JP2004005012A - Auction method and server conducting auction - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auction system disclosing more information on business models only to those considering investments in the models, while preventing theft of the models. <P>SOLUTION: A server includes a means with a memory storage device connected to a computer network for making first business information browsable on networks; an additional information transmitting means for transmitting second business information according to user-specific information; a means for extracting the pieces of user-specific information and bid information that meet given requirements to reduce the number of bidders; a result reporting means for transmitting the result of the reduction by the reduction means according to the user-specific information; and a means for repeatedly actuating the additional information transmitting means, the reduction means and the result reporting means until the number of bidders is reduced to a predetermined number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for performing an auction using a computer network (such as the Internet).
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
(Auction operator)
Auctions for articles are performed at various sites via computer networks such as the Internet. However, the products offered for auction there are limited to tangible ones. The reason is that, when an idea such as a business model is submitted, the fact that the object is intangible cannot be grasped even if it is plagiarized.
[0003]
In particular, when a business model is announced on an Internet site, it becomes difficult to grasp users (applicants) to the auction. When conducting a business model auction, it is necessary to appropriately limit the users.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-049789 performs market evaluation of an idea through an auction, but does not take measures against plagiarism of the idea.
[0005]
(Suggestor who submits a business model)
Many people who come up with a business model have unique ideas and are rich in imagination, but they lack the experience of starting a business and the knowledge required to do so. Therefore, even when ideas for a good business model are proposed, most of them are merely ideas and do not have such a plan that they can be commercialized.
[0006]
(The bidding user side)
When a business model is actually launched as a business, the necessary information is not only the idea (concept) of the business, but also the forecast of profits, necessary expenses, and problems in tax law. Only with that information can the value of the business model be determined. Therefore, when a business model is put up for sale at an auction, not only the concept but also such information is not disclosed, and a user who bids on the auction cannot determine the bidding price.
[0007]
There is a great demand for an excellent business model for a user who intends to commercialize a new business. From the viewpoint of searching for business models, it is desirable that many business models be disclosed on one site.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
This invention auctions a business model, preventing theft of the business model and disclosing more information about the business model only to those who are really considering investing in the business model. To provide a system for
[0009]
It is another object of the present invention to provide an open environment for disclosing, via a computer network, a broadly collected business model to those who truly want to commercialize.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[1] The present invention provides an auction method in which a user terminal and a server having a memory storage device are connected via a computer network, and are performed on the computer network.
Making the first business information browsable on a network; {circle around (2)} user identification information about an applicant who wishes to obtain second business information including the first business information is transmitted from the user terminal to the server; The additional information transmitting step of transmitting second business information to the user terminal, and requesting the server from the user terminal to obtain the business model described in the second business information. A bidding step in which bidding information on the applicant is transmitted; collating one or more of the user identification information and the bidding information on second business information with past bidding information on the applicant in the memory storage device; Extracting and narrowing down the user identification information and the bidding information meeting predetermined conditions. A notification step of transmitting the result of the narrowing down from the server to the user terminal; and an additional business which is more detailed than the second business information until the result of the narrowing down is extracted and narrowed down to one or a predetermined number of people. An auction method including an additional information transmitting step of transmitting information, the bidding step, the narrowing step, and a step of repeating the notification step.
[0011]
This auction method is an auction method in which an auction is performed a plurality of times before a successful bid for one business model, and the information disclosed increases as the auction proceeds. Then, after one auction, the next auction is proceeded by only the upper rank of the past (previous) auction, so that the information can be disclosed only to the users who want to commercialize more seriously.
[0012]
"A user"
The "user" in the present invention refers to a person who bids for a business model auction via a computer network. The business information is disclosed to this user to some extent even if it does not make a successful bid. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing plagiarism of business information, it is desirable that the user in the present invention be a person who has signed a confidentiality agreement with the auction operator. Further, when a successful bid is made, the auction operator or the inventor is obliged to pay the successful bid amount. Therefore, it is desirable that this user is a person who has agreed to the terms and conditions of the auction in which the terms of payment for the successful bid are set.
[0013]
"Business Information"
Business information refers to various information related to a business model to be exhibited in an auction according to the present invention. It is sufficient that the business information is appropriately set according to the contents of the business model and the embodiment of the auction. Items desirable as the business information include the name of the business model (business name), the outline (concept) of the business model, and information on the next item.
1) Business content: The business content will be described in more detail than the business model concept.
2) Social background: Explain the social background in which the business model is developed. These are materials for the user to judge the possibility of commercializing the business model.
3) Similar products and services: Introduce existing competitive businesses.
4) Advantages and weaknesses over existing products / services: Explain advantages and weaknesses compared to the above-mentioned competitive business.
5) Status of intellectual property rights: Notify the necessity of patent application and the existence of problematic patent rights. If a patent search has been conducted, let them know.
6) Ability and qualifications required for the project: If there is a need for approval from the government office regarding sanitation, communication law, etc., state that fact.
7) Customer target: Describes the characteristics of the customer who is the target of the business and the customer segment.
8) Market size and market situation: Describe whether the market is a growth market or a mature market.
9) Sales price and price setting policy: Inform prices and price ranges considered appropriate.
10) Selling method and advertising method: Introducing the selling method and advertising method that are considered desirable. 11) Risk of implementing the business: Explain the risks to commercialization that the advisor considers.
12) Possibility of business growth: The possibility of business growth may be expressed as a percentage in addition to the evaluation such as possible or not.
13) Profit plan: A description will be given of profit prediction at the time of commercialization. The description of the profit plan is preferably one that divides a year into three (or four) periods, and shows sales, gross profit ratio, and net profit after tax, etc. forecasted for each period.
14) Expense plan: Expense forecast required for commercialization will be described. It is desirable to describe the expense plan by dividing the year into three (or four) periods and showing the items and amounts of expenses considered necessary for each period.
[0014]
The business name and its concept can be set by a person with excellent planning ability. On the other hand, the items 1) to 14) can be set by a person who has excellent knowledge of commercializing the business. Such knowledgeable individuals include lawyers, tax accountants, and those engaged in corporate consulting. As described above, the present invention provides more desirable information to the user by transmitting various information toward commercialization of the business model.
[0015]
The "first business information" is a general term including business information first disclosed to a user and business information disclosed before the second business information is disclosed.
[0016]
"Second business information" is a general term for business information disclosed at any time after the disclosure of the first business information, in addition to the business information disclosed to the user for the second time. The second business information includes the first business information, and further includes more information. The second and third business information disclosed after the first business information are set as additional business information.
In the present application, when the business information is disclosed to the user several times, the business information is referred to as first, second, third,... Nth business information, but each business information is disclosed at a certain stage in the past. The first business information may be regarded as the first, and any of the business information disclosed thereafter may be considered the second.
[0017]
[2] The second auction method of the present invention is the auction method as described above, wherein the additional information transmitting step of transmitting the second business information relates to an applicant who desires to acquire the second business information. Comparing the user identification information with past bid information on the applicant in the memory storage device, and transmitting second business information when the applicant meets predetermined conditions. This is an auction method.
[0018]
[3] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a server including a memory storage device connected to a computer network,
Means for allowing the first business information to be browsed on the network, and user identification information regarding the applicant who wishes to obtain the second business information including the first business information is received via the computer network. Receiving means, additional information transmitting means for transmitting second business information according to the user specific information, and one or more of the user specific information and bid information relating to the second business information via the computer network When the server receives the information, the user identification information and the bidding information are compared with past bidding information regarding the applicant stored in the memory storage device, and the user identification information and the Extracting means for extracting the bidding information and narrowing down the applicants; A result notifying means for transmitting the result of the narrowing down according to the user identification information; and a step of adding more detailed information than the second business information until the result of the narrowing down is extracted and narrowed down to one or a predetermined number of applicants. A server comprising: additional information transmitting means for transmitting business information; and means for repeatedly activating the narrowing means and the result notifying means.
[0019]
As an embodiment of the result notifying means for transmitting the result of the narrowing down in accordance with the user identification information, a bid result list described later is created, and the list is transmitted to the user by e-mail or the like. Instead, during the period of the next auction, the user who has accessed may be notified of the narrowing-down result with a display not permitting participation in the auction.
[0020]
The means for repeatedly starting (auction repeating means) determines whether or not the result of the narrowing down of the users has reached a predetermined number, and if not, starts the auction again for the same business model. Is provided. Specifically, when the number does not reach the predetermined number, the additional information transmitting unit, the narrowing unit, and the result notifying unit are executed. If the number reaches the predetermined number, the process is terminated and the winning bidder (one or more) is determined.
[0021]
As a desirable mode of the present invention, when the additional information transmitting means receives the user identification information of a certain user, based on the stored past bidding information or the result of narrowing down the past auctions, Is determined, and a function is provided for transmitting business information (additional business information) in which information is added to the previously transmitted business information if the condition is satisfied. In addition, when an auction is performed for a plurality of business models, when the user identification information and the auction identification information for identifying which business model is the auction are received, the auction identified by the auction identification information is received. Is provided with a function of determining whether or not this user matches a predetermined condition based on past bidding information or a result of narrowing down. Then, the user who does not meet the predetermined condition is not notified of the additional business information, or the determination result is notified in a form in which participation in the auction is not permitted.
[0022]
This makes it possible to provide the user with information according to the stage of the auction, and as a result, the user can more easily determine the bidding price. Further, it becomes possible to narrow down the users who participate in the auction stage, so that the opportunity for the business model to be stolen can be reduced. The auction operator can easily grasp the users who have participated in the auction.
[0023]
[4] @ Business information can be implemented by appropriately combining the above items. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a server as described above, wherein the first business information includes information on a business model name and an outline of the business model, and the second business information includes at least a profit. A server comprising information on plans and expense plans.
[0024]
[5] In order to prevent bidding without a willingness to make a bid or participation in an auction for the purpose of only browsing business information, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server described above, Means for transmitting information to the effect that the user wishes to acquire a fee, transmitting business information to the user upon receiving the information to the effect of agreeing to the fee, and charging the user in association with the user identification information of the user. And a means for storing information indicating that the agreement has been made in the memory storage device.
[0025]
The means for transmitting the information to charge may be any time before the business information is transmitted. In addition to the transmission of the participation in the auction, a web page for charging is separately provided after the participation is approved. It may be in a form of transmitting and receiving information of the agreement.
[0026]
In addition to charging for browsing, a form for charging each time business information is disclosed, or a form for charging only once when business information is disclosed several times may be used.
[0027]
It should be noted that the user terminal that sends the information to the effect of agreeing to the billing and the user terminal that receives and displays the business information need not necessarily be the same, and if the destination of the business information is specified in advance, the server The business information may be transmitted to the transmission destination.
[0028]
Means for transmitting information to the effect that the user is to be charged, and transmitting information to the user upon receipt of the information to the effect of agreeing to the charging, and information indicating that the user has agreed to the charging in association with the user identification information of the user. And a means for storing the data in the memory storage device as a viewing fee charging means.
(Other billing forms)
Further, preferably, the server described above, wherein the browsing fee billing means has a function of billing a plurality of browsing fees until a successful bid, and the secondary (current) browsing fee is more than the primary (past) browsing fee. 1) The server is characterized in that the viewing fee is high.
[0029]
More specifically, information for charging the primary viewing fee is transmitted to the user terminal, and business information is transmitted to the user terminal that has received the information to the effect that the agreement has been reached. It is characterized by a function of transmitting to the user terminal information for charging a secondary browsing fee that defines a special browsing fee. Then, additional business information that is more detailed than the previously transmitted business information is transmitted to the user who has agreed to charge the secondary browsing fee.
[0030]
The set amount of the browsing fee may be uniform for all business models, or may change according to the content of the business model. For example, for a business model with excellent contents, a form in which a large amount of charging is performed is provided.
[0031]
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server as described above, wherein the auction means determines a user (successful bidder) who has made a successful bid after conducting at least two auctions, and charging at least three browsing fees. A function to prompt the user terminal to charge the primary viewing fee in the first auction, and a function to send the information to the user terminal to agree to the charging. A function of transmitting the first business information, a function of transmitting information for charging the user for the secondary browsing fee after transmitting the first business information, and transmitting information of agreeing to the charging. A function of transmitting the second business information to the user terminal,
In subsequent auctions,
A function of transmitting information for billing a third viewing fee to the user terminal; and a function of transmitting third business information to a user who has transmitted information for agreeing to the billing. Server.
[0032]
Regarding the contents of business information, the business information consisting of the name of the business model and its outline is sent to the user terminal (user terminal that has sent the information to the effect that the information has been agreed) that has agreed to charge the first viewing fee (primary viewing fee). Send and disclose. A profit plan, an expense plan, and the like are displayed on the user terminal that has agreed to charge the second browsing fee (secondary browsing fee). More business information (business content, social background, intellectual property status, etc.) is transmitted and disclosed to the user terminal that has agreed to charge the third browsing fee (tertiary browsing fee). Things.
[0033]
Then, from the viewpoint of encouraging only users who are seriously considering the entrepreneur to participate, it is desirable that the three browsing fees increase as the auction proceeds. For example, the first browsing fee is approximately 1,000 to 5,000 yen, the second browsing fee is approximately 5,000 to 10,000 yen, and the third browsing fee is approximately 10,000 to $ 100,000. 3 to 10 times the browsing fee).
[0034]
(Receive business information)
According to the present invention, a proposal of a business model applied by a creator to an operator is submitted to an auction on a computer network. The business model proposal may be sent to the auction operator in any form. For example, mail or facsimile.
[0035]
In view of accepting a wide variety of business model proposals, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a server as described above, which receives the business information via a computer network, and stores the business information in the memory storage device. A server comprising: More preferably, the server has a function of transmitting a business information input page for prompting input of business information to a terminal (creator terminal) for transmitting business information to the server. As a result, a wide variety of business models can be collected, and it is possible to meet the needs of users who are constantly searching for excellent business models.
[0036]
(Top ranked bidders)
According to the present invention, only the user who meets the predetermined condition based on the bidding information can proceed to the next stage of the auction. Here, it is sufficient that the predetermined condition for selecting the user is arbitrarily set by the auction operator. Here, if the conditions for selection are too narrow, users who are interested but do not have confidence in the successful bid will be omitted. On the other hand, if the selection conditions are too wide, the number of users who disclose business information increases, which is not desirable.
[0037]
Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server, wherein the user narrowing means has a function of allowing the top 15% of users in the previous auction bidding results to participate in the next auction. A server characterized in that: In addition, if the embodiment further restricts those who proceed to the next auction, the embodiment in which the top 10% or 5% of users are allowed to participate may be used.
[0038]
The order of the bidding results is based on the bidding price, and the person who placed the higher bidding is ranked higher. In addition, the present invention may be configured such that a person who bid earlier is ranked higher, or a user having a large capital is ranked higher than a user who has exceeded the minimum bid price.
[0039]
As an embodiment in which only the top users participate in the next auction, in addition to the embodiment in which the above range is limited in all auctions, the embodiment in which the above limitation is set only once in several auctions can be implemented. is there.
[0040]
(Tertiary auction)
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server described above,
The auction means has a function of determining a successful bidder after conducting at least three auctions, a function of transmitting a business model name and its outline to a user in a primary auction, and a function of a secondary auction performed thereafter Has the ability to disclose at least the profit and expense plans of the business information, and the subsequent tertiary auction will provide more business information (social background, similar products / services, advantages over existing products / services, The server has a function of transmitting information on the status of intellectual property rights, customer targets, sales prices, sales methods, advertising methods, business execution risks, business growth potential, and the like.
[0041]
(Limited by capital)
Depending on the content of the business model, large capital may be required for commercialization. It is clear that an auction of such a business model cannot be carried out by a small capital user.
[0042]
Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server described above,
The memory storage device includes a user information file that stores user identification information that identifies a user, and a business information file that stores business information relating to a business model, wherein the user information file is associated with the user identification information. The business information file stores the minimum capital of the user for participating in the business model auction in association with the business information, and the user narrowing means or the additional information transmitting means includes: Upon receiving the user identification information, extract the user's capital determined by the user identification information from the user information file, compare the extracted capital with the minimum capital of the business model stored in the business information file, If the user's capital is greater than the minimum capital Is a server that is characterized by having a function to send a function or business information admit to participate in the auction. As a result, it becomes possible to bid only for those who are qualified to execute an auction of a business model that requires large capital for commercialization.
[0043]
(Minimum capital)
The minimum capital stored in the business information storage means may be determined uniformly for all business models, may be individually set for each business model, or may be determined based on a profit plan or a minimum bidding price. As a form determined based on the profit plan, for example, 10% of the sales amount or gross profit of the sales plan is set as the minimum capital. If the form is determined based on the minimum bidding price, a business model with the minimum bidding price of 1 million yen is limited to users with a capital of 100 million yen or more.
[0044]
(Notice of bid result)
In the case of an auction using a computer network, unlike an ordinary auction (a so-called auction in which bidders meet together, or an open auction in which bid prices are announced), It is unknown whether the order is of the order.
[0045]
Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server described above,
A bidding information file that stores the received bidding information and user identification information in association with each other, wherein the user information file previously stores contact information to the user in association with the user identification information; Thereafter, based on the bidding amount (bidding information) stored from the bidding information file, each user specifying information corresponding to the higher bidding amount and its respective ranking are specified, and the bidding amount corresponding to the higher bidding amount is determined for each user. And creating a bidding result list indicating the ranking of the user, extracting contact information to each user from the user information file based on the specified user identification information, and determining the contact information based on the extracted contact information. A server having a function of transmitting a bidding result list to each user (user terminal of each user).
[0046]
As a result, the user who has participated in the auction can grasp the order of his / her bid amount, and can obtain the judgment data for determining the bid amount in the next auction.
[0047]
(Anonymity)
Users who participate in auctions with excellent business models are often companies (rivals) in the same field. In this case, if the name of the bidding user is displayed in the bidding result list, there is a possibility that the rival user may be informed of the commercialization trend. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server described above, wherein the bidding result list transmitted by the result notification means does not include information for specifying each user who has bid.
[0048]
Specifically, the bidding result list displays the highest bidding amounts and their rankings, but does not display the name of each user.
[0049]
This makes it possible to prevent other companies from knowing that they are interested in a certain business model (scheduled for commercialization) even if they participate in the auction. “Information for specifying a user” includes a user's name, an abbreviation, and the like. It should be noted that if the information such as the initial of the user name is announced but cannot identify the user by itself, even if the information is disclosed, the information for identifying the user is not disclosed.
[0050]
(Auction specific information)
When a single server is used to conduct an auction of a plurality of business models, a user who participates in the auction needs to specify which business model of the auction to participate. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the server described above, wherein the business information file stores business information relating to a plurality of business models in association with auction specification information that specifies an auction, and the bidding information file stores the auction information file. The bidding information is stored in association with the specific information, the additional information transmitting means specifies an auction that has been performed in the past based on the received auction specifying information, and based on the storage of the bidding information about the auction, The server has a function of determining whether a user satisfies a predetermined condition.
[0051]
Thus, when a plurality of business model auctions are being performed on one server and one homepage, the user can participate in a desired auction. This function is particularly desirable when the time interval between the first auction and the next auction is greatly increased.
[0052]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1. Configuration of the auction system
(Overall configuration of the system)
FIG. 1 shows an outline of an auction system according to the present invention. According to the present invention, a user terminal used by a user and a server used by an auction operator are connected via a computer network so that various types of information can be transmitted and received. There are many users who participate in the auction, and there are many user terminals connected to the computer network (in FIG. 1, user terminals A and B).
[0053]
As the computer network, in addition to a telephone line and the Internet, a dedicated line such as a LAN or WAN, or a wireless line may be used. In the case of the Internet, there is an advantage that information can be transmitted and received even with a user terminal that does not have a dedicated line.
[0054]
(Summary of implementation)
The outline of the implementation of the present invention using the Internet is as follows.
(1) Access the server from the user terminal, and enter a user ID and password as user identification information and an auction number as auction identification information. This data is sent to the server.
{Circle over (2)} The server approves participation in the auction based on this data and determines whether or not to transmit business information (additional business information). Then, when transmitting, a business information page is created and transmitted to the user terminal. If the current auction is the second time, this business information page contains more information than the business information page transmitted the first time.
(3) The user who understands the business model on the business information page inputs bid information (bid amount) and transmits the information to the server. The server that has received the bidding information (bid amount) stores it.
{Circle around (4)} Perform the above processing for each user, and after the auction ends, narrow down based on the bidding information of each user, create a bidding result list, and notify this to each user.
[0055]
The server performs the above auction a plurality of times for one business model and repeats until the number of users is reduced to a predetermined number. The user who bids the highest price in the final auction wins the business model. Hereinafter, an embodiment using the Internet will be described.
[0056]
A person who proposes a new business model and puts it up in the auction is called a submitter, and it is also desirable to receive business information from a submitter terminal used by the submitter via a network and put it up in the auction. It is an embodiment.
[0057]
2. Server configuration
The configuration of the server will be described with reference to a functional block diagram shown in FIG.
(1) Business information browsing means
The business information browsing means has a function of enabling a user who has participated in the primary auction to browse the first business information. Specifically, the first business information read from the business information file is transmitted to the accessed user terminal and provided to be visible.
[0058]
(2) Business information additional information transmission means
The business information additional information transmitting means transmits, when transmitting the business information again to the user who has transmitted the first business information, a second business It has a function of transmitting information or third and fourth business information. Specifically, the additional information transmitting means extracts appropriate information according to the stage of the auction from the business information file storing the business information divided into various items, and adds the additional information to the first business information. Create and send a business information page with.
[0059]
The following example is given as a form of adding the additional information according to the stage of the auction.
(1) In the case of two auctions
In the primary auction, a business information page is created with the business model name and its outline. In the secondary auction, a business information page is created with business information including a profit plan and an expense plan.
[0060]
(2) 3 auctions
In the case of three auctions, in the third auction, a business information page including the social background of the exhibited business model, the superiority / problem of the product / service, its market size, etc. is created and transmitted. The information described on the business information page may overlap with the business information disclosed in the past. This additional information transmission program only needs to be appropriately set in consideration of the content of the business model, compatibility with the user, and the like, so that the disclosed business information increases as the number of auctions increases.
[0061]
(3) When you agree to charge for viewing fee
In the case where the browsing fee is charged when disclosing the business information, the present invention is also applicable to a form in which the business information is transmitted only to the user terminal that has transmitted the information indicating that the user has agreed to charge the browsing fee. Further, the browsing fee may be billed a plurality of times (N-th billing), and each time the order of billing increases, the business information to be disclosed may be increased.
[0062]
{Circle around (4)} Further, it is also possible to implement a mode in which the business information to be disclosed is appropriately determined (increased) in consideration of both the number of auctions and the number of billings.
[0063]
(3) Bidding information receiving means
The bidding information receiving means receives the bidding information from the users participating in the auction and stores the bidding information in a bidding information file in the memory storage device. When storing, it is stored in association with the user identification information.
[0064]
(4) User narrowing down means
The user narrowing means has a function of searching a bidding information file storing bidding information of each user and determining whether or not to participate in the next auction based on the bidding information. When auctions for a plurality of business models are performed in parallel, not only the above-mentioned user identification information but also the auction identification information is taken into consideration, the target auction is identified, and users are narrowed down from bid information in the auction. Perform
[0065]
As criteria for narrowing down whether or not to participate in the next auction, in addition to the form of narrowing down to the top 15% users, the first auction narrows down to the top 10% users, and the second auction A configuration may be used in which a criterion based on the overall ratio and a criterion based on the number of people are used together, such as narrowing down to the top 5 to 10 users. When the minimum capital is set in the business information, a check based on the capital may be performed.
[0066]
(5) Result notification means
The result notifying means has a function of notifying the user who participated in the auction of the result of the auction. The contents to be notified as a result can be implemented in the form of displaying the bidding price of other users, the bidding price list of the superior, etc. in addition to the user's own ranking.
[0067]
The form of the result notification may be an e-mail or HTML form, or a form of notifying the image data as a facsimile. When notifying by e-mail, the server stores the mail address of each user as contact information of each user.
[0068]
An example of the bidding result (bidding result list) is shown below.
<Auction number: #>
1st place: ¥ 2,000,000
2nd place ¥ 600,000
★ 3rd place: ¥ 550,000
4th $ 200,000
Congratulations. I passed the first auction in 3rd place.
You can participate in the second auction. Of the second auction
The event is held from 〇 / 〇 / 〜 to 月 / ○ / 日.
[0069]
As described above, it is desirable to display the ranking of the user using a mark such as ★, or to inform the user of the next auction. It is also desirable that the list be displayed with the bidding price, without including the user name, and kept secret (anonymous auction). As a result, the user of the rival company can participate in the auction without knowing the company policy.
[0070]
(6) Auction repetition means
The auction repetition means has a function of determining whether the narrowing down to a predetermined number of persons has been completed in conjunction with the result of the narrowing down means. When the narrowing down to the predetermined number is completed, the winning bidder is determined without restarting the auction. On the other hand, when the narrowing down to the predetermined number is not completed, the auction for the same business model is performed again. It is sufficient for the operator to set an arbitrary time to restart the auction. For example, in addition to the mode in which the secondary auction is held immediately after the primary auction ends, the mode in which the secondary auction is restarted one week after the primary auction ends.
[0071]
(7) Other means
▲ 1 ▼ Billing fee billing method
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a form in which a browsing fee is charged each time a participant participates in an auction, or a form in which more business information is disclosed each time a user agrees to pay a browsing fee. As a result, it is possible to exclude users who only view business information from the auction. In addition, the operator can make a profit by using the browsing fee. Therefore, it is desirable that the server be provided with a browsing fee charging unit. The browsing fee billing means is linked with the browsable means and the additional information transmitting unit and a user information file to be described later, and transmits information for billing a browsing fee to the user. The first user can send the first business information to the user who has sent the information, and the user can send the second or third or more business information. It has a function of adding (adding).
[0072]
▲ 2 ▼ Means for restricting capital
The capital restriction means has a function in which, when the minimum capital amount is determined as a user who can bid, a user having the capital amount or less is not allowed to participate in the auction. Specifically, when the user identification information is received, the capital information of the user is extracted from the user information file, the minimum capital information of the target business model is extracted from the business information file, and this is compared. A function to determine whether or not to allow user participation.
[0073]
In addition, as a desirable function, when a minimum bidding price is set in business information, a function that does not allow a bidding other than that price (minimum bidding price limiting means). Further, when business information is sent from the originator terminal via a computer network, the business information is received and stored in a business information file (business information receiving means).
[0074]
Each of the above means may be executed by a computer program, or may be executed by using a dedicated circuit for executing each function.
[0075]
The memory storage device stores various data described below.
(8) Business information file
FIG. 3 shows a table of business information stored in the business information file. This table is configured for each business model exhibited in the auction. FIG. 3 shows the business information of the business A whose business model name is business A.
[0076]
In the table shown in FIG. 3, in addition to an auction number as auction specific information, a business name (creator ID), a business name (business model name), a concept (business model outline), and other business contents as business information , Social background, similar products and services, profit plan (1st to 3rd term), expense plan (1st to 3rd term), and minimum bidding price (minimum capital).
[0077]
Further, in the present invention, auction is performed a plurality of times until a successful bid is made for one business model. Therefore, the auction status is stored as information for specifying the stage of the current auction.
[0078]
The business information of businesses B, C, and D is also stored as another business information table. Each item stored as business information only needs to be arbitrarily set by the auction operator. It is desirable that the profit plan and the cost plan are prepared by a person (advisor) who has a lot of knowledge about commercialization.
(9) User information file
FIG. 4 shows a user information table stored in the user information file. This table shows information about users participating in the auction. Each field of the user information table includes a user ID as user identification information, a user name, a business field, a contact (phone number and e-mail address) as contact information, a capital, a browsing fee, and a case of confirming the identity. Password. Here, the capital data may be referred to as eligibility to participate in the auction, and the browsing fee field shows the browsing fee when participating in the auction or when agreeing to the charging of the browsing fee. The accumulation is stored. When an electronic mail is used for the bidding result notification, the above-mentioned contact address stores an e-mail address. Each record of the user information file is data of a user who can participate in the auction.
[0079]
(10) Bidding information file
FIG. 5 shows a table of the bidding information stored in the bidding information file. The bidding information table is a bidding result of an auction for a certain business model (business A). Each record stores a user who has participated in the auction, and each field stores a bidding price and a ranking in the first to third auctions.
[0080]
Since all the primary auctions were able to participate, the bidding amounts of all users and their rankings are shown. However, since only the superiors of the primary auction proceed to the secondary auction, the users B and D, who were ranked lower in the primary auction, cannot participate in the secondary auction and their data are not stored. Similarly, in the tertiary auction, bidding was conducted only by the selected users C, E, and F. This bidding information table indicates that the user E has finally won the bid.
[0081]
In the case where an auction for a plurality of business models is being conducted on one server, the auction number is stored in the bidding information file together with the auction number for each business model.
[0082]
Database configuration
There is no particular limitation on the format of the database, and in addition to the format for storing each file described above, a format in which each file (each field of each file) is associated with each other as a relational database may be used. Specifically, the user information file and the bidding information file are linked by a user ID. Further, these files do not need to be stored (stored) in a physically integrated memory storage device, as long as information can be transmitted and received through various lines such as a dedicated line such as a LAN or a WAN or a telephone line. Good.
[0083]
3. Configuration of user terminal and drafter terminal
As the user terminal and the drafter terminal, various devices capable of transmitting and receiving information via a computer network can be used. Specifically, it is a personal computer having input means, output means, storage means, and a control device. In addition, a portable device such as a mobile phone and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be used. Note that the user terminal that accesses the server and receives the business information does not need to be the same as the user terminal that receives the bidding result list from the server, and the server may transmit the bidding notification list to the terminal specified by the user. It is feasible.
[0084]
4. Example of auction <Example 1>
An embodiment of an auction performed via the Internet will be described with reference to a processing chart of a server shown in FIG. 6 and pages (FIGS. 9 to 11) which disclose business information in each next auction.
[0085]
<Collecting business information>
In this embodiment, business information is collected and stored via the Internet. As a specific example, when the originator accesses the server via the Internet, the server transmits a business information input page for prompting input of business information to the originator terminal. FIG. 7 shows a business information input page displayed on the screen of the originator terminal.
[0086]
The creator inputs the creator ID into the input box as the creator identification information for identifying the creator. The business model concept is entered in the concept input box below. The description format of this concept is optional. After the entry, the inventor clicks "Send" to send the business information to the server.
[0087]
The server that has received the business information implements the business information receiving means, and stores this information in the business information file of the memory storage device. At that time, an auction number is given. The server collects business information from many inventors in this way.
[0088]
The auction operator will provide this business information to advisors who are knowledgeable about commercialization. The advisor adds more detailed information and data for commercialization of the business based on the business information, and stores this as business information. As a result, more detailed business information about one business model is completed, and the business model is put up for auction. Communication between the advisor and the operator may be performed via a computer network. Note that the present invention can be implemented even in a form in which the creator creates all the business information. In this case, the business information input page is provided with an input column for a profit plan and the like.
[0089]
<Primary auction>
The user A who wants to participate in the auction uses the user terminal A to access the server based on the URL of the auction site. The symbol for each step is denoted with S.
[0090]
(S10) Transmission of participation page
The server that has received the access transmits a page for participating in the auction. FIG. 8 shows the participation page displayed on the screen of the user terminal A. In this participation page, an entry field for user identification information (user ID) for identifying a user participating in the auction, an entry field for a password for confirming the identity of the user, and auction identification information (auction Number). A switch of “business information list” is provided to announce the auction number. When the user clicks this switch, the server extracts the auction numbers of all business models and their business names from the business information file, and displays a list of these on the user terminal. It should be noted that if there is only one business model to be exhibited in the auction, it is not necessary to use the auction specific information.
[0091]
(S11) Receiving user ID and auction number
User A, who has entered the user ID, password, and auction number of the participating auction in the entry fields of the participation page, clicks the "Send" display section and transmits each data (user ID, password, auction number) to the server. I do. The server receives the data.
[0092]
(S12) Determination of holding conditions
The server determines whether or not the conditions for holding the auction are currently satisfied. If the server is being held, the server approves participation and proceeds to step 20. If not, deny the access and end the process. In this embodiment, the held server is held for a certain period (month / day to month / day). Based on the data of the internal clock IC, the accessed server determines whether the access timing corresponds to the held period. Determine whether or not.
[0093]
(S20) User judgment
The server that has received the user ID determines whether the user satisfies a predetermined condition. First, the server searches the user information file based on the received user ID and password, confirms that the user is a registered user, and proceeds to the next step.
Next, the server temporarily stores the received user ID and auction number. The business information file is searched using the auction number as a key, and the corresponding auction is specified. Refer to the auction status of the specified business model and confirm that this auction is the primary auction. If it is a primary auction, the server allows all users to participate. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 21.
[0094]
(S21) Browsing business information
As described above, a primary auction allows all users to participate in the auction. Therefore, the server executes a business information browsing unit and creates a first business information page. Specifically, the business information browsing means searches the business information file using the auction number as a key, and specifies the business information of the corresponding business model. Then, data of the auction status in this business model is extracted, and it is specified that the current auction is a primary auction. The business information browsing means extracts business name and concept data as a business information page for a primary auction, inserts the information into a predetermined frame to create a first business information page, and inserts the first business information page into the terminal of user A. Send to
[0095]
The user terminal A that has received the first business information page displays this on the screen. The display screen is shown in FIG. In the business information display column, only the business name and its concept are displayed. The user A determines the bidding price for the auction (bidding information) from this information, enters this in the bidding price input column, and transmits it to the server. The bid amount received in the primary auction is used as primary bid information.
[0096]
(S22) Reception and storage of bid amount
The server that has received the bidding amount (primary bidding information) stores the bidding amount as data of the user A in the bidding information file based on the stored user ID.
[0097]
(S23) Judgment of end condition of primary auction
The server that has performed the bidding process of the user A determines whether the end condition of the primary auction is satisfied. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data of the internal clock IC corresponds to a predetermined auction holding period. If the auction is being held, the process returns to step 10 to allow other users to participate in the auction. If the auction has been held, the primary auction ends, and the process proceeds to step 30. The above steps 10 to 23 are performed for the users B to F, and the bidding information file stores the bidding amount of each user. The condition for ending the primary auction may be a condition for receiving bid information from a predetermined number of users. If the last day of the auction is reached without any access from the user, the process automatically proceeds to step 30 under the condition that the last day has passed.
[0098]
(S30) Narrowing down based on bid information (narrowing means)
After the end of the primary auction, the server narrows down users based on the stored bidding information of each user (primary bidding information). Specifically, the server determines the bidding order of each user from the primary bidding amount of the bidding information table shown in FIG. Next, the top 10% users are extracted from the bidding order. The top 10% as the extraction condition is set in advance by the operator.
[0099]
(S31) Transmission of bid result list
The server executes the bidding result notification means and transmits the bidding result list to the top 10% of users. The bidding result notification is created using the data of the primary bidding amount and the bidding order fields in the bidding information file. The notification method is e-mail.
[0100]
The contents are a list of the bidding amounts of the superiors and the bidding order of the user A. In this example, the top 10% of the primary auction passers (in this example, the top 10 out of 100 people). Since the bidding order of the user A is the first place, it is also notified that the user A has passed the primary auction. The bidding result notification means searches the user information file using the user ID as a key and extracts the contact information (mail address). The e-mail of the created bidding result notification is transmitted to the e-mail address of the user A.
[0101]
(S32) Repetition of auction
The repetition means determines whether the narrowing down to a predetermined number of persons has been completed. In this embodiment, the successful bidder is finally narrowed down to one. In the primary auction, only the top 10 players have been narrowed down, so the narrowing down to the predetermined number has not been completed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 10 to hold a secondary auction for the same business model. When the narrowing down to the predetermined number is completed, the processing of the entire auction is completed, and the winning bidder is determined (S33).
[0102]
<Secondary auction>
In the secondary auction, the flow of the auction is as shown in FIG. The differences from the primary auction are described below.
[0103]
(S20 ') User determination
The server that has received the user ID and the auction number from the user terminal A determines whether the user satisfies a predetermined condition. The server temporarily stores the received user ID and auction number. Next, the bidding information file is searched using the auction number as a key, and the bidding information of the corresponding auction is specified.
[0104]
Next, when the bidding order is extracted using the user ID as a key, it is found that the bidding order of the primary auction of the user A is the first place. In the user narrowing down, since the bidding order is the first place, the user A is allowed to participate in the secondary auction.
[0105]
(S21 ') Creation and transmission of second business information page
The server executes a business information additional information transmitting unit and creates a second business information page for the secondary auction. Specifically, a business information file is searched using the auction number as a key, and business information of a corresponding business model is specified. Then, the auction status data in the business information is extracted, and it is specified that the current auction is a secondary auction. The additional information transmitting means of the business information extracts the business name, business plan, profit plan, expense plan, minimum bid price and minimum capital data in addition to the business name in order to create a business information page for the secondary auction, The information is inserted into the frame of the second auction, and a second business information page for the secondary auction is created and transmitted. In this embodiment, the step of determining the user and the step of transmitting the second business information are executed by the additional information transmitting unit of the business information.
[0106]
The business information page for the secondary auction displayed on the screen of the user terminal A is shown in FIG. 10 (second business information page). On this page, the business details and profit plan are displayed in the business information display section, and more information is disclosed than in the primary auction. The user A determines the bidding price of the secondary auction (secondary bidding information) with reference to these pieces of information.
[0107]
(S30 ') Narrowing down based on bid information (narrowing means)
After the secondary auction ends, the server narrows down users based on the stored bidding information (secondary bidding information) of each user. Specifically, the server determines the bidding order of each user from the secondary bidding amount in the bidding information table shown in FIG. Next, the top three users are extracted from the bidding order. The conditions of the top three persons, which are the extraction conditions, are set in advance by the operator.
[0108]
(S31 ') Bidding result notification
After the end of the secondary auction, the server executes the bidding result notification means and notifies the user A of the bidding result. In this embodiment, the top three passers of the secondary auction are. Since the bidding order of the user A shown in FIG. 5 is the fifth, the user A is notified that the secondary auction could not be passed. If the user is C or E, the user is notified that the user has passed.
[0109]
(S32 ') Repetition of auction
The narrowing-down means determines whether the narrowing down to a predetermined number of persons has been completed. In this embodiment, the successful bidder is finally narrowed down to one. In the secondary auction, only the top three players have been narrowed down, so the narrowing down to the predetermined number has not been completed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 10, and a tertiary auction for the same business model is held.
[0110]
<Third Auction>
In the tertiary auction, the flow of the auction is as shown in FIG. The differences from the primary and secondary auctions are described below.
[0111]
(S20 ″) User determination
The server, which has received the user ID and the auction number from the user terminal A, determines the user A. The server temporarily stores the received user ID and auction number. Next, the bidding information file is searched using the auction number as a key, and the corresponding auction is specified.
[0112]
When the bidding order is extracted using the user ID as a key, it is found that the bidding order of the secondary auction of the user A is the fifth place. Since the top three people passed through the secondary auction, the server does not allow the user A to participate in the tertiary auction and proceeds to step 23. On the other hand, the users C, E, and F shown in FIG.
[0113]
(S21 ″) Creation and transmission of third business information page
FIG. 11 shows the third business information page for the tertiary auction created and transmitted by the business information additional information transmitting means. As shown in the figure, on this page, the business information display section displays information that is not disclosed on the secondary auction page, such as social background, product and service advantage, intellectual property right status, market size, etc. indicate. The users C, E, and F who can browse these information determine the bidding price of the tertiary auction with reference to the information and transmit the bidding price (tertiary bidding information).
[0114]
(S30 ″) Narrowing down to a predetermined number of people (Narrowing means)
The narrowing-down means determines whether the narrowing down to a predetermined number of persons has been completed. In the tertiary auction, narrow down to one user. The narrowing-down means extracts, as one of the users E, which transmitted the highest bid amount from the tertiary bid amount field of the bid information file.
[0115]
(S32 ") Repetition of auction
The repetition means determines whether the narrowing down to a predetermined number of persons has been completed. In step 30 ", the number of users is narrowed down to one user E. Therefore, in the repetition means, the process proceeds to step 33, and the successful bidder is determined to be the user E. The user E and the operator are required to commercialize the business model. We signed a contract.
5. Other embodiments
(5-1) User capital check
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the server receiving the transmission of the user ID and the auction number from the user terminal implements the capital restriction means and allows the user to participate in the auction based on the user's capital. This is a form in which a check is performed.
Specifically, the server stores the minimum capital amount of the user who can participate in the auction in the business information file, and stores the capital data of each user in the user information file. Then, the user ID and the auction number received from the user participating in the auction are temporarily stored. Next, the business information file is searched using the auction number as a key, and data on the minimum capital of the corresponding auction is extracted. Next, the user information file is searched using the user ID as a key, and the capital data of the user is extracted. The server compares the extracted minimum capital data with the user's capital data. If the user's capital data is larger than the minimum capital data, the server approves participation in the auction. If is not large, participation in the auction will not be accepted.
[0116]
(5-2) Billing of viewing fee
An embodiment in which a user who browses business information is charged for a browse fee will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 shows a processing chart of a server for charging a viewing fee, in which characteristic processing steps are extracted. The processing outside the dotted line is the same as that outside the dotted line shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram in which information (charging page) indicating that the viewing fee is charged is displayed on the user terminal. The embodiment described below is a form in which the charging of the browsing fee is requested twice in the primary auction and the charging of the browsing fee is requested once in the secondary auction.
[0117]
(S201) Transmission of billing page
In this embodiment, after the user's determination step (S20) in the primary auction, a transmission page (S201) for transmitting a charging page for charging a viewing fee to the user terminal is provided. The browsing fee initially charged to this user is the primary browsing fee. Specifically, the server stores the charge page of the browsing fee in the memory storage device, extracts it in this step, and transmits it to the user terminal. FIG. 13 shows a billing page displayed on the user terminal. As shown in the figure, this screen has a “viewing fee display” column at the center, and displays the viewing fee to be charged. In the figure, $ 5,000 is displayed. Then, an "agreement information transmission switch" is provided in the lower part, and when the user clicks this switch, the billing agreement information is transmitted to the server.
[0118]
(S202) Determination of agreement information
The server determines whether or not the agreement information has been received (S202). When the agreement information is received, the browse fee charging means is executed, and the agreed browse fee ($ 5,000) is charged (added) to the item of the user's browse fee in the user information file (S203). . On the other hand, if agreement information has not been received, the process ends and the process proceeds to step S23. It should be noted that the screen shown in FIG. 12 may be configured to display the item names of the business information disclosed by agreement.
[0119]
(S21) Transmission of business information
After receiving the agreement information, the server transmits the first business information after the step of charging the viewing fee (S203) (S21). The business information to be transmitted is a business name and a concept.
[0120]
(S211) Judgment of Number of Transmissions of Billing Page
In the case of the embodiment in which the browsing fee is charged a plurality of times, the server determines whether the charging page has been transmitted a predetermined number of times (S211). If the billing page has not been transmitted a predetermined number of times, the procedure returns to step 201, and the billing page for the browsing fee is transmitted again (S201 '). This second browsing fee is referred to as a secondary browsing fee. At this time, the viewing fee presented to the user is $ 10,000, which is higher than the previously presented viewing fee. Then, the second business information obtained by adding more detailed information to the first business information is transmitted to the user who has agreed to the charging of the browsing fee (S21 '). The transmission of the second business information is performed by the additional information transmitting means. The contents of the second business information are a profit plan and an expense plan of this business model.
[0121]
(S212, S22) Transmission of bidding page, reception and storage of bidding information
In the step (S211) for judging whether or not the billing page has been transmitted a predetermined number of times, if the predetermined number has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step 212, where a bidding page for requesting the input of a bidding amount is transmitted to the user terminal (S212). . The bidding amount (primary bidding information) input to this bidding page is transmitted to the server and stored as primary bidding information of the user (S22).
[0122]
The above processing is performed for a plurality of users, and the server stores the bidding information of each user in the primary auction.
[0123]
As described above, the present invention can be embodied in a form in which a plurality of browsing fee charging steps are provided, and more detailed business information is transmitted each time the user agrees with the charging step. According to this embodiment, it is possible to disclose information only to a user who seriously requests disclosure of business information, and the confidentiality of the information is achieved.
[0124]
Then, in the secondary auction, the charging page for the tertiary browsing fee is transmitted (S201 "). The tertiary browsing fee is set to $ 50,000. For the user who has received the agreement information, the additional information transmitting means is implemented. Then, the third business information is transmitted (S21 '), and the contents of the third business information are the business contents of the business model, the social background, the intellectual property rights, and the like.
[0125]
Thereafter, the server transmits the bidding page (S212 '), receives and stores the Nth bidding information from the user (S22').
[0126]
【The invention's effect】
(User benefits)
By disclosing a lot of business information, the user can determine a more appropriate bid amount. In addition, various kinds of business information such as profit plans and expense plans make it possible to obtain appropriate information for commercialization.
[0127]
(Operator advantage)
Since the auction operator can narrow down the number of users who disclose the business plan information, it is easy to grasp the trends of these users. This makes it easy to keep the business model secret and prevent plagiarism.
[0128]
(Advantages of the inventor)
The inventor can sell his business model to many users and get more opportunities. Moreover, the successful bid price is set high by the participation of many users. According to the present invention, it is possible for an advisor to devise specific business information even with a mere business model, so that it is possible to appropriately sell to a user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server.
FIG. 3 Business information file
FIG. 4 is a user information file.
FIG. 5 is a bidding information file.
FIG. 6 is a processing flow of a server.
FIG. 7: Business information input page
[Figure 8] Auction participation page
FIG. 9: First business information
FIG. 10: Second business information
FIG. 11 Third business information
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a charging process for a viewing fee.
FIG. 13 is a page for charging a viewing fee.

Claims (5)

A user terminal and a server including a memory storage device are connected via a computer network, and in an auction method performed on the computer network,
Making the first business information viewable on the network;
A step in which user identification information relating to an applicant who desires to obtain second business information including first business information is transmitted from the user terminal to the server;
An additional information transmission step of transmitting second business information to the user terminal;
A bidding step in which bidding information on the applicant who desires to obtain a business model described in second business information is transmitted from the user terminal to the server;
One or more pieces of the user identification information and the bidding information relating to the second business information are compared with past bidding information relating to the applicant in the memory storage device, and the user identification information and the A narrowing step of extracting and narrowing down the bidding information;
A notification step of transmitting the result of the narrowing down from the server to the user terminal,
The additional information transmitting step of transmitting additional business information more detailed than the second business information, the bidding step, the narrowing step, and the notification step until the result of the narrowing is extracted and narrowed down to one or a predetermined number of persons. Steps to repeat,
Auction methods including: The auction method according to claim 1, wherein
The additional information transmitting step of transmitting the second business information includes comparing user identification information regarding the applicant who desires to acquire the second business information with past bidding information regarding the applicant in the memory storage device. And transmitting the second business information when the applicant satisfies a predetermined condition. In a server having a memory storage device connected to a computer network,
Means for allowing the first business information to be browsed on the network, and user identification information regarding the applicant who wishes to obtain the second business information including the first business information is received via the computer network. Receiving means, additional information transmitting means for transmitting second business information according to the user specific information, and one or more of the user specific information and bid information relating to the second business information via the computer network When the server receives the information, the user identification information and the bidding information are compared with past bidding information regarding the applicant stored in the memory storage device, and the user identification information and the Extracting means for extracting bid information and narrowing down applicants; A result notifying means for transmitting the narrowed-down result in accordance with the user identification information; and a more detailed addition than the second business information until the narrowed-down result is extracted and narrowed down to one or a predetermined number of applicants. Means for repeatedly starting the additional information transmitting means for transmitting business information, the narrowing means and the result notifying means,
Server with. The server according to claim 3, wherein
The server, wherein the first business information includes information on a business model name and an outline of the business model, and the second business information includes at least information on a profit plan and an expense plan. The server according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
Means for transmitting information to the effect that the user wishes to acquire a business model to be charged; and transmitting information to the user upon receiving the information to the effect of agreeing to the charging, and associating the information with the user identification information of the user. Means for storing, in the memory storage device, information indicating that billing has been agreed upon.

Images