×

Systems and methods for automated internet-based auctions

  • US 20040193529A1
  • Filed: 07/29/2003
  • Published: 09/30/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for implementing an automated auction process, the apparatus comprising:

  • a plurality of workstations, each of the workstations comprising;

    a workstation storage device;

    a workstation processor connected to the workstation storage device, the workstation storage device storing a workstation program for controlling the workstation processor; and

    the workstation processor operative with the workstation program to receive bids on at least one item, and to display an animated auctioneer that announces a current bid; and

    a server operative to communicate with the plurality of workstations and receive the bids on the at least one item, the server comprising;

    a server storage device;

    a server processor connected to the server storage device, the server storage device storing a server program for controlling the server processor; and

    the server processor operative with the server program to determine the current bid based on the received bids and to stop accepting subsequent bids after a pre-determined time period has elapsed following the determination of the current bid.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×