U.S. patent application number 17/536241 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for systems and methods for automated internet-based auctions.
The applicant listed for this patent is BGC Partners, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph M. Asher, Howard W. Lutnick.
Application Number | 20220084110 17/536241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220084110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Asher; Joseph M. ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED INTERNET-BASED AUCTIONS
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for
implementing an automated auction process that is held at a
designated time on the Internet, and that ends after bidding has
been completed. In accordance with these systems and methods, a
server connected to a plurality of workstations may establish
several auctions that allow for efficient trading of multiple
goods, while simulating the live and dynamic setting of traditional
auctions.
Inventors: |
Asher; Joseph M.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Lutnick; Howard W.; (New York,
NY) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BGC Partners, Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
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|
Appl. No.: |
17/536241 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16449548 |
Jun 24, 2019 |
11188979 |
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17536241 |
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13614123 |
Sep 13, 2012 |
10360624 |
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16449548 |
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12208189 |
Sep 10, 2008 |
8533061 |
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13614123 |
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10629128 |
Jul 29, 2003 |
7440912 |
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12208189 |
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60459834 |
Mar 31, 2003 |
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International
Class: |
G06Q 30/08 20060101
G06Q030/08; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06; G06Q 40/04 20060101
G06Q040/04 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method comprising: controlling, by at least one processor:
receiving, over a communication network, a plurality of electronic
messages comprising a plurality of bids from a plurality of remote
computers in an electronic auction session, in which at least one
bid is a given smart bid that, for a same given item available for
bidding, automatically outbids all other bids by an incremental
amount until a maximum bid amount authorized by a bidder is reached
in the electronic auction session, in which the incremental amount
is a function of a variable factor and determined in a
predetermined manner to provide for a valid bid by the bidder at
the maximum bid amount authorized; displaying, over the
communication network, an interface screen at a display of one of
the plurality of remote computers during the electronic auction
session, the interface screen simultaneously comprising: indicia of
an item available for bidding, a bid indicia selectable for placing
a bid, and a smart bid indicia selectable for placing a smart bid,
in which the smart bid indicia is different and separate from the
bid indicia; after an auction period has ended, determining a
winning bid from among the plurality of bids, in which the winning
bid is the smart bid; and displaying, over the communication
network, at the interface screen of at least one first of the
plurality of remote computers an indication of the winning bid.
3. The method of claim 2, in which each bid comprises an identity
of a bidder, and in which the interface screen further
simultaneously comprises indicia of a time associated with the
electronic auction session.
4. The method of claim 2, in which an image depicting an animated
character announcing information relating to the electronic auction
session appears at an interface screen of a workstation of a bidder
simultaneously with the indicia of the item, the bid indicia and
the smart bid indicia.
5. The method of claim 4, in which the information relating to the
electronic auction session comprises at least one of: a status of
the plurality of bids; a start time and end time for the electronic
auction session; a minimum bid amount for the item; or a minimum
incremental amount for each bid
6. The method of claim 2, in which the bidder is a potential
bidder.
7. The method of claim 2, in which the bidder has the winning
bid.
8. The method of claim 4, in which the animated character provides
at least one instruction on processing the winning bid.
9. The method of claim 2 further comprising: controlling, by the at
least one processor, receiving an indication of a reserve price for
the item, in which any bid with a bid amount that falls below the
reserve price is automatically rejected.
10. The method of claim 2, in which an image depicting an animated
character announcing information relating to the electronic auction
session is displayed simultaneously with the indicia of the item,
the bid indicia and the smart bid indicia, in which the animated
character is capable of being heard over at least one speaker that
is attached to at least one of the remote computers.
11. The method of claim 2, further comprising: controlling, by the
at least one processor: transmitting, over the communication
network, to a remote device, the indication of the winning bid;
receiving, before expiration of the auction period, electronic data
comprising a request to rescind a previously submitted bid; and
rescinding the previously submitted bid.
12. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor configured to
control: receiving, over a communication network, a plurality of
electronic messages comprising a plurality of bids from a plurality
of remote computers in an electronic auction session, in which at
least one bid is a given smart bid that, for a same given item
available for bidding, automatically outbids all other bids by an
incremental amount until a maximum bid amount authorized by a
bidder is reached in the electronic auction session, in which the
incremental amount is a function of a variable factor and
determined in a predetermined manner to provide for a valid bid by
the bidder at the maximum bid amount authorized; displaying, over
the communication network, an interface screen at an electronic
display of one of the plurality of remote computers during the
electronic auction session, the interface screen simultaneously
comprising: indicia of an item available for bidding, a bid indicia
selectable for placing a bid; a smart bid indicia selectable for
placing a smart bid, in which the smart bid indicia is different
and separate from the bid indicia; and after an auction period has
ended, determining a winning bid from among the plurality of bids,
in which the winning bid is the smart bid; and displaying, over the
communication network, at the interface screen of at least one
first of the plurality of remote computers an indication of the
winning bid.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, in which each bid comprises an
identity of a bidder, and in which the interface screen further
simultaneously comprises indicia of a time associated with the
electronic auction session.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, in which an image depicting an
animated character announcing information relating to the
electronic auction session appears at an interface screen of a
workstation of a bidder simultaneously with the indicia of the
item, the bid indicia and the smart bid indicia.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, in which the information relating to
the electronic auction session comprises at least one of: a status
of the plurality of bids; a start time and end time for the
electronic auction session; a minimum bid amount for the item; or a
minimum incremental amount for each bid.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, in which the bidder is a potential
bidder.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, in which the bidder has the winning
bid.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, in which the animated character
provides at least one instruction on processing the winning
bid.
19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor
is configured to control: receiving an indication of a reserve
price for the item, in which any bids with a bid amount that falls
below the reserve price is automatically rejected.
20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor
is configured to control: receiving, before expiration of the
auction period, a request to rescind a previously submitted bid;
and rescinding the previously submitted bid.
21. The method of claim 2, in which the variable factor is based on
at least one of an improvement level selected by a bidder or
assigned by default, a current highest bid or a maximum amount
authorized by the bidder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/449,548, filed Jun. 24, 2019 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/614,123, filed
Sep. 13, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,360,624), which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,189, filed
Sep. 10, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,533,061), which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/629,128 filed on Jul.
23, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,440,912), which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/459,834 filed Mar. 31,
2003, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
implementing automated auction processes that may be conducted
electronically.
[0003] There have been many different approaches adopted to fairly
bring buyers and sellers together in a manner that is economically
efficient. A main objective of such approaches is to allow
transactions to be conducted as close as possible to the market
price of the goods. Generally, the market price can be achieved by
permitting full access to the transaction by essentially all
potential educated buyers and sellers. However, the buyer/seller
transaction must be structured to operate at a very low cost, or it
will distort the price of goods. Therefore, some key elements in
promoting effective buyer/seller transactions may conflict, thereby
necessitating trade-offs between trading efficiency and market
knowledge.
[0004] An auction is a well known method that brings buyers and
sellers together in transacting a sale of goods. Traditionally,
this process has involved the gathering of potential buyers in one
location, known as an auction house, where select goods are
presented to them by an auctioneer that calls for bids. At the
floor of an auction, potential buyers compete for an auctioned item
by bidding for it, sometimes with the assistance of bid spotters.
The auctioned item is sold to the highest bidder once the
auctioneer bangs a gavel--i.e., once the hammer falls. Afterwards,
an auction attendant assists the winning bidder with the required
formalities and the auction house assists in collecting the item
the bidder has won, thereby completing the transaction.
[0005] Although successful in creating an exciting forum wherein
interested parties compete for an item, the traditional auction
process suffers from various disadvantages. Participants must be
physically assembled at an auction site. Attending an auction is
therefore not only time consuming but also expensive, as it may be
associated with transportation costs. As a result, fewer buyers may
attend and the true market price of the auctioned item may not be
achieved.
[0006] In an effort to make auctions more convenient, some auction
houses allow potential buyers or bidders to submit their bids over
the telephone or the Internet, so that they need not be physically
present at a particular auction house. Moreover, such bids may be
placed in advance--i.e., bidders need not submit their bids while
the auction is taking place. By allowing bidders to submit their
maximum bids via telephone, mail, facsimile or email, the process
of bidding becomes less expensive and may save time. However, such
a process may hinder a bidder's ability to increase his or her bid
in response to competitive bids received from the floor as it also
takes away from the excitement of being physically present at the
auction. Not only do the limitations of the previous auction
schemes lead to lower selling prices, but they also require the
presence of a live auctioneer to conduct the auction.
[0007] More recently, Internet-based auctions have been made
possible where sellers post descriptions and pictures of items they
intend to sell, while buyers browse through such items and enter
bids electronically. Such a scheme is particularly useful when
there are no established trading locations for the select items. In
addition, most Internet-based auctions are automated in that they
do not require the presence of a live auctioneer. Compared to
traditional auctions that have been the dominant trading form for
exotic items such as rare pieces of art, antiques and the like,
electronic auctions not only allow for a significant number of
users to participate in the auctioning of a good, but may also be
used for trading almost all kinds of goods. Moreover,
Internet-based auctions allow for multiple users to bid for or sell
multiple items substantially simultaneously.
[0008] In Internet-based auctions, bidding for a specific item
typically starts when the item is posted by a seller and ends at a
predetermined time. Bidders are permitted to bid up to the
designated end time, where the winning bid is the highest bid at
such time. In such a process, bidders often struggle to outbid each
other close to the designated end time of the auction. As a result,
processing errors or delays may occur, certain bids may not be
entered, and the true market price of the auctioned item may not be
achieved. Moreover, this type of auction may also lack an element
of excitement that is present throughout a traditional auction.
[0009] A reverse auction is a variation of the auction process that
may be used in Internet-based auctions. At the start of such a
process, the price of the auctioned item is set at a predetermined
value and decreases in predetermined decrements during the auction.
Such a process typically takes place over a relatively short period
of time during which each potential buyer is provided with the
current price and the time remaining until the auction is
concluded. Although more exciting and dynamic than typical
Internet-based auctions, reverse auctions are associated with large
activity as the auction nears its conclusion. This again may lead
to the item selling at a sub-optimal price and may increase the
risk of processing errors.
[0010] It would therefore be desirable to provide automated
Internet-based auction systems and methods that allow for efficient
and simultaneous trading of multiple goods, while simulating the
live and dynamic setting of a traditional auction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of this invention to provide automated
auction systems and methods that may be implemented on the
Internet.
[0012] It is another object of this invention to provide automated
auction systems and methods that allow for multiple participants to
trade multiple items substantially simultaneously and at low
costs.
[0013] It is still another object of this invention to provide
automated auction systems and methods that result in the trading of
items at optimal prices while incurring the least possible number
of errors.
[0014] It is yet another object of this invention to provide
automated auction systems and methods that simulate the live and
dynamic setting of a traditional auction, while still allowing
participants to submit advance bids.
[0015] The above and other objects of the present invention are
preferably realized in a computer-based processing system for
implementing several auction processes that may be each held at an
auction site on the Internet at a designated time and date. A
sample auction process may control and display an animated
automated character in the role of an auctioneer. Product
information relating to an item or group of items being auctioned
may also be displayed. After the animated auctioneer announces the
start of the auction, the auction process may receive bids from
multiple bidders participating in the auctioning of the item(s).
The animated auctioneer may continue to announce the current bid
based on the received bids until bidding appears to have stopped by
virtue of the fact that there have been no additional bids after
the expiration of a pre-determined amount of time from the last
bid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention
will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout,
and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that may be used to
implement the processes and functions of certain embodiments of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a preferred flow diagram of a process that may be
used to establish or enter an auction in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary screen that may be
displayed upon the entering of the auction process in accordance
with certain embodiments of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a preferred flow diagram of a process that may be
used in the execution of an auction in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive screen
that may be displayed during the auction process in accordance with
certain embodiments of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of another exemplary interactive
screen that may be displayed during the auction process in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive screen
that may be displayed after the conclusion of the auction process
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is an illustration of another exemplary interactive
screen that may be displayed after the conclusion of the auction
process in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 9 is another flow diagram of a process that may be used
in the execution of an auction in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention is directed to methods for
implementing an automated auction process that may be conducted
electronically. Potential sellers may enter one or more items to be
auctioned. Once the auction for a specific item or group of items
is held, potential buyers may bid on such items. Animated automated
characters may be displayed to auction participants and play the
role of an auctioneer, a bid spotter and an auction attendant in
conducting the automated auction preferably on the Internet.
[0027] The present invention is also directed to systems for
implementing the automated auction process. The first aspect of
such systems relates to a hardware arrangement that may provide a
platform for buyers and sellers to participate in the auction
process and display the auctioned items as well as the animated
characters conducting the auction. The second aspect of the systems
relates to a governing logic that is stored in the system memory
and that may provide a sequence of protocols and rules that control
the auction process and the animated characters.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, exemplary system 100 for implementing
the present invention is shown. As illustrated, system 100 may
include one or more workstations 110. Workstations 110 may be local
or remote, and are connected by one or more communications links
102 to computer network 103 that is linked via communications link
105 to server 120.
[0029] Server 120 may be any suitable server, processor, computer,
data processing device, or combination of the same. Server 120 may
be used to implement the governing logic that runs the auction
process. Computer network 103 preferably includes the Internet but
may consist of any suitable computer network such as an intranet, a
wide-area network (WAN), a local-area network (LAN), a wireless
network, a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a frame relay
network, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, a virtual
private network (VPN), or any combination of the same.
Communications links 102 and 105 may be any communications links
suitable for communicating data between workstations 110 and server
120, such as network links, dial-up links, wireless links,
hard-wired links, etc.
[0030] Workstations 110 may be personal computers, laptop
computers, mainframe computers, dumb terminals, data displays,
Internet browsers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), two-way
pagers, wireless terminals, portable telephones, etc., or any
combination of the same. Workstations 110 may be used by
participants to post items for sale or to enter into and proceed
with the auctioning of such items.
[0031] A typical workstation 110 may include processor 111, display
112, input device 113, and memory 114, which may be interconnected.
In a preferred embodiment, memory 114 contains a storage device for
storing a workstation program for controlling processor 111. Input
device 113 may be used by potential buyers to enter bids on desired
items, or by potential sellers to post items they intend to sell.
Processor 111 may use the workstation program to receive product
and sale information relating to the auctioned item, and present on
display 112 auction information such as the current highest bid,
the minimum acceptable opening bid, the minimum acceptable
incremental, the auction commencement time and/or the length of
time that has passed since the beginning of the auction. Display
112 may also be used to exhibit animated auctioneers, animated bid
spotters and/or auction attendants to participants when
appropriate.
[0032] Server 120, which may be maintained by an auction host, may
include processor 121, display 122, input device 123, and memory
124, which may be interconnected. In a preferred embodiment, memory
124 contains a storage device for storing auction information and
user information as well as a server program that provides the
governing logic for controlling processor 121. Processor 121 may
use the server program to establish auctions for specific items,
allow participants to partake in the auction, sort and accept bids
on such items, enter bids on behalf of potential bidders and
automatically control several aspects of the electronic auctions.
Processor 121 further creates and controls the automated
auctioneers, bid spotters and auction attendants pertaining to the
various auctions.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
auction may take place on the Internet's World Wide Web at an
auction site maintained by the auction host, as described and shown
in FIGS. 2-9. These figures describe processes and illustrate
screens that may be implemented by and displayed on system 100 of
FIG. 1, in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 partly describes a process 200 by which an auction is
created for an item posted by a potential seller. At step 202 of
process 200, a potential seller may access the online auction site
through workstation 110 of FIG. 1. She may then be prompted for a
username and password at step 204. The seller may then enter the
required information which is communicated to server 120 of FIG. 1.
At step 206, a determination is made as to whether the entered
username and password are valid. If the verification process is
unsuccessful, the seller may be denied access at step 208. If the
verification process is successful, her profile may be retrieved.
She may then proceed to step 210 where she may indicate that she
intends to sell an item by, for example, clicking on an appropriate
link on the site.
[0035] After step 210, the seller may be directed to enter
information relating to the item or items she wishes to sell at
step 212. Such item or product information may include categorical
classification, item description, photographs or video presentation
of the items or a sample item, units of the item available for
sale, etc. The seller may also be directed to enter certain
information relating to the sale or delivery of the item(s) at step
212. Such sale information may include the preferred payment
method, the preferred auction duration and commencement time, the
seller's reserve price (if any), etc.
[0036] Once the seller enters the required information, the entered
information may be communicated from workstation 110 to server 120
of FIG. 1. The information may then be automatically processed and
one or more auction numbers, date and time for the sale of the
item(s) are assigned at step 214 of FIG. 2. The assigning of an
auction date and time may be based on a preset number of days, the
seller's preferences, the nature of the item(s) being sold, the
expected selling price(s) of the item(s) and/or the auction times
assigned to other items. Because each auction is an automated
process that may be implemented on networked terminals, multiple
auctions for different items may be scheduled to start or run at
the same time.
[0037] The minimum acceptable opening bid and the minimum
acceptable incremental bid may also be determined at step 214.
Alternatively, they may be determined at some other time before the
start of the auction or at the start of the auction, based on the
nature, expected selling price or value of the item(s) being
auctioned, or based on the reserve price (if any) entered by the
seller. The minimum acceptable incremental bid may also change as a
function of the current bid during the auction. Confirmation of the
setting of the auction date and time along with other auction
information may be displayed or communicated to the seller at step
216. The seller may also be notified of the upcoming auction via
email some time prior to the commencement of the auction.
[0038] Process 200 may also be used by a potential buyer in order
to participate in an already established auction. A potential buyer
may undergo steps 202, 204 and 206 of process 200 as well,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
described in FIG. 2. This embodiment obviates the need for multiple
access points to the auction site. If a potential buyer accesses
the auction site in order to enter an auction or search for
particular items being auctioned, he may enter a username and
password, and proceed to step 218, where he may enter a search for
an item scheduled for auction or an item being auctioned. The
search may be based on a pre-assigned auction number, an item
description, a general or specific category query, etc.
[0039] At step 220, the potential buyer may be queried as to
whether he would like to enter a particular auction once he views
search results by an animated auction attendant, such as the one
described in connection with FIG. 3. If he does not choose to enter
or if the auctioned item is not available either because bidding
has been closed or has not been opened, the auction attendant may
be automatically adapted to thank him for visiting the site and
wish him goodbye at step 222. The potential buyer may alternatively
conduct additional searches or as many searches as he may please.
In addition, system 100 of FIG. 1 may be automatically adapted to
conduct searches at step 218 of FIG. 2 on items available for
auction based on the potential buyer's previous purchases and/or
items in which he has demonstrated interest, as stored in the
system memory in accordance with his profile.
[0040] If the potential buyer chooses to enter an available
auction, the system may determine whether the auction has commenced
at step 224. If the particular auction has not yet begun but is
about to start, the process may continue to step 402 in FIG. 4 or
FIG. 9. If the auction has begun, the process may continue to step
406 in FIG. 4 or FIG. 9. In either case, a screen such as exemplary
screen 300 shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed to the buyer.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary screen that the auction
system may display to the potential buyer entering a particular
auction on workstation 110 of FIG. 1. Screen 300 may include an
animated character in the form of an auction attendant 311
welcoming the potential buyer to virtual auction room 310. Auction
attendant 311 is automated and controlled by the controlling logic
of system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. Auction attendant 311 of FIG. 3
may be adapted to welcome the potential buyer through the
announcement made in window 302. Screen 500 of FIG. 5 may then be
displayed to the potential buyer, following screen 300.
[0042] An auction attendant in the form of character 311 of FIG. 3
may be the default auction attendant that is displayed to the
potential buyer entering an auction. Alternatively, the auction
attendants of FIGS. 3 and 7, along with the bid spotter and
auctioneer of FIG. 5, may be any animated characters that system
100 may generate based on the potential buyer's preferences, the
potential buyer's profile or based on the item(s) being auctioned.
For example, the auction attendant may be selected from a
pre-configured set of genre-based characters. The auction attendant
may be in the form of a man or a woman pertaining to a certain age
group and having a certain demeanor. Alternatively, the auction
attendant may be a cartoon character or a character having the
likeness of a famous personality or celebrity.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,
only registered users may participate in the auction process. Such
registered users may be notified via email about the various
auctions that are scheduled to take place and about specific
auctions in which they have demonstrated interest. Such information
may be stored in the system memory as part of their user
profiles.
[0044] An unregistered participant who wishes to access the auction
and who does not have a username or password may be prompted to
create an account with the auction house hosting the site if he so
desires. Such a process may require him to pay a fee and disclose
certain user-related information that may be used to create a user
profile. Alternatively, the process of creating a user account may
be free of charge. This may apply to both potential sellers and
buyers. In addition to assigning a potential buyer a username and a
password, the process of creating an account may involve receiving
a shipping address and a preferred payment method that may be
stored in the system memory, as part of the user profile. In
addition, the buyer may select the animated characters he would
like to have appear as discussed in relation to FIGS. 3, 5 and 7.
Similarly, the process of creating an account for a potential
seller may involve receiving a preferred payment method and other
information that may be stored in the system memory as well.
Account and profile information may be stored in the system memory,
such as memory 124 of FIG. 1.
[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention designed to
attract potential participants, users may access the auction site
and not be prompted to enter a username or a password until they
decide to either post an item for sale or enter a bid on an
auction. In yet another embodiment of the present invention,
unregistered users may access the auction site in order to buy
certain items and need not undergo any of steps 202, 204 or 206 of
FIG. 2. In that case, process 200 may start at step 218. In such an
embodiment, only a potential seller may be prompted for a username
and a password. In such an embodiment, steps 204 and 206 need not
take place prior to step 210.
[0046] FIG. 4 describes a preferred process 400 that governs an
automated auction. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary screen that the
auction system may display to potential buyers or bidders on
workstation 110 of FIG. 1, while the auction is taking place.
Different portions of the screen displayed in FIG. 5 may change as
process 400 of FIG. 4 goes from one step to another. Participants
who attempt to enter the auction at or right before the auction
starting time may be allowed to enter the auction prior to the
occurrence of step 402 of process 400, as indicated by the arrow
from step 224 of process 200, in the event that the answer to the
question of step 224 of FIG. 2 was in the negative. The auctioning
of a particular item or group of items may start at step 402 of
process 400 at the time and date designated at step 214 of FIG. 2.
At that time, screen 500 of FIG. 5 may be displayed to each
potential buyer participating in the auction.
[0047] Screen 500 of FIG. 5 may include window 504 that displays a
picture of the item or a sample item being auctioned as well as a
brief description of the item. Screen 500 may display the current
time and date in region 502, the auction number in window 550, and
may include window 510. Window 510 may display the current highest
bid in region 512, the current number of units of the item that are
available for auction in region 514, and the length of time that
has passed since the start of the auction in region 516. Screen 500
is interactive in that it may contain buttons 540 that enable
participants to, for example, place a bid via Bid button 544 or
Smart Bid button 545, retract a bid via Retract button 546, query
for help via Help button 548 or for more information about the
product via Product Information button 542. Screen 500 may be
updated as different parameters, such as the highest bid price and
the units available, change as the auction proceeds. Screen 500 may
also include Exit Auction button 560 that allows the potential
buyer to exit from the particular auction and that conceals screen
500 upon confirmation.
[0048] Screen 500 may also include window 520 that displays an
animated character in the form of an auctioneer 522 presiding over
the auction behind table 524, and holding gavel or hammer 526.
Auctioneer 522 is automated and controlled by the controlling logic
of system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. An auctioneer in the form of the
character 522 may be the default character that is displayed to the
potential buyer. Alternatively, the auctioneer may be any animated
character that system 100 may generate based on the potential
buyers preferences, profile or on the item(s) being auctioned.
[0049] At the start of the auction, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may
announce that the auction has started. Like all subsequent
announcements made by auctioneer 522, such an announcement may be
heard through the workstation speakers utilized by every
participant and may be displayed in region 528 of window 520 to
every participant. Auctioneer 522 may also announce the item(s)
being sold, the minimum acceptable opening bid and the minimum
acceptable incremental bid thereafter, as determined at step 214 of
FIG. 2. In addition, auctioneer 522 may announce whether the
auction is a reserve auction as well as other relevant rules
pertaining to the auction. Such rules may be accessed by a bidder
at any time during the auction process by pressing on Help button
548.
[0050] Screen 500 of FIG. 5 may also display an animated character
in the form of a bid spotter 533 that may appear once the auction
starts at step 402 of FIG. 4, or later during the auction at step
406 of FIG. 4. Bid spotter 533 is automated and controlled by the
controlling logic of system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. A bid spotter
in the form of the character 533 may be the default character that
is displayed to the potential buyer. Alternatively, the bid spotter
may be any animated character that system 100 of FIG. 1 may
generate based on the potential buyer's preferences, profile or on
the item(s) being auctioned. Bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 may solicit
bids and make announcements at various stages of the auction as
described below. Such announcements be heard through the
workstation speakers of a particular participant entering a bid and
may be displayed in region 538 of screen 500 to that same
participant. In an alternative embodiment, auctioneer 522 may
perform some or all the functions of a bid spotter instead of bid
spotter 533.
[0051] Referring back to process 400 of FIG. 4, after the auction
has started at step 402, a pre-determined time period during which
bids may be accepted is calculated at step 404. The pre-determined
time period, which may be also known as the bidding period, may be
calculated based on the current highest bid, the minimum acceptable
opening bid, the minimum acceptable incremental bid and/or the
number of current participants. The bidding period may be updated
at different stages of the auction based on the amount of bidding
activity--i.e., the number of received bids, the previously
calculated bidding period, and whether announcement "Going Once" or
"Going Twice" was made, as described below. In addition, a timer
may be set for counting down the bidding period at step 404. The
expiration of the timer may indicate that bidding has stopped
either because no successful bid was established, or because no
higher bid was entered.
[0052] Participants who have not entered the auction at the auction
starting time may be allowed to enter the auction after step 404 of
process 400, as indicated by the arrow from step 224 of process
200, in the event that the answer to the question of step 224 of
FIG. 2 was in the positive. Potential buyers who do not participate
in the auction at the time it is held may submit advance bids prior
to the auction starting time.
[0053] An advance bid may be the highest amount of money a
potential buyer is willing to pay for the item being auctioned. The
potential buyer may have the option of submitting his advance bid
as a Smart Bid. In doing so, the potential buyer may specify a
level of improvement he wishes to have applied. If the user does
not specify the level of improvement, his bid may be assigned a
default improvement level. The improvement level may be implemented
as described in co-pending commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/171,009, filed Jun. 11, 2002 and
provisional patent application No. 60/463,835 filed Apr. 16, 2003,
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
[0054] At step 406 of FIG. 4, process 400 may receive and arrange
bids entered by various buyers. Bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 may
solicit individual participants as described below, and may
announce the bid entered by a particular participant to auctioneer
522 as a form of confirmation to the participant that his bid was
entered and received. This announcement may be audible to and
readable by the participant placing the bid. In the event that
advance bids have been submitted by potential buyers, they may also
be received at step 406 of FIG. 4.
[0055] Each received bid may be registered based on the bidder who
entered it, the amount it is for, the time it was entered, and/or
whether it is an advance bid.
[0056] Each bid may also be validated--e.g., the system may check
whether the bid is over the sum of the minimum acceptable
incremental bid and the most recent current highest bid. In the
event that two or more bids are equal in amount, the bid that was
received first may be given higher priority.
[0057] Advance bids may be modified and placed at the next
allowable bid amount, up to the maximum amount authorized by the
bidder. The next allowable bid amount may be calculated by adding
the minimum acceptable incremental bid to the current highest bid.
In the event the bidder submitted an advance bid under the Smart
Bid option, his bid may be modified and placed at a higher bid
amount, without exceeding the maximum amount authorized by the
bidder. The higher bid amount may be calculated by multiplying the
minimum acceptable incremental bid by a variable factor, and adding
the result to the current highest bid. The factor may be chosen
based on the improvement level selected by the bidder, the current
highest bid and/or the maximum amount authorized by the bidder.
Alternatively, the advance bid may be modified under the Smart Bid
option in any other way that ensures that the highest amount the
advance bidder is willing to pay for the item is entered as a valid
bid by the system.
[0058] In the event that an advance bid is equal to the highest bid
entered by a participant, the advance bid may or may not be given
priority over that highest bid. In the event that two or more
advance bids are equal in amount, the bid that was entered first
may be given higher priority. Alternatively, in the event that two
or more bids are equal in amount, the bid entered by the more
established bidder the user who has placed more bids, placed bids
on more items, participated in more auctions, etc.--may be given
higher priority.
[0059] In order for a potential buyer participating in the auction
to place a bid on the item(s) being auctioned, he may press Bid
button 544. His bid may be placed at the next allowable bid amount
based on the minimum acceptable incremental bid, or may be received
as entered by the bidder through his keyboard. However, before the
bid may be received by the system, the individual bidder may be
asked to confirm his bid through screen 600 of FIG. 6.
[0060] Smart Bid button 545 provides another way for the potential
buyer to place a bid on the item(s) being auctioned. Smart Bid
button 545 may give the potential buyer the option of placing a bid
that the system determines while bidding is taking place and may be
particularly useful when the current highest bid is nearing the
maximum amount the potential buyer may be willing to pay for the
item(s) or when there may not be enough time for the potential
buyer to successfully enter his desired bid on the item(s).
[0061] More specifically, when the Smart Bid button is pressed, the
system may enter a bid on behalf of the potential buyer that is
higher than the sum of the minimum acceptable incremental bid and
the current highest bid, without exceeding the maximum amount the
potential buyer is willing to pay for the item. The bid entered by
the system on behalf of the user may be based on bids entered by
other potential buyers, the current highest bid, the minimum
acceptable incremental bid and/or the maximum amount authorized by
the bidder. In a preferred embodiment, when the Smart Bid button is
pressed, the potential buyer may be prompted to enter the maximum
amount he is willing to pay and the system may then calculate and
enter an appropriate bid by multiplying the minimum acceptable
incremental bid by a variable factor, and adding the result to the
current highest bid. The factor may be chosen based on the
improvement level, as described above.
[0062] For example, if the current bid is $80, the minimum
acceptable incremental bid is $5 and the maximum amount a first
bidder--bidder A--is willing to pay is $100, the Smart Bid option
may allow a bid for $90 to be entered on behalf of bidder A. If
bidder A had entered a bid for $85, another bidder--bidder B--may
enter a bid for $90, which would still allow bidder A to enter a
bid for $100 under the Smart Bid option. However, if bidder A
enters a bid for $95 instead, then bidder B may enter a bid for
$100, thereby preventing bidder A from entering the amount he was
willing to pay for the item being auctioned. The Smart Bid option
may therefore be implemented in such a way that ensures that a bid
for $100 for the item is ultimately entered on behalf of bidder A
as a valid bid.
[0063] Screen 600 of FIG. 6 may be displayed to the particular
bidder after he enters his bid. Screen 600 may include some of the
elements of screen 500. In addition, screen 600 includes window 638
and buttons 610 and 620. Bid spotter 533 may be adapted to ask the
bidder to confirm whether the bid he entered is correct through the
announcement made in window 638. The bidder may confirm his bid by
pressing Yes button 610 or may cancel his bid by pressing No button
620. If the buyer presses Yes button 610, then his bid may be
received at step 406 of FIG. 4.
[0064] After step 406, process 400 may determine whether a new
highest bid was established at step 408, and if so, continues to
step 410. A bidder may be allowed to retract his bid. The bidder
may do so by pressing on Retract button 546 of FIG. 5 before the
bidding period expires. In such an event, process 400 of FIG. 4 may
have to recalculate the new highest current bid without reviving
the previous highest current bid.
[0065] At step 410 of FIG. 4, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce
to all participants the current highest bid, while region 512 may
be updated to reflect it. As mentioned above, the minimum
acceptable incremental bid may be a function of the current highest
bid or may be fixed at or before the beginning of the auction
process. In either case, the minimum acceptable incremental bid may
also be announced by auctioneer 522 at step 410 of FIG. 4.
Auctioneer 522 may or may not announce the identity of the
participant who placed the highest bid, depending on the rules
applicable to the particular auction. In the event that the highest
bid is an advance bid, an email may be automatically sent to the
bidder who placed the bid. After step 410, process 400 may go back
to step 404 where the bidding period may be recalculated based on
the current highest bid and the amount of bidding activity. In
addition, the timer may be reset for counting down the newly
calculated bidding period at step 404.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment, process 400 need not
recalculate the bidding period at step 404 and may reset the timer
according to the previously calculated bidding period at step 404.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the bidding period may be
chosen to be a fixed time period throughout the entire auction
process and need not be calculated at step 404.
[0067] After undergoing step 404 again, process 400 may solicit
bids at step 406 by causing bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 to address a
participant who had previously placed a bid on the item. Bid
spotter 533 may be adapted to ask the participant whether he wants
to raise his bid or may suggest an amount based on the minimum
acceptable incremental bid. The participant may select the amount
suggested by pressing on Bid button 544 and may be asked to confirm
his bid through screen 600, as described in connection with FIG.
6.
[0068] The exemplary screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 depicts an acoustic
guitar, shown in window 504, being auctioned. In this example, the
auctioneer 522 is announcing that the current highest bid for the
guitar is $250.00, which is also reflected in region 512. It can be
deduced from regions 516 and 502 that the auction started on
Saturday April 5, at 1:00 pm and has been ongoing for 15 minutes.
Bid spotter 533 is soliciting the participant to bid by making the
announcement displayed in region 538. Exemplary screen 500 may be
what is displayed to a participant at step 406 of FIG. 4.
[0069] The exemplary screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 depicts bid spotter
533 requesting that the bidder confirm his bid in window 638. In
this example, the bidder is assumed to have entered a $260 bid for
the acoustic guitar shown in window 504 after exemplary screen 500
of FIG. 5 was displayed to him Exemplary screen 600 may be what is
displayed to a participant at step 406 of FIG. 4, after the
participant places a bid.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, in the event that no bids have been
entered or accepted at step 408, process 400 may determine whether
the bidding period has passed at step 412 by consulting the timer
set at step 404. If the bidding period has not passed, process 400
may go back to step 406 and new bids may be solicited by bid
spotter 533 of FIG. 5. Bid spotter 533 may solicit bids more
aggressively from bidders who have made previous bids on the same
item or a related item. Bid spotter 533 may also solicit bids from
bidders who have bought several related items through the auction
site.
[0071] In the event that the bidding period has passed without new
bids having been accepted at step 412 of FIG. 4, process 400 may
continue to step 413. At step 413, process 400 determines whether
any bids have been accepted by the auction system. If no bids have
been accepted, then process 400 ends at step 422. In that case,
auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce the end of the auction and
indicate that there were no successful bids on the item to the
participants who may have entered into the auction. Auctioneer 522
may therefore announce "Item Withdrawn".
[0072] In the event that the seller has entered a reserve price at
step 212 of FIG. 2, process 400 of FIG. 4 may determine whether the
reserve price has been met at step 413. If the reserve price has
been met, then process 400 may continue to step 414, otherwise,
process 400 may terminate at step 422. In the latter case,
auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce the end of the auction to the
participants, indicating that the item has been withdrawn or that
the reserve price has not been met.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, if there has been at least one accepted
bid, process 400 goes from step 413 to step 414. At step 414,
process 400 may determine whether announcement "Going Once" has
been made since the timer was last set or reset at step 404. If
such an announcement has not been made, then process 400 may
instruct auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 to announce "Going Once" and to
raise hammer 526 as an indication to participants that bidding may
be coming close to an end at step 416 of FIG. 4. Referring back to
step 414 of FIG. 4, if announcement "Going Once" has been made,
process 400 may determine at step 418 whether announcement "Going
Twice" has been made since the timer was last set or reset at step
404. If such an announcement has been made, then process 400 may
instruct auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 to announce "Sold" and process
400 may end at step 422, thereby closing the auction. If such an
announcement has not been made, then process 400 may instruct
auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 to announce "Going Twice" and to raise
hammer 526 as another indication to participants that bidding may
be coming close to an end at step 420 of FIG. 4.
[0074] After announcement "Going Once" is made at step 416, process
400 may go back to step 404. Alternatively, after announcement
"Going Twice" is made at step 420, process 400 may go back to step
404. Further to what was described above in relation to step 404,
the bidding period may then be recalculated based on the current
highest bid, the amount of bidding activity, and whether
announcement "Going Once" or "Going Twice" has been made. In
addition, the timer may be reset for counting down the newly
calculated bidding period at step 404. Again, the bidding period
need not be recalculated at step 404 and may be based on the
previously determined bidding period. Process 400 may step through
steps 406 and 408 again in order to receive bids and determine
whether a new current highest bid is accepted. Process 400 may
solicit bids at step 406 by causing bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 to
ask the participant who previously submitted a potentially winning
bid whether he wants to raise his bid. Bid spotter 533 may
encourage that participant to place another bid in region 538, or
may suggest an amount which the participant may select by pressing
Bid button 544 and confirming his bid through screen 600, as
described in connection with FIG. 6.
[0075] As can be understood, process 400 of FIG. 4 establishes the
logic that may control the flow of the auction. During that
process, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may continue to announce bids at
step 410 of FIG. 4 while bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 solicits further
bids at step 406 of FIG. 4. When bidding appears to have stopped by
virtue of the fact that there have been no new bids for a
pre-determined amount of time calculated and updated at step 404 of
FIG. 4, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce "Going Once" at step
416 of FIG. 4 to see if any new bids are placed. If no new bids are
placed within a pre-determined time period calculated at step 404
of FIG. 4, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce "Going Twice" at
step 420 of FIG. 4. During the periods after the "Going Once" and
"Going Twice" announcements, bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 may again
solicit bids from individuals who bid earlier at step 406 of FIG.
4. If new bids are placed following the announcement of "Going
Once" or "Going Twice," the auction resumes as before. If there are
no further bids for a pre-determined time period calculated at step
404 and following the announcement of "Going Twice," auctioneer 522
of FIG. 5 may be adapted to bang gavel or hammer 526 on table 524
and announce "Sold," signaling the end of the auction at step 422
of FIG. 4.
[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative process 900 that may be
implemented instead of process 400 of FIG. 4. Process 900
establishes another logic that may control the flow of the auction.
Much like in process 400, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may continue to
announce bids at step 410 of process 900 while bid spotter 533 of
FIG. 5 solicits further bids at step 406 of process 900. When
bidding appears to have stopped by virtue of the fact that there
have been no new bids for a pre-determined amount of time
calculated and updated at step 404 of process 900, auctioneer 522
of FIG. 5 may announce "Last Chance to Bid" at step 916 of FIG. 4.
This announcement may be made after determining that it was not
previously made within the same pre-determined amount of time at
step 914 of process 900. Process 900 of FIG. 9 resumes as process
400 of FIG. 4 does in the event that other bids have been placed
after the "Last Chance to Bid" announcement. If there are no
further bids for a pre-determined time period calculated at step
404 of process 900 and following the "Last Chance to Bid"
announcement, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may be adapted to bang gavel
or hammer 526 on table 524 and announce "Sold," signaling the end
of the auction at step 422 of process 900.
[0077] Whether or not there were any bids accepted in process 900
of FIG. 9, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 announces "Last Chance to Bid"
and bid spotter 533 of FIG. 5 may solicit bids from participants.
In the event that the seller has entered a reserve price at step
212 of FIG. 2, process 900 of FIG. 9 may determine whether the
reserve price was met prior to step 422. If the reserve price has
been met, then auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce "Sold" at step
422 of FIG. 9. Otherwise, auctioneer 522 of FIG. 5 may announce
that the item has been withdrawn, or indicate that the reserve
price has not been met.
[0078] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary screens 700 and 800 that
the auction system may display to the winning bidder upon close of
the auction on workstation 110 of FIG. 1. Screens 700 and 800 may
be displayed in the event that the reserve price (if any) has been
met and in case the auction has not ended because no bids were
accepted. Screens 700 and 800 may include an animated character in
the form of another auction attendant 744 that may appear once the
auction is concluded. Auction attendant 744 is automated and
controlled by the controlling logic of system 100 depicted in FIG.
1. An auction attendant in the form of the character 744 may be the
default character that is displayed to the buyer. Alternatively,
the auction attendant that may be displayed to the winning bidder
may be any animated character that system 100 may generate based on
the buyer's preferences, profile or on the item sold. Auction
attendant 744 may give the winning bidder instructions on how to
proceed with payment. These instructions may be heard through the
winning bidder's workstation speakers and may be displayed to that
bidder in region 738 of FIG. 7 or in region 838 of FIG. 8.
[0079] Screen 700 of FIG. 7 may include window 720 which may
present the winning bidder or buyer numerous payment options. In
exemplary screen 700, such options include money order, wire
transfer, check or credit card payment, depending on the seller's
preferences. The buyer may choose among these options by clicking
on the appropriate portion of window 720 and may also specify the
shipping method for the item by typing it in when prompted for
it.
[0080] The auction host operating the auction site may act as
escrow agent, thereby serving as a counterparty between the buyer
and the seller. In this case, once the buyer enters the required
information, an email message may be automatically sent to the
seller, informing her that the auction has ended and notifying her
of the winning bid price, the payment mechanism and the shipping
method. Auction attendant 744 may then thank the buyer for using
the auction site. Afterwards, the seller may be directed via email
to a homepage where she may enter the total balance due. After the
seller completes the required fields, the buyer may be notified of
that amount via email. When payment in available funds is received
by the auction host, the seller may ship the item to the buyer.
Following receipt of the goods in satisfactory condition by the
buyer, or the expiration of a pre-determined period during which
the buyer may object, the auction host may release the funds to the
seller.
[0081] The exemplary screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 displays window 750
congratulating the winning bidder and indicating that the winning
bid for the single acoustic guitar displayed is $300.00, as can be
seen in regions 712 and 714 of window 710. In this example, the
auction is shown to have ended on Saturday April 5 at 1:22 pm,
which is 22 minutes into the auction, as can be deduced from
regions 716 and 702. Exemplary screen 700 may be displayed to a
buyer whose payment and shipping information is not stored in the
system.
[0082] Screen 800 of FIG. 8 may be displayed to the winning bidder
once he has chosen a method of payment in accordance with the
instructions of screen 700 of FIG. 7. Alternatively, screen 800 may
be displayed instead of screen 700 after the auction has ended to a
participant whose payment preferences and shipping information are
stored in the system. Screen 800 may contain the same elements of
screen 700 of FIG. 7, with the exception of windows 820, 830, 840
and region 838. Auction attendant 744 may ask the winning bidder to
confirm his payment information in region 838. The bidder's
preferred payment method and information may be retrieved from the
system memory and displayed to him in window 820. For example, in
exemplary screen 800, the user's preferred payment method is via
credit card and his shipping address is as shown. If the bidder is
satisfied with the information, he may select the payment method
displayed to him by pressing Confirm button 830. Otherwise, he may
edit one or more fields in window 820 or select another method of
payment by pressing on button Change Method Of Payment 840.
[0083] Exemplary screens 700 and 800 of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be
displayed to a participant when the auction host serves as a
counterparty between the buyer and seller. Alternatively,
settlement of the auction may be done by name give-up. In such a
scheme, auction attendant 744 may inform the buyer of the seller's
identity in region 738 of FIG. 7 or region 838 of FIG. 8. The
seller may also be notified of the buyer's identity via an
automated email sent after the conclusion of the auction. The
seller and buyer may then consummate the transaction
themselves.
[0084] Upon conclusion of an auction, system 100 of FIG. 1 may be
automatically adapted to search for items pertaining to the same
specific category as the item purchased by the buyer. Such a search
may be conducted as shown and described in connection with step 218
of FIG. 2. The search results may be displayed to the winning
bidder, to a bidder who attempted to bid on the item that was won
by the winning bidder, and/or to participants who have not entered
any bids on the item. The system may then be adapted to step
through steps 220 and 224 as described in connection with process
200 of FIG. 2 and prompt the participant as to whether he would
want to enter or be taken to a different available auction on a
similar or related item.
[0085] Whether or not there are similar items being auctioned,
system 100 of FIG. 1 may be adapted to update the profiles of each
bidder and participant by noting that such individuals demonstrated
interest in a particular type of item by entering into an auction
on a specific item. This may enable system 100 to alert these users
via email when another auction on the same or a similar item may be
created in the future. A user may choose to disable such an option
in order for him not to receive future emails relating to the
auctioning of related items.
[0086] One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that
portions of the present invention may be practiced by means other
than the ones described herein. For example, a potential seller may
post an item for sale via email, while potential buyers may bid on
auctioned items via email. Such an embodiment still makes use of
the Internet. The auction site need not be hosted on the Internet's
World Wide Web, however, and may be implemented on a WAN, LAN or
DSL network instead. Alternatively, the seller may contact the
auction site via telephone to enter information regarding an item
she may wish to sell. Although some of the methods of practicing
the present invention disclosed herein may require the assistance
of a person in setting up different aspects of the auction, the
nature of the auction process described in connection with FIGS. 4
and 9 need not lose its automated character.
[0087] Finally, one of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate
that the present invention may be practiced in embodiments other
than those illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention, and that the invention is only limited by
the claims which follow.
* * * * *