JPH07296082A - On-line bidding method and bidding system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve security by preventing errorneous taking-seat to a bidding seat terminal equipment the errorneous input of information in a bidding system. CONSTITUTION:A system is constituted of an IC card 2 where key information being proper to a bidding attendant is recorded, plural bidding set at terminal devices 1 and a host computer 5. The bidding seat terminal devices 1 read key information from the IC card 2 so as to judge the justice of the bidding attendant and transmit check-in data to the computer 5 at the time of justice. The host computer 5 decides the usage propriety of the bidding seat terminal equipments 1 based on the check-in data, returns a result and permits a display part 11 to display it. When time is up after receiving preservation data from the bidding seat terminal equipments 1 or when the IC card 2 is ejected, vacant seat display is executed in the display part 11 of the bidding seat terminal equipments 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bid system including a card in which key information unique to a bid participant is recorded, a plurality of bidder seat terminal devices, and a host computer,
In particular, the present invention relates to an online bidding method focusing on the management of the usage status of auction seat terminal devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of bidder seat terminal devices used by bidder participants (hereinafter, simply referred to as participants) and a host for managing each bidder seat terminal device for conducting a "bid" such as an auction. A computer auction system in which a computer is connected online is known. Participants who use this auction system are not always a fixed number of people, so normally the auction seat terminal device is open to any participant, and the seated participants are Unique key information such as own membership code and employee code is input from an auction seat terminal device, and a host computer identifies the key information to recognize and credit participants. In addition, when entering the auction site, the security of the participation in the auction has been attempted by using the identification card exclusively for the participant to judge the validity of the card. The participants were contacted by an announcement in the venue.

[0003]

However, since the conventional bidding system has a configuration in which the mutual communication is possible after the participant's recognition and credit, until the use end notification is given from the participant, the participant is If you leave your seat after entering your own key information, other participants try to newly participate in the auction by seating on the auction seat terminal device that is actually in use and then using that auction seat terminal device. There was a problem such as using it. It is possible to avoid the above situation by inputting "end of use" of the auction seat terminal device and notifying the host computer when the participant leaves the seat, but in reality, forgetting this input work and leaving the seat There was a problem in data security.

Further, if the participant forgets to input "end of use" of the auction seat terminal device when he / she returns after finishing the auction instead of temporarily leaving the seat, the auction seat terminal device remains in use all the time. Will continue to be displayed. Therefore, it cannot be used by other bidders, which hinders efficient operation of the entire bidder system.

In view of the above background, the present invention solves these conventional problems and improves security, and effectively utilizes an empty bidder seat terminal device to efficiently operate the entire system. Online bidding method,
And to provide a bid system suitable for carrying out this method.

[0006]

The online bidding method according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of auctions including a card insertion / removal mechanism in which key information unique to the bidding participant is recorded and information display means. A seat terminal device, a host computer including a registration means for registering transmission information from each online auction terminal device so that it can be updated at any time, and a time monitoring means for monitoring the exclusive use time of each auction seat terminal device, An online auction method in a system comprising a bidder seat terminal device, which judges the legitimacy of a bidder participant based on the key information when the card is inserted, and identifies the device itself when legitimate. Transmitting check-in data to the host computer in which information and the key information are associated with each other, and the host computer receiving the check-in data, The judgment criterion information including the check-in data for registration is collated to judge the validity of the use of the bidder terminal device, and when the judgment is correct, the check-in data is registered and the usability information corresponding to the judgment result is displayed. And a step of displaying the received availability information on the display means.

Further, the online bidding method according to the second invention provided by the present invention is, in the above-mentioned first invention, a predetermined format from the auction seat terminal device to the host computer when the availability information indicates availability. When the reservation application information is transmitted and the host computer receives the reservation application information, the host computer starts monitoring the exclusive use time of the auction seat terminal device, and returns the initial state display information after the exclusive use time expires. The auction seat terminal device that receives the initial state display information updates the display of the display means to the initial state.

Also, the online bidding method according to the third invention provided by the present invention is the above-mentioned first or second invention, wherein the auction seat terminal device outputs checkout data when the card withdrawal is detected. Sending to the host computer, receiving the checkout data, resetting the registration of the checkin data corresponding to the bidder terminal device, and returning the initial state display information by the host computer; The auction seat terminal device receiving the status display information updates the display of the display means to the initial state.

Further, a bid system according to a fourth invention provided by the present invention is a system for carrying out the above first to third inventions, wherein a card in which key information unique to a bid participant is recorded, It comprises a plurality of auction seat terminal devices having a card insertion / removal mechanism, and a host computer connected online to each auction seat terminal device. In this system, the auction seat terminal device uses a first legitimacy determination unit that determines the legitimacy of the auction participant based on the key information when the card is inserted, and when the determination result is legitimate. A means for generating check-in data in which the identification information of the own device and the key information are associated with each other, a means for generating reservation application information in a predetermined format when the device is available, and a case where the card withdrawal is detected. Means for generating check-out data, means for transmitting each of the check-in data, reservation application information, and check-out data to the host computer when generating check-out data, and a display means for displaying information received from the host computer, It is characterized by having. On the other hand, the host computer is
When the check-in data is received, second legitimacy determining means for collating predetermined criteria information to determine the legitimacy of the use of the bidder terminal device, and the check when the result is legitimate In-data is registered as one of the determination criterion information, and means for generating availability information according to the determination result, and exclusive use for monitoring the exclusive use time of the bidder terminal device upon receipt of the reservation application information Time monitoring means, reset means for resetting the registered check-in data corresponding to the bidder terminal device upon reception of the check-out data, and after the exclusive use time has expired or for the registered check-in data. Means for generating initial state display information for updating the display of the display means to the initial state upon reset, and the usability information or initial state display information And having means for transmitting to the auction terminal device.

[0010]

In the online bidding method of the first invention, when the card is inserted into the auction seat terminal device, the key information in the card is read, and based on this, the first legitimacy determining means determines the legitimacy of the bidder. To be done. If the bidder is valid, the check-in data is sent to the host computer. In the host computer, the second legitimacy judging means collates the judgment reference information, for example, the already registered check-in data, and judges the legitimacy of the use of the bidder terminal device. If it is legitimate, the check-in data is registered as one of the judgment criterion information.
In addition, the availability information corresponding to the determination result is returned to the auction seat terminal device. This availability information is displayed on the display means of the auction seat terminal device. As a result, two-step security is achieved, and whether or not the auction terminal device can be used at the time of card insertion can be known.

In the online bidding method of the second invention, when the availability information indicates availability, reservation application information in a predetermined format is transmitted from the auction seat terminal device to the host computer. In the host computer, when the reservation application information is received, the exclusive use time monitoring means starts monitoring the exclusive use time of the bid terminal device. After the time expires, the initial status display information is returned. The auction seat terminal device updates the display of the display means to the initial state based on the initial state display information.

In the online bidding method of the third invention, the checkout data is transmitted to the host computer when the card is removed from the bidding seat terminal device. Upon reception of the check-out data, the host computer resets the registration of the check-in data corresponding to the bidder terminal device by the reset means and returns the initial state display information. The auction seat terminal device updates the display of the display means to the initial state based on the initial state display information.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an auction system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of bidder terminal devices 1, an auction machine 3, an adjuster operation panel 4, and a host computer 5 having the same configuration are provided. , Is connected online via a communication line so that two-way communication is possible. The IC card 2 has a membership code, which is personal identification information unique to the auction participant,
The employee code and other information are recorded. These pieces of information serve as key information indicating the qualifications for participating in the auction, the qualifications for using reserved seats, and the like.

Each bidder terminal device 1 has a display section 11 for displaying various information on a screen, an IC card reader 12 for reading card information recorded in the IC card 2, and information corresponding to bid information and display messages. Has a data input unit 13 for inputting, a main control unit 14 for controlling various data and the like, and a communication control unit 15 for controlling bidirectional communication with the bidder 3 and the host computer 5. It is used as a reserved seat that can be used only by designated members, a fixed seat for fixed seats with no limitation on exclusive use time (hereinafter, reservation time), and a general seat for general members with limited reservation time. General seats are reserved seats only when the application for reservation is made and permitted, and fixed seats are always reserved seats. A fixed use time is designated for the designated seat (designated time).

The auction terminal device 1 includes, as display means, the display section 11 as well as a designated lamp and a reserved lamp indicating seat types of reserved seats and reserved seats, or availability information thereof.
A card OK lamp indicating that the read key information is valid, a right lamp indicating whether or not the right is generated at the time of a successful bid, and the like are also provided, but the lamp information may be displayed on the display unit 11. it can. The data input unit 13 is, for example, a keyboard and a numeric keypad, and further, a reservation button that the participant presses when making a reservation application for the bidder terminal device 1, a successful bid button that presses when bidding, and a successful bid that turns on when making a successful bid. A switch is provided.

The main control section 14 judges the validity of the key information read by the IC card reader 12 (first validity judging means), the information displayed on the display section 11 or the lighting control of various lamps, and the data input section. It manages the information input from 13, detects the withdrawal of the IC card 2, and controls the card ejection. This will be described later.

The bid machine 3 cooperates with the coordinator operation panel 4 to control bid information, and a bid information controller 32 which controls seat status information of the bid terminal device 1.
It has a communication control unit 33. The coordinator operation panel 4 includes a communication control unit 41 and a main control unit 42 that controls information necessary for auction management. This auction machine 3 is usually installed in a bid place, and plays an intermediary role between a plurality of bidder seat terminal devices 1, an adjuster operation panel 4, and a host computer 5.

The host computer 5 has a communication controller 51.
It has a seat status management unit 52, a reservation time monitoring unit (exclusive use time monitoring means) 53, and a bid information processing unit 54, and is usually installed in a place other than the auction site. The seat status management unit 52 uses the device identification number (identification information), key information, card insertion / removal information, and the monitoring information of the reservation time monitoring unit 53 sent from the auction terminal device 1, to determine the usage status of the auction seat terminal device. That is, a first process (# 1) 521 that generates and outputs a seat status message, and a second process that generates and outputs an initial seat status message of the bid terminal device when an error occurs in the first process. (#
2) 522. Details of the processes 521 and 522 will be described later.

The auction control section 31 of the auction machine 3,
The coordinator operation panel 4 and the auction information processing unit 54 in the host computer 5 perform processing and control of general auction data such as auction target data, bid data, successful bid data, and right generation data. Yes,
Since only the general processing procedure of "auction" is performed, detailed description will be omitted in this embodiment. However, it does not mean that there is no relation to the present invention.

2 and 3 are processing procedure diagrams of the main control unit 14 of the auction seat terminal device 1. The operation contents of the auction seat terminal device 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the display unit 1
A vacant seat message, for example, "this seat is available now" is displayed as an initial state display in step 1 (step (hereinafter, S) 101), and various data reading waiting states are formed (S102). IC card 2 is IC card reader 12
When it is confirmed that the user is a legitimate participant by reading the key information (S103), the check-in data is transmitted to the host computer 5 (S104), S10.
Return to 2. In this case, the check-in data is, for example, corresponding data indicating that the participant with the member code a has visited the own device with the identification number x. If the key information read from the IC card is invalid, the card is immediately ejected.

During operation, the presence / absence of card removal from the IC card reader 12 is constantly monitored (S105), and when removal is detected, checkout data is transmitted to the host computer 5 (S106) and the process returns to S102.
Further, whether or not the reservation button is pressed is monitored (S107),
When the pressing is detected, the card OK lamp is turned off (S1
08), the reservation data is transmitted to the host computer 5 (S109), and then the process returns to S102. When the press of the bid button is detected or the successful bid data is received from the auction machine 3,
That is, when the read data is auction information (S11
0), transmission and display of required data, control of right lamp, etc. are performed (S111).

When the result data of the check-in data transmitted earlier is received from the host computer 5 (S11
In 2), the following processing is performed. When the result is good (S11
3) That is, when it is determined that the message is a check-in OK message described later, the designated lamp and the reservation lamp are turned off (S
114, S115), lighting of the card OK lamp (S11
6) is performed, and a reception completion message is displayed on the display unit 11 (S117). Good results mean, for example, if a reserved seat member checks in before the reserved seat release time (within the specified time) or if a fixed seat member checks in at a reserved seat, another seat is vacant. This applies when a general member who has not made a reservation with is checked in. This is judged, for example, by checking the registered check-in data, the contents of the key information in the card, and other judgment reference information.
After that, when a predetermined time has passed, the screen display is blanked and a blank message for waiting for the input of bid information or the like is displayed (S118). On the other hand, when it is determined that the check-in result is bad, that is, the check-in NG message described later, for example, a member who reserves another seat with an empty seat checks in, or a member who cannot participate in the auction with an empty seat When the check-in is made (over balance, etc.), an NG message is displayed on the display unit 11 (S119). Then, the process returns to S102.

FIG. 3 shows designated seat display data, reserved seat display data, vacant seat display data from the host computer 5,
It shows the flow of processing when the message display data for contacting members is read, and when it is designated seat display data or reserved seat display data (S120, S123),
Turn on the designated lamp or reserved lamp that is off (S
121, S124), and the corresponding messages are displayed on the display unit 11 (S122, S125). When vacant seat display data is sent due to the lapse of reservation time (S12)
6) turns off the designated lamp and the reserved lamp (S12).
7, S128), a vacant seat message is displayed on the display unit 11 (S129), and the process returns to S102. For message display data such as "Please contact the company" (S130)
Displays the message on the display unit 11 for a predetermined time (S
131), then the blank message is displayed, and (S1
32) Return to S102. The above process is repeated during the auction time.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the reservation time monitoring unit 53 in the host computer 5. The processing from each bid terminal device 1 is waited for (S21), and when reservation data is received, this is stored in the reservation file. To do. A reserved seat release time calculated by a first process 521 described later is associated with each reservation data. Then, the individual reservation data stored in the reservation file is read (S2
2) If there is reservation data in which the reserved seat release time matches the system time (S23), an empty seat message is transmitted to the auction terminal device (S24).

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are processing procedure diagrams in the first process 521 of the seat information management unit 52. Less than,
The contents of this process will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, various data read waiting states are formed (S20).
1). At this time, when the check-in data from the auction seat terminal device 1 is read (S202), the following processing is performed. When it is the check-in data by the designated seat member within the designated time in the designated seat (S203 to S205), the check-in OK message is returned to the bid seat terminal device 1 (S206). In addition, although it is not a reserved seat, it is a reserved seat (S207) and at the time of check-in of a reserved seat member (fixed seat member) (S213), or when the reserved seat exceeds the specified time (S204), the seat If the result of checking the secured number is OK (S208) and there is no reservation at another seat (S211), the check-in OK message is returned (S212).

On the other hand, neither a reserved seat nor a reserved seat,
In addition, when the number of seats reserved is over (S208), the number of seats reserved is OK, but when the member who reserves with another seat checks in (S211), the reserved seat is within the designated time but is not a reserved seat member. Check in (S20
5) When a person who is a reserved seat but is not a reserved seat member (fixed seat member) checks in (S213), a check-in NG message is returned (S209),
The error data is transmitted to the second process 522 (S21
0), and returns to S201.

When the checkout data from the auction seat terminal device 1 is read (S214), the following processing is performed. If it is not a reserved seat but a reserved seat (S215,
S216), when a reserved seat is reserved (S215, S21)
9) returns the reserved seat message to the bid terminal device 1 (S217, S222). If the reserved seat is not reserved (S215, S219) and within the specified time (S220), the reserved seat message is returned (S22).
3). On the other hand, when it is neither a reserved seat nor a reserved seat (S
215, S216, S218), when the seat is a reserved seat but not reserved, and when it is outside the specified time (S215, S21).
(9, S220) returns a vacant seat message (S21).
8, S222).

Referring to FIG. 6, when the reservation data is received (S224), the reserved seat release time is calculated (S22).
5). Then, it is determined whether or not the reservation data is from the reserved seat (S226), and if the reserved seat, the reserved seat release time is compared with the reserved release time (S227). Here, the reserved seat release time is the end of the reserved time, and the designated release time is the end of the fixedly fixed designated time. When the reserved seat release time is after the reserved seat release time, the reserved seat message is displayed in the bid terminal device 1
It returns to (S228). On the other hand, when the reserved seat release time is before the reserved seat release time (S227) and when the result of the determination in S226 is that the seat is not the reserved seat, the reserved seat message is returned (S229).

FIG. 7 is a processing procedure diagram in the second process 522 of the seat information management unit 52. Hereinafter, the content of this process will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 7. First, various data read waiting states are formed (S301). When the error data received from the first process 521 is not for the reserved seat (S301) but for the reserved seat (S301)
303) or when a reserved seat is reserved (S
306) returns the reserved seat message to the auction seat terminal device (S304). When it is neither a reserved seat nor a reserved seat (S303), or when it is a reserved seat but not reserved, and when the specified time has passed (S307)
Returns the vacant seat message to the auction seat terminal device (S305). On the other hand, it is data from the reserved seat (S3
02), although not reserved (S306), if it is within the designated time (S307), the designated seat message is returned to the auction seat terminal device. As a result, the initial seat status is displayed on the display unit 11 of the auction seat terminal device 1, and other required lamp lighting control is performed.

Next, FIG. 8 shows the overall processing contents of the auction system when a general member actually participates in the auction.
Will be schematically described with reference to. IC card 1 for general members
When 1 is inserted into the auction seat terminal device 1, the IC card reader 12 reads the key information and, if valid, sends it to the host computer 5 as check-in data. In the host computer 5, the seat status monitoring unit 52 checks the seat in the above-described procedure, that is, determines whether or not the bidder terminal device can be used, and returns the determination result as check result data. At this time, it is automatically determined whether or not the member is checking in at another seat, and if it is a new check-in, pressing of the reservation button is prompted.

When the reservation button is pressed on the available bidder terminal device 1, reservation data is transmitted from the bid terminal device 1 to the host computer 5. Based on the reservation data, the host computer 5 sets the reserved seat release time in the reserved time monitoring unit 53 and then returns the reserved seat message. The auction seat terminal device 1 displays the reserved seat release time on the display unit 11 and turns on the reserved lamp. As a result, it is possible to announce that the bid terminal device 1 is reserved and cannot be used by other members. After that, the auction information regarding the member is processed.

When the IC card 2 is taken out from the IC card reader 12, the bid terminal device 1 sends checkout data to the host computer 5. The host computer 5 sets the leaving information based on the check-out data (resets the previously registered check-in data), and returns the seat status display data, for example, vacant seat display data, to the bid terminal device 1. The bidder terminal device 1 uses the vacant seat display data to display the display section 11
Display vacant seat data in. As a result, it is possible to publicize that it is available to members who will participate later.

Even when the IC card 2 is not removed, the host computer 5 has the reservation time monitoring unit 53.
In the above, the time-out check is performed at regular intervals, and when the time-out, that is, when the reserved seat release time has elapsed, empty seat display data is sent to the bid seat terminal device 1. The auction seat terminal device 1 turns off the lamps and displays a vacant seat message on the display unit 11 based on the vacant seat display data. This makes it possible to publicize to the members who will participate later that the bid terminal device 1 is usable.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the IC card 2 in which the key information unique to the member is recorded is inserted into the auction seat terminal device 1, the check-in data is transmitted after the legitimacy of the bid participation is judged. Therefore, the security of the first stage is achieved, and further, the seat status check is performed in the host computer 5 based on the check-in data, and the auction seat terminal device is not used by another member, or one member Since the check-in OK data is returned after confirming that the other bidder seat terminal devices have not been reserved, the security of the second stage can be achieved. Also, the reservation time is constantly monitored, and if the time runs out or the IC card 2
When a pullout is detected, the vacant seat is displayed, so it is possible to prevent troubles due to erroneous seating of auction participants, and further to secure use within a certain time by seat reservation,
It is possible to effectively utilize the auction seat terminal device by early display of vacant seats.

Although the present embodiment is as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the configuration can be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the example in which the key information is recorded in the IC card 2 has been described, but the IC card is not necessarily used, and may be a hybrid card, a magnetic card, or an equivalent card. Alternatively, the bid terminal device 1 and the host computer 5 may be directly connected online.
Further, the reservation time monitoring may be started from the last operation of the bid terminal device 1.

[0036]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the online bidding method of the present invention, the legitimacy of the auction participant is determined when the card is inserted into the auction seat terminal device, and the legitimacy is checked when the card is legitimate. Since the legitimacy of use is judged in the host computer based on the in-data, there is an effect that the data security becomes more complete. In addition, since the availability information corresponding to the determination result is returned to the auction seat terminal device and displayed on the display means, the auction participants can be informed of the availability of the auction terminal device at the time of inserting the card and thereafter. Can be tightened.

Further, the exclusive use time is managed in the host computer by the reservation application information transmitted from the bidder terminal device, and after the time has expired, the initial state display information is returned and the display of the display means is updated to the initial state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the bidder seat terminal device is in a non-use state for a long time, and it is possible to effectively use the system.

Even when the card is removed from the auction seat terminal device, the display of the display means is similarly updated to the initial state based on the initial state display information. The availability of the device can be notified at an early stage.

Since the above method can be easily carried out by the bid system of the present invention, the conventional problems can be solved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a bid system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a processing procedure diagram of a main control unit of the bidder terminal device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a processing procedure diagram (continuation) of the main control unit of the bid terminal device.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of a reservation time monitoring unit in the host computer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a processing procedure diagram in a seat information management unit (first process) in the host computer of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a processing procedure diagram (continued) in the seat information management unit.

FIG. 7 is a processing procedure diagram in a seat information management unit (second process) in the host computer of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall flow of information in the auction system of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Auction seat terminal device 11 Display unit 12 IC card reader 13 Data input unit 14 Main control unit 15 Communication control unit 2 IC card 3 Auction machine 4 Adjuster operation panel 5 Host computer 51 Communication control unit 52 Seat information management unit 53 Reserved time monitoring Department

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of auction seat terminal devices equipped with a card insertion / removal mechanism in which key information unique to auction participants is recorded and information display means, and transmission information from each auction terminal device connected online at any time. An online bidding method in a system comprising a registration means for renewably registering and a host computer having a time monitoring means for monitoring the exclusive use time of each bidder seat terminal device, wherein the bidder seat terminal device comprises: When the card is inserted, the legitimacy of the auction participant is determined based on the key information, and when the card is legitimate, the host computer is provided with check-in data in which the identification information of the own device and the key information are associated with each other. The step of transmitting the check-in data, the host computer receiving the check-in data collates the judgment criterion information including the registered check-in data, Determining the validity of the use of the apparatus,
Registering the check-in data when valid, returning the availability information corresponding to the determination result, the auction seat terminal device, the step of displaying the received availability information on the display means, An online bidding method comprising: 2. The online bidding method according to claim 1, wherein when the availability information indicates availability, the auction seat terminal device transmits reservation application information in a predetermined format to the host computer; Starts monitoring the exclusive use time of the bidder terminal device upon receipt of the reservation application information, and returns initial state display information after the exclusive use time expires, and the initial state display information is received The auction seat terminal device has a step of updating the display of the display means to an initial state, the online auction method. 3. The online bidding method according to claim 1, wherein the bidder terminal device transmits checkout data to the host computer when the withdrawal of the card is detected, and the checkout data. The host computer receiving the reset state resets the registration of the check-in data corresponding to the auction seat terminal device and returns the initial state display information, and the auction seat terminal device receiving the initial state display information displays the display. Updating the display of the means to the initial state, and an online bidding method. 4. A card in which key information unique to an auction participant is recorded, a plurality of auction seat terminal devices provided with a mechanism for inserting and removing the card, and a host computer online connected to each auction seat terminal device. In the auction system including, the auction seat terminal device uses the insertion of the card as a trigger to determine the legitimacy of the auction participant based on the key information, and the determination result is valid. At the time of, the means for generating check-in data in which the identification information of the own device and the key information are associated with each other, the means for generating reservation application information in a predetermined format when the device is available, and the card withdrawal. A means for generating check-out data when detected, and means for transmitting each to the host computer when generating the check-in data, reservation application information, and check-out data. Means and a display means for displaying information received from the host computer, wherein the host computer collates predetermined determination reference information upon reception of the check-in data, and Second legitimacy determining means for determining legitimacy of use, and registering the check-in data as one of the criterion information when the judgment result is legitimate and generating the usability information according to the judgment result. Means, a dedicated use time monitoring means for monitoring the exclusive use time of the bidder terminal device upon reception of the reservation application information, and an already registered corresponding to the bidder terminal device upon reception of the checkout data. Resetting means for resetting the check-in data, and the display means after the exclusive use time has expired or when the registered check-in data is reset The auction system including means for generating initial state display information for updating the display of No. 1 to the initial state, and means for transmitting the usability information or the initial state display information to the auction terminal device.