Method of allowing a user to participate in an auction

• US 20050131803A1
• Filed: 02/07/2005
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Lapstun, Paul, Lapstun, Jacqueline Anne, Silverbrook, Kai
• Granted Patent: US 8,135,637 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/37
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/106 for the sheet output section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17523 Ink connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17556 Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17563 Ink filters
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/2114 Ejecting transparent or white coloured liquids, e.g. processing liquids B41J2/211 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 19/02 starting with single sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 9/0006 by applying adhesive to a stack of sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 9/0081 applying adhesive to individual sheets for binding them together by fusing, welding B42C9/0093
• CPC Class Codes: B42P 2261/04 Producing books by printing sheets in following order, e.g. for ordering via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 29/34 from supports slid from under the articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 37/04 for securing together articles or webs, e.g. by adhesive, stitching or stapling adhering replacement to expiring web during change of web roll B65H19/18
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/3323 using document space presentation or visualization, e.g. category, hierarchy or range presentation and selection
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0321 by optically sensing the absolute position with respect to a regularly patterned surface forming a passive digitiser, e.g. pen optically detecting position indicative tags printed on a paper sheet constructional details of pen-shaped pointing devices G06F3/03545, G06F3/03542, G06F3/037
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 : for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 : Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/042 : characterized in that the payment protocol involves at least one cheque
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0248 : Avoiding fraud
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 : Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 : Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 : Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 : Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/06 : Asset management; Financial planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/188 : Electronic negotiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 30/1423 : the instrument generating sequences of position coordinates corresponding to handwriting preprocessing or recognising digital ink G06V30/32
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/00 : Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers mechanically operated G09B3/00; computing arrangements G06F
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 : with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 : with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00326 : with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus G11B31/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00334 : with an apparatus processing barcodes or the like arrangements for sensing record carriers G06K7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00342 : with a radio frequency tag transmitter or receiver storage of additional information in an RFID tag attached to an image bearing paper sheet H04N1/32138
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00358 : Type of the scanned marks
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00376 : Means for identifying a mark sheet or area
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00567 : Handling of original or reproduction media, e.g. cutting, separating, stacking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00968 : by scanning marks on a sheet mark-sheet input means H04N1/00355; sensing record carriers G06K7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32101 : Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32122 : in a separate device, e.g. in a memory or on a display separate from image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32128 : attached to the image data, e.g. file header, transmitted message header, information on the same page or in the same computer file as the image for information embedded in the image H04N1/32144
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32771 : in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32778 : using a mark-sheet or machine-readable code request
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3243 : of type information, e.g. handwritten or text document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3247 : Data linking a set of images to one another, e.g. sequence, burst or continuous capture mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3249 : data relating to a linked page or object, e.g. hyperlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3269 : of machine readable codes or marks, e.g. bar codes or glyphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/327 : which are undetectable to the naked eye, e.g. embedded codes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/915 : Image
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/917 : Text
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99932 : Access augmentation or optimizing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 : Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 : Query formulation, input preparation, or translation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99935 : Query augmenting and refining, e.g. inexact access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 : Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 : Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

A method of allowing a user to participate in an auction. The method includes, in a computer system, determining, information relating to the auction, and generating coded data indicative of at least one parameter relating to the auction. The computer system then determines a layout defining an arrangement for at least one of the coded data and the and the information before causing printing of a form by causing printing of the coded data and the information using the layout. The coded data is adapted to be sensed by a sensing device which can generating indicating data indicative of the at least one parameter. The computer is responsive to the indicating data to determine the at least one parameter, thereby allowing the user to participate in the auction.

Claims

1. A system for allowing a user to participate in an auction, the system including a computer system for:

determining, in response to a request from the user, information relating to the auction;

causing generation of coded data, the coded data being indicative of at least one parameter relating to the auction;

determining a layout defining an arrangement for at least one of the coded data and the and the information;

causing printing of a form by causing printing of the coded data and the information using the layout;

receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the at least one parameter; and

,

determining, from the indicating data, the at least one parameter.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a printer for:

receiving at least one of the coded data, the information and the layout; and

,

printing the form by printing the coded data and the information.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the computer system is for:

determining an identity;

recording an association between the identity and a page description; and

,

at least one of;

generating, using the identity, the coded data, the coded data being at least partially indicative of the identity; and

,

transferring the identity to the printer, the printer being responsive to the identity to generate the coded data.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a relay device, the relay device being for:

receiving the indicating data from the sensing device; and

,

transferring the indicating data to the computer system.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the relay device is a printer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes the sensing device, the sensing device including:

(a) an image sensor adapted to capture images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the document; and

(b) a processor adapted to;

(i) identify at least some of the coded data from one or more of the captured images;

(ii) decode at least some of the coded data; and

(iii) generate the indicating data using at least some of the decoded coded data.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the layout includes at least one of:

a page description indicative of an arrangment of the information; and

,

a map indicative of an arrangement of the coded data.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the coded data includes a number of coded data portions, and wherein the coded data is generated by:

determining a data portion identity for each coded data portion; and

,

printing the coded data using the map, the map defining, for each data portion identity, a location for the corresponding coded data portion on the surface.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the indicating data is at least partially indicative of the data portion identity and wherein the computer system is for:

determining, from the indicating data, the data portion identity and the map;

determining, using the data portion identity and the map, a corresponding location; and

,

determining from the corresponding location and the page description, the at least one interactive element.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the indicating data is at least partially indicative of an identity and wherein the computer system is for:

determining, from the indicating data, the identity;

determining, using the identity, the page description; and

,

determining, using the page description, the at least one parameter.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the coded data is further indicative of a plurality of reference points, and the indicating data is at least partially indicative of at least one of a position and movement of the sensing device relative to the form, and wherein the computer system is for:

determining, using the indicating data, at least one of the position and the movement of the sensing device; and

,

at least one of;

determining, using the position and the page description, the at least one parameter; and

,

interpreting the movement as it relates to the at least one parameter.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein the sensing device includes a store for storing an identifier, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the identifier, and the computer system being for:

determining, using the indicating data, the identifier;

identifying, using the identifier, a user identity associated with the user; and

,

performing, using the user identity, an action associated with the at least one parameter.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes, in the computer system:

determining, from the indicating data, movement of the sensing device relative to the form;

determining, using the movement, a handwritten signature; and

,

determining, using the identity a predetermined signature;

verifying the user by comparing the handwritten signature to the predetermined signature.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer system performs an action associated with the at least one parameter, the action including at least one of:

determining, using the at least one parameter, auction details relating to an item to be auctioned;

generating an auction listing relating to the auction details;

requesting the listing of an item;

attaching a picture of an item being listed;

confirming the listing of an item;

modifying the listing of an item;

cancelling the listing of an item;

determining at least one of a list of items being auctioned, terms of an item auction, a description of an item being listed for auction, categories in which an item can be listed, and subcategories in which an item can be listed, and a bid associated with an item being auctioned.

bidding for an item;

requesting details of an item;

requesting items in a category; and

,

searching for an item.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer system is for:

determining, from the indicating data, movement of the sensing device relative to the form;

determining, using the determined movement, at least one character, the character being at least one of a hand-written indicia, alpha-numeral, diagram, and a figure; and

,

converting the at least one character to an electronic form.

16. A system for allowing a user to participate in an auction, the system including:

a printer for;

determining, from a computer system;

information relating to the auction;

data at least partially indicative of coded data, the coded data being indicative of at least one parameter relating to the auction;

layout defining an arrangement for at least one of the coded data and the information;

printing a form by causing printing of the coded data and the information, using the layout; and

,

a sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, is for;

sensing at least some of the coded data;

generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the at least one parameter; and

,

transferring the indicating data to a computer system, the computer system being responsive to the indicating data to determine, from the indicating data, the at least one parameter.

17. A system for allowing a user to participate in an auction, the system including a printer for:

receiving, from a computer system;

information relating to the auction;

parameter data indicative of at least one parameter relating to the auction;

a layout defining an arrangement for at least one of coded data and the information;

generating, using the identity data, coded data indicative of the at least one parameter; and

,

printing a form by printing the coded data and the information, using the layout.

18. A method of allowing a user to participate in an auction, the method including, in a computer system:

determining, in response to a request from the user, information relating to the auction;

causing generation of coded data, the coded data being indicative of at least one parameter relating to the auction;

determining a layout defining an arrangement for at least one of the coded data and the and the information;

causing printing of a form by causing printing of the coded data and the information using the layout;

receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the at least one parameter; and

,

determining, from the indicating data, the at least one parameter.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method includes, in the computer system:

determining an identity;

recording an association between the identity and a page description; and

,

at least one of;

generating, using the identity, the coded data, the coded data being at least partially indicative of the identity; and

,

transferring the identity to the printer, the printer being responsive to the identity to generate the coded data.

20. A method of allowing a user to participate in an auction, the method including:

in a printer;

determining, from a computer system at least one of;

information relating to the auction;

coded data, the coded data being indicative of at least one parameter relating to the auction;

layout defining an arrangement for at least one of the coded data and the information;

printing a form by causing printing of the coded data and the information, using the layout; and

,

in a sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form;

sensing at least some of the coded data;

generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the at least one parameter; and

,

transferring the indicating data to a computer system, the computer system being responsive to the indicating data to determine, from the indicating data, the at least one parameter.