[JDEV] Re: AOL Patents IM

[Robert Fenney]

If you want some original work in the early 80's and earlier - look at 
the Military systems PLARS, AWACKS,  and JTIDS (I probably don't 
remember the acronyms correctly). These systems were designed to monitor 
and track both fried and fo within a combat arena. They also monitor the 
presents and movements in real-time with messages going all over the 
place telling everyone that needs to know( and with the security).

I don't know what the security rating is on this information but these 
projects should invalidate these patents as well as a number of other 
eCommerce and telecom patents. If you want prior art you should start 
looking into the mils, NASA, and other government development systems, 
you will find early version of what we think is new but that the 
internet is providing the needed infrastructure to make practical.

Robert