You can freely build on How to Build Complex Database Searches Using Venn Diagrams
This patent expired in 2016. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1999
Expired
2016
Forward citations
859
What this patent covers
This patent describes a way to make database searching more intuitive by using visual icons that resemble Venn diagrams. Instead of typing complex code or SQL queries, a user selects specific regions within these circular icons to define how different data sets should overlap or exclude each other. The system then takes these visual selections and the lines connecting them to build a formal search query that a database can understand. For example, a user could drag or resize parts of a Venn diagram to tell the computer to find records that are in 'Set A' but not in 'Set B', and then link that result to another diagram to further narrow the search.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 5966126 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 text-based query languages like SQL or natural language processing.
Does not cover search interfaces that rely solely on keyword input fields.
Does not cover the underlying database storage or retrieval engine itself.
Does not cover systems that do not use visual icons to represent set inclusion properties.
Who is building on this today
The core concepts are foundational to modern business intelligence platforms like Tableau or Microsoft Power BI, which allow users to filter data sets visually. Many data analytics startups continue to refine these visual query paradigms to make complex data accessible to non-technical business users.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Visual query builders in business intelligence software
Advanced data filtering tools in research databases
Graphical interfaces for set-based data analysis
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 5966126. Graphic user interface for database system. Granted 1999, expired 2016. 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.