Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20100299223 | System And Method For Communicating With An Electronic Exchange In An Electronic Trading Environment - System and methods for a connection proxy server are described. According to an example method described herein, a connection proxy server stores subscription, product tables as well as other downloads that are provided to a client terminal during initialization stage as well as later during a trading session. Upon detecting that a connection between the client terminal and a gateway is lost, the connection proxy maintains a communication session created for the client terminal at the gateway and receives data intended for the client terminal. If the connection is re-established between the client terminal and the gateway during a predetermined period of time, the connection proxy provides the stored data to the client terminal thus avoiding a surge in processing resources at the gateway due to the necessary downloads. | 11-25-2010 |
20100312662 | System and Method for Conducting Online Auctions - The invention relates to a system and method for conducting online auctions, and has particular application in conducting business on-line over a network of computers such as the Internet, for establishing materials supply contracts. In particular, the invention relates to control of a reserve price in an online bidding event. An online auction between a controlling party and at least two competing participants comprises the steps of setting a reserve price for the auction, conducting the auction between the at least two competing parties, determining whether a predetermined time trigger has been reached and suspending the auction if the reserve price is not reached at the time, determining whether the controlling party has selected to enter an optional reserve price negotiation phase, and revising the reserve price for that reserve price negotiation phase, and accordingly, extending the auction based on the revised reserve price. In application to a factored reserve or forward auction event, the invention allows the transparency and integrity of the real time negotiation process to be maintained beyond the normal bidding event and into an auction extension phase based on the revised reserve price. | 12-09-2010 |
20100312663 | Market Clearability in Combinatorial Auctions and Exchanges - A method of determining a winning allocation in an auction or exchange includes receiving at least one buy bid that includes a price-quantity demand curve and/or receiving at least one sell bid that includes a price-quantity supply curve. The received curves are utilized to determine clearing prices therefor that maximize a clearing surplus. A winning allocation is determined based on the clearing prices. | 12-09-2010 |
20100312664 | USER AUTHENTICATION IN AN AUCTION SYSTEM - A method and system for authenticating users while conducting an auction via a computer system. The system can automatically authenticate users who have previously registered with the auction system and who have enabled automatic authentication. When a user is registered, the system may store authentication information in a cookie on the user's computer. When the user decides to perform a transaction (e.g., list item auction or place a bid for an item) that requires authentication, the system retrieves the stored authentication information. If automatic authentication is enabled, then the system allows the transaction to proceed without manual authentication. If, however, automatic authentication is not enabled or the system does not recognize the stored authentication information, then the system requests manual authentication. The use of automatic authentication allows a user to enter information relating to a transaction without manually entering any identification information. | 12-09-2010 |
20100325010 | System And Method For Competitive Pricing And Procurement Of Customized Goods And Services - An apparatus and method for selecting a lowest bidding vendor from a plurality of vendors of a customized good or service, including receiving a set of vendor's attributes from each of the plurality of vendors representing their respective capabilities, and receiving an invitation-for-bid data from the buyer defining a custom job for which the buyer desires price quotes or bids. The vendor attributes or the invitation-for-bid, or both, are received through a web browser. The invitation-for-bid is compared to each of the vendor's attributes according to certain standard or optional selection criteria to generate a vendor selection pool of vendors qualified to bid on the job. Each vendor in the vendor selection pool receives a vendor's invitation-for-bid. A bid is received from at least one vendor in the vendor selection pool, the lowest price bid is identified, the buyer is informed of the identity of the selected vendor, and solicited for approval of the selected vendor. Upon receipt of approval from the buyer, an order is issued to the selected vendor. The non-selected vendors in the selection pool are informed of the bid prices and of the selection results. | 12-23-2010 |
20110010262 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANTANEOUSLY DEPLOYING PACKETIZED ALERT DATA - One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one to many configuration or a many to many configuration where the data to be received by each recipient can be customized in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control over the content or revenue generated from each deployment. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010263 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING KEYWORD BIDDING PRICES - A computer-implemented method and system for managing keyword bidding prices are disclosed. An example system embodiment includes an automatic keyword bidding module, operably coupled with a processor and a memory, operable to determine a revenue per click value associated with a keyword, obtain bidding information associated with the keyword, obtain automatic bid controls associated with the keyword, and automatically generate a bid value for the keyword based on the revenue per click value, the bidding information, and the automatic bid controls. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010264 | Pay To bid Auction System - Methods and systems for conducting electronic auctions. Bidders purchase the chance to bid, the number of times bidding are used as a winning factor. Bidder who has the highest Personal Bid and earliest bid time is selected as winner. Alternatively, Bidder who spend Highest Credit Bid and earliest bid time is selected as winner. | 01-13-2011 |
20110016015 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERIFYING BIDDING PRICE - Potential bidding errors may be detected using a computer-implemented method comprising receiving a proposed bid for an auction item, the auction item having a current bid and a minimum bid increment, the proposed bid being greater than the sum of the current bid and the minimum bid increment. The method then determines a threshold value, the threshold value being greater than the sum of the current bid and a minimum bid increment. When the proposed bid is greater than the threshold value, then the method validates the proposed bid using the current bid and the proposed bid to provide a validation result. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 01-20-2011 |
20110016016 | Method and System for Retrieving Information Regarding an Item Posted for Sale - A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee. | 01-20-2011 |
20110022489 | Third-Party Inspection of Vehicles in an Electronic Marketplace System - A Third-Party Inspection (TPI) System in which wholesale sellers of items, like automobiles for example, can order third party inspections of their vehicles online, automatically track the status of the inspections and have the inspections loaded to an online wholesale marketplace for sale. The TPI system allows dealers to manage the entire process, from inspection ordering to wholesale sale, through a single interface, by integrating inspection ordering, status tracking and receipt into an online system and an online wholesale marketplace. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022490 | SELLER-CONTROLLED PUBLICATION OF QUESTION AND ANSWER SETS - An auction mechanism that would allow a buyer to submit a question to a seller, and optionally have the seller post the relevant question as well as a response for inclusion within a listing. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022491 | System And Method For Assigning Participants To A Rideshare Based On Financial Transactions - A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare environment with multiple rideshare transactions is maintained. Each rideshare transaction includes one or more participants. Bids are received from potential participants for a position in at least one of the rideshare transactions. At least one potential participant is assigned to one of the rideshare transactions based on one of the bids. | 01-27-2011 |
20110035292 | MULTI-TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A multi-transaction system comprises a transaction module configured to access a set of transaction systems to obtain transaction information to enable procurement of an item. The set of transaction systems includes an automated trading system configured to enable a user to receive the item in a trade for at least one other item associated with the user, and further includes at least one of an auction system configured to enable the user to electronically bid on the item and an online sales system configured to enable the user to purchase the item. A method is provided for performing corresponding functions. | 02-10-2011 |
20110040644 | ANNOTATING CONTENT - Content can be annotated with indications that contextually-related content associated with the annotation is available to a user in order to allow a user to more easily locate and access contextually-related content, particularly where hypertext links are unsuitable, such as for graphic and/or audio content. The location of the annotation within the content can indicate the portion of the content to which the contextually-related content pertains, and can be associated with a summary of the contextually-related content, such as a summary of the content, a brief explanation of the relatedness of the related content, and/or an indication of the source or the contextually-related content. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040645 | VIRTUAL WORLD INTEGRATED AUCTION - An auctioning environment integrated into a virtual world system includes a computing platform that provides a virtual world environment and the integrated auctioning element. The system interfaces to a third party system to receive auctioning data representative of an auction that is taking place in the real world and in real time. The auctioning data is then used to formulate or augment a user interface for presenting an environment to a user of the virtual world system to participate in the auction. The environment can be presented in a variety of manners and in one embodiment includes an avatar for the auctioneer, the item being auctioned and any bidders present and participating at the live auction event. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040646 | Method and system for online sales and purchases - Internet-based commercial network connects multiple qualified participant buyers and sellers. Items are made available for defined periods of time, referred to as an event ( | 02-17-2011 |
20110040647 | FRAUD PREVENTION TRADING AND PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR BUSINESS AND CONSUMER - A code system for preventing fraud in trading and at the same time a safe payment method for business and consumer. The code system of the present invention ensures security and control for the contracting parties regarding the previously defined attributes of the goods and the payment including all decisional steps of the transactions as well as of the reverse transactions in case of complaint. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040648 | System and Method for Incorporating Memorabilia in a Brand Affinity Content Distribution - An engine, system and method for a delivery tracking software engine for tracking metrics associated with delivery of at least one endorsed advertisement to at least one consumer over at least one computing network. The engine, system and method may include a plurality of inputs parallel to at least one output of the at least one endorsed advertisement, wherein the plurality of inputs receives at least a number of impressions and click throughs by ones of the consumer responsive to the at least one endorsed advertisement upon the delivery, and at least compliance rules for the delivery of the at least one endorsed advertisement, and at least one feedback loop that associates the plurality of inputs with at least one recommendation engine, wherein the recommendation engine recommends ones of the at least one endorsed advertisement for the delivery to the consumer, and wherein the recommendation by the recommendation engine is modified responsive to the plurality of inputs, and wherein said at least one feedback loop includes a monitor of compliance of the delivery with the compliance rules. | 02-17-2011 |
20110055039 | Bidder identity encryption for enabling an audit trail - A computer network implemented public auction preserves audit trail data in a remotely secured storage site which may be accessed by subscribing auction participants in the event auction fraud or collusion is suspected. To insure the authenticity of the stored data and to verify the identities participating in the auction a unique encrypted identification code is assigned to each bidder after the bidder's identity is verified against public data banks and once so verified is stored in association with the image and/or document record sequences for a period determined by the subscription agreement and/or the relevant statute of limitations period. | 03-03-2011 |
20110055040 | LISTING RECOMMENDATION IN A NETWORK-BASED COMMERCE SYSTEM - According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method to facilitate generating listing recommendations to a user of a network-based commerce system. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a term associated with a user interaction in a network-based commerce system. The method further includes generating a recommendation query including the identified term. In addition, the method includes running the recommendation query against a plurality of listings hosted by the network-based commerce system to identify a recommendation. Moreover, the method includes presenting the recommendation to a user of the network-based commerce system. | 03-03-2011 |
20110055041 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING WORKFORCE TRANSITIONS BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYMENT - A method includes configuring a labor pool, the labor pool including a plurality of human resources in a first workforce sector. In addition, the method includes configuring a plurality of business entities operating in a second workforce sector that is distinct from the first workforce sector. The configuration of a plurality of business entities includes storing job-opening information for a plurality of job openings. Further, the method includes normalizing the labor pool to a human-capital management (HCM) taxonomy. Additionally, the method includes normalizing the plurality of job openings to the HCM taxonomy. The method also includes facilitating a redeployment of at least one human resource in the normalized labor pool from the first workforce sector to the second workforce sector. The facilitating includes matching the at least one human resource to at least one job opening in the normalized plurality of job openings. | 03-03-2011 |
20110055042 | SYSTEM FOR PROCURING BUSINESS IN AN E-COMMERCE ENVIRONMENT - A system, method and computer program product are provided for e-commerce. In use, a plurality of suppliers are registered. In addition, goods-related information from customers is received, where the goods-related information is associated with goods. Access to the goods-related information by the suppliers is allowed utilizing a network. Further, offers relating to the goods from the suppliers are received utilizing the network, and the customers are informed of the offers. Still yet, a guarantee is provided to the customers regarding a qualification of at least one supplier with respect to a provision or fulfillment of the offer received therefrom. Such guarantee is provided as a function the at least one supplier or at least one action thereof. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060656 | Auction Method for Real-Time Displaying Bid Ranking - Disclosed herein is a real-time auction method that is based on an auction server for performing a process of an auction and wired and wireless terminals of participants. The method includes the auction screen providing step of providing an auction screen, on which auction information is displayed, to wired and wireless terminals of participants participating in the auction, the ranking displaying step of displaying bidding prices on the auction screen in order of ranking in the case where the participants present the bidding prices, the bidding extending step of extending a bidding time if a highest bidding price is lower than a predetermined desired bidding price or a difference between a highest bidding price and a next highest bidding price is less than a predetermined difference when a first set bidding time ends, and allowing only bidders presenting the highest bidding price and the next highest bidding price to participate in the extended auction, and the successful bid determining step of displaying a successful bidding price and a successful bidder when a finally set bidding time ends. | 03-10-2011 |
20110066518 | BID INVALIDATING AUCTION - A bid invalidating auction system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory stores a plurality of elements characterized by an ordering in which the elements will be rendered ineligible to win a contest. The processor provides, via the interface, the elements to the users, and receives, via the interface, a selection of an element from a user. The processor associates the element with the user if the element is eligible and not associated with another user. The processor renders the next eligible element in the ordering ineligible, if the first element is associated with the first user. The processor repeats the receive, associate, identify and render until an occurrence of an event. Upon the occurrence of the event, the processor identifies the next eligible element in the ordering which is associated with a user and designates the associated user the winner. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066519 | Facilitating data brokering arrangements having auctioning aspects - Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of offering the one or more data products to a plurality of potential data consumers for bid by the plurality of potential data consumers are described. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066520 | Systems and methods for transacting business over a global communications network such as the internet - A business process is described for conducting business transactions over the Internet, allowing buyers an opportunity to reduce the price of a product/service based on the buyer's performance during a Price-Determining-Activity (PDA). Sellers offer the product/service within a specified price range, and buyers agree to a binding agreement, in exchange for the opportunity to close the transaction at the lowest price by achieving a high score or performance during the PDA. The price may change during the PDA, and the available price at any given time may be displayed or otherwise made available to the buyer. The price change may be continuous, at intervals, in response to certain events. The PDA may be a video game, electronic board game, sports bet, card game, or any other activity, or against the seller, a software opponent, or a computer opponent. The PDA may involve another buyer competing for the same product/service. | 03-17-2011 |
20110071917 | SUGGESTED ITEM CATEGORY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to offer items for sale, wherein at least some of the items for sale have been matched to item categories and/or item attributes. The categories and attributes may be derived from token weights determined in accordance with a ratio of a total number of the items for sale and the number of items for sale that are associated with a common token. Additional activities may include locating some of the items for sale associated with the common token by executing a navigation application. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110078036 | Systems and methods for the assessment, protection, marketing and commercialization of technology-based ideas - The operations, methods and functions of a technology-based idea assessment, protection and connection system are described. The system involves new methods and computer based algorithms and networks to value technology based ideas, complete a quality assessment of the technology-based idea, package the technology-based idea and determine a cost-based strategy for protection of technology-based idea. The software-as-a-service system determines an output of an idea generator's strength in his technology or research network and suggests a path to commercialization. A protected technology-based idea is matched with a product development outlet such as a company, entrepreneur or executive manager to produce a faster commercialization outlet. The services and tools for the creation of technology-based start-ups are described. The system streamlines the costly and complicated process of technology commercialization by automatically aligning human and financial resources. | 03-31-2011 |
20110078037 | System & Method for Determining Right of Access - Various methods and systems for auctioning items such as golf tee times, restaurant reservations, concert tickets or hotel reservations are disclosed. Users can effectively bid on a large number of items but receive at most one item at the end of the auction. This has the favorable effects for the users of: (1) increasing the probability of successfully bidding for at least one item; (2) making the auction process more convenient by greatly reducing the need for actively monitoring the auction; and, (3) decreasing the possibility a user will be out bid at the last moment and receive no item. This also has the favorable effects for the seller of increasing the probability their listed items will sell and increasing the expected average sales price. | 03-31-2011 |
20110078038 | Complex Prices In Bidding - Managing bid pricing information comprises receiving transaction information and item data from a buyer, generating a bid invitation containing entries relating to the transaction information and item data, and making the bid invitation available to a plurality of potential bidders, receiving from one or more of the potential bidders bid invitations containing a complex pricing structure and corresponding complex pricing amounts, and selecting a winning bidder based on the complex pricing amounts. | 03-31-2011 |
20110082762 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HYBRID CLOCK AND PROXY AUCTION - This invention defines a computer system for conducting an auction of a plurality of items including receiving bids and determining an allocation of at least one of the items, the auction including a dynamic auction phase followed by a later phase. | 04-07-2011 |
20110087554 | POCKETABLE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system, a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus includes at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one processor. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a request from a first user node to initiate an auction for a purchase of a product, and initiate an auction for the product. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive an initial bid from a second user node. The initial bid includes a price term that is lower than or equal to an initial price term for the product. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive one or more subsequent bids from the second user node or another user node. Each subsequent bid includes a price term that is lower than the price term of the initial bid and all preceding subsequent bids. Furthermore, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to terminate the auction, when a period of time lapses or a price point is accepted. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087555 | Computer Implemented Continuous Dual Auction System - A computer implemented continuous dual auction system consisting of a computer, server, and a process for creating a real-time online marketplace for the sale of goods and services. The process includes the input of information from a seller about a certain good or service for sale, including but not limited to a price desired and a price the seller is willing to accept. The process also includes the input of information from a buyer about a certain good or service desired, including but not limited to a price a buyer is willing to pay and the highest price a buyer is willing to pay for such a good or service. The process also requires the input of credit card information for validation and guaranty purposes in allowing the buyer and seller to post a bid or offer, respectively, into the continuous dual auction system's real-time online marketplace. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087556 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING CONTEXTUALIZED AUCTION FEEDS - A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for generating contextualized live auction feeds. The method of generating contextualized live auction feeds comprises receiving context data from a user. The method further comprises utilizing the context data received from the user to search auctions. The method, in one embodiment, includes generating contextualized live auction feeds for an auction based on the context data. | 04-14-2011 |
20110099081 | System for Automated Trading of Informational Items and Having Integrated Ask-and-Post Features - A hybrid system that supports automated trading of informational items between sellers of such items and buyers who bid on the items includes means for allowing bidders to subscribe to ask-and-post services. A buyer/bidder who subscribes to such services is given the opportunity to be presented with more detailed information about an informational item he or she has bid upon before being obligated to pay for the informational item. If a first asked bidder rejects the item after having been given the opportunity for a sneak peek (or if that first bidder times-out due to no response), then the opportunity is automatically presented to a next subscribing buyer/bidder listed on a dynamically generated list (e.g., a stochastic ordered list). In one class of embodiments, the informational items include lead information for making hot contact with a prospective consumer of predefined products and/or services. | 04-28-2011 |
20110106642 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KEYWORD BIDDING IN A MARKET COOPERATIVE - A computer-implemented method and system for keyword bidding in a market cooperative are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes receiving a keyword bid from a first party; determining a value to a host associated with the keyword bid; augmenting the keyword bid by an amount corresponding to the value to the host; and sending the augmented keyword bid to a second party. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106643 | Systems and Methods for Electronic Summary and Detail Performance Data of Equipment Sellers - An auction server hosts an auction system on a network. An auction interface is provided for accessing the auction system. A buyer interface of the auction interface presents to buyers data of vehicles available for purchase. A seller interface presents to sellers data of vehicles available for purchase via the auction system. A first seller performance panel of the buyer interface includes first seller data of a seller corresponding to vehicles presented for purchase on the buyer interface. First seller data comprises performance data, successful sales data, adjusted sales data, and unwound sales data. A second seller performance panel of the seller interface includes second seller data of the seller. The second seller data comprises performance data of the seller for auction activities conducted by the seller. The second seller performance panel includes a management interface by which the seller manages components of the auction system. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106644 | System and method for dynamic online auctions - A commerce system and methods thereof, comprising a remote server accessible via a network by client computers utilizing client software such as browsers for interfacing with the remote server. The server provides a commerce system that enables a seller to list an item in an auction process implemented in the server. The server receives proxy bids for the item from respective bidders and generates automatically on behalf of at least one bidder an offer for the item during the pendency of the auction process. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106645 | System and method for a two phase online auction - A commerce system and methods thereof, comprising a remote server accessible via a network by client computers utilizing client software such as browsers for interfacing with the remote server. A server receives item information from a seller for listing of an item in an auction process associated with an end time, receives a first group of one or more proxy bids for the item during a first time period, receives a second group of one or more actual bids for the item during a second time period prior to the end time and determines at the end time a highest actual bid as a winning bid. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106646 | System and method for converting an offer proposed by a buyer to a proxy bid - A commerce system and methods thereof, comprising a remote server accessible via a network by client computers utilizing client software such as browsers for interfacing with the remote server. The server provides a commerce system that enables a seller to list an item in an auction process implemented in the server. The server receives proxy bids for the item from respective bidders and a buyer-proposed offer associated with a prospective buyer indicating a fixed price the prospective buyer is willing to pay for the item. If the server determines a lack of acceptance of the buyer-proposed offer by the seller prior to the end time, the server automatically converts the buyer-proposed offer to a proxy bid for consideration against the one or more proxy bids. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106647 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN EFFICIENT DYNAMIC MULTI-UNIT AUCTION - The present invention implements an auction in which multiple types of goods may be auctioned in a dynamic process. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a system and method for computer implemented dynamic multi-unit auction in which the price paid or received by bidders tends to be independent of their own bids, in which participants may be provided with information concerning their competitors' bids as the auction progresses, and in which the confidentiality of high values may be maintained. Participants' quantities bid at a given time may be restricted to be less than or equal to the quantities bid at an earlier time. These features provide the advantage of improving economic efficiency of the auction design over the prior art. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106648 | REVERSE AUCTION METHOD - The present invention relate to a reverse auction method in an electronic commerce system. The present invention provides a reverse auction method using an electronic commerce system in which a reverse auction server, a plurality of purchase apply terminals at the purchaser side, and a plurality of sales apply terminals at the seller side communicate with one another through a communication network such as the Internet. The reverse auction method includes: a first step of transmitting purchase apply information containing a purchase maximum price and a purchase apply quantity inputted by each purchaser for the same product and storing the purchase apply information in the reverse auction server; a second step of allowing the reverse auction server to provide a connected seller or purchaser with a purchase apply status containing a purchase apply quantity for each purchase maximum price or an accumulated purchase apply quantity for each accumulated purchase maximum price accumulated to the level equal to or higher than each purchase maximum price; a third step of transmitting bidding information containing a desired sales price inputted after review of the purchase apply status by each seller and storing the bidding information in the reverse auction server; a fourth step of allowing the reverse auction server to provide or notify, after the completion of bidding, the result of bidding in which a seller who has made a bid at the lowest desired sales price is determined as a winning bidder, the relevant desired sales price is determined as a contract price, i.e., a sales price, the purchase apply quantities of all purchase maximum prices equal to or higher than the contract price are intensively bid to the winner, and sellers other than the winning bidder are left out of the bidding; and a fifth step of allowing the reverse auction server to provide or notify the result of a deal in which all purchasers who have applied at the purchase maximum price equal to or higher than the contract price are determined as purchasers entitled to make a purchase, all purchasers who have applied with the purchase maximum price lower than the contract price are left out of the bidding, and the contract price is contained. | 05-05-2011 |
20110112923 | Seller automated engine methodology for optimized pricing strategies in automated real-time iterative reverse auctions over the internet and the like for the purchase and sale of goods and services - An improved seller automated engine architecture methodology particularly (though not exclusively) for use in automated real-time iterative reverse auctions over the Internet and the like for purchase and sale of goods and services, providing a choice of architectural implementations while enabling price optimization on market share-directed considerations, specific sales target-directed implementations, seller utility derivative-following implementations, model optimizer implementations and explorations, mathematical optimization-oriented and rules-based implementations. | 05-12-2011 |
20110112924 | Seller automated engine architecture for optimized pricing strategies in automated real-time iterative reverse auctions over the internet and the like for the purchase and sale of goods and services - An improved seller automated engine architecture methodology particularly (though not exclusively) for use in automated real-time iterative reverse auctions over the Internet and the like for purchase and sale of goods and services, providing a choice of architectural implementations while enabling price optimization on market share-directed considerations, specific sales target-directed implementations, seller utility derivative-following implementations, model optimizer implementations and explorations, mathematical optimization-oriented and rules-based implementations. | 05-12-2011 |
20110119146 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING A BID TRACKING DATABASE - According to embodiments described in the specification, a method, system and apparatus for managing a bid tracking database are provided. The method comprises receiving at least one bid record at an interface, the at least one bid record comprising a bid price, a bid timestamp and a bid item identifier; receiving at least one auction record at the interface, the at least one auction record comprising a winning price, an end timestamp and an auction item identifier corresponding to the bid item identifier; maintaining the at least one bid record and the at least one auction record in a memory; determining whether the bid price matches or exceeds the winning price and whether the bid timestamp matches the end timestamp; and, when the determination is affirmative, writing the bid record to the bid tracking database maintained in the memory. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125603 | On-Line Auction Method Across Multiple Auction Sites - A computerized system and method for conducting electronic online auctions, which creates a perception of scarcity in the marketplace enhancing the demand for and marketability of the goods while minimizing the exposure time of the goods in the marketplace. The present invention improves the efficiency for conducting the liquidation sale of goods by directing the goods to auction venues having specific market parameters that will generate the highest bid. The present invention also provides suppliers with a dynamic market for expeditiously liquidating merchandise without undue exposure of their goods to the general market. The present invention is easily scalable on both its supply and demand end. The liquidation sale of merchandise is controlled by limiting the amount of available merchandise supplied to each auction venue. Furthermore, the metering of the auction merchandise is controlled as a function of both the product characteristic and the auction parameters. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125604 | Auction Method Involving Pre-Sale of Auction Currency Drafts - A computerized system and method for conducting electronic online auctions, which includes the presale of auction currency drafts for subsequent use at a specific auction site. The system includes a centralized controller which confirms the purchase of the auction credits and credits the bidder's account for use at a specific auction website. The auction credits are subsequently assigned to a specific auction venue. The system supplies inventory to the auction venue based upon a percentage of the total presale credits assigned to each specific auction venue through its affiliated auction sites. In addition, external and historical data may be considered by the system in its analysis regarding the correlation of the inventory characteristics with the venue design parameters. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125605 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AUCTIONS ON SOCIAL NETWORK PLATFORMS - A system platform and associated methods are provided for implementing online reverse auctions in a social network platform (SNP). A fully-automated, live, reverse-auction based system is integrated into an SNP to enable buyers to initiate desired transactions and take advantage of a subscribers' network of friends, colleagues, co-workers, family members and connections by connecting buyers and sellers in a non-intrusive, targeted fashion. Sellers compete for buyers' business by providing dynamic, real-time seller-specific pricing while simultaneously optimizing the seller's target parameters such as price, inventory levels, profit, revenue and volume. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125606 | PRODUCT EXCHANGE SYSTEM - An exchange system for facilitating the purchase of products is described. The system is coupled, in one embodiment, to a communications link. Potential product purchasers and sellers may access the exchange system via the network, and submit offers and/or pricing requests to such system. In response to the requests, the system processor retrieves the stored data from the respective databases, and causes such data to be transmitted to the local site for display. The exchange systems also executes certain functions in response to commands and data transmitted from buyer sites, seller sites and institution sites. | 05-26-2011 |
20110131111 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR FACILITATING AN AUCTION BEHAVIOR AND AUTOMATIC BIDDING IN AN AUCTION - One or more proxy bidders is associated with a rule which determines a time to place a bid. The proxy bidder places a bid at the determined time, instead of immediately after the bidder's prior bid is exceeded. Such rules may be selected for all proxy bidders to encourage a desired auction behavior. By controlling the placement of bids based on rules associated with the desired auction behavior, bids may be placed in a manner that seems natural and competitive to bidders in the auction when, in fact, they are placed in accordance with the selected rules. The desired auction behavior may be selected statically for an auction or dynamically during the auction. Historical auction data maybe analyzed to characterize the behavior of an auction, such as the average period of time between bids and the average increment between bids. Rules may be generated to correspond to a behavior so as to provide the same average time and increment between bids. | 06-02-2011 |
20110145087 | REAL TIME ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An auction system and method, which identifies at least one lot to be auctioned, having a plurality of units within the lot and associated auction parameters; transmits a remaining quantity of units within the lot from a central server to a plurality of remote locations; receives bid identifications for remaining units within the lot at the contemporaneous offering price from the plurality of remote locations; and decrements the offering price over time. The decrement may be adaptive to a bid activity pattern, and the bid activity pattern may be stored in a database. A local server may be provided to communicate between the central server and remote locations while changing the format of the information communicated. The packets preferably include compressed information, and preferably include quantity remaining information for a plurality of auction lots. | 06-16-2011 |
20110145088 | Method of Direct-to-Consumer Reverse Logistics - A method of reverse logistics using an auction to sell products directly to consumers from a store instead of using a third party reclamation company. One or more methods of auctioning one or more typically unsalable items directly to purchasers from a retail store including the steps of providing a communications multi-network having at least one logic engine, at least one star communication network through which non-location data is transferred to said logic engine, and at least one mesh communication network through which location data is transferred to said logic engine. The method further includes the steps of locating products for purchase that are eligible to be auctioned, the scanning of product codes of each auctionable product, tracking the scanning device in the store, transmitting auctionable product data through the star communication network, sorting auctionable products into at least one bundled lot for sale, producing a unique identifier for each bundled lot, initiating a direct-to-consumer auction for the sale of each bundled lot, and auctioning each bundled lot to a best bidder in the auction. | 06-16-2011 |
20110153446 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING AUCTIION BIDS TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF AN ITEM - In some embodiments, a processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions configured to cause a processor to receive a first signal indicating that a first user has used a first bid to bid on a first item at an auction, and increase an auction price of the first item in response to receiving the first signal. The processor-readable medium further stores code representing instructions configured to cause a processor to receive a second signal indicating that a second user has used a second bid to bid on the first item at the auction, increase the auction price of the first item in response to receiving the second signal and receive a third signal indicating that the first user has chosen to purchase a second item substantially similar to the first item for a discounted price. The discounted price is equal to a retail price of the second item minus at least a price of the first bid. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153447 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - A comprehensive platform for developing digital products. A standardized process is applied to a product development effort and an online portal provides tools to aid the product development, assessment, funding and commercializing products. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between users. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153448 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - A comprehensive platform for developing digital products. A standardized process is applied to a product development effort and an online portal provides tools to aid the product development, assessment, funding and commercializing products. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between users. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153449 | AUCTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A novel online auction system in which both sellers and buyers are compelled to bid their “true value”. Potential buyers solicit desired items or services and submit sealed bids. A demand curve is created based on buyer bids, and a potential seller can use the curve to create its own sealed bid. A winning seller is determined, however the system uses the bid of the second-lowest bidding seller to establish the ultimate group of winning buyers and sale price. Winning sellers can choose lower prices to capture higher sale quantities. Second or multiple transactions can be implemented from a single bid, if included in the winning set of bids. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153450 | Online members shopping club sales system and scaled bidding process - The present invention relates to and describes a method and system for Internet shoppers to purchase products at discounted prices using a members only scaled bidding process within an online shopping club. Internet shoppers would become members of a shopping club described in the present invention paying for the membership right and being granted with their membership a number of bids to be used within the shopping club before their membership expires. The shopping club would than use the membership fee to purchase items to be later bid upon by the members using a sliding scaled bidding process described in detail herein. By allowing members to now bid on items that the club has purchased, items are in essence already paid for by the members and not the shopping club, so members may bid ridiculously low dollar amounts in order to be the winning bid and win the right to purchase an item with no fear of bidding to high for the member is not obligated to purchase the item after they are the winning bid. Members with losing bids may still be afforded the option of purchasing the item at the winning bid amount if certain conditions are met. | 06-23-2011 |
20110161192 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING INVITATIONS TO BID - A system and method for managing the drafting, submission, and evaluation of invitations to bid for the delivery of one or more products and/or services. An archival database of performance descriptions and prices is utilized to generate a list of desired performances; the list being automatically distributed to a plurality of selected potential bidders. Upon receipt of the submitted bids, the system evaluates the bids based on price, past pricings, and bidder performance history. A bid is selected as the winning bid, and a contract listing the desired performances is generated and forwarded to the successful bidder. During contract performance, bidder performance is monitored, with the results being added to a historical database for subsequent use in the bid evaluation and selection process. The contents of the successful bid, including any new performance descriptions drafted during the generation of the bid, are added to the archival database for use in future bid invitation generation applications. | 06-30-2011 |
20110161193 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE INFORMATION AT A LIVE AUCTION - Detailed information about a particular used motor vehicle is quickly provided to a potential buyer having a personal digital assistant equipped with a receiving means. To provide the information, it is first necessary to obtain standard information about used motor vehicle values in digital form from a provider of such information. It is then necessary to obtain specific information about an inventory of used motor vehicles from the owner or seller of the vehicles. The standard information and the specific information are then integrated on a server computer and transmitted to the potential buyer. | 06-30-2011 |
20110166950 | System and Methods for a Personal Seat License Auction - A system and methods for a personal seat license (PSL) auction are described. The PSL auction is designed to maximize revenue while providing bidders with a fun and engaging experience. In general, the PSL auction extends over multiple days, and PSLs are auctioned in mixed quantities of small lots so that inventory gets the most exposure. The list end times for the PSL listings are staggered to provide a dynamic online marketplace where PSL listings are closing all of the time. This provides more bidders that bid on multiple lots and more chances for bidders to return if they are unsuccessful on a given day. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166951 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ADVANCING A BIDDER TO A SELECTED RANK - Techniques for advancing a first bidder to a desired rank in an electronic auction are disclosed. In response to actuation of a bid rank advancement function by a first bidder, a new bid for the first bidder is calculated by applying a predetermined minimum differential value to a current bid of a second bidder that holds the desired rank in the electronic auction. The new bid is automatically submitted to the electronic auction on behalf of the first bidder. | 07-07-2011 |
20110173085 | Online auction method and system - An automated online auction system and method is disclosed wherein the seller and all potential bidders are pre-qualified before they can participate in the auction. In addition, each bid is accompanied by an electronically signed contract from the bidder that makes the bid legally binding if the bid is accepted. | 07-14-2011 |
20110173086 | Systems and Methods for Dynamic Pricing and Auction Adjudication During Online Auctions - An electronic auction system hosting an auction includes a pricing and an adjudication application. The pricing application adjusts an opening price of an auction item to be less than a reserve price in response to buyer interest factors. The adjudication application receives bids on the item and automatically evaluates a reserve price and, when determining the reserve price is too high, adjusts the reserve price to an adjusted reserve price when a highest bid is less than the reserve price. When the adjusted reserve price is equal to or less than the highest bid the adjudication application automatically awards the item to a high bidder. When the adjusted reserve price is greater than the highest bid the adjudication application automatically sends an electronic message to the high bidder to inform that the reserve price has been adjusted and to inform of their status as high bidder. | 07-14-2011 |
20110173087 | OFFER AMALGAMATION SYSTEM - An offer amalgamating system receives offers for an item or service advertised for sale in differing quantities at differing prices and aggregates a display of the offers to provide to all offerers an indication as to when a price/quantity sale point is being approached. In this way an offerer may form part of an aggregated offer and receive the item or service at a lower cost than otherwise. | 07-14-2011 |
20110178892 | Online Offer System - An online offer system is directed toward methods and devices that allow a seller to enter information about the attributes of a non-fungible good based on parameter values provided on a database. In response, an automated purchaser issues a firm offer to purchase the good at a set price. | 07-21-2011 |
20110178893 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE COMPETITION AND RECORDING MEDIUM HAVING RECORDED THEREON PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD - A bid-opening device | 07-21-2011 |
20110191202 | Method, apparatus and system for bidding custom parts - A method that includes: generating a request for quote for a custom part via a computer network system; receiving one or more bids for the request for quote via a computer network system; and accepting and paying an invoice for a bid acceptance via a computer network system. | 08-04-2011 |
20110208608 | Method and System for Bidding on Multiple Auctions - A method and system for bidding on multiple auctions. The multiple auction bidding system allows a user to define various models for bidding at multiple auctions. The bidding system then automatically places bids on behalf of the user. The bidding rules may specify to win at most one of multiple auctions at the lowest price or to bid at an auction only if successful at bidding at another auction. | 08-25-2011 |
20110213673 | ON-LINE SYSTEM FOR BUYER SELLER MATCHING AND NEGOTIATION - An on-line system for creating an open market for matching buyers and sellers of commodity and/or brand name products. The system enables buyers to achieve the maximum value in the purchased product by engaging in open ended on-line reverse auction and negotiation process with multiple sellers of the specified product. The system enables sellers to generate sales leads and engage in open ended on-line reverse auction bidding and negotiation process with buyers. | 09-01-2011 |
20110218874 | System and method of global electronic trade in the Internet - A system and method of global electronic trade in the Internet is provided. The method of global electronic trade for sellers and buyers via the Internet includes registering the sellers and the buyers; providing information regarding goods or services to the registered sellers and buyers; selecting of trade partners based on the provided information; holding tenders; conducting of transactions between the trade partners; conducting a post-transaction procedures; and protecting of information in the system of global electronic trade. In a basis of a method of global electronic trade are put: a method of creating of databases of structured information about offers of sellers and about requests of buyers; and a method of searching of trade partners. The method of creating of databases of structured information in the system of global electronic trade includes: filling an application form by sellers and by buyers; creation of the database of information about proposed goods and services, structured on the basis of the Global Classification of Branches of Economy, Goods and Services (GC) and on the basis of other data, included in this application form; creation of the database of information about requests of buyers, structured on the basis of the Global Classification of Branches of Economy, Goods and Services and on the basis of other data, included in this application form. The method of searching of trade partners includes a method of searching by sellers in database about requests of buyers, a method of searching by buyers in database about offers of sellers, forming a list of results of search, which has the same structure, as the specified databases; a procedure of interactive or automatic selecting of a needed data from the list of result of search. | 09-08-2011 |
20110231275 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSTING AND AUCTIONING ITEMS - A method and system for providing on-line sale of items through electronic exchange of information. The system includes a host database configured and operative to store sales information pertaining to a plurality of items. The system is further configured to provide an on-line classified sales listing for each of the items stored in the host database at the discretion of a user. The system also provides an on-line auction for each of the items stored in the host database at the discretion of a user. | 09-22-2011 |
20110231276 | METHODS FOR ACCESSING PAYABLE CONTENT USING SOCIAL NETWORKS - A social network server executes instructions to implement a method that comprises: establishing a connection to a payable content management server that stores a set of preview items corresponding to payable content items and a location element for each payable content item; rendering the preview items accessible to a computing appliance connected to the social network server; receiving an indication that a particular one of the preview items has been selected using the computing appliance; and forwarding to the computing appliance the location element for the payable content item corresponding to the selected preview item. The location element for the payable content item corresponding to the selected preview item comprises an address of (or a domain name routable to) a designated network entity operated by an organization with which an operator of the payable content management server or the payable content item server has an inter-organizational billing arrangement. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238519 | VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE ENERGY MARKET SYSTEM - The use of a just-in-time market for EV's (electric vehicles) to buy and sell energy from each other directly. Such a market enables the following: sellers to advertise the amount of energy they are willing to sell and the minimum selling price; buyers to advertise the amount of energy they are interested in buying and the maximum buying price. The market works at any location and at any time as long as there is a buyer and seller. The communications are directly between buyers and sellers without the involvement of any third parties. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238520 | WIRELESS JUKEBOX ORDERING AND ADMINISTRATION APPLICATION WITH RESTAURANT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT - A systems and methods providing queued content selection and delivery to geographically distributed venues and wireless devices and providing ancillary information and services related to such venues, including provisioning, management, and tracking of media selections and information provision. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238521 | Method, System and Business Model for a Buyer's Auction with Near Perfect Information Using the Internet - A methodology, system and business model are disclosed for facilitating a fully automated buyer's auction in which the major types of transaction costs are significantly reduced by providing the buyer and the sellers with near-perfect information about one another, including information about buyer preferences and competing sellers' offers. The system implements a buyer's auction with multidimensional bidding that minimizes market intelligence, search, bargaining and transaction execution costs and thus creates more competitive, frictionless markets. Buyers and sellers can efficiently conduct the buyer's auction within a unified environment, thereby minimizing buyer integration costs as well. The buyer's auction generates commercially marketable proprietary information and a revenue stream for the auctioneer providing such a service. | 09-29-2011 |
20110246320 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING UNITS TO USERS IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT - Described herein are systems and methods for allocating units to users, for example in the context of an online auction environment. In overview, the technology described herein provides for an auction process whereby a decrementing price is combined with a competitive hidden-bid process. Users participate in the auction for the purpose of obtaining a desired number of units from a stockpile of like units, such as bottles of a particular batch of wine. The users effectively have two modes of participation. The first is to purchase units at a system-defined price, which decrements at predetermined intervals. The second is to place a bid at a user-defined price, this bid being deemed as successful when the system-defined price decrements to a value of equal to or less than the user-defined price. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246321 | HYBRID AUCTIONS AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONDUCTING SAME OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK - A two phase auction for an item includes a first phase in which an asking price for the item decreases at predetermined intervals when the auction is a seller's auction and increases at predetermined intervals when the auction is a buyer's auction, and a second phase after the first phase wherein the asking price starts at a level equal to a first bid placed by a first bidder during the first phase and periodically increases when the auction is a seller's auction and decreases at predetermined intervals when the auction is a buyer's auction until no additional bids are received from the first bidder and/or additional bidders, the auctioned item being awarded to a last bidder in the second phase. | 10-06-2011 |
20110251915 | MULTI-SYSTEM DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING OF DELIVERY SERVICES - Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include communication using a payment processing device. Various other embodiments are described. | 10-13-2011 |
20110251916 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING BAR CODES WITH ONLINE AUCTIONS - A method of and system for scanning a bar code associated with a product with a mobile device to obtain (i) a list of online auctions for the product or a similar product; (ii) a list of commercial web sites in which the product or a similar product is being offered for sale; and/or (iii) a list of resellers of the product or a similar product where the product or similar product is located in a geographic region in predetermined proximity to the location. In addition, a seller may scan a bar code associated with a product that the seller would like to sell via an online auction service in order to obtain a predetermined product listing that the seller may modify prior to listing on the online auction service. | 10-13-2011 |
20110258068 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A LOTTERY AND AUCTION BASED TOURNAMENT ENTRY EXCHANGE PLATFORM - A method of distributing, managing, and exchange entries in one or more activities is provided. The entries may be distributed by any suitable process including, without limitation an auction or lottery process. The distributed entries may be exchanged in a market environment. The exchange may operate on an electronic platform. Revenues may be collected from distributions and/or exchanges of entries. A portion of the revenues may be paid to one or more users who hold an one or more particular winning entries determined by any number of parameters and at the occurrence of any number of events. | 10-20-2011 |
20110258069 | Non-Monetary Trading System - Systems and methods that enable users to trade items such as clothing and accessories through non-monetary exchanges. In one embodiment, a web site system enables trading of items based upon a point system that is similar to an auction, but no money is exchanged. Points are given to users in exchange for items that are traded away, and points are traded in for desired items. Effectively, in order to obtain one item, another item has to be traded away. The web site enables automated searching and other functions based upon personal information associated with users. The web site also provides opportunities for either unused items or points to be traded (donated) to charitable organizations. | 10-20-2011 |
20110264551 | TRADING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR AUDIO-VIDEO CONTENT - Non-exclusive license rights to discrete data products for audio-visual content are licensed to users connecting via a plurality of clients, using a computer. Each of the discrete data products is controlled such that each data product cannot be used to produce audio-visual output for a licensed user until a respective one of release dates defined in a computer memory. In addition, the computer may serve an electronic trading interface to the clients, which is configured to enable any current licensee holding any one of the licenses during a trading period prior to the respective release date for the discrete data product licensed thereby to complete a sale of the any one of the licenses to a participating bidder in an online electronic marketplace publishing current bid prices and ask prices for ones of the licenses offered for sale. The computer may also register successful trades resulting in license transfers. | 10-27-2011 |
20110264552 | AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION BASED ON CUSTOMER SELECTION OF A SPECIFIC AUTOMOBILE - A system, methods, and apparatus for performing automobile transactions are disclosed. In an example embodiment, automobile market data representative of current automobile market characteristics is stored. The automobile market data may include pricing, inventory, and consumer interest information received from dealers, manufacturers, and consumers. A consumer may provide a request for a response regarding a specific automobile using an image of a vehicle identification number or a graphical user interface. Automobile market data may be provided to a dealer based on the request. Bids to sell the specific automobile may be requested from dealers based on the request. Dealer bids may be provided to the consumer with prices and a delivery options. The consumer may select a bid which specifies a pickup location at a first dealer. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270701 | DISPLAYING ACTIVE RECENT BIDDERS IN A BIDDING FEE AUCTION - In one embodiment, active recent bidders in a bidding fee auction are displayed in a region of a graphical bidder interface. Each bidder in the set of active recent bidders is displayed in a single graphical bidder element, or avatar, in the region. In response to receiving an event, an activity level and a recency measure for each bidder in the bidding fee auction are generated. Bidders are removed or added to the set of active recent bidders based on the activity levels and recency measures of the bidders. Avatars corresponding to the bidders are added or removed from the region. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270702 | DYNAMIC UNIT-DEMAND AUCTION - Systems and methods provide for a dynamic unit-demand auction that can support bid revision. Preparation of a unit-demand bid can involve specifying offers for multiple items, thus a unit-demand agent can intend to modify one or more components of an active bid. Embodiments of the system and methods provide a comprehensive solution to unit-demand bid revision problem including satisfying strong theoretical properties related to efficiency, truthfulness, privacy preservation, and scalability, and permitting various degrees of time performance. | 11-03-2011 |
20110282755 | Apparatus System and Method for Exchanging Lead Information - An apparatus, system and method is described for exchanging lead information in a bid process that provides end users, consumers, lead buyers, aggregators and sellers that aggregate the leads through marketing a platform to bid on the leads based on pre-determined criteria such as zip code, buy price field, etc without having duplicate lead information pass to any one entity. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282756 | SYSTEM FOR INTERACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY REMOTE BIDDERS IN LIVE AUCTIONS - A distributed auction system allows remote bidders to interactively participate by computer in live auctions conducted on-site by an auctioneer. A client program that runs on the computers of the remote bidders displays real time auction status information extracted from status messages, and provides functionality of the remote bidders to submit live bids that are based on such status information. A network of nodes may be used to filter out invalid bids from the remote bidders so that such bids need not be processed by an auction server. | 11-17-2011 |
20110288952 | AUCTION METHOD AND APPARATUS - An automatic system for determining outcomes to an auction process represents the auction by a directed graph and uses a K best solutions algorithm to determine the K best solutions. The system uses a particular graphical representation. Constraints may be included directly into the graph. | 11-24-2011 |
20110302046 | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WEBSITE - The professional services website includes a mass storage unit connected to a web server. The web server serves a plurality of web pages, which allow for user submission of a description of professional services, a transaction date, and an offer to pay for the services. An application server communicates with the web server and is also connected to the mass storage unit. The application server maintains a database of professional service providers. The database resides on the mass storage unit. Using data from the application server and database, the website mediates communication between the user and professional service providers who accept the user's offer. The only communication permitted by the professional website between the professional service providers and the user is an acceptance of the user's offer with no preconditions. There is no bid/ask, i.e., no counter offer is allowed. | 12-08-2011 |
20110302047 | EXPENSE TRACKING, ELECTRONIC ORDERING, INVOICE PRESENTMENT, AND PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for tracking and billing expenses throughout a transaction, such as the sale or management of a real estate property. In one embodiment, a budget is created that details expected incomes on the property and costs associated with the sale or management of the property. The budget may be developed in accordance with specifications, such as line item maxima or total budget maxima, developed by the owner of the property. After a vendor has delivered goods or services described in the budget, the vendor creates an electronic invoice. Payment is delivered to the vendor through an Automated Clearing House system. | 12-08-2011 |
20110307344 | Lowering Reserve Online Auction Method and System - The present disclosure provides for a method and system for conducting an online lowering reserve auction including creating an auction by specifying an item for auctioning, a retail price of the item, a total number of options offered for sale during the auction, a sale price of each option, and a time duration for the auction, while the auction is open, selling an option, while the auction is open, receiving a bid for the item, if the total number of options offered for sale are purchased, designating as the winning bid the highest bid amount received, if the auction time for the item has expired and if the combination of the amount of the highest bid received and of the proceeds from the sale of the options are greater than the retail price of the item, designating as the winning bid the highest bid amount received. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307345 | DYNAMIC DISCOUNTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for the dynamic discovery of prices through the use of an auction is provided. In one embodiment, the system allows a seller to auction homogenous assets or liabilities to a plurality of bidders. The assets or liabilities may be organized in baskets by maturity, by geographic location, by type, by a property, etc. The system may determine the eligibility for acceptance of bids submitted by the bidders and a plurality of bids may be determined to be eligible for acceptance using the same or different criteria. Further, a margin by which the bids are acceptable may be determined and a representation of the margin may be communicated to the seller or a bidder. The seller may configure an auction event with auction parameters, such as bid floors and hurdle rates and may alter event parameters while the auction is ongoing. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307346 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING BIDS ON PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - Methods and systems for bidding on items include a predetermined price or range associated with an item, the price not disclosed to bidders. Successful bids conform to a predetermined success rule(s) determined independently of the amounts of other bids. Successful bids can be immediately communicated to the successful bidders. Price adjustments, typically discounts, can be determined and communicated prior to fulfillment. | 12-15-2011 |
20110320302 | Service auction application utilizing smart phones or computer - Embodiments of the disclosed technology, by way of a bidirectional communication, allow a user of a handheld device with phone and/or data service to submit a request for bid for transport service, a registered user in a specific geography may respond to requests for bids. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320303 | Online Offer System - An online offer system is directed toward methods and devices that allow a seller to enter information about the attributes of a non-fungible good based on parameter values provided on a database. In response, an automated purchaser issues a firm offer to purchase the good at a set price. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320304 | AUCTION BASED PROCUREMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for performing an auction by determining a request for an item based on at least one of (i) an item to purchase, (ii) a performance specification of the item to purchase, and (iii) a term of a request for the item to purchase. The method and system include sending, through a network, the request for the item to an auctioneer machine server. Performance information is collected for each seller. Notice is provided that a performance evaluation has been received for a specific seller, and is on record with the provider of the information. Additional transaction costs may be captured and included as a separate line item in an auto-rebid auction environment. | 12-29-2011 |
20120011018 | Systems and methods for transacting business over a global communications network such as the internet - A business process is described for conducting business transactions over the Internet, allowing buyers an opportunity to reduce the price of a product/service based on the buyer's performance during a Price-Determining-Activity (PDA). Sellers offer the product/service within a specified price range, and buyers agree to a binding agreement, in exchange for the opportunity to close the transaction at the lowest price by achieving a high score or performance during the PDA. The price may change during the PDA, and the available price at any given time may be displayed or otherwise made available to the buyer. The price change may be continuous, at intervals, in response to certain events. The PDA may be a video game, electronic board game, sports bet, card game, or any other activity, or against the seller, a software opponent, or a computer opponent. The PDA may involve another buyer competing for the same product/service. | 01-12-2012 |
20120011019 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED AUCTION - A method, system, processing system, and computer program product for conducting and/or participating in a real-time auction. In one form, the method includes, in a server processing system: receiving, from a seller terminal system, request data indicative of a seller's request to auction an asset; opening a real-time auction via an auction portal hosted by the server processing system for auctioning the asset, wherein the server processing system is able to receive and distribute auction activity data in real-time to and from one or more bidder terminal systems; determining, using the auction activity data, if the auction of the asset has satisfied a close condition of the real-time auction; and closing the real time auction of the asset in response to the close condition being satisfied. | 01-12-2012 |
20120022964 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING CONTEXTUALIZED AUCTION FEEDS - A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for generating contextualized live auction feeds. The method of generating contextualized live auction feeds comprises receiving context data from a user. The method further comprises utilizing the context data received from the user to search auctions. The method, in one embodiment, includes generating contextualized live auction feeds for an auction based on the context data. | 01-26-2012 |
20120030053 | Method and system for live online bidding and broadcasting of live online bidding utilizing a variety of electronic devices and systems - The present system and method allow for completely live online bidding utilizing a variety of electronic devices and systems. The present invention allows users to see and hear a live bidding event while bidding live on merchandise. The bidding happens live and in real time using a system that simultaneously and continuously receives, processes, prepares and broadcasts data in a live manner. | 02-02-2012 |
20120030054 | Lead Marketplace System and Method with Ping Campaigns - A lead marketplace system and method are provided. The lead marketplace system and method provides an auction for leads. | 02-02-2012 |
20120030055 | COMBINATORIAL PORTFOLIO AGGREGATIONS IN ELECTRONIC TRADE - A method for combinatorial portfolio aggregations in electronic trade transactions comprises receiving data associated with a demand for possession of a part of an item, receiving further data associated with one further demand for possession of the part of the item, aggregating the demand with one further demand for possession of the part of the item, posting the part of the item for bidding according to the aggregated demand, receiving data associated with an offer for possession of the part of the item for a period of time, receiving data associated with one further offer for possession of the part of the item, with the time period and the further period of time being non-concurrent, selectively aggregating the offer with the further offer into a portfolio offer for the part of the item, and based on predetermined criteria, determining that the portfolio offer is a winning portfolio offer. | 02-02-2012 |
20120030056 | Time-Varying Cost-of-Bid Electronic Auction System - A method of transacting sales over a computerized network defining a product desired to be purchased by a plurality of purchasers. A plurality of database records are produced and stored, each corresponding to a correlation between the product and a respective one of the purchasers. A cost-of-bid price is calculated in response to a first time rate at which the plurality of database records are accumulated in the database memory during the storing. The process is repeated to produce a cost-of-bid price that varies in time in response to the time rate of accumulation of the database records. | 02-02-2012 |
20120036032 | Method to Provide Liquid Funds in the Online Auction and Marketplace Environment - A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036033 | USED AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION FOR A SPECIFIC USED AUTOMOBILE - A system, methods, and apparatus for performing used automobile transactions are disclosed. In an example embodiment, automobile market data representative of current automobile market characteristics is stored. The automobile market data may include pricing and consumer interest information received from consumers, dealers, and manufacturers. A consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may provide a request for a response regarding a specific used automobile with a specific a vehicle identification number. Automobile market data may be provided to a used automobile buyer based on the request. Bids to purchase the specific used automobile may be requested from used automobile buyers based on the request. Buyer bids may be provided to the consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller with prices and a delivery options. The consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may select a bid to sell the specific used automobile based on the bid. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036034 | CELL-ALLOCATION IN LOCATION-SELECTIVE INFORMATION PROVISION SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for allocating cells within a virtual grid to content providers according to various priority and selection schemes are used to target content delivery to information playback devices in a geographically and/or application selective manner. The priority schemes, geographical selectivity, and application selectivity of the system and methods of the invention allow a content provider to specifically target a desired demographic with high cost efficiency and flexibility. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036035 | Flexible Communication Systems and Methods - A method of initiating a telecommunication session for a communication device include submitting to one or more telecommunication carriers a proposal for a telecommunication session, receiving from at least one of the one or more of telecommunication carriers a bid to carry the telecommunications session, and automatically selecting one of the telecommunications carriers from the carriers submitting a bid, and initiating the telecommunication session through the selected telecommunication carrier. | 02-09-2012 |
20120041833 | Dynamic Two-Way Auction Method and System - The present invention discloses a method for dynamic two-way auction, applicable for auctioning participating goods, comprising: (1) setting, by a server. The descriptive information, possible search conditions and the relations which associate each search condition with the descriptive information of all participating goods are set up and stored on the server side; (2) sending, by a buyer terminal and/or a seller terminal, a search request which includes a search condition to the server; (3) parsing, by the server, the search request to obtain the search condition, determining whether a definition of a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information has been recorded, and performing step (4) if the relation has not been recorded; (4) defining, by the server, a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information of some participating goods. | 02-16-2012 |
20120041834 | System and Method for Utilizing Media Content to Initiate Conversations between Businesses and Consumers - A Content Management System can utilize professionally edited content to initiate conversations between businesses and consumers. The Content Management System can function as a third party between businesses (e.g., merchants selling products or services) and publishers creating content that may be of interest to the target markets of the businesses. The Content Management System can allow publishers of editorial quality content to submit content electronically (e.g., through a web-enabled intake engine or a file server). Content submitted can be matched to potentially interested businesses based on contextual information gathered from or inferred from the content. The Content Management System can automate the matching and monetization of the content. As an incentive for the business purchasing the content, the Content Management System can provide conversation tools to link consumers to marketing and sales functions of a purchaser's business. | 02-16-2012 |
20120041835 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR MANAGING ORGANIZED BINARY ADVERTISING ASSET MARKETS - Binary advertising markets are developed where personalized media such as digital and even analog advertising is delivered to and accessed by audience members enabling advertisers to buy advertising for broadcast to televisions, smartphones and other types of digital devices. The market is designed to provide participants a new way to have their orders entered, matched, executed, and settled, to manage and monitor risk characteristics of their content placement or advertising placement transactions, and any rights and positions that result from those transactions. Standardized units of exchange represented by profile access rights and display space access rights appropriately designed for their respective markets are used in both primary direct and secondary alternative markets. Processes are also implemented where an audience member receives economic benefit in exchange for confirming view of or rating an advertisement, or viewing advertisements while logged in. | 02-16-2012 |
20120041836 | System And Method For Communicating With An Electronic Exchange In An Electronic Trading Environment - System and methods for a connection proxy server are described. According to an example method described herein, a connection proxy server stores subscription, product tables as well as other downloads that are provided to a client terminal during initialization stage as well as later during a trading session. Upon detecting that a connection between the client terminal and a gateway is lost, the connection proxy maintains a communication session created for the client terminal at the gateway and receives data intended for the client terminal. If the connection is re-established between the client terminal and the gateway during a predetermined period of time, the connection proxy provides the stored data to the client terminal thus avoiding a surge in processing resources at the gateway due to the necessary downloads. | 02-16-2012 |
20120047043 | AUTO SALVAGE BID AUCTION - An online automobile auction, which allows the consumer to participate by using their home or portable computers and accessing the system via an Internet connection. Before the designated time for an auction, the consumer may access the database of available automobiles. Along with displaying visual depictions of the vehicles, the computer system affords the consumer the ability to access statistics on the current inventory of vehicles. Prior to the auction, using an automated auction feature, a plurality of bidders input their minimum starting bid, the maximum bid and the incrementing value. Bidders are also allowed to bid on vehicles during the auction process. | 02-23-2012 |
20120066085 | Real-Time, Interactive, Competitive Method Of On-Line Auction Utilizing An Auctioneer - The present inventive device provides a new method of real-time, interactive, competitive, live on-line auction using an animated auctioneer. The animated auctioneer initiates the auction, actively solicits bids from the auction participants, acknowledges bids input from auction participants, and moves to close the auction when there is a cessation in bidding. In the course of the auction, the auctioneer audibly and physically promotes the item up for bid, and entices the participants to bid. Participants input bids real-time, competitively and successively in response to the animated auctioneer's solicitations. | 03-15-2012 |
20120072297 | COLLABORATIVE BARGAINING - A collaborative bargaining system receives expressions of interest from potential buyers of an item. The collaborative bargaining system receives bids from sellers of the item. Each bid consists of a price per item based on a minimum quantity of items. A time limited exclusive opportunity is awarded to one seller of the item to obtain from the interest group a commitment to buy the minimum quantity of items at the price per item as bid by the one seller. Sales of the item are closed when the interest group commits to buy the minimum quantity of items. | 03-22-2012 |
20120072298 | Method and System for Facilitating Automated Real Time Negotiating and Bargaining Followed by Purchase of Merchandize - The preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method, and system to automate real time price negotiation and bargaining followed by actual purchase of merchandize or service at a retail location. The merchandize can range from real goods and/or service(s) available at any store or retail outlet to entertainment such as movies, concerts, sporting events and others. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078743 | System and Method for Coordinating Transport of Cargo - A marketplace may be provided to allow posting of transport jobs and bidding on various aspects of the transport jobs. For example, a carrier may bid on transportation of cargo while fuel providers may bid on the fuel provision. In some arrangements, the carriers may solicit bids for a fueling portion of a transport job that they wish to bid on, have already bid on or have won. Transport may correspond to the physical conveyance of cargo from origin to destination and may include vehicle costs, driver costs, carrier fees and the like. Fuel costs may refer to the cost of fuel and/or pumping fees. A system may automatically generate suggested routes for transport and determine a projected amount of fuel needed for the trip. Additionally, the system may automatically identify potential or projected refueling locations and select refueling stations or providers based thereon. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078744 | Method for Sale of Goods and Services Over a Wide Area Network - A system for an online auction for bidders wishing to purchase offered products over a wide area network such as the Internet. Using a graphic interface bidders are continuously provided views of offered products and services using a graphically actuated electronic means for input of buyers bids. Bidders are allowed to place bids for the product or service during a finite period of time known only to the seller whereby the last bidder to have input a bid, at the termination point for the time period wins. Optionally, winning bidders, and in certain instances, losing bidders, may re-list an item won and attempt to resell it at a potential profit. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078745 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING BIDS USED IN A PRIMARY AUCTION TO A SECONDARY AUCTION - In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor readable-medium stores code representing instructions to cause a processor to receive, before a time period, a first signal indicating that a first user has purchased a set of primary bids. Each primary bid from the set of primary bids has a price. The code further represents instructions to cause the processor to receive, within the time period, a set of second signals. Each signal from the set of second signals indicates that the first user has used a primary bid from the set of primary bids to bid on an item in a primary auction. The code represents instructions to cause the processor to award, after the time period, the first user at least one secondary bid based on a second user being awarded the item in the primary auction. | 03-29-2012 |
20120084167 | ON-LINE DESIGN SYSTEM AND METHOD - An online design system and method are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a landscape design system and method are provided. The system may provide interactive collaboration of one or more plans associated with a design project. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084168 | INDICATION OF THE REMAINING DURATION OF AN EVENT WITH A DURATION RECOIL FEATURE - In an application for controlling an event, there is an indicator of the remaining duration for the event provided by the application during the event substantially simultaneously to each of a plurality of computing devices over a network for each computing device to use in creating a countdown graphic for display on a graphical user interface (GUI). The application updates the indicator as the event progresses and instructs each computing device to update the countdown graphic when the indicator is updated. If the application receives a first value from a first user during the event and determines that the first value is a triggering value, the application adjusts the remaining duration for the event and updates the indicator accordingly. If the application receives a second value from a second user and in response may override the adjusting of the remaining duration for the event. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084169 | ONLINE AUCTION OPTIONALLY INCLUDING MULTIPLE SELLERS AND MULTIPLE AUCTIONEERS - A server runs an application for defining and controlling an auction event of multiple items, wherein the application is configured to provide display information during the auction event to each of a plurality of computing devices to use in determining the contents of a graphical user interface (GUI) display on the computing device. The GUI includes visual representations of an auction host who defined the auction event, an auctioneer who is auctioning an item in the auction event, an item currently being auctioned, a showcase area, and a countdown indicator. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084170 | CUMULATIVE POINT SYSTEM AND SCORING OF AN EVENT BASED ON USER PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT - An application controls an online auction event. A scoring heuristic generates scores based on user activity during the auction event. The scoring heuristic provides score information about each of a plurality of users participating in the auction event to the application during the auction event and the application provides the score information substantially simultaneously during the auction event to each of a plurality of computing devices for inclusion on a scoreboard display on a graphical user interface (GUI) of each computing device. The scoring information includes a first score for each user participating in the auction event that represents points awarded during the auction of one item in the event. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084171 | OPTION FOR SUBMITTING A USER-DEFINED SUPER BID THAT OVERRIDES AN AUCTION COUNTDOWN - An application controls an online auction event. In the auction event, a user is provided a first selectable option for setting a bid value and a second selectable option for placing a bid at the bid value. A countdown value maintained by the server and provided to the computing device is set to an initial value at the beginning of the auction event, begins decreasing from the initial value according to a mathematical formula, and decreases to a final value at the end of the auction event. If the application receives a bid from the computing device during the auction event as a result of a user selecting the second selectable option and the application determines that the bid is a super bid, the application overrides the mathematical formula and adjusts the countdown value to a new value. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084172 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A MARKETPLACE SERVICE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for operating an exchange service for renewable energy resources. In one embodiment, an exchange service, implemented on an exchange entity server, receives inputs from property entities related to assets available for installation of a renewable energy setup. The exchange server places this asset in a marketplace, allowing other provider entities to place a bid for installing the renewable energy setup at a location associated with the asset. Examples of the provider entities include a developer entity, a manufacturer entity, a financier entity, etc. In embodiments, the marketplace enables interaction among the provider entities to enable the provider entities to develop and place a composite bid for a selected asset available through the marketplace. | 04-05-2012 |
20120095860 | Auctioning System and Methods Interacting with Multiple Devices - An auctioning system and methods interacting with multiple devices are set forth that includes a main server, remote terminals, and remote individual communication devices that communicate with one another and are adapted to display information to a user about a product or service for sale, and information pertaining to predefined auction parameters for the user to attempt to purchase said product or service. | 04-19-2012 |
20120101912 | Providing a Marketplace for Sensor Data - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing first information identifying a sensor-data set that includes sensor-data from multiple sensor-data streams from multiple sensors over a period of time, with the sensor data from the sensor-data streams having been combined with each other based on a relationship of the sensor data to a sensor subject; accessing second information identifying one or more offers to purchase the sensor-data set; and matching one of the offers with the sensor-data set to facilitate a purchase of the sensor-data set based at least on the one of the offers matched to the sensor-data set. | 04-26-2012 |
20120109771 | Application Name Marketplace - Application name marketplace techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a service provide implemented by one or more computing devices identifies one or more terms for use in naming applications to be available for purchase via a network. The one or more terms are exposed by the service as available for purchase of a right to use the one or more terms to name a respective application. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109772 | INTEGRATED CLOUD BASED MARKETPLACE SERVICES - Cloud based services are provided enabling electronic data interchange between suppliers and consumers of goods and services with the integration of business tools for finance, manufacturing, customer relationship management, supply chains, analytics and electronic commerce. By providing a compatibility layer to these business tools between various suppliers and consumers of goods and services, workflows can be extended with cloud-based services and automatic supply-demand matching provided based on constraints specified by the suppliers and consumers. Real-time (event-driven) order fulfillment can be implemented through the cloud based services. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109773 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING BAR CODES WITH ONLINE AUCTIONS - A method of and system for scanning a bar code associated with a product with a mobile device to obtain (i) a list of online auctions for the product or a similar product; (ii) a list of commercial web sites in which the product or a similar product is being offered for sale; and/or (iii) a list of resellers of the product or a similar product where the product or similar product is located in a geographic region in predetermined proximity to the location. In addition, a seller may scan a bar code associated with a product that the seller would like to sell via an online auction service in order to obtain a predetermined product listing that the seller may modify prior to listing on the online auction service. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116908 | Facilitating Electronic Auction of Prepayment of an Invoice - Embodiments for facilitating an electronic auction of prepayment of an invoice are disclosed. One method includes a supplier and a buyer approving the invoice with definite terms. The supplier electronically submits the invoice with proposed prepayment terms to an exchange platform. The exchange platform provides an electronic auction of the invoice with proposed prepayment terms to a plurality of bidders and receiving a bid from at least one of the plurality of bidders. Payment of the invoice between the winning bidder and the supplier is electronically facilitated if a winning bid is received. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116909 | REVERSE BIDDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A reverse bidding system and method are disclosed. A reverse auction occurs when the price of an item to be sold decreases over time with each bid. A potential buyer bids to view a decreasing current price of an item. The current price and/or availability status of an item can be hidden from view from a potential buyer. The potential buyer has the option to purchase the item at the current price when it is revealed following the potential buyer's bid. The seller can choose to wait for a specified time while the potential buyer makes a decision to purchase the item. With an increased quantity of bids to view the current price of an item, the price of the item can approach $0.00. If the item's price reaches $0.00, the item is sold by default to the last user who bid to view the price of the item. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116910 | Real estate auction method - This invention relates to method for using a computer to facilitate an auction of an interest in real estate on the World Wide Web wherein an owner inputs into a computer relevant parameters pertaining to the real estate interest on offer. The real estate interest and related data are then posted on a website on the World Wide Web to create a searchable database which is made available to prospective purchasers. Prospective purchasers may to submit a conditional offer or offers to purchase the selected real estate interest which is transmitted to the owner of the real estate interest on offer. If the property on offer receives multiple offers, the respective conditional offers to purchase are posted on the website to encourage additional higher offers. The provider of the website earns a fee for the service of connecting the buyer and seller of the subject interest in real estate. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123892 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REAL-TIME BIDDING - A method and a system to provide real-time bidding in online auction. For example, a system may comprise a notification module to generate and transmit a notification to a client machine. The notification may be generated based on a defined end time of a selected auction. A subscription module may establish electronic communication with the client machine responsive to a subscription message received from the client machine in response to the notification. In some instances, the electronic communication is established using a push technology. An event filter may filter an event from a plurality of events related to the selected auction where the filtered event is a highest received bid in the selected auction. The filtered event may then be pushed to the client machine by the subscription module. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123893 | Device, System, And Method For Trading Units Of Unique Valuable Assets - Device, system, and method for trading units of Unique Valuable Assets (UVAs). For example, a method for securitizing a Unique Valuable Asset (UVA) may include: transferring custody and ownership in the UVA from a settling owner of the UVA to a fiduciary entity; issuing by the fiduciary entity a plurality of tradable UVA certificates which correspond to portions of ownership rights in the UVA; electronically selling by the fiduciary entity one or more of the tradable UVA certificates, through an auction, to one or more purchasers; and transferring from the fiduciary entity to the settling owner at least some of monetary consideration received by the fiduciary entity from said one or more purchasers of tradable UVA certificates. | 05-17-2012 |
20120130842 | TRANSACTION SERVICES REVERSE AUCTION - A reverse auction platform for selecting a transaction service is provided. The platform may include a database configured to store a request for a transaction service and to store fee bids corresponding to the transaction service. The platform may also include a memory configured to store execution instructions as well as a processor coupled with the database and the memory. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive a request for a transaction service; to present the request; and to select a transaction service based on a fee bid corresponding to the transaction service. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130843 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATING A PLURALITY OF ISOLATED COMPONENTS INTO AN ONLINE AUCTION FOR AUTOMATIC REAL-TIME AUCTION PARTICIPANT SUPPORT - Disclosed is a method and system for integrating a plurality of isolated components to automatically provide real-time support to a participant in an online auction, particularly for live online auctions that may require quick decision making. An embodiment may automatically display information from the plurality of isolated components for the current item being auctioned in the online auction in a single user interface window. An embodiment may further update any information from any of the plurality of isolated components in real-time as the online auction is occurring. Examples of various isolated components that may be integrated into the single user interface window include: item history reports, third party valuation reports on the item, and the interface into the online auction. Various embodiments may have additional user interface windows concurrently monitoring/automatically integrating with different online auction locations that are concurrently auctioning different items. An embodiment may also include automatic non-decision support actions such as: requesting placing purchased items into an electronic inventory system, requesting delivery/shipping of purchased items, and/or requesting financing for a purchase. | 05-24-2012 |
20120136743 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING COMPETITIVE PRICING FOR VEHICLE SERVICES - In order to obtain competitive pricing for vehicle servicing, a pricing service provider is used to obtain pricing data from a plurality of service vendors. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the following types of additional information for each vendor will be provided along with the pricing data, to enable the consumer (the owner or operator of the vehicle) to make an informed selection: a rating of the vendor, a relative distance between the consumer (or known vehicle location) and the vendor, and a time period defining when the vendor will be able to accommodate the service. In at least some embodiments, a pricing service provider hosts a reverse auction for the benefit of the consumer. In at least some embodiment, the pricing service provider hosts a webpage upon which results of the service requests from the plurality of vendors are displayed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136744 | ESTABLISHING CONSUMER DRIVEN BUYING GROUPS SOLICITING SUPPLIERS USING ONLINE RESERVE AUCTIONS - A method of conducting a consumer driven online mass purchase of goods or services or both goods and services via reverse auction. At least one consumer posts an online announcement of the intended purchase and enlists other consumers using email lists, social networks, and other lines of communications. Deposits may be collected from participants. A predetermined number of participants may be established. A date may be established for responses by potential commercial providers of the offerings. At the established date, responses in the form of bids of a reverse auction are considered. The combined orders of the participants are awarded to the low bidder. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136745 | ONLINE AUCTION PROPAGATION - Some example embodiments include a method that includes generating an indication of a first item being auctioned in an online auction system. Responsive to locating an online auction in the online auction system for a second item having one or more attributes that exceed a matching threshold with the first item, the method includes associating the first item with the located online auction using the generated indication of the first item. Also, after the online auction for the second item ends and in response to determining a bid of a junior bidder and data about the junior bidder satisfy a set of one or more conditions for sale of the first item, the method includes notifying the junior bidder in the online auction of the first item in the online auction system, wherein the junior bidder is junior to a winning bidder in the online auction for the second item. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136746 | Systems and Methods for Conducting On-Line Auctions - The present invention includes systems and methods for conducting an auction over a computer network, the computer network being connectable to a plurality of computers, the method comprising storing on a network accessible storage device descriptions of lots with or without common characteristics to be auctioned; scheduling via a network accessible computer a bid deadline; transmitting via the network accessible computer the bid deadline to the computers connected to the computer network; allowing a bid to be placed from one of the computers connected to the computer network before the bid deadline; defining a bid deadline extension triggering condition dependent on at least the number of bids being placed before the bid deadline; determining whether the extension triggering condition has been met; and extending the bid deadline when the extension triggering condition is met for an individual lot or simultaneously for a plurality of lots. | 05-31-2012 |
20120143712 | SECONDARY PURCHASE METHOD FOR ONLINE AUCTION OVER A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - A method on a server for providing a secondary purchase method for an auction provided over a communications network, includes: providing an online auction for a seller's item to a plurality of bidders, wherein each of the plurality of bidders provides a bid for the item; selecting a winner of the auction from the plurality of bidders; sending a communication offering the item for a first amount greater than an amount of the winner's bid; receiving payment for the item from a recipient of the communication, wherein payment is for the first amount; sending the seller of the item a payment substantially equal to the winner's bid; sending the winner a payment substantially equal to a difference between the first amount and the winner's bid; and sending a communication to the seller of the item with instructions to send the item to the recipient that paid the first amount. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143713 | ELECTRONIC AND NETWORK-BASED FRANKING - Systems and methods for facilitating and targeting of online official messages, such as franking messages, to voters within a selected political demographic are presented. In one embodiment, an online franking message system provides targeting of segment of voters based on voter registration records, third party behavioral information, and geographic information. Audience targeting may be accomplished in several ways including: geo-targeting; contextual targeting; behavioral targeting; and site placement. A candidate may deliver an ad in order to influence a select group of people in a particular location. In some embodiments, the ad is delivered by dropping and later reading a tracking cookie that associates the voter's browser with political demographic information without including personal identifiable information. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143714 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO IMPLEMENT SELLER AUTHORIZED BUYING PRIVILEGES WITHIN A NETWORK-BASED SHOPPING FACILITY - A method that commences by receiving an item identifier, over a network, from a seller on a network-based commerce facility, the item identifier identifying a particular sales listing that describes an item that is listed for sale by the seller on the network-based commerce facility as requiring bidders to be pre-approved to bid on the item. The method continues by automatically recording the item identifier in a database. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143715 | SPARSE INDEX BIDDING AND AUCTION BASED STORAGE - Illustrated is a system and method that includes a receiving module, which resides on a back end node, to receive a set of hashes that is generated from a set of chunks associated with a segment of data. Additionally, the system and method further includes a lookup module, which resides on the back end node, to search for at least one hash in the set of hashes as a key value in a sparse index. The system and method also includes a bid module, which reside on the back end node, to generate a bid, based upon a result of the search. | 06-07-2012 |
20120158534 | Auction Giftcard Redemption System - An auction giftcard redemption system sends an electronic giftcard to a winning bidder according to preferences pre-determined by the bidder. The auction system may communicate current balances and give access to the giftcard on demand by a mobile device app or cell phone messaging services. | 06-21-2012 |
20120166301 | ONLINE TRANSACTION METHOD AND ONLINE TRANSACTION SYSTEM - An online transaction method includes providing a network platform, providing a seller interface and providing a buyer interface. The seller interface is stored in the network platform for the sellers to set commodity data, selling price, quantity per unit and selling condition of at least one commodity. The selling price per unit is obtained from the result of dividing the selling price by the amount per unit. The selling condition includes the selling duration and minimal sell quantity per unit. The buyer interface is stored in the network platform for the buyers to connect for choosing the number of the corresponding units of to-buy commodity. When the number of the unit of the commodity is higher than or equal to the minimal sell quantity and the set selling duration ends, the bidding winner will be selected from those who purchase that unit of commodity. | 06-28-2012 |
20120173358 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173359 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173360 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173361 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173362 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173363 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173364 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173365 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173366 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173367 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173368 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173369 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173370 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173371 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173372 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173373 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173374 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173375 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173376 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173377 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173378 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173379 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173380 | Pay To Bid Auction System - Methods and systems for conducting electronic auctions. Bidders purchase the chance to bid, the number of times bidding are used as a winning factor. Bidder who has the highest Personal Bid and earliest bid time is selected as winner. Alternatively, Bidder who spend Highest Credit Bid and earliest bid time is selected as winner. A timer is reset to provide a new target time by adding a set number of seconds to the remaining time each time a new bid is placed. | 07-05-2012 |
20120179561 | INTERACTIVE LOCATION-BASED SERVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF THE SAME - The present invention may be related to a system of providing location-based service. The system may include a position module, a management module, a bid module and a map information module. The position module may be configured to receive first position information. The management module may be configured to receive product information and generate a product page based on the product information, wherein the product information may include at least one of a title, a price, a description, a picture, a voice introduction or a video of a product. The product page may show at least one of the title, the price, the description, the picture, the voice introduction or the video of the product. The bid module may be coupled to the product page and configured to receive a bid. Moreover, the map information module may be configured to correlate the product page with a position on a map based on the first position information. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179562 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179563 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179564 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179565 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179566 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179567 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179568 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179569 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE EFFICIENT CLEARING OF SPECTRUM ENCUMBRANCES - The present invention is a system and method to sell or procure complementary goods. A complementary good according to the invention is a good whose value or utility is enhanced when paired with another good, such a pair of goods is a communication license to encumbered spectrum and a complementary clearing right to clear the spectrum of its encumbrance. The invention provides automated procedures to facilitate the fashioning and sale of clearing rights so as to enhance the value of the communications license. | 07-12-2012 |
20120185346 | Online Auction Bidding System - An online auction bidding system utilizes a three state auction model that includes an auction open state, followed by a closing state, and an auction closed state which occurs last in which the online auction is ended and bids will not be accepted. The highest bid received prior to the auction end is considered the winning bid. In the auction open state, bids are guaranteed to be accepted if they are qualified, for example, by meeting certain conditions such as being above a current high bid by some desired increment. The closing state is of indeterminate length and thus the time that the online auction ends is unknown by the bidders which makes the practice of sniping difficult. Qualified bids are accepted during the closing state but bidders run the risk that a later bid will not be accepted should the auction end prior to that bid being placed. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185347 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED CALCULATION OF COEFFICIENT FOR PRICE SENSITIVITY - Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for calculating a sufficiently accurate coefficient for price sensitivity to use in a target pricing system. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve providing an expanded data set by adding shadow data to a historical bid data set that allows a logistic regression approach to mathematically calculate the coefficient for price sensitivity with greater accuracy. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185348 | Systems and Methods for Implementing Iterated Sealed-Bid Auctions - The present invention is directed to implementing iterated sealed-bid auctions of several types of products or several varieties of a single product simultaneously in order to encourage select bidders to place more and higher bids. Sellers therefore receive higher prices and products or services are more likely to be efficiently assigned. In general, iterated sealed-bid auctions are auctions in which bidders may make a variety of offers involving different prices and the final prices and allocation are determined according to the rules of a sealed-bid auction, but in which bidders may receive some feedback from initial rounds of bidding in the iterated sealed-bid auctions and have some opportunity to improve their price offers. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185349 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY USER DATA FROM A PLURALITY OF PROVIDERS - A computer system that presents mobile communication facility data to a first and second bidder in real time by performing the steps of: (a) retrieving a first datum relating to a mobile communication facility user accessing an application from a provider; (b) retrieving a second datum relating to the same user accessing an application from a second provider; (c) storing the first and second data in a database; (d) presenting the data to a first and a second bidder; (f) receiving a bid from the first bidder, including: (i) a selection of the data; and (ii) a financial consideration; (g) receiving a bid from the second bidder, including: (i) a selection of the same data as the first bidder; and (ii) a financial consideration; (h) determining that the bid of the first bidder is greater than that of the second; and (i) delivering the data to the first bidder. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185350 | SYSTEM TO FEATURE A POSTING - Products and processes are provided in which information is received about a post relating to an item to be sold via a posting site. A posting payment award is determined. The posting award is provided in the form of a prominent feature of the post on the posting site. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185351 | SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A POSTING PAYMENT AMOUNT BASED ON PREFERRED PAYMENT METSHOD - Products and processes are provided in which information is received about a post for an item to be sold. The received posting information identifies a preferred method of payment. Based on the preferred method of payment, a posting payment amount is determined. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185352 | SYSTEM TO PROCESS A POSTING PAYMENT - Products and processes are provided in which information is received that is related to a post for an item to be sold via, a posting site. The received posting information includes account information which identifies an account of a party other than the seller. Based on the received information, a posting payment amount is determined. The post payment amount is transferred with respect to the entity other than the seller, using the received account information. | 07-19-2012 |
20120191558 | Online bidding for waste removal - Online bidding for waste removal includes receiving an online request for waste removal from a user. The online request for waste removal comprises a schedule for waste removal and an address identifying a location for the waste removal. In response to the online request, a notification is sent to at least one vendor that an online request is pending. The method includes receiving at least one bid to remove waste. The at least one bid is in response to the online request for waste removal and includes a price. The method also includes presenting a particular bid associated with a particular vendor to the user and providing a time period for the particular bid to be accepted. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191559 | AUCTION SHARING NETWORK - One example embodiment includes a system for sharing auctions. The system includes a database. The database is configured to connect to a first auction portal and a second auction portal. The database is also configured to contain auction data from the first auction portal and the second auction portal. The system also includes a configuration system. The configuration system is configured to allow the first auction portal to determine which auctions from the second auction portal are displayed on the first auction portal. The configuration system is also configured to allow the second auction portal to determine which auctions from the first auction portal are displayed on the second auction portal. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191560 | Auction-Based Application Launching - Methods and systems for providing applications are provided. A method for providing applications may include determining a ranking for each of a plurality of applications based on an auction value of each corresponding application. In some cases, auction values may be determined by application provider bids. The method may also include determining a ranked placement of the applications based on the application rankings. The method may further include displaying the ranked placement according to a first user selection associated with the applications. The method may then include launching a selected application of the ranked placement in response to a second user selection. A system for providing applications may include an application ranker, an application placer and an application launcher. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191561 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED METHODS FOR PROVIDING OPTIONS ON PRODUCTS - A computer-implemented system and method to provide options on products to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented system is operated that delivers to a customer an option to utilize up to n of m selected products, where n is less than or equal to m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen products, whereby after each of the n chosen products is defined, the customer can utilize said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191562 | Kiosk For Recycling Electronic Devices - A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction. | 07-26-2012 |
20120197748 | Barter System with a Master User - A barter system for transferring physical assets between related entities utilizes a distributed computer network using a master user. The system utilizes a database of designated physical assets, or optionally services, a transfer value for each asset, a list of the related entities, and an account for each entity, the account for containing points to obtain physical assets from another related entity. Each entity has at least one remote computer the remote computers operably connected to the database for (i) providing a list of physical assets available for transfer limited to designated physical assets in the database; and (ii) requesting transfer of physical assets listed in the database. | 08-02-2012 |
20120197749 | Computer Implemented Continuous Dual Auction System - A computer implemented continuous dual auction system consisting of a computer, server, and a process for creating a real-time, or substantially real-time, online marketplace for the sale of goods and services. The process includes the input of information from a seller about a certain good or service for sale, including but not limited to a price desired and a price the seller is willing to accept. The process also includes the input of information from a buyer about a certain good or service desired, including but not limited to a price a buyer is willing to pay for such a good or service. The process also can include the input of credit card information for validation and guaranty purposes in allowing the buyer and seller to post a bid or offer, respectively, into the continuous dual auction system's real-time, or substantially real-time, online marketplace. | 08-02-2012 |
20120203651 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLABORATIVE OR CROWDSOURCED TAGGING OF IMAGES - A method for tagging images comprises embedding a code into a template file of a website, executing the code to activate the image by overlaying a tagging interface on the image, placing a tag within the image, and storing a copy of the tag in a database supported by a remote server. A unique random string of characters is generated as a function name before data is posted to the remote server and on response executes a string function to allow the tag to be displayed on the website and the copy of the tag be posted to the remote server while maintain system security. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203652 | Conducting Commerce Between Individuals - Receiving payment includes the establishment, at a first server, a transaction record including information identifying a payment amount, a first account to be credited by the payment amount, and a second account to be debited by a debit amount. A financial authorization network performs an authorization analysis on at least the second account. The second account is debited if the authorization analysis is successfully completed, and the first account is directly credited by the payment amount to conclude the transaction. Risk analysis may be performed for each individual. Payment is integrated with shipping. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203653 | Conducting Commerce Between Individuals - Receiving payment includes the establishment, at a first server, a transaction record including information identifying a payment amount, a first account to be credited by the payment amount, and a second account to be debited by a debit amount. A financial authorization network performs an authorization analysis on at least the second account. The second account is debited if the authorization analysis is successfully completed, and the first account is directly credited by the payment amount to conclude the transaction. Risk analysis may be performed for each individual. Payment is integrated with shipping. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203654 | Conducting Commerce Between Individuals - Receiving payment includes the establishment, at a first server, a transaction record including information identifying a payment amount, a first account to be credited by the payment amount, and a second account to be debited by a debit amount. A financial authorization network performs an authorization analysis on at least the second account. The second account is debited if the authorization analysis is successfully completed, and the first account is directly credited by the payment amount to conclude the transaction. Risk analysis may be performed for each individual. Payment is integrated with shipping. | 08-09-2012 |
20120209741 | METHOD OF RECLAIMING PRODUCTS FROM A RETAIL STORE - A method of reclaiming products from a retail store includes passing a plurality of products through an object identification system, capturing images of the plurality of products with object sensors as the products pass through the object identification system, processing the images to identify an indicium for each product, transmitting the indicium for each product through a wireless communication network to a logic engine, sorting the plurality of products based on the indicia to produce a bundled lot of products, producing a unique identifier for the bundled lot, the unique identifier having a machine readable code, and communicating the unique identifier of the bundled lot and the indicia of the products in the bundled lot to an auctioneer for initiation of a direct-to-consumer auction for auctioning of the bundled lot directly to a group of bidders. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209742 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLING TIME-BASED INVENTORY - A method for selling time-based inventory over a communications network includes permitting a seller via a graphical user interface to define a total time to be sold for a time based-inventory; permitting the seller via the graphical user interface to define a sales time interval amount smaller than the total time to be sold; dividing the total time as a function of the sales time interval amount so as to define a plurality of time intervals of the total time; and selling the plurality of time intervals via the communications network. | 08-16-2012 |
20120215654 | Bidder identity encryption for enabling an audit trail - A computer network implemented public auction preserves audit trail data set associated with said auction in a remotely secured storage site which may be accessed by subscribing auction participants in the event auction fraud or collusion is suspected. To insure the authenticity of the stored data set and to verify the identities participating in the auction a unique encrypted identification code is assigned to each bidder after the bidder's identity is verified against public data banks and once so verified is stored in association with the image and/or document record sequences for a period determined by the subscription agreement and/or the relevant statute of limitations period. | 08-23-2012 |
20120221426 | MARKETPLACE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PURCHASING MEETINGS AND EVENTS - An auction system has a platform accessible by a number of companies that place meetings up for bids to buy side firms that wish to invest in the companies. A company determines the parameters for the received bids, including selecting and ranking factors to be considered for the bids. The company also assign weights to emphasize those factors important in submitted the bid. Buy side firms submit bids and provide information relating to the factors. A winning bid is determined, and payment received to purchase the meeting. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221427 | INTEGRATING THIRD PARTY SHOPPING CART APPLICATIONS WITH AN ONLINE PAYMENT SERVICE - A method may include receiving at an online payment service hosted on a first system, detailed information from an auction management (AM) system, the AM system hosted on a second system remote from the first system. The information may concern an item purchased by a user from a network-based commerce facility and placed in a virtual shopping cart on the AM system. The detailed information may be sent by the AM system in response to receiving an intent to proceed with payment for the item. A user interface may be communicated to the user that facilitates processing of the payment for the item. The processing may include marking the payment as being an AM payment. The interface may allow the user to view the detailed information and the detailed information describing contents of the virtual shopping cart on the AM system. | 08-30-2012 |
20120226574 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A PAWN SHOP - The invention relates to a computer-implemented data processing system which comprises a database, an offering module comprising an offering user interface for a pawner to enter an indication of an item to be pawned into the database, a bidding module comprising a bidding user interface for at least one bidder to enter at least one bid into the database, a selection module for selecting one of the at least one bid as a winning bid and the bidder of the winning bid as a pawnee, a release declaration module for declaring a release of the item if the release declaration module receives a release remark, and a release notification module for notifying the pawnee that the item was released if the release declaration module declares a release of the item. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226575 | ELECTRONIC TICKET MARKET - A method is provided. The method comprises obtaining data identifying a buyer of tickets for a venue and obtaining data from the ticket buyer identifying at least one section within the venue. The method obtains data identifying (i) a maximum amount the ticket buyer would spend for a first ticket associated with a most favorable seat within the section; and optionally (ii) a maximum amount the ticket buyer would spend for a second ticket associated with the least favorable seat. The method then provides an algorithm that receives the data that the ticket buyer identified. The algorithm generates a plurality hypothetical acceptable tickets representative of the ticket buyer. The method then generates a matrix comprising of the ticket buyer's bids and extrapolated hypothetical bids to give other ticket buyers and tickets sellers' feedback to adjust bids and asks or provides the sellers the ability to execute a transaction. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226576 | Method and System for Conducting a Silent Auction - A method for conducting a silent auction using software that communicates via text/SMS messaging with a bidder's personal mobile phone devices using the bidder's wireless service provider. The auction management software may be effective for managing and conducting multiple auctions simultaneously. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226577 | BIDDER-SIDE AUCTION DYNAMIC PRICING AGENT, SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A system, method, and computer program product for automating an online auction service and bidder interaction including receiving a keyword searching based on the keyword product auctions of a plurality of auction sites; and may include using a search agent or a meta-search agent, and providing returned auctions, and may include presenting current status of product auctions. The method can monitor temporal progression of auctions, and can notify users of changes in status A bid proxy can be activated as an auction nears completion placing bids until the auction is won or lost. In the event of a counter offer, a higher bid can be made. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226578 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLING WELLHEAD PRODUCTION ASSETS - A system for selling wellhead production assets is provided. The system includes a bid request system that displays one or more bidders, such as approved oil refinery operators, and receives one or more bidder selections from the seller. A production posting system connected to the bid request system receives the bidder selections and provides lease data to the bidders selected by the seller, so as to allow the seller to obtain competing bids without alerting the bidders of the other competing bids. | 09-06-2012 |
20120233009 | Endorsement Subscriptions for Sponsored Stories - Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to subscribing to a service for generating and delivering sponsored stories from an organic activity stream in a social networking site. A proxy bidder may aggressively proxy bid for the delivery of the sponsored stories based on a pacing algorithm and feedback loop monitoring the delivery level of sponsored stories. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233010 | Method to Provide Liquid Funds in the Online Auction and Marketplace Environment - A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233011 | Residual Value Bidding System and Turbo Auction - An auction service may allow auction sponsors to interact with a customer through online and offline methods. Customers may receive a portion of the value of paid bids used in auctions returned as stored value to be used with an auction sponsor. Customers may also receive discounts, incentives and offers that provide more value to the customer, which may ease or remove the feeling of losing money. Customers may also perform actions in the real-world that earn rewards in the online world and vice versa. Thus customers may be encouraged to interact in-store and online with the sponsor. | 09-13-2012 |
20120239519 | PERSONALIZING SEARCH RESULTS - Some embodiments provide personalized search services. The personalized search services operate to contextualize what is being searched for and to provide at least some search results in that context that are specific to the user to whom the results are to be provided. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239520 | AUCTION METHOD AND SERVER - Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price. The auction method includes maintaining, at an auction server, a database of the highest price of a specific product, the lowest price offered by a seller, and the limited number of successful bidders, receiving, at the auction server, bidding information including bid prices for the specific product between the lowest price and the highest price from bidders, selecting, at the auction server, a lowest successful bidder from among the bidders in consideration of the limited number of successful bidders and the bidding information when a predetermined bidding time elapses, and requesting, at the auction server, payment from all successful bidders using a successful bid price of the lowest successful bidder as a sale price on the basis of bidding information about the lowest successful bidder. | 09-20-2012 |
20120246020 | MULTI-ATTRIBUTE AUCTIONING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and system for auctioning an auction item in a multi-attribute auction. A winning bid is selected by determining a secret value function indicative of acceptable combination of attribute values for the auction owner. The auction owner computing device or the auction server generates alternate combinations of attribute values based at least in part on the secret value function. To generate the alternate combinations of attribute values at least some of the combinations of attribute values are perturbed so as to hinder the bidders from deriving or finding the secret value function. The auction server informs the bidders, via a bidder interface of a client computing device, about the alternate combinations of attribute values and required biding directions. The bidder can offer a bid in a next round based on the alternate combinations of attribute values, in a progressive manner and without knowledge of the secret value function. | 09-27-2012 |
20120246021 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING BIDS ON PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - Methods and systems for bidding on items include a predetermined price or range associated with an item, the price not disclosed to bidders. Successful bids conform to a predetermined success rule(s) determined independently of the amounts of other bids. Successful bids can be immediately communicated to the successful bidders. Price adjustments, typically discounts, can be determined and communicated prior to fulfillment. | 09-27-2012 |
20120253964 | COMMERICAL TRANSACTION PROCESSING DEVICE, PUTTING-UP CONDITION DETERMINATION METHOD, PUTTING-UP CONDITION DETERMINATION PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM FOR STORING PROGRAM - A commercial transaction processing device stores commercial transaction information including at least one of the number of putting-up of item, the number of bids, the number of successful bids, the number of watchlist registrations and the number of user requests for an item put up for commercial transaction, per item group, receives item information of an item to reserve for commercial transaction, from a terminal device of a reserving seller of the commercial transaction, and stores the received item information as item information of the reserved item. Further, the commercial transaction processing device determines whether or not the reserved item satisfies predetermined putting-up conditions, and, when the putting-up condition determining means determines that the putting-up conditions are satisfied, executes putting-up processing of providing the item information of the reserved item as item information of a put-up item through the network. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253965 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING BROADBAND RESIDENTIAL GATEWAYS - A broadband residential gateway (BRG) management system has a communications interface coupled to one or more BRGs and one or more content service providers (CSPs), a memory, and a processor. The processor can be programmed to establish a content profile for each of the BRGs according to one or more attributes of the BRGs and the CSPs, receive a content access request from one or more BRGs, and supply each BRG access to selectable content from one or more of the CSPs according to the content profile. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253966 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO FACILITATE A PURCHASE OF AN ITEM ON A NETWORK-BASED MARKETPLACE - A method and system to the generation of a virtual gift on a network-based marketplace platform. The network-based marketplace platform receives a request from a second user. The request identifies an item that is published-on a user interface that is hosted by the network-based marketplace platform. The item is also offered for sale on the network-based marketplace platform. The network-based marketplace platform generates a virtual gift based on the item. The virtual gift includes an image of the item. Finally, the network-based marketplace platform communicates interface information that includes the virtual gift to a network-based social platform. | 10-04-2012 |
20120259723 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING SOLAR ENERGY CHARGING CAPACITY TO A PLURALITY OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES - A method of distributing charge capacity to electric vehicles in a charging system that includes a solar charge capacity generated locally. The method may include: determining a requested charge for the plurality of electric vehicles, calculating a requested charge time, the solar charge capacity comprising the total charging capacity of the charging system via solar generated energy; calculating a charge time capacity, the charge time capacity comprising the available charge time of the charging system; comparing the requested charge to the solar charge capacity; comparing the requested charge time to the charge time capacity; and if it is determined that either the requested charge is greater than the solar charge capacity or the requested charge time is greater than the charge time capacity, auctioning the solar charge capacity to operators of the plurality of electric vehicles. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259724 | Seller Initiated Incentives Based on Profile Information - In an example embodiment, a method at a network-based commerce system is provided. Here, the network-based commerce system facilitates a transaction of an item between a seller and a buyer. In this method, the buyer who has indicated interest in the item offered by the seller is identified. The buyer has not previously provided to the seller a profile associated with the buyer. The profile associated with the buyer is accessed, and this profile is communicated to the seller. Thereafter, an incentive from the seller is received, and this incentive is made based on the communication of the profile to the seller. The incentive is then communicated to the buyer. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265633 | REAL PROPERTY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, RETENTION AND TRANSFERAL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - The present invention is in the field of computer systems and processes for managing real and personal property. One aspect of the invention is directed to capturing history of a (real) property, which may include a description of the property, the personal property located on the real property, the projects and maintenance performed or to be performed on the property and their impact on the owner's tax basis in the property. Another aspect of invention allows for sharing of this history with an online community and for transferring the history (or portions thereof) on sale to a buyer. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271728 | Method and System for Conducting an Auction Over a Network - A method and system for enabling a user or bidder to purchase an option on auction merchandise or services in an online auction are provided, thus allowing the option winner to purchase the merchandise in the event the original auction bidder (i.e., the highest bidder for the merchandise) defaults on his purchase. The method and system also provides an incentive to the users purchasing the option(s), e.g., bid optionees, by partially distributing the option pool of monies collected to the user who purchases the option at the price closest to the final auction price. | 10-25-2012 |
20120278196 | System And Method For Evaluation of Literary Submissions - A system and method are provided for evaluation of literary submissions involving writers, readers, and editors/publishers. The method includes receiving registration data from writers, readers, and editors/publishers, and receiving a plurality of submissions of literary works produced by the writers. The readers are provided access to the submissions; votes are received from the readers regarding the submissions in a first round of voting. Finalist submissions and finalist writers are determined in accordance with the voting by the readers. The editors/publishers are provided access to the submissions, and auction bids are received from the editors/publishers in an auction with regard to the finalist submissions. At the conclusion of the auction, the winning editor/publisher for each of the finalist submissions is determined, so that each of the finalist submissions is published first as an E-book and at a later point, if desired, in paperback or hardcover. | 11-01-2012 |
20120278197 | METHOD FOR SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES OVER A NETWORK - Among other things, techniques, systems, apparatus, methods and computer readable storage medium with executable instructions for carrying out online auctions are described. Features of the invention pertain to facilitating the sale of goods and services through an auction, offering bidders the potential for purchasing goods and services at huge discounts from retail pricing, providing bidders compelling reasons for purchasing goods by enabling winning bidders to optionally make a potential profit on goods or services they have purchased at substantial savings by re-auctioning the items, and providing losing bidders with the potential to become qualified to participate in prospective profits from subsequent auctions for products similar to the items they did not win. | 11-01-2012 |
20120284135 | PROXIMITY BASED ONLINE MARKETPLACE - A online marketplace that can connect nearby buyers and sellers in a time-sensitive and efficient manner. The system can enable users who want something to connect with nearby users who can provide that something by utilizing automatically detected location data from the users' computing devices. The system can allow both buyers and sellers to post listings, and can also allow listings to define multiple quantities of an item or service and allow multiple offers to be made and accepted on such listings via an auction mechanism. The system can improve the efficiency with which buyers and sellers can quickly find each other by not allowing users to submit offers on listings with price changes that degrade the listing. The system can also improve the efficiency with which buyers and sellers complete their transaction by facilitating a peer-to-peer payment process with dispute resolution controls. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284136 | Bidding on a Plurality of Products or Services with Contingencies - Bidding on a plurality of items with contingencies. Input may be received from a buyer over a wide area network. The input may specify a plurality of offers for purchase of a respective plurality of items and the offers may be included in a collection of offers. One or more contingencies may be associated with the collection of offers, e.g., in response to user input. The one or more contingencies may specify cancellation of one or more of the plurality of offers within the collection of offers. Input may be received from a seller over the wide area network, specifying an acceptance of a first offer of the plurality of offers in the collection of offers. At least one of the plurality of offers within the collection of offers may be automatically canceled based on the one or more contingencies and possibly the acceptance of the first offer. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284137 | Method and System for Reducing Short-Term Participation in Auctions - An online auction system comprises a host system. The host system comprises at least one processor capable of executing processor executable code, at least one non-transient memory capable of communicating with the at least one processor and storing processor executable code comprising a first rank associated with a first user and a second rank associated with a second user. The processor executable code when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to access the first rank and second rank, schedule a first auction having a first rank range and a second auction having a second rank range, and present the first auction having the first rank range to the first user and the second auction having the second rank range to the second user. The first rank of the first user falls within the first rank range and the second rank of the second user falls within the second rank range. A method for scheduling online auctions comprises accessing, by a host system comprising at least one processor, processor executable code stored on a non-transient memory. The processor executable code comprises a first rank associated with a first user and a second rank associated with a second user. The host system schedules, by the at least one processor, a first auction having a first rank range and a second auction having a second rank range. The host system presents the first auction having the first rank range to the first user and the second auction having the second rank range to the second user. The first rank of the first user is identified by the first rank range and the second rank of the second user is identified by the second rank range. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284138 | COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING DISCOUNT OFFERS - A computer system includes a communications interface configured to communicate with a plurality of users via remotely located user devices. The computer system further includes processing electronics coupled to the communications interface and configured collect bids for at least one of a good, service, and discount from the plurality of user devices. The processing electronics include a bidding module configured to determine winning bids and losing bids by comparing the bids to a floor price. The bidding module is configured to determine whether the losing bids quality for re-bidding by comparing the losing bids to a first merchant-established threshold difference from the floor price. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284139 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A HOMOGENEOUS DISCRIMINATORY PRICE AUCTION WITH SECRET RESERVE - Method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for facilitating an auction of at least one item. In one example, the method includes obtaining one or more bids for the at least one item being auctioned, determining which of the one or more bids meet a secret reserve price associated with the at least one item, selecting at least one winning bid from among the one or more bids meeting the secret reserve price, and maintaining the secret reserve price and the at least one winning bid in confidence following expiration of the auction. Related apparatus and computer-readable medium are also provided. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284140 | Method for Drop Auction of an Entity, Electronic System and Computer Program Product - A method for drop auction of an entity comprises providing an electronic system for auction of an entity, and allowing a selling party to enter a definition of the entity to be auctioned and a maximum asking price into the electronic system. An asking price which drops stepwise from the maximum asking price to a minimum asking price is determined. The entity is electronically offered by informing potential buyers about the current asking price. The number, the size and/or the duration of the steps by which the asking price drops is predetermined by a manager of the electronic system. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284141 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HYBRID CLOCK AND PROXY AUCTION - This invention defines a computer system for conducting an auction of a plurality of items including receiving bids and determining an allocation of at least one of the items, the auction including a dynamic auction phase followed by a later phase. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284142 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AUCTIONING A DEFAULTED LOAN - A method and system for conducting an online property auction whereby the system allows for identifying an owner of property willing to sell his property by an online auction, entering into a contract with the owner obligating him to complete the sales of his property conducted pursuant to terms of the contract; pre-arranging a minimum auction price for his property that accounts for the owner's interest, plus costs and fees, conducting the on-line auction with a plurality of bidders for his property whereby at the on-line auction's conclusion there is a winning bidder and ensuring the transfer of the winning bidder's funds to the escrow holder. | 11-08-2012 |
20120296757 | ITERATIVE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining one or more auction parameters for an online auction. If it is determined that the one or more auction parameters were met, the online auction is initiated. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296758 | ITERATIVE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining an entry fee for an online auction for an auctioned product. One or more users are registered for participation in the online auction. The entry fee is collected from each of the registered user, wherein payment of the entry fee is required to participate in the online auction. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296759 | ONLINE MARKET FOR RETAIL GOODS - Systems and methods are provided for creating a dynamic, exchange-like online market for retail goods. The online market receives quotations from a seller to sell a quantity of an item and buy orders from buyers to purchase the items. The price per item from each seller is calculated and the buyers are provided with a ranking of the available items. Furthermore, a buyer may request a ranking of resting sell orders or a seller may request a ranking of resting buy orders. Furthermore, the rankings provided to the buyers may be a function of both the quotations to sell from the seller of an item and available gift cards available. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296760 | ITERATIVE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating an online auction, wherein a defined quantity of users have registered to participate in the online action and the online auction includes a plurality of timed rounds. At the expiry of one of the plurality of timed rounds of the online auction, determining whether any additional rounds of the online auction need to be completed. If additional rounds of the online auction need to be completed, reducing the pool of registered users participating in the online action by a defined amount. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296761 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROUP BIDDING ACCORDING TO AN OVERALL GROUP BID - A system and method for group bidding in which the supplier accepts or rejects the bids of the group as a group according to at least the overall group bid of the group, without being allowed to select or remove individual user bids, and optionally based upon one or more other characteristics of the group. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296762 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPETITIVE PRICING AND PROCUREMENT OF CUSTOMIZED GOODS AND SERVICES - An apparatus and method for selecting a vendor for a customized good or service, including receiving vendor attributes from the vendors and receiving invitation-for-bid data from the buyer defining a custom job. The invitation-for-bid-data is received through a web browser and is compared to the vendor's attributes based on at least one selection criterion to generate a vendor selection pool of vendors qualified to bid on the job. Vendors in the vendor selection pool receive a vendor's invitation-for-bid. A bid is received from at least one vendor. The lowest price bid is identified, the buyer is informed of the identity of the selected vendor, and solicited for approval of the selected vendor. Upon receipt of approval from the buyer, an order is issued to the selected vendor. The non-selected vendors in the selection pool are informed of the bid prices and of the selection results. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296763 | AUCTION METHOD AND SERVER - Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price. The auction method includes maintaining, at an auction server, a database of a highest price of a specific product, a lowest price offered by a seller, and a successful bid rate, receiving, at the auction server, bidding information including bid prices for the specific product between the lowest price and the highest price from bidders, selecting, at the auction server, a lowest successful bidder from among the bidders in consideration of the successful bid rate and the bidding information when a predetermined bidding time elapses, and requesting, at the auction server, payment from all successful bidders using a successful bid price of the lowest successful bidder as a sale price on the basis of bidding information about the lowest successful bidder. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296764 | GENERATING A RECOMMENDATION - A method and an apparatus for communicating a recommended item to a user of a network-based transaction facility are described. The method comprises determining that the user has been unsuccessful in concluding a transaction pertaining to an item offered for sale via the network-based transaction facility, and in response to this determination, communicating information concerning a recommended item to the user over a network. The recommended item is available for purchase via the network-based transaction facility. | 11-22-2012 |
20120310765 | AUTOMATED COST ASSESSMENT OF CLOUD COMPUTING RESOURCES - A method and system for automatic cost assessment of cloud computing resources. A cloud management server computer manages data centers in a smart cloud computing system that provisions computing resources to consumers. The cloud management server computer registers conditions of interest with multiple news sources, receives reports regarding the conditions of interest from one or more of the news sources, and automatically estimates a cost of operating each of the data centers based on the reports. Among the data centers, a first data center is estimated to have a cost increase because of a condition that is reportedly about to occur. The cloud management server computer automatically migrates workload from the first data center to a different data center before the condition occurs. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310766 | Comprehensive Multivariable Auction Platform and Process (CMAPP) - A system and method of conducting an electronic auction allows participants to create multivariable auctions for participants having different locations having a positive or negative need of auctioned goods. The system may create initial bids to beat for all participants after the system calculates current costs relevant to each participant. After each bid, the system reviews the position or state of all participants, and outputs bids to beat that would result in an economic gain for the respective participants. The system may be configured to generate maps for the transport of goods and initial transport prices by acceptance of data from transportation bidders. After completion of an auction, a full system audit trail may be made available to verify the integrity of the auction and fees charged by the system. In a construction site embodiment, quarries may be integral partners and assist in establishing initial or default bids. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310767 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING AN AUCTION OVER A NETWORK - A method and system for enabling a user or bidder to purchase an option on auction merchandise or services in an online auction are provided, thus allowing the option winner to purchase the merchandise in the event the original auction bidder (i.e., the highest bidder for the merchandise) defaults on his purchase. The method and system also provides an incentive to the users purchasing the option(s), e.g., bid optionees, by partially distributing the option pool of monies collected to the user who purchases the option at the price closest to the final auction price. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316980 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED ONLINE AUCTION - Methods and systems for improving auction-based online commerce are provided, including methods and systems for facilitating advance, rapid, accurate estimation of shipping costs between a seller and the winner of an online auction. Methods and systems include an application for facilitating seller estimation of shipping costs, including various components of shipping costs, and for providing to the buyer a shipping estimate based on the circumstances of the buyer and the auction. | 12-13-2012 |
20120323721 | Seller-Controlled Dynamic Product Auction - The present invention relates to a dynamic seller-controlled auction method, system and apparatus for selling products or services prior to, at, or after product launch, including when such product or service is otherwise in short supply. The auction allows participants to bid on a set of items during a specified time period. Participants can bid to reserve a particular item; however, if a higher bid is placed the reservation for such item will transfer to the higher bidder. | 12-20-2012 |
20120330773 | INCREASING THE UTILITY OF OPPORTUNISTIC AND TIME CRITICAL GOODS AND SERVICES - Embodiments of the present invention provide a service to goods and/or service providers and consumers in the traditional context of a “first-come, first-served queue” or “class based” queue. A provider presents a listing of one or offerings to consumers to solicit bids for a good or service associated with the offering. After receiving an acceptable bid from a user, the provider provides feedback regarding the bid that indicates the ranking of the user with respect to other bidders in the bidding process. Based on the feedback, the user may submit a modified bid. Following confirmation of a bid by a user, a winning bid is determined and the user is notified. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330774 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AGGREGATING, MATCHING OR TRANSACTING USERS' INTERESTS - A method and apparatus for aggregating, matching or transacting users' interests, the method comprising: receiving from a user a request to purchase a good; defining a deal, the deal in compliance with the request; notifying a vendor about the deal; and receiving a bid from the vendor, the bid based on the deal. Optionally the method further receives the bid from the vendor, and notifies the buyer about the bid. Optionally, the method further receives an order from the buyer and sends the order to the vendor. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330775 | BUSINESS EVENT PROCESSING - Techniques for business event processing are presented. Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may operate to receive a request to perform an operation on a listing previously published by an online marketplace; to identify at least one additional listing having certain characteristics in common with the listing from a plurality of previously published listings including the listing; and to automatically perform the operation on the at least one additional listing. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006798 | Penny Auction With Reserve - A method of conducting an on-line auction comprises selecting a product with a reserve price set by the seller which is less or more than one dollar. Starting the auction by placing product and reserve price on the web, accepting bids that are in increments of dollar amounts or in pennies and providing a count down time period during which bidding continues until the reserve price is reached or the count down clock reaches zero. If the reserve price is reached before count down to zero is reached, bidding is restricted only to prior bidders and continues without new bidders up to the end of the count down time period at which time the highest bidder wins. If the reserve price is not met before the count down time ends, the bidders get their bids back. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006799 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HOSTING AND ASSIGNING DOMAIN NAMES ON A WIDE AREA NETWORK - Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a domain management system, apparatus and method for hosting and assigning domain names. Embodiments of the domain management system comprise a name assignment system and a hosting system, wherein the hosting system comprises a domain retrieval system and a data storage apparatus. The name assignment system verifies availability and assigns domain names to requesting clients. The name assignment system comprises an input component, a confirmation mechanism and a name storage means. Preferred embodiments of the domain retrieval system comprise a scheduler, a parsing member having a plurality of redirectors and a plurality of servers. The domain retrieval system locates the domain referenced by the domain name by parsing header information and utilizing a wildcard DNS. Once the domain is located, the domain retrieval system forwards the domain to the user computer. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006800 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRICING AND SELLING DIGITAL GOODS - Systems and methods are provided for pricing, selling, and/or otherwise distributing electronic content using auction mechanisms. A randomized auction mechanism is used to determine both the number of goods that are sold and the selling price. The auction mechanism automatically adapts to the bid distribution to yield revenue that is competitive with that which could be obtained if the vendor were able to determine the optimal fixed price for the goods. In one embodiment a set of bids is randomly or quasi-randomly partitioned into two or more groups. An optimal threshold is determined for each group, and this threshold is then used to select winning bids from one or more of the other groups. In another embodiment, each bid is compared to a competing bid that is randomly or quasi-randomly selected from the set of bids. If the bid is less than the randomly-selected competing bid, the bid is rejected. Otherwise, the bid is accepted and the bidder buys the auctioned item at the price of the randomly-selected bid. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006801 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS ALLOCATING ITEMS AMONG AUCTION SITES TO MAXIMIZE PROFIT - A method for allocating vehicles to auction sites. An inventory database stores information uniquely identifying a plurality of items and associating each of the items with one of a plurality of available auction sites. Constraints relating to the movement of the items are stored in a constraints database. Items are identified which are available to be moved from a current location to one of the auction sites. A profit value is estimated for each available move. A move is identified for one item having a highest estimated profit above an identified threshold and meeting related constraints. This move is selected, and profits are reestimated for remaining items to be moved. The selection steps are repeated until no remaining available moves are feasible according to the threshold and constraints. Once all feasible moves have been selected, information associated with the items and moves is transmitted to a client device. | 01-03-2013 |
20130013439 | Collective Purchase Management System - A computer implemented method and system for managing a collective purchase of a sale item in an interactive environment, provides a reverse auction management platform to buyers and sellers. A lead buyer selects a sale item via a graphical user interface of the reverse auction management platform and initiates a deal. The reverse auction management platform acquires deal information and a price range for the selected sale item from the lead buyer and creates a deal group for the selected sale item. The reverse auction management platform finalizes the deal based on deal finalization criteria and initiates bidding among the sellers of the selected sale item based on the deal information, the price range, and the finalized deal, to select one or more sellers based on the bidding and/or predetermined seller selection criteria for supplying the selected sale item to the deal group for a price within the price range. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013440 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUPPORTING ASSET EXCHANGE - In typical two-way trading systems, bidders cannot trade directly with other bidders, and sellers cannot trade directly with other sellers, resulting in possible missed trading opportunities. Methods, systems, devices, and networks for enabling two-way trading systems to perform multi-party exchanges are disclosed. Example embodiments allow multiple bidders (buyers), multiple sellers, or a seller and bidder of separate marketplaces to trade among themselves. Embodiments may discover, for bidders and sellers, opportunities to trade with other sellers or bidders, or both, without a time-consuming and limited process of searching and discovering relevant opportunities. Bidders and sellers may not find such opportunities on their own in typical two-way trading systems. The embodiments may be implemented as stand-alone systems or as add-ons that may be used to augment or enhance existing two-way trading systems. | 01-10-2013 |
20130018752 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL TIME AUCTION BIDDING - A vehicle auction bidding and valuation apparatus and method which employs a personal computing device to retrieve information related to a particular vehicle being auctioned and display potential profit information for the user in real time during the auction. When the user (typically a automobile dealer or reseller) selects a particular vehicle identification number or year, make and model, the personal computing device electronically retrieves valuation information for the vehicle and displays it for the user. The personal computing device may also be programmed with known business rules for various lenders or may retrieve the business rules information from one or more lender servers. The lender business rules are used to determine and display expected resale profits for the vehicle. | 01-17-2013 |
20130024314 | METHOD OF SELLING ITEMS - A method of selling items. In one embodiment the method comprising soliciting at least one bid for said at least one item from at least one potential buyer, wherein at least one of said at least one bids comprises a bid fee and a bid price. A winning bid is received from a winning buyer, wherein said winning bid comprises a winning price. Next, at least a portion of said winning price and at least a portion of said bid fee are remitted to said buyer. In one embodiment the bidding takes place on a third-party website. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024315 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL ITEM EXCHANGE - A system and a method to exchange digital items among peers of computer networks. The items may comprise, without limitation, files, CP, BW, storing space, money, licenses, contracts, information and any other shareable resource of peers on a computer networks. The system and method may offer the item, bid, transfer and pay for the item. A buyer of the item may become a potential seller of it. The creator of the item may receive a percentage of the payment for any transfer of the item. | 01-24-2013 |
20130030941 | METHOD OF PROVIDING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT FOR ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS - A system for peer-to-peer commerce includes electronic wallets | 01-31-2013 |
20130030942 | USED ITEM AUCTION METHOD AND SYSTEM USING ITEM TRANSACTION INFORMATION - The present invention relates to a method and system for selling and buying items at auction using information about the purchase of items via an online shopping mall website. In order to sell and buy used items, a used item seller does not need to separately provide pieces of information about used items, and can perform a transaction for the used item using only a minimum number of inputs or actions, thus saving temporal and material costs caused by the disposal of used items. As a result, the present invention can offer convenience to the sellers of used items and can allow the buyers of used items to reasonably fix the states or prices of their desired used items and purchase relevant used items. | 01-31-2013 |
20130036020 | Computerized method and system for conducting an auction on the internet - A method and system for conducting an auction on the internet whereby a participant is required to establish an account for bidding on auction items that are listed for bid for a time period of one hour. All items listed on the site are displayed with a countdown timer. Items are only up for auction and open for bidding for a period of one hour commencing when the countdown timer displays sixty minutes (60 min.) remaining. A user may initiate a live auction by selecting an item that has a countdown timer displaying a time greater than one-hundred-twenty minutes (120 min.). A user may only initiate one live auction during a sixty minute period. If an auction is won, a user must pay for the item promptly or lose their bidding privileges. | 02-07-2013 |
20130036021 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INVESTOR SOCIAL NETWORK, FORUM AND VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE - A computer implemented system and method for conducting and disseminating financial research products and services among users in an investment community includes a social network module configured to store electronic user files for each of the users, and to generate a network user interface configured to enable communication among the users via the users' client computers in real time and/or asynchronously. A forum module stores and displays selected media including selections of the communication among the users. A virtual auction module enables users to generate proposals for desired financial research products or services, view the proposals, bid on the proposals, and collaborate on the proposals, in real-time and/or asynchronously. A dashboard module is configured to generate an electronic dashboard configured to track and selectively display status of the electronic user files, including enabling users to selectively access the social network, forum and virtual auction modules in real-time. | 02-07-2013 |
20130041772 | Marketplace for Executive-Level Meeting Time - Various systems, methods, and computer program products are described for mediating sales between a buyer and a seller of meeting times. For example, a method may include receiving an indication of a meeting for sale and a sale parameter. The meeting for sale includes a meeting with a party of interest for a specified period of time and the sale parameter describes the meeting for sale. The method may include communicating the meeting for sale and the sale parameter. The method may include receiving an offer to purchase the meeting for sale. The method may include determining whether the offer satisfies the sale parameter. The method may include facilitating the meeting with the party of interest when the offer satisfies the sale parameter. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041773 | Systems and methods to process online monetary payments dependent on conditional triggers involving future events - The present invention is a system to process online monetary payments between end-users whose payments are dependent on conditional triggers involving future events, such as winning bids/offers in an auction or a trading exchange. In the system, bids and offers are backed by actual funds which are held in reserve, enabling instantaneous payments upon the close of an event. The system contains methods to be included in online auction and trading exchange software applications. These methods would allow end-users of online auctions and trading exchanges to send and receive payments directly to one another. | 02-14-2013 |
20130046647 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BIDDING - A system is disclosed that facilitates construction project bidding, document distribution, and project management over a computer network. The system enables a project supervisor to efficiently transmit new project information and associated construction project files to one or more planroom provider systems. Each planroom provider system may make project information and associated construction project files available for transfer and viewing by one or more potential bidders connected to the planroom provider system over a public or private network. The planroom provider system(s) may provide a reference or link back to the project supervisor system to enable the potential bidder to bid on the construction project once the project information and project files have been reviewed. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046648 | SHOPPING LIST SYSTEM AND PROCESS - Embodiments of the invention allow a user to create a virtual shopping list that is used to identify offers for products in which the user is interested. The shopping list may be one single list or may be broken down into categories, in order to group like products together or group products together that can be purchased at one or more locations near each other. The shopping list may be transmitted to one or more businesses, such that the businesses may submit bid requests, in a reverse bid auction, for the one or more products on the shopping list. The best bids of the one or more businesses may be returned to the user. The bids may be identified as the best bids based on the lowest prices for the product, the best quality products, the proper quantities of the products, the locations at which the products are located, etc. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046649 | Method and System for Providing A Hybrid Descending-Price Auction - A method and system is provided for facilitating a hybrid descending-price auction. Items are offered at an initial price, which is then decreased over time at a dynamically variable rate until the price falls to a reserve price. Participants may choose to end the auction at any time by placing a bid at the current price, with the item being awarded to the first participant to bid the current price. Participants may also choose to place a stop bid for a value lower than the current price but greater than the reserve price, such that if the price decreases to the stop bid value, the item will be awarded to that participant. However, if another participant places a bid or a stop bid valued higher than the previous stop bid, the subsequent participant will be awarded the item. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046650 | Method and System for Online Auctions - An online auction system includes a host system which has at least one processor executing processor executable code, at least one non-transient memory communicating with the at least one processor and storing processor executable code, wherein the processor executable code when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: (1) transmit a first signal to a network indicative of a first auction presentation page for auctioning an item, the first auction presentation page having a bid mechanism and being free of a buy-now mechanism; (2) receive a first bid signal from a user terminal indicative of a first activation of the bid mechanism; and (3) in response to receiving the first bid signal transmit a second signal to the user terminal over the network indicative of at least a portion of the first auction presentation page having a buy-now mechanism. | 02-21-2013 |
20130054403 | SYSTEMS, PROGRAM PRODUCTS, AND RELATED METHODS OF PROVIDING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO BUYER POPULATIONS - The invention provides methods of identifying buyer populations that include receiving bids for products and/or services to generate bidder populations and segmenting those bidder populations into buyer and remainder populations in certain embodiments. The invention also provides methods of providing products and/or services to buyer populations that include receiving bids for the products and/or services to generate bidder populations, selecting buyer populations in the bidder populations, making the products and/or services available to the buyer populations, and receiving payments from the buyer populations in some embodiments. In addition to other methods, related machine-readable media and systems are also provided. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054404 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WEBSITE SYNCHRONIZATION - The invention relates to a system and method that allows a user to list or import information to a master website, where the master website then lists that information at multiple third party websites. Further, the system and method of the invention allows the user to update information in the master website in real time or for later batch processing, where the master website then updates the item information in the third party websites. Additionally, the system and method can automatically update the master item list of the master website in response to information from the third party websites, and then update the information across all of the third party websites. In one embodiment, the user lists or imports items for sale on a master item list at one master website, where the master website then lists that item on behalf of the user for sale at multiple e-commerce websites. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054405 | NEGOTIATION FUNCTION BETWEEN BIDDER AND SELLER IN A TRADITIONAL LIVE AUCTION - Upon the conclusion of the bidding activity for an item that is being auctioned at a live auction and that includes an on-line audience and bidders, a negotiation function can be enabled between the high bidder and a seller/consignor or representative of the seller/consignor. The high bidder and seller can present counter offers until either landing on an acceptable arrangement or, concluding the negotiation process all together. In the mean time, the auction can proceed to the next item to be auctioned. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060650 | METHOD AND A COMPUTER SYSTEM TO FACILIATE A PURCHASE OF AN ITEM ON A NETWORK-BASED MARKETPLACE - This invention relates to a method and a computer system to facilitate a purchase of an item on a network-based marketplace. A proposed bid is received from a potential buyer to an item, the proposed bid including identification data (ID) identifying the item and a proposed-price for the item ID. The proposed bid is processed so as to identify potential sellers selling the item ID via the network-based marketplace. The proposed bid is forwarded to the identified potential sellers, and in case a target seller selected from these potential sellers agrees on the proposed-price and thus an actual selling price for said item ID, an acknowledgement message is issued informing the potential buyer that the target seller has accepted the proposed-price to the item ID. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060651 | Method and system for web based job portal - A pre-paid fee based Job Portal method comprises in-depth and up-front verification of all job seekers and employers. A job seeker can also earn by interviewing other job seekers; he-she may also bid on projects as an individual or in a group. An employer can view verified job seeker's profile with prescreened reports. An employer can post projects for a job seeker to bid. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060652 | INCREASING THE UTILITY OF OPPORTUNISTIC AND TIME CRITICAL GOODS AND SERVICES - Embodiments of the present invention provide a service to goods and/or service providers and consumers in the traditional context of a “first-come, first-served queue” or “class based” queue. A provider presents a listing of one or offerings to consumers to solicit bids for a good or service associated with the offering. After receiving an acceptable bid from a user, the provider provides feedback regarding the bid that indicates the ranking of the user with respect to other bidders in the bidding process. Based on the feedback, the user may submit a modified bid. Following confirmation of a bid by a user, a winning bid is determined and the user is notified. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060653 | Establishing Network Connections - In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a computing device and from an application installed on the computing device, a request to establish a network connection to transmit and receive data over a network, wherein the request includes information that indicates one or more parameters identified by the application for the requested network connection and data transmission. The method can further include delaying, by the computing device, establishing the requested network connection until i) an available network connection is identified that satisfies the one or more parameters provided as part of the request, or ii) a time period specified for the request has expired. The method can additionally include, in response to identifying an available network that satisfies the one or more parameters before the time period has expired, establishing the requested network connection for the application using the identified available network. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066737 | AUCTION METHOD AND SERVER - Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066738 | AUCTION METHOD AND SERVER - Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price. | 03-14-2013 |
20130073409 | DYNAMIC AUCTION MONITOR WITH GRAPHIC INTERPRETIVE DATA CHANGE INDICATORS - A method, system, and computer program product for updating an auction monitor display with highlighting or emphasis in the form of graphic data change indicators. The method commences by capturing a first set of auction variables, the auction variables pertaining to an ecommerce auction involving a plurality of auction participants in the ecommerce auction. Then, for ongoing real-time display, the method introduces a delay of a variable duration of time, the variable duration of time based on the length of time before the end of the auction. At various points within each delay period, the method captures a second set of auction variables which are compared to the first set of auction variables to identify a candidate set of changed auction variables for emphasis. The determination of the manner of emphasis is based on the changed auction variable and characteristics of the type of change of the changed auction variable. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073410 | Estimation of Auction Utilization and Price - A level of certainty associated with a hypothetical price of an item to be listed in an online or electronic auction is provided to a user of the auction by receiving at least one descriptive parameter corresponding to an item for potential offering in an auction; using the descriptive parameter to query historical auction results for items relevant to the item for potential offering; analyzing the historical auction results retrieved by the query to determine a likely first price of sale of the item for potential offering, and determining a confidence value for the first price; and conveying the first price and the confidence value to an offeror console. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073411 | Auction Overbidding Vigilance Tool - Vigilance monitoring and a navigation aid are provided to a user in an electronic auction by receiving by a computer a command to watch similar items to a first item in an online or electronic auction; extracting by a computer from the command, from the auction, or from both the command and the auction one or more item descriptive parameters; using by a computer the extracted parameters to query one or more online or electronic sales sources for similar items matching the extracted parameters, the sales sources being electronic sources other than the auction; receiving by a computer at least one price for an available similar item from at least one sales source; and causing prompting by a computer a user of the auction with the similar item price and sales source. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073412 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMERCE FACILITY CLIENT-BASED PRESENTATION OFFER MANAGEMENT - A method, system and computer readable medium for facilitating interactive electronic commerce transactions over an electronic commerce network between a plurality of sellers and a plurality of buyers via an independent service provider. An auction program process associated with a seller is generated by an electronic commerce computer of the independent service provider. A portable code segment associated with the auction program process is generated by the electronic commerce computer. The portable code segment is communicated for insertion into a web page hosted on a website other than the independent service provider's website. A client auction interface associated with the auction program process is displayed when a buyer activates the inserted portable code segment on the hosting website. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073413 | Automated Bidding Patience Tool - Frenzied bidding in an electronic auction is avoided or prevented by receiving by a proxy bidding agent computer one or more counter-bidding control parameters from a bidder console, wherein the counter-bidding control parameters identify an item to watch, counter-bid conditions, and counter-bid patience parameters; during an electronic auction, monitoring one or more conditions of an item in the auction while automatic counter-bidding is performed by the proxy bidding agent; during the monitoring detecting counter-bid conditions being unmet or violated; and responsive to the detecting, preventing counter-bidding by the proxy bidding agent. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073414 | CONSUMPTION ENGINE - One example method for facilitating a sale of a good or a service includes: receiving a selection of a geographic tier, the geographic tier defining a particular geography in which a seller is located; receiving a time period; receiving a bid from the seller for the sale of the good or the service within the time period; matching the bid with consumers whose offers meet requirements of the bid from the seller; when the bid results in maximum consumption of the good or the service, selecting the bid; and transfer money from the consumers to the seller. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073415 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods to facilitate programmatic access to a network-based commerce facility via a network are described. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a request from a third party application via the network at the network based commerce facility. The request performs an action pertaining to electronic commerce and being one of a plurality of requests recognized by the network-based commerce facility. In responsive to the request, the method performs the action pertaining to the electronic commerce and communicates from a result of the action from the network-based commerce facility to the third party application in a programmatically accessible format. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073416 | ONLINE BIDDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - There is described an online bid management system where a consumer may post a receipt for a purchase or an intent to purchase a product or service and receive bids for equivalents to the original product or service from a series of merchants. The system acts as a filter between the consumers and the merchants. The posted receipts are initially filtered for the merchants such that only merchants that offer equivalents to the original product or service are provided with any given posted receipt. Similarly, the bids received by the merchants in response to a given original product or service are also filtered for the consumer such that only offers that are truly a “better offer” are presented to the consumer. The information is therefore processed in both directions, i.e. from the consumer to the merchant and from the merchant to the consumer, and is streamlined for the needs of both the merchants and the consumers. | 03-21-2013 |
20130080283 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING STATUS OF INVENTORY - A stateless e-commerce status indication system is provided. The system includes software code executable on at least one host website. The software code communicates with a remote processing server to obtain status information relating to status of an item for sale. The software then communicates at least a portion of the status information to a user of the host website. | 03-28-2013 |
20130097045 | Consumer-to-Business Exchange Auction - Systems and methods for implementing an item exchange service are usable to aid users in exchanging old items for newer items. According to one embodiment, a system can be operable to receive a request to offer a vehicle in an auction, calculate a base exchange value for the vehicle and provide, to one or more vehicle resellers, auction information associated with the vehicle. Additionally, the system may be configured to receive an exchange bid for the vehicle, determine a final exchange value of the vehicle, and provide the final exchange value of the vehicle to a seller of the vehicle. Further, the system may be configured to allow the seller to determine a course of action regarding disposing of the vehicle after conclusion of the exchange auction. | 04-18-2013 |
20130097046 | System and Method of Providing Transactional Privacy - A user is prevented from being identified at each of a plurality of sites. An indication to sell access to the user at one of the plurality of sites is received. A personal information marketplace is provided to run an auction to sell the access to the user at the one of the plurality of sites. In response to a sale of the access to the user at the one of the plurality of sites to an aggregator, access to track the user at the one of the plurality of sites while maintaining anonymity of the user is provided to the aggregator. | 04-18-2013 |
20130103530 | Online Auction System Having a Quick-Buy Mechanism and Method for Use Thereof - An online auction system comprising a host system having at least one processor for executing processor executable code and at least one non-transitory memory communicating with the processor and storing processor executable code. The processor executable code, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to transmit a first signal via a network to a user terminal indicative of a first auction page for auctioning an item. The first auction page comprises a bid mechanism and a quick-buy mechanism capable of being selectively activated by the user terminal. The processor receives a quick-buy signal from the user terminal over the network indicative of an activation of the quick-buy mechanism, and in response to receiving the quick-buy signal, credits at least one bid to a user account without disrupting a capability of the bid mechanism to be selectively activated by the user terminal. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103531 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING A CUSTOMER ACCOUNT - In an electronic auction, bids may be received from each of a plurality of bidders for a plurality of commodities for online distribution, wherein each bid includes a price and information used to identify an appropriate commodity to which to apply the bid. Then a process is performed for each bid. This process includes: validating bid information from the bid, the validating occurring after a customer record has been created for a bidder corresponding to the bid, then based on a successful validation of the bid, entering the bid for the item in a bid database, then awarding one or more commodities from the plurality of commodities to each of a plurality of successful bidders of the plurality of bidders at different item prices based on the prices in the bid information for each of the plurality of successful bidders. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103532 | AUCTION SYSTEM, AUCTION DEVICE, METHOD OF AUCTIONING, PROGRAM AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM - Provided is an auction system capable of prompting a user to put up a popular item identified based on a bidding situation of an auction for auction. The auction device ( | 04-25-2013 |
20130117141 | AUCTION SYSTEM SUPPORTING ELASTIC AUCTIONS - A method and system for conducting auctions of multiple lots of items is provided. An auction system allows sponsors to set up auctions for the sale of one or more lots. The auction system allows considerable flexibility to a sponsor in defining how the auction should be conducted. An auction can be cyclical in that an auction for lots of a certain type is conducted on a cyclical bass so that sellers and buyers can prepare for the auctions. An auction can have the bidding on the lots of an auction terminate sequentially or terminate simultaneously. An auction can also be a direct auction or a reverse auction. An auction can be conducted completely online or have a combination of a live audience and a non-live audience. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117142 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY MATCHING CARGO CARRIERS TO SHIPPERS - A method of identifying prospective carriers or brokers for transporting a load of freight comprises profiling a plurality of carriers or brokers via a website portal established by a hosting service wherein each carrier is profiled according to freight accommodations, trailer type, and geographic transport preferences, receiving parameters via the website portal from a shipper for the load of freight as to load size, required equipment type, shipper type, and origin and destination, performing a matching function by which the load is matched with carrier or broker profiles according to the load profile and determining the carriers or brokers that have profiles that match the load parameters, and notifying the matching carriers or brokers of the matching load parameters. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117143 | Systems and Methods for Conducting Sales of Third Parties Through Bidding - Provided are systems and methods for selling an item using a host. An event is created for the item. The event can be configured as a virtual envelope. Rules are set for the event. The rules can be a reserve amount, bidding rules, bidder rules, a time limit, and seller profit rules. Bidders are allowed to post on the virtual envelope in order to make bids on the item. The item is sold based on the rules for the event. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117144 | TRANSACTING A SALE - For transacting a sale, a communication module receives commitments from a plurality of buyers to buy a product offering for at least a starting price. A calculation module calculates a final price for the product offering using an algorithm. The calculation module also transacts a sale of the product offering to an original buyer of the plurality of buyers at the final price. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117145 | AUCTION OF MULTIPLE HETEROGENEOUS ITEMS AMONG MULTIPLE BUYERS AND SELLERS USING SOFTWARE AGENTS LINKED VIA A COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A method, system and computer program product for conducting an online auction of a plurality of heterogeneous items between a plurality of selling and potential purchasing parties. The method includes the steps of accepting an offer in respect of an item, accepting one or more subsequent offers that is/are preferable to a previously accepted offer, and rejecting the previously accepted offer. While the offer/s is/are binding on a party making the offer, acceptance of the offer/s is/are not binding on a party accepting the offer. Classes of “seller strategies”, for offering items to potential purchasing parties, and “buyer strategies”, to decide which offers to accept, are also disclosed. As a result of the interaction of the buyer and seller strategies, the auction mechanism converges to an allocation of items to buyers at particular prices and assists in discovering a free and fair competitive equilibrium price. | 05-09-2013 |
20130124356 | Auctions with Socially-connected Private Advance Offerings - Auctions with socially-connected private advance offerings are provided by by a social auction integration server by receiving at least one parameter regarding an item to be offered in an online auction by an offeror user; using the parameter and an identifier of the offeror user, searching at least one social network server for identifies of friends and associates that have a recorded affinity for the item or for similar items; preparing a list of the friend users and associate users; configuring a restricted auction wherein only the friend users and associate users are allowed to review and bid on the offered item; and providing the friend users and associate users a digital means for accessing the restricted auction. | 05-16-2013 |
20130124357 | System and method for online buying and selling goods and services within the context of social networking - A system and method is provided for online buying and selling goods and services within the context of social networking. The social relation closeness between a buyer and a seller is determined using information from social networking services and a business transaction record database. Trust and credibility between buyers and sellers may be derived from the social relation closeness between them. Therefore, the initial transaction barriers may be lowered. The business relation closeness between a buyer and a seller may be determined and may be used to search for potential buyers and sellers. Furthermore, buyers and sellers may acquire more information from their social and business relations so as to aid the sales decisions and detect frauds. To provide desired privacy and credibility, a seller may use groups and requirement on the closeness of social and business relation with the seller to control access to the seller's item information. | 05-16-2013 |
20130124358 | Method to Create a Secondary Market (Exchange) Using a Web Auction to Price Annuity Payments - The method to create a secondary market using a web auction to price annuity payments comprises of an initial owner, a payor, an entity, an intermediary advisor, an annuity, and a lump sum of money. A plurality of payments is a fixed sum of money. The method also includes a method to create a wide area network, which comprises of a market price assessment module of web auction technology. The market price assessment module comprises of web auction technology comprises of a database module and a due diligence module. The due diligence module comprises of a buyer module, a seller module, and a bidding module. The buyer module comprises of the initial owner, the payor, and a source of funds. The seller module comprises of a copy of annuity, a credit report, an affidavit, and a uniform commercial code filing. The bidding module comprises of a reverse financial pricing engine. | 05-16-2013 |
20130124359 | ANTI-COUNTERFEITING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An online auction website has anti-counterfeiting measures. The website requires a seller of an item to input information about the product for sale, including at least a brand of the product and a product identification code. If the brand code and product identification code are not entered, the website does not allow the seller to post the item for sale. If entered, the brand and the product identification code are included in the listing on the online auction webpage that advertises the product for sale during the auction period. Verification may be performed on the item to determine its authenticity. The verification process includes comparing the listed brand and product identification codes with a plurality of authentic brand and product identification codes. When the brand and product identification codes are determined to be counterfeit, the listing is terminated and the sale of counterfeit items is prevented. | 05-16-2013 |
20130132222 | Method and Apparatus Pertaining to Financial Investment Quantitative Analysis Signal Auctions - A server receives identifying information regarding a plurality of signals pertaining to financial investment quantitative analysis from various third parties. At least some of this identifying information is then posted and on-line auctions are conducted for individual ones of this plurality of signals. | 05-23-2013 |
20130132223 | MULTI-WIN AND RESERVE PRICE AUCTIONS ON ONLINE PAY TO BID AUCTIONS - A method for conducting an online auction includes the steps of establishing a reserve price for an item and accepting pre-purchased bids from online bidders for the item. A value of all accepted bids for the item may be accumulated in a processor. The accumulated value may be published online. The item may be awarded to the bidder whose bid results in the accumulated value of bids being at least equal to the reserve price. | 05-23-2013 |
20130132224 | HIERARCHICAL CROSS-LINKED PURPOSE ORIENTED DOCUMENT VALIDATION SYSTEM AND PROCESS - System and Method or Process that validates documents in hierarchical cross-linked purpose. | 05-23-2013 |
20130132225 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED INTERNET-BASED AUCTIONS - The present invention relates to systems and 5 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 10 several auctions that allow for efficient trading of multiple goods, while simulating the live and dynamic setting of traditional auctions. | 05-23-2013 |
20130132226 | CLICK MODELING FOR ECOMMERCE - A system and method of click modeling are disclosed. A ranking algorithm is modified using a click model. The click model makes inferences based on user click data. The user click data includes indications of user intent to transact a shopping action for an item for sale. Item listings are ranked for a search results page using the ranking algorithm in response to receiving a search query. Each item listing comprises an item for sale on an e-commerce site. The user click data can also include user clicks of item listings in a search results page. The shopping action can include bidding on an item for sale or purchasing an item for sale. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138527 | DYNAMIC CUSTOMER PURCHASE AUCTION EVENT - A customer selects a first product in a retailer channel and scans the product at a POS device. The scan and product are sent to a plurality of suppliers in real time over a network. The suppliers send bids for a related product over the network in real time to the retailer who presents the bids to the customer. The customer purchases the related product thereby increasing sales of his product. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138528 | Comprehensive Online Bidding and Sales Management System for Merchant Processing Services - A comprehensive online bidding and sales management system and method for merchant processing services of global credit card transactions. Merchants using the system can obtain multiple bid proposals for merchant processing services from sales representatives that are automatically ranked by the system based on the best overall price (estimated monthly expense to merchant) and feedback provided by merchants using the system. The merchant is thus provided with an estimated monthly expense and bid ranking associated with each bid proposal. The system provides the sales representative with its estimated revenues and processing expenses, and provides various merchant processing pricing models to the sales representative to analyze its bid proposals and merchant sales opportunities. | 05-30-2013 |
20130151366 | MOBILE APPLICATION TO CONDUCT AN AUCTION BASED ON PHYSICAL PRESENCE - A mobile application to conduct an auction based on physical presence is provided. The mobile application may be provided by a system comprising one or more modules. A notification module may identify an item to be sold at an auction. If a pre-auction window time period has arrived, the notification module may transmit auction notification messages to a plurality of client devices located within a predefined geographical area. A bidding module may conduct the auction by providing an auction interface to the client devices within the predefined geographical area. The auction interface includes an option to bid on the item. A completion module may transmit a confirmation to a winning auction participant. | 06-13-2013 |
20130159129 | ENDURANCE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An all-pay on-line auction encourages bids for auctioned property to be received throughout the auction by awarding bid behaviors. In an all-pay auction, bidders pay for each bid placed and the price of the auction property increases by an incremental amount. The final bid placed before the close of the auction has the right to acquire the auction property at the final price. In order to encourage bid placing throughout the duration of the auction, endurance bid behavior is monitored and accumulates the duration of high bids for each bidder. An award is provided to the bidder with the greatest accumulated duration. The award may be a right to purchase substantially similar property at the final price of the auction property. Additional awards may be provided for bidders placing a maximum number of bids and own-it-now credits allowing non-winning. | 06-20-2013 |
20130173410 | Method, System and Program Product for Operation and Management of Applications - A method, system and program product comprises accessing, from a local computing device, a group of computing devices over a network. An application owned by a first user is transferred to the group for storage within the group in which the application is entered into a play list for the first user, the application is available from the play list for operation by the first user using a computing device compatible with the application, the application is available for swapping with a second user, the application is available for switching with a second user and the application is available for sale by the first user. Copies of the application are deleted from the local computing device. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173411 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE INFORMATION AT A LIVE AUCTION - Detailed information about a particular used motor vehicle is quickly provided to a potential buyer having a personal digital assistant equipped with a receiving means. To provide the information, it is first necessary to obtain standard information about used motor vehicle values in digital form from a provider of such information. It is then necessary to obtain specific information about an inventory of used motor vehicles from the owner or seller of the vehicles. The standard information and the specific information are then integrated on a server computer and transmitted to the potential buyer. | 07-04-2013 |
20130179289 | PRICING OF RESOURCES IN VIRTUAL MACHINE POOLS - Systems and methods are provided for assigning resources in a cloud computing environment via a spot pricing process. The spot pricing process allows virtual machines to be assigned on a preemptible basis to pools based on bids associated with the pools. The bids can be used to determine a price for assignment of preemptible virtual machines. Preemptible virtual machines can then be assigned to pools based at least in part on the submitted bids in relation to the determined price. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179290 | WIRELESS JUKEBOX ORDERING AND ADMINISTRATION APPLICATION WITH RESTAURANT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT - A systems and methods providing queued content selection and delivery to geographically distributed venues and wireless devices and providing ancillary information and services related to such venues, including provisioning, management, and tracking of media selections and information provision. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179291 | BANDWIDTH AUCTIONS - Technologies and implementations for facilitating and participating in bandwidth auctions are generally disclosed. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179292 | ACQUISITION OF ITEMS OFFERED FOR PURCHASE ONLINE THROUGH A GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM - In an example embodiment, a method is provided. The method may comprise receiving an item identifier from a global positioning system (GPS) apparatus. Data associated with the item identifier is accessed and transmitted to initiate a purchase of the item. In some embodiments, a voice portal may be used to facilitate the purchase. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179293 | INTEGRATION OF REMOTE BIDDERS INTO MULTIPLE AND SIMULTANEOUS LIVE AUCTIONS - Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179294 | REAL TIME AUCTION WITH END GAME - A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179295 | REAL TIME AUCTION WITH END GAME - A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids. | 07-11-2013 |
20130185168 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED POST-AUCTION CHANGE ORDER OPTIMIZATION IN AUCTIONS - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for providing an optimized change order during the post-auction period of a completed auction. After the completion of an initial auction, one or more parties to the initial auction may request a change to the terms of the initial auction agreement in the form of a change order comprising a change price and a change quantity. Prior to committing to the change order the parties may subject the terms of the change order to a change auction having a reserve price equal to the change price. If the change auction concludes with a bid that is better than the reserve price, the change order may be canceled and the original winning bidder may receive a portion of the winning bid associated with the change auction. | 07-18-2013 |
20130185169 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING UNITS TO USERS IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT - Described herein are systems and methods for allocating units to users, for example in the context of an online auction environment. In overview, the technology described herein provides for an auction process whereby a decrementing price is combined with a competitive hidden-bid process. Users participate in the auction for the purpose of obtaining a desired number of units from a stockpile of like units, such as bottles of a particular batch of wine. The users effectively have two modes of participation. The first is to purchase units at a system-defined price, which decrements at predetermined intervals. The second is to place a bid at a user-defined price, this bid being deemed as successful when the system-defined price decrements to a value of equal to or less than the user-defined price. | 07-18-2013 |
20130191234 | IMPOSING FEE STRUCTURE BASED ON CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR - Techniques for assigning values to existing and potential customers, based on their behavior, for the purpose of deciding when to impose a fee structure on the customers are provided. For example, in an embodiment, a computer algorithm receives and evaluates behavior of existing and potential customers and subsequently generates and assigns values to the existing and potential customers based on their behaviors. Based on the generated and assigned value to an individual customer, a particular fee structure is imposed on the individual customer. An assigned value may change to reflect change in the evaluated behavior of the existing or potential customer, which may cause a change in the current imposed fee structure. For example, an assigned value may increase when an individual customer's online transactions become more successful and the fee structure may change to cause the customer's fees to increase. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191235 | SYSTEM FOR REWARDING AND MOTIVATING NON-WINNING BIDDERS - A system for rewarding and motivating non-winning bidders is disclosed. The system may list an item of a seller for an auction at a first price. The system may receive a first bid for the item from a first bidder at the first price. The first bidder may be granted control of the auction based on the first bid. The system may then receive a second bid for the item from a second bidder at a second price. The second bidder may control the auction if the second bid is at least a predetermined threshold amount above the first price. The system may request a response from the first bidder to approve the second bid if the second bid is lower than the predetermined threshold amount above the first price. The system give the first bidder a reward based on the difference between the first price and the second price. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191236 | Mini-Kiosk For Recycling Electronic Devices - A mini-kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The mini-kiosk is designed to be placed on a counter-top. The mini-kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The mini-kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction. | 07-25-2013 |
20130198024 | Method and Apparatus Pertaining to the Aggregation and Parsing of Behavioral-Event Content - A control circuit collects content for on-line behavioral events for a plurality of discrete on-line participants and then uses this identifying information to parse and aggregate that content to provide parsed, aggregated behavioral-event content that can then be offered, for example, via an on-line auction. By one approach the identifying information can serve as a basis to parse the aggregated content by industry to thereby yield, for example, search queries conducted by a variety of persons working for a variety of companies as comprise a given industry. By ensuring a statistically-significant number of sources, and by withholding the identifying information when offering the resultant parsed, aggregated content, the identities of the sources are anonymized to thereby protect and preserve the privacy of these sources. | 08-01-2013 |
20130198025 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATCHING HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WITH CONSUMERS - A system and method for providing both service providers and product providers a forum for marketing their services directly to consumers with the system facilitating the payments from the consumers to the providers. | 08-01-2013 |
20130204732 | Methods and Systems for Conducting an Electronic Auction - The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect, a method of conducting an electronic auction for a product at a server, wherein a finite number of the product is available at a current price and the current price decreases as an auction time period for completing the electronic auction decreases, the method comprising the server: setting the auction time period for completing the electronic auction; providing a user interface for receiving an input for purchasing one or more of the finite number of the product at the current price; monitoring interest in the electronic auction using an interest indicator associated with the electronic auction; decreasing the current price by a variable price decrement as the auction time period decreases, wherein the variable price decrement corresponds inversely with the interest in the electronic auction; and displaying the current price on the user interface as the current price decreases. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204733 | Ghost Bidding and Serious Bidder Detection in Automated Auctions - Potential ghost bidding and non-serious bidding in an automated auction is detected and alerted to a user by retrieving by a computer one or more historical automated auction records related to an offering party in a current automated auction; detecting by a computer the retrieved records that a same or similar item is being offered in the current automated auction that has been offered in a previous automated auction; responsive to the detecting, increasing a ghost bidding likelihood parameter by a computer; determining by a computer that a bidder in the current automated auction also bid in one or more of the historical automated auctions; responsive to the determining, increasing by a computer the ghost bidding likelihood parameter; and alerting a user of the current automated auction of the ghost bidding likelihood parameter for each determined bidder. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211945 | Method and System for Purchasing Property Options - The present invention relates to a method, system and or software for selling property comprising or adapted for: providing details of a property item for review | 08-15-2013 |
20130211946 | BIDDER AUTOMATION OF MULTIPLE BID GROUPS OR CASCADES FOR AUCTION DYNAMIC PRICING MARKETS SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A system, method, and computer program product for automating an online auction service and bidder interaction including receiving a keyword searching based on the keyword product auctions of a plurality of auction sites; and may include using a search agent or a meta-search agent, and providing returned auctions, and may include presenting current status of product auctions. The method can monitor temporal progression of auctions, and can notify users of changes in status A bid proxy can be activated as an auction nears completion placing bids until the auction is won or lost. In the event of a counter offer, a higher bid can be made. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218704 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING CAMERA SYSTEMS - System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218705 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING CAMERA SYSTEMS - System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218706 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING CAMERA SYSTEMS - System and methods for identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems of interest and for enabling dynamic bidding for access to the one or more out-of-network camera systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, identifying one or more out-of-network camera systems may include receiving a search query from a user, comparing search parameters included in the search query with information stored in a database and, based on the comparison, identify one or more camera systems satisfying the search query. In embodiments enabling bidding for access to one or more out-of-network camera systems, a bid management system may receive a plurality of bids for accessing one or more camera systems, determine at least one winning bid and corresponding winning bidder from the plurality of bids, and provide access to the one or more camera systems to the winning bidder. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218707 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR DETERMINING THE END TO A SILENT AUCTION USING A TIERED STRATEGY - Systems and methods of an electronic auction system that receives at least one bid to purchase an item that is available for auction during a period of time. The period of time comprises a plurality of time increments. The system also uses a computing device to determine that the auction for the item has ended. The act of determining includes determining that at least one of the following events has occurred: a first quantity of bids received during a first time increment is less than a first pre-determined number; and a second quantity of bids received during a second time increment is less than a second pre-determined number. Based on pre-determined criteria, the system also determines a winning bid from a plurality of received bids. The system transmits to a remote device a notification of the winning bid. The system also processes a payment of the item. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218708 | Timed Online Auction Events - Techniques for conducting a timed, online auction are described. In an example system, an auction web server sends a current auction price and at least one bid increment to the browser screens of bidder computers. One or more bids are received, wherein each bid is placed according to the then-current bid and the next bid increment. A revision event is triggered by the web site system, whereupon the first bid increment is adjusted, to form a revised bid increment, and the revised bid increment is sent and displayed to bidders. The adjustment of the increment is calculated as a function of the remaining time in the timed auction event, or the ratio of the then-current auction price to a target price for the lot, or both. One or more additional bids are received, wherein the one or more additional bids are based on the revised bid increment. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218709 | MULTIPARTY COMPUTER-ASSISTED HAGGLING - The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can facilitate computer-assisted haggling and/or negotiation between multiple parties simultaneously. For example, various proxies associated with both buyers and sellers can be configured to negotiate with other proxies to buy or sell an item. The negotiations can be required to be progressive and during the negotiations a buyer or seller is, typically, allowed to withdraw his or her proposals. The architecture can include a registration component that can resolve concurrency and facilitate a registration of an agreement between two of the parties. The registration of an agreement can create a binding obligation between the parties after which other outstanding proposals can be terminated. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218710 | Cell-Allocation in Location-Selective Information Provision Systems - Systems and methods for allocating cells within a virtual grid to content providers according to various priority and selection schemes are used to target content delivery to information playback devices in a geographically and/or application selective manner. The priority schemes, geographical selectivity, and application selectivity of the system and methods of the invention allow a content provider to specifically target a desired demographic with high cost efficiency and flexibility. | 08-22-2013 |
20130226724 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRICING COST OF EXECUTION OF A PROGRAM IN A PARALLEL PROCESSING ENVIRONMENT AND FOR AUCTIONING COMPUTING RESOURCES FOR EXECUTION OF PROGRAMS - An automated auction-based method of determining price to execute one or more candidate programs on a parallel computing system is disclosed. The parallel computing system includes a plurality of computing resources, each having a price per unit of time. For each candidate program, a plurality of executions are performed using different amounts of computing resources. The number of program outputs completed during each execution is measured. A plurality of bids defining a price for completing a desired number of program outputs in a desired amount of time are received. The amount of computing resources required to fulfill each bid is determined. A price per unit of time for the computing resources for each bid is calculated based on the price associated with the bid and the determined amount of computing resources required to fulfill the bids. The bids are fulfilled based on the calculated price per unit of time. | 08-29-2013 |
20130232023 | Systems and methods to process online monetary payments dependenton conditional triggers involving future events for online auctions and online trading exchanges involving stock exchange, commodity exchange, foreign exchange, sporting exchange, gaming exchange, file sharing exchange, andother types of online peer-to-peer exchange. - The present invention is a system to process online monetary payments between end-users whose payments are dependent on conditional triggers involving future events, such as winning bids/offers in online auctions and online trading exchanges. These methods allow end-users of online auctions and online trading exchanges to send and receive payments directly to one another via online payment processors, without the online auction or online trading exchange becoming involved in payment collection. In the system, bids and offers are backed by actual funds held in reserve, or held in a queue, enabling instantaneous payments upon the close of an event. Thus, a user's winning bid instantly triggers a payment. The auction or trading exchange is not involved as a third party collector of funds, auction sellers avoids overdue, delinquent, and/or abandoned payments, and exchange traders receive instant account settlements. The system contains methods that become the basis for online payment processor applications, online auction software applications, and online trading exchange software applications. The system also contains methods that are to be included in standalone software applications or software application modules that interact with online payment processor applications, online auction software applications, and online trading exchange software applications. A trading exchange as defined in the system is either a stock exchange, commodity exchange, foreign exchange, sporting exchange, gaming exchange, file sharing exchange, or other generic form of online person-to-person exchange. | 09-05-2013 |
20130232024 | Live Online Auction - An auction system and software are provided for performing a live, real-time auction over the internet. The auction software includes a graphical user interface for an auctioneer to administer various functions of the auction. The auction software also includes a graphical user interface for a bidder to allow participation and bidding for various auction items. | 09-05-2013 |
20130232025 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING A BID TRACKING DATABASE - Method and system to manage a bid tracking database are disclosed herein. At least one bid record is received at an interface, the at least one bid record comprising a bid price, a bid timestamp, and a bid item identifier. Receiving at least one auction record at the interface, the at least one auction record comprising a winning price, an end timestamp, and an auction item identifier corresponding to the bid item identifier. Maintaining the at least one bid record and the at least one auction record in a memory. Determining whether the bid price matches or exceeds the winning price and whether the bid timestamp matches the end timestamp. When the determination is affirmative, writing the bid record to the bid tracking database maintained in the memory. | 09-05-2013 |
20130246208 | ALLOCATION OF COMPUTATIONAL RESOURCES WITH POLICY SELECTION - A method for adaptively allocating resources to a plurality of jobs. The method comprises selecting a first policy from a plurality of policies for a first job in the plurality of jobs by using a policy selection mechanism, allocating at least one resource to the first job in accordance with the first policy, and in response to completion of the first job, updating the policy selection mechanism to obtain an updated policy selection mechanism by using at least one processor. Updating the policy selection mechanism comprises evaluating the performance of the first policy with respect to the first job by calculating a value of a metric of utility for the first policy based on conditions associated with execution of the first job and updating the policy selection mechanism based on the calculated value and a delay of execution of the first job. | 09-19-2013 |
20130246209 | Flexible Mobile Gift Cards - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to allowing a recipient of a closed-loop gift card to select one of a number of merchants toward which to apply the value. A consumer buys a variable gift card from a service provider for a set amount, pays the service provider that amount, and the service provider holds that amount in escrow. The consumer sends the gift card to a recipient with a predetermined merchant. The recipient receives the gift card and decides to switch the gift card from the predetermined merchant to a desired merchant. The recipient requests the service provider to change the merchant, and the service provider delivers the amount from escrow to the desired merchant. If the recipient does desire to use the predetermined merchant, the recipient contacts the service provider for activation and the service provider transfers the amount to the predetermined merchant. | 09-19-2013 |
20130246210 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION BASED ON GEOGRAPHIC POSITION - A system and method for providing position information using a three-dimensional based grid is provided. The position information may be relayed to an electronic device by providing location information to a database and receiving location-centric information at the electronic device. The system may include a network for continuously updating the database in real-time. | 09-19-2013 |
20130254057 | Bidder System For Efficient Dynamic Multi-Unit Auction - The present invention implements an auction in which multiple types of goods may be auctioned in a dynamic process. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a system and method for computer implemented dynamic multi-unit auction in which the price paid or received by bidders tends to be independent of their own bids, in which participants may be provided with information concerning their competitors' bids as the auction progresses, and in which the confidentiality of high values may be maintained. Participants' quantities bid at a given time may be restricted to be less than or equal to the quantities bid at an earlier time. These features provide the advantage of improving economic efficiency of the auction design over the prior art. | 09-26-2013 |
20130254058 | AUCTION METHOD AND SERVER - Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price. The auction method includes maintaining, at an auction server, a database of the highest price of a specific product, the lowest price offered by a seller, and the limited number of successful bidders, receiving, at the auction server, bidding information including bid prices for the specific product between the lowest price and the highest price from bidders, selecting, at the auction server, a lowest successful bidder from among the bidders in consideration of the limited number of successful bidders and the bidding information when a predetermined bidding time elapses, and requesting, at the auction server, payment from all successful bidders using a successful bid price of the lowest successful bidder as a sale price on the basis of bidding information about the lowest successful bidder. | 09-26-2013 |
20130262256 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO RECONSTRUCT AN ON-LINE EXPERIENCE - A method and system to reconstruct an on-line experience is provided. An example system includes a recording module, a completion trigger detector, a storing module, and a report generator. The recording module may be configured to commence recording of notes provided by an expert user. The completion trigger detector may be configured to detect a completion trigger indicating a completed set of on-line activities with respect to a certain goal. The storing module may associate the notes with respective context information and store the notes for later use. The report generator may be configured to generate a report outlining the associated on-line experience, based on the stored notes. | 10-03-2013 |
20130262257 | System and method for facilitating sales transaction - A system and method for facilitating an on-line fee based auction of an item is provided. The item has a predetermined pre-funding requirement amount that needs to be satisfied for the item to become a live auction item. Users may fund the item, which will count toward satisfying the pre-funding requirement amount of the item. For funding the item, the users are provided with a number of bid credits corresponding to their funding amount, which can be used by the users in bidding on any of the live auction items. Each of the live auction items are associated with an independent countdown timer indicative of the time remaining until the end of the auction, and each bid placed by the users adjusts the countdown timer. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268386 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods to facilitate programmatic access to a network-based commerce facility via a network are described. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a request from a third party application via the network at the network based commerce facility. The request performs an action pertaining to electronic commerce and being one of a plurality of requests recognized by the network-based commerce facility. In responsive to the request, the method performs the action pertaining to the electronic commerce and communicates from a result of the action from the network-based commerce facility to the third party application in a programmatically accessible format. | 10-10-2013 |
20130268387 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods to facilitate programmatic access to a network-based commerce facility via a network are described. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a request from a third party application via the network at the network based commerce facility. The request performs an action pertaining to electronic commerce and being one of a plurality of requests recognized by the network-based commerce facility. In responsive to the request, the method performs the action pertaining to the electronic commerce and communicates from a result of the action from the network-based commerce facility to the third party application in a programmatically accessible format. | 10-10-2013 |
20130275252 | System and Method for Managing a Vacation Property Exchange Network - A system and method is disclosed that provides an exchange marketplace for the use of vacation properties and other assets such as airplanes, yachts, etc. An inventory of items available for purchase or auction, each representing a use of an asset, is maintained. Auction bids or offers to purchase items in the inventory may be made either by offering to pay cash or by offering in trade a new item also representing use of an asset. An equivalent cash value is determined for new items offered in trade, and the transaction allowed to proceed if the determined value of the new item offered equals or exceeds the price of current bid of the item sought. The system thus allows for maximum flexibility in renting and trading the use of vacation properties and other assets. | 10-17-2013 |
20130290124 | DATA DELIVERY OPTIMIZATION VIA AN AUCTION SYSTEM - An auction set of publisher parameters is composed. In addition, the auction set of publisher parameters is sent to an auction engine that provides a subset of the auction set of publisher parameters to one or more of a plurality of content network delivery providers. A selected bid based upon a bid selection process that evaluates a bid from each of the one or more of the plurality of content delivery network providers based upon the auction set of publisher parameters is received from the auction engine. | 10-31-2013 |
20130290125 | Methods and Systems for Supporting Asset Exchange - In typical two-way trading systems, bidders cannot trade directly with other bidders, and sellers cannot trade directly with other sellers, resulting in possible missed trading opportunities. Methods, systems, devices, and networks for enabling two-way trading systems to perform multi-party exchanges are disclosed. Example embodiments allow multiple bidders (buyers), multiple sellers, or a seller and bidder of separate marketplaces to trade among themselves. Embodiments may discover, for bidders and sellers, opportunities to trade with other sellers or bidders, or both, without a time-consuming and limited process of searching and discovering relevant opportunities. Bidders and sellers may not find such opportunities on their own in typical two-way trading systems. The embodiments may be implemented as stand-alone systems or as add-ons that may be used to augment or enhance existing two-way trading systems. | 10-31-2013 |
20130290126 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VENDOR MANAGEMENT - A system and method for defining a custom business process associated with a financial transaction. Defining a business process includes creating one or more forms for exchanging information among a customer, a financial institution, and, optionally, a vendor or other third-party who performs one or more sub-transactions related to the financial transaction. The system and method of the present invention provide for customizing each form to include one or more data elements associated with the financial transaction. The selected data elements are subsequently used to define logical relationships for automating order placement of sub-transactions. The logical relationships are triggered by one or more predetermined events. Once triggered, the logical relationships are applied, and the result or outcome is used to perform other tasks associated with the financial transaction automatically. | 10-31-2013 |
20130297438 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING BIDDING AND EXECUTION OF FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP ASSETS - The present invention generally relates to web based systems for providing and managing investment opportunities. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to system and method for providing individuals the ability to bid on and invest in fractional ownership of otherwise indivisible real and intellectual property assets. It is an object of the present invention to provide individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford or participate in investments related to property the ability to participate in a fractional ownership of such property and to have ownership rights and utilization rights of the property to be administrated or otherwise identified by components of the system. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297439 | Computer-Based Marketplace for E-Procurement - Provided are computer-based systems, software, and computer-implemented methods for providing a marketplace for e-procurement that leverages asymmetric market forces to the benefit of an advantaged market participant. Such a marketplace additionally, creates a synergistic effect by offering a wide range of procurement methods. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297440 | Social Media Transactions System and Methods - A system and method for a sales transaction system (STS) in a social media network is presented. The invention provides a simple way to sell and purchase products in a social media environment allowing sellers to easily set up campaigns of a group of products they wish to sell. A member of the social network simply types a purchase direction statement (PDS) that is a keyword to indicate their desire to buy a listed product. The STS detects the PDS and invoices the buyer, updating the seller as to the completed payment, and directing them to ship to the appropriate address. | 11-07-2013 |
20130304599 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF CONDUCTING INTERACTIVE ONLINE AUCTIONS - A method and system of conducting interactive online auctions are disclosed. The method includes presenting via a network-connected auction system for viewing by users information on items for sale; presenting a first auction interface for a first item; receiving from a first group of users a plurality of pre-cap purchases, wherein each pre-cap purchase entitles user to place at least one bid for the first item; presenting an interactive chat room that enables users in the first group to communicate with each other, wherein access to the interactive chat room is limited to the first auction interface; when the received pre-cap purchases reach a threshold level, implementing a bidding interface having a bid submission interface and a timer; starting the timer; receiving from the first group of users a plurality of bids, wherein the bids correspond to the pre-cap purchases; and awarding first item to user who places the final bid before the timer ends. | 11-14-2013 |
20130304600 | Providing a Marketplace for Sensor Data - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing first information identifying a sensor-data set that includes sensor-data from multiple sensor-data streams from multiple sensors over a period of time, with the sensor data from the sensor-data streams having been combined with each other based on a relationship of the sensor data to a sensor subject; accessing second information identifying one or more offers to purchase the sensor-data set; and matching one of the offers with the sensor-data set to facilitate a purchase of the sensor-data set based at least on the one of the offers matched to the sensor-data set. | 11-14-2013 |
20130304601 | DYNAMIC BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION - According to the invention, a content delivery network (CDN) for delivering content objects from a content provider to a recipient is disclosed. The CDN includes a dynamic pricing engine and a second web location. The dynamic pricing engine is coupled to a first web location. The first web location, which is associated with a content provider, allows the recipient to order a content object. The delivery quote is solicited by the first web location for delivering a content object one or more times. The second web location delivers the content object to a recipient system of the recipient. The second web location is associated with the dynamic pricing engine. The dynamic pricing engine automatically produces the delivery quote, which is affected by at least one of the content object or a web location of the recipient system. | 11-14-2013 |
20130311317 | METHOD FOR INTERNET BIDDING - A method of Internet bidding wherein a plurality of bidders bid on the item in a first episode of bidding until a deadline occurs. Within a time frame at the deadline, actual bidders from the plurality of bidders are identified and are displayed in a second continued episode of bidding. The time frame is such to identify serious bidders near the deadline and to compensate for Internet communication delays. The second episode of continued bidding is a bidding war among the identified bidders. In a first embodiment, bidding rounds, T | 11-21-2013 |
20130311318 | Kiosk For Recycling Electronic Devices - A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING LOGISTICS SOURCING DECISIONS FOR LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT NETWORKS - A preferred method of managing logistics sourcing decisions including shipping rates in a network involves transmitting a shipping bid, receiving a plurality of bid responses from a plurality of carriers including a first bid having a first shipping rate and a first expiration date from the first carrier, receiving a shipping constraint, determining whether the plurality of bid responses meet the shipping constraint to identify a rejected bid and a plurality of accepted bids, storing a plurality of accepted bids until at least their respective expiration dates, receiving a selected bid of the plurality of accepted bids of step, wherein the accepted bid is the first bid, transmitting a booking request to the first carrier and receiving tracking information related to the freight being shipped including a ship date when the freight is received by the first carrier and a receipt date when the freight is delivered to the consignee. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317930 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RATING ASSETS AND EXCHANGING FRACTIONAL INTERESTS THEREIN - Methods and systems are provided herewith for exchanging and/or rating works of art. A value for each of a plurality of portfolios of art owned by a plurality of participants is determined. Each portfolio of art comprises one or more works of art. The value of a particular work of art may be determined by a processor based on rating information and/or a value of another work of art. Ownership interests of the plurality of portfolios of art are pooled in a legal ownership entity having an initial total number of shares. For each participant, an initial participant value and quantity of shares is determined, e.g., based on the determined value of the respective participant's portfolio. An indicia of the respective quantity of shares is transmitted to each respective participant. In various embodiments, participants may buy and sell usage and ownership interests in the portfolios of art. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317931 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ENABLE A FIXED PRICE PURCHASE WITHIN A MULTI-UNIT ONLINE AUCTION ENVIRONMENT - A method includes presenting to a buyer a multi-unit auction, permitting the buyer to bid one or more of a price and a number of units in the auction, and permitting the buyer to re-bid in the auction. The auction includes a rule that prevents the buyer from reducing the price in the re-bid, and the auction further includes a rule that prevents the buyer from reducing the number of units in the re-bid. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317932 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETERMINING PRICE OPTIMIZATION FOR DISTRIBUTED DEMAND - The method for reducing vendor bid amounts includes providing a supplier with an invitation to make a bid for supplying a digital print job. The print job is characterized by a demand for a first number of units by a select date. The method further includes determining if a demand condition can be met. The determination includes using historical data to calculate a first commitment quantity for current jobs being provided by the supplier. The first commitment quantity is then used to calculate a second commitment quantity. The second commitment quantity provides an estimate for the number of the units and a date. The second commitment quantity is displayed to the supplier. The method provides the supplier with an option to bid for producing the estimated number of units by the estimated date. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317933 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SERVICE, DEVICE FOR BUILDING DATABASE TO BE USED FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SERVICE, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM SIGNAL - An information retrieval service system | 11-28-2013 |
20130325645 | Semi-Anonymous Request-Offer Matching Commerce Mobile App - A smart-device application (app) enables businesses and customers to conduct semi-anonymous transactions. A customer initiates a specific but anonymous acquisition-request. A secure core-module operating on a web-server parses the request and assesses which businesses are most likely to respond, and sends the request to them. Any of these businesses may respond by sending an anonymous supply-offer back to the core-module, which is relayed on to the customer without any information identifying the potential supplier. The shopper selects two offers and submits an indication of interest in them to the core-module. More detailed information regarding the businesses is then sent to the customer, who elects to purchase from one of them by sending an offer of acceptance to the core-module. A deal confirmation is sent to both parties. The customer then rates the experience and a social medium message is sent to a social media site. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325646 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING BIDS ON PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - Methods and systems for bidding on items include a predetermined price or range associated with an item, the price not disclosed to bidders. Successful bids conform to a predetermined success rule(s) determined independently of the amounts of other bids. Successful bids can be immediately communicated to the successful bidders. Price adjustments, typically discounts, can be determined and communicated prior to fulfillment. | 12-05-2013 |
20130332300 | Auction System and Method - An auction system and method is provided comprising an auction server, a database communicating with the auction server for storing a set of auction cards and an accounting server for creating and maintaining a set of member accounts, a set of permit tag accounts and a set of coupon accounts. The auction card comprises an auction type, a current value, a bid device, a timer device, an auction item description and a suggested retail price. The auction server executes an auction for an auction item, accepting a set of bids, decrementing a bid value from the set of member accounts, determining a winning bidder of the auction, determining a set of losing bidders of the auction. If the auction item is cash, designating a cash value in the set of member accounts. A set of redeemable coupons are distributed to the set of losing bidders. | 12-12-2013 |
20130339170 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RENTING PROPERTY - The invention is a system and a method for renting portable property. The invention includes entering identification of an article onto the Internet. Receiving a plurality of requests via network from potential lessees to rent the article for requested rental periods then occurs. Sorting occurs for the requests to rent the article according to a chronology of the requested rental periods. Then, agreeing via network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees occurs. Transferring possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee occurs such that the first lessee is the first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods. Transferring sequentially the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods is performed. Monitoring each rental and transfer of the article is done. Then, distributing a payment for each rental of the article occurs. | 12-19-2013 |
20130339171 | AUCTION DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME, PROGRAM, AND NON-TRANSITORY INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM - Once a product in an auction has been purchased, a message relay ( | 12-19-2013 |
20130339172 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HOLDING A TWO-STAGE LIVE AUCTION FOR ON-SITE AND ON-LINE BIDDERS - A method and apparatus are provided for conducting a live auction that combines various features of traditional and online auctions. According to one aspect of the present invention, the live auction includes a live, in-person auction component and a real-time online bidding environment component. Bidding information associated with an item in the online bidding environment is updated to reflect a current bid associated with the item in the live, in-person auction. During the live, in-person auction, a bid is be accepted from an online bidder in the online environment that reflects the online bidder's bid price for the item. Subsequently, the system bids on behalf of the online bidder against other online bidders as well as one or more live bidders that are participating in the live, in-person. As such, the live auction enables real-time online bidding in a live, in-person auction. | 12-19-2013 |
20130339173 | Consumer-to-Business Exchange Auction - Systems and methods for implementing an item exchange service are usable to aid users in exchanging old items for newer items. According to one embodiment, a system can be operable to receive a request to offer a vehicle in an auction, calculate a base exchange value for the vehicle and provide, to one or more vehicle resellers, auction information associated with the vehicle. Additionally, the system may be configured to receive an exchange bid for the vehicle, determine a final exchange value of the vehicle, and provide the final exchange value of the vehicle to a seller of the vehicle. Further, the system may be configured to allow the seller to determine a course of action regarding disposing of the vehicle after conclusion of the exchange auction. | 12-19-2013 |
20130346227 | Performance-Based Pricing for Cloud Computing - Described are performance-based pricing models for pricing execution of a client job in a cloud service. Client-provided performance-related parameters are used to determine a price. The price may be a minimum bid price that is evaluated against a bid received from client bidder to accept or reject the bid. Alternatively, the price may be returned as a quote. For batch application-type jobs, performance parameters include a work volume parameter and a deadline or the like. For an interactive-type application job, example performance-related parameters may include an average load parameter, a peak load parameter, an acceptance rate parameter, a minimum capacity parameter, a maximum capacity parameter, and/or a time window parameter over which load is specified. | 12-26-2013 |
20130346228 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING NEWS MATERIALS OBTAINED BY BYSTANDERS - A system and method are configured to provide business entities with news materials obtained by bystanders. The method includes receiving a news material from a device of a bystander, the news material related to an event that the bystander encountered, sending the news material to one or more business entities who want to obtain the news material, and managing associated transactions. The transfer of the news material can be made either exclusively to a winning bidder through an action or non-exclusively to multiple business entities through licensing. | 12-26-2013 |
20130346229 | Lighting Infrastructure and Revenue Model - Methods, devices, and systems for implementing lighting infrastructure application frameworks and networks and associated revenue models. In one embodiment, a computing device may receive a request from a first device to access data from a lighting infrastructure application framework, and the data from the lighting infrastructure application framework may include data from lighting node platform(s). In an embodiment, the computing device may perform authorizations related to providing access to data, as well as transmit responses to requests for data. Costs and revenues associated with applications may also be performed based on usage of platforms, sensors, and controllers within a lighting infrastructure. In an embodiment, software, applications, and other instructions may be transmitted by a computing device in response to receiving requests. In another embodiment, a computing device may process received data (e.g., sensor data from lighting node platforms) to detect trends or events relevant to applications. | 12-26-2013 |
20130346230 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ONLINE AUCTIONS AND MARKETPLACES UTILIZING PROGRAM TERMS - An on-line market-place includes an auction wherein one or more predefined terms, qualities, incentives, or other such indicia (generally, “Program Terms”) are associated with the particular product and/or service which is the subject of the auction. Customers rank or otherwise designate their preference for these Program Terms (e.g., by selecting a “Preferred Program Term”), and the system then partitions the customers into “pools” in accordance with the selected Program Terms. Merchants then compete to obtain that pool of customers by bidding on the Preferred Program Term. Customers may be pooled according to demographic or other customer characteristics (“Characteristic Pooling”), or according to level of commitment to purchase (“Commitment Pooling”). | 12-26-2013 |
20140006201 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION AND BIDDING | 01-02-2014 |
20140006202 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO EVALUATE AND PROVIDE FUNDS IN ONLINE ENVIRONMENTS | 01-02-2014 |
20140006203 | ON-LINE AUCTION SALES LEADS | 01-02-2014 |
20140012695 | BATCH AUCTION - An auction of a batch with a deadline is disclosed. An apparatus includes one or more processors, and one or more memories storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to set a batch sale function determining pricing control for a batch and for a plurality of items belonging to the batch before an auction with a deadline commences, and to modify at least one price of at least one item belonging to the batch during the auction by the batch sale function. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012696 | Device, Network, Server, and Methods for Providing Service Requests for Wireless Communication Devices - A server stores personal information associated with a user of a wireless communication device. The server also receives from the wireless communication device an image of an item for sale and a price of the item, and appends the image and the price to include the user's email address and the delivery information. | 01-09-2014 |
20140019284 | Methods, Systems, and Computer-Readable Media for Network Capacity Allocation - Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media for auction-based network capacity allocation are disclosed. The systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media determine network capacity associated with a first wireless network and determine network capacity associated with a second wireless network. The systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media also output data generated based, at least in part, on the first wireless network capacity determination and the second wireless network capacity determination. In addition, systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media also receive one or more bids associated with at least some of the network capacity associated with the first wireless network and assign at least some of the network capacity associated with the first wireless network to a purchaser system associated with the second wireless networks as a function of the one or more received bids. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019285 | Dynamic Listing Recommendation - Methods and systems are provided for attempting to optimize online listings for users of an Internet sales website, such as an online auction website. Recommendations can be provided to the users for improving their listings. The recommendations can be made using rules and statistical models. The listings can be monitored for compliance with the recommendations. The listings can be monitored for effectiveness of such compliance. The rules can be modified in light of such effectiveness. In this manner, listings can tend to be optimized so as to increase the likelihood of a visit from a potential buyer resulting in conversion. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019286 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT TRANSACTIONS - In one embodiment, a structured settlement transaction information processing system, using the structured settlement transaction data, causes a bid item to be displayed at a first bidder interface and a second bidder interface. In one embodiment, the structured settlement transaction information processing system enables a first bidder to place a first bid on the bid item using the first bidder interface. In one embodiment, the structured settlement transaction information processing system enables a second bidder to place a second bid on the bid item using the second bidder interface. In one embodiment, the structured settlement transaction information processing system, based on at least one of the first bid and the second bid, provides a notification to at least one of the first bidder and the second bidder, the notification being indicative of an intention to sell the bid item. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019287 | BIDDING TO RECEIVE DATA AFTER A CONSUMER IS IN A ZONE - An announcement distributor distributes, or auctions an opportunity to distribute, an announcement to an announcement recipient such as a consumer, issuer, merchant, or acquirer within a payment processing system. The announcement when there has been a satisfaction of an announcement condition, such as the consumer being determined to be located within a predetermined spatial zone. The content of the announcement may, in turn, facilitate a subsequent cashless transaction for resources of merchants. Implementations describe various permutations of the content of the announcement, the announcement condition, and the announcement recipient. | 01-16-2014 |
20140025523 | BIDDING APPICATION FOR PURCHASING ITEMS - A bidding process between a computing device and a plurality of vendors to purchase a desired product. A desired product to be purchased during the bidding process is identified. A specified time window during which the bidding process will be performed is designated. The bidding process with a plurality of vendors who are able to provide the desired product for purchase based at least in part upon one or more profiles is initiated. First purchase information related to the desired product from a first vendor and second purchase information from a second vendor is received in real time during the specified time window. The purchase information is configured to be updated in real time. The purchase of the desired product from a selected one of the first or second vendor based on the first and second purchase information is finalized. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025524 | EXAMPLES OF DELIVERY AND/OR REFERRAL SERVICES THAT MAY USE MOBILE ENHANCEMENTS AND/OR AUCTION MECHANISMS - Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include auctions and/or other ways of assigning service providers. Some embodiments may include mobile applications used by one or more participants in a delivery endeavor. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025525 | APPARATUS TO PROVIDE LIQUID FUNDS IN THEONLINE AUCTION AND MARKETPLACE ENVIRONMENT - A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025526 | METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING REVERSE AUCTION TRANSPORT SERVICES - A method, computer program product, and apparatus for providing reverse auction services are provided. A reverse auction request for transportation or a reverse auction request for delivery is received from a communications device. Geographical location information of an origination location and a destination location for the reverse auction request for transportation or delivery is received from the communications device. The reverse auction request for transportation or delivery is transmitted. Bids to the reverse auction request for transportation or delivery are received. The bids to the request for transportation or delivery are transmitted to the communications device. | 01-23-2014 |
20140032350 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVATING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION WHILE PROVISIONING SERVICES FOR THE APPLICATION - Methods and systems for activating a software application while provisioning a web service to operate with the software application are described. Consistent with some embodiments, a product activation procedure is performed during a workflow to provision a web service to operate with a software application. By activating the software application during the web service provisioning workflow, an end-user can establish ownership of a proper license for the software application without having to input any license information, such as a serial number or product key, associated with the end-user's license. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032351 | Systems and Methods for Live Auctioneer Led Sales - Systems and methods for providing live auctioneer led sales of products, such as vehicles, between remotely located buyers, sellers, and auctioneers are provided herein. In certain aspects, systems and methods may facilitate one or more auctions led by a remotely located live auctioneer who receives bids from one or more remotely located buyers. Accordingly, in some examples, the auctioneer may accept bids from the buyers, encourage bidding from the buyers, and/or declare (or not declare) a product sold in real-time. In this manner, in certain aspects, the systems and methods enable an auction to be conduct by a live auctioneer. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032352 | Systems and Methods for Live Auctioneer Led Sales - Systems and methods for providing live auctioneer led sales of products, such as vehicles, between remotely located buyers, sellers, and auctioneers are provided herein. In certain aspects, systems and methods may facilitate one or more auctions led by a remotely located live auctioneer who receives bids from one or more remotely located buyers. Accordingly, in some examples, the auctioneer may accept bids from the buyers, encourage bidding from the buyers, and/or declare (or not declare) a product sold in real-time. In this manner, in certain aspects, the systems and methods enable an auction to be conduct by a live auctioneer. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032353 | Systems and Methods for Live Auctioneer Led Sales - Systems and methods for providing live auctioneer led sales of products, such as vehicles, between remotely located buyers, sellers, and auctioneers are provided herein. In certain aspects, systems and methods may facilitate one or more auctions led by a remotely located live auctioneer who receives bids from one or more remotely located buyers. Accordingly, in some examples, the auctioneer may accept bids from the buyers, encourage bidding from the buyers, and/or declare (or not declare) a product sold in real-time. In this manner, in certain aspects, the systems and methods enable an auction to be conduct by a live auctioneer. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032354 | Secure System for Conducting an Auction Over a Computer Network - Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products. Auctions for the products may then be conducted over the system. Textual information and image data are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, requests for information regarding products to be auctioned are entered from remote terminals, and the information requested is recalled and downloaded for review to be displayed at the remote site. Bids may then be transmitted from the remote computers and a winner of the auction determined by the central computer. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032355 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR FACILITATING AN AUCTION BEHAVIOR AND AUTOMATIC BIDDING IN AN AUCTION - One or more proxy bidders is associated with a rule which determines a time to place a bid. The proxy bidder places a bid at the determined time, instead of immediately after the bidder's prior bid is exceeded. Such rules may be selected for all proxy bidders to encourage a desired auction behavior. By controlling the placement of bids based on rules associated with the desired auction behavior, bids may be placed in a manner that seems natural and competitive to bidders in the auction when, in fact, they are placed in accordance with the selected rules. The desired auction behavior may be selected statically for an auction or dynamically during the auction. Historical auction data maybe analyzed to characterize the behavior of an auction, such as the average period of time between bids and the average increment between bids. Rules may be generated to correspond to a behavior so as to provide the same average time and increment between bids. | 01-30-2014 |
20140040062 | Message Processing - Systems and methods are provided for scoring the use of financial market messages. Uses of messages that are efficient and/or improve market liquidity receive positive scores. Traders are charge fees or receive rewards that are dependent upon message quality scores. | 02-06-2014 |
20140046790 | INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD, INFORMATION PROVIDING PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM HAVING INFORMATION PROVIDING PROGRAM RECORDED THEREIN - An object is to provide useful information for determining an auction end time to an exhibitor who wishes to determine the auction end time. Accordingly, a server | 02-13-2014 |
20140046791 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM IN WHICH INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM IS RECORDED - There are provided an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and a recording medium having the information program recorded therein which can present, to a seller, information which enables a setting of, for example, adequate putting-up conditions according to a putting-up purpose of an item. The information processing device acquires transaction history information of an item related to item information of an item specified by a seller for putting-up, from a database which stores transaction history information of items put up in the past. Further, the information processing device extracts transaction history information of other items which suit to a putting-up purpose of the item by the seller, as suited transaction history information, from the extracted transaction history information. Furthermore, the information processing device generates presentation information which indicates a sample of input content of setting items set in an input form by the seller for putting-up, based on the extracted suited transaction history information, and transmits the presentation information to the terminal device. | 02-13-2014 |
20140052559 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF BIDDING IN A VEHICLE - A method of dynamically altering a user interface based on safety level is provided. A user interface is provided to a user in a vehicle with the user interface including a selectable option to wirelessly place a bid on an electronic auction. The selectable option is based, at least in part, on an auction parameter. A safety level score is then determined for the vehicle. The auction parameter is then dynamically altered based on the speed of the vehicle, resulting in a change to the selectable option. | 02-20-2014 |
20140058875 | METHODS FOR FACILITATING AN ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE AND DEVICES THEREOF - A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and an electronic signature registration server that obtains a request from a user to register for access to a Web site, wherein the request includes login credentials. The login credentials are associated with a first access level such that the user is provided access to a first portion of the Web site. A signature authorization form is generated including a graphical representation of a unique identifier associated with the user. The signature authorization form is provided to the user. Upon receiving a fully executed version of the signature authorization form from the user, the login credentials are associated with a second access level such that the user is provided access to a second portion of the Web site. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058876 | INTERNET-BASED AUCTION OF TANGIBLE PROPERTY - A system including a processor configured to communicate over the internet with a plurality of remotely located computer stations and a memory. The memory stores a program that is executable by the processor. The program provides bids for the auction to a plurality of end-users of the plurality of remotely located computer stations, wherein each end-user acquires a bid through a purchase of a product or a service associated with the parcel. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058877 | Auctions with Socially-connected Private Advance Offerings - Auctions with socially-connected private advance offerings are provided by by a social auction integration server by receiving at least one parameter regarding an item to be offered in an online auction by an offeror user; using the parameter and an identifier of the offeror user, searching at least one social network server for identifies of friends and associates that have a recorded affinity for the item or for similar items; preparing a list of the friend users and associate users; configuring a restricted auction wherein only the friend users and associate users are allowed to review and bid on the offered item; and providing the friend users and associate users a digital means for accessing the restricted auction. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058878 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOURCING MEDICAL APPARATUS - The various embodiments of the auction systems and methods described herein provide a web based service that allows medical facilities to both sell and buy medical devices and supplies at a discount. This web based service will enable hospitals that otherwise would have a financial loss, to sell their soon to be expiring products at a discount, and at the same time allow facilities that have an immediate need for devices to purchase them at a lower price based on a more limited expiration than if bought directly from the manufacturer. This maximizes savings on behalf of the buyers and minimizes losses on behalf of the sellers while consolidating inventory in the overall medical device/supply market. | 02-27-2014 |
20140067582 | AUCTION BID INCENTIVES BASED ON TIME AS HIGHEST BIDDER - Systems and methods for hosting an auction. The system and methods generally include an data processing system configured to receive a bid proposing a bid value from a bidder at a bid time. The system determines that the bid value exceeds a benchmark. The system notes that the bid value becomes a new benchmark and tracks a period of time during which the bid value is the benchmark. The system allots or allocates an incentive to the bidder based on the period of time. A bidder is rewarded for the time during which the bidder's bids are the best bid in the auction. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067583 | ACTION CONFIRMATION MECHANISM - Disclosed in some examples is a method for verification of a user action comprising: presenting, on a display, a user input control to take an action; receiving a user input directed to the user input control; presenting a second user input control responsive to the received user input directed to the user input control wherein the second user input control is only presented while the input directed to the user input control is still present; and determining that the user intends to take the action based upon receiving a second user input directed to the second user input control. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067584 | INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED CREATION OF CONTRACT - The present invention discloses an integrated system for automated creation of contract which is adapted for flipping the information from RFQ present in Auction and Bids Information System (iSource) and information present in requisition from e-procurement system into contract; said system comprising: a processor unit; and a computer readable medium storing instructions executable by the processor unit further comprising: Retrieval System to retrieve the necessary information from RFQ for different suppliers present in Auction and Bids Information System (iSource) and from requisition present in e-procurement system; Storing System to store the retrieved information of RFQ and requisition on a computer readable storage medium; Mapping System to map the information of RFQ and requisition with contract fields; Metadata Flipping System, adapted to flip the mapped information from RFQ and requisition into metadata; and Contract Creating System, adapted to create contract from the information of metadata. Present system saves time of entering information on contract template manually. | 03-06-2014 |
20140074640 | TECHNIQUES TO AUCTION A PORTION OF A WEB PAGE - Techniques to auction a portion of a web page are described. A computer implemented application may receive a selection indicative of a portion of a web page from a website to be auctioned. The computer implemented application may accept bids from one or more bidders for the portion of the web page and receive payment for the portion of the web page from a winning bidder. The computer implemented application may receive text and/or graphics to be inserted into the portion of the web page and re-construct the web page by placing the received text and/or graphics into the portion of the web page. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074641 | MECHANISM FOR FACILITATING AUTION-BASED RESOURCE SHARING FOR MESSAGE QUEUES IN AN ON-DEMAND SERVICES ENVIRONMENT - In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating an auction-based fair allocation and usage of thread resources for user messages according to one embodiment in an on-demand services environment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving job requests and bids from a plurality of organizations over a network, where each job request and the corresponding bid is placed by a user associated with an organization having a resource currency value within a multi-tenant database system via a user interface at a computing device over the network, determining resource currency values associated with pending jobs relating to the plurality of organizations, wherein the resource currency values corresponds to resources dedicated to the pending jobs, and performing an auction of the received bids for resources that are not dedicated and remains available for purchase, where a bid includes a purchase request to purchase the available resources. The method may further include prioritizing the job requests based on the dedicated resources and the auction of the available resources, and processing the job requests based on the prioritized job requests. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074642 | INTERNET DISCOUNTED VOLUME PRICING SYSTEM - Internet discounted volume pricing with early participation discounting or “Jump-in Pricing” feature in which a person with quantities of a product/services to sell is prompted to enter in some price points on a website for a defined amount of time. As an individual or group of buyers buy/participate in a listing, the price of that product/service declines. The current price is the price that the seller will not pay more than (excluding shipping and taxes if applicable). The sell-out price is the lowest possible price a buyer or collection of buyers will pay (excluding shipping and taxes if applicable) if the entire quantity sells out. The seller offers “Jump-in Pricing” which is a discount to early participants/buyers of a listing to provide an incentive to a person or person(s) to get in early and start the pricing reduction. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074643 | PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS - There is disclosed a method and apparatus for processing requests for proposals. The method includes receiving a request for proposal including a project to be completed and an estimated budget for the project, accepting funds into an escrow account to partially-fund the project, and receiving interactions with the request for proposal from a first and a second potential seller, the interactions including a selected one of (1) discussion regarding the project, and (2) a bid on the project. The method further includes accepting additional funds into the escrow account in order to more fully fund the project, determining that one of (1) a project award indicating that the project has been awarded to the seller has been received or (2) a project term has lapsed, and providing all funds in the escrow account to a group including at least one of the first and the second potential seller. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074644 | ON-LINE SALES SYSTEM USING A SOCIAL AUCTION - Disclosed is an on-line sales system using a social auction capable of giving an increased discount rate as time progresses to a reserved purchaser paying for products in part based on a future purchasing condition on products, providing a divided purchase ticket to participate in a social auction to the purchaser so as to make a bid one time only, activating a sale of participating companies by progressing the social auction, supporting an integrated successful bid price corresponding to a bid signal of a purchaser at the time of purchasing products, and activating a sale in an open market from which the divided purchase ticket is issued. According to the on-line sales system using a social auction, the seller sells the divided purchase ticket to assure a future sale, thereby easily securing production funds, implementing planned production, and effectively performing promotion and sales. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081792 | Auction System and Method - A system and method for conducting an auction for an item comprising an auction server in a network such as the Internet. The item is given a target price. As each bidder bids, the amount bid is added to the sum of all earlier bids for the item made by the bidder. As a bidder makes a bid, the auction server collects the amount bid. When the total bid of a bidder exceeds the target price, the bidder wins. If the bidder does not wish to pay the higher price, the bidder is refunded the total of his bids and leaves the auction for the item. If the bidder accepts paying the higher price, the sale is completed. A bidder has the option to obtain a refund of the amount bid for the item and to leave the bidding process for the item at any stage of the bidding process. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081793 | SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method providing for communication and resolution of utility functions between participants, wherein the utility function is evaluated based on local information at the recipient to determine a cost value thereof. A user interface having express representation of both information elements, and associated reliability of the information. An automated system for optimally conveying information based on relevance and reliability. | 03-20-2014 |
20140089124 | Dynamic Product Content Generation - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for building and serving dynamic product advertisements. A request is received for content including request data. Product data is accessed representing multiple product records, each associated with a different product. Multiple matching rules are applied to each of the product records in order to identify a subset of product records satisfying the matching rules. For each of the product records satisfying the matching rules, multiple scores are generated, each score representing the relevance of the product to the request based on the request data. The scores are aggregated. One or more of the product records are selected based at least on the aggregate scores. A dynamic product content item is served in response to the request featuring the products associated with the one or more selected product records. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089125 | TRADING UP SOCIAL NETWORK ENGINE - A computer implemented trading engine is disclosed. The trading engine is configured to connect with a plurality of computing devices and a plurality of servers; said trading engine further configured to manage trading circles between accounts maintained in association with at least two of said computing devices, said engine trading further configured to manage a first electronic data message representing at least one offer and at least one additional electronic data message representing an accepted trade proposal for said at least one offer. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089126 | ONLINE AUCTION SYSTEM - An online auction system includes a set of memory resources that store auction data and one or more processors. The one or more processors implement multiple auction forums for transacting a corresponding set of assets. The one or more processors enable a registrant to participate in any of the multiple auction forums by providing the registrant with multiple interfaces to prompt the user for input or action. In some embodiments, the one or more processors provide an entity type interface to prompt the registrant to declare an entity type of the registrant. The one or more processors operate to determine a set of requirements for the registrant based at least in part on (i) a type designation provided by the user, and (ii) a geographic region of one or more assets that are being transacted by the multiple auction forums. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089127 | INTRODUCING A FIXED-PRICE TRANSACTION MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUCTION TRANSACTION MECHANISM - An auction price-setting method to present an auction price-setting process and a fixed price process to provide a fixed price offer for an item and to publish the fixed price offer on a listing based on a criteria. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100984 | METHOD FOR REGULATED MANAGEMENT OF VIRTUAL VISIONS - The method for regulated management of virtual visions which their creators use to communicate in a multilayered communicative fragmentation positioned in a network environment will be applied mainly, but not only, to platforms for communication between network users such as social networks, astral media, etc. According to the method the users ( | 04-10-2014 |
20140108179 | Incentivizing Purchases at Physical Retailers - Shoppers at physical retailers are incentivized to purchase products from a physical retailer. The user provides a product identifier using a user device. The product identifier is used to identify the product being viewed by the user. Online retailers are queried to obtain online bids to sell the product. An incentive is identified for the user based on the product and the physical retailer. The incentive and an online retailer bid are provided to the user for the user to determine whether to purchase the product at the online retailer bid price or using the incentive. The incentive may be based on location information indicating user device movement. The incentive may require the user to perform an action, such as posting to a social network. A different incentive may be provided to the user if the user is leaving the physical retailer to promote purchase at the physical retailer. | 04-17-2014 |
20140108180 | VIRTUAL ENTERTAINMENT AUCTION ROOM - A method and/or process and/or configuration and/or apparatus and/or system that produce a Virtual Entertainment Auction Room (VEAR) and its components. VEAR is conditional and fee based offer with a plurality of individual auctions. One aspect of VEAR is a configuration that enable communication and collaborate with third party reward programs and/or inventory management systems. VEAR is configured to launch through web enabled free standing and/or hand held and/or counter top or bar top gaming machines, computers and/or mobile devices. It could be produced as open or server based or networked system. | 04-17-2014 |
20140108181 | READ-ONLY USER ACCESS FOR WEB BASED AUCTION - A networked computer arrangement and method in which a manufacturer or service provider may communicate to a plurality of traders the items, including goods and/or services, which may be available for purchase, the quantities of those available items, and any other conditions to be met for the purchase of the available items. Traders may apply guest bidder profiles or entitlement schema to the available goods lists to produce offerings for a plurality of guest brokers. Only bid-relevant product information is presented to each guest broker as needed in order to protect the offering party's overall position on the offered good(s). Guest broker profiles or entitlement schema may be based on perspective contractual arrangements between potential brokers, traders, and a manufacturer or service provider. Offerings are presented to the guest brokers, who are restricted from participating in the bidding process. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114787 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALLOWING FORWARD-SOLD GOODS PURCHASED VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD TO BE RESOLD - A system and a method for the resale of one or more forward-sold goods and/or services allows a transaction to be specified as one in which the goods or services may be resold by the purchaser until a time close to actual delivery. The merchant maintains control of the conditions of the resale. If a resale occurs, the merchant receives a commission. The account of the original purchaser is credited with the resale price minus the commission. The availability of goods for resale can be determined by searching a web site for such goods. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114788 | DETERMINING A PRICE FOR CONTENT - Example techniques for determining a price for content may include the following operations: obtaining bids from content providers, where the bids correspond to amounts that the content providers will pay to present content on a portal hosted by a publisher; obtaining surcharges corresponding to an effect on the publisher of presenting content from the content providers on the portal; using one or more processing devices to adjust the bids in accordance with corresponding surcharges to thereby produce adjusted bids; comparing the adjusted bids to determine a winner of an auction to present content on the portal hosted by the publisher; determining a price for the winner to pay based on the surcharge; and charging the winner the price for presenting content on the portal. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114789 | System and Method for Allowing Forward-Sold Goods Purchased via Payment Cards to be Resold - A system and a method for the resale of one or more forward-sold goods and/or services are provided that allows a transaction to be specified as one in which the goods or services may be resold by the purchaser until a time close to actual delivery. The merchant maintains control of the conditions of the resale. If a resale occurs, the merchant receives a commission. The account of the original purchaser is credited with the resale price minus the commission. For an immediate resale, a strike price is set by the purchaser at the time of purchase of a resellable forward-sold good. If the strike price is met by a bidder, this allows immediate transfer of the forward-sold good to the bidder. The availability of goods for resale can be determined by searching a web site for such goods. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114790 | Method of Auctioning a Digital Multimedia Interactive Session - The present invention is a method of auctioning a digital multimedia interactive session between a celebrity and a system user. Both the celebrity and the user are members of a digital community such as a social network, though they may have different types of member accounts. Celebrities are required to record a live video during the account generation process and this video is reviewed by system administrators to parse out persons purporting to be celebrities, but aren't. Upon successful vetting, the celebrity then establishes a desired time, date, and topic for a digital multimedia interactive session, culminating in the submission of a request to the system. The request is reviewed and approved by the system administrators who launch an auction on a website. Users can bid in the auction up until the predetermined close date. Auction winners of the auction are provided the opportunity to interact with the celebrity. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114791 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENCOURAGING COMPETITIVE PARTICIPATION IN AN AUCTION - In both an on-line and a conventional auction, an auctioneer may encourage competitive bidding behavior through the provision of rewards to those bidders whose bids meet predetermined criteria. For example, a bidder may be rewarded if her bid exceeds a prior bid by a threshold value. An auctioneer may further discourage non-competitive bidding behavior by penalizing those bidders whose bids fall below predetermined standards. | 04-24-2014 |
20140122284 | ON-LINE BIDDING SYSTEM & METHOD - A system and method ( | 05-01-2014 |
20140122285 | REAL TIME ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An auction system and method, which identifies at least one lot to be auctioned, having a plurality of units within the lot and associated auction parameters; transmits a remaining quantity of units within the lot from a central server to a plurality of remote locations; receives bid identifications for remaining units within the lot at the contemporaneous offering price from the plurality of remote locations; and decrements the offering price over time. The decrement may be adaptive to a bid activity pattern, and the bid activity pattern may be stored in a database. A local server may be provided to communicate between the central server and remote locations while changing the format of the information communicated. The packets preferably include compressed information, and preferably include quantity remaining information for a plurality of auction lot. | 05-01-2014 |
20140129364 | CAPTURING VALUE OF A UNIT OF CONTENT - Various component values of original content items are extracted via an initial publication and republication of content items. An original, unpublished content item is initially made available for discovery and purchase by different content distributors. When a content distributor first purchases the content item for publication, it is no longer available to other content distributors for an initial time period which can be configured based on different component values of the content item. Upon the expiry of the initial time period, the content item is again provided to various content distributors for republication. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129365 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NEGOTIATING A PURCHASE PRICE - Systems and methods to facilitate a purchase of a product by a user from a seller. | 05-08-2014 |
20140136357 | Method for mitigating financial risks associated with participating in an auction - A method for mitigating financial risks associated with participating in an auction in which an auctioneer uses an online platform to auction a commodity to auction participants' remote terminals in communication with the platform via a communication network by charging the participants participation fees that aggregate to an amount which is at least equal to a predetermined percentage of the auctioneer's cost of acquiring the commodity. | 05-15-2014 |
20140143079 | Penny Auction Sweepstakes - A system and method of integrating a penny auction and a sweepstakes includes presenting a split screen view to a user, with the split screen view containing a first portion and a second portion, the first portion displaying a penny auction and the second portion displaying a sweepstakes game, and receiving a request from the user to purchase one or more bids for use on the penny auction in the first portion of the split screen view. Based on the received request, the user is awarded one or more entries for the sweepstakes in the second portion of the split screen display. | 05-22-2014 |
20140143080 | AUCTION QUERY AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - An Internet-based, multi-user-adaptable system for connecting auction agencies to interested customers and providing users notifications of upcoming auctions. The auction query and notification system compiles data from auction agencies and compares that information to user preferences, notifying individual users in a specified manner of upcoming auctions. The system further provides the ability to both connect auction agencies to a wider customer base and notify customers of upcoming auctions regarding their desired subject matter in a preferred area via email, text, or instant message. | 05-22-2014 |
20140143081 | Interactive Online Auction System - Techniques and apparatus for conducting a timed, online auction are described. In an example method, implemented in a server apparatus configured for communication with one or more network-connected user devices, current bidding information, for at least one item for sale, is sent to the one or more network-connected user devices, during an initial portion of a timed online auction event. Beginning at a predetermined time before termination of the auction event for the item, the server apparatus determines that one or more auction users have selected to participate in an interactive mode, and maintains a virtual auction room for participating users. This maintaining of the virtual auction room includes generating animation sequences based on bidding activity received from the participating users and sending the generated animation sequences to network-connected user devices corresponding to the participating users. | 05-22-2014 |
20140149245 | Method and System For Providing A Social Trade Network - The aim of this system is to enable a negotiation between groups of buyers and variety of sellers. The negotiation between the buyers and sellers is possible through an automatic system of matching between buyers' requests and sellers' offers. The buyers' requests are united by the system in terms of quantity and quality of the requests. Then, the negotiation between the buyers and sellers is conducted between the united requests of the buyers and the coupons/offers which the sellers offer to that group until a transaction is made and both sides agree on the terms of the transaction. | 05-29-2014 |
20140156438 | Enhanced Online Dutch Auction with Seller Optimized Pricing Algorithms and Tabular Bidding Interface - The invention is an online Dutch auction where sellers can optimize the auction's pricing algorithm and related parameters to suit their needs and market conditions. Using the pricing algorithm, the invention creates BidBlocks for each price point, and places them in a tabular format or calendar where appropriate to simplify bidding. The invention always presents a “Buy It Now” option to shoppers to purchase the item at the current discount, or alternatively allows bidding on future price points. Active bidders are displayed in a Leaderboard which summarizes their status and relative placement. Numerous other features enhance the operability and usefulness of this invention for both buyers and sellers. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156439 | Method and Process of Conducting On Demand Electronic Auction - A method and process of conducting a buyer driven, on demand, electronic auction for products, such as automobiles. The method and process includes an auction central processing unit connected to multiple user interfaces. A product qualification, inventory qualification, backend administration, product data, scheduler and bidder modules are also included. An auction is conducted wherein the products presented in the set auction are driven by buyer demand, may be instituted upon determination of a predetermined level of interest, and products may simultaneously be bid upon. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156440 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN EFFICIENT DYNAMIC MULTI-UNIT AUCTION - The present invention implements an auction in which multiple types of goods may be auctioned in a dynamic process. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a system and method for computer implemented dynamic multi-unit auction in which the price paid or received by bidders tends to be independent of their own bids, in which participants may be provided with information concerning their competitors' bids as the auction progresses, and in which the confidentiality of high values may be maintained. Participants' quantities bid at a given time may be restricted to be less than or equal to the quantities bid at an earlier time. These features provide the advantage of improving economic efficiency of the auction design over the prior art. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156441 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR NETWORK CAPACITY ALLOCATION - Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media for auction-based network capacity allocation are disclosed. The systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media determine network capacity associated with a first wireless network and determine network capacity associated with a second wireless network. The systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media also output data generated based, at least in part, on the first wireless network capacity determination and the second wireless network capacity determination. In addition, systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media also receive one or more bids associated with at least some of the network capacity associated with the first wireless network and assign at least some of the network capacity associated with the first wireless network to a purchaser system associated with the second wireless networks as a function of the one or more received bids. | 06-05-2014 |
20140164162 | INTEREST GAUGE BASED AUCTION - Information about participants in an auction are received and analyzed along with information about products to be auctioned and other information to generate an interest gauge. The interest gauge may reflect the interest of a buyer, a seller, an auction house or any other entity in the auctioning event. Based on the interest gauge, the operations of the auction can be augmented and/or modified to be optimal in view of revenue generation, products moved, and a balance between the two. For instance, the buyer interest gauge could be used to create packages of items to be auctioned in a combinatorial auction. | 06-12-2014 |
20140164163 | IMPORTABLE TEMPLATE - An importable electronic template and methods of creating and utilizing the importable template. The template includes an alphanumeric field created by a template creation entity and a response field created by the template creation entity. Data is electronically entered into the response field by a responding entity. The importable electronic template is incorporated into a general purpose electronic template. | 06-12-2014 |
20140164164 | CONVERSION ENHANCED AUCTION ENVIRONMENT - An environment is established in which a variety of participating entities, including but not limited to auction houses, manufacturers, third party product and service providers, individuals, etc., can interface and benefit from the vast amount of data that is naturally collected or assimilated in the process of evaluating products to be introduced to an auction line. | 06-12-2014 |
20140164165 | REVERSE AUCTION SYSTEM, REVERSE AUCTION SUPPORT DEVICE AND PROGRAM - A technological means that collects order applications from a larger number of buyers in a group-purchasing reverse auction. During an auction session T-k, a control unit | 06-12-2014 |
20140172613 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HYBRID CLOCK AND PROXY AUCTION - This invention defines a computer system for conducting an auction of a plurality of items including receiving bids and determining an allocation of at least one of the items, the auction including a dynamic auction phase followed by a later phase. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172614 | DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING BID INCREMENTS FOR ONLINE AUCTIONS - Bidding activity is analyzed over a duration in which multiple bids are received in the auction. A bid increment is dynamically determined for the auction in response to auction activity. An online auction system can utilize the bid increment to determine or suggest the next bid that can be received in the auction for purpose of supplanting the current bid. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172615 | Method for Transparent and Fair Resource Distribution - A computer-implemented system for allocation of a series of picks amongst multiple selectors in a selection process is configured to use total picks data, number of selectors data, and picks per selector data to determine a series of benchmark pick slots for each selector in accordance with a benchmark, for each selector, calculating a pick cost for awarding a pick position to the selector, awarding said pick position to the selector for whom the pick cost would least deviate the system from the benchmark and storing said pick cost of awarding said pick, and then iterating through the remainder of the draft using pick cost to determine who picks next, ensuring maximum fairness in the pick order. The system also manages the draft itself once the pick order is determined. It can assign value to the items chosen. It awards, or deducts, points from participants based upon their receiving picks that are better or worse than they should have, and for the quality of the items they have chosen. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172616 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO ALERT A USER OF A NETWORK-BASED MARKETPLACE EVENT - A system to alert a user of a network-based marketplace event. The system receives the network-based marketplace event and determines if the network-based marketplace event is associated with a network-based marketplace alert that has been requested by the user. If so, the system communicates the network-based marketplace alert to the client machine over a persistent connection, the network-based marketplace alert to alert the user of the network-based marketplace event. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172617 | USER AUTHENTICATION IN AN AUCTION SYSTEM - A method and system for authenticating users while conducting an auction via a computer system. The system can automatically authenticate users who have previously registered with the auction system and who have enabled automatic authentication. When a user is registered, the system may store authentication information in a cookie on the user's computer. When the user decides to perform a transaction (e.g., list item auction or place a bid for an item) that requires authentication, the system retrieves the stored authentication information. If automatic authentication is enabled, then the system allows the transaction to proceed without manual authentication. If, however, automatic authentication is not enabled or the system does not recognize the stored authentication information, then the system requests manual authentication. The use of automatic authentication allows a user to enter information relating to a transaction without manually entering any identification information. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180862 | MANAGING OPERATIONAL THROUGHPUT FOR SHARED RESOURCES - Usage of shared resources can be managed by enabling users to obtain different types of guarantees at different times for various types and/or levels of resource capacity. A user can select to have an amount or rate of capacity dedicated to that user. A user can also select reserved capacity for at least a portion of the requests, tasks, or program execution for that user, where the user has priority to that capacity but other users can utilize the excess capacity during other periods. Users can alternatively specify to use the excess capacity or other variable, non-guaranteed capacity. The capacity can be for any appropriate functional aspect of a resource, such as computational capacity, throughput, latency, bandwidth, and storage. Users can submit bids for various types and combinations of excess capacity, and winning bids can receive dedicated use of the excess capacity for at least a period of time. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188651 | DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION AND RESALE - A method and system for providing domain name registration and resale at the registry level and a corresponding apparatus. The apparatus is a Database Management Platform held and operated at the registry level but incorporated into each registrar-level transaction. The Database Management Platform includes the database, the logic for querying the database, and a system built around the database; it stores information in a structured format to be accessible for queries. The registrar receives a request from an end-user for a domain name; the registrar accesses the registry, which queries the Database Management Platform to determine whether the domain name is available and, if not, if it is for sale. The registrar provides this information to the end-user. If the end-user chooses to, the apparatus operates the sale/purchase transaction between current owner and the end-user. If sufficient funds exist, the end-user's account is debited and the current owner's account is credited. The domain name is transferred. Methods and systems for completing these transactions are also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
20140195365 | Bidding on Product and Service Rentals - In some implementations, a method for auctioning includes presenting selection between a deal for a rental period for a product that enables a user to purchase a rental period for a specified amount and an auction a rental period for a product over an auction period. The product is possessed by a partner and a bid server manages the deal and the auction. If the deal is selected, a request is transmitted to the partner to send the user the product. If the auction is selected, whether the user submitted a winning bidder is determined based on bids received during the auction period. A request is transmitted to the partner to ship the product to the user if the user selected the deal or is the winning bidder. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195366 | INCREMENTAL VALUATION BASED NETWORK CAPACITY ALLOCATION - A bid-based network sells network capacity on a transaction-by-transaction basis in accordance with bids placed on transactions. A transaction is the transmission of a quantum of data across at least some portion of the network, where the quantum of data can be as small as a single packet. Bids for network capacity are ranked in order of monetary value, or other criteria relevant to the network service provider. The amount charged to the highest bidder is based on the maximum bid of the next highest bidder. Bids are evaluated on a real-time basis at the time when the link is ready to transmit data. An automated system makes individual bids at each link through which data is transmitted and can take into account additional criteria that can be specified as part of the bid information, including latency and routing requirements. Bid information is passed with data through the network. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195367 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR HIERARCHICAL MULTI-LEVEL SEGMENTATION AND ESTIMATE REUSE REQUEST - The present disclosure concerns the hierarchical splitting of large datasets by multi-level segmentation and providing a system and method for enabling requests of reuse of the values of previously estimated nodes of said hierarchy. This is applied in making connections between different suppliers in a complex hierarchical multi-level chain of purchase items, facilitating the communication of request for quotes and respective responses. The disclosure allows higher level bidders to traverse dense hierarchical multi-level chains of purchasing data, re-using existing estimates and quotes, allowing quicker processes and more efficient use of resources. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195368 | Detecting a suspicious transaction within a network-based facility - Methods and associated computer-readable media to detect fraudulent activities made over a network-based facility using a machine are disclosed. Responsive to a first event with respect to the network-based facility and initiated either under a first user identity or a first set of user transaction preferences from the machine which is coupled to the network-based facility via a network, the method causes a first identifier associated with either the first user identity or the first set of user transaction preferences to be stored on the machine. Responsive to a second event initiated under either a second user identity or a second set of user transaction preferences, detecting a potentially fraudulent activity occurs by detecting a lack of correspondence between the first identifier stored on the machine and a second identifier associated with either the second user identity or the second set of user transaction preferences. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195369 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HYBRID CLOCK AND PROXY AUCTION - This invention defines a computer system for conducting an auction of a plurality of items including outputting prices for items, receiving bids, outputting updated prices and receiving further bids and then determining an allocation of at least one of the items. | 07-10-2014 |
20140201018 | ELECTRIC POWER GRID CONTROL USING A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values. | 07-17-2014 |
20140201019 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPETITIVE PRICING AND PROCUREMENT OF CUSTOMIZED GOODS AND SERVICES - An apparatus and method for selecting a lowest bidding vendor from a plurality of vendors of a customized good or service, including receiving a set of vendor's attributes from each of the plurality of vendors representing their respective capabilities, and receiving an invitation-for-bid data from the buyer defining a custom job for which the buyer desires price quotes or bids. The vendor attributes or the invitation-for-bid, or both, are received through a web browser. A bid is received from at least one vendor in the vendor selection pool, the lowest price bid is identified, the buyer is informed of the identity of the selected vendor, and solicited for approval of the selected vendor. The non-selected vendors in the selection pool are informed of the bid prices and of the selection results. | 07-17-2014 |
20140214583 | DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT - A data distribution system, method and a computer program product therefor. Computers share resources with organizations in multiple locations. At least one selling agent supports organizations in each location. The selling agent placing offers to sell selected organizational data in an auction marketplace. At least one buying agent supports organizations in said each location. The buying agent selectively places bids responsive to offers to sell data and. A data discovery service provisioned on the computer(s) identifies potential buyers of organizational data and notifies respective buying agents of data available from other organizations. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214584 | MOBILE DEVICE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method designed for conducting bidding at auctions. The system may include an information server with a database for holding bid information; one or more wireless controllers with an application program for translating operations of a user into bid information that is transmitted to the information server; and a data communication network for providing wireless communication along at least part of the path between the wireless communicator and the information server. The method may include using the system including the application program generating data signals with bid information based on actions of the use on the wireless communicator. The actions translated by the application program may simulate some bidding behaviors common to live auction environments. | 07-31-2014 |
20140222605 | Promoting Individual System Goals Through System Recommendations - A social networking system presents recommendation units to its users. The recommendation units suggest actions for the users to increase their engagement with the social networking system or otherwise interact with other users. The social networking system establishes internal goals and associates bids for recommendation units with different goals. The bids reflect the value to the goal of a user interacting with a recommendation unit. Based on bids for recommendation units associated with one or more goals, expected values of the recommendation units arid determined. The recommendation units are ranked based on the expected values and one or more recommendation units are selected based on the ranking. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222606 | VARIABLE QUANTITY AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for conducting a variable quantity auction. A seller may determine a quantity range of items to be sold and a reserve price for acceptable bids. The auction may proceed in two phases. In a first phase, bidders bid on a quantity of items at a price that is at least the reserve price. In various embodiments, the first phase may be used to determine the total number of items to be sold in a second phase. In the second phase a price for the fixed quantity of items may be determined. In various embodiments, the second phase may proceed as a typical second item auction in which bidders may modify their bids until the end of the auction. The winning bidders may only pay for their items at the lowest qualifying bid. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222607 | Systems and Methods for Distributing Limited Edition Digital Artwork - Systems and methods for distributing limited edition digital artwork in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a digital art gallery server system includes a digital edition distribution server that includes a plurality of files containing digital artworks; a digital edition database containing data describing the digital artworks, a plurality of user accounts, the digital artworks specific user accounts are authorized to access, associations between digital edition entries referencing specific digital artworks and specific user accounts; and a digital edition management server configured to generate a limited number of digital edition entries referencing the digital artworks, generate a user interface that includes information regarding at least one digital edition for sale, associate a specific digital edition entry in the digital edition database with a specific user account upon the sale of each digital edition reflecting a chain of title indicating ownership to the sold digital edition. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236751 | Methods and System For Electronic Commerce Facility Client-Based Presentation Offer Management - A method, system and computer readable medium for facilitating interactive electronic commerce transactions over an electronic commerce network between a plurality of sellers and a plurality of buyers via an independent service provider. A request is received from a seller over the electronic commerce network to generate an auction program process associated with the seller. The auction program process associated with the seller is generated by an electronic commerce computer of the independent service provider. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) hyperlink associated with the auction program process is generated by the electronic commerce computer. The URL hyperlink is communicated to the seller for insertion into a web page hosted on a website other than the independent service provider's website, wherein the web page displays information about an item for sale. The auction program process generated by the electronic commerce computer of the independent service provider is activated when a buyer clicks on the inserted hyperlink on the hosting website. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236752 | ELECTRONIC BOND AND GUARANTY PROCESS AND BUSINESS METHOD - Disclosed is a method by which suretyship bonds and guaranties can be purchased and deployed over the Internet in real time, providing automatic application evaluation and policy binding. The principal's credit card information is used in a repeating cycle of pre-authorized charges so that the card account serves as effective collateral. A bond seal image, safeguarded against piracy, appears in Web pages indicating the existence of bond coverage. A dynamically updated gauge displays the margin of coverage available under the bond at any given moment. Means of integrating the information technology of auction site and surety company are also disclosed. The invention makes possible an unprecedented level of security in user-to-user auction environments and eliminates the need for online escrow services. Means of accepting bidder deposit accounts is also disclosed, enabling automatic, electronic payment the moment an Internet auction closes and eliminating the need for online payment services. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236753 | NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCE IN A GEO-SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT - A method of neighborhood commerce in a geo-spatial environment is disclosed. In one embodiment method includes associating a verified registered user with a user profile in a constrained online neighborhood community network that verifies all addresses of users, permitting the verified registered user to mark their profile as private, associating the user profile with a specific geographic location, marking a status of specific ones of the item data as being at least one of an on-sale status, a for-loan status, a free status, a donation status and a not-for-sale status based on responses of the user in populating an inventory database, and publishing the inventory database based on a request of the user during a duration of a specific day and time when an inventory is marketable. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244418 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CLOCK AUCTIONS AND COMBINATORIAL CLOCK AUCTIONS - The present invention provides improvements applicable to dynamic auctions such as clock auctions or combinatorial clock auctions. In a first embodiment, the present invention includes an improved activity rule that constrains the bids that may be submitted by a bidder, based on the bidder's own prior bids. In a second embodiment, the present invention includes an improved pricing rule that appropriately discounts the amounts (as compared to linear pricing) of bids that need to be submitted by a bidder. In a third embodiment, the present invention includes an improved iterative first-price auction. Bidders successively make bids, often a bid for a package of items at a specified price. When the auction concludes, some of these bids become “winning” bids; the respective bidders win the items specified in their winning bids and pay the prices specified in their winning bids. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention combines two or all three of these improvements. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244419 | Implementing Auctions on Social Network Platforms - A system platform and associated methods are provided for implementing online reverse auctions in a social network platform (SNP). A fully-automated, live, reverse-auction based system is integrated into an SNP to enable buyers to initiate desired transactions and take advantage of a subscribers' network of friends, colleagues, co-workers, family members and connections by connecting buyers and sellers in a non-intrusive, targeted fashion. Sellers compete for buyers' business by providing dynamic, real-time seller-specific pricing while simultaneously optimizing the seller's target parameters such as price, inventory levels, profit, revenue and volume. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244420 | Group Formation and Dynamic Pricing for E-Commerce in Social Networks - A system platform and associated methods are provided for implementing online reverse auctions in a social network platform (SNP). A fully-automated, live, reverse-auction based system is integrated into an SNP to enable buyers to initiate desired transactions and take advantage of a subscribers' network of friends, colleagues, co-workers, family members and connections by connecting buyers and sellers in a non-intrusive, targeted fashion. Sellers compete for buyers' business by providing dynamic, real-time seller-specific pricing while simultaneously optimizing the seller's target parameters such as price, inventory levels, profit, revenue and volume. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244421 | Method, System and Business Model for a Buyer's Auction with Near Perfect Information Using the Internet - A methodology, system and business model are disclosed for facilitating a fully automated buyer's auction in which the major types of transaction costs are significantly reduced by providing the buyer and the sellers with near-perfect information about one another, including information about buyer preferences and competing sellers' offers. The system implements a buyer's auction with multidimensional bidding that minimizes market intelligence, search, bargaining and transaction execution costs and thus creates more competitive, frictionless markets. Buyers and sellers can efficiently conduct the buyer's auction within a unified environment, thereby minimizing buyer integration costs as well. The buyer's auction generates commercially marketable proprietary information and a revenue stream for the auctioneer providing such a service. | 08-28-2014 |
20140258013 | ENTITY-BASED SEARCHING WITH CONTENT SELECTION - Systems and methods for entity-based searching with content selection include receiving a search query and determining that the search query corresponds to a search entity. The search entity may be associated with an online action, thereby forming an entity-action pair. Auction parameters that specify the entity-action pair may be used to select third-party content. A visual layout for the third-party content may be generated based on the relationship between a search query and the entity-action pair and used as part of the presentation of the third-party content on a search result screen. | 09-11-2014 |
20140258014 | ENTITY-BASED SEARCHING WITH CONTENT SELECTION - Systems and methods for entity-based searching with content selection include receiving a search query and determining that the search query corresponds to a search entity. The search entity may be associated with an online action, thereby forming an entity-action pair. Auction parameters that specify the entity-action pair may be used to select third-party content. Search results based on the search query, the search entity, and the selected third-party content may be provided for presentation as part of a search result screen. | 09-11-2014 |
20140258015 | SELECTIVELY LINKING AUCTIONS TO END AT THE SAME TIME - An auction forum in which multiple auctions are selected to end at a common end time based on a determination that the selected auctions are likely to interest a common set of prospective bidders. | 09-11-2014 |
20140258016 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING RECOMMENDATIONS - Example methods and systems are directed to generating recommendations based on one or more user inventories, which may be stored in a database. The inventory may include items (e.g., physical goods, electronic goods, and financial assets) owned by a user. A machine may use the database to provide suggestions to the user to buy or sell items. The machine may also use the database to provide suggestions to the user to join a community. The database may be used in conjunction with an electronic commerce site. The machine may be aware of which items in the site are being viewed by the user. The recommendation made by the machine may take into account the item being viewed. The user may be able to view the current market value for each item individually, the total value for a selection of items, or the total value for all items. | 09-11-2014 |
20140279133 | FAULT TOLERANT COMBINATORIAL AUCTIONS FOR TASKS HAVING TIME AND PRECEDENCE CONSTRAINTS WITH BONUSES AND PENALTIES - There is disclosed a method of conducting an auction under execution uncertainty to satisfy incentive compatibility, individual rationality, and efficiency by leveraging bonuses and penalties. A buyer posts a task including multiple sub-tasks. The buyer specifies temporal and precedence relationships among the sub-tasks. The buyer also specifies the time interval for the sub-tasks. Suppliers submit bids including their interested sub-tasks, prices, and proposed schedules. A winner determination problem is formulated based on bid prices, suppliers' success probabilities in delivering the sub-tasks, and the suppliers' schedules of undertaking sub-tasks. Having decided the winners, suppliers who delivered with success will be granted bonuses and those who were not able to deliver will be imposed penalties. The bonuses and penalties are formulated under a verification assumption. The combinatorial mechanism using the formulated winner determination rule and payment rule including bonuses and penalties satisfy economic properties such as incentive compatibility, individual rationality, and efficiency. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279134 | Method and system for extending participation in an online auction to a winning bidder - The invention is a secondary exchange system attached to an online auction system which provides winners with the ability to extend their play. The online auction system facilitates the sale of goods and services through an auction which offers bidders the potential for purchasing goods and services at huge discounts from retail pricing. The invention enables winning bidders to optionally exchange their purchase for alternative items or credits towards future auctions. This provides the participant a validation for the purchase of the initial item, the option of exchanging for an item of greater perceived personal value, or the means to extend their play and enjoy the excitement of the experience without additional cost. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279135 | REPLACEMENT OF CONTENT ITEMS - Example systems may include: receiving an auction announcement message for a content inventory unit from an auction platform, where the auction announcement message includes an identifier that is associated with a user device; determining a bid for the content inventory unit based on data in a record associated with the identifier; transmitting the bid to the auction platform in response to the auction announcement message; transmitting a content item associated with the identifier in response to the auction announcement message; receiving a message indicating that the content item is presented on the user device; and updating a stored account value associated with the identifier based on an auction price for the content inventory unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279136 | BANDWIDTH AUCTIONING - A method, performed by a computer device, may include obtaining bandwidth use data associated with a network device and predicting a trough period in bandwidth use for the network device based on the obtained bandwidth use data. The method may further include providing an auction associated with a time period during the predicted trough period, wherein the auction offers use of the network device during the time period at a discounted price; receiving a bid, from a customer, for use of the network device during the time period via the auction; and provisioning one or more services on the network device for the customer based on the received bid, wherein the one or more services are provided for a duration of the auctioned time period. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279137 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC BID RESOLUTION - Methods, systems, and apparatus to resolve offers to provide an item to a consumer are described. An item may be one or more of a product and a service. A request for an item may be provided to one or more providers of the product and/or service. One or more bids to provide an offer for the requested item may be received and the received bids may be compared. The one or more providers may be informed of the one or more most competitive bids, and may provide revised bids until the bidding period ends. A consumer may be informed of the one or more most competitive offers. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279138 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VALUATION OF ITEMS USING PRICE ELASTICITY INFORMATION - A valuation of a subject item includes determining a transaction price for one or more comparable items. For each comparable transaction, one or more unsuccessful offers is determined. The valuation of the subject item may be based on a valuation of each of the one or more comparable items, and the valuation of each of the one or more comparable items may be based at least in part on the one or more unsuccessful offers for that item. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279139 | USING PLAIN TEXT TO LIST AN ITEM ON A PUBLICATION SYSTEM - Listing an item on a publication system involves sending the publication system an email or other communication that includes title, description and a picture of the item. The email may be in plain text, with the publication system using the email for listing the item with minimal complexity for the user. The publication system may receive the email, parse the email to extract title, description, price, classification, attributes and perhaps other information with respect to the item, and compose a view item page (“VIP”) for the item listing. The extracting may also be by decoding a product identifier in the communication. The VIP may be privately viewable and editable by the user. The user may then modify or otherwise confirm the VIP. When the user confirms the VIP, the VIP goes live as the listing on the publication system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279140 | METHODS FOR FACILITATING CONSIGNMENT AND SALES OF INVENTORY OR SERVICES, AND FOR TRIGGERING CONTENT - Methods of facilitating the sale of wares offered from vendors to buyers and for triggering content to the buyers through an intermediary platform in communication with the vendors and the buyers over an Internet include the intermediary platform and the buyer bargaining via a haggling process for a final sale price of a ware. During the haggling process, or if no bargain is reached for the ware in the haggling process or the haggling process for the item times-out after a transaction duration of time from the beginning of the haggling process elapses, the method includes the intermediary platform presenting content to the buyer. In response to the buyer interacting with the content, the method further includes the intermediary platform reinitiating the haggling process between the intermediary platform and the buyer for the ware. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279141 | RECEIVING CONTENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PARTICULAR LEVEL OF ACCESS ASSOCIATED WITH A PARTICULAR AMOUNT OF CONTENT ACCESS LATENCY - Computationally implemented methods and systems include receiving a bidding tag for a content that is to be offered for consumption at different levels of access for accessing the content, the different levels of access for accessing the content to be offered being associated with different amounts of content access latencies and different amounts of associated fees, and the bidding tag to be received at least identifying a content type to be offered for consumption and designed for eliciting one or more bids for the content, transmitting a bid in response, at least in part, to receiving the bidding tag, the bid to be transmitted being a request for accessing the content at a particular level of access, the particular level of access being for accessing the content with a particular amount of content access latency and for a particular amount of associated fee, the particular level of access having been selected from the different levels of access for accessing the content; and receiving the content in accordance with the particular level of access. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279142 | RECEIVING CONTENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PARTICULAR LEVEL OF ACCESS ASSOCIATED WITH A PARTICULAR AMOUNT OF CONTENT ACCESS LATENCY - Computationally implemented methods and systems include receiving a bidding tag for a content that is to be offered for consumption at different levels of access for accessing the content, the different levels of access for accessing the content to be offered being associated with different amounts of content access latencies and different amounts of associated fees, and the bidding tag to be received at least identifying a content type to be offered for consumption and designed for eliciting one or more bids for the content, transmitting a bid in response, at least in part, to receiving the bidding tag, the bid to be transmitted being a request for accessing the content at a particular level of access, the particular level of access being for accessing the content with a particular amount of content access latency and for a particular amount of associated fee, the particular level of access having been selected from the different levels of access for accessing the content; and receiving the content in accordance with the particular level of access. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279143 | TRANSMITTING CONTENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PARTICULAR LEVEL OF REQUESTED ACCESS ASSOCIATED WITH A PARTICULAR AMOUNT OF CONTENT ACCESS LATENCY - Computationally implemented methods and systems include transmitting a bidding tag that is designed to elicit one or more bids for accessing a content that is being offered for consumption at different levels of access for accessing the content, the different levels of access for accessing the content being associated with different amounts of content access latencies and different amounts of associated fees, and the bidding tag to be transmitted at least partially identifying the content to be offered for consumption, receiving a bid as a result, at least in part, to transmitting of the bidding tag, the bid to be received being a request for accessing the content at a particular level of access, the particular level of access being for accessing the content with a particular amount of content access latency and for a particular amount of associated fee, the particular level of access having been selected from the different levels of access for accessing the content; and transmitting the content in accordance with the particular level of access that was requested through the received bid. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279144 | ELICITING ONE MORE MORE BIDS FOR ACCESSING CONTENT AT ONE OR MORE LEVELS OF CONTENT ACCESS FROM TWO OR MORE CLIENT COMPUTING DEVICES - Computationally implemented methods and systems include communicating to two or more client computing devices at least one bidding tag that is designed to elicit one or more bids for accessing a content that is being offered for consumption at different levels of access for accessing the content, each of the different levels of access for accessing the content that is being offered for consumption being associated with a different content access latency and associated fee pair, and the at least one bidding tag to be communicated at least partially identifying the content to be offered for consumption, obtaining one or more bids as a result, at least in part, of communicating the at least one bidding tag to the two or more client computing devices, the one or more bids to be obtained being at least one or more requests for accessing the content at one or more levels of the different levels of access for accessing the content that is being offered for consumption; and releasing the content in accordance with the one or more obtained bids. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279145 | ELICITING ONE MORE MORE BIDS FOR ACCESSING CONTENT AT ONE OR MORE LEVELS OF CONTENT ACCESS FROM TWO OR MORE CLIENT COMPUTING DEVICES - Computationally implemented methods and systems include communicating to two or more client computing devices at least one bidding tag that is designed to elicit one or more bids for accessing a content that is being offered for consumption at different levels of access for accessing the content, each of the different levels of access for accessing the content that is being offered for consumption being associated with a different content access latency and associated fee pair, and the at least one bidding tag to be communicated at least partially identifying the content to be offered for consumption, obtaining one or more bids as a result, at least in part, of communicating the at least one bidding tag to the two or more client computing devices, the one or more bids to be obtained being at least one or more requests for accessing the content at one or more levels of the different levels of access for accessing the content that is being offered for consumption; and releasing the content in accordance with the one or more obtained bids. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279146 | PRESENTING CONTENT AS A RESULT, AT LEAST IN PART, TO RELAYING OF A BID AND FOLLOWING LAPSE OF A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF CONTENT ACCESS LATENCY - Computationally implemented methods and systems include presenting an interface for soliciting a bid for accessing a content following lapse of a specific amount of content access latency, the bid to be solicited including at least one user elected fee amount elected from a plurality of fee amounts available for election for the specific amount of content access latency, the user elected fee amount being an amount of fee being offered through the bid in exchange for accessing the content following lapse of the specific amount of content access latency: relaying the bid in response, at least in part, to obtaining the bid as a result of the soliciting, the bid to be relayed indicating at least the user elected fee amount; acquiring at least access to the content as a result, at least in part, of the relaying; and presenting at least the access to the content following lapse of the specific amount of content access latency. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279147 | PRESENTING CONTENT AS A RESULT, AT LEAST IN PART, TO RELAYING OF A BID AND FOLLOWING LAPSE OF A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF CONTENT ACCESS LATENCY - Computationally implemented methods and systems include presenting an interface for soliciting a bid for accessing a content following lapse of a specific amount of content access latency, the bid to be solicited including at least one user elected fee amount elected from a plurality of fee amounts available for election for the specific amount of content access latency, the user elected fee amount being an amount of fee being offered through the bid in exchange for accessing the content following lapse of the specific amount of content access latency: relaying the bid in response, at least in part, to obtaining the bid as a result of the soliciting, the bid to be relayed indicating at least the user elected fee amount; acquiring at least access to the content as a result, at least in part, of the relaying; and presenting at least the access to the content following lapse of the specific amount of content access latency. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279148 | ACQUIRING OPEN BIDS FOR ONE OR MORE CONTENT ACCESS LATENCIES AND PROVIDING CONTENT ACCORDINGLY - Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring from a plurality of users a plurality of open bids for one or more content access latencies, each of the plurality of open bids to be received indicating one or more offer amounts submitted by the plurality of users that the plurality of users are offering in exchange for being provided at least access to a specific content with the one or more content access latencies; determining which one or more of the plurality of open bids indicate at least the highest offer amount amongst the plurality of open bids; and providing at least access to the specific content to one or more of the plurality of users in accordance, at least in part, with the determining. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279149 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REVERSE AUCTIONS TO FACILITATE REQUESTING AND OFFERING OF SERVICES - A system and method to secure the best bid for a service requester and contract price for a service provider is provided in an Internet or Intranet based reverse auction. Service requesters, or customers, provide details of the work that needs to be completed and service providers give their best bid and the lowest price that they can do the work for as auction bids. The reverse auction is given a certain time period in which to run and bids can be updated in real time, or through prepared reserve bids, so that the Service Provider with the lowest bid secures the contact information of the Service Requestor in exchange the Service Requestor receives a competitive quote for the work. The auctions can be publically open to all qualified contractors or can be private, by invitation, to certain Service Providers. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279150 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING PERSONALITIES TO FACILITATE THE COMPLETION OF AN ONLINE AUCTION - A method and system for progressing an auction is provided. Examples include an auction analysis component configured to analyze an auction forum for auctions that are likely to complete without a reserve price being met (i.e., triggered auctions), and a personality selection component configured to select a personality capable of facilitating the progression of a triggered auction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279151 | VALUATION TOOL FOR AN ONLINE AUCTION OF A REAL PROPERTY ASSET - A computer-implemented method for generating an indicator of value relating to a real property asset is provided. The method includes providing a user interface that includes one or more prompts for soliciting information associated with the real property asset. Data associated with the real property asset is received. Based on the data associated with the real property asset, comparable data associated with one or more comparable assets is determined. An auction reserve price for the real property asset is generated based on the data associated with the real property asset and the comparable data. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279152 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING AUTOMATIC BIDDING TO PROMOTE LOWER RESERVE PRICE IN ACTIVE AUCTIONS - A method and system for using automatic bidding to promote lower reserve prices in active auctions are described. While an auction is ongoing, the system prompts the seller to reduce the reserve price without notice to prospective bidders and enters new bids generated by the seller or the system to promote the auction and attempt to bring it to a successful sale. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279153 | SELLER DASHBOARD AND RESERVE PRICE LOWERING - A method and system for a seller auction dashboard and reserve price lowering are described. The system generates a dashboard presentation that displays real-time information about each of a seller's auctions including a current price, reserve price, and an indicator of whether the latest bid was set by a prospective buyer or the seller masquerading as a buyer. The dashboard also indicates which auctions are below their reserve prices and displays reserve price suggestions and success probabilities based on qualitative and quantitative metrics. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279154 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AND SUBMITTING A BID REPORT FOR A SHORT SALE AUCTION - A method and system for triggering a short sale auction upon the event of the short sale offer for an item and generating a bid report corresponding to the auction. Examples may include a report generator configured to analyze auction data and generate a bid report accordingly. The report generator may further be configured to submit the bid report to a lienholder of the item. Further variations may include an extension component configured to extend the auction period upon the occurrence of an event. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279155 | ONLINE CREATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A SHORT SALE TRANSACTION OF REAL PROPERTY - A computer-implemented method for creating a short sale for a real property asset is provided. The method includes providing a seller interface for network communication with a seller and prompting the seller for information associated with the real property asset. The information includes media content relating to different points-of-interest of the asset. The information associated with the asset is aggregated to generate a short sale listing. The seller is also prompted for financial hardship information, and market information regarding the real property asset. The financial hardship information and the market information are assembled into a short sale package for submission to a lending institution that holds a note on the real property asset. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279156 | Method and Computer Medium for Facilitating a Buyer-initiated Transaction in Commerce - A buyer-initiated method, system and business model for matching parties interested in conducting an internet initiated transaction is described. Through the use of this method, a request is placed by buyer at a client server system. Sellers can receive a response to a purchaser's request via the client server system by one or more methods such as: 1) Entering a search term of at least one word, or; 2) if a seller has buyer's request, seller automatically receives notification by one or more electronic methods such as an internet communication or a telecommunication text message. Sellers may search client server's database for a buyer's request for a product or service the seller controls or owns. An escrow service is provided by the business model should clients prefer a secure transaction. The system and model of the present invention can generate revenue streams from buyers and sellers for the service provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279157 | USER PUBLISHED AUCTIONS IN ONLINE MEDIUMS - A method and system is disclosed for user-published interactive widgets for auctions hosted by an auction forum resource. Examples include an auction forum configured to generate a script associated with an auction upon a publisher-request, and to provide the script to be published on the publisher's resource, resulting in an external interactive component displayed on the publisher's resource. Example features may be configured to respond to user inputs submitted from the interactive component. Furthermore, reward logic can be included to issue a reward to the publisher associated with the script request. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279158 | ARRANGING RELEVANT SERVICES FOR AN ONLINE ASSET TRANSACTION - A method and system for arranging relevant services for an online asset transaction are described. Upon detecting an event while monitoring an auction, the system identifies services and third-party service providers within the same geographic region as the asset being auctioned that are relevant to the asset. Buyers and the seller of the asset are notified of these services and can choose to let the system manage the completion of the service by initiating and monitoring the provider's performance in carrying out a defined workflow specific to the asset. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279159 | PROGRESSIVE LOT BIDDING FOR ONLINE AUCTIONS - A bidding process is initiated for a lot of multiple items. Upon the bidding process being complete, a highest bid is determined for the lot of multiple items. A highest bidder is prompted to select a number of items from the lot of multiple items for transaction based on the highest bid. A number of remaining items are determined after the selected number of items are removed from the lot. For a duration of time, one or more other auction participants are prompted to select any one or more of the remaining items for transaction based on the highest bid. After the duration, a second bidding process is initiated for a lot of multiple remaining items that were not selected for transaction by the one or more other participants. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279160 | AUCTION REPORT GENERATOR - A method and system for generating an auction report script are described. An inventory of possible assets to be auctioned is monitored during an auction event for changes in the assets' availability statuses. Script content is generated for an auctioneer based on the assets which have a status of available for auction, and the content of this script is repeatedly updated during the auction event. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279161 | ONLINE TRANSACTION TOOL - A system for enabling and conducting an alternative transaction process for communicating price offers while conducting an online transaction in a networked environment is described. A transaction involving an item being offered for sale at a list price on an online medium is identified. Offers below the list price are received from potential buyers, but while the offers are below a minimum designated price, the seller is prompted to reduce the minimum designated price and is provided an interface for placing offers under an alias that pretend to outbid the previous bidders. When an offer is received that meets the minimum designated price, the alternate transaction process and the original transaction on the online medium are designated as complete based on the highest offer for the item. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279162 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING ASSET PROFILE INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH AN ONLINE AUCTION IN ORDER TO DETERMINE AUCTION OUTCOME AND/OR PRICING - An auction is conducted for an online auction environment. A set of characteristics are determined for a given asset of the auction, and asset profile information is determined for the given asset based on the set of characteristics. In particular, the asset profile information can be determined from one or more prior auctions provided at the online auction environment. The asset profile information can be based on one or more corresponding assets, each of which are deemed to be comparable to the given asset based on the one or more corresponding assets each having a set of characteristics that are similar to the set of characteristics of the given asset of the auction. A prediction is made as to whether the auction of the given asset will be successful based at least in part on the asset profile information. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279163 | PROFILING AUCTION ASSETS AND/OR PARTICIPANTS TO PREDICT AUCTION OUTCOME - A profile of one or more users of the online auction environment is developed. The profile of each user can be based at least in part on historical auction activity of that user. An auction of the online auction environment that is in progress is monitored. A prediction is determined as to whether the auction will be successful based at least in part on the profile of the one or more users that are participating in the auction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279164 | VIRTUAL ONLINE AUCTION FORUM - A method and system for auctioning an item over a network inside a virtual auction forum populated by graphical representations of users is described. Virtual profiles containing graphical representations are associated with each of the users of an auction forum, and the auction for the item is virtualized. The users of the auction forum participate as bidders in the virtual auction with their graphical representations, and some events in the virtual auction are represented through the users' graphical representations. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279165 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING UNITS TO USERS IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT - Described herein are systems and methods for allocating units to users, for example in the context of an online auction environment. In overview, the technology described herein provides for an auction process whereby a decrementing price is combined with a competitive hidden-bid process. Users participate in the auction for the purpose of obtaining a desired number of units from a stockpile of like units, such as bottles of a particular batch of wine. The users effectively have two modes of participation. The first is to purchase units at a system-defined price, which decrements at predetermined intervals. The second is to place a bid at a user-defined price, this bid being deemed as successful when the system-defined price decrements to a value of equal to or less than the user-defined price. | 09-18-2014 |
20140289064 | PROVIDING INFORMATION OF ASSETS FOR TRANSACTION TO A USER BASED ON THE USER PROFILE - A method for providing information of assets available for transaction to a user is provided. A report is provided to a computing device operated by the user. The report includes one or more entries that each corresponds to an asset that is made to be available during an auction. Each entry can include a link for the corresponding asset. In response to receiving user selection of one or more links on the report, one or more assets corresponding to the one or more selected links are determined. A profile of the user is updated with information associated with the determined one or more assets. | 09-25-2014 |
20140289065 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND UTILIZING NON-BIDDING ACTIVITY OF BIDDERS IN AN ONLINE AUCTION - The non-bidding activity of one or more bidders of an auction is detected over an online interface of the auction environment. The activity of the one or more bidders is detected while the one or more bidders are participating in the auction. The non-bidding activity is correlated to an interest metric for the auction. Information is communicated that is based on the interest metric. The information can be communicated to either a seller or a bidder of the auction. | 09-25-2014 |
20140289066 | COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING AUCTIONS OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK - There is provided a computer system for conducting auctions over a computer network, comprising: a posting system operable to post on the computer network information describing each lot of a plurality of lots that are available for bidding by a plurality of bidders, each lot including at least one item; a bid receiving system for receiving a bid relating to at least a portion of a lot of the plurality of lots, characterized in that the posting system is operable to define an n-dimensional matrix, where n is at least 2, wherein the matrix comprises the plurality of lots, and wherein the posting system is operable to post the matrix on the computer network. A computer-implemented method relating to the computer system, and a computer-readable medium containing instructions for implementing the computer-implemented method, are also provided. | 09-25-2014 |
20140289067 | COMPUTER-BASED RIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH TEMPORAL VARIATION - An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed. | 09-25-2014 |
20140297443 | Method of bidding to qualify and win a meeting in an on-line auction - Method of bidding in an on-line auction to qualify and satisfy requirements for winning meeting time with a person, either in-person or through an interactive on-line communications network such as the Internet. The method includes the bidder uploading a document or data on-line with information relative and in response to the stated meeting requirements or criteria of meeting host when placing a bid, acceptance of meeting bids based on the information submitted, not accepting meeting bids based on the highest bid amount, accepting one or multiple bids and scheduling one or multiple meetings in a single meeting auction. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297444 | LOT BIDDING OPTIMIZATION AND COMMUNICATION - A method and system of optimizing portion bidding in a lot auction is provided. Disclosed examples include a bid detector configured to identify the occurrence of portion bidding in a lot auction. Further features can include communication module configured to communicate auction updates to the lot bidders participating in the auction. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297445 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT ASSETS FOR A LIVE AUCTION - A method for providing information about a plurality of assets for an auction is provided. A list can be generated by communicating with one or more asset listing sources. The list can identify a plurality of assets and a status of each asset in advance of a scheduled auction. The scheduled auction can have a start time on a start date. The one or more asset listing sources can be periodically communicated with to determine a change in the status of one or more assets at first time intervals until a predetermined time and at second time intervals from the predetermined time. The list can be updated based on the changed one or more statutes. A report can be communicated based on the updated list and can include information about at least one asset and at least one corresponding status. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297446 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT ASSETS DURING A LIVE AUCTION - A method for providing information about an auction for a plurality of assets is provided. A plurality of assets that is made to be available during an auction is identified. Each of the plurality of assets includes an auction state. During the auction, a matrix interface is displayed. The matrix interface includes a plurality of entries, where each entry identifies a corresponding asset and the auction state of that asset. The auction state of one or more assets is dynamically updated during the auction. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297447 | FLEXIBLE COMMERCIAL LOAN POOL - Bidding activity is analyzed over a duration in which multiple bids are received in the auction. A bid increment is dynamically determined for the auction in response to auction activity. An online auction system can utilize the bid increment to determine or suggest the next bid that can be received in the auction for purpose of supplanting the current bid. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297448 | PURCHASING SYSTEM ON INTERNET AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a technology for purchasing an item to purchase automatically and jointly by using the internet, in particular to a purchasing system and a method thereof on the internet which is capable of economizing human and material resources and lowering the unit cost of an item by performing all processes from a notice of tender to an ordering automatically on the internet and purchasing an item required for many companies and establishments jointly. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297449 | CALL TO ACTION LOCKOUT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A Call-To-Action Lockout on a mobile device coupled to a data network is disclosed as a method and apparatus comprising providing a media application configured to respond to a control point associated with media content, providing media content which has at least one associated control point, triggering at least one control point while experiencing the media content; and performing an appropriate Call To Action Script (CTAS) in response to the triggered control point. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297450 | System and Method of Auctioning a Defaulted Loan - A method and system for conducting an online property auction whereby the system allows for identifying an owner of property willing to sell his property by an online auction, entering into a contract with the owner obligating him to complete the sales of his property conducted pursuant to terms of the contract; pre-arranging a minimum auction price for his property that accounts for the owner's interest, plus costs and fees, conducting the on-line auction with a plurality of bidders for his property whereby at the on-line auction's conclusion there is a winning bidder and ensuring the transfer of the winning bidder's funds to the escrow holder. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297451 | COMPUTER-BASED AUCTION METHOD AND AUCTION SYSTEM - A computer-based auction method and auction system in which vendors offer products, services and/or information as auction objects, auction object data relating to the auction objects being captured in an input module and being disseminated over telecommunications channels, and in which interested customers make auction bids for offered auction objects, bid data being prepared and being sent over a telecommunications network to an evaluation unit, where they are evaluated and the best bid for the auction object is determined, class designations based on a predefined object classification being inserted into the auction object data and the auction object data being filtered based on customer-specific object profiles, and during the preparation of the bid data in the communication terminal of the customer a bid amount entered by the interested customer is linked to at least certain data contained in the auction object data. | 10-02-2014 |
20140304098 | System and Method for a Dynamic Auction with Package Bidding - The present invention is a system and method for a computer-implemented auction, based on a system with multiple bidder and auctioneer computers or terminals ( | 10-09-2014 |
20140304099 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE PROPERTY LEASING - Methods and apparatus are described to facilitate the leasing of property, including the posting of properties to be leased, accepting bids from applicants, and mediating an auction process. The method and apparatus accepts multiple criteria bids, such as a rent, lease term, and move in date, and ranks the offers provided by applicants. Alternatively, or in addition, the method and apparatus includes the ability for the owner to set terms which may be accepted without competitive bidding among applicants. The method and apparatus also include the ability to provide applicants with feedback on the ranking of their bid. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304100 | LIVE AUCTION PARTICIPATION UTILIZING A COUPLED BIDDING DEVICE - The ability to participate in an active auction is enabled for remote bidders by allowing the remote bidder to use a bidding device coupled to an active auction through a network. The remote bidding device receives live audio from the auction with minimal delay, and can receive and provide bidding information to the auction in real time. As such, the remote bidder can participate with equal standing as local participants. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304101 | AUCTION METHOD AND SERVER - Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price. The auction method includes maintaining, at an auction server, a database of the highest price of a specific product, the lowest price offered by a seller, and the limited number of successful bidders, receiving, at the auction server, bidding information including bid prices for the specific product between the lowest price and the highest price from bidders, selecting, at the auction server, a lowest successful bidder from among the bidders in consideration of the limited number of successful bidders and the bidding information when a predetermined bidding time elapses, and requesting, at the auction server, payment from all successful bidders using a successful bid price of the lowest successful bidder as a sale price on the basis of bidding information about the lowest successful bidder. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304102 | SECURE TRANSFER OF ONLINE PRIVILEGES INCLUDING NON-FINANCIAL OPTIONS - Transferring online privileges, including: receiving a request for a payment including one or more non-financial items; debiting the one or more non-financial items from a second account; and crediting the one or more non-financial items to a first account, wherein the first account and the second account are accounts residing in a points server. | 10-09-2014 |
20140310119 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN ORDER OF PRESENTATION OF SEARCH RESULTS - A method and system for determining an order of presentation of the search results is provided. An example system comprises a search request detector, a search engine, and an intermingler. The search request detector may be configured to receive a search request, and the search engine may be configured to determine search results based on the search request. The search results may comprise a first set of items of a first type and a second set of items of a second type. The number of items in the first set and the number of items in the second may reflect a predetermined target ratio. The intermingler may be configured to determine an order of presentation of the search results in a list of search results based on the target ratio. | 10-16-2014 |
20140310120 | AUCTION SYSTEM, AUCTION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AUCTION PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SAME - An auction system is disclosed in which a submitting node device is configured to transmit to an auction management device product information describing a product, re-auction information indicating whether or not the product is to be re-auctioned when an initial auction fails to result in a transaction, and sale conditions information including sale conditions for the product. The auction management device is configured to present said product for auction, based on said product information. The auction management device is also configured to receive at least one bid indicating purchase conditions from at least one bidding node device. Additionally, the auction management device is configured to determine whether the purchase conditions match the sale conditions. The auction management device is also configured to, when (i) the purchase conditions do not match the sale conditions and (ii) the re-auction information indicates that the product is to be re-auctioned, re-present said product for auction. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316922 | PASSBACK AUCTION - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating content. In one aspect, a method includes identifying bids for a plurality of eligible bidders that are eligible to provide a content item in response to a content item request. From among the eligible bidders, a set of passback bidders having a passback capability are identified. The passback capability provides passback bidders an option refuse to provide a content item. From among the bidders, a set of general bidders, for which the passback capability is not enabled, are identified. A bidder chain that includes a highest general bidder and passback bidders is generated. A highest bidder in the bidder chain that does not refuse to provide a content item after being identified as the winning bidder is selected as the final bidder. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316923 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SPECIFIC SERVICE - The present invention provides a method for providing a service to a device having an interest in a specific service in a device-to-device (D2D) condition. The method includes: searching for a device which enters into an area managed by a device which provides the specific service; and identifying an interest of the searched device in the specific service and inviting the searched device to participate in the specific service. In the method, by selectively connecting a session based on a service interest, an efficient management in view of an entire network capacity is possible and an advantage of reducing a time for session connection is achieved. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324617 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE-BASED BID MATCHING - Embodiments relate to multi-dimensional surface-based bid matching. An aspect includes receiving a bid from a first user, the bid comprising a plurality of ranges, wherein each range of the plurality of ranges corresponds to a respective dimension of a plurality of dimensions. Another aspect includes determining a first bid surface in the plurality of dimensions based on the plurality of ranges of the bid of the first user. Another aspect includes modifying the first bid surface based on a match to the bid of the first user, the match comprising a point on a second bid surface corresponding to a bid from a second user. Another aspect includes wherein, if the first user comprises a work requester, the second user comprises a work producer, and if the first user comprises a work producer, the second user comprises a work requester. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324618 | RESTRICTING AN AUCTION TO ACTIVE BIDDERS BY EXCLUDING JUMPERS - A method of hosting an auction is disclosed. The auction has, for each specified time, a current highest bid value. The method includes receiving, from a first bidder, a first bid having a first bid value. The method also includes evaluating the first bid to a) determine that the first bid value exceeds the current highest bid value of the auction by at least a first minimum increment, b) determine that the first bid value is within a first price range, and c) determine that the first bidder has placed at least one previous bid, such that the at least one previous bid caused the current highest bid value to be increased by at least a first minimum total amount. The method also includes replacing the current highest bid value with the value of the first bid received from the first bidder. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324619 | REVERSE AUCTIONS FOR TRADE ITEMS - The present invention concerns computer-based methods and systems for performing buyer-initiated reverse auctions to purchase consumer products and services. The invention allows a prospective buyer who commits to purchase a particular consumer good or service for not more than a buyer-specified price to initiate a reverse auction online amongst accredited vendors of the consumer product or service in order to purchase the product or service on terms at least as favorable as initially specified by the buyer. In a preferred embodiment, a computer system according to the invention includes a network computer that receives particular product/service descriptions and buyer-specified price ceilings from financially committed buyers. The system then initiates a reverse auction amongst accredited potential vendors who bid against one another in an effort to secure the sale. Upon the auction's closing, the accredited vendor that offered the most favorable terms to the buyer is awarded the sale. The vendor is then paid and the product or service delivered or provided to the buyer. The present invention will revolutionize commerce by empowering buyers to purchase products and services at or below prices they determine. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324620 | INCREASING THE UTILITY OF OPPORTUNISTIC AND TIME CRITICAL GOODS AND SERVICES - Embodiments of the present invention provide a service to goods and/or service providers and consumers in the traditional context of a “first-come, first-served queue” or “class based” queue. A provider presents a listing of one or offerings to consumers to solicit bids for a good or service associated with the offering. After receiving an acceptable bid from a user, the provider provides feedback regarding the bid that indicates the ranking of the user with respect to other bidders in the bidding process. Based on the feedback, the user may submit a modified bid. Following confirmation of a bid by a user, a winning bid is determined and the user is notified. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330662 | Polling Method for Auction, Raffle, or Lotto in a Social Network System - A pooling method includes steps of providing each user of the social network system with bidding money, providing with bidding tickets; forming a bidding team of a maximum number of members among the plurality of users, and each member's entering the auction room by satisfying the auction-room-entrance condition and participating the bidding session as the bidding team by satisfying the auction-entrance condition. If any one or more members of the bidding team win the auction satisfying a predetermined winning condition, all the members of the bidding team are awarded with the target item and their BM, the BT, the BM+BT, or their combinations are nullified, which are used in the bidding session. If losing the auction, their BM, the BT, the BM+BT or their combinations of each member of the bidding team are nullified or refunded partially or entirely. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330663 | REVERSE AUCTIONS FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - The present invention concerns computer-based methods and systems for performing buyer-initiated reverse auctions to purchase consumer products and services. The invention allows a prospective buyer who commits to purchase a particular consumer good or service for not more than a buyer-specified price to initiate a reverse auction online amongst accredited vendors of the consumer product or service in order to purchase the product or service on terms at least as favorable as initially specified by the buyer. In a preferred embodiment, a computer system according to the invention includes a network computer that receives particular product/service descriptions and buyer-specified price ceilings from financially committed buyers. The system then initiates a reverse auction amongst accredited potential vendors who bid against one another in an effort to secure the sale. Upon the auction's closing, the accredited vendor that offered the most favorable terms to the buyer is awarded the sale. The vendor is then paid and the product or service delivered or provided to the buyer. The present invention will revolutionize commerce by empowering buyers to purchase products and services at or below prices they determine. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330664 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING AN ELECTRONIC LAND AUCTION - Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of conducting an electronic auction. The method may include: identifying a plurality of land listings that each correspond to a parcel of land that is available for auction; identifying the parcel of land of one land listing of the plurality of land listings; providing an electronic auction for the identified parcel of land; determining, using one or more of the plurality of land listings, an additional parcel of land that is available for auction, the additional parcel of land being spatially proximate to the identified parcel of land; and providing a user interface for displaying the identified parcel of land, displaying a physical position of the identified parcel of land relative to the additional parcel of land, and receiving bid inputs for the electronic auction. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330665 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEGOTIATING IMPROVED TERMS FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BEING PURCHASED THROUGH THE INTERNET - A method and system for negotiating improved terms for a product being purchased over the Internet. Once a purchaser has made a decision to buy a specific product over the Internet, the purchaser may use the services of a personal negotiating broker-agent program to beat the best available purchase transaction within a specifiable time window. The personal broker-agent program may detect an issuance of a commitment to purchase over the Internet by a purchaser. The personal broker-agent program may then make an offer to the purchaser the option of waiting a predetermined amount of time while the broker agent searches for improved items. On acceptance of the option by the purchaser, the personal broker-agent program may conduct an auction and/or search the Internet for a better deal and may evaluate the auction and/or search responses to determine the best deal. The personal broker-agent program may then execute the best deal. If the purchaser elects not to accept the option from the personal broker-agent program, then the purchaser may execute the commitment to purchase transaction without delay. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330666 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC COMMERCE PLATFORM - A method performed on a computer server system hosting an electronic commerce platform is provided for incentivizing provision of sales assistance services by customer service representatives to sellers of products or services on the platform, without inflating product or service pricing with commission fees or artificially lowering product pricing. Thereby a number of sellers participating on the platform may be increased. A registration is received from a seller for access to the platform. The seller is charged a periodic fee for access to features of the platform additional to sale listings. A listing of a product or service for sale by the seller is received on the platform. The registration from the seller is associated with a customer service representative indicated as providing assistance services to the seller in listing the product or service for sale on the platform. A transaction for a purchase of the product or service is processed. All funds received from the purchase of the product or service are remitted to the seller. The representative is then compensated for the assistance services on a recurring basis with a portion of the periodic fee rather than a transaction fee on the funds received from the purchase. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330667 | AUCTIONING SYSTEM AND METHODS INTERACTING WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES - An auctioning system and methods interacting with multiple devices are set forth that includes a main server, remote terminals, and remote individual communication devices that communicate with one another and are adapted to display information to a user about a product or service for sale, and information pertaining to predefined auction parameters for the user to attempt to purchase said product or service. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330668 | AUCTIONING SYSTEM AND METHODS INTERACTING WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES - An auctioning system and methods interacting with multiple devices are set forth that includes a main server, remote terminals, and remote individual communication devices that communicate with one another and are adapted to display information to a user about a product or service for sale, and information pertaining to predefined auction parameters for the user to attempt to purchase said product or service. | 11-06-2014 |
20140337155 | Systems and Methods for Implementing Heuristic-Based Auctions - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for implementing heuristic-based auctions for complex resource allocations. The systems and methods include an auctioneer's system that uses a bid-entry device comprising a dedicated system for each bidder to collect bid information and a mechanism by which the auctioneer may communicate results or current prices to bidders in a dynamic process. The auctioneer's system may be coupled to a database that stores information about the items for sale including bid information. The auctioneer's system may be configured to query this database and receive answers with information required to determine allocations and prices. The auctioneer's system may also be coupled, via a communication link, to one or more feasibility-checker systems, comprising a parallel array of one or more computing systems that implements the feasibility-checking process at any given round in a dynamic implementation or any computational iteration in a sealed-bid implementation. | 11-13-2014 |
20140337156 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF PROCESSOR TIME WITH OFFICIAL AUCTION TIME - A method is disclosed herein for displaying time lapse for an on-line auction for an item in a computer. According to the method, the processor time in the computer is obtained and compared to the official auction time for the items being auctioned in the on-line auction which is obtained from the on-line auction service. The users computer compares the obtained processor time to the obtained official auction time and correlates the end of time from the on-line auction service to a processor end of time which corresponds to the user's time. The computer then displays the time left correlated to the processor's time preferably in a visual countdown graphical icon. | 11-13-2014 |
20140344094 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM - Apparatus, method, program, and recording medium for notifying the probability of bids by other user to a user before the other user makes a bid. An information processing server specifies an alert notification target auction where a prompt decision price has been set, specifies a bid price monitoring target auction where at least one of an item name and an item code of an item exhibited in the alert notification target auction is matched, and notifies an alert to at least one of a bidder who makes a bid at the alert notification target auction where the prompt decision price has been set, and a certain potential bidder who probably makes a bid at the auction, when the highest bid price in the bid price monitoring target auction satisfies the predetermined condition for the reference price according to the prompt decision price set to the alert notification target auction. | 11-20-2014 |
20140344095 | METHOD AND SERVER FOR PROVIDING AUCTIONING GUIDE SEARCH - A method for providing auctioning guide search, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: an auction guide search provision server outputting to an auction bidding user terminal a keyword input interface, which is an interface enabled with keyword input for searching an auction item, when an auction registered user terminal receives a request input for searching a registered auction item from a connected auction bidding user terminal; determining whether the number of auction items searched through an inputted auction item search keyword exceeds a predetermined number, when the inputted auction item search keyword to be searched is received from the auction bidding user terminal; outputting to the auction bidding user terminal at least one auction item from results that exceed the predetermined number so that a user can select a desired auction item from the number of auction items that exceed the predetermined number, when the number of auction items searched exceeds the predetermined number; and outputting to the auction bidding user terminal bidding information input interface, which is an interface for receiving inputted bidding information with respect to an auction item selected in accordance with an item selection input, which is received from the auction bidding user terminal. | 11-20-2014 |
20140351074 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING AUCTION DATA - The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for searching auction data. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a method is provided. The method may include accessing auction data associated with a plurality of auction lanes in a vehicle auction. The method may also include determining, based at least in part on the auction data, one or more vehicles being auctioned at one or more of the plurality of auction lanes. Additionally, the method may include displaying respective graphical views associated with a subset of the one or more vehicles. Furthermore, the method may include ordering the respective graphical views based at least in part on respective auction times and respective remaining auction times for the subset of the one or more vehicles. | 11-27-2014 |
20140358713 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BULK PURCHASE NEGOTIATING USING AN AD HOC ONLINE GROUP - A method and system enables the formation of an ad hoc group to negotiate a bulk purchase of a product or service in an online user networking environment and to execute the bulk purchase using an electronic commerce transaction. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358714 | BUTTON ENHANCEMENT FOR PROXY BIDDING - A user interface is provided which presents a text box representing an area in which a user can enter a proxy bid for an online auction, the text box being presented within a button operable by the user to activate the proxy bid. Then input is received from the user in the text box presented within the button. The input is then placed as a bid in the online auction upon receiving a selection of the button, the selection being indicated by an activation of the button outside the area represented by the text box. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358715 | Methods, Circuits, Devices, Systems and Associated Computer Executable Code for Facilitating Local Hosting and Access of Internet Based Information - Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices, systems and associated computer executable code for facilitating local hosting and access of internet based information. Zone Specific Hosting Server(s) host content associated with a specific zone of a wireless or cellular network, while Zone Specific Domain Name System Server(s) store Domain Name System records of content stored on the Zone Specific Hosting Server(s). A Hosting Deployment System deploys content to one or more of the Zone Specific Hosting Server(s) and updates the records of the Zone Specific Domain Name System Server(s) in accordance, and a Transparent Breakout Engine allows access and directs client devices of the wireless or cellular network to content hosted on the Zone Specific Hosting Server(s) based on the Zone Specific Domain Name System Server(s) records. | 12-04-2014 |
20140365326 | AUCTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A novel online auction system in which both sellers and buyers are compelled to bid their “true value”. Potential buyers solicit desired items or services and submit sealed bids. A demand curve is created based on buyer bids, and a potential seller can use the curve to create its own sealed bid. A winning seller is determined, however the system uses the bid of the second-lowest bidding seller to establish the ultimate group of winning buyers and sale price. Winning sellers can choose lower prices to capture higher sale quantities. Second or multiple transactions can be implemented from a single bid, if included in the winning set of bids. | 12-11-2014 |
20140372243 | Live Auction System - A decrementing live online auction system is provided. The auction system is capable of handling any number of potential buyers bidding on one or more items in one or more auctions. The system may be implemented on a computer and accessible by users on computers. This system may be accessible to a user even with a slow and intermittent internet connection, such as a user on a cellular network connection. | 12-18-2014 |
20140372244 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO GENERATE A LISTING IN A NETWORK-BASED COMMERCE SYSTEM - Generating a listing in a network-based commerce system Listing identification data is received from a user, and listing data associated with the listing, based on the listing identification data, is retrieved. Thereafter, a listing is generated that is at least partially based on the listing data tier posting on the network-based commerce system. In one embodiment, the user may edit the listing data prior to the listing being posted. The network-based commerce system may include a database of listing data associated with at least one of movies, music, games, books and motor vehicles. In one embodiment, the proposed listing comprises a plurality of check boxes each of which is associated with an attribute of the listing and the system automatically, without human intervention, checks attributes based on the listing data. The editing by the user may include the user selecting one or more of the check boxes. | 12-18-2014 |
20140379510 | AUCTION APPARATUS, AUCTION METHOD, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND AUCTION SYSTEM - An auction apparatus includes a reception unit, an item information obtaining unit, a selling information generation unit, and an auction execution unit. The reception unit receives selling request including item ID and user ID. The item information obtaining unit obtains item information corresponding to the user ID and the item ID included in the received selling request from a kept item management apparatus storing item information associated with the item ID and the user ID when the reception unit receives the selling request. The selling information generation unit generates selling information including information required in an auction for selling using the item information obtained by the item information obtaining unit in response to the selling request. The auction execution unit executes the auction using the generated selling information. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379511 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE INFORMATION AT A LIVE AUCTION - Detailed information about a particular used motor vehicle is quickly provided to a potential buyer having a personal digital assistant equipped with a receiving means. To provide the information, it is first necessary to obtain standard information about used motor vehicle values in digital form from a provider of such information. It is then necessary to obtain specific information about an inventory of used motor vehicles from the owner or seller of the vehicles. The standard information and the specific information are then integrated on a server computer and transmitted to the potential buyer. | 12-25-2014 |
20150012375 | Bidding System for Last Minute Availability - The present invention is a method of buying and selling a service between a customer and a service provider, a system for buying and selling services that may go unused, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium device carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more persons, cause an apparatus to perform said method and system. The method generally comprises submitting a bid for buying a service by the customer in a database; setting an expiration date for acceptance of the bid by the service provider into the database; and accepting the bid in the database by the service provider for selling the service. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012376 | METHOD AND SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY TO SUPPORT MULTIPLE TRANSACTION TYPES, AND TO DISPLAY SELLER-SPECIFIC TRANSACTIONS OF VARIOUS TRANSACTION TYPES IN AN INTEGRATED, COMMINGLED LISTING - This invention provides for a method of (or apparatus for) facilitating the display of items of multiple transaction types in a commingled listing. The display of items of multiple transaction types in a commingled listing may include items which are being offered by a specific Seller at a network based commerce facility. | 01-08-2015 |
20150019363 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING A LIVE INTERACTIVE AUCTION OVER THE INTERNET - A method and system for selling goods over the internet including a live, real-time interactive online auction with communication between the auctioneer and registered prospective bidders. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019364 | System And Method For The Efficient Clearing Of Spectrum Encumbrances - The present invention is a system and method to sell or procure complementary goods. complementary good according to the invention is a good whose value or utility is enhanced when paired with another good, such a pair of goods is a communication license to encumbered spectrum and a complementary clearing right to clear the spectrum of its encumbrance. The invention provides automated procedures to facilitate the fashioning and sale of clearing rights so as to enhance the value of the communications license. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019365 | Bidding engine for intention-based e-commerce among buyers and competing sellers - A platform through which companies that offer products bid to obtain an opportunity to provide a product to an end user expressing an intent in purchasing it. The user specifies a first data set defining a product he or she desires to buy, a designated time at or by which it is to be provided, and a value that the user is willing to pay. The platform receives a second data set from each of one or more vendors. Each such data set includes a range of prices that the respective vendor is willing to accept for its sale of the product, and a bid strategy. A bid process is then executed to generate a result that identifies at least one vendor, and a price within the range of prices originally offered by that vendor. The result is provided to the user, and a transaction may then be consummated. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025992 | REAL-TIME REVERSED AUCTION METHOD - A buyer sends an inquiry with a copy of a contract to the auction platform administrator. The administrator checks the inquiry with the contract on whether it contains sufficient and complete information. If the information is insufficient or incomplete, then the inquiry is returned to the buyer to be verified. After correcting, the revised inquiry is again sent by the buyer to the administrator. If the check of completeness of the inquiry by the administrator finds that there is sufficient information, then the product and the product cards and potential suppliers are identified. The product cards are then consolidated and sorted to obtain a ranking of the product cards. The ranking is then sent to the buyer. The ranking is also sent to the suppliers. Check if an improvement of the offer was made by a supplier. If an improvement was made by a supplier, then the product cards are again consolidated for obtaining a revised ranking and are thereupon sent to the buyer and seller. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025993 | Electronic On-line Motor Vehicle Management and Auction System - The present system provides standardized method and procedures to inspect, sell, auction and purchase used vehicles. The system provides certified technicians that go to the car dealers' location to obtain the information related with the vehicles to be sold. The technicians record the condition of the vehicle while inspecting it, and evaluate the vehicle's condition. The information is presented to potential buyers to solicit offers and bids on the vehicles to be auctioned. An online auction session will be conducted to invite bids from the registered users. A final winner will be determined by the system. | 01-22-2015 |
20150032562 | AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION BASED ON CUSTOMER SELECTION OF A SPECIFIC AUTOMOBILE - A system, methods, and apparatus for performing automobile transactions are disclosed. In an example embodiment, automobile market data representative of current automobile market characteristics is stored. The automobile market data may include pricing, inventory, and consumer interest information received from dealers, manufacturers, and consumers. A consumer may provide a request for a response regarding a specific automobile using an image of a vehicle identification number or a graphical user interface. Automobile market data may be provided to a dealer based on the request. Bids to sell the specific automobile may be requested from dealers based on the request. Dealer bids may be provided to the consumer with prices and a delivery options. The consumer may select a bid which specifies a pickup location at a first dealer. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032563 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMERCE WITH EXTENDABLE AUCTION PERIODS - An electronic commerce auction system is provided. The auction system receives bids during an initial auction period. The auction period can be extended by overtime auction periods. The duration and quantity of overtime auction periods can vary based on criteria such as the number of new bids in the prior period, the cumulative duration of overtime periods, and the amount by which the high bid has increased compared to the close of the prior period. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032564 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING AUCTIONS OVER ELECTRONIC NETWORKS - An apparatus and process for conducting auctions, specifically municipal bond auctions, over electronic networks, particularly the Internet, is disclosed. The auctioneer maintains a web site from which information about bonds to be auctioned can be obtained. A user participates in the auction by accessing the web site via a conventional Internet browser and is led through a sequence of screens that perform the functions of verifying the user's identity, assisting the user in preparing a bid, verifying that the bid conforms to the rules of the auction, displaying to the user during the course of the auction selected bid information regarding bids received and informing the bidder how much time remains in the auction. The user may be given the option of confirming the accuracy of his bid before submitting the bid. The auctioneer is able to review bidding history, determine the winner and notify the winner over the network, and display selected auction results to bidders and observers over the network. | 01-29-2015 |
20150039459 | DETERMINING A PRICE ASSOCIATED WITH A WINNING BID - Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for determining bid prices for content items. A winner associated with an auction is identified for delivery of a content item, including identifying a first bid associated with the winner and an associated first expected clickthrough rate. A next finisher is identified in the auction including identifying a second bid associated with the next finisher and a second expected clickthrough rate associated with second bid. A price is determined that a content sponsor associated with the winner should pay for presentation of the content item, including identifying a third bid and corresponding third expected clickthrough rate dependent on the third bid whose product, being the first product, is substantially equal to a product, being the second product, of the second bid and the second expected clickthrough rate. The content sponsor is charged the price. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039460 | BI-DIRECTIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION UPDATES IN MULTI-PARTY BIDDING - In an example embodiment, bid specifications for an ecommerce transaction are transmitted from a party requesting bids to a plurality of bidders. Then a modification to the bid specifications is received from a first bidder of the plurality of bidders along with a bid in accordance with the modified bid specifications. The modified bid specifications may then be transmitted to the plurality of bidders other than the first bidder. Bids in accordance with the modified bid specifications are then received from each of the plurality of bidders other than the first bidder. One of the bids may be selected, and the ecommerce transaction may be consummated based on the selected bid. | 02-05-2015 |
20150046278 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING SPONSORED CONTENT IN A SOCIAL NETWORK INTERFACE - A system and method optionally includes or utilizes a processor may receive a request for social network content for display in a position of a plurality of sponsored content positions in a newsfeed of a social network interface, each of the plurality of sponsored content positions having a position criterion, at least two of the plurality of sponsored content positions having a different position criterion and identify a sponsored content item of a plurality of sponsored content items stored on a database based, at least in part, on a characteristic of the sponsored content item meeting the position criterion and a bid associated with the sponsored content item. A transmitter may transmit the sponsored content item from the processor to a server for display on a user interface. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046279 | AUCTION-BASED RESOURCE SHARING FOR MESSAGE QUEUES IN AN ON-DEMAND SERVICES ENVIRONMENT - In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating an auction-based fair allocation and usage of thread resources for user messages according to one embodiment in an on-demand services environment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, by and incorporating into the database system, a bid for allocation of resources to a tenant. The bid may be received from a computing device associated with the tenant and placed, via an auction interface, based on one or more factors including at least one of a budget, a reservation, and a price. The method may further include dynamically comparing the bid with one or more other bids associated with one or more other tenants seeking the resources, and allocating the resources to the tenant, if the bid is accepted over the one or more other bids. | 02-12-2015 |
20150051996 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOMAIN NAME QUERY METRICS - A system and method for providing users an assessment tool for determining the level of demand for domain names. The assessment tool is configured to receive, by a server communicatively coupled to a network, a request from a requester. The request is used to identify a domain name and determine whether the domain name is registered. When the domain name is not registered, a search metric for the domain name is determined and a first user interface listing the domain name and the search metric is displayed. The first user interface enables the requester to purchase the domain name. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051997 | DYNAMIC PRICING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Dynamic pricing can be used in, for example, second price auctions for internet advertising. A safety margin is subtracted from a bid to generate a modified bid. Upon notice that the modified bid is successful, a total margin is determined The total margin is a difference between the modified bid and a winning bid. Use of dynamic pricing enables an advertiser to win more often than if a fixed margin greater than the safety margin is used. | 02-19-2015 |
20150058149 | NON-INTERNET BASED NETWORKED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING AUCTIONS - A non-Internet-dependent networked communication and transmission system and method for conducting one or more auctions via an electronic interface connecting an auctioneer at a master computer or server and one or more bidders at enticement locations, with software to control the auction process. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058150 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SELLING ASSISTANCE - Systems and methods are disclosed which assist a user in selling one or more items. The systems and methods may allow a user to provide pictures and a voice description of the items for an expert analysis which may determine an estimated value of the items for the user. The user may then select whether they want to sell the items based on the estimated value, and select options for selling the items which include ordering a pre-labeled package, scheduling a pickup of the items, and finding a local drop-off point for the items. The provided systems and methods make the selling process easier for a user and may convince users who may normally not be inclined to sell items due to the hassle of selling. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BUYING AND SELLING ONE OR MORE VEHICLES - Systems and methods for buying and selling one or more vehicles are provided herein. In one embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein may provide a guarantee price to a seller of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein may provide a fee associated with receiving the guarantee price for the vehicle. Further, in an additional embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein may facilitate the purchase and/or execution of a put option for the vehicle. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058152 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AUCTION DATA - The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for searching auction data. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a method is provided. The method may include by a server comprising one or more processors, one or more vehicle purchasing parameters input by a dealer. In addition, the method may include accessing auction data from a plurality of vehicle auctions, the auction data associated with one or more vehicles being auctioned at one or more of the plurality of vehicle auctions. Furthermore, the method may include determining from the auction data, based at least in part on the one or more vehicle purchasing parameters, at least one potential vehicle, of the one or more vehicles, to purchase. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066677 | Pre-Acquisition Auction For Recycled Electronic Devices - A process for a pre-acquisition auction for recycled electronic devices is disclosed herein. A plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices are established with each of the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices established for a recycled electronic device in a predetermined condition, and each of the pre-acquisition purchase prices established by a winning bid from a bidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066678 | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WITH TEMPORAL BID MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An electronic system includes: a control unit, configured to generate a geo-fence around a destination location for distributing an order for a good to a goods provider located within the geo-fence; identify a temporal bid from the goods provider for bidding on the order; determine a winning bid based on a bid time of the temporal bid; and a display unit, coupled to the control unit, configured to display the winning bid. | 03-05-2015 |
20150081467 | USER-DRIVEN REVERSE AUCTIONS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for providing user-driven reverse auctions are provided. The systems and methods enable a user to request bids for products or services, receive bids in response to the offers, and manage the bids. The methods provide receiving, at a computing device, a request from a user for an offer for products or services, the request including search criteria; identifying, via the computing device, at least one merchant of said products or services based on the search criteria; sending the request to the at least one merchant and receiving one or more bids from the at least one merchant; and presenting, via a computing device, the one or more bids to the user. | 03-19-2015 |
20150088680 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A MARKETPLACE FOR SOFTWARE PRODUCTS - Methods and systems for operating a marketplace. A first price for one or more financial options associated with one or more software products is determined based on a pre-determined set of factors. The one or more financial options include at least an option of buying to lease the one or more software products. The first price for the one or more financial options associated with the one or more software products is modified based on the one or more financial options opted by one or more users. | 03-26-2015 |
20150095180 | INTERNET AUCTION SYSTEM - A web based auction system interface is configured for performing I/O operations between a bidder and an auction system through a browser. The web based interface includes an auction query interface and an auction bid entry interface; the latter permits users to specify bids in format that includes a bid price and a bid ranking for any auction item. | 04-02-2015 |
20150100447 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLING ITEMS WON IN A BIDDING FEE AUCTION - A system for selling items won in an auction provides a bidding fee auction for an item and receives one or more bids for the item. The system determines a winning bidder based on the received one or more bids and generates a user interface providing the winning bidder a first option to purchase the item at a purchase price calculated based on the one or more bids, and a second option to list the item for sale in an electronic marketplace. The system receives a selection including the first option or the second option. When the selection includes the first option, the system initiates payment processing for the item. When the selection includes the second option, the system generates a user interface requesting a listing price for the item, receives the listing price in response to generating the user interface requesting the listing price, and verifies the received listing price. The system generates a listing including a description of the item and the listing price. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100448 | VEHICLE AUCTION TOOL WITH VEHICLE CONDITION ASSESSMENTS - A method for buying and selling vehicles includes receiving information identifying a vehicle, retrieving condition data corresponding to the vehicle from a condition database, wherein a device inside the vehicle generates at least some of the condition data while the vehicle is being operated, and analyzing the condition data to determine a condition of the vehicle, wherein the condition of the vehicle relates to at least one of a quality or a value of the vehicle. Further, the method includes communicating an indication of the vehicle condition to an end user device, and, in response to the indication of the vehicle condition, receiving an offer to purchase the vehicle. A notification is generated based on the offer to purchase the vehicle, wherein the notification indicates a status of a purchase of the vehicle according to the offer to purchase the vehicle, and the notification is communicated to the end user device. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100449 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC AUCTIONS WITH A SET NUMBER OF BIDDERS - An electronic auction server may be configured such that winners of an electronic auction session can obtain a bid item for less than the cost of buying the bid item on the open market (by paying a marketplace acquisition price). The electronic auction server can be configured to initiate an electronic auction session among a predetermined set number of bidder accounts after each bidder account of the set number of bidder accounts has committed to the electronic auction session. Also, upon initiation of the electronic auction session, a bid price is set to an initial bid price and each bidder account is debited for an entry price upon initiating of the electronic auction session and ascribed with a start quantity of bids. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100450 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE AUCTIONS - An online auction system includes a host system which has at least one processor executing processor executable code, at least one non-transient memory communicating with the at least one processor and storing processor executable code, wherein the processor executable code when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: (1) transmit a first signal to a network indicative of a first auction presentation page for auctioning an item, the first auction presentation page having a bid mechanism and being free of a buy-now mechanism; (2) receive a first bid signal from a user terminal indicative of a first activation of the bid mechanism; and (3) in response to receiving the first bid signal transmit a second signal to the user terminal over the network indicative of at least a portion of the first auction presentation page having a buy-now mechanism. | 04-09-2015 |
20150106221 | APPLICATIONS FOR WEARABLE DEVICES - Systems and methods of applications for wearable devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wearable device receives data from a personal computing device communicatively coupled to the wearable device. The data can correspond to content of an online marketplace. In response to receiving the data, the content can be caused to be displayed on the wearable device. The wearable device can detect an input from a user. The input can correspond to a requested action. The wearable device can transmit at least one instruction to the personal computing device. The instruction(s) can be configured to cause the personal computing device to perform the requested action. | 04-16-2015 |
20150106222 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SUPPLYING CUSTOMERS A PRODUCT - A system and method of supplying customers a product is disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating a request list containing items that the consumer would like to purchase, transmitting the request list to the plurality of suppliers for a quote, receiving the quotes from the plurality of suppliers and selecting suppliers from the plurality of suppliers to contact, and agreeing to terms of sale and closing the request list. | 04-16-2015 |
20150112828 | System and Method for Facilitating Service Transactions Online - Systems and methods for facilitating a service transaction bidding process online which involves filtering all quotes received and displaying only a dynamic subset of all quotes received for a requested service, wherein inclusion in the subset is based on the financial appeal of at least one common feature of the quotes received and providers submitting quotes that are filtered out and not included in the dynamic subset are notified and queried to submit more competitive quotes. | 04-23-2015 |
20150120483 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE, AND PROGRAM FOR USE IN MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE - A mobile terminal server ( | 04-30-2015 |
20150120484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MARKETING AND SELLING AUCTION ITEMS - A method for marketing and selling auction items includes the steps of providing a system for generating a customized auction website to facilitate access to an inventory of auction items, receiving a request from a subscriber of the system to generate a customized auction website to provide access to the inventory of auction items for a user of the customized auction website, and generating the customized auction website according to subscriber specified parameters. The method further includes the steps of receiving a bid request for an auction item from a user of the customized auction website and communicating a response to the bid request to the user via the customized auction website. A method is for use by auction houses and a plurality of buyers, where identity of the auction house remains unknown to the customer of a buyer, and identity of the customer remain unknown to the auction house. | 04-30-2015 |
20150142597 | REVERSE DUTCH AUCTION PROCESSING METHOD EXECUTED BY A COMPUTER SERVER AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS THEREOF - A reverse dutch auction processing method executed by a computer server and computer programs thereof; A user sends a request including at least a value for a parameter representative of a property of the product or service and a maximum first acceptance time period for a product or a service to potential providers; the potential providers receiving the request, wherein in case of acceptance of the request by at least one of the potential providers within said maximum first acceptance time period, closing the request upon confirmation by the user, and in case of no acceptance of the request by any of the providers indicating, by at least one of the providers, an alternative minimum value for the parameter of the requested product or service within or after the maximum first acceptance time period, the user confirming the alternative minimum value by calculating at least a temporary probability of acceptance. | 05-21-2015 |
20150142598 | REAL TIME AUCTION WITH END GAME - A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids. | 05-21-2015 |
20150302520 | METHOD OF CONDUCTING AUDIENCE GUIDED EVENTS AND AUCTIONS UTILIZING CLOSED NETWORK SATELLITE BROADCASTS TO MULTIPLE LOCATION DIGITAL THEATER ENVIRONMENTS WITH INTEGRATED REAL TIME AUDIENCE INTERACTION - A method of conducting a real time auction comprises the steps of: Broadcasting from a production studio at least high definition images of material of each lot being auctioned to at least a plurality of digital theater environments via satellite; Providing multiple auction bidders at each digital theater environment; Providing each auction bidder with individually assigned audience response system input devices; and Receiving bid information at the production studio from selected auction bidders for each lot being auctioned over a bid receiving network via the individual audience response system input devices. A method of conducting an audience guided event includes satellite broadcasting in high definition to multiple digital theater environments where event participants have individually assigned audience response system input devices in which individual participant information is associated with each assigned individually assigned audience response system input device including at least bibliographic participant information. | 10-22-2015 |
20150312193 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCUMULATING MESSAGES IN A MESSAGING CONVERSATION - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating an exchange in a messaging conversation between an originating entity and a plurality of recipient entities. According to certain aspects, a facilitating entity detects that an originating entity has sent a message to a plurality of recipient entities. The facilitating entity receives response messages from at least some of the recipient entities and accumulates the response messages into a single accumulated message, In some embodiments, die facilitating entity accumulates the response messages in response to a predefined criteria being met, Further, in accumulating the response message, the facilitating entity can initiate an application. | 10-29-2015 |
20150317724 | Limiting Bid Selection to Eligible Content Items - Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A request is received for content to be displayed on a resource to a user. The user is identified. Candidate content items are identified from an inventory of content items that are responsive to the request. The candidate content items are evaluated including determining bid-eligible content items including content items that satisfy an eligibility threshold based on an eligibility status associated with a respective candidate content item. The eligibility status is based at least in part on results associated with past opportunities to present a content item to identified user. An auction is conducted to identify a winner from among the bid-eligible content items. The winning content item is provided responsive to the request. An eligibility status is updated for losing and winning content items in the auction. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317725 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND PROCESSES FOR CONDUCTING AND/OR COMPLETING ONE OR MORE COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED AUCTIONS IN REAL-TIME - Systems and methods conduct one or more real-time auctions during a live event at a venue, wherein the one or more real-time auctions comprise at least one auction item and/or service. The system and methods comprises digital mobile application software downloaded to a first digital mobile device, at least one positioning system configured to determine when the first digital mobile device is located within or near the venue and a computer server in digital communication with the at least one positioned system and the first digital mobile device. The computer server transmits information indicative of a real-time auction to the first digital mobile device when the first digital mobile device is located within or near the venue during the live event, wherein the computer server receives data indicative of at least one first auction bid for the at least one auction item and/or service from the first digital mobile device via the digital mobile application software executed by the first digital mobile device. | 11-05-2015 |
20150324898 | System for Interactive Computer-Assisted On-Line Auctions - A system and method for an interactive, computer-assisted on-line auction wherein at least one array of images of objects for auction are scrolled on a display device so that a viewer can view the objects, obtain detailed information regarding objects of interest an submit bids on those objects the viewer desires to purchase. The objects in the array can be sorted into rows and columns by criteria such as manufacturer, type of good, or time until which bids are accepted. The system can include an array for objects that can currently be bid upon and another array for objects that can be bid upon at a future time. Certain objects of interest to a viewer can be selectively rotated for three-dimensional viewing by clicking on an appropriate button. A viewer can select a plurality of objects of interest, wherein monitoring screens are then composed and displayed on the display device for each selected object, each monitoring screen providing the viewer with an enlarged graphical representation of an object, detailed textual information regarding an object, and information regarding the auction for an object such as current bid price, time remaining to submit a bid and a bid submission box. The system also provides a system of selectively programmable alerts which can use visual or audible cues to alert the viewer to some occurrence, such as a predetermined amount of time remaining to submit a bid on an object. | 11-12-2015 |
20150332388 | RESERVE PRICE GUARANTEE - A method and system for preserving seller value with hidden reserve prices is presented. A computer system stores historical transaction data for a plurality of transactions and operates a networked commerce system. For an auction transaction on the networked commerce system, the networked commerce system determines a predicted minimum sale price for an associated product. The networked commerce system then detects a sale of the respective associated product in the respective auction transaction and determines an actual sale price for the sale of the respective associated product. If the actual sale price is less than the predicted minimum sale price for the respective associated product, the networked commerce system transfers value to a seller associated with the respective auction transaction. | 11-19-2015 |
20150332389 | REAL TIME ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An auction system and method, which identifies at least one lot to be auctioned, having a plurality of units within the lot and associated auction parameters; transmits a remaining quantity of units within the lot from a central server to a plurality of remote locations; receives bid identifications for remaining units within the lot at the contemporaneous offering price from the plurality of remote locations; and decrements the offering price over time. The decrement may be adaptive to a bid activity pattern, and the bid activity pattern may be stored in a database. A local server may be provided to communicate between the central server and remote locations while changing the format of the information communicated. The packets preferably include compressed information, and preferably include quantity remaining information for a plurality of auction lot. | 11-19-2015 |
20150347964 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING DELIVERY OF ITEMS - A system comprises a computing device configured to execute a software application on a processor of the computing device to provide operations that compute a primary delivery route based on a plurality of primary delivery addresses. The system receives at least one priority delivery request associated with a transient individual location. The transient individual location is compared with the primary delivery route. A detour route is generated from the primary delivery route when the transient individual location is proximate to the primary delivery route. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348150 | UNPAID ITEM RISK MANAGEMENT - In an example embodiment, information about a buyer in an ecommerce system is obtained. An unpaid item risk assessment is calculated for the buyer, the unpaid item risk assessment calculating a risk that the buyer will not pay for an item on which the buyer bids. A bid limit is then established based on the unpaid item risk assessment. A bid from the buyer may then later be blocked based on the bid limit. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348180 | NON-MONETARY BIDDING BASED ON BIDDER-SPECIFIC DATA - Technologies are presented that provide automated non-monetary bidding based on bidder-specific data. A method includes receiving, from a bid acceptance server, an information request associated with a bidder; collecting and analyzing data regarding one or more data points associated with the bidder and requested in the information request; packaging analysis results into a bid; and providing the bid to the bid acceptance server. The data points may be limited based on input from the bidder. The data analyzed may include electronically-available data associated with the bidder. The method may be performed at the bid acceptance server, at a device of a bidder, or at a combination of the two. Submitted bids may be ranked by the bid acceptance server according to a given algorithm. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348181 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUCTION INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - Foreclosure auction information received from each of a plurality of sources of such information via respective Internet bots, manual updates, or other sources, is used to populate a database according to a predefined schema and ruleset. The database is updated in near real time (from any or all of the datasources), and actionable auction information that meets user-determined criteria for accuracy, timeliness and/or relevancy is extracted from the database and presented for use by a user. | 12-03-2015 |
20150350033 | DISCRETE, DEPLETING CHIPS FOR OBTAINING DESIRED SERVICE LEVEL CHARACTERISTICS - The present invention provides discrete, depleting chips for allocating computational resources for obtaining desired service level characteristics, wherein discrete chips deplete from a maximum allocated amount but may, in an optional implementation, be allowed to be replenished through the purchase of additional chips. A number of chips are assigned to a requestor/party, known as a business unit (BU), which could be a department, or group providing like-functionality services. In one implementation, the chips themselves could represent base monetary units integrated over time. | 12-03-2015 |
20150356652 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLING TIME-BASED INVENTORY - A method for selling time-based inventory over a communications network includes permitting a seller via a graphical user interface to define a total time to be sold for a time based-inventory; permitting the seller via the graphical user interface to define a sales time interval amount smaller than the total time to be sold; dividing the total time as a function of the sales time interval amount so as to define a plurality of time intervals of the total time; and selling the plurality of time intervals via the communications network. | 12-10-2015 |
20150356656 | MARKETPLACE LISTINGS ON PROCUREMENT TOOL - In an example embodiment, a request to view items for purchase is received, and then information about one or more items available for purchase via contract is retrieved from a database. Information about one or more items available for spot purchase from a marketplace system is then obtained via interface with one or more APIs. Then the information about one or more items available for spot purchase and the information about one or more items available for purchase via contract are displayed in a procurement tool. | 12-10-2015 |
20150356670 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING MEDIA PLAYBACK IN ONLINE AUCTIONS - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating media playback in online auctions. A method may include detecting an indication of an auction event associated with an online vehicle auction for a first vehicle. The method may also include determining current auction information associated with the online vehicle auction. The method may further include determining auction event information associated with the auction event. Additionally, the method may include identifying, based at least in part on the current auction information and the auction event information, one or more media files for playback on a bidder device. The method may also include transmitting, to the bidder device in response to the indication of the auction event, the one or more media files for playback on the bidder device according to a determined sequence, which may result in acoustic output of one or more auctioneer phrases. | 12-10-2015 |
20150356671 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED COST OF SALE BIDDING - The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for automatically managing cost of sale (COS) bidding for merchants (alternatively referred to herein as “vendors”). Described herein are automated COS bidding processes (or automated COS bidding logic, modules, or engines) utilized such that merchants need not actively manage their bids (i.e., fees associated with displaying item listings). As described herein, embodiments automate merchant bids using a formula based, at least in part, on the price of the item, the cost of selling from the advertiser, and historical performance data. | 12-10-2015 |
20150356672 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING MEDIA PLAYBACK IN ONLINE AUCTIONS - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating media playback in online auctions. A method may include detecting an indication of an auction event associated with an online vehicle auction for a first vehicle. The method may also include determining current auction information associated with the online vehicle auction. The method may further include determining auction event information associated with the auction event. Additionally, the method may include identifying, based at least in part on the current auction information and the auction event information, one or more media files for playback on a bidder device. The method may also include transmitting, to the bidder device in response to the indication of the auction event, the one or more media files for playback on the bidder device according to a determined sequence, which may result in acoustic output of one or more auctioneer phrases. | 12-10-2015 |
20150356673 | Ghost Bidding and Serious Bidder Detection in Automated Auctions - Potential ghost bidding and non-serious bidding in an automated auction is detected and alerted to a user by retrieving by a computer one or more historical automated auction records related to an offering party in a current automated auction; detecting by a computer the retrieved records that a same or similar item is being offered in the current automated auction that has been offered in a previous automated auction; responsive to the detecting, increasing a ghost bidding likelihood parameter by a computer; determining by a computer that a bidder in the current automated auction also bid in one or more of the historical automated auctions; responsive to the determining, increasing by a computer the ghost bidding likelihood parameter; and alerting a user of the current automated auction of the ghost bidding likelihood parameter for each determined bidder. | 12-10-2015 |
20150363899 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND DISTRIBUTING CREATIVE WORKS - A method and apparatus for promoting the creation and distribution of creative works. The invention provides a novel cooperative auction means collecting funds for payment for inducing a rightholder to donate rights in a piece of intellectual property to the public domain. | 12-17-2015 |
20150371323 | USED AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION FOR A SPECIFIC USED AUTOMOBILE - A system, methods, and apparatus for performing used automobile transactions are disclosed. In an example embodiment, automobile market data representative of current automobile market characteristics is stored. The automobile market data may include pricing and consumer interest information received from consumers, dealers, and manufacturers. A consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may provide a request for a response regarding a specific used automobile with a specific a vehicle identification number. Automobile market data may be provided to a used automobile buyer based on the request. Bids to purchase the specific used automobile may be requested from used automobile buyers based on the request. Buyer bids may be provided to the consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller with prices and a delivery options. The consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may select a bid to sell the specific used automobile based on the bid. | 12-24-2015 |
20150371324 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT AND ACTIVATION OF CONDITIONAL BID OFFERS - A method and system for processing and managing activation of conditional offers initiated by a buyer device and bid offer responses from multiple seller devices. The method and system of the present invention comprise a mechanism for buyer devices to request bid offers from multiple seller devices using product keywords; seller devices to provide an offer for an exact or similar product with a condition; the buyer device activating the condition by quantifying a purchase intent for completing the transaction; buyer devices may be used to review, select, accept and activate one or more bid offers by quantifying the specified purchase intent through at least one central controller consisting of a central processing unit, operating system software to run the central processing unit and data storage means to identify at least buyer devices, seller devices and transaction attributes. | 12-24-2015 |
20150379625 | System And Method For Administering A Modified Descending Price Auction - A system and method for administering a modified descending price auction is disclosed. The method includes setting an initial current price for a quantity of the product and setting of an auction starting and ending time. A processor determines a rate of decrease in the current price. The current price is displayed, repeatedly decreased, and bidding at the current price is enabled. The method includes receiving bids from bidders at the then-current price or lower and then saving the received bids in a database. The method includes selecting a highest bid in the database not marked as ‘winning’. The method compares the highest bid to the then-current price and marks the highest bid as ‘winning’ and decreases a quantity of products when the highest bid equals or exceeds the then-current price. The method includes awarding the product to bidders with bids marked as winning at the current price when at least one of the following occurs: i) the quantity of products equals zero, ii) the ending time of the auction is reached, and iii) the auction is manually stopped. | 12-31-2015 |
20150379626 | Web Based My Budget My Choice Automated Bid Search Engine - A real time web based automated bid search software system over the internet, which enables the customers/buyers to search for live bids of goods or services with his/her/their desired budget or price and then purchase them through a fully automated auctioning and bidding process from the sellers/partners using reverse auction process. Customers need to provide the price/budget and other inputs of goods or services to be purchased in the search fields of this search system, the software system will automatically create an auction and launch on behalf of the customer and send asynchronous messages with the auction details to all registered sellers of the goods or services with the matching price/budget to participate in the auctioning/bidding process. Upon acceptance of the participation from the sellers/partners, the software system displays all the eligible sellers/partners with one or more offers with the initial bid price, wherein the sellers/partners would like to sell goods or services at the price less then or equal to the price defined by the customer. Upon seeing the search results, the customer can buy directly the goods or services at the initial bid price from a particular seller or he/she can choose (based on the seller's rankings) one or more sellers and submit the request to the system. Upon receiving this request, the system will send asynchronous messages or email or SMS to the sellers to participate and bid for the goods/services and price setup by the customer through the reverse auction process. | 12-31-2015 |
20160005109 | BUSINESS METHOD FOR EFFICIENT AND DIRECT BUYING, SELLING RENTING AND LEASING REAL ESTATE - Disclosed herein are methods of selling or leasing real estate within a computer-based membership club, comprising the steps of: a) establishing a real estate membership club on a website on a computer-based network, wherein the membership club comprises at least one customer member, at least two owner members, and optionally at least one credit evaluation entity; b) on the website, accepting a real estate application package from the customer member; c) on the website, providing access to the real estate application package to the at least two owner members; d) on the website, accepting a bid from each of the owner members; e) on the website, providing access to the bids to the customer member; f) on the website, accepting the customer member's selection of the offer bid and g) on the website, completing and closing the sale or lease transaction. | 01-07-2016 |
20160006981 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HOSTING INTERACTIVE LIVE STREAM VIDEO EVENTS FOR PAYMENT OR DONATION - Methods and systems are provided for scheduling and hosting communication events between users and at least one host, such as a sports hero, inspirational person, or celebrity that offers a personal interaction. The platform can process the request, execute a method specified by the host (or by others) in response to the request, determine the user or users that will take place in the communication event, and host the communication event. The communication event may be free or in exchange for payment or a donation, such as to a charity. The communication event may be a one-on-one event, or one or more to many. | 01-07-2016 |
20160012520 | System And Method Of Administering Auctions | 01-14-2016 |
20160012522 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AUTOMATIC ARBITRATION IN VEHICLE TRADING | 01-14-2016 |
20160012523 | PROVIDING REAL-TIME TRADING OF VIRTUAL INFRASTRUCTURE RESOURCES | 01-14-2016 |
20160019637 | COLLECTIVE NETWORK PURCHASING (CNP) SYSTEM - A collective network purchasing (CNP) website is disclosed, via which bidding processes are performed for items available for collective purchasing. The bidding processes include receiving bids from CNP members, and deducting each bid from a purchased balance of the bidding CNP member and adding the bid to a cumulative number of bids for the bid-upon item. The CNP website converts an item available for collective purchasing to a collectively purchased item in response to the cumulative number of bids for the item reaching a value assigned to the item. The converting including assigning ownership of the collectively purchased item to a last-acting CNP member in the bidding process for the item. | 01-21-2016 |
20160019660 | ONLINE PROPOSITION AND ANSWER SYSTEM - Method and device for receiving propositions and answers online. At a server, a proposition message containing a proposition and a monetary award offer is received via a network interface module from a first user device. The proposition is associated with a category based on the content of the proposition message. The proposition message is sent via the network interface module to at least two other user devices associated with the category. Answers from the at least two other user devices are received at the server via the network interface module. The payment of a monetary award for the best answer among the provided answers is authorized. | 01-21-2016 |
20160027100 | MULTIPLE INTERACTION AUCTION - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for distributing content items. In one aspect, a method includes identifying a content item that is eligible to be provided in response to a content item request and is associated with a bid. It is determined that the identified content item includes two or more different interactive elements that each cause different actions to be initiated in response to user interaction with the different interactive elements. An auction score is determined for the content item based on a function of the bid, a bid modifier for each different interaction, and a probability that each interaction will be invoked. The content item is selected to be provided based on the auction score. Data that cause presentation of the selected content item at a user device are output. | 01-28-2016 |
20160027101 | COMPUTING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An information handling system may include a first subsystem operable to receive data associated with computing resources from at least one computing resource provider. The system may further include a second subsystem in communication with the first subsystem, the second subsystem operable to provide the computing resources to at least one computing resource customer, wherein the at least one computing resource provider receives compensation paid by the at least one computing resource customer for completion of a workload. A method for managing a computing resource within an information handling system may include receiving data associated with the computing resource from at least one computing resource provider and providing the computing resources to at least one computing resource customer. The at least one computing resource provider may receive compensation paid by the at least one resource customer for completion of a workload. | 01-28-2016 |
20160035018 | System and Method for Displaying Items for Bid - A system and method for displaying items for bid at a silent auction including, a display device, having at least one display face, for exhibiting a panel having advertising indicia relating to an item offered for bid at the silent auction, and a code on the panel that corresponds to the item offered for bid, such that the code may be entered by a bidder at a remote location relative to the display device for bidding on the item. The system further including a support member for suspending the display device at a first distance from the support member, and at a second distance from a flooring surface of a venue at which the silent auction is being held; and means for removably and rotatably suspending the display device from the support member. | 02-04-2016 |
20160035020 | MULTIPLE OPTION AUCTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - The present invention relates generally to a method and system for conducting online auctions. It has particular application in conducting business over a network of computers such as the Internet, for establishing materials or service supply or sales contracts, agreements for allocation of resources, etc. In particular, the invention relates to the use of multiple options within an online auction scenario. In one form, the invention provides a method for conducting an online auction event to establish a contract, the event conducted between a controlling party and at least two parties from a prescribed panel of qualified competing bidding parties, each competing bidding party operating a bidding computer, the online auction event including at least two alternative contract options potentially acceptable to said controlling party, the online auction event conducted by receiving bids from respective bidding computers, automatically comparing, during the online auction event, the respective bids and the respective contract options involving those bids, and selecting from said alternative contract options to award the contract on the basis of the comparisons. | 02-04-2016 |
20160042418 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PROCESSING INFORMATION AND DATAINVOLVING DIGITAL CONTENT, DIGITAL PRODUCTSAND/OR EXPERIENCES - Systems and methods described herein relate to processing of information, data and database identifiers involving content and/or experiences. According to one exemplary implementation, an illustrative method of computerized information processing may involve handling and/or processing data regarding a product, where the product may be an experience, a physical product, and/or a digital product. | 02-11-2016 |
20160042446 | INTELLIGENT AND REAL TIME, LOCATION BASED, AUTOMATED AND INSTANTANEOUS FLUID PRICING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system for selling a product includes an admin console module that receives, from a seller, a base price and a price range that is lower than the base price of the product, a database in communication with the admin console that stores the base price and the price range, a user interface that receives, from a customer, a bid for purchasing the product, and a fluid pricing module that, in response to the receipt of the bid from the customer, accesses the database and compares the bid to the base price and price range. The fluid pricing module instructs the customer to submit a revised bid when the bid is within the price range. | 02-11-2016 |
20160042447 | Auction Website Interface - An auction system and software are provided for performing a live, real-time auction over the internet. The auction software includes a graphical user interface for an auctioneer to administer various functions of the auction. The auction software also includes a graphical user interface for a bidder to allow participation and bidding for various auction items. | 02-11-2016 |
20160048897 | DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTED RESULTS FOR SEARCH INTERFACE - Several systems, apparatuses, and methods are described. A data transmission that includes data indicating a first search query for an item of a publication system is received from a client machine. A first plurality of search results is determined from listed items based, at least in part, on the first search query, and the first plurality of search results are each associated with a price. A range of prices associated with a first subset of the search results is determined based on a price distribution range including a median price associated with the first search results, or a utility cost function using a plurality of price quantiles and a plurality of price values included in different price quantiles. The determined first search results and the range of prices associated with the first subset of the first search results are transmitted to the client machine for display. | 02-18-2016 |
20160048910 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING USER SELECTION OF A CATEGORY ITEM IN A TRANSACTION - A method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating category selection by a user in a computerized auction. A category field is provided, containing a plurality of category entries used to categorize an item in the auction. One category entry is selected in the category field and at least one subcategory field is provided, containing a plurality of subcategory entries also used to categorize the item in the auction, the subcategory entries corresponding to the one selected category entry of the plurality of category entries. At least one subcategory entry corresponding to the one selected category entry is further selected in the at least one subcategory field for further processing. | 02-18-2016 |
20160078401 | TAXONOMY BASED DATABASE PARTITIONING - In one aspect of the invention, a memory is described for facilitating splitting data by taxonomy. The memory is accessed by an application program, and includes one or more top-level categories, where each top-level category comprises a subset of the items; and also includes a category group corresponding to at least one of the top-level categories and the subset of the items belonging to the top-level categories. | 03-17-2016 |
20160078413 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND ALERTS - A method and system for providing maintenance service request information to maintenance service providers using a computer device coupled to a database includes receiving a request for maintenance service, transmitting a request for bids related to the request for maintenance service to bidder computing devices associated with a plurality of respective maintenance service providers, receiving at least one bid for access to identification information of the equipment assembly, evaluating the at least one bid with respect to predetermined evaluation parameters, selecting one of the plurality of prescreened maintenance service providers to award the bid to, notifying the selected one of the plurality of maintenance service providers of the award of the bid, receiving a payment for the award from the selected one of the plurality of maintenance service providers, and transmitting access to identification information of the equipment assembly to the selected one of the plurality of maintenance service providers. | 03-17-2016 |
20160085813 | DYNAMIC MODIFICATIONS OF RESULTS FOR SEARCH INTERFACES - The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for enhancing search results based on recent user interactions. As described herein, embodiments may infer various refinements for search queries; these refinements are based, at least in part, on the user's recent interactions with the search platform (e.g., within a current session). In other words, as the user is interacting with the search platform, one or more refinements may be inferred to help make the search results more relevant to the user. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086273 | SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ELECTRONIC MACHINE PLATFORM WITH MULTI-TIER ENTITY MATCHING - A system includes processing circuitry communicatively coupled to a plurality of terminals and a database that includes a first data structure that identifies a plurality of participant entities and that associates each of at least a subset of the participant entities with participant category information, by which the processing circuitry is configured to identify each of the participant entities as being one of three participant category entities, a second data structure that identifies assignable share data structures and respective ones of the plurality of participant entities to which the share data structures are assigned, and a third data structure that identifies offers of the participant entities to unload one or more of the share data structures assigned to the offering participant entities, and offers of the participant entities to obtain assignment of one or more of the share data structures, offers being matched according to a three-tier paradigm. | 03-24-2016 |
20160087912 | DYNAMIC STORAGE BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION - A computer system, method, and program product for dynamically allocating storage bandwidth in an exchange is provided. The method provided creates, by an exchange server, a total inventory of resources for auction, whereby the total inventory of resources for auction includes resources from at least one provider. The total inventory of resources for auction is broadcast to at least one bidder. The amount of a resource is awarded to the at least one bidder at an end of a bidding interval, based on a bid provided by the at least one bidder during the bidding interval, where the amount of the resource is a portion of the total inventory of resources for auction. | 03-24-2016 |
20160092977 | PREFERENTIAL INTERNET AUCTION SYSTEM ON BASIS OF BID PARTICIPATION TIME - The present invention relates to an Internet auction system for mediating and managing the purchase and sale of product by receiving bid information from a plurality of customer terminals via a communication network. The system includes: a product registration and management module for receiving information on a product to be auctioned off from a seller terminal and storing the received information; a product bid management module, as a product bid module, for receiving bid information from the customer terminals and storing the received bid information, wherein the bid information includes a bidding price; and a preferential successful bid management module for allowing a customer who has more possession time than other customers to preferentially receive a successful bid of the product. | 03-31-2016 |
20160092979 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO OPTIMIZE DISCOUNT SETTING UTILIZING FLEXIBLE PRICING AND CONTINUOUS PRODUCT TIME VALUE DECAY - A method and machine to provide a flexible pricing approach for one or more sellers and multiple buyers with a demand and time dependent real-time bid acceptance engine to work together to increase sales at optimal prices for both buyer and seller. Bids are accepted, by a machine comprising computing and comparative means as well as communication, fraud detection and manipulation parameters, at three potential moments in the process, at bid placement, between bid placement and auction end and at auction end. The acceptance threshold for bids is dependent on both time, demand and market volatility, but can be any combination of 2 or more. An auction will run between auction start and auction end and will only be prematurely terminated once supplies are depleted. | 03-31-2016 |
20160092980 | COMPUTER RUNTIME OPTIMIZATION FOR SYSTEM SUPPORTING ASSET-LEVEL BIDS ON A PORTFOLIO WITH MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM CONSTRAINTS - An Optimization Server reduces M×N iteration space using various techniques to enhance computer performance by improving computer runtime and memory usage. The Optimization Server determines an aggregate combination of bids that results in high proceeds on individual assets of a portfolio subject to minimum and maximum constraints imposed by a bidder across a plurality of individual asset bids. The Optimization Server stores in a memory a portfolio array including M number of elements. Each portfolio array element corresponds to a bid array of bids on the plurality of individual assets of the portfolio. Each bid array includes N number of elements and each bid array element corresponds to a bid amount on one of the plurality of individual assets in the portfolio. The bid array also includes a corresponding minimum constraint and a corresponding maximum constraint across all of the individual as set-level bids placed on the portfolio. | 03-31-2016 |
20160098788 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEALED BID AUCTIONS - Disclosed herein is system and method for sealed bid auctions through the implementation of computer device, wherein an auction includes sealed bids, assigning random IDs for undisclosed real IDs, and obtaining double confirmation from both bidders and vendors. Vendors may choose to have a reserve price such as an open reserve price and a conditional hidden reserve price. The system generates random bidder IDs and allows the bidders to self-determine into two different bidding categories, where one bidding category pays the full winning bid amount and the other bidding category purchases a “price-protection policy” that allows the recalculation of the final winning bid amount based on the “price-protection formula”, wherein the “price-protection formula” is calculated as a sum of the “price-protection fee”, the second-highest bid amount, and the amount from a pre-determined percentage of a difference between the highest bid amount and a second-highest bid amount. | 04-07-2016 |
20160104228 | BOTTOMLESS INVENTORY INTERFACE - The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a presentation layer to present a “bottomless” inventory of products or items to client device users. In response to not identifying a product or item listing to satisfy a user search query, embodiments can transmit an offer, from the user, to buy the product or item to one or more vendors to accept, thereby proactively fulfilling the user's request for the product or item even in the absence of inventory for the product or item. These vendors can comprise vendors utilizing physical retail locations, online-only vendors, etc. The vendors can receive the user's offer to buy the product or item in real time or near-real time. | 04-14-2016 |
20160104236 | PEERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND ONLINE SHOPPING - The number of users viewing a given variable directly affects the rate of change and/or outcome of said variable. In the case of eCommerce, pricing of products and/or services is based upon a user accessing a website on which products and/or services are for sale. An initial price indicia associator associates initial price indicia with the products and/or services files. The initial pricing can be based upon historical indicia or the engine itself. Thereafter, a price indicia adjuster adjusts the pricing responsive to user access of the website or related website. A user interface meter shown on the website indicates to potential buyers how much interest there is in the product and/or service being sold so that peer activity is exhibited to potential buyers to encourage sales and impulsive buying behavior. Pricing is dynamic and adjusts in real-time at a rate determined by the amount of users accessing the website. | 04-14-2016 |
20160110803 | AUCTION SERVER, AUCTION CONTROL METHOD, NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM - A system intermittently lowers a set price at which a product is winnable at an auction, provides the set price of the product to a plurality of users, manages active users indicating an interest in the product from among the users provided with the set price, and receives a bid at the set price from a bidding user. If the time of the received bid is within a predetermined announcement period, an email transmitter announces, to active users excluding the bidding user, counter-bidding at the set price before the relevant price lowering. The system receives a counter-bid from a counter-bidding user among the active users to which counter-bidding was announced, until a counter-bidding deadline determined from the price lowering time or the bid time, and decides a winning user on the basis of the bid and the counter-bid received. | 04-21-2016 |
20160117760 | USER-WIDGET-BASED TRANSACTION SYSTEM - A method and system are described to provide a user-widget-based transaction environment. In one example embodiment, an electronic magazine may be presented to a user device as a widget without using a browser. The electronic magazine may comprise two or more data pages. A user selection of at least one of the two or more data pages may be detected and then communicated from the user device across a network for further processing. | 04-28-2016 |
20160117764 | ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVERSE AUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer-implemented energy efficiency reverse auction system and method where a monetary award is auctioned off to the bidder willing to generate the most energy efficiency for the monetary award. Bids are made in terms of cost per unit of energy efficiency. The system and method may provide access to bidder history graphics, an automatic low bid process, a buy now option, real-time auction pausing, bid-revoking functionality, auction end time automatic extensions, providing auction type images and program material, support for various energy efficiency incentive specific units, real-time chat functionality, bidder registration and database management, and any combination thereof. | 04-28-2016 |
20160125519 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ON DEMAND LOCAL COMMERCE - Systems and methods for on demand local commerce are described. One example embodiment includes a device gathering location information and product interest associated with clients and client devices. The system may use location information in determining that the first plurality of client devices are within a first geographic area during a first time period, and may further use the interest information in calculating an interest level for a first product. A threshold may be identified and used in determining that the interest level for the first product exceeds the threshold. When the calculated interest level exceeds the threshold, a local commerce action is initiated. In various embodiments, the local commerce action may be a live on demand auction at a particular location, an offer associated with a geofenced area, a sales location recommendation to a merchant, or any other such local commerce action. | 05-05-2016 |
20160125520 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AUCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LIVE EVENTS - A mobile auction and engagement system, and method of use, for conducting auctions, advertising activities, promotions, and other engagement activities during various live events. Access to the mobile auction and engagement system can be limited to users within a geographic region, such as a sport stadium. The system includes a user tool that enables a user within the permissible geographic area to bid on auction items and participate in engagement activities, such as trivia contests. The system further includes an administrative tool that allows the system to be customized for various customers, allows input about auction items and rules, and determines how advertisements are presented. | 05-05-2016 |
20160125521 | NETWORKED COMPUTER SYSTEM AND COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN ONLINE AUCTION WEBPAGE WITH SKILL-BASED GAME - A networked computer system for providing a webpage to a user is described herein. The networked computer system includes a database and a computer server that includes a processor that is coupled to a memory device. The database includes a webpage list including a plurality of host webpage records and an auction list including a plurality of auction items. The computer server receives a participation request from a web browser, accesses the database, and generates an auction webpage. The computer server receives a signal indicating a bid request from the user, generates a skill-based game to the user, receives a skill input from the user, determines an outcome of the skill-based game based on the skill input, and generates a bid associated with the received bid request based on the outcome of the skill-based game. | 05-05-2016 |
20160140650 | NOTIFYING DEVICE, PROGRAM, NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM, AND METHOD - A notifying device ( | 05-19-2016 |
20160148236 | WEB-BASED SEARCH AND BIDDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of accepting a bid for an item offered for sale through an internet web portal comprising the following steps: listing with an internet web portal bid program by an item being sold by a merchant; accessing the internet web portal bid program by a user to obtain of bid information of the item; placing with the internet web portal bid program by the registered user of a bid for the item, the bid containing a price that the registered user will pay for the item; presenting by the internet web portal bid program to the registered merchant of one or more economic factors to assist the registered merchant in selecting at least one bid from the one or more bids as a winning bid, one or more economic factors being based on item information and being other than the bid price. | 05-26-2016 |
20160155185 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO BROWSE DATA ITEMS | 06-02-2016 |
20160171599 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING DELIVERY OF ITEM INFORMATION AND FACILITATING A SALE OF AN ITEM | 06-16-2016 |
20160189259 | MANAGING A DISTRIBUTED SECONDARY PRODUCT INVENTORY - Systems and methods to manage a secondary distributed product inventory are described. A method includes receiving from a seller of an item, a request to add the item to a secondary auction of items at a network-based marketplace, receiving one or more seller conditions that apply to the item in the secondary auction, identifying the secondary auction based on the item being compatible with other items in the secondary auction, adding the item to the secondary, and notifying the seller in response to receiving an offer from the buyer that satisfies the conditions. | 06-30-2016 |
20160189262 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BUY THROUGH TRANSACTIONS - In various example embodiments, a system and method for buy through transactions are presented. In an example embodiment, buy through listings for desired products are created by buyers. The buy through listings specify buyer product criteria, which may include product information of the desired products, geographic location information of the desired products, a requested delivery date for the desired products, and pricing information for the desired products. Potential sellers who provide seller purchase criteria may be activated as buy through sellers. The seller purchase criteria may include geographic location information of sellers, product category information related to products the sellers are willing to acquire from third parties, and pricing information related to interested price ranges of the products the sellers are interested in acquiring. The active sellers are provided access to matching buy through listings to bid on. | 06-30-2016 |
20160196604 | CALL TO ACTION LOCKOUT SYSTEM AND METHOD | 07-07-2016 |
20160203548 | INTEGRATED AUCTIONING ENVIRONMENT PLATFORM | 07-14-2016 |
20160253749 | On Computer Implemented Continuous Dual Auction System | 09-01-2016 |
20160379300 | PREDICTION DEVICE, PREDICTION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A prediction device according to the present application includes an acquisition unit and a prediction unit. The acquisition unit acquires information on a current price at which a target product is bid at an auction. The prediction unit predicts a price difference between the current price and a future price at which the target product is assumed to be bid after bidding at the current price based on the information on the current price acquired by the acquisition unit and a bid history at the auction. For example, the prediction unit predicts a price difference between the current price and the future price at which the target product is assumed to be bid immediately after bidding at the current price. | 12-29-2016 |
20170236178 | MULTIPLE FORMAT SEARCH RESULT SETS | 08-17-2017 |
20170236194 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PROCESSING INFORMATION AND DATA INVOLVING DIGITAL CONTENT, DIGITAL PRODUCTS AND/OR EXPERIENCES | 08-17-2017 |
20170236198 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AND DISPLAYING ACTIVE VIRTUAL REALITY CYBER MALLS, SHOW ROOMS, GALLERIES, STORES, MUSEUMS, AND OBJECTS WITHIN | 08-17-2017 |
20170236199 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC AUCTION | 08-17-2017 |
20180025416 | METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AND CONDUCTING SERVICE EXCHANGES OVER NETWORK WITHOUT MONETARY TRANSACTIONS | 01-25-2018 |
20180025419 | Auction Security Tool | 01-25-2018 |
20190147528 | User-Widget-Based Transaction System | 05-16-2019 |