Integrated auction system
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for providing online participation in a live auction, the method comprising:
- transmitting over a computer communications network a description of a piece of property to be auctioned and a real time video image of a scene depicting a live auction of the property;
receiving a bid for the property via the computer communications network;
presenting the bid to an auctioneer; and
transmitting a notification of a winning bid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for participating in a live auction via a computer communications system. Computer servers are utilized to transmit real time images of a live auction and track bids presented for particular properties being auctioned. Highest bids are processed such that they are integrated into the live auction. Software routines direct bids on a particular piece of property to an appropriate live auction and escalate responsive actions according to the circumstances of the auction. A description of a piece of property to be auctioned and a real time video image of a scene depicting a live auction of the property are transmitted over a computer communications network. A bid for the property is received and notification of a winning bid can be transmitted via the computer communications network. In addition to the description of the property, which can be textual or a graphic image, a video image of the property providing various views and details can also be transmitted. Real time video images depict live scenes of the auction.
48 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for providing online participation in a live auction, the method comprising:
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transmitting over a computer communications network a description of a piece of property to be auctioned and a real time video image of a scene depicting a live auction of the property;
receiving a bid for the property via the computer communications network;
presenting the bid to an auctioneer; and
transmitting a notification of a winning bid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A computer system for providing online participation in a live auction, the system comprising:
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a computer server accessible via a computer communications network, wherein the server comprises a memory and a processor;
a multimedia device capable of inputting scenes from the live auction into the server; and
executable software residing in the server memory wherein the software is operative with the processor to;
cause a scene input by the multimedia device to be transmitted over the communications network;
receive a bid via the communications network; and
transmit a notification relating a winning bid via the communications network. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer system for managing online participation in multiple live auctions, the system comprising:
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an auction host computer server accessible via a computer communications network, wherein the auction host server comprises a memory and a processor;
an auction house computer server for communicating with the auction host computer server via the communications network;
a multimedia device capable of inputting a scene from a live auction into the auction house computer server; and
executable software residing in the auction host computer server memory, wherein the software is operative with the processor to;
cause a scene input by the multimedia device to be transmitted over the communications network;
receive a bid for an auctioned property via the communications network; and
transmit the bid to the auction house server. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. Computer executable program code residing on a computer-readable medium, the program code comprising instructions for causing the computer to:
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transmit a description of a piece of property to be auctioned and a real time video image of a scene depicting a live auction of the property over a computer communications network;
receive a bid for the property via the computer communications network; and
transmit a notification of a winning bid via the computer communications network. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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22. A user interface for participating in a live auction, the interface comprising:
an electronic display connected to a network access device and multiple display areas defined on the display, wherein various scenes depicting a live auction are displayed in the various areas.
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23. A computer data signal embodied in a digital data stream, wherein the computer data signal is generated by a method comprising the steps of:
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transmitting over a computer communications network a description of a piece of property to be auctioned and a real time video image of a scene depicting a live auction of the property;
receiving a bid for the property via the computer communications network; and
transmitting a notification of a winning bid via the computer communications network. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification