Method, system, and program for implementing an auction using calendar information
First Claim
1. A computer implemented method for implementing an auction, comprising:
- maintaining scheduled event records for a user within a computer database, wherein each scheduled event record indicates a scheduled event for the user at a calendar time slot;
receiving a request for bids for a service from the user indicating a time period, wherein the service is to be performed during a calendar time slot within the indicated time period, wherein the user comprises one of a service provider seeking bidders to purchase services offered by the user and a service user seeking service providers to bid to offer their services;
determining scheduled event records for the user within the indicated time period;
generating a template to display a calendar for the indicated time period showing time slots, wherein an available time slot comprises a time range in the indicated time period that does not include one scheduled event as indicated in the scheduled event records; and
receiving at least one bid for the service for one available time slot in which the service is to be performed, wherein the bid indicates an amount.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Provided is a method, system, and program for implementing an auction. Scheduled event records for a user are maintained within a computer database, wherein each scheduled event record indicates a scheduled event for the user at a calendar time slot. A request is received for bids for a service from the user indicating a time period, wherein the service is to be performed during a calendar time slot within the indicated time period. A determination is made of scheduled event records for the user within the indicated time period. A template is generated to display a calendar for the indicated time period showing time slots. Available time slots comprise time slots in the indicated time period that do not include one scheduled event as indicated in the scheduled event records. At least one bid for the service is received for one available time slot in which the service is to be performed, wherein the bid indicates an amount.
19 Citations
41 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method for implementing an auction, comprising:
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maintaining scheduled event records for a user within a computer database, wherein each scheduled event record indicates a scheduled event for the user at a calendar time slot; receiving a request for bids for a service from the user indicating a time period, wherein the service is to be performed during a calendar time slot within the indicated time period, wherein the user comprises one of a service provider seeking bidders to purchase services offered by the user and a service user seeking service providers to bid to offer their services; determining scheduled event records for the user within the indicated time period; generating a template to display a calendar for the indicated time period showing time slots, wherein an available time slot comprises a time range in the indicated time period that does not include one scheduled event as indicated in the scheduled event records; and receiving at least one bid for the service for one available time slot in which the service is to be performed, wherein the bid indicates an amount. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A personal information manager, comprising:
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means for displaying scheduled events of a user for designated calendar time slots, wherein the user comprises one of a service provider seeking bidders to purchase services offered by the user and a service user seeking service providers to bid to offer their services; means for displaying a bid form indicating a bid for a service to be performed at available time slots void of a scheduled event; means for receiving input indicating at least one bid for the service to be performed at one available time slot; and means for submitting the bid form including the received input indicating at least one bid, over a network, for the service during one available time slot. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A system for implementing an auction, comprising:
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a computer database; means for maintaining scheduled event records for a user within the computer database, wherein each scheduled event record indicates a scheduled event for the user at a calendar time slot; means for receiving a request for bids for a service from the user indicating a time period, wherein the service is to be performed during a calendar time slot within the indicated time period, wherein the user comprises one of a service provider seeking bidders to purchase services offered by the user and a service user seeking service providers to bid to offer their services; means for determining scheduled event records for the user within the indicated time period; means for generating a template to display a calendar for the indicated time period showing time slots, wherein an available time slot comprises a time range in the indicated time period that does not include one scheduled event as indicated in the scheduled event records; and means for receiving at least one bid for the service for one available time slot in which the service is to be performed, wherein the bid indicates an amount. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A computer readable medium comprising computer readable code that when executed implements an auction by performing operations, the operations comprising:
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maintaining scheduled event records for a user within a computer database, wherein each scheduled event record indicates a scheduled event for the user at a calendar time slot; receiving a request for bids for a service from the user indicating a time period, wherein the service is to be performed during a calendar time slot within the indicated time period, wherein the user comprises one of a service provider seeking bidders to purchase services offered by the user and a service user seeking service providers to bid to offer their services; determining scheduled event records for the user within the indicated time period; generating a template to display a calendar for the indicated time period showing time slots, wherein an available time slot comprises a time range in the indicated time period that does not include one scheduled event as indicated in the scheduled event records; and receiving at least one bid for the service for one available time slot in which the service is to be performed, wherein the bid indicates an amount. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification