APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF AUCTION ITEM INFORMATION
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for efficient delivery of a plurality of information regarding items for auction. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a server entity adapted to communicate with a plurality of information sources (such as sources having vehicle history information, estimated valuation information, etc.) The server entity compiles information received from the plurality of sources and formats the information for efficient delivery to a client device via e.g., SMS based text messaging, internet-based instant messaging, or the like. In another salient aspect of the invention, a client enters an auction identification number (AID) rather than a longer alpha-numeric VIN or other identification number. The server entity may also calculate and communicate estimates and/or alerts/reminders of when bidding will begin for particular items for auction which the client has expressed interest in. Exemplary client interface and business methods are also given.
33 Citations
73 Claims
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1-41. -41. (canceled)
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42. An apparatus for presenting information to a client device regarding a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:
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one or more interfaces for communication between said apparatus and said client device; a storage apparatus; and at least one digital processor, said digital processor having at least one computer program operative to run thereon, said at least one program being configured to; receive a short message service (SMS) request message from said client device, said request message identifying said vehicle by at least a portion of a vehicle identification number (VIN) associated therewith; request information regarding said vehicle from at least one vehicle information source using said at least a portion of said VIN; receive said information regarding said vehicle, said information regarding said vehicle comprising one or more of accident history of said vehicle and/or estimated value of said vehicle; format said information into an SMS response message; and cause transmission said SMS response message to said client device. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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48. A method of providing information useful in making vehicle purchase decisions, said method comprising:
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receiving a message requesting information regarding at least one vehicle from a mobile device, said message comprising at least a portion of a vehicle identification number (VIN) for said at least one vehicle; requesting information regarding said vehicle from an entity for compiling vehicle information, said request comprising at least said at least portion of said VIN; receiving at least one vehicle history report from said entity, said vehicle history report comprising at least information enabling a user to make said purchase decision; and formatting said at least one vehicle history report into a format suitable for transmission to said mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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57. An apparatus for providing information relating to one or more vehicles in an auction, said apparatus comprising:
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one or more interfaces for communication between said apparatus and one or more client devices, and said apparatus and one or more vehicle information sources; a storage apparatus, said storage apparatus comprising at least a plurality of records identifying a plurality of subscribers; and at least one digital processor, said digital processor having at least one computer program operative to run thereon, said at least one program being configured to; verify at least one of said one or more client devices via login information received therefrom, said login information identifying a user of said at least one client device as one of said plurality of subscribers; receive a message from said at least one client device requesting information regarding said one or more vehicles, said message identifying said one or more vehicles by providing at least vehicle identification information associated therewith; request information regarding said one or more vehicles from said one or more vehicle information sources using at least said vehicle identification information; receive said information regarding said one or more vehicles, said information regarding said one or more vehicles comprising information useful in making purchasing decisions during said auction; and transmit said information regarding said one or more vehicles to said at least one client device. - View Dependent Claims (58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66)
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67. A method for presenting information to a mobile device regarding a vehicle for sale, said method comprising:
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receiving a request message from said mobile device, said request message including at least information identifying said vehicle by at least a portion of a vehicle identification number (VIN) associated therewith; requesting information regarding said vehicle from at least one server capable of using at least said at least portion of said VIN to provide vehicle accident history and from at least one server capable of using at least said at least portion of said VIN to provide an estimated value of said vehicle; receiving in response to said request at least one accident history report and at least one estimated value report for said vehicle; formatting said at least one accident history report and said at least one estimated value report into formats suitable for transmission to said mobile device; and transmitting said formatted at least one accident history report and said formatted at least one estimated value report to said mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73)
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Specification