Abstract: A method for facilitating a search for an object in a three-dimensional simulation can be provided. The method can include receiving from a user at least one search parameter corresponding to an object and executing a search for the object based on the at least one search parameter. The method can further include generating a list of search results, wherein each search result corresponds to an object in the three-dimensional simulation and receiving from the user a selection corresponding to a first object in the list of search results. The method can further include transporting an avatar of the user to a location of the first object and displaying a visual indicator of a position of the first object in the three-dimensional simulation, wherein the visual indicator is distinct from the first object and wherein the visual indicator is not viewed by other users.

Abstract: A server to implement human response tests of graduated difficulty can suppress access by spambots. The server includes a network interface and a test controller. The network interface connects the server to a network and facilitates electronic communications between the server and a client computer coupled to the network. The test controller is coupled to the network interface. The test controller implements a human response test with a level of difficulty on the client computer in response to an access request by the client computer. The level of difficulty of the human response test is dependent on a determination whether the access request is deemed to originate from a spambot.

Abstract: A server to implement human response tests of graduated difficulty can suppress access by spambots. The server includes a network interface and a test controller. The network interface connects the server to a network and facilitates electronic communications between the server and a client computer coupled to the network. The test controller is coupled to the network interface. The test controller implements a human response test with a level of difficulty on the client computer in response to an access request by the client computer. The level of difficulty of the human response test is dependent on a determination whether the access request is deemed to originate from a spambot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for mapping a real-world object to a virtual object in a virtual world. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for mapping a real-world object to a virtual object in a virtual world can include, generating a view to a virtual world for a participant to a virtual world and rendering an avatar for the participant in the view to the virtual world, locating a geographic position of a real-world object outside of the virtual world, mapping the located geographic position to a location in the virtual world, and displaying a counterpart representation of the real-world object in the view at the mapped location in the virtual world.

Abstract: A metaverse system and method for dynamically enacting syntax-based gestures in association with a metaverse application. The metaverse system includes a metaverse server and a semantic gesturing engine. The metaverse server executes a metaverse application. The metaverse application allows metaverse application allows a user on the client computer to enter a metaverse virtual world as an avatar via a metaverse client viewer. The semantic gesturing engine is coupled to the metaverse server and identifies a verbal communication from the avatar within the metaverse application, dynamically selects a gesture associated with the verbal communication in response to a determination that an association exists between the verbal communication and the gesture, and dynamically executes the selected gesture to cause the avatar to enact the selected gesture in conjunction with conveying the verbal communication.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a first user and a second user to converse privately in a public place in a metaverse application. The metaverse system includes a metaverse server and a privacy engine. The metaverse server executes a metaverse application. The metaverse application includes a metaverse virtual world that enables a first user to interact with a second user in a public place of the metaverse virtual world. The privacy engine is coupled to the metaverse server. The privacy engine recognizes a private conversation trigger and creates a virtual private space in the public place of the metaverse virtual world in response to the private conversation trigger. The virtual private space facilitates a private audio conversation between the first user and the second user within the public place of the metaverse virtual world.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-usable medium is provided for using graphical objects to automate the definition of search queries submitted to an information management system. A search query is defined using a plurality of predetermined search terms represented as graphical objects within a user interface. The search query is structured by spatially referencing the graphical objects to a first area of the user interface, which results in their associated search terms being submitted to an information management system. The results of the search query are then presented in a second area of the user interface. The graphical objects comprise predetermined classifications of information content segmented by the implementation of display attributes. The display attributes depict the information content's source, quantity, format or chronology.