Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for searching a data repository managed by a content provider to gather indexable metadata on content at addresses locations at the data repository. Settings capable of being customized by the content provider are accessed. The customized settings provide instructions on how to search the content provider's data repository. The content of content pages at the content provider's data repository is accessed in accordance with instructions included in the accessed customized settings. Metadata from accessed content pages is generated and added to an index of metadata for accessed addressable locations at the data repository.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correction of textual information based on locale of the recipient are provided. With the apparatus and method, a user inputs a textual message having locale sensitive information. The textual message is parsed to identify candidate segments that may include locale sensitive information. These segments are then analyzed using one or more rules to identify whether one or more of these candidate segments include locale sensitive information and the type of locale sensitive information that is included in these segments. The locale sensitive information is then converted to a standard representation based on the locale sensitive information and its type. The standardized version of the textual message is then transmitted to the recipient where a similar process occurs. That is, the textual message is again parsed to identify candidate segments that may include locale sensitive information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting objects in a virtual world through the use of inner and outer selection ranges. Inner selection ranges define the distance from an object an avatar must be to trigger a selection event to initiate interaction with the object. Outer selection ranges define the distance from an object an avatar may travel before triggering a de-selection event to the object which terminates interaction with the object. The method and apparatus is defined for implementation in virtual objects or virtual world frameworks.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided which transport a user in a virtual reality environment from a first location to a second location by providing a transportation vehicle that receives the user at the first location, receiving a destination signal from the user which indicates the second location as a destination, transporting the user in the transportation vehicle to the second location independent of any user input, and providing customized information to the user when the user is in the transportation vehicle. The transportation may be inter-world or intra-world. The customized information can take any number of forms such as dynamic visual scenery, audio messages, static visual graphics, video images, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for retrieving documents from multiple document servers into a single client session. Search criteria may be entered within one or more search fields displayed within a search template. Each search field is mapped to respective data fields within various document servers to be searched. When a query is entered by a user into a selected search template, records within document servers that contain data fields mapped to each search field are searched for data matching the entered search criteria. A list of documents having an associated record containing data matching the entered search criteria is displayed within the search template. Upon selection of a displayed record, a document associated with a selected record is displayed within a viewer within the client session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encasing one or more virtual objects in a container for delivery in a virtual world. The container can be opened by automatic time-out, simple manual opening or security-enforced manual opening. The container can hide all or part of the virtual objects, filter events to or from the objects, present advertising information, group multiple objects and enforce access security checkpoints.

Abstract: A technique for alerting users to the existence of an interactive station within a virtual world accessible via the World Wide Web and determining whether the user is authorized to access the interactive station. An indicator is provided within the virtual world which shows to users the location and existence of an interactive station of the virtual world. The user selects the interactive station indicator in order to attempt to gain access to the interactive station. The virtual world may then verify whether the user is authorized to access the interactive station. Further, if the user is authorized to access the interactive station, the virtual world may maintain access to user data during the user's visit to the interactive station and modify the users data in accordance with the users activities therein. Also, the virtual world may use data provided by the user to perform functions in accordance with the users activities during the user's access to the interactive station.

Abstract: A plurality of users in a virtual reality environment are registered over a network to share information. A three dimensional representation of information to be shared over the network is placed into a shared area of the virtual reality environment. The information is then transferred to all of the registered users. The registered users may be listed on a whiteboard visible to all in the environment. The information to be shared may be placed onto a conference table metaphor to indicate it is available for all registered users.

Abstract: Methods, systems and program products are provided which provide dynamic status to a user during the busy cycle of a processing system. The status information may be provided by displaying information to a user of a computer system during performance of an application program on the computer system by formatting the busy cursor to provide dynamic information which is unrelated to the application program in the computer system to the user during the display of the busy cursor. The dynamic information to be displayed to the user may be obtained from a source other than the application program on the computer system. The obtained dynamic information would then be used to format the busy cursor to provide the dynamic information to the user. Multiple information sources may also be utilized and the information display prioritized by a user.