message to one of first, second, and third groups; and sorts the plurality of telephone messages for playback. By doing so, the telephone messages may be prioritized such that the first user may be able to more quickly determine whether or not the first user should return a telephone message, often reducing the number of unnecessary telephone calls and improving efficiency.

Abstract: A method to trace a variable or other expression through a computer program is disclosed. A user determines the variable and the conditions upon which activity of the variable will be monitored. As a result of the invention, every time that variable is referenced in a memory operation or other activity by the program and the conditions set forth by the user are satisfied, the state of that variable is saved as a snapshot without interrupting or stopping execution of the program. The snapshots are accumulated in a history table. The history table can be retrieved and the state of the variable in any given snapshot can be restored. Other variables and expressions can be attached to the trigger variable and the states of these other variables at the time of the activity of the trigger variable may also be saved in the snapshot. The method may be incorporated into a program as a tracing device or a program product separate from the logical processing device executing the program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for group billing purchasers of transmitted programming events is provided. In one embodiment, a subscriber group includes two or more individual subscribers who receive programming from a programming provider. The individual subscribers periodically elect to view a program provided via the program provider. The program is provided on a pay-per-view basis, meaning that the program provider requires a sum of money to be paid in order to view the program. The sum of money is determined according to the number of viewers in a single subscriber group. In one embodiment, the subscribers interact during a program via a network connection.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a means for the simulating of real world activities within a virtual environment. Information retrieved from locally executing applications (e.g., such as a screen saver, voice over IP phone system, etc.) or sensor information is utilized to deliver messages from a client application to the virtual environment in order to put an avatar in a state that visually indicates that a system user is busy.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment verify that if a selected first link in a first page points to a reciprocal site, then a reciprocal link in a reciprocal page points back to the first page. The verification is performed by finding the reciprocal page and searching it for the reciprocal link. If the reciprocal link does not exist, then in various embodiments, the first link is removed or is removed after a time period has elapsed or a number of times has been exceeded, or a user is warned of the lack of the reciprocal link. In this way, reciprocal links are tracked to verify that the first page is receiving the agreed-upon links.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for generating song playlists for use in an immersive virtual environment. Generally, playlists may be generated based on stored music preference data. The music preference data may be generated by storing user interactions with specific songs. The user interactions may be associated with characteristics of the user's situational context within the virtual world. The music preference data may be indexed by song name, and/or by musical properties. Subsequently, the music preference data may be used to generate a playlist adapted to the user's current situation within the virtual world.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method assess a spam risk associated with submission of a user's private information to an entity such as a web site. For example, the spam risk associated with an entity accessible over an electronic communications medium may be assessed by monitoring an account of a user for receipt of unsolicited communications from the entity in response to the user submitting private information solicited by the entity, and determining a spam risk for the entity based upon the monitoring.

Abstract: A method, an article of manufacture and apparatus for providing user-specific error analysis for a document. Specifically, the invention provides for identifying user-specific proclivities for confusing particular words which, while grammatically correct, are not used as intended by the user. The proclivities are tracked by recording changes made by the user while editing a document. The information collected while tracking the changes is then used to identify problem words to the user at a later period in time.

Abstract: A web server computer system includes a virus checker and mechanisms for checking e-mails and their attachments, downloaded files, and web sites for possible viruses. The virus checker allows a web server to perform virus checking of different types of information real-time as the information is requested by a web client. In addition, a web client may also request that the server perform virus checking on a particular drive on the web client. If this case, the web server may receive information from the web client drive, scan the information for viruses, and inform the web client whether any viruses were found. In the alternative, the web server may download a client virus checker to the web client and cause the client virus checker to be run on the web client. The preferred embodiments thus eliminate the need for virus checking software to be installed on each web client.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for generating song playlists for use in an immersive virtual environment. Generally, playlists may be generated based on stored music preference data. The music preference data may be generated by storing user interactions with specific songs. The user interactions may be associated with characteristics of the user's situational context within the virtual world. The music preference data may be indexed by song name, and/or by musical properties. Subsequently, the music preference data may be used to generate a playlist adapted to the user's current situation within the virtual world.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for generating song playlists for use in an immersive virtual environment. Generally, playlists may be generated based on stored music preference data. The music preference data may be generated by storing user interactions with specific songs. The user interactions may be associated with characteristics of the user's situational context within the virtual world. The music preference data may be indexed by song name, and/or by musical properties. Subsequently, the music preference data may be used to generate a playlist adapted to the user's current situation within the virtual world.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method, system and article of manufacture for operating vending machines. In general, a plurality of vending machines are nodes of a network. Each node is configured to send, receive and process signals carrying inventory, pricing, reservation and/or refund information. In particular, a first signal is sent to one or more nodes requesting inventory/price information from other nodes. Those nodes carrying the product may reply with a second signal. In this manner, the location of vending machines carrying one or more items specified by a customer may be determined. In another embodiment, vending machine items may be reserved from a remote location. In still another embodiment, vending machines may be configured to provide refunds under controlled conditions. A consumer may request a refund in cases where the consumer was improperly charged for goods are services that were not provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method automatically verifies online transactions, such as credit card charges, made by a customer of a bank or financial institution. A browser “plug-in” is used to monitor a first party use of the internet to detect online transactions and create transaction data. The transaction data is forwarded to the financial institution to correlate with transaction data received independently from the other party in the transaction. The financial institution can provide the customer with alerts, such as online purchase warnings, if there are problems or discrepancies between the data from the first party and the data provided by the second party. The transaction data can also be used in other ways to provide information to the financial institution's customers.

Abstract: A debugger inserts instrumentation hooks in a multi-threaded computer program that allow collecting a program trace and that provide timestamps that correspond to the program trace. When a breakpoint in a first thread is encountered, a timestamp corresponding to the breakpoint is retrieved. Execution of the other threads may continue until the debugger is able to halt their execution. Once the execution of all threads has been halted, the program trace for each thread is traced backwards to a point where the timestamp is less than the breakpoint timestamp. Instructions are then executed, one by one, until the execution time of the instructions plus the timestamp is approximately the same as the breakpoint timestamp. The instruction in the program trace display is then highlighted to indicate the instruction that was likely being executed when the breakpoint in the first thread is encountered.