System, method and article of manufacture for a bidding system utilizing a user demand summary

• US 20020029181A1
• Filed: 02/14/2001
• Published: 03/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: NeoMedia Technologies Inc.
• Original Assignee: NeoMedia Technologies Inc.
• Inventors: Miller, Michael R., Miller, Gregory P., Carpenter, William H. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US09/783,755
• Publication Number:
  US 20020029181A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/37
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0225 Avoiding frauds
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0226 Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0234 Rebates after completed purchase
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0239 Online discounts or incentives
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0255 based on user history
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0257 User requested
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0271 Personalized advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0273 Determination of fees for advertising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0623 Item investigation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0625 Directed, with specific intent or strategy
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange

Abstract

A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for allowing bidding on products. A summary of user demand for a product is generated based on user input of product information. The summary is presented to a plurality of sellers of the product. Bids are received from the sellers for a price of the product. The lowest bid is selected and is presented to a reseller of the product.

Claims

1. A method for allowing bidding on products, comprising the steps of:

(a) generating a summary of user demand for a product based on user input of product information;

(b) presenting the summary to a plurality of sellers of the product;

(c) receiving bids from the sellers for a price of the product;

(d) selecting the lowest bid; and

(e) presenting the bid to a reseller of the product.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the user input includes representations of bar codes, wherein the bar codes are associated with particular products.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the user input product information includes a survey relating to the product, wherein the survey is completed online.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein steps (a)-(e) are performed in real time.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the bid is presented to a user.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the summary includes at least one of a geographic profile and a demographic profile of the users inputting the product information.

7. A computer program product for allowing bidding on products, comprising:

(a) computer code for generating a summary of user demand for a product based on user input of product information;

(b) computer code for presenting the summary to a plurality of sellers of the product;

(c) computer code for receiving bids from the sellers for a price of the product;

(d) computer code for selecting the lowest bid; and

(e) computer code for presenting the bid to a reseller of the product.

8. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the user input includes representations of bar codes, wherein the bar codes are associated with particular products.

9. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the user input product information includes a survey relating to the product, wherein the survey is completed online.

10. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the computer code is executed in real time.

11. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the bid is presented to a user.

12. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the summary includes at least one of a geographic profile and a demographic profile of the users inputting the product information.

14. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the user input includes representations of bar codes, wherein the bar codes are associated with particular products.

15. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the user input product information includes a survey relating to the product, wherein the survey is completed online.

16. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the logic operates in real time.

17. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the bid is presented to a user.

18. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the summary includes at least one of a geographic profile and a demographic profile of the users inputting the product information.

13. A system for allowing bidding on products, comprising:

(a) logic for generating a summary of user demand for a product based on user input of product information;

(b) logic for presenting the summary to a plurality of sellers of the product;

(c) logic for receiving bids from the sellers for a price of the product;

(d) logic for selecting the lowest bid; and

(e) logic for presenting the bid to a reseller of the product.