JP2001238232A - Electronic auction system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic auction system by which auction participants can refer to the expression full or presence of articles, which has been impossible by a conventional electronic auction system, and bid for the auctuion article based on the judgment obtained by utilizing information including a three-dimensional shape of the article. SOLUTION: The electronic auction system comprises a center where an auction server is installed for the suction, auction terminals installed at locations of memberships, and satellite communication and ground public channels interconnecting the center and the memberships. The center transmits auction article information including three-dimensional models picked-up by a stereoscopic camera at the center to the terminals, and auction participants select display of expressions from the auction article information for auction determination materials.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information transmission processing method for transmitting product information of a specific place to a plurality of remote terminals via a line capable of transmitting information.
At the center, auction information for product evaluation, which is referred to by buyers when purchasing products such as used products, is compiled and processed at the center, and the information is transmitted to remote locations via communication lines such as public lines and satellite lines. For transmitting auction-related information to be transmitted to a plurality of dealer terminals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when purchasing used goods,
Unlike new products, they are usually selected in consideration of predetermined information items such as the year and defective part.

In recent years, merchandise has been purchased and sold through an auction using image data called a television auction. In TV auctions, in addition to such predetermined information, photos of exhibited products and images of the auction site are transmitted as image data from the center to dealer terminals in various places via public lines such as communication lines and satellite lines. It is displayed.

[0004] However, the bidder has not been able to sufficiently express visual information such as a scratch on the product body, interior decoration, and the appearance of the target product viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint. It was also difficult to incorporate amusement-rich devices that would increase purchase willingness.

[0005]

At present, it has not been possible to construct an electronic auction system that supplies information that sufficiently expresses visual information that serves as a judgment material for auction participants to bid.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a purpose thereof is to create, transmit, and express three-dimensional information of a product, and in particular, to a method of producing a product at an auction site. It is an object of the present invention to propose a method of creating, transmitting, and expressing information that enables the user to freely view the information even in a remote place.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic auction system creates a three-dimensional model including appearance information including three-dimensional shape and material information of a target product, information on a functional structure, and information on a product specification. An electronic auction system comprising a creating unit, a transmitting unit for electronically transmitting the created three-dimensional model, an expressing unit for expressing the three-dimensional model, and a participating unit in the auction is adopted.

[0008] It is more preferable that the three-dimensional model creating means comprises a target product three-dimensional shape obtaining means and the obtained three-dimensional shape processing means.

Here, it is desirable that the means for acquiring the three-dimensional shape of the target product is to acquire with a stereo camera, laser, ultrasonic wave or electromagnetic wave.

If the transmission means is at least one selected from the Internet, broadcasting, public line, and dedicated line,
Can communicate dimensional models.

In the participation means, a participant of the electronic auction system uses a personal computer, a dedicated terminal, a dedicated facility (virtual auction site), and a portable terminal.

If the expression means is at least one selected from an image, a sound, a tactile sensation, a smell, and a vibration, it becomes more realistic product information.

[0013] The participation means may include a target specifying step for specifying a potential participant, a step of generating an invitation e-mail to the potential participant, and a step of sending the invitation e-mail to the participant. Auction can be held more effectively.

Preferably, the processing means has an information adding means comprising a step of adding information on the target product or information on the progress of the auction.

Further, the processing means uses a three-dimensional model,
It is effective if it is an imaging means for converting into video information including CG (computer graphics).

It is more effective if the processing means has a three-dimensional image synthesizing means for synthesizing a video including a moving image when viewing the target product from an arbitrary viewpoint.

Change of color, change of pattern, change of lighting, CG
At least one intention selected from the content of motion pattern contents, the inset that uses a person in the product, the inset that makes a person stand in front of the product, Making is even more effective.

If a water mark is added to the three-dimensional model, the reliability of the auction can be increased.

If the processing is structural addition and deletion (option, remodeling repair, part replacement), the product image of the participant can be made more specific.

It is more effective if the processing is processing to at least one selected from an image showing the inside and an image obtained by decomposing the contents.

If the processing is a processing of changing the design by processing a part or all of the information included in the three-dimensional model, the participant's image of the target product becomes clear.

In the transmitting means, at least one selected from sound, smell, tactile sensation, shaking vibration, three-dimensional information relating to a background other than the target product, a still image / moving image, and pattern contents used when moving the target product alone or in conjunction with the background. The simultaneous distribution of two contents is even more effective.

In the expression means, if personal information including the participant's taste is used to determine the arrangement for displaying the merchandise and the contents attached to the merchandise, the expression will more meet the needs of the participant.

In the processing means, the effect is further enhanced if the processing is optimized by at least one selected from customer analysis and request acceptance by data mining.

[0025]

According to the invention described above, the auction participant can utilize the information including the three-dimensional shape to refer to the full-bodied expression of the product, which was impossible in the conventional electronic auction, and to respond to the auction. You can make a decision and bid.

[0026]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the entire electronic auction system. In this figure, reference numeral 101 denotes an auction center where an auction server is installed.
The center and the member 102 communicate with the satellite communication 103
And a public line 104 on the ground via an auction terminal at the member's location. The satellite communication 102 is used for downstream transmission from the center to the member, and the public line 103 is used for upstream transmission from the member to the center. Here, satellite communication is used for downlink transmission, but it may be satellite broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting, a dedicated line, or a public line.

In this system configuration, an auction is performed. In this embodiment, a description will be given of a used product auction as an example. FIG. 2 shows a general flow of the processing. First, in an announcement step 201, an invitation mail for promoting a product to be exhibited in an auction to a potential participant identified by data mining of member information is generated, and the invitation mail is transmitted from the center 101 via the satellite communication 102, Send it. Next, in the participation announcement step 202,
Member (participant) who wishes to participate participates in the Center 1
01 via the public line 103. In the information display step 203, the exhibition commodity information including the three-dimensional model is transmitted from the center 101 to the terminal of the member participating in the auction via the satellite communication, and the exhibition commodity information is displayed. Then, in the auction business step 204, each terminal and the center communicate with each other using the satellite communication and the public line, thereby bidding on the displayed exhibited product.

The exhibited product information is composed of text data, image data, three-dimensional model images, and the like, and is displayed on a monitor or the like of the participant by a display screen generation program installed in the participant's terminal. here,
The three-dimensional graphics data representing the three-dimensional model video is described in VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language).

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the auction server on the center side. Reference numeral 301 denotes a processing device including a workstation or the like, which performs processing on the center side. Reference numeral 302 denotes an adjustment console for performing input and display for processing on the center side. By operating this, the center auction and
An operator at the server can execute an auction.
Reference numeral 303 denotes a three-dimensional information creating apparatus including a stereo camera, which can acquire and process a three-dimensional shape of a used product exhibited at the center. This information is sent to the processing unit 3
01. Reference numeral 304 denotes a satellite communication interface which sends transmission information to an antenna via a transmitter. Information can be transmitted to the satellite via this interface. A packet interface 305 can be connected to all auction terminals. Information from the terminal can be received via this interface. The received information is sent to the processing device 301 via the local area network.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional information creating apparatus 303 according to the present invention.
Is shown. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a stereo camera for acquiring a three-dimensional shape of a product for sale. For this three-dimensional shape, the processing means 402 sends the interior data 40
3 to create a three-dimensional model image showing the inside, using option data 404 to create a three-dimensional model image with structural additions or deletions of optional parts of the product, and to design using design data 405 Production of modified 3D model video, content data 4
06, change colors, change patterns, create 3D model images with changed lighting, combine with CG, combine with live action, change background, fit people to use in the product,
For example, it is possible to fit a person in front of the product, produce a three-dimensional model image having a movement pattern, and the like. Reference numeral 407 denotes information adding means for adding data consisting of a predetermined text and image, such as a model year, a defective part, etc., stored in the file server 408 to the produced three-dimensional model information. Further, a water mark adding means 407 is provided.
, A digital mark for preventing alteration, that is, a water mark, is added to the produced three-dimensional model image.

Here, a stereo camera is used to obtain a three-dimensional shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a three-dimensional shape can be obtained by using a laser, ultrasonic waves, or electromagnetic waves.
A dimensional shape may be obtained.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a terminal used in the present invention.
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a terminal processing device,
2. The configuration is based on a personal computer on which ordinary Windows and the like operate together with the keyboard 503 and the like. Reference numeral 504 denotes a satellite communication interface for receiving exhibition product information including a three-dimensional model from the center, and decomposes digital information received from a satellite and sends it to the terminal processing device 501 or the like. 505
Is a packet interface for transmitting bid information and the like to the center, and includes a modem and the like.

Here, the terminal has been configured on the assumption that a personal computer is placed at home, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even a dedicated terminal (multimedia terminal) placed at a convenience store can be placed at a gas station. It may be a dedicated facility like that. The display or expression of the displayed product information including the three-dimensional model from the center may be performed in a dedicated facility, and the bidding may be performed using a mobile terminal.

Now, in such a configuration, a bid conducted between the center side and the terminal side is performed. Set auction target products from the coordinating table. This is done by setting the next and the next article numbers on the panel of the adjustment console. Then, a bid condition is set from the panel of the adjustment console. On the other hand, connection processing is performed with the terminal. Then, the advertisement is transmitted to all the member terminals until the auction starts. Here, if the result of data mining of member information is used to edit and send out advertising information optimized for members, it will be more effective advertising,
Encourage the participation of potential participants.

When the auction starts, information on the exhibited products (including three-dimensional shape information) is transmitted via satellite communication in accordance with the exhibited product display instruction from the coordinating console, and the terminal processing unit 50 of the participant.
1 is sent. When the terminal receives the exhibition product information, the participant operates the VRML viewer installed in the terminal, so that the exhibition product display and the walk-through function can be realized by three-dimensional graphics.

FIG. 6 shows a screen displayed on the terminal. 6
In the text message display area 01, the name, year, current bid information, etc., and the status of the bid can be displayed in an appropriate font and size. Reference numeral 602 displays a three-dimensional model image of the exhibited product in the three-dimensional model display area. 6
Reference numeral 03 denotes a viewpoint cursor, which displays a target product viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint by moving its position three-dimensionally using a three-dimensional input device (walk-through).
Can be. Reference numeral 604 denotes a three-dimensional model operation panel, which can rotate and zoom the three-dimensional model by operating a graphic image with a mouse or the like.

For example, if the auction participant wants to look up from behind, instead of obliquely upward from the image as shown in FIG. 6, the three-dimensional device is moved to move the gaze cursor to the background of the product of the three-dimensional model. Just do it.
The same effect can be obtained by operating the operation panel represented by the graphic image with a mouse to change the direction of the product in a desired direction.

Further, if a movable portion such as a bag chuck is modeled separately from the main body, the actual opening movement can be shown as an image by the drag function of the three-dimensional device. Modeling the interior here also gives the auction participant a simulated experience of a video of a product that cannot be understood unless it is actually used for the product.

Further, if a tactile device (commonly used as a haptic) is used, it is possible to provide the auction participant with the texture of the appearance of the exhibited product. In the case of a sounding object such as a musical instrument, if a WAVE file prepared in advance is linked to an image such as a keyboard, and a reaction force is transmitted from the tactile device to the user's hand, the sound of the musical instrument is reproduced,
The product information display is more realistic.

In the case where the image of a product changes depending on the background such as an outdoor product, for example, a three-dimensional model of the exhibited product with a background image of the grand canyon prepared in advance according to the request of the auction participant. indicate. Furthermore, by distributing capsules in which the smell of the exhibited product is sealed and having the participant open the designated capsule, it is possible to enjoy more realistic product information.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a bidding panel, which is used to select a graphic image with a mouse or the like or to input a bidding price with a keyboard to perform a normal bidding operation.

The present invention is not limited to the screen layout shown in FIG. The arrangement of the elements constituting the screen may be such that the past terminal operation information of the member is recorded for each member, and the layout is optimized for the member based on the result of data mining. Further, a request from a member regarding image processing may be received in advance, and processing may be added to the three-dimensional model image to be displayed from the beginning. Alternatively, an image may be obtained in which an analysis regarding the processing preference of the customer is performed in advance, and the processing is performed according to the analysis result. For example, packaging a product for sale in a crystal ball image on the selection screen has the effect of raising the atmosphere of the auction.

The auction proceeds in the following procedure. When the bidding price exceeds the desired price, it will be sold out, the terminal will display that it will be sold out, tell the participants that the desired price has been exceeded, and the bidding has been interrupted for a certain period of time,
The final bidder is determined as the successful bidder. When the winning bidder is determined, the information of the next bid is transferred.

[0044]

As described above, when the present invention is used, information relating to auction entry, including three-dimensional model information, which has been difficult in conventional electronic auctions, is sent to the terminal and displayed in an expression desired by the participant. be able to. As a result, it is possible to bid for a bid by using a realistic expression that was impossible with the conventional TV auction system as a judgment material.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the entire electronic auction system.

FIG. 2 is an auction process flow.

FIG. 3 Configuration of auction server

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a three-dimensional information creating device.

FIG. 5 is a configuration of a terminal.

FIG. 6: Screen of terminal

[Explanation of symbols]

 301 processing device 303 three-dimensional information creation device 401 stereo camera 402 processing means 501 terminal processing device 602 three-dimensional model display area

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/173 ZEC H04N 7/173 ZEC 5C064 640 640Z F-term (Reference) 5B049 AA05 BB11 BB36 CC03 CC05 CC08 DD00 DD01 EE07 EE31 FF00 FF04 FF06 GG06 GG07 GG10 5B057 AA20 BA02 BA05 BA07 CA13 CB13 CD14 DB03 5B080 AA08 AA20 5C023 AA01 AA11 AA21 AA34 AA37 BDA38 BA01 BA11 BA15 CA01 DA04 5C061 AB04 AB21 BC12 BC BD09 BD13

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An electronic auction system, comprising: a creating means for creating a three-dimensional model including appearance information including three-dimensional shape and material information of a target product, information on a functional structure, and information on a product specification; An electronic auction system comprising: a transmission unit for electronically transmitting a three-dimensional model; a representation unit for expressing the three-dimensional model; and a participation unit for the auction. 2. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional model creation means comprises said target commodity three-dimensional shape acquisition means and said acquired three-dimensional shape processing means. 3. The electronic auction system according to claim 2, wherein said commodity three-dimensional shape acquiring means acquires the object by irradiating a stereo camera, laser, ultrasonic wave, or electromagnetic wave. 4. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission means is at least one selected from the Internet, broadcasting, a public line, and a dedicated line. 5. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein said electronic auction system participant uses a personal computer, a dedicated terminal, a dedicated facility (virtual auction site), and a portable terminal. . 6. The expression means includes an image, a sound, a touch, a smell,
2. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic auction system is at least one selected from vibration. 7. The participation means includes a target specifying step of specifying a potential participant, a step of generating an invitation mail to the potential participant, and a step of sending the invitation mail. The electronic auction system according to claim 1. 8. The electronic auction system according to claim 2, wherein said processing means has information adding means comprising a step of adding information on a target product or information on a progress of an auction. 9. The processing means uses a three-dimensional model to perform CG processing.
2. An image forming means for converting image information including (computer graphic) into image information.
Electronic auction system described in the section. 10. The electronic auction system according to claim 9, wherein said processing means has a three-dimensional image synthesizing means for synthesizing a video including a moving image when viewing the target product from an arbitrary viewpoint. . 11. The processing means includes: changing a color, changing a pattern, changing a lighting, synthesizing with a CG, synthesizing with a real photograph, changing a background, fitting a subject in a target product, fitting the target product. 10. An electronic auction according to claim 9, wherein said at least one auction participant creates an image according to the intention of the auction participant selected from a synthesis of a video having a pattern of movement and a person standing in front. system. 12. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein an electronic watermark (water mark) is inserted in said three-dimensional model. 13. The electronic auction system according to claim 2, wherein said processing is structural addition and deletion to a three-dimensional model. 14. The electronic auction system according to claim 9, wherein said processing is processing into at least one selected from an image showing the inside of the target product and an image obtained by decomposing the contents. 15. The electronic auction system according to claim 2, wherein said processing is processing for changing a design by processing a part or all of each information included in a three-dimensional model. 16. The transmitting means, wherein sound, odor, tactile sensation, shaking vibration, three-dimensional information relating to a background other than the target product,
2. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein at least one content selected from pattern contents used when moving the still image moving image and the target product alone or in conjunction with the background is simultaneously delivered. 17. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said expression means uses personal information including a participant's preference to determine an arrangement for displaying merchandise and contents attached to the merchandise. Electronic auction system. 18. The electronic auction system according to claim 1, wherein said processing means optimizes processing by at least one selected from customer analysis and request acceptance by data mining.