JPH01211171A - Auction system for automobile and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To sell a commodity at auction on a real time basis by providing a data memory means to store picture and character information concerning a next auction at a terminal computer. CONSTITUTION:The picture and character information of an automobile is transmitted from a host computer 1 through a repeating computer 2 to a terminal computer 4. The transmitted information is displayed to the display device of the computer 4 as the auction information for a prescribed time, and during displaying, the next information is stored into the memory means of the computer 4. For a displayed auction price, each purchaser inputs a bid sign to express whether or not he has a will to purchase it through a bid key. The tendered bid sign is inputted to the computer 1, while, until its price rises up to the desired price of a seller inputs a slow-down key, the price is automatically bade up.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an auction system for used automobiles, etc., which is configured to allow participation in auctions in real time using a computer network.

Conventional technology The conventional auction system for used cars, etc. is a method in which information regarding the quality of cars, etc. is provided to the auctioneer in advance in printed form, and the cars are put up for auction at the auction venue while the auction is held. something is known.

In general, the conditions necessary for an auction are that the item must be available for viewing and that the auction can be conducted in a short period of time, such as approximately 20 to 40 seconds per item.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the case of such a conventional auction system, since it is a venue system, it has the advantage that you can participate in the auction while actually looking at the items, but the automobiles to be auctioned are brought in and carried out at each auction. There is a need.

I also paid 1,000 yen to keep the car that was auctioned.
There are disadvantages such as the need for parking spaces for ~2000 cars.

Furthermore, in order to put it up for auction, it is necessary to transport it from the seller to the auction venue and from the auction venue to the buyer.

In addition, in the case of a venue-based auction, there is an inconvenience that the auction venue requires a parking space, which limits the number of locations.

Since buyers must attend the auction in person, there is also a limit to the number of buyers who can attend.

Furthermore, since it is necessary to exhibit cars at an auction venue, there is the inconvenience that the types and models of cars that can be collected are limited due to regional characteristics.

(7) For this reason, an auction system design using a computer network6 was considered, but since it takes more than two minutes to transmit image information and it takes many minutes to auction one vehicle, real-time auctions are virtually impossible. It was technically impossible.

Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention allows buyers to participate in an auction at home without visiting the auction site in person, eliminates the need to directly transport cars to be auctioned to the auction site, and provides real-time The purpose is to provide a system that allows auctions to be conducted at

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides a host computer that inputs and outputs image information and text information such as auction prices, and a plurality of relay stations connected to the host computer via communication lines. Evening 2. , 2. , 2. ,...

21. ..., 2. and relay computer 2□, 2. ．．
2. .

..., 27. ..., 2. A plurality of terminal computers 4+1 + 411 +... connected by communication lines,
41. ..., 4,.

..., 4. ,,,...,40. ..., 41. The plurality of terminal computers 4+1 +
412r...

4,,,,...,4. ,,...,4. ,,...,
4+,..., 4. , a bid key is used to place a bid against the displayed bid price in the case of a buyer, and an automatic bid price is automatically raised up to a certain amount at predetermined intervals until the bid key is input in the case of a seller. A slowdown key to convert the slowdown to a slowdown to raise the bid and a clear key to issue a sell instruction after the slowdown are installed.The terminal computer 4++ + 4+t +...
-,4,,-...,4t,,...,4. . ,...
,4. a, -..., 4. .

A data storage means for storing image one-character information regarding the next auction and a means for inputting a code number into the host computer are installed in the host computer, and the host computer is provided with a data storage means for storing image one-character information regarding the next auction, and a means for inputting a code number into the host computer. The bid price is automatically raised within a predetermined range until an input is received, and after a slowdown input is received, the bid price is slowly raised to a certain amount until the desired price is reached or the bidding key is input. , after the bidding key is entered,
This purpose is achieved by an auction system for automobiles, etc. that is configured to increase the bid price if there are bids of 2 Å or more within a predetermined time after a clear key is input or the desired price is reached. . For communication between specific lines and public lines, a high-speed modem of 9,600 bps or higher will be used.

Even so, image information requires more than 20 seconds in normal communication due to the large number of points in focus.

Therefore, the communication system of the present invention is configured to transmit image information or text information little by little using the blank area of the communication line during or before and after the auction.

Operation: Prior to the auction, image information of the automobile, etc. to be auctioned and text information such as the quality and price of the product are manually input to the host computer.

At the time of the auction, a code number for identifying the buyer or seller is input from the code number input means of each terminal.

Then, relay computer 21+L+21+...,2.
.

. . , the food number entered through 21 is registered in the host computer, and the auction system starts.

First, from the host computer via the relay computers 23.2t, 2g, '・'+21+・-, 2, the terminal computer 4++ + 4+t +...,
4. ,,...,4,.

..., 4. . ,...,4. . ,..., 4°. Images and text information of the car can be transmitted.

The transmitted information is displayed on the display of each terminal as auction information for a predetermined period of time. While being displayed, the next image information or character information is transferred from the host computer to the terminal computer 4++ + 4+t +..., 4°. ,...
・,4□,...,4. a,...,4. . ,...,
41. is stored in the storage means of.

The auction starts after a predetermined period of time has passed, and initially the bid price is automatically increased at a predetermined price level.
++ + 4+* +..., 41.・・・、４□、・
..., 41°, ..., 4. ,,..., 4. ,,
can be displayed.

Each buyer enters a bid signature via a bidding key to determine whether or not he/she intends to purchase the displayed auction price.

The input bid signature is sent to the relay computer 21+2.
1+21+..., 22. ..., 2. , to the host computer, but automatically increases the bid at short intervals until the desired price is reached or the seller enters a slowdown key.

When the seller inputs the slowdown key, the host computer switches to automatically increase bids up to a certain amount until the bidder key is input. When the bidding key is input, the bidder's food number and bidding price are completely stored in the computer, and the system shifts to the all-selling method.

When the clear key is not input after the slowdown, or when the auction reaches a certain amount, the bid is automatically discarded and the auction moves on to the next auction.

In addition, after the clear key is input, after the bidding key is activated, or after the desired price is reached, the system will be changed to a bidding method when there are two or more bidders within a predetermined time, and two or more bidders for the same price When there are bids, the host computer stores the final bidder's code number and bid price;
Increase the bid price and continue the auction.

The auction is then stopped when there are fewer than two bidders within a predetermined time.

When Kagami-ri (1sada) reaches the desired price, the person who is remembered by Funpyuta as the final bidder will be the successful bidder.

In addition, when the bid price does not reach the desired price, if the seller has already entered the clear key, or if the seller enters the clear key to indicate OK to the displayed price, the bidder will be considered as the final bidder. The person whose bid is stored in the computer will be the successful bidder. All other bids will be passed on to the next auction.

Then, the winning bidder is asked to confirm by displaying the code number and winning bid price on the display, and during that time, the rest of the image information related to the next auction is sent to the relay computer 21.
L, 2s,..., 23. ..., 21 via terminal computer 4++ + 41! +..., 4. . ,・
..., 41n+..., 4. . ,...,4. . ,...
. , 41, are stored in the storage means.

Then, the next auction begins, but first the information previously stored in the storage means is displayed on the display.

Next, after clearing the information in the storage means, the host computer again transmits the next image information or text information to the terminal computer and stores it while it is being displayed on the display.

As described above, by conducting the auction as described above, the auction can be held in real time.

In addition, after the auction ends, the terminal computer 411+
411+'..., 41°,..., 4□,..., 4s
,,...,41ゎ,...,4. ,. It is possible to connect a video camera or a video player to the terminal computer, input the car, etc. to be put up for sale into the terminal computer, and input text information regarding quality, etc. from the keyboard, and then register the car to be put up for sale on the host computer in real time.

Exhibit each terminal computer 4++ + 4+t +...
・、4゜11. ...,L,,'...,4. . ,...
Since the auction can be carried out from 14+a+...-, 4, .

Embodiment The present invention will be explained in detail below according to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a host computer for performing input/output in a used car auction system, and the host computer 1 is connected to a plurality of relay computers 21, 22, . . . via a high-speed modem M over a dedicated line. 21. ...
, 21.

Each relay computer2. , 2*, 2s,...
, 23. ....

2, the modem m1 is connected to many public line terminals, and the terminal computer 4□+4 of multiple public lines is connected.
13+..., 4. fi,...,4t,...,4
．． . ,...,415. ..., 4. . It is now possible to communicate with each other online.

Each terminal computer 411141! +..., 4. . ,
..., 461, ..., 4. . ,...,4. . ,・
..., 4°. Inside the R is used as a storage means for image information.
A ROM board is installed as a means for automatically inputting the AM disk and the code number of each terminal into the host computer.

The modem mi used in this embodiment has a high communication speed of 9600 bps.

Each terminal computer 411 + 'I+ +..., 4
1e+..., 41b + "' + 4so +...
・,4. ,,,..., 4-a is designed to be used by both sellers and buyers, and includes a keyboard, bidding key, clear key, and slowdown key.

A SHOI STAY 7RI5 is installed as a successful bidder confirmation key.

The host computer 1 identifies whether it is a buyer or a seller based on a code number input from a ROM board (not shown), and the two buttons on the joystick function as a bidding key and a successful bid confirmation key in the case of a buyer, and as a bid confirmation key in the case of a seller. functions as a slowdown key and a clear key.

That is, the bidding key is the terminal computer 4. ,． 412
,..., 4. ,,-...,4□,...,4□,-
...141a+...

411, to enter a signature to bid on the auction price displayed on the display. The confirmation key is used by the successful bidder (buyer) to sign OK to the displayed successful bid price.

The slowdown key is used by the seller to instruct the host computer to automatically raise the bid at slow intervals (for example, within 2 seconds) up to a certain price (for example, 40,000 yen) if there are no bids. It is something. In addition, the clear key is used to instruct the seller to convert the bidding by the host computer to a sell-out method in which the auction is raised only when there is a bid of 2 Å or more within a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds). .

Reference numeral 6 denotes a video camera connected to input the exhibition information number to the terminal computer 4, and a car image is input to the terminal computer 4 via the video camera 6 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

After trimming the input image and inputting character information regarding quality and the like to the terminal computer 4, the image is transmitted to the host computer 1 via the modem m and the relay computer 2 and the modem M to kill the image.

Also, the relay computer 2++2*+2s+..., 2.
.

..., 21 to the host computer l and each terminal computer 4□14+m+..., 41. ..., 4□
,...,437,...,4. ,,,...,4,.

In the system of this embodiment, the image information and text information stored in the terminal computer at the beginning of the auction are communicated to the buyer for 20 seconds (between still images) and the successful bid price after the auction ends. During the 6 seconds (between still images) during which the successful bidder is being confirmed with the successful bidder, image information or text information regarding the next auction is transmitted from the host computer to the terminal computer 4 and stored in each RAM disk. .

Therefore, before the system shifts to the next auction, storage of the next auction data is completed in the RAM disk.

In the above-described configuration, an auction is carried out with a large number of auction objects stored in the host computer 1.

During the auction, the host computer l transitions to the auction/system at a predetermined time, and each relay computer 24. L, L,
..., 21. ..., 2. The auction system is executed by controlling the terminals and changing the auction method as shown below based on human input signals transmitted from a plurality of terminals via the auction system.

This will be explained below based on FIG.

That is, each terminal computer 4 at a given time
and relay fan computer 2. , 2. , 2. ,...

23. . . , 21 are connected via a public line to bring them online.

Then, from the ROM board of terminal 4, each individual's code number (
identification number) is sent to the host computer and waits for confirmation from host computer 1.

Many terminal computers 4z + 4+* +...
, L7,...,40. ..., 4. . ,...,4
．． , , ..., 4.7, one is identified as the seller's terminal from the code number input to the host computer l and the serial number of the auctioned used car, and the input from the joystick 5 of that terminal is the seller's terminal. Or it can be considered as input by the buyer.

Conversely, the seller's terminal may be changed to the buyer's terminal depending on the type of car being auctioned.

First, information regarding the auction object is transmitted to the relay computer 2.
, 2. , 2. ,...,23. ..., 2. From the host computer to each terminal 4□, 4□,...1 via
41a+..., 4Ia+..., 4□,..., 4+
a+ .

The contents that can be displayed include the image of the car on the lower left side of the screen, the car model, model, auction serial number, etc. on the upper part of the screen, and information on the number of bidders on the lower right side of the screen. Information such as the starting price of the auction is displayed as a still image for about 20 seconds.

During this 20 seconds, no input can be made from the terminal 4 unless instructed by the host computer 1.

During the 20 seconds during which no input can be made from the terminal computer 4, the host computer 1 transmits image information or text information regarding the next auction target to each terminal computer 4 via the relay computer 2, and this information is stored in the terminal 4. The data is stored in the RAM disk.

The auction will start after 20 seconds have passed.

The following description will be made based on FIGS. 5 and 7.

During the auction, the image information remains unchanged, but the display regarding the auction price and number of bidders is changed.

Initially, the host computer 1 sells the product at a short interval (for example, 05
The auction will be automatically increased by 3,000 yen at 800,000 yen, 803,000 yen, 806,000 yen, etc. at intervals of seconds or less), and the bid value will be 411 + 411 + for each terminal.
..., 41°, ..., 4! ,,...,4□,...
・+41a+..., 4. , , will be displayed on the display.

The buyer decides whether or not to bid on the displayed price by inputting a bidding key.

This input of bids is transmitted to the host computer 1, which tallies the number and terminal computer 4+1+411.
+'..., 4. . ,...,4. . ,...,4sa,
..., 4°, 1. ..., 4,. will be transmitted along with the bid price.

However, in this state, the seller cannot keep track of the bidders and their prices because the prices change rapidly at short intervals and because there are many bidders.

Generally, when bidding automatically increases, the number of bidders decreases as the price approaches the seller's desired sales price (for example, 950,000 yen).

Therefore, the system of the present invention employs a slowdown method.

t, that is, after the seller inputs the slowdown key (
For example, at 920,000 yen), a slower interval than the above (
(For example, within 2 seconds) bid price up to 39,000 yen 3,000
It is a bid that increases yen by yen.

Once there are bidders during that period, the system will shift to a sell-out method.

Also, when the bid reaches 39,000 yen, the host computer determines that there is a hole.

The selling method is activated when a clear key is input from the seller, when there are bidders after slowdown, or when the desired price is reached while there are bidders.

In other words, the selling method increases the bidding price only when there are bids from two or more bidders within, for example, two seconds after the bidding price is displayed on the screen, and ends the bidding when there are fewer than two bidders. The final bidder for the displayed auction price after shifting to the all-selling method is sequentially stored in the host computer 1.

A large number of terminal computers 4□+411+...
・+41a+..., 4□,..., 4□,...-,4
,,...-,4,.

In this embodiment, the host computer 1 has 3m5ec, 3m5ec, and 3m5ec.
The system is configured to distinguish bidders based on HL rank.

Furthermore, even if there are multiple bids within 3m5ec, there is no problem because the bid price will increase and the bid price will be bid again.

Also, if there are two bidders above each other within two seconds, the system is structured so that the bids increase rapidly without waiting for the time to pass.

Therefore, 950,000 yen, 953,000 yen, 956,000 yen, etc.
The competition continues like this.

For example, if there are two bidders for 956,000 yen and no bidders for 959,000 yen, the final bidder whose winning bid is 959,000 yen and is stored in the host computer is determined to be the successful bidder. do.

For example, if a bidder is 956,000 yen and there is only one bidder, 956,000 yen is the winning bid and that bidder is considered the successful bidder.

However, if the bidding price stops at a price lower than the desired price, the host computer 1 displays the final bid price on the seller's terminal computer and issues a clear key to determine whether the seller is selling or not. Wait a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) for input.

If the seller inputs the clear key, the bid is determined to be a successful bid, and if the seller does not input the clear key, the bid is determined to be a hole.

After the auction ends, the successful bidder will receive the winning bid price and a confirmation message from the host 1 to the terminal 4 for 6 seconds along with a sound.6 If the successful bidder enters the bidding key to confirm, the confirmation will be made. When the auction ends, the auction ends and the next auction begins.

In the system of this embodiment, the rest of the next auction information (image information and character information) is transmitted from the host to the terminal during this confirmation time of 6 seconds, and is stored in the storage means (RAM disk).

Additionally, bid participants will be shown an indication that the auction has been completed and the successful bid price.

After the time has elapsed, the image on the display is erased, and the auction information previously stored in the RAM disk is displayed on the display for 20 seconds according to instructions from the host 1.

Auctions can be conducted in real time according to the method described above.

In this embodiment, information such as images is transmitted before and after the auction, but this is not the only option. The area may be used to transmit slightly depressed image information.

In order to do this, the configuration may be such that transmission is only possible after receiving a confirmation signal from the host computer indicating that the bidding is OK.

Furthermore, when bidding in an auction, participants must always be facing the terminal.

Therefore, an automatic bidding system as shown in FIG. 6 may be registered in the terminal computer.

Sea Nawa also allows you to input the reference number and bid limit for the type of car you wish to buy or sell in advance, and it is activated when the number matches the auction reference number or the manually entered reference number.

The system is structured so that bidding continues until the bidding price reaches the bidding limit, and when the bidding price exceeds the bidding limit, the bidder exits the auction.

However, taking into account input errors, if the winning bid is more than 500,000 yen higher than the seller's desired sales price, in the case of a buyer who bids automatically, the bid will be considered abnormal and the bid will not be accepted. It is designed to be determined to be a flow hole even if the hole is closed.

In this embodiment, a method is adopted in which image information is transmitted from a host computer to a terminal computer via a relay computer, but the method is not limited to this. It may be configured such that all auction information is transmitted in advance before the auction starts, and images are transmitted to the terminal according to instructions from the host computer.

In this way, it is possible to further reduce the transmission time of auction information to the terminal Funpyuta, and it is possible to
Time auctions are possible.

Effects As mentioned above, the auction system for inventions is
The image information is transmitted to the M disk, and configured so that it does not take much time to transmit and can communicate with each other using a modem with a high transmission speed, and is transmitted from the terminal using a short 0NOFF signal. Since the system is configured to conduct an auction by inputting bid information, the auction can be conducted in real time.

Since items can be listed in real time, items can be listed even the day before the auction, and the latest items can be auctioned.

In addition, since the configuration is such that the auction listing is carried out by transmitting image information from the terminal to the host computer, there is no need to exhibit the car at the auction venue, and the car can be auctioned from anywhere via the line: 8! This allows auctions to be held with a wide variety of car models.

Furthermore, since both buyers and sellers can participate in the auction without attending the venue, the number of participants in the auction can be increased.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the auction system according to the present invention. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the outline of the system, Fig. 2 is an input data diagram of cars that can be put up for sale, and Fig. 3 is displayed on each terminal. Auction data diagram, Figure 4 is a flowchart for inputting exhibition data, Figure 5 is a flowchart of the auction system, Figure 6 is a flowchart of the automatic bidding system, and Figure 7 is a time chart showing the relationship between bid price and time in an auction. It is. 1...Host computer 2...Relay computer 4...Terminal computer 5...Joystick 6...Video camera patent applicant Tsugu Inagi, patent attorney representing Janet Co., Ltd. Yasushi Oshimoto, patent attorney representing him Hiko Figure 4 Exhibit - 7 people Procedural amendment (method) June 29, 1988 Patent application No. 36704 of 1988 2 Title of invention Auction system for automobiles etc. 3 Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant address: 3-20-4 Minami Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo Name:
Co., Ltd. Representative Director Noboru Yoshino 4 Agent 5 Date of Amendment Order May 11, 1988 (Shipped on May 31, 1986) 6
Number of claims increased by amendment 7 Subject of amendment

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A host computer that inputs and outputs text information such as image information and auction prices, and a plurality of relay computers 2_1 connected to the host computer via communication lines.
, 2_2, 2_3, ..., 2_i, ..., 2_m and relay computers 2_1, 2_2, 2_3, ..., 2_i, ...,
A plurality of terminal computers 4_1_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_1_n, ..., 4_2 connected to 2_m through communication lines.
_n, ..., 4_3_n, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_m_
The plurality of terminal computers 4_1 are configured such that they can mutually transmit data online.
_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_1_n, ..., 4_2_n,
..., 4_3_n, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_m_n, the bidding key is used to place a bid on the displayed bid price if the buyer is the buyer, and the bidding key is used to automatically raise the bid price if the seller is the buyer until the bidding key is input. A slowdown key for converting to a slowdown that automatically bids up to a certain amount at predetermined intervals and a clear key for instructing a sell after the slowdown are installed, and furthermore, a terminal computer 4_
1_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_1_n, ..., 4_2_n
, ..., 4_3_n, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_m_n are equipped with data storage means for storing image and character information related to the next auction, and means for inputting a code number into the host computer, so that the host computer can notify the seller after the auction starts. The bid price is automatically increased by a predetermined range until the desired price is reached or a slowdown is input from the seller, and after the slowdown is input, the bid price is automatically increased until the desired price is reached or a bidding key is input. Slowly increase the bid price up to a certain amount, and after the bid key is entered, after the clear key is entered, or when the desired price is reached, the bid price will be increased if there are two or more bids within a predetermined time. An auction system for automobiles, etc., characterized in that the auction system is configured to convert the auction system into an auction system for auctioning automobiles, etc. (2) Terminal computer 4 according to instructions from host computer
_1_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_2_
n, ..., 4_3_n, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_m_n
While displaying still images before and after the auction, image information or text information of the next auction target is transmitted to the terminal computers 4_1_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_1_n, ..., 4_2.
_n, ..., 4_3_n, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_m_
2. The auction system according to claim 1, wherein the auction system is configured to be stored in n data storage means. (3) Relay computers 2_1, 2_2, 2_3,...
2_i, ..., 2_m send auction information from the host computer to terminal computers 4_1_1, 4_1_2, ...
, 4_1_n, ..., 4_2_n, ..., 4_3_n, ...,
When transmitting to the terminal computers 4_i_n, 4_1_n, 4_1_n, 4_1_1, 4_1_2, 4_1_n, the image information or character information of the next auction target is also transmitted little by little using the blank area of the communication line during the auction. ..., 4＿
2_n,…, 4_3_n,…, 4_i_n,…, 4_m
2. The auction system according to claim 1, wherein the auction system is configured to be stored in the data storage means of _n. (4) Each terminal is provided with a connection terminal for a video camera, and terminals 4_1_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_1_n, ..., 4_2
_n, ..., 4_3_n, ..., 4_i_n, ..., 4_m_
Connect a video camera or video player to terminal computers 4_1_1, 4_1_2, ..., 4_1_n
,...,4_2_n,...,4_3_n,...,4_i_n,
..., 4_m_n, and relay computer 2_1, image information and character information input via the keyboard are stored in relay computer 2_1,
2. The auction system according to claim 1, further comprising an auction registration system configured to be able to transmit information to a host computer via 2_2, 2_3, . . . , 2_i, . . . , 2_m.