Method and system for electronic report handling, such as for metrics reports concerning electronic auctions
First Claim
1. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, a method comprising:
- receiving electronic auction information at the electronic auction metrics computer from one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction information includes information about the results and performance of an electronic auction;
storing the electronic auction information in a metrics database, wherein the metrics database is coupled with the electronic auction metrics computer via a computer network;
receiving a request from a user computer for a specified metrics report, wherein the user specifies details about the report including subject matter of the report, timeframe for the report, and report delivery method;
transmitting a request to the metrics database for metrics data, wherein the metrics data that is requested is based on the report request from the user;
receiving the metrics data from the metrics database;
creating a metrics report based on the request from the user computer, wherein the data used to create the metrics report is the metrics data received from the metrics database; and
providing the metrics report to the user via a delivery method specified by the user in the report request.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for providing metrics reports concerning reverse electronic auctions provides several components. The system includes a gather component for receiving electronic auction information from one or more electronic auction computers and a database for storing the electronic auction information. The system may also include a submission component for receiving requests for metrics reports from a user on a user computer, as well as a metrics report component for creating a metrics report which may be at least partially based on parameters supplied by the user and the electronic information stored in the database. Metrics reports may be used to track the reverse electronic auctions in order to determine where additional improvements and/or efficiencies can be made. Some or all steps in the process are performed electronically, or with electronic forms (e.g., Web-based forms), to eliminate bottlenecks and streamline the metrics report generation process.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, a method comprising:
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receiving electronic auction information at the electronic auction metrics computer from one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction information includes information about the results and performance of an electronic auction;
storing the electronic auction information in a metrics database, wherein the metrics database is coupled with the electronic auction metrics computer via a computer network;
receiving a request from a user computer for a specified metrics report, wherein the user specifies details about the report including subject matter of the report, timeframe for the report, and report delivery method;
transmitting a request to the metrics database for metrics data, wherein the metrics data that is requested is based on the report request from the user;
receiving the metrics data from the metrics database;
creating a metrics report based on the request from the user computer, wherein the data used to create the metrics report is the metrics data received from the metrics database; and
providing the metrics report to the user via a delivery method specified by the user in the report request. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, a method comprising:
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receiving electronic auction information at the electronic auction metrics computer from one or more electronic auction computers;
storing the electronic auction information in a metrics database;
receiving a request from a user computer for a specified metrics report;
searching the metrics database for metrics data, wherein the metrics data is based on the electronic auction information;
creating a metrics report based on the request from the user; and
providing the metrics report to the user computer. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system to assist in generating metrics reports based on reverse electronic auctions performed by one or more electronic auction computers, comprising:
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means for receiving electronic auction information from one or more electronic auction computers;
means for storing the electronic auction information;
means for receiving a request for a metrics report;
means for searching the metrics database for metrics data;
means for creating a metrics report; and
means for providing the metrics report to the user.
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9. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, an electronic auction metrics system comprising:
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a gather component for receiving electronic auction information at the electronic auction metrics computer from one or more electronic auction computers;
a database for storing the electronic auction information;
a submission component for receiving requests for metrics reports from users on user computers, wherein the user request includes parameters of the desired report, a metrics report component for creating a metrics report, wherein the metrics report is based on parameters specified by the user and the electronic auction information stored in the database; and
a display component for displaying the metrics report to the user. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, a method comprising:
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receiving electronic auction information from one or more electronic auction computers;
storing the electronic auction information in a metrics database;
receiving a request from a user computer for a specified metrics report;
searching the metrics database for metrics data, wherein the metrics data is based on the electronic auction information;
creating a metrics report based on the request from the user; and
transmitting the created metrics report to the user computer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, the electronic auction metrics computer comprising:
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means for receiving electronic auction information;
means for processing the electronic auction information;
means for storing the electronic auction information;
means for receiving a request for a specified metrics report;
means for creating a metrics report based on the electronic auction information; and
means for transmitting the created metrics report.
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21. A computer-readable medium whose contents cause a computer to generate an electronic auction metrics report by a method comprising:
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receiving electronic auction information from one or more electronic auction computers;
receiving a request from a user computer for a specified metrics report;
creating a metrics report based on the request from the user and the electronic auction information received; and
transmitting the created metrics report to the user computer. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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26. In a computer network connecting an electronic auction metrics computer and one or more electronic auction computers, wherein the electronic auction metrics computer is coupled to one or more user computers over a computer network, a method comprising:
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at a user computer, receiving from a user a request for a metrics report based on electronic auction information;
at a user computer, sending to an electronic auction metrics computer a request for a metrics report, wherein the request includes information identifying the type of metrics report desired;
at a user computer, receiving from the electronic auction metrics computer an indication of the metrics report; and
at a user computer, displaying to the user the metrics report.
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34. A computer-readable medium containing a data structure for use by an electronic auction metrics system, the data structure comprising:
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metrics auction information, wherein the metrics auction information includes an auction number, a commodity, a business, an auction value, a date, a description of the product procured, and an identification of a person responsible for the electronic auction.
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Specification