EP1785918A1 - System for carrying out Dutch auctions - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a display section (AT), for a physical display unit (AE) for displaying a changeable auction price. A down counter program section (RZ) is provided for decrementing a starting valve assigned to starting price. A stop detection section (ST) is provided for detecting a stop-command of auction participants and is designed for stopping the down counter. A central computer or a central server comprises of a computer program. The server is assigned to an auctioneer and is connected with several communications devices via transmission channels. The devices are assigned to auction.

Description

The invention relates to a system according to claim 1.

There are numerous online auction procedures known. For some, a minimum start price and an auction end are predetermined, after which, from the time the online auction is closed, auction participants will have to pay. B. on the Internet can submit their offers, which, however, the other auction participants from the amount are not communicated. The remaining auction participants will only be notified of the currently highest auction bidder by name or by their pseudonym. As a matter of course, a current auction price is given, which, however, does not have to match the highest bid of the currently highest bidding auction participant. This auction process is z. B. used by the well-known online auction house Ebay®.

The object of the invention is to create a system with which auctions on the one hand increase the attractiveness of the auction for an auction participant and on the other hand enable the auctioneer to settle higher fees.

1. a) ein Anzeigeteil, für mindestens eine physikalische Anzeigeeinheit zum Darstellen eines veränderbaren Auktionspreises,
2. b) ein Rückwärtszähler-Programmteil zum Dekrementieren einer einem Startpreis zugeordneten Startgröße, und
3. c) ein Stopp-Erfassungsmittel zu Erfassen eines Stoppbefehls eines Auktionsteilnehmers, wobei das Stopp-Erfassungsmittel zum Stoppen des Rückwärtszählers ausgebildet ist,

This object is achieved by a system which for online and / or live execution of electronic reverse auctions by means of a computer program and comprises:

1. a) a display part, for at least one physical display unit for displaying a variable auction price,
2. b) a down-counter program part for decrementing a seed associated with a starting price, and
3. c) a stop detecting means for detecting a stop command of an auction participant, wherein the stop detecting means is arranged to stop the backward counter,

By this combination, the auction has a higher attractiveness for an auction participant, since the counter is designed as a down counter and the price is e.g. for a commodity to be "auctioned" instead of lowering the price. By a stop command or a stop signal that can be submitted at any time within the auction period of each auction participant, the auction can be ended. The risk that another auction participant could be faster increases the "thrill" and creates a higher "fun factor". On the other hand, this system allows the auctioneer to obtain higher fees by calculating them in dependence on a time logged in the system and / or distributing them to all auction participants. The bidder of the goods must also pay no auction fees, which also increases its attractiveness at the auction. This solution can be easily realized by the computer program according to the invention and essentially by software, since known hardware components, such as PCs, servers, telephone equipment and telephone transmission lines, television equipment and television transmission links can be used, and can be used without hardware changes.

The display part is preferably a pure software solution that allows a physical display unit such as a PC monitor. Use a mobile phone display and / or a TV.

A further technical advantage of the system according to the invention is that the computer program or a program part can be run through faster, since a stop command and thus ending of the auction is not fixed for a certain time (auction end, for example, Sunday 14:00 hours). Namely, the stop command can be made very fast, which allows a new auction to start much earlier. This is particularly advantageous in serial information transmission when e.g. only one transmission channel, e.g. a TV channel is available to the auctioneer and therefore he can only offer his articles in succession (serial). By the invention, a TV-use in a workable manner possible. In fact, a TV insert can also generate additional revenue by e.g. Advertising in auction breaks or by offering higher ratings. If e.g. Rare lover cars auctioned backwards, so there is still an interest in the product, even if there is no purchase intent, so that such an electronic auction for a wide audience and thus for a TV channel is interesting. Besides, the backward counter keeps the hope up to the end. While at forward auctions the hope of earning a product dies when a buyer's financial resources are exceeded, the reverse counter offers the advantage that hope dies first at the auction's end. A buyer can always hope to the end that the price falls so far that he makes a "bargain".

Yet another advantage of the invention is that only relatively few data must be made available to the respective auction participant from, for example, a central network computer for information about the current status of the auction. As a result, the inventive system according to the invention only makes low demands on a network as well as on communication terminals used and used on the part of the auction participants.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a subscriber detection means for detecting the auction participant sent the stop command and / or a subscriber code and / or a subscriber number is provided. This allows each participant to participate in the auction, regardless of location, in particular by telephone and / or an Internet connection. Namely, the communication medium may be a landline or a mobile phone, a personal computer or similar device.

If at least one billing means is used for billing several auction user fees distributed to all auction participants and dependent on at least one auction duration, the auction duration being the time from which an action participant is "logged in" to the time in which the respective If the auction participant is "logged out" and / or the time is up, at the auction starts with a start command until the time when the stop command is received, then a significant additional revenue can be obtained at the auction. In particular, the accounting means is a software solution implemented in the computer program of the system

In principle, one or more components of the system may be implemented by hardware, for example by analog or digital circuits. Conveniently, an embodiment is provided as a computer program in which the display part, the down counter, the stop detection means and the subscriber detection means are designed as software program parts of the computer program, and preferably also the accounting means is designed as a software program part. Such Solution can be implemented cost-effectively and simply by using a suitable programming language. A program part may have a program sequence implemented in an address area of a memory, a subprogram or else another command structure.

By a time counter, which is designed to capture an auction time - from an auction start to an input of the stop command - on the one hand, a fee collection can be facilitated but also on the other hand, the auction participants valuable information to provide, how high the risk is to lose the auction. The preferably created by the software counter increases the "thrill" very.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided by a computer program comprehensive central computer, which is assigned to an auctioneer and which is connected via transmission channels with a plurality of communication devices, each associated with auction participants, a very flexible use is given. For example, fixed telephones, mobile telephones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), and / or personal computers can be provided as communication devices. In particular, the use of telephones expands the circle of people or the target group outrageous, because not everyone can handle a PC equally well and thus those are not disadvantaged, have a slower computer and / or a slower computer connection or have no PC at all , The use of mobile phones also creates a high degree of independence and facilitates dialing, for example by menu navigation on a high-resolution color display of the mobile device. Also a billing is simplified by the telephone use, as fees can be easily passed through a telephone bill, preferably in an automated manner.

Preferably, the computer program is programmed by the programming language HTML, Java and / or Javascript. As a result, a web-enabled and / or mobile-enabled program implementation is possible. Sending a user program can be easily accomplished by email, SMS, or the like, or via internet retrieval. But even without a user program, anyone can participate in an auction and that by simply a telephone dial-in with a special phone number in a known manner, as is common in sweepstakes on television. This is especially for the elderly, e.g. Pensioners, an advantage, since they often do not have sufficient Internet knowledge and usually spend a lot of time in front of a TV set.

In another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the stop command can be generated by pressing a physical button and / or a button of a monitor in the communication device, in particular by pressing a phone button, preferably the phone "*" button and / or button using the mouse and / or generated by means of a touch field. This offers the auctioneer a very fast command dispatch. The command transmission via a telephone button is much faster than a transmission over the Internet, as it can get on a more direct route to a central computer. By this measure, the auction has a kind of sweepstakes character, which further increases the attractiveness of the system. Again, those with less PC skills or inferior PC hardware will not be disadvantaged.

A particularly favorable measure is characterized in that the display part is designed for a television unit designed as a display unit, wherein leading to Auktionteilnehmers communication channels are formed as TV channels. This will reach a very wide audience and use advanced technology. The Kanalübetragung may be analog or digital and / or via cable, satellite or the like.

If the auction participant can log in via a communication interface and via a network in a central computer and / or can reach the system via a telephone connection in order to participate in the respective auction, then a very high number of bidders is entered. A dial-up can be possible over several systems. e.g. PC, fixed or mobile phone.

A PC usage or use of a computerized telephone set is provided by providing a computer program for each communication device which displays a starting price on the display unit and indicates a remaining time until a next reduction in the auction price.

If a computer program is provided for each communication device, which indicates to the auction participant via the display unit how long it has already been logged in and / or which amount has been incurred for the participation in the auction, the user can individually see what costs are incurred by him. This is advantageous if the bidder has only a so-called prepaid account, so that he can make a bid even before a credit is exhausted.

A further advantageous development of the invention is characterized in that a central computer comprising the central computer is communicatively connected to a second computer, preferably a dispatch department, wherein a program part is provided, which acquires an address of a successful auctioneer and / or information about at least one Contains goods. This speeds up and simplifies logistical handling of the goods.

In order to ensure correct operation of the system in the event of a lack of interest in an article to be auctioned, the central computer preferably outputs a stop order ending the auction by the computer program as soon as a minimum auction price has been undershot and / or the auction price has been reduced to zero.

It is particularly attractive for auctioneers and auction participants if the computer program comprises a program section that depends on online auction costs of a number of auction participants logged in the auction and / or logged in communication devices, in particular intervals are present with an increasing number of logged auction participants get shorter. This dynamic behavior increases the auctioneer's total revenue through a quick auction and the ability to win more auctions in a given time and thus more bidders, and on the other hand reduces the expenses of the auctioneer as the costs are effectively split among several participants, leaving a balance is complied with. Thus, for example, mass merchandise can be better sold by lower auction costs for the individual and lover pieces with a few bidders with higher auction fees for the few bidders to the satisfaction of the auctioneer will be passed.

The system is further optimized if the computer program comprises a part of the program which executes price jumps which are automatically made after the expiration of the time interval, the price jumps being from a number of the auctioneers logged in the auction and / or the length of time intervals and / or the one auction price and / or duration of the auction. Similarly, this provides benefits for both sides and increases the "fun factor" through a dynamic development of the auction that can not be foreseen. This raffle character further increases the attractiveness.

It is also possible to use the system outside a home area if the physical display unit is a large-screen screen, which is designed in particular to be erectable in public places and / or on football stadiums.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

Embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein further advantageous developments of the invention and advantages thereof are described.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung des erfinderischen Prinzips,

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung eines Ablaufdiagramms eines Programmteils zur Ausführung der Erfindung,

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispieles mit einem Fernsehgerät als physikalische Anzeigeeinheit, mit einem Fernsehbild bei einem Auktionsbeginn, wobei ein Mobilfunkgerät als ein Kommunikationsgerät vorgesehen ist,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung des Fernsehbildes bei einem Auktionsbeginn, zu einem Zeitpunkt, bei der die Auktion angelaufen ist,

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung des Fernsehbildes zu einem Zeitpunkt, bei der die Auktion weiter fortgeschritten ist,

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung des Fernsehbildes zum Auktionsende,

Fig. 7

ein zweites Beispiel mit einer Internetlösung oder einer Mobilfunkstreckenlösung eine Mobilfunknetzes bzw. ein Blockschaltbild des erfindungsgemäßen Auktionsverfahrens,

Fig. 8

eine Vergrößerte Darstellung der Monitordarstellung gemäß Fig. 7 bzw. eine beispielhafte Bildschirmmaske für einen Auktionsteilnehmer,

Fig.9

ein weiteres mögliches Ablaufdiagramm für das erfindungsgemäße Auktionsverfahren,

Fig. 10

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer Großbildleinwand, und

Fig. 11

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel mit mehreren Servern.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the inventive principle,

Fig. 2

1 is a representation of a flow chart of a program part for carrying out the invention,

Fig. 3

a representation of a first embodiment with a A television as a physical display unit, having a television image at auction start, wherein a mobile device is provided as a communication device,

Fig. 4

a representation of the television image at the beginning of the auction, at a time when the auction started,

Fig. 5

a representation of the television picture at a time when the auction is more advanced,

Fig. 6

a representation of the television picture at the end of the auction,

Fig. 7

a second example with an internet solution or a mobile radio link solution a mobile radio network or a block diagram of the auction method according to the invention,

Fig. 8

an enlarged view of the monitor display according to FIG. 7 or an exemplary screen mask for an auction participant,

Figure 9

Another possible flowchart for the auction process according to the invention,

Fig. 10

a third embodiment with a large screen, and

Fig. 11

a fourth embodiment with multiple servers.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an inventive system, which is realized with a computer program CP or with several computer programs The system. The system is for online and / or live Performing electronic reverse auctions using at least one computer program. The computer program can be programmed by the programming language HTML, Java and / or Javascript.

The program comprises a display part AT. This visualizes on a physical display unit AE, e.g. a representation of a product, a price that is changeable, and / or other information that will be further illustrated in later examples. The physical display unit AE can basically be any unit that can display a price analog or digital. S can basically display the display e.g. be a digital seven-segment display. Preferably, the display unit is a graphics capable unit, such as a PC monitor, a cellular display or a TV screen. Can be used a graphics software.

The system therefore comprises a display part AE for at least one physical display unit for displaying a variable auction price.

The system also includes a backward counter program part RZ for decrementing, that is, reducing, a seed associated with a starting price. The reduction can be done depending on the starting price, at low price eg in 1 EURO-steps and at higher starting prices eg in 10 EURO-steps or variable in time, eg first in small steps and then in bigger steps or vice versa. A start size multiplied by any currency unit is then gradually reduced by subtracting a constant or a variable. Adding negative values is of course also possible.

Furthermore, the system according to the invention comprises a stop detecting means ST for detecting a stop command of an auction participant, wherein the stop detecting means ST is adapted to stop the backward counter RZ, so that at "stop" or a command "buy" or the like, the price on the Display unit is frozen and the value is stored. The triggering of the stop command can be done by pressing a button, as shown in Fig. 1 symbolically. The key may be a telephone key, a PC key, a mouse key, another key, or other input means, e.g. Touchscreen, as it is e.g. in PDAs with stylus is usual done. As communication devices, for example, landline telephones, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), and / or personal computers (PCs) can be used.

Although individual system components can be realized at least partially by hardware, an embodiment is preferably provided as a computer program in which the display part, the down-counter, the stop-detection means and the subscriber detection means are designed as software program parts of the computer program.

2, a simplified flowchart of the computer program is shown. After a program start, the starting price is displayed. The program start can be done manually or automatically. Here it is assumed that all participants are logged in. If no purchase offer (stop order) is entered, the price will be reduced as explained above and the new price will be displayed. If there is a stop command, then the price is "frozen" and thus the purchase price displayed. The auction is over, whereby a subsequent auction can take place.

Fig. 3 shows an example with a TV set TV as a physical display unit. In this appears a television picture at auction start. The image shows the product to be auctioned, the starting price and further information, such as a dial-in number 0123 456 789 for logging into the system. A mobile device is provided as a communication device. But it can also be a landline phone or a similar device.

Each auction participant can therefore log in via a communication interface and via a network in a central computer. That anyone can access the system over the telephone connection to attend the auction.

A broadcaster, in particular a television station S, transmits an image, which represents a sinking price, via cable, satellite or otherwise to the television viewer and the logged in auction participants, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

By a subscriber detection means for detecting the stop command, which can be sent by any auction participant by eg his mobile terminal MOB, the auction is terminated. The subscriber acquisition means is implemented, for example, by programming. Furthermore, a subscriber code and / or a subscriber number can be detected. Sending the stop command can be triggered by pressing the "*" button on the mobile device MOB. The signal is received by a radio station of a mobile network and sent to the connected TV station in a known manner. The stop command can thus be generated by pressing a physical key and / or by a button of a monitor in the communication device, in particular by pressing the "*" key. As explained, however, the stop command can also be used in other ways, eg by a button by mouse and / or by means of a touch field are generated.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the final bid is then displayed. As can be seen from the symbolic clock in FIGS. 3 to 6, there is also a time counter which is designed to record or also to represent an auction time, from an auction start to an input of the stop command.

To simplify billing, a billing means is provided. Billing will be distributed to all auction participants. The auction participant fees depend on the auction duration. The auction duration is the time that an actor is "logged in" to the time the auctioneer is "logged out" and / or the time the auction starts with a start command until the time when the auction starts the stop command is received. Preferably, the settlement means is executed as a software program part.

FIGS. 3 to 6 have shown that the display part AT is designed for a display unit AE designed as a television, the communication channels leading to the auction participants being in the form of television channels.

Not shown in FIGS. 3-6, but it is possible that a computer program is provided which displays both the starting price on the display unit (TV or mobile radio) MOB) and also indicates a remaining time until a next reduction of the auction price. Also, for any communication device such a program be provided to follow the auction completely on the graphic display of the mobile device MOB.

It is advantageous if this is displayed to the auction participant on the display unit (TV or MOB), how long he has already logged in and / or what amount is incurred for participation in the auction.

The computer program stored in a central server of the television transmitter comprises a program part which depends on online or live auction costs from a number of the auction participants and / or logged-in communication devices logged in at the auction. The intervals become shorter with an increasing number of logged-in auction participants. The computer program also includes a program part that executes price jumps which are automatically made after the time interval. The price jumps depend on a number of auction participants logged into the auction and / or on the length of time intervals and / or auction price and / or duration of the auction.

As further examples show, the computer program is stored in a central computer associated with an auctioneer and which communicates via communication channels with the communication equipment, e.g. the mobile stations MOB, is connected, which are each assigned to auction participants.

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram for an inventive auction method.

Several auction participants A _i (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ ) are connected via transmission channels Ü _i (Ü ₁ , Ü ₂ , Ü ₃ ) to a server 1 which represents the central computer. The transmission links Ü _i can be, for example, mobile radio transmission links, analogous to FIGS. 3 to 6, and / or Internet transmission links. Each auction participant A _i has its communication device z. B. in the form of a mobile device (mobile phones) or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), which are all in communication with the server 1. On the server runs the auction program, which represents, for example, via the network language HTML, Java or Javascript relevant to the online auction data on the display of the respective communication device of the auction participant. The auction participant can z. B. the button shown on the display "Buy", which is placed under the display of the current auction price, with the phone keypad or the mobile device keyboard click, after which his purchase offer is transmitted to the server. The registration and / or the submission of a purchase offer from the auction participant can also be made by sending an SMS.

If the purchase offer of the auction participant A _i is the first in terms of time, then this auction participant will receive the bid. The server 1 then transmits the auction data to the accounting department 3 as well as the goods issue 4 of the auction house or the auction provider. In what order now the auction item at the auction participant A _i received the contract will be sent and in what way debited the auction duration proportional fees and the auction price of the auction participants and the auction fees from the other auction participants or invoiced, is in principle arbitrary , In any case, as shown, the auction product and the invoices can be sent to the buyer 5. However, it is of course also possible that the auction goods from Auction participant is picked up by the auction house or directly at a goods issue at the event itself. Preferably, the computer program of the main server or the central computer comprising the program with a second computer, preferably a dispatch department communicatively connected. A program part is provided which contains an address of a successful auctioneer and / or information about at least one auctioned product. Preferably, the central computer (server in Fig. 7) by the computer program outputs a stop auction command as soon as a minimum auction price falls below and / or the auction price has been reduced to zero.

FIG. 8 shows a possible screen design, as can be represented by the auction program on the display of the auction participant. The display is in particular a graphic color display of a mobile device or mobile phone, which has a sufficient resolution. On the display, among other things, the auction product 6, for example by means of a graphic, In addition, further product information 7, z. B. in text form, as a video or also as represented. Also, the starting price is displayed, which z. B. is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. The current auction price 10 is shown in large letters on the center of the display. In addition, the remaining time interval until the next price update by means of the display 9 is shown. Below the current auction price 10 is a button 14, which z. B. by means of a telephone or mobile phone key is actuated by means of which the auction participant can submit his bid to the central computer. On the right side of the display is a display 11, which shows the auctioneer how long he has already logged in on the central computer or how long he participates in the auction. Below is the display 12, the converted costs (time-dependent) specified. With a further display 13, the auction participant will actually be charged with the total costs actually incurred for him, provided that he at this time submits his purchase offer by means of the button 14. It is of course possible that certain advertisements will be suppressed, but the current auction price and the price update 9, 10, the buy button 14 and the product info and the starting price 7, 8 should be displayed in any case.

FIG. 9 shows a possible flow chart for an auction according to the invention. After the auction program has started, the respective auction participant will be informed when the auction starts. As soon as the auction has started, an update of the screen data will be made to the auction participants. Subsequently, a program loop is started in which the time interval is counted down. Once the time interval has expired, it is lowered by the predetermined amount. If the price reduction does not fall below the time limit or the minimum price, the screen data will be updated by the auction participants. As soon as a timeout or the minimum price is undershot, the auction is automatically terminated by the program. As soon as an auction participant or during the current auction submits a purchase offer, the auction is ended, the payment process is initiated, and the customers or the auctioneers who have been awarded the bid are notified. After the payment has been made, then the goods can be sent to the customer. Alternatively, it is of course possible to send the goods with invoice to the auction participant.

It is of course possible that the time interval is determined depending on the number of auction participants. So z. B. the time interval are chosen to be relatively short, so that in relatively short Intervals a price reduction is made. It is also possible that the dependent on the duration of fees depends on the number of participating auction participants. Also, the price reduction may depend on the number of auction participants or be larger or smaller as the duration of the auction continues.

The difference to the online auction or Internet auction is also that the auction participants are in the same reception area of a radio station or base station.

Fig. 10 shows a system in which the physical display unit is a large screen, particularly in public places and / or at stadiums, e.g. Football stadiums, erectable trained. The offer also happens here as shown in FIG. 10 shows by mobile devices of the guests.

Such auction events are public events such as public place events, stadiums, auction houses, and the like.

Fig. 11 shows a fourth example. Access to the system according to the invention is possible via various communication devices. Subscribers can be registered via a mobile radio network 101 and / or via a fixed network 102 as well as via telecommunication unit 103 of a telecommunications provider connected to the networks with a central game server 104. The telecommunications unit 103 is in communication with the game server 104.

However, the central game server 104 may also be additionally or only in communicative connection with an Internet server 105 on which via the Internet network 106 different Internet browsers 107 - 109 have access.

However, the central game server 104 may also be additionally or only in communicative connection with a stadium server 110. This is connected to a large screen 111 to allow auctions in a stadium or the like.

In addition, the central game server 104 may be communicatively connected to a studio server 112 of a television station. Through a television program, the auction can be done in a television format, the auction can be displayed by a television 113.

Called the reverse auction or Dutch auction, as shown in FIG. 11 is placed live on television and / or online over the Internet. Each auction can take place at a fixed time and at a fixed time. Persons wishing to participate in the auction, in particular via a value-added number, which in an auctioning medium, such as website, television program and / or stadium screen, announced, choose a telecommunications provider. Again, the price of the article to be auctioned decreases in a variable definable time cycle of preferably 5 - 60 seconds by a variable amount. If a participant wants to buy the item at the current price, he also presses the "*" key on his telephone. The buyer will be connected to a call center with whom he clarifies the modalities of the purchase, such as address and payment method. The current auction is over for all other participants. The connections are interrupted.

The telecommunications device 103 of the telecommunications provider is thus provided its own value added number. The numbers can be called by subscribers over a telephone landline and / or mobile network to participate in the auction. The unit 103 ensures that the current number of callers per phone number on request to the central game server is transmitted (poll). If an auction is ended by pressing the "*" key, this circumstance is transmitted to the central game server 104 for the respective telephone number or for the auction (push). In this case, a poll-push method is used.

The central game server 104 of FIG. 11 manages the auctions taking place. It serves on the one hand to manage master data of the auctioned articles with e.g. Description and entry price and on the other hand, he serves the management of the master data on the auctions, such as auction number, assigned value number, end digit, date, time, auctioned article, clock, minimum rate, maximum rate, rate per subscriber and the like. The server 104 also serves to carry out and control the current auction by means of the computer program according to the invention.

It is important to determine a rate of descent for the price of the item, this determination being automatically calculated by the program.

(aT):The sink rate aktS is calculated using the following formula: $$\mathrm{Acts}=\mathrm{at}*\mathrm{rT}$$

(at):

The number of subscribed participants (aT) is The current number of participants dialed in at the auction. The number is once each time clock and auction at the server 104 of the unit 103, which also includes a server, queried and taken into account in the determination of the current sink rate (aktS).
(RT):

The rate per participant (rT) is the amount of money per registered bidder by which the price decreases. The amount is determined by the organizer and is given as an absolute value per time cycle (for example, 0.07 EURO).

(minR):If the calculated rate of descent is below the minimum rate of descent, then it is automatically set as the current descent rate: $$\mathrm{Acts}=\mathrm{Max}\left(\mathrm{minR}\mathrm{Acts}\right)$$

(MinR):

The minimum rate minR is the amount by which the price per time cycle decreases, regardless of the number of registered bidders. The information can be in eg 1% of the starting price or absolutely (eg 0.05 EURO). For the calculation, the value is always converted into an absolute value.

(maxR):If the rate of descent is above a maximum value, then this current descent rate is automatically set on the basis of: $$\mathrm{Acts}=\min \left(\mathrm{max\; R}\mathrm{Acts}\right)$$

(MaxR):

The maximum rate (maxR) is the amount by which the price falls at most per time cycle. The indication can be in% (for example 15%) or absolute (for example 5 EURO). For the calculation, the value is always converted into an absolute amount.

Thus, the server 104 calculates the current rate of descent for each auction in progress and reduces the current price accordingly.

Furthermore, the system comprises one or more visualization servers. The visualization server can retrieve the current status of an auction (current price, status) at the central server 104, indicating the auction number. The termination of the auction can also be communicated directly by the central server 104 with appropriate capabilities of a visualization software.

The visualization servers are designed so that a customer or an auction participant can communicate. These servers implement the information of the central server 104 for the respective communication medium, eg in a price display on a TV screen, a display in a stage or on a Website. The software of the visualization server or, for example, 105, 110, 112, is set up for communication with the central server. The server 105, 110 and / or 112 may retrieve the current data of the auction by sending the auction to the server 104 and receiving in response the current price and the status of the auction (ongoing, completed).

In particular, the system according to the invention comprises a central server 104 and preferably uses a plurality of visualization servers.
The examples shown are characterized by the fact that each auction participant pays fees for the duration for which he participates in the auction or is logged into the auction server. These are him in an advantageous embodiment of the invention always up to date on his him the auction representing display, which may be, for example, the display of a mobile phone or PDA, displayed or otherwise, for example by telephone, communicated. For this, the central computer on which the auction program runs logs the relevant data of all auction participants. Likewise, the auction participant is informed when a price update or price reduction takes place. It can also be shown advantageous, by what amount the current auction price should be lowered at the next price update. The amount can be variable, z. B. depending on the number of just logged in or by phone related auction participants. However, it is also possible that the price jumps are fixed. But it is also possible that the price jumps become larger or smaller with the duration of the auction. Also, a combination of all the above conditions can be made so that the time interval and / or the price jump and / or the fees each interdependent functions or Functions of the number of participants, the auction duration and / or the starting price.

In conventional auctions, such. For example, in the case of Ebay® Auctions, the Online Auction Fee will result from the auction price, with auction fees often representing a percentage of the auction price. An auction process in which the auction price is automatically reduced, the disadvantage would be for the online auction house that due to the relatively low number of auction participants only a small auction price can be achieved, resulting in low fees for the auction house. By providing auction fees proportional to the auction duration for each auctioneer, the auction fees may be distributed to all auction participants, thereby reducing the benefit of each auctioneer, resulting in increased attractiveness of the auction event. It should be noted, however, that even if the auction is not successful auction fees are incurred for an auction participant. Thus, as already mentioned, the auction house can make the fees dependent on the current number of logged in and / or registered auction participants for the respective auction. For example, for a large number of auction participants, it would be conceivable that the auction fees would automatically decrease.

The auction process according to the invention thus combines the appeal of an online auction with the advantage that each auction participant must pay the lowest possible fees. In addition, it attracts the auction participants to keep its charges low by an early purchase offer. Especially this measure will eventually lead to high auction prices can be achieved.

Due to the fact that only relatively few data have to be made available to the respective auction participant from the central network computer for information on the current status of the auction, the auction process according to the invention or the system according to the invention only places small demands on the existing network and the communication terminals used and used on the part of the auction participants.

The inventive method or system also offers the advantage that a fee collection is possible even without a direct admission price for an entrance ticket of the auction. Missing entry fee increases the incentive to participate in an auction.

The systems described allow a process for conducting online auctions, live auctions or auction events, such as public place events, stadiums, auction houses, and the like. Several persons must register as auction participants by means of a communication device via a network, in particular a radio network, at a central computer. After the auction has started, the auction price is automatically reduced at predeterminable intervals. Each auction participant can make a purchase declaration via his communication device, in particular a mobile device or a PDA. The auction participant will receive the surcharge, who will submit the purchase declaration first.

The central computer determines the time duration for each auction participant. In particular, it logs the subscribers who are logged in to the server and / or the subscribers involved in an auction and that the central computer bills each auction participant an amount proportional to the time duration and / or debits this amount directly from a credit account of the auction participant.

• Jedem Auktionsteilnehmer, welcher für eine bestimmte Auktion angemeldet ist, wird der Startpreis, zu dem die Auktion gestartet wird bzw. wurde und wird der aktuelle Auktionspreis sowie die verbleibende Zeit bis zur nächsten Reduzierung des Auktionspreises mitgeteilt.
• Jedem Auktionsteilnehmer, welcher für eine bestimmte Auktion angemeldet ist, angezeigt wird, wie lange er bereits eingeloggt ist und/oder welcher Betrag für die Teilnahme an der Versteigerung bereits angefallen ist.
• Jedem Auktionsteilnehmer, welcher für eine bestimmte Auktion angemeldet ist, wird die Summe der der Auktionsdauer proportionalen Gebühren Auktionskosten mitgeteilt.
• Der zentrale Rechner, beendet die Auktion automatisch, sobald ein Auktionsteilnehmer eine Kauferklärung abgibt, wonach dann allen Auktionsteilnehmern das Ende der Auktion mitgeteilt wird.
• Der zentrale Rechner sendet eine Nachricht an eine Versandabteilung, wobei die Nachricht die Adresse des erfolgreichen Auktionsteilnehmers, sowie Informationen über die ersteigerte Ware bzw. Waren enthält.
• Der zentrale Rechner sendet direkt oder über einen weiteren Server eine Rechnung an den erfolgreichen Auktionsteilnehmer und/oder bucht den geschuldeten Betrag direkt von einem Guthabenkonto des erfolgreichen Auktionsteilnehmers ab.
• Der zentrale Rechner beendet die Auktion automatisch, sobald ein Mindestauktionspreis unterschritten wird oder der Auktionspreis auf Null reduziert wurde.
• Die der Auktionsdauer proportionalen Gebühren hängen von der Anzahl der bei der Auktion angemeldeten Auktionsteilnehmer ab, wobei insbesondere die der Auktionsdauer proportionalen Gebühren mit steigender Anzahl der angemeldeten Auktionsteilnehmer sinken.
• Die Intervalle, nach denen der Auktionspreis gesenkt wird, hängen von der Anzahl der bei der Auktion angemeldeten Auktionsteilnehmer ab, wobei insbesondere die Intervalle mit steigender Anzahl der angemeldeten Auktionsteilnehmer kürzer werden.
• Die Preissprünge, welche nach Ablauf eines Zeitintervalls automatisch vorgenommen werden, hängen von der Anzahl der bei der Auktion angemeldeten Auktionsteilnehmer und/oder der Länge der Zeitintervalle und/oder dem Auktionspreis und/oder der Dauer der Auktion ab.
• Zum Anmelden oder Einloggen benötigt jeder Auktionsteilnehmer ein Benutzernamen und ein Kennwort, welche er von dem zentralen - Rechner bzw. dem Auktionshaus vorab erhält.
• Das bevorzugte Verfahren wird von einem Versteigerungsprogramm durchgeführt wird, welches auf dem zentralen Rechner abläuft, wobei der zentrale Rechner über das Netzwerk den Dialog mit dem Kommunikationsgerät des jeweiligen Auktionsteilnehmers in einer Netzwerksprache, insbesondere HTML, JAVA, Javascript, o.ä., führt.
• Eine Bildübertragung eines Auktionsgegenstandes, eines Auktionators und/oder von Auktionsdaten kann an mindestens eine Großbildleinwand erfolgen.
• Die Anmeldung und/oder die Abgabe eines Kaufangebots vom Auktionsteilnehmer kann über das Versenden einer SMS erfolgen.

The method or the above system can be combined with the following features and means for executing process features:

• Each auction participant who is registered for a particular auction will be notified of the starting price at which the auction is or will start and will be informed of the current auction price and the remaining time until the next reduction of the auction price.
• Each auction participant who is registered for a particular auction will be shown how long he has already logged in and / or how much has already been paid to participate in the auction.
• Each auction participant who is registered for a specific auction will be informed of the sum of the auction costs proportional to the auction duration.
• The central computer ends the auction automatically as soon as an auction participant submits a purchase declaration, after which all auction participants are informed of the end of the auction.
• The central computer sends a message to a shipping department, the message containing the address of the successful auction participant, as well as information about the purchased goods or goods.
• The central computer sends directly or via another server an invoice to the successful auction participant and / or debits the amount owed directly from a credit account of the successful auction participant.
• The central computer ends the auction automatically as soon as a minimum auction price is undershot or the auction price has been reduced to zero.
• The fees, which are proportional to the duration of the auction, depend on the number of auction participants registered at the auction, and in particular the fees proportional to the duration of the auction fall as the number of registered auction participants increases.
• The intervals at which the auction price is reduced depend on the number of auction participants registered at the auction, and in particular the intervals become shorter as the number of registered auction participants increases.
• The price jumps, which are made automatically after a time interval, depend on the number of auction participants registered in the auction and / or the length of the time intervals and / or the auction price and / or the duration of the auction.
• To log in or log in, each auction participant needs a username and password, which he receives in advance from the central computer or the auction house.
• The preferred method is carried out by an auction program, which runs on the central computer, wherein the central computer over the network the dialogue with the communication device of the respective auction participant in a network language, in particular HTML, JAVA, Javascript, etc., leads.
• An image transfer of an auction item, an auctioneer and / or auction data can be done on at least one big screen.
• The registration and / or the submission of a purchase offer from the auction participant can be made by sending an SMS.

The auction described can be carried out by means of TV sets and mobile telephones. Other devices as shown may be used. Also, any features of an example may be combined with one or more features of another example so that the invention is not limited to the examples shown.

Claims (19)

System for online and / or live execution of electronic reverse auctions by means of at least one computer program and with a) a display part (AT), for at least one physical display unit (AE) for displaying a variable auction price, b) a backward counter program part (RZ) for decrementing a start quantity associated with a starting price, and c) a stop detecting means (ST) for detecting a stop command of an auction participant, wherein the stop detecting means is adapted to stop the backward counter. A system according to claim 1, characterized by subscriber acquisition means for detecting the auction participant sent to the stop command and / or a subscriber code and / or a subscriber number. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one settlement means for settling a plurality of auction user fees distributed to all auction participants and dependent on at least one auction duration, the auction duration being the time from which an auction participant is "logged in" to the system Time in which the auction participant is "logged out" and / or is the time at which the auction starts with a start command until the time when the stop command is received. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an embodiment as a computer program in which the display part (AT), the backward counter (RZ), the stop detection means (ST) and the subscriber detection means are designed as software program parts of the computer program, and Preferably, the settlement means is executed as a software program part. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a time counter is provided which is designed to detect an auction time - from an auction start to an input of the stop command. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a computer program comprehensive central computer or central server (104), which is assigned to an auctioneer and which is connected via transmission channels with a plurality of communication devices, which are each assigned to auction participants. System according to claim 6, characterized in that there are provided as communication devices fixed-line telephones, mobile telephones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), and / or personal computers (PC). System according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the computer program is programmed by the programming language HTML, Java and / or Javascript. System according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by an embodiment such that the stop command by pressing a physical button and / or can be generated by a button of a monitor in the communication device, in particular by pressing a telephone button, preferably the telephone "*" - button and / or button by mouse and / or by means of a touch field can be generated. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display part is designed for a television unit designed as a display unit, wherein leading to auction participants communication channels are formed as Fernssehkanäle. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an embodiment such that the auction participants can log in via a communication interface and via a network in a central computer and / or can reach the system via a telephone connection in order to participate in the respective auction , System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a computer program is provided for each communication device, which displays a starting price on the display unit and displays a remaining time until a next reduction of the auction price. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a computer program is provided for each communication device, which indicates to the auction participant on the display unit, how long he has already logged in and / or what amount is incurred for participation in the auction. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer program comprehensive central computer with a second computer, preferably a shipping department, communicatively connected, wherein a program part is provided, the address of a successful auctioneer and / or information about at least one auctioned goods. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central computer outputs by the computer program terminates an auction stop command as soon as a minimum auction price falls below and / or the auction price has been reduced to zero. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer program comprises a program part, and that online auction costs depend on a number of the auctioned on auction participants and / or logged-in communication devices, in particular, there are intervals with an increasing number of logged in auction participants become shorter. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer program comprises a program part which executes price jumps which are made automatically after the expiration of the time interval, the price jumps being from a number of the auctioned participants in the auction and / or the length of time intervals and / or or the auction price and / or duration of the auction. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the physical display unit is a large-screen screen, which is designed to be erectable in particular in public places and / or at football stadiums. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the computer program runs in a central server (104), wherein the central server - Is connected to a telecommunication unit (103) for a fixed network and / or communicatively (105) and / or - communicatively connected (105) to a stadium server (110) or other server for large events.

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