Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for modifying objects in a virtual universe. A user priority controller determines a real world identity of a set of users controlling a set of avatars within a viewable field of an object in a virtual universe. The user priority controller receives user information describing characteristics of the set of users based on the real world identity of each user in the set of users. The user priority controller generates a temporary and dynamic rule to control modification of the object based on the user information. The user priority controller modifies the object in accordance with the temporary and dynamic rule to increase visibility of the object to an avatar in the set of avatars. The temporary and dynamic rule initiates implementation of geometric and texture modifications to modify the object in accordance with the temporary and dynamic rule.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the process obtains avatar tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object. The range includes a viewable field. In response to the location of the avatar being within the range of the object, the process queries a data structure storing cloning data for a record of a clone of the object. Thereafter, the process instantiates the clone of the object in response to the presence of the record of the clone of the object in the data structure. The process then invokes a set of object methods associated with the record of the clone in the data structure.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying objects. In one embodiment, tracking data is obtained which identifies a location of a set of avatars in relation to a range of the object. The range of the object includes a viewable field. In response to determining that the object requires modification, a size of the object is compared with a set of size constraints to form a comparison. Thereafter, the size of the object is modified based on the comparison to form a set of size modifications.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for floating object transitions. In one embodiment, tracking data identifying a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object in a virtual universe is received. The range comprises a viewable field. In response to the tracking data indicating an occurrence of a trigger condition, a set of flotation rules associated with the trigger condition is identified. An optimal location and orientation of the object is identified for each flotation action in a set of flotation actions associated with the set of flotation rules. The set of flotation actions are initiated to float the object above a surface. The object changes the location and orientation of the object in accordance with the set of flotation actions associated with the set of flotation rules.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for fixed path transitions in a virtual universe environment. In one embodiment, tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object in a virtual universe is received. The range comprises a viewable field. In response to the tracking data indicating an occurrence of a trigger condition associated with a fixed path rule, a fixed path defined by the fixed path rule is identified. A speed of movement and an orientation of the object associated with the fixed path rule is identified. Movement of the object along the fixed path defined by the fixed path rule is initiated. The object then moves along the fixed path at the identified speed and with the orientation associated with the fixed path rule.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for object based avatar tracking. In one embodiment, a range for an object in a virtual universe is identified. The range comprises a viewable field of the object. Avatars in the viewable field of the object are capable of viewing the object. Avatars outside the viewable field of the object are incapable of viewing the object. In response to an avatar coming within the range of the object, an object avatar rendering table is queried for a session associated with the avatar unique identifier and the object unique identifier. The object avatar rendering table comprises a unique identifier of a set of selected objects and unique identifiers for each avatar in a range of a selected object in the set of selected objects. An object initiation process associated with the object is triggered.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying an object. In one embodiment, the process obtains avatar tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object. The range includes a viewable field. The process then calculates modified pixel color values to form a modified color in response to detecting a condition for triggering modification of the object. Thereafter, the process modifies a color of the object to form the modified color when the location of the set of avatars is within the range of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for processing payment options, including consolidation, selection, and secure identification. In one embodiment, multiple payment options such as credit, debit and loyalty cards are registered by a consumer and consolidated into a secure central repository. The consumer securely accesses the central repository over a secure communications channel from a remote access device, such as a point-of sale (POS) terminal at a merchant store, to retrieve and select from one of the available payment methods. Upon selection, additional data sufficient to complete the payment transaction is sent to the POS terminal. The consumer may use a piece of identification and password (e.g., one of the registered cards together with a password or personal identification number) to securely access the multiple payment options. Alternatively, the consumer is identified by using a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint or retina scanner, without need for additional identification.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of using RFID systems to help blind and visually-impaired individuals function efficiently in society without the use of canes and/or seeing-eye dogs are provided. Generally, each object may contain an RFID tag affixed thereto. The tag will include information needed to help a blind or visually-impaired individual. The individual may create a profile within which the individual may have indicated the means to use for conveying the information. It is envisioned that the individual will carry a battery-operated RFID reader for reading information from the RFID tags and for conveying the information in accordance with the conveying means indicated in the profile.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the transmission state of a radio frequency identification transponder. A value in an event indicator is changed upon occurrence of an event. The value in the event indicator is compared to a predetermined value. Responsive to the value in the event indicator equaling the predetermined value, the transmission state of the radio frequency identification transponder is selectively changed between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state activates the radio frequency identification signal transmitted by the radio frequency identification transponder, and wherein the second state deactivates the radio frequency identification signal transmitted by the radio frequency identification transponder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for notifying a telephone speaker engaged in a call or conference that the audio quality being received by one or more listeners is not acceptable. The notice is provided before the call or conference has ended, so that effective action can be taken to continue the conference. Embodiments of the invention can include both automatic and manual methods for informing a participant in a telephone call that audio distortion is occurring. An automated method uses audio sampling and comparative logic, while a manual method is accomplished using phone programming and a key entry sequence. A further embodiment provides means for any participant on a call to verify the audio quality of his or her own telephone.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and a computer program product for prioritizing a participant in a teleconference are provided. Participants in a teleconference are prioritized in order to manage the participants currently speaking and participants wanting to interrupt. A participant has an individual or a group priority level associated with the participant, which is communicated to a teleconference system. When the participant indicates a desire to interrupt a currently speaking participant, the teleconference system compares the priorities of the participant and the currently speaking participant. If the participant has the priority necessary for the interruption, the teleconference system grants the participant an ability to interrupt the teleconference.

Abstract: A system and method for using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags to monitor tire tread wear in vehicles. A Radio Frequency IDentification chip is embedded in a tread of a tire at a radial depth of allowable tire tread wear specified by a manufacturer of the tire. Responsive to embedding the Radio Frequency IDentification chip in the tread, the presence of the Radio Frequency IDentification chip may be detected by polling the Radio Frequency IDentification chip for a signal. If the Radio Frequency IDentification reader fails to detect the signal of the Radio Frequency IDentification chip, a notification that the tire should be replaced is provided.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.