US6230147B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for controlling an electronic auction during the transition to a closed state
Assignee: Ariba Inc
•
Filing: 1999-05-14
•
Granted: 2001-05-08
•
Expires: 2019-05-14
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a "pending" status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders. The auction may be paused by the auction coordinator to correct technical, market and miscellaneous problems that may arise during the course of an auction. Individual bid ceilings can be set for each bidder so that they are required to bid lower than certain thresholds determined in advance of the auction. Failsafe error detection is performed to prevent erroneous bids from entering the auction. The auction coordinator has the ability to override any erroneous bids that are entered to prevent prejudice to the auction.
Inventors
- 👤 Marc Alaia
- 👤 David J. Becker
- 👤 Anthony F. Bernard
- 👤 Daniel C. Heckmann
- 👤 Sam E. Kinney, Jr.
- 👤 Glen T. Meakem
- 👤 Vincent F. Rago
- 👤 Jason Reneau
- 👤 Frederick W. Roberts
- 👤 William D. Rupp
- 👤 Robert G. Stevens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/04; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/06; G06Q30/0601; G06Q30/08; G06Q40/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition does not occur prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition does not occur prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 3
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 4
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to open.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 7
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 4 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to close.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occurs; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 10
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occurs; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to open.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occurs; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 13
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of controlling bidding status in an online auction, comprising: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occurs; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with step (d).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to close.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
113 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition does not occur prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
113 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition does not occur prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
111 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
111 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The machine-readable medium of claim 11 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to open.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
111 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
111 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to close automatically and an intervening condition occurs prior to expiration of said pending interval; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The machine-readable medium of claim 13 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to close.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
105 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occurs; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
105 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occurs; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The machine-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to open.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
105 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occur; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
105 words
A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to control the bidding status in an online auction by performing: (a) setting a bid status to a first status for a lot with a closing time, wherein said lot has been associated status parameter and pending interval; (b) setting said bid status to a second status at said closing time; (c) determining whether said status parameter is set to close automatically; (d) determining to set said bid status to close if said status parameter is set to not close automatically and an intervening condition occur; and (e) setting said bid status in accordance with (d).
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The machine-readable medium of claim 17 , wherein said intervening condition comprises receiving a message to set said bid status to close.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
219 words
A method to control bid status in an electronic auction, comprising the steps of: (a) offering a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product; (b) setting a bidding status for said lot to a first bidding status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot, (c) receiving bids from potential sellers for said lot; (d) upon closing of said lot, changing said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a second status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from a potential seller on said lot of products but that said bidding status may be subsequently changed to said first bidding status; (e) determining whether a return to open trigger event has occurred within a predetermined time period following the changing of said bidding status from said first status to said second status; (e) if said return to open trigger event has not occurred, setting said bidding status to a third bidding status indicating that the buyer will no longer accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot of products; and (g) if said return to open trigger event has occurred, returning said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
219 words
A method to control bid status in an electronic auction, comprising the steps of: (a) offering a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product; (b) setting a bidding status for said lot to a first bidding status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot, (c) receiving bids from potential sellers for said lot; (d) upon closing of said lot, changing said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a second status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from a potential seller on said lot of products but that said bidding status may be subsequently changed to said first bidding status; (e) determining whether a return to open trigger event has occurred within a predetermined time period following the changing of said bidding status from said first status to said second status; (e) if said return to open trigger event has not occurred, setting said bidding status to a third bidding status indicating that the buyer will no longer accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot of products; and (g) if said return to open trigger event has occurred, returning said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 19 , wherein step (e) comprises the step of receiving a communication from a potential seller indicating a request for an opportunity to submit a further bid.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 19 , wherein step (g) comprises the step of returning said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status after auctions on other lots have closed.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 19 , further comprising the steps of: storing a first value that specifies the length of time that said lot will remain in said second bidding status; and storing a second value that specifies whether said lot should automatically be changed to said third bidding status upon the expiration of the length of time specified by said first value.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
218 words
A system to control bid status in an electronic auction, comprising: means for offering a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product; means for setting a bidding status for said lot to a first bidding status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot; means for receiving bids from potential sellers for said lot; means for changing said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a second status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from a potential seller on said lot of products but that said bidding status may be subsequently changed to said first bidding status; means for determining whether a return to open trigger event has occurred within a predetermined time period following the changing of said bidding status from said first status to said second status; means for setting said bidding status to a third bidding status indicating that the buyer will no longer accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot of products, if said return to open trigger event has not occurred; and means for returning said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status, if said return to open trigger event has occurred.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
218 words
A system to control bid status in an electronic auction, comprising: means for offering a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product; means for setting a bidding status for said lot to a first bidding status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot; means for receiving bids from potential sellers for said lot; means for changing said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a second status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from a potential seller on said lot of products but that said bidding status may be subsequently changed to said first bidding status; means for determining whether a return to open trigger event has occurred within a predetermined time period following the changing of said bidding status from said first status to said second status; means for setting said bidding status to a third bidding status indicating that the buyer will no longer accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot of products, if said return to open trigger event has not occurred; and means for returning said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status, if said return to open trigger event has occurred.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein said means for determining whether a return to open trigger event has occurred receives a communication from a potential seller indicating a request for an opportunity to submit a fixer bid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein said means for returning said bidding status returns said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status after auctions on other lots have closed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 23 , further comprising: means for storing a first value that specifies the length of time that said lot will remain in said second bidding status; and means for storing a second value that specifies whether said lot should automatically be changed to said third bidding status upon the expiration of the length of time specified by said first value.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
341 words
A computer program product for enabling a processor in a computer system to control bid status in an electronic auction, said computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing an application program to execute on the computer system, said computer readable program code means comprising a first computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to offer a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product; a second computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to set a bidding status for said lot to a first bidding status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot; a third computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to receive bids from potential sellers for said lot; a fourth computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to change said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a second status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from a potential seller on said lot of products but that said bidding status may be subsequently changed to said first bidding status; a fifth computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to determine whether a return to open trigger event has occurred within a predetermined time period following the changing of said bidding status from said first status to said second status; a sixth computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to set said bidding status to a third bidding status indicating that the buyer will no longer accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot of products, if said return to open trigger event has not occurred; and a seventh computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to return said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status, if said return to open trigger event has occurred.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
341 words
A computer program product for enabling a processor in a computer system to control bid status in an electronic auction, said computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing an application program to execute on the computer system, said computer readable program code means comprising a first computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to offer a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product; a second computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to set a bidding status for said lot to a first bidding status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot; a third computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to receive bids from potential sellers for said lot; a fourth computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to change said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a second status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from a potential seller on said lot of products but that said bidding status may be subsequently changed to said first bidding status; a fifth computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to determine whether a return to open trigger event has occurred within a predetermined time period following the changing of said bidding status from said first status to said second status; a sixth computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to set said bidding status to a third bidding status indicating that the buyer will no longer accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot of products, if said return to open trigger event has not occurred; and a seventh computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to return said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status, if said return to open trigger event has occurred.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer program product of claim 27 , wherein said fifth program code means receives a communication from a potential seller indicating a request for an opportunity to submit a further bid.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer program product of claim 27 , wherein said seventh program codes means returns said bidding status for said lot to said first bidding status after auctions on other lots have closed.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
84 words
The computer program product of claim 27 , further comprising computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to store a first value that specifies the length of time that said lot will remain in said second bidding status; and computer readable program code means for enabling the computer system to store a second value that specifies whether said lot should automatically be changed to said third bidding status upon the expiration of the length of time specified by said first value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-05-07 | 2004-11-06 | 2005-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-07 | 2008-11-06 | 2009-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-07 | 2012-11-06 | 2013-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |