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Systems and methods for automated internet-based auctions

  • US 8,533,061 B2
  • Filed: 09/10/2008
  • Issued: 09/10/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • receiving, via a processor in an electronic auction system, bids for an item, in which each bid comprises a bid amount and an identity of the bidder, in which at least one bid is a smart bid that automatically outbids all other bids by an incremental amount until a maximum amount is reached;

    generating, via the processor, an animated character that appears on a monitor of a bidder'"'"'s workstation, in which the animated character announces;

    a current status of the received bids;

    a start time and end time for the electronic auction a minimum bid amount for the item; and

    a minimum incremental amount for each bid;

    computing, via the processor after an auction period has ended, a winning bid from among the received bids, in which the winning bid has a highest bid amount at the end of the auction period; and

    transmitting, via the processor, an indication of the winning bid to a remote device that is in electronic communication with the processor over a network.

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