Systems and methods for automated internet-based auctions
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method comprising:
- controlling, by at least one processor;
receiving, over a communication network, a plurality of electronic messages comprising a plurality of bids from a plurality of remote computers in an electronic auction session, in which at least one bid is a given smart bid that, for a same given item available for bidding, automatically outbids all other bids by an incremental amount until a maximum bid amount authorized by the bidder is reached in the auction session, in which the incremental amount is a function of a variable factor and determined in a predetermined manner to provide for a valid bid by the bidder at the maximum bid amount authorized;
displaying, over the communication network, an interface screen at a display of one of the plurality of remote computers during the electronic auction session, the interface screen simultaneously comprising;
an image depicting an animated character announcing information relating to the electronic auction session,indicia of an item available for bidding,a bid indicia selectable for placing a bid, anda smart bid indicia selectable for placing a smart bid, in which the smart bid indicia is different and separate from the bid indicia; and
after an auction period has ended, determining a winning bid from among the received bids, in which the winning bid is the smart bid; and
displaying, over the communication network, at the interface screen of at least one first of the plurality of remote computers an indication of the winning bid.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for implementing an automated auction process that is held at a designated time on the Internet, and that ends after bidding has been completed. In accordance with these systems and methods, a server connected to a plurality of workstations may establish several auctions that allow for efficient trading of multiple goods, while simulating the live and dynamic setting of traditional auctions.
51 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
controlling, by at least one processor; receiving, over a communication network, a plurality of electronic messages comprising a plurality of bids from a plurality of remote computers in an electronic auction session, in which at least one bid is a given smart bid that, for a same given item available for bidding, automatically outbids all other bids by an incremental amount until a maximum bid amount authorized by the bidder is reached in the auction session, in which the incremental amount is a function of a variable factor and determined in a predetermined manner to provide for a valid bid by the bidder at the maximum bid amount authorized; displaying, over the communication network, an interface screen at a display of one of the plurality of remote computers during the electronic auction session, the interface screen simultaneously comprising; an image depicting an animated character announcing information relating to the electronic auction session, indicia of an item available for bidding, a bid indicia selectable for placing a bid, and a smart bid indicia selectable for placing a smart bid, in which the smart bid indicia is different and separate from the bid indicia; and after an auction period has ended, determining a winning bid from among the received bids, in which the winning bid is the smart bid; and displaying, over the communication network, at the interface screen of at least one first of the plurality of remote computers an indication of the winning bid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus comprising:
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at least one processor configured to control; receiving, over a communication network, a plurality of electronic messages comprising a plurality of bids from a plurality of remote computers in an electronic auction session, in which at least one bid is a given smart bid that, for a same given item available for bidding, automatically outbids all other bids by an incremental amount until a maximum bid amount authorized by the bidder is reached in the auction session, in which the incremental amount is a function of a variable factor and determined in a predetermined manner to provide for a valid bid by the bidder at the maximum bid amount authorized; displaying, over the communication network, an interface screen at an electronic display of one of the plurality of remote computers during the electronic auction session, the interface screen simultaneously comprising; an image depicting an animated character announcing information relating to the electronic auction session, indicia of an item available for bidding, a bid indicia selectable for placing a bid; a smart bid indicia selectable for placing a smart bid, in which the smart bid indicia is different and separate from the bid indicia; and after an auction period has ended, determining a winning bid from among the received bids, in which the winning bid is the smart bid; and displaying, over the communication network, at the interface screen of at least one first of the plurality of remote computers an indication of the winning bid. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification