System and method for supporting online auctions
First Claim
1. A method for integrating online bidding over a communications network and onsite bidding at a location where an auction is being held, without requiring transmission of streaming video or audio data to online bidders from the location, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a database that includes information about items being auctioned;
(b) enabling prospective bidders who are online to access the database over the communications network prior to entering a bid;
(c) communicating bidding information to and from;
(i) bidders who are onsite at the location of the auction; and
(ii) bidders who are online, over the communication network;
(d) enabling bidders who are online to transmit bids to the onsite auction over the communications network;
(e) automatically determining a highest bid from among each bid transmitted over the communication network by bidders who are online; and
(f) determining a purchaser of an item being auctioned based upon a highest bid made by a bidder who is either onsite or online.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system that facilitates bidding by online bidders in “live” auctions and provides enhanced functionality for administering auctions. Online bidders who are registered can select one or more “channels” to participate in auctions that are being held live for different collections of items. Data transferred over the Internet or other network is limited so that the asking bids, and current highest bid amounts can readily be transmitted to online bidders, who can then quickly respond with bids online, without slowing the bidding process for those bidders who are onsite. The system also provides management functions that facilitate the running of elections, including the registration process, compilation of inventories available for auction, and invoicing of successful bidders, both online and onsite.
153 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for integrating online bidding over a communications network and onsite bidding at a location where an auction is being held, without requiring transmission of streaming video or audio data to online bidders from the location, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a database that includes information about items being auctioned;
(b) enabling prospective bidders who are online to access the database over the communications network prior to entering a bid;
(c) communicating bidding information to and from;
(i) bidders who are onsite at the location of the auction; and
(ii) bidders who are online, over the communication network;
(d) enabling bidders who are online to transmit bids to the onsite auction over the communications network;
(e) automatically determining a highest bid from among each bid transmitted over the communication network by bidders who are online; and
(f) determining a purchaser of an item being auctioned based upon a highest bid made by a bidder who is either onsite or online. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification