You can freely build on Prodigy's System for Interactive Online Information and Shopping

What this patent covers

This patent describes a 'reception system' for an interactive computer network, designed to present 'partitioned applications' offering information and transactional services to users. The system includes 'input means' to receive user requests, 'storage means' to hold 'objects' (data and program instructions) needed for applications, and 'object processing means' to interpret these objects. If required objects are not stored locally, 'communication means' fetch them from the network. For example, a user requesting news might trigger the system to retrieve specific news article objects and display program instructions, some of which might be temporarily stored on their personal computer for faster access.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 5347632 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover interactive computer networks that do not use 'objects' with a prescribed structure for data and program instructions.

• Does not cover systems where all application logic and data reside entirely on the user's local computer without fetching 'objects' from a network.

• Does not cover networks that lack a mechanism for monitoring user characteristics to generate and display specific advertisements.

• Does not cover peer-to-peer networks, as it describes a 'reception system' within an 'interactive computer network' implying a client-server model.

• Does not cover systems where the 'reception system' is not capable of retaining 'objects' between requests for partitioned applications.

Who is building on this today

While Prodigy itself is no longer active, the fundamental concepts described in this patent are foundational to modern computing. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft build on these ideas with their cloud services, distributed applications, and personalized content delivery. The principle of distributing application components and data between client devices and remote servers is a cornerstone of today's internet.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Prodigy Services Co. US Patent 5347632. Reception system for an interactive computer network and method of operation. Granted 1994, expired 2011. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.