If reports are to be believed, IBM India is mulling a novel 'interface' that will help connect virtual worlds with the real world, and vice versa.

For instance, the 'interface' will help connect a Web cam to a virtual monitor, or an electric appliance to a virtual switch, according to IBM India.

Reportedly, the idea was conceived as part of a recently concluded internship program titled 'Extreme Blue', held over a period of 12 weeks especially for students of IBM India Software Labs. The program saw a participation of nearly 30 students, with one Benjamin Chodroff of Case Western Reserve University, USA, coming up with the novel concept.

Such an 'interface' would spell immense possibilities for virtual worlds like 'Second Life', Chodroff said. The 'interface' would allow users in 'Second Life' to experience real world objects through a new and exciting 'Rich Immersive Environment'.

'Second Life' is a wildly popular virtual world, wherein members interact with each other, trade in properties and services, et al, through animated proxies of themselves that are better known as 'avatars'.

Chodroff hopes his idea will be further developed and marketed with help from 'Big Blue' (read: IBM India).