US20130339172A1 - Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130339172A1 US20130339172A1 US13/971,209 US201313971209A US2013339172A1 US 20130339172 A1 US20130339172 A1 US 20130339172A1 US 201313971209 A US201313971209 A US 201313971209A US 2013339172 A1 US2013339172 A1 US 2013339172A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- live
- auction
- online
- bid
- person
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/08—Auctions
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to the fields of auctioning and online commerce. More particularly, the invention relates to an online live auction format that combines features of both Internet and traditional, real world auctions.
- the live auction includes a live, in-person auction component and a real-time online bidding environment component.
- bidding information associated with an item in the online bidding environment is updated to reflect a current bid associated with the item in the live, in-person auction.
- a bid is accepted from an online bidder in the online environment that reflects the online bidder's bid price for the item.
- the system bids on behalf of the online bidder against one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person auction.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified view of an exemplary client-server environment in which the live auction may occur according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 2A-2C depict exemplary online live auction site screens that allows online bidders to participate in a live auction according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2D depicts a seller console according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2E depicts a Live Auction Site Information Architecture according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is an example of a computer system upon which one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented.
- FIG. 4 is a high level illustration of the interaction between various devices and processes according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary high-level system architecture implementation of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates the stages of a live auction according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A-7C are flow diagrams illustrating live auction processing according exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
- a method and apparatus are described for carrying out a live auction that combines various features of traditional and online auctions, thereby enabling real-time online bids in a live, in-person auction.
- a live auction that combines various features of traditional and online auctions, thereby enabling real-time online bids in a live, in-person auction.
- a live auction combines various features of traditional and Internet auctions (also referred to as online auctions).
- traditional and Internet auctions also referred to as online auctions.
- online users are provided access to catalog information for searching and viewing of items available in the live, in-person auction.
- any absentee bids are accepted from the online users for items available in the live, in-person auction.
- the live, in-person auction begins.
- bidding information is updated on the online auction site as bids from online bidders as well as live bidders are submitted to the live, in-person auction.
- the item is awarded to the highest bidder.
- An auction house such as for example Butterfields, conducts the live, in-person auction.
- the reach of traditional auctions may be expanded via the Internet, thereby enabling real-time online bidding in a live, in-person auction.
- the steps of the present invention are embodied in machine-executable instructions.
- the instructions can be used to cause a general purpose or special-purpose processor that is programmed with the instructions to perform the steps of the present invention.
- the steps of the present invention might be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and custom hardware components.
- the present invention may be provided as a computer program product which may include a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present invention.
- the machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnet or optical cards, flash memory, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.
- the present invention may also be downloaded as a computer program product, wherein the program may be transferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requesting computer (e.g., a client) by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium via a communication link (e.g., a modem or network connection).
- a remote computer e.g., a server
- a requesting computer e.g., a client
- a communication link e.g., a modem or network connection
- FIG. 1 is a simplified view of an exemplary client-server environment, such as the World Wide Web (the Web), in which the online portion of a live auction may take place.
- the architecture of the Web follows a conventional client-server model.
- client and server are used to refer to a computer's general role as a requester of data (the client) or provider of data (the server).
- Web clients 105 and Web servers 110 communicate using a protocol such as HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
- HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
- Web browsers reside on clients and render Web documents (pages) served by the Web servers.
- the client-server model is used to communicate information between clients 105 and servers 110 .
- Web servers 110 are coupled to the Internet 100 and respond to document requests and/or other queries from Web clients 105 .
- a Web browser When a user selects a document by submitting its Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, opens a connection to a server 110 and initiates a request (e.g., an HTTP get) for the document.
- the server 110 delivers the requested document, typically in the form of a text document coded in a standard markup language such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML).
- HTML HyperText Markup Language
- FIG. 2A is an exemplary online live auction site screen that allows online bidders to participate in a live, in-person auction.
- Live Auction Screen provides a listing of all catalogs available in various live, in person auctions in which the online user may bid. From the Live Auction screen 200 , the online user is forwarded to various screens that will allow the user to search and view items, listen or view live, in-person auctions and submit real-time bids in the live, in-person auctions.
- FIG. 2B is an exemplary online live auction site screen that allows online bidders to participate in a live, in-person auction.
- category listings screen 210 is presented with a textual list of items 2 12 .
- each item 214 ( 214 - 1 , 214 - 2 , . . . , 214 - 6 ) includes a hypertext link 216 ( 216 - 1 , 216 - 2 , . . . , 216 - 6 ) having a picture of the item, a title, a brief description, a high/low estimate and a starting price.
- a subsequent screen displays the item and allows the online user to enter an absentee bid for the item 210 , when the user will be unavailable during the live, in-person auction.
- an absentee bidding system may bid on behalf of the absentee bidder as necessary by increasing the online bidder's bid by the current bid increment until the absentee bid is reached.
- the absentee bidder need not keep track of the auction as it proceeds and is assured he/she will not be outbid at the last minute—unless the absentee bid is exceeded. However, once the absentee bid is exceeded, the absentee bidder has no chance to win the item.
- FIG. 2C is an exemplary online live auction site screen that allows online bidders to submit bids in a live, in-person auction.
- an online bidder makes a request to participate in the live, in-person auction
- the user is directed to a real-time event screen 220 .
- the real time event screen 220 is automatically updated to reflect the current lot on sale and also includes the name of the seller and the catalog.
- a lot refers to one item or a group of items that will be auctioned together as part of a sale.
- Screen 220 also includes the following: a lot number, a lot picture, current price, current high bidder, bid button for automatic bids, bid box for bids above the current price, amount of absentee bid previously placed by any user, on/off button for live webcasts, a promotional message, link to the corrigenda (announcements), titles of next three supporting lots, and the current time.
- the real-time event screen 220 enables online bidders to either view or listen to the live, in-person auction.
- the online bidder selects an audio or audio/video stream is sent to the online bidder's computer.
- the stream is originated at the auction house and generally captures the auctioneer's actions.
- the audio stream is provided in, for example, Windows or Real Player formats. Implementation details regarding video and audio streaming over the Internet are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not provided herein.
- FIG. 2D depicts an exemplary floor/internet live auction interface (seller console) 260 .
- the live auction seller console 260 allows sellers to accept and communicate Internet bids, update current bid, and call prices and allows opening and closing of lots.
- the seller console 260 allows bidders, whether on the floor or on the Internet, to participate in the live in-person auction simultaneously and on equal footing.
- FIG. 2E depicts the Live Auction Site Information Architecture 280 .
- the information architecture is provided as an exemplary high level map for navigation of the Live Auction screen 200 , as described above. From the Live Auction screen 200 , the users may browse or search items, registers for Live Auction, or seek help. Browsing and search of items eventually leads the user to the category listing screen 210 , as described above. Once a live, in-person auction begins, the user may submit real-time online bids via the real-time event screen, as described above.
- Computer system 300 representing an exemplary server in which features of the present invention may be implemented will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 .
- Computer system 300 comprises a bus or other communication means 301 for communicating information, and a processing means such as processor 302 coupled with bus 301 for processing information.
- Computer system 300 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device 304 (referred to as main memory), coupled to bus 301 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 302 .
- Main memory 304 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processor 302 .
- Computer system 300 also comprises a read only memory (ROM) and/or other static storage device 306 coupled to bus 301 for storing static information and instructions for processor 302 .
- ROM read only memory
- a data storage device 307 such as a magnetic disk or optical disc and its corresponding drive may also be coupled to computer system 300 for storing information and instructions.
- Computer system 300 can also be coupled via bus 301 to a display device 321 , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for displaying information to a computer user.
- a display device 321 such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
- an alphanumeric input device 322 may be coupled to bus 301 for communicating information and/or command selections to processor 302 .
- cursor control 323 such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 302 and for controlling cursor movement on display 321 .
- a communication device 325 is also coupled to bus 301 for accessing remote servers via the Internet, for example.
- the communication device 325 may include a modem, a network interface card, or other commercially available network interface devices, such as those used for coupling to an Ethernet, token ring, or other type of network.
- the computer system 300 may be coupled to a number of clients and/or other servers via a conventional network infrastructure, such as a company's Intranet and/or the Internet, for example.
- FIG. 4 is a high level illustration of the interaction between various devices and processes according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- an online, live auction site system 400 may comprise one or more listing servers 410 .
- the listing servers 410 include a listing management process 415 , an absentee bidding process 425 , a real-time bidding process 430 and a live auction interface 435 .
- Clients 440 interact with the listing management process 4 15 and the absentee bidding process 425 to view information about items for sale in the live, in-person auction and submit absentee bids, respectively.
- the listing management process 415 interacts with online bidders and provides them with catalog information about the items in which they are interested.
- the listing management process 415 may support a text-based item listing format, such as that depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B , and/or a GalleryTM presentation format that includes thumbnail images of the items for sale as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/177,726, entitled “Information Presentation and Management in an 25 Online Trading Environment” and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. (GALLERY is a trademark of eBay Inc. of San Jose, Calif.).
- the absentee bidding process 425 tracks bids submitted by online bidders for the items 210 available in the live, in-person auction. Based upon the bid amounts received, the absentee bidding process 425 selects an absentee bid as the second highest absentee bid received plus a one bid increment amount as listed in a bid increment table provided by the seller.
- the live auction interface 435 provides an interface that updates bidding information associated with an item in the online environment to reflect a current bid associated with the item in the live, in-person auction.
- a real-time bidding process 430 accepts bids from the online bidders, via the live auction interface, reflecting the online bidder's bid price for the item, and bids on behalf of the online bidder against one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person auction.
- the real-time bidding process 430 in conjunction with the live auction interface 435 enables real-time online bidding in the live, in-person auction
- the listing servers 410 are generally discussed as if they were a single device, in actuality, the listing servers 410 may comprise multiple physical and/or logical devices connected in a distributed architecture, and the various functions performed may actually be distributed among multiple devices. For example, any function can be implemented on any number of machines or on a single machine. Also, any process may be divided across multiple machines.
- FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary high-level system architecture implementation 450 of the Live Auction System 400 .
- the exemplary system architecture 450 incorporates various aspects of FIGS. 1 , 3 and 4 .
- Online user 105 ( 105 - 1 , 105 - 1 , . . . , 105 - 4 ) interaction with the live auction system 400 as well as auction house 490 interaction with the live auction system 400 is depicted.
- An audio server 480 for providing a webcast to online bidders during the live, in-person auction is also depicted.
- the system architecture 450 is illustrated to provide a high level view of the various components required to implement the live auction system 400 . Specific implementation details are provided above with reference to FIGS. 1 , 3 and 4 , as well as the knowledge available to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.
- FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates the stages of a live auction according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- a live auction comprises three separate and distinct stages: a pre-auction stage 530 , a real-time bidding stage 540 , and an end auction stage 550 .
- a pre-auction stage 530 online users are allowed to search and view items available during the live, in-person auction.
- online users that will be unavailable to submit real time bids during the live, in-person auction may submit absentee bids.
- An absentee bid 510 will be chosen from the absentee bids received during the pre-auction stage 530 and submitted during the live, in-person auction as described below.
- FIG. 6 depicts a final absentee bid 510 chosen in the amount of $50,000.
- the choice of a final absentee bid 5 10 signals the beginning of the real-time bidding stage 540 .
- online bidders bid against other online bidders as well as one or more live bidders that are present at the live, in-person auction.
- a final bid amount 520 is accepted that exceeds the absentee bid 510 received during the pre-auction stage 530 and signals the beginning of the end-of-auction stage 550 .
- an online user that enters the final bid is notified via e-mail.
- the live auction begins with the pre-auction absentee bidding stage 530 in which absentee bids are submitted by online users.
- the pre-auction bidding stage 602 continues until the start of the live, in-person auction at step 616 .
- the live auction system 400 bids on behalf of any online bidders against one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person auction at step 620 , thereby enabling real-time online bidding in the live, in-person auction. Online bids are placed by the live auction system 400 until the live, in-person auction terminates at step 636 .
- the item for bid is awarded to the highest bidder.
- FIG. 7B depicts additional method steps 604 for implementing the pre-auction absentee bidding stage 530 of step 602 .
- the pre-auction online bidding stage 530 begins with the receipt of any online absentee bids. As described above, the receipt of absentee bids is optional and is not required for the implementation of the live auction.
- an absentee bid is received and compared with any current absentee bids received by the live auction system.
- the current absentee bid is updated to equal the current absentee bid plus a bid increment provided by the seller in a bid increment table.
- step 612 if the online absentee bid received at step 606 is greater than a second highest absentee bid received by the system 400 , step 614 is initiated. At step 614 , the second highest absentee bid is set to the online absentee bid received at step 606 . Otherwise the online absentee bid received at step 606 is discarded. As described above, the pre-auction absentee bidding stage 602 continues until the start of a live, in-person auction at step 616 .
- FIG. 8C depicts additional method steps 622 for implementing the real-time online bidding stage 540 of step 620 .
- online bids are received. Once an online bid is received, at step 620 the online bid is compared with the c m n t bid of the live, in-person auction. At step 628 , if the online bid is greater than the current bid, the online bid is placed in the live, in-person auction. Otherwise the online bid is discarded.
- step 632 is initialized.
- the highest accepted current absentee bid is compared with the current bid in the live in-person auction.
- the current absentee bid is greater than the current bid in the live in-person auction, the current absentee bid is converted to the current bid in the live, in-person auction. Otherwise at 632 the absentee bid is discarded.
- the real-time online bidding stage 540 continues until the end of the live, in-person auction at step 636 .
- the end of the live, in-person auction results in the occurrence of the end-of-auction stage 550 in which the item is awarded to the highest bidder. Assuming the highest bidder is an online bidder, the live auction system notifies the online bidder via email.
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for conducting a live auction that combines various features of traditional and online auctions. According to one aspect of the present invention, the live auction includes a live, in-person auction component and a real-time online bidding environment component. Bidding information associated with an item in the online bidding environment is updated to reflect a current bid associated with the item in the live, in-person auction. During the live, in-person auction, a bid is be accepted from an online bidder in the online environment that reflects the online bidder's bid price for the item. Subsequently, the system bids on behalf of the online bidder against other online bidders as well as one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person. As such, the live auction enables real-time online bidding in a live, in-person auction.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/839,259, filed Jul. 19, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/264,526, filed Nov. 1, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09,620,809, filed Jul. 21, 2000, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/457,466, filed Dec. 8, 1999, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60,111,717, filed Dec. 8, 1998, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Contained herein is material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent disclosure by any person as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights to the copyright whatsoever.
- The invention relates generally to the fields of auctioning and online commerce. More particularly, the invention relates to an online live auction format that combines features of both Internet and traditional, real world auctions.
- With the advent of online auctioning pioneered by eBay Inc., the assignee of the present invention, more and more Internet users are realizing the ease and convenience of buying items online. As the leading person-to-person trading site, buyers are compelled to trade on eBay's web site due to the large amount of content available. Similarly, sellers are attracted to eBay to conduct business where there are the most buyers. Ebay currently provides over two million new auctions, and 250,000 new items every day from which users may choose.
- Auction houses that run live, real-time, on-site auctions (“traditional auctions”) continue to experience much success. However, geographic barriers, travel costs, and other constraints limit the participation in such auctions.
- It is desirable, therefore, to expand the reach of traditional auctions via the Internet. In particular, it would be advantageous to combine the best of both Internet and traditional auctions into a live auction that enables real-time online bids in a live, in person auction.
- A method and apparatus are described for conducting a live auction that combines various features of traditional and online auctions. According to one aspect of the present invention, the live auction includes a live, in-person auction component and a real-time online bidding environment component. During the live, in-person auction, bidding information associated with an item in the online bidding environment is updated to reflect a current bid associated with the item in the live, in-person auction. A bid is accepted from an online bidder in the online environment that reflects the online bidder's bid price for the item. Subsequently, the system bids on behalf of the online bidder against one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person auction.
- Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
- The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified view of an exemplary client-server environment in which the live auction may occur according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 2A-2C depict exemplary online live auction site screens that allows online bidders to participate in a live auction according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2D depicts a seller console according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2E depicts a Live Auction Site Information Architecture according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is an example of a computer system upon which one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. -
FIG. 4 is a high level illustration of the interaction between various devices and processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary high-level system architecture implementation of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates the stages of a live auction according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 7A-7C are flow diagrams illustrating live auction processing according exemplary embodiments of the present invention. - A method and apparatus are described for carrying out a live auction that combines various features of traditional and online auctions, thereby enabling real-time online bids in a live, in-person auction. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.
- As will be described in greater detail below, the present invention includes features that seek to enhance the traditional auctioning experience. According to one embodiment, a live auction combines various features of traditional and Internet auctions (also referred to as online auctions). In a first stage of the live auction, prior to a live, in-person auction, online users are provided access to catalog information for searching and viewing of items available in the live, in-person auction. In addition, during this first stage, any absentee bids are accepted from the online users for items available in the live, in-person auction. Subsequently, in a second stage of the live auction, the live, in-person auction begins. During this stage, bidding information is updated on the online auction site as bids from online bidders as well as live bidders are submitted to the live, in-person auction. During a final end of auction stage, the item is awarded to the highest bidder. An auction house, such as for example Butterfields, conducts the live, in-person auction. Advantageously, in this manner, the reach of traditional auctions may be expanded via the Internet, thereby enabling real-time online bidding in a live, in-person auction.
- In the preferred embodiment, the steps of the present invention are embodied in machine-executable instructions. The instructions can be used to cause a general purpose or special-purpose processor that is programmed with the instructions to perform the steps of the present invention. Alternatively, the steps of the present invention might be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and custom hardware components.
- The present invention may be provided as a computer program product which may include a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present invention. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnet or optical cards, flash memory, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Moreover, the present invention may also be downloaded as a computer program product, wherein the program may be transferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requesting computer (e.g., a client) by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium via a communication link (e.g., a modem or network connection).
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified view of an exemplary client-server environment, such as the World Wide Web (the Web), in which the online portion of a live auction may take place. The architecture of the Web follows a conventional client-server model. The terms “client” and “server” are used to refer to a computer's general role as a requester of data (the client) or provider of data (the server).Web clients 105 andWeb servers 110 communicate using a protocol such as HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). In the Web environment, Web browsers reside on clients and render Web documents (pages) served by the Web servers. The client-server model is used to communicate information betweenclients 105 andservers 110.Web servers 110 are coupled to theInternet 100 and respond to document requests and/or other queries fromWeb clients 105. When a user selects a document by submitting its Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, opens a connection to aserver 110 and initiates a request (e.g., an HTTP get) for the document. Theserver 110 delivers the requested document, typically in the form of a text document coded in a standard markup language such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML). -
FIG. 2A is an exemplary online live auction site screen that allows online bidders to participate in a live, in-person auction. According to one embodiment, when an online bidder wishes to participate in, or inquiry into Live Auctions, the online user is presented with the Live Auctions Home Page screen (Live Auction Screen) 200. TheLive Auction Screen 200 provides a listing of all catalogs available in various live, in person auctions in which the online user may bid. From theLive Auction screen 200, the online user is forwarded to various screens that will allow the user to search and view items, listen or view live, in-person auctions and submit real-time bids in the live, in-person auctions. -
FIG. 2B is an exemplary online live auction site screen that allows online bidders to participate in a live, in-person auction. According to one embodiment, when an online bidder makes a request to search and view a catalog for items available in the live, in-person auction, category listings screen 210 is presented with a textual list of items 2 12. In this example, each item 214 (214-1, 214-2, . . . , 214-6) includes a hypertext link 216 (216-1, 216-2, . . . , 216-6) having a picture of the item, a title, a brief description, a high/low estimate and a starting price. Responsive to the selection of the hypertext link 215, a subsequent screen (not shown) displays the item and allows the online user to enter an absentee bid for theitem 210, when the user will be unavailable during the live, in-person auction. As will be described further below, by providing an absentee bid amount, an absentee bidding system may bid on behalf of the absentee bidder as necessary by increasing the online bidder's bid by the current bid increment until the absentee bid is reached. Advantageously, in this manner, the absentee bidder need not keep track of the auction as it proceeds and is assured he/she will not be outbid at the last minute—unless the absentee bid is exceeded. However, once the absentee bid is exceeded, the absentee bidder has no chance to win the item. -
FIG. 2C is an exemplary online live auction site screen that allows online bidders to submit bids in a live, in-person auction. According to one embodiment, when an online bidder makes a request to participate in the live, in-person auction, the user is directed to a real-time event screen 220. The realtime event screen 220 is automatically updated to reflect the current lot on sale and also includes the name of the seller and the catalog. As described herein, a lot refers to one item or a group of items that will be auctioned together as part of a sale.Screen 220 also includes the following: a lot number, a lot picture, current price, current high bidder, bid button for automatic bids, bid box for bids above the current price, amount of absentee bid previously placed by any user, on/off button for live webcasts, a promotional message, link to the corrigenda (announcements), titles of next three supporting lots, and the current time. - The real-
time event screen 220 enables online bidders to either view or listen to the live, in-person auction. Depending on the option the online bidder selects an audio or audio/video stream is sent to the online bidder's computer. The stream is originated at the auction house and generally captures the auctioneer's actions. The audio stream is provided in, for example, Windows or Real Player formats. Implementation details regarding video and audio streaming over the Internet are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not provided herein. -
FIG. 2D depicts an exemplary floor/internet live auction interface (seller console) 260. The liveauction seller console 260 allows sellers to accept and communicate Internet bids, update current bid, and call prices and allows opening and closing of lots. Theseller console 260 allows bidders, whether on the floor or on the Internet, to participate in the live in-person auction simultaneously and on equal footing. -
FIG. 2E depicts the Live Auction Site Information Architecture 280. The information architecture is provided as an exemplary high level map for navigation of theLive Auction screen 200, as described above. From theLive Auction screen 200, the users may browse or search items, registers for Live Auction, or seek help. Browsing and search of items eventually leads the user to thecategory listing screen 210, as described above. Once a live, in-person auction begins, the user may submit real-time online bids via the real-time event screen, as described above. - A
computer system 300 representing an exemplary server in which features of the present invention may be implemented will now be described with reference toFIG. 3 .Computer system 300 comprises a bus or other communication means 301 for communicating information, and a processing means such as processor 302 coupled with bus 301 for processing information.Computer system 300 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device 304 (referred to as main memory), coupled to bus 301 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 302. Main memory 304 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processor 302.Computer system 300 also comprises a read only memory (ROM) and/or other static storage device 306 coupled to bus 301 for storing static information and instructions for processor 302. - A
data storage device 307 such as a magnetic disk or optical disc and its corresponding drive may also be coupled tocomputer system 300 for storing information and instructions.Computer system 300 can also be coupled via bus 301 to a display device 321, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for displaying information to a computer user. Typically, an alphanumeric input device 322, including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to bus 301 for communicating information and/or command selections to processor 302. Another type of user input device is cursor control 323, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 302 and for controlling cursor movement on display 321. - A communication device 325 is also coupled to bus 301 for accessing remote servers via the Internet, for example. The communication device 325 may include a modem, a network interface card, or other commercially available network interface devices, such as those used for coupling to an Ethernet, token ring, or other type of network. In any event, in this manner, the
computer system 300 may be coupled to a number of clients and/or other servers via a conventional network infrastructure, such as a company's Intranet and/or the Internet, for example. -
FIG. 4 is a high level illustration of the interaction between various devices and processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment depicted, an online, liveauction site system 400 may comprise one ormore listing servers 410. In this example, thelisting servers 410 include alisting management process 415, anabsentee bidding process 425, a real-time bidding process 430 and alive auction interface 435.Clients 440 interact with the listing management process 4 15 and theabsentee bidding process 425 to view information about items for sale in the live, in-person auction and submit absentee bids, respectively. - The
listing management process 415 interacts with online bidders and provides them with catalog information about the items in which they are interested. Thelisting management process 415 may support a text-based item listing format, such as that depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B , and/or a Gallery™ presentation format that includes thumbnail images of the items for sale as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/177,726, entitled “Information Presentation and Management in an 25 Online Trading Environment” and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. (GALLERY is a trademark of eBay Inc. of San Jose, Calif.). - The
absentee bidding process 425 tracks bids submitted by online bidders for theitems 210 available in the live, in-person auction. Based upon the bid amounts received, theabsentee bidding process 425 selects an absentee bid as the second highest absentee bid received plus a one bid increment amount as listed in a bid increment table provided by the seller. - The
live auction interface 435 provides an interface that updates bidding information associated with an item in the online environment to reflect a current bid associated with the item in the live, in-person auction. A real-time bidding process 430 accepts bids from the online bidders, via the live auction interface, reflecting the online bidder's bid price for the item, and bids on behalf of the online bidder against one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person auction. The real-time bidding process 430 in conjunction with thelive auction interface 435 enables real-time online bidding in the live, in-person auction - While, in order to facilitate explanation, the
listing servers 410 are generally discussed as if they were a single device, in actuality, thelisting servers 410 may comprise multiple physical and/or logical devices connected in a distributed architecture, and the various functions performed may actually be distributed among multiple devices. For example, any function can be implemented on any number of machines or on a single machine. Also, any process may be divided across multiple machines. -
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary high-level system architecture implementation 450 of theLive Auction System 400. The exemplary system architecture 450 incorporates various aspects ofFIGS. 1 , 3 and 4. Online user 105 (105- 1, 105- 1, . . . , 105-4) interaction with thelive auction system 400 as well as auction house 490 interaction with thelive auction system 400 is depicted. Anaudio server 480 for providing a webcast to online bidders during the live, in-person auction is also depicted. The system architecture 450 is illustrated to provide a high level view of the various components required to implement thelive auction system 400. Specific implementation details are provided above with reference toFIGS. 1 , 3 and 4, as well as the knowledge available to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. -
FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates the stages of a live auction according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a live auction comprises three separate and distinct stages: apre-auction stage 530, a real-time bidding stage 540, and an end auction stage 550. During thepre-auction stage 530, online users are allowed to search and view items available during the live, in-person auction. In addition, online users that will be unavailable to submit real time bids during the live, in-person auction may submit absentee bids. Anabsentee bid 510 will be chosen from the absentee bids received during thepre-auction stage 530 and submitted during the live, in-person auction as described below. - Although absentee bids are not required by the present invention,
FIG. 6 depicts afinal absentee bid 510 chosen in the amount of $50,000. The choice of a final absentee bid 5 10 signals the beginning of the real-time bidding stage 540. During the real-time bidding stage 540, online bidders bid against other online bidders as well as one or more live bidders that are present at the live, in-person auction. Referring again toFIG. 5 , afinal bid amount 520 is accepted that exceeds theabsentee bid 510 received during thepre-auction stage 530 and signals the beginning of the end-of-auction stage 550. During the end-of-auction stage 550, an online user that enters the final bid is notified via e-mail. - Procedural method steps for implementing the live auction as described by the present invention are now provided. Referring now to the flow diagram of
FIG. 7A , exemplary live auction processing 600 will now be described. Atstep 602, the live auction begins with the pre-auctionabsentee bidding stage 530 in which absentee bids are submitted by online users. Thepre-auction bidding stage 602 continues until the start of the live, in-person auction atstep 616. During the live, in-person auction, thelive auction system 400 bids on behalf of any online bidders against one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person auction atstep 620, thereby enabling real-time online bidding in the live, in-person auction. Online bids are placed by thelive auction system 400 until the live, in-person auction terminates atstep 636. Finally, atstep 640, the item for bid is awarded to the highest bidder. -
FIG. 7B depicts additional method steps 604 for implementing the pre-auctionabsentee bidding stage 530 ofstep 602. Atstep 606, the pre-auctiononline bidding stage 530, begins with the receipt of any online absentee bids. As described above, the receipt of absentee bids is optional and is not required for the implementation of the live auction. Atstep 608, an absentee bid is received and compared with any current absentee bids received by the live auction system. At 610, when the online absentee bid is greater than the current absentee bids received by thesystem 400, the current absentee bid is updated to equal the current absentee bid plus a bid increment provided by the seller in a bid increment table. Otherwise, atstep 612, if the online absentee bid received atstep 606 is greater than a second highest absentee bid received by thesystem 400,step 614 is initiated. Atstep 614, the second highest absentee bid is set to the online absentee bid received atstep 606. Otherwise the online absentee bid received atstep 606 is discarded. As described above, the pre-auctionabsentee bidding stage 602 continues until the start of a live, in-person auction atstep 616. -
FIG. 8C depicts additional method steps 622 for implementing the real-timeonline bidding stage 540 ofstep 620. Atstep 624, online bids are received. Once an online bid is received, atstep 620 the online bid is compared with the c m n t bid of the live, in-person auction. Atstep 628, if the online bid is greater than the current bid, the online bid is placed in the live, in-person auction. Otherwise the online bid is discarded. Atstep 630, when fair warning is indicated,step 632 is initialized. Atstep 632, the highest accepted current absentee bid is compared with the current bid in the live in-person auction. Atstep 634, if the current absentee bid is greater than the current bid in the live in-person auction, the current absentee bid is converted to the current bid in the live, in-person auction. Otherwise at 632 the absentee bid is discarded. As described above, the real-timeonline bidding stage 540 continues until the end of the live, in-person auction atstep 636. As described with reference toFIG. 6A , the end of the live, in-person auction results in the occurrence of the end-of-auction stage 550 in which the item is awarded to the highest bidder. Assuming the highest bidder is an online bidder, the live auction system notifies the online bidder via email. - In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Claims (1)
1. A computer implemented method in a live auction to allow bids by one or more remote bidders and by one or more onsite bidders, the method comprising:
using a first computer:
processing bids, from one or more onsite bidders and from one or more remote bidders, for an item being auctioned at a live auction site;
wherein the processing of bids includes choosing as a starting bid in the onsite auction a highest bid from the bids from the one or more remote bidders; and
using a second computer:
transmitting to one or more remote bidders information pertaining to the item;
receiving bids for the item from the one or more remote bidders;
selecting, from the bids received from the one or more remote bidders, the second highest bid received by the remote bidders, plus a one bid increment amount provided by the seller of the item, as a bid for the item; and
transmitting to the one or more remote bidders information regarding the acceptance and rejection of the onsite and remote bids.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/971,209 US20130339172A1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2013-08-20 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11171798P | 1998-12-08 | 1998-12-08 | |
US09/457,466 US7162446B1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 1999-12-08 | Integrated auction |
US09/620,809 US7840472B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2000-07-21 | Method and apparatus for holding an online live auction to combine features of both the internet and traditional, real world auctions |
US11/264,526 US7797222B2 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2005-11-01 | Method and apparatus for holding an online live auction to combine features of both the Internet and traditional, real world auctions |
US12/839,259 US8527392B2 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2010-07-19 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
US13/971,209 US20130339172A1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2013-08-20 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/839,259 Continuation US8527392B2 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2010-07-19 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130339172A1 true US20130339172A1 (en) | 2013-12-19 |
Family
ID=43063416
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/839,259 Expired - Fee Related US8527392B2 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2010-07-19 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
US13/971,209 Abandoned US20130339172A1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2013-08-20 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/839,259 Expired - Fee Related US8527392B2 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 2010-07-19 | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8527392B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9595064B2 (en) | 2000-05-25 | 2017-03-14 | Xcira, Inc | Integration of remote bidders into multiple and simultaneous live auctions |
US8086499B2 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2011-12-27 | Commoditiesone Pty Ltd. | Method and system for conducting an auction having a plurality of online bidders and site bidder |
US20130232024A1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2013-09-05 | Nicholas N. Nassiri | Live Online Auction |
US9875504B1 (en) * | 2014-02-16 | 2018-01-23 | Evan Gates Roe | Real-time video streaming of marine life for sale |
WO2017139836A1 (en) * | 2016-02-15 | 2017-08-24 | Rea Group Ltd | Auction systems and methods |
TWI655596B (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2019-04-01 | 翁紹明 | Live webcast assisting system for community website |
Family Cites Families (135)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3581072A (en) * | 1968-03-28 | 1971-05-25 | Frederick Nymeyer | Auction market computation system |
US3573747A (en) * | 1969-02-24 | 1971-04-06 | Institutional Networks Corp | Instinet communication system for effectuating the sale or exchange of fungible properties between subscribers |
US3687256A (en) * | 1970-04-15 | 1972-08-29 | Ncr Co | Optical bar code parallel printer |
US4412287A (en) | 1975-05-29 | 1983-10-25 | Braddock Iii Walter D | Automated stock exchange |
US4826706A (en) * | 1981-04-29 | 1989-05-02 | Phelps Dodge Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnet wire |
US4565666A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1986-01-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Method of producing combination ion selective sensing electrode |
US4903201A (en) * | 1983-11-03 | 1990-02-20 | World Energy Exchange Corporation | Automated futures trading exchange |
FR2570182B1 (en) * | 1984-09-13 | 1988-04-15 | Framatome Sa | VALIDATION METHOD OF THE VALUE OF A PARAMETER |
US4677552A (en) * | 1984-10-05 | 1987-06-30 | Sibley Jr H C | International commodity trade exchange |
US4674044A (en) * | 1985-01-30 | 1987-06-16 | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. | Automated securities trading system |
JPH0743748B2 (en) | 1986-02-17 | 1995-05-15 | 株式会社オークネット | Information transmission processing method of auction information transmission processing system |
US4864516A (en) | 1986-03-10 | 1989-09-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method for implementing an on-line presentation in an information processing system |
US4799156A (en) * | 1986-10-01 | 1989-01-17 | Strategic Processing Corporation | Interactive market management system |
US4823265A (en) * | 1987-05-11 | 1989-04-18 | Nelson George E | Renewable option accounting and marketing system |
US4992940A (en) * | 1989-03-13 | 1991-02-12 | H-Renee, Incorporated | System and method for automated selection of equipment for purchase through input of user desired specifications |
US5168446A (en) | 1989-05-23 | 1992-12-01 | Telerate Systems Incorporated | System for conducting and processing spot commodity transactions |
US5077665A (en) | 1989-05-25 | 1991-12-31 | Reuters Limited | Distributed matching system |
US5136501A (en) | 1989-05-26 | 1992-08-04 | Reuters Limited | Anonymous matching system |
US5101353A (en) * | 1989-05-31 | 1992-03-31 | Lattice Investments, Inc. | Automated system for providing liquidity to securities markets |
MC2199A1 (en) | 1990-02-16 | 1992-10-05 | I V P Informations Ventes Publ | AUCTION PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM |
US5297031A (en) * | 1990-03-06 | 1994-03-22 | Chicago Board Of Trade | Method and apparatus for order management by market brokers |
US5761655A (en) * | 1990-06-06 | 1998-06-02 | Alphatronix, Inc. | Image file storage and retrieval system |
WO1992000654A1 (en) * | 1990-06-25 | 1992-01-09 | Barstow David R | A method for encoding and broadcasting information about live events using computer simulation and pattern matching techniques |
US5205200A (en) * | 1990-07-26 | 1993-04-27 | Wright John J | Hydraulic booster device for linear actuator |
US5063507A (en) * | 1990-09-14 | 1991-11-05 | Plains Cotton Cooperative Association | Goods database employing electronic title or documentary-type title |
US5243515A (en) | 1990-10-30 | 1993-09-07 | Lee Wayne M | Secure teleprocessing bidding system |
US5258908A (en) | 1990-11-02 | 1993-11-02 | Foreign Exchange Transaction Services, Inc. | Detection and prevention of duplicate trading transactions over a communications network |
US5305200A (en) * | 1990-11-02 | 1994-04-19 | Foreign Exchange Transaction Services, Inc. | Financial exchange system having automated recovery/rollback of unacknowledged orders |
US5280422A (en) * | 1990-11-05 | 1994-01-18 | Watlow/Winona, Inc. | Method and apparatus for calibrating and controlling multiple heaters |
GB9027249D0 (en) * | 1990-12-17 | 1991-02-06 | Reuters Ltd | Offer matching system |
US5297032A (en) * | 1991-02-01 | 1994-03-22 | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated | Securities trading workstation |
CA2059078C (en) * | 1991-02-27 | 1995-10-03 | Alexander G. Fraser | Mediation of transactions by a communications system |
US5383113A (en) * | 1991-07-25 | 1995-01-17 | Checkfree Corporation | System and method for electronically providing customer services including payment of bills, financial analysis and loans |
DE69131251T2 (en) | 1991-08-15 | 1999-12-09 | Ibm | System and method for processing data representing stored images |
US5426281A (en) * | 1991-08-22 | 1995-06-20 | Abecassis; Max | Transaction protection system |
US5227643A (en) | 1991-10-28 | 1993-07-13 | Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. | Barcode identification system |
US5283731A (en) * | 1992-01-19 | 1994-02-01 | Ec Corporation | Computer-based classified ad system and method |
US5521815A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1996-05-28 | K.L.E. Irrevocable Trust | Uniform system for verifying and tracking articles of value |
US5375055A (en) | 1992-02-03 | 1994-12-20 | Foreign Exchange Transaction Services, Inc. | Credit management for electronic brokerage system |
US5325297A (en) * | 1992-06-25 | 1994-06-28 | System Of Multiple-Colored Images For Internationally Listed Estates, Inc. | Computer implemented method and system for storing and retrieving textual data and compressed image data |
US5335170A (en) | 1992-09-04 | 1994-08-02 | Comtec Information Systems, Inc. | Modular system for inventory control |
US5598557A (en) * | 1992-09-22 | 1997-01-28 | Caere Corporation | Apparatus and method for retrieving and grouping images representing text files based on the relevance of key words extracted from a selected file to the text files |
CA2100134C (en) * | 1992-09-29 | 1999-06-22 | Raymond Otto Colbert | Secure credit/debit card authorization |
US5280305A (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1994-01-18 | The Walt Disney Company | Method and apparatus for forming a stylized, three-dimensional object |
US5794219A (en) | 1996-02-20 | 1998-08-11 | Health Hero Network, Inc. | Method of conducting an on-line auction with bid pooling |
US5402336A (en) * | 1993-01-15 | 1995-03-28 | Ss&D Corporation | System and method for allocating resources of a retailer among multiple wholesalers |
NL9300266A (en) | 1993-02-10 | 1994-09-01 | Theodoor Hubertus Maria Joseph | Automated selling system |
JPH0728689A (en) * | 1993-07-09 | 1995-01-31 | Hitachi Ltd | Information processor |
IL119874A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1999-05-09 | News Datacom Research Ltd | Methods and systems for non program applications for subscriber television |
US5794207A (en) | 1996-09-04 | 1998-08-11 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for a cryptographically assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate buyer-driven conditional purchase offers |
US5377258A (en) * | 1993-08-30 | 1994-12-27 | National Medical Research Council | Method and apparatus for an automated and interactive behavioral guidance system |
US5394324A (en) * | 1993-12-08 | 1995-02-28 | Xerox Corporation | Auction-based control system for energy resource management in a building |
EP1235177A3 (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 2003-10-08 | divine technology ventures | Digital active advertising |
US5424944A (en) * | 1994-02-02 | 1995-06-13 | Asset Management & Control, Inc. | System and methods for controlled asset disposition |
US5664111A (en) | 1994-02-16 | 1997-09-02 | Honicorp, Inc. | Computerized, multimedia, network, real time, interactive marketing and transactional system |
US5711302A (en) * | 1994-03-03 | 1998-01-27 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Disposable transducer with digital processing and readout |
US5592375A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1997-01-07 | Eagleview, Inc. | Computer-assisted system for interactively brokering goods or services between buyers and sellers |
US5453926A (en) | 1994-05-25 | 1995-09-26 | Quad/Tech, Inc. | Touch screen system for a web folder |
US5694546A (en) | 1994-05-31 | 1997-12-02 | Reisman; Richard R. | System for automatic unattended electronic information transport between a server and a client by a vendor provided transport software with a manifest list |
US5826241A (en) | 1994-09-16 | 1998-10-20 | First Virtual Holdings Incorporated | Computerized system for making payments and authenticating transactions over the internet |
US5717989A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1998-02-10 | Full Service Trade System Ltd. | Full service trade system |
US5715314A (en) * | 1994-10-24 | 1998-02-03 | Open Market, Inc. | Network sales system |
JPH08161412A (en) | 1994-12-07 | 1996-06-21 | Oak Net:Kk | Auction information transmitting and processing system |
US5710889A (en) * | 1995-02-22 | 1998-01-20 | Citibank, N.A. | Interface device for electronically integrating global financial services |
US5553145A (en) | 1995-03-21 | 1996-09-03 | Micali; Silvia | Simultaneous electronic transactions with visible trusted parties |
US5882494A (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1999-03-16 | Minimed, Inc. | Polyurethane/polyurea compositions containing silicone for biosensor membranes |
US7937312B1 (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 2011-05-03 | Ebay Inc. | Facilitating electronic commerce transactions through binding offers |
US5845265A (en) | 1995-04-26 | 1998-12-01 | Mercexchange, L.L.C. | Consignment nodes |
US5845266A (en) | 1995-12-12 | 1998-12-01 | Optimark Technologies, Inc. | Crossing network utilizing satisfaction density profile with price discovery features |
US5689652A (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1997-11-18 | Optimark Technologies, Inc. | Crossing network utilizing optimal mutual satisfaction density profile |
US5640569A (en) * | 1995-04-28 | 1997-06-17 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Diverse goods arbitration system and method for allocating resources in a distributed computer system |
US5657389A (en) | 1995-05-08 | 1997-08-12 | Image Data, Llc | Positive identification system and method |
US5675784A (en) | 1995-05-31 | 1997-10-07 | International Business Machnes Corporation | Data structure for a relational database system for collecting component and specification level data related to products |
US5706457A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-01-06 | Hughes Electronics | Image display and archiving system and method |
US5708780A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-01-13 | Open Market, Inc. | Internet server access control and monitoring systems |
US5664115A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1997-09-02 | Fraser; Richard | Interactive computer system to match buyers and sellers of real estate, businesses and other property using the internet |
US5794216A (en) | 1995-07-14 | 1998-08-11 | Brown; Timothy Robert | Methods and system for data acquisition in a multimedia real estate database |
US5913040A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1999-06-15 | Backweb Ltd. | Method and apparatus for transmitting and displaying information between a remote network and a local computer |
US5826244A (en) * | 1995-08-23 | 1998-10-20 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for providing a document service over a computer network using an automated brokered auction |
US5737599A (en) * | 1995-09-25 | 1998-04-07 | Rowe; Edward R. | Method and apparatus for downloading multi-page electronic documents with hint information |
US5873069A (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 1999-02-16 | American Tv & Appliance Of Madison, Inc. | System and method for automatic updating and display of retail prices |
US5715402A (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1998-02-03 | Spot Metals Online | Method and system for matching sellers and buyers of spot metals |
US5771291A (en) * | 1995-12-11 | 1998-06-23 | Newton; Farrell | User identification and authentication system using ultra long identification keys and ultra large databases of identification keys for secure remote terminal access to a host computer |
US5884056A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 1999-03-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for video browsing on the world wide web |
US5905975A (en) * | 1996-01-04 | 1999-05-18 | Ausubel; Lawrence M. | Computer implemented methods and apparatus for auctions |
US6055518A (en) * | 1996-02-01 | 2000-04-25 | At&T Corporation | Secure auction systems |
US5926794A (en) * | 1996-03-06 | 1999-07-20 | Alza Corporation | Visual rating system and method |
US5850442A (en) | 1996-03-26 | 1998-12-15 | Entegrity Solutions Corporation | Secure world wide electronic commerce over an open network |
US5835896A (en) | 1996-03-29 | 1998-11-10 | Onsale, Inc. | Method and system for processing and transmitting electronic auction information |
JP2000503789A (en) | 1996-03-29 | 2000-03-28 | オンセイル・インコーポレイテッド | Electronic auction information processing and transmission method and system |
US6243691B1 (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 2001-06-05 | Onsale, Inc. | Method and system for processing and transmitting electronic auction information |
US6023685A (en) * | 1996-05-23 | 2000-02-08 | Brett; Kenton F. | Computer controlled event ticket auctioning system |
US5799285A (en) | 1996-06-07 | 1998-08-25 | Klingman; Edwin E. | Secure system for electronic selling |
US5890138A (en) * | 1996-08-26 | 1999-03-30 | Bid.Com International Inc. | Computer auction system |
US6047264A (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 2000-04-04 | Onsale, Inc. | Method for supplying automatic status updates using electronic mail |
JP3407561B2 (en) * | 1996-09-04 | 2003-05-19 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Auction apparatus and method |
US5760917A (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1998-06-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Image distribution method and system |
US5790790A (en) | 1996-10-24 | 1998-08-04 | Tumbleweed Software Corporation | Electronic document delivery system in which notification of said electronic document is sent to a recipient thereof |
US6119137A (en) | 1997-01-30 | 2000-09-12 | Tumbleweed Communications Corp. | Distributed dynamic document conversion server |
US6192407B1 (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 2001-02-20 | Tumbleweed Communications Corp. | Private, trackable URLs for directed document delivery |
US5905974A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1999-05-18 | Cantor Fitzgerald Securities | Automated auction protocol processor |
US6035402A (en) * | 1996-12-20 | 2000-03-07 | Gte Cybertrust Solutions Incorporated | Virtual certificate authority |
US5924072A (en) * | 1997-01-06 | 1999-07-13 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | Knowledge management system and method |
CA2287379C (en) | 1997-01-10 | 2005-10-04 | Silicon Gaming-Nevada | Method and apparatus for providing authenticated, secure on-line communication between remote locations |
US5872848A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 1999-02-16 | Arcanvs | Method and apparatus for witnessed authentication of electronic documents |
US5922074A (en) * | 1997-02-28 | 1999-07-13 | Xcert Software, Inc. | Method of and apparatus for providing secure distributed directory services and public key infrastructure |
US7885697B2 (en) * | 2004-07-13 | 2011-02-08 | Dexcom, Inc. | Transcutaneous analyte sensor |
JP3357812B2 (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 2002-12-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Mutual credit server device and distributed mutual credit system |
US5803500A (en) | 1997-03-27 | 1998-09-08 | Mossberg; Bjoern E. F. | Method and kit for conducting an auction |
US6061448A (en) * | 1997-04-01 | 2000-05-09 | Tumbleweed Communications Corp. | Method and system for dynamic server document encryption |
US5974398A (en) | 1997-04-11 | 1999-10-26 | At&T Corp. | Method and apparatus enabling valuation of user access of advertising carried by interactive information and entertainment services |
US5954643A (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 1999-09-21 | Minimid Inc. | Insertion set for a transcutaneous sensor |
US6012045A (en) * | 1997-07-01 | 2000-01-04 | Barzilai; Nizan | Computer-based electronic bid, auction and sale system, and a system to teach new/non-registered customers how bidding, auction purchasing works |
DE59812090D1 (en) * | 1997-08-09 | 2004-11-11 | Roche Diagnostics Gmbh | ANALYSIS DEVICE FOR IN VIVO ANALYSIS IN THE BODY OF A PATIENT |
US5974412A (en) | 1997-09-24 | 1999-10-26 | Sapient Health Network | Intelligent query system for automatically indexing information in a database and automatically categorizing users |
US5991739A (en) | 1997-11-24 | 1999-11-23 | Food.Com | Internet online order method and apparatus |
US6579690B1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2003-06-17 | Therasense, Inc. | Blood analyte monitoring through subcutaneous measurement |
US6175752B1 (en) * | 1998-04-30 | 2001-01-16 | Therasense, Inc. | Analyte monitoring device and methods of use |
US6415269B1 (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2002-07-02 | Bidcatcher, L.P. | Interactive remote auction bidding system |
US6035288A (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2000-03-07 | Cendant Publishing, Inc. | Interactive computer-implemented system and method for negotiating sale of goods and/or services |
CA2666429A1 (en) * | 1998-10-08 | 2000-04-13 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Telemetered characteristic monitor system |
US6058417A (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2000-05-02 | Ebay Inc. | Information presentation and management in an online trading environment |
US6141653A (en) | 1998-11-16 | 2000-10-31 | Tradeaccess Inc | System for interative, multivariate negotiations over a network |
US7840472B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2010-11-23 | Ebay Inc. | Method and apparatus for holding an online live auction to combine features of both the internet and traditional, real world auctions |
US7162446B1 (en) * | 1998-12-08 | 2007-01-09 | Ebay Inc. | Integrated auction |
US6449601B1 (en) * | 1998-12-30 | 2002-09-10 | Amazon.Com, Inc. | Distributed live auction |
US6178408B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-01-23 | Recot, Inc. | Method of redeeming collectible points |
KR20000037331A (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2000-07-05 | 박정규 | Method for real-time auction on the internet |
US6523037B1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2003-02-18 | Ebay Inc, | Method and system for communicating selected search results between first and second entities over a network |
US6695860B1 (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2004-02-24 | Isense Corp. | Transcutaneous sensor insertion device |
US7150975B2 (en) * | 2002-08-19 | 2006-12-19 | Animas Technologies, Llc | Hydrogel composition for measuring glucose flux |
US7162289B2 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2007-01-09 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Method and apparatus for enhancing the integrity of an implantable sensor device |
US7381184B2 (en) * | 2002-11-05 | 2008-06-03 | Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. | Sensor inserter assembly |
JP2005050288A (en) | 2003-07-29 | 2005-02-24 | Sato Kaoru | International used car site |
US20060047215A1 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2006-03-02 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Combined sensor assembly |
-
2010
- 2010-07-19 US US12/839,259 patent/US8527392B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2013
- 2013-08-20 US US13/971,209 patent/US20130339172A1/en not_active Abandoned
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
Definition of "Auction" Wikipedia (https:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auction) * |
Definition of "Webcast" Wikipedia (https:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcast) * |
Wikipedia Definition of Auction (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auction) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8527392B2 (en) | 2013-09-03 |
US20100287066A1 (en) | 2010-11-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7797222B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for holding an online live auction to combine features of both the Internet and traditional, real world auctions | |
US7162446B1 (en) | Integrated auction | |
AU781672B2 (en) | Integrated auction for remote online bidders and live participants at an auction site | |
US8799114B2 (en) | Method and system automatically to support multiple transaction types, and to display seller-specific transactions of various transaction types in an integrated, commingled listing | |
US7853486B2 (en) | Method and system to adjust a seller fixed price offer | |
US9355422B2 (en) | Introducing a fixed-price transaction mechanism in conjunction with an auction transaction mechanism | |
US8005719B2 (en) | Method and system to publish a seller fixed price offer | |
US20130339172A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for holding a two-stage live auction for on-site and on-line bidders | |
US8001007B2 (en) | Method, and system to publish a proxy bid and a reserve price | |
EP1631886A2 (en) | Facilitating the sale of ad items via the internet | |
JP2003508854A (en) | Method and system for interactive processes within a group | |
US20060173742A1 (en) | Augmenting and searching classified items via the internet | |
US20020065761A1 (en) | Subscriber notification criteria for electronic auctions | |
US20110022490A1 (en) | Seller-controlled publication of question and answer sets | |
US20220051313A1 (en) | Online Auction Computer Network System | |
WO2004061614A2 (en) | Method and system for price negotiations in a network-based commerce system | |
JP2003122949A (en) | Transfer/succession intermediation system for web site |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EBAY INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEVY, DANIELE;HANDLER, BRAD;SIGNING DATES FROM 20000707 TO 20000720;REEL/FRAME:034966/0221 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |