Abstract: A technique that reduces the possibility that a message received at a computer terminal during an instant messaging conversation will become accessible to unintended viewers. One embodiment is directed to an arrangement wherein a computer terminal at a first client work station is disposed to receive chat messages from a second client work station during an instant messaging conversation. An apparatus associated with the computer terminal for limiting access to the received chat messages includes a device for attaching a security identifier to each received chat message. A display device at the computer terminal generates a window that selectively provides a specified one of the chat messages in viewable form. A concealment device coupled to the display device is operable to make the specified chat message unviewable on the display device. A component connected to the concealment device activates the concealment device when a prespecified event occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a configuration of client work stations for instant messaging, wherein a participant intending to send a particular segment of chat content can elect to send the segment in an “off the record” mode. Content sent in this mode can be viewed but cannot be copied or saved by other instant messaging participants. The apparatus usefully includes a mode select device operable by the participant at a given station to designate each of a succession of chat content segments generated at the given station to be either for unrestricted use, or for off the record use, selectively. The apparatus further includes a component for applying a first use control message to each of the off the records segments sent from the given station to one or more of the other stations.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for compensating the environmental motion in handheld devices. A sensor unit is affixed to an object in the environment to detect and measure environmental motion. Upon measuring any detected environmental motion, the sensor unit transmits a value corresponding to the measured environmental motion to one or more handheld devices. Alternatively, the sensor unit may transmit the value corresponding to the measured environmental motion to a unit configured to retransmit the value to one or more handheld devices. Upon receiving the value corresponding to the measured environmental motion, the handheld device cancels this environmental motion from the motion it measured thereby taking into consideration only the motion inputted by the user of the handheld device.