WO2008027389A2 - Systèmes et procédés pour le parrainage par des tiers d'un événement en réseau - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés pour le parrainage par des tiers d'un événement en réseau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008027389A2
WO2008027389A2 PCT/US2007/018930 US2007018930W WO2008027389A2 WO 2008027389 A2 WO2008027389 A2 WO 2008027389A2 US 2007018930 W US2007018930 W US 2007018930W WO 2008027389 A2 WO2008027389 A2 WO 2008027389A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
reverse auction
entry
bid
party
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/018930
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008027389A3 (fr
Inventor
Jonathon Linner
Juho-Pekka Virolainen
Rob Lawson
Original Assignee
Jonathon Linner
Juho-Pekka Virolainen
Rob Lawson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/602,917 external-priority patent/US20070136493A1/en
Application filed by Jonathon Linner, Juho-Pekka Virolainen, Rob Lawson filed Critical Jonathon Linner
Publication of WO2008027389A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008027389A2/fr
Publication of WO2008027389A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008027389A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/08—Auctions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to network events, and more particularly to third-part sponsorship of a network event.
  • One example of purchasing goods or services over the Internet is the traditional auction offered by eBay, Inc. in San Jose, California.
  • a seller sells their goods using eBay to the highest bidder to maximize the selling price.
  • the auction is open for a period of time or when no higher bids are forthcoming.
  • the revenues for the goods are typically limited to a highest paid bid.
  • another type of auction is a reverse auction, where the goods are sold to the lowest unique bidder.
  • a lottery offers goods or cash prizes based on a small chance of winning to participants who have paid some form of payment to enter into the lottery.
  • Lotteries do have the potential for generating large amount of revenues when the revenues from the participants exceed the actual value of the goods or cash prizes.
  • lotteries often involve laws and regulations that limit the lotteries.
  • the entertainment experience for the lottery participant is passive because the winner of the lottery is determined purely by chance without any active participation. There may be no sense of competition with other lottery participants because the participant does not control their own chances in winning.
  • a direct mailing sweepstakes awards goods or prizes based on chance to members who submit a postcard or entry form but who have not made a purchase or paid an entry fee.
  • the costs of the goods or prizes may be covered from advertising, promotional, or marketing revenues and/or expenses.
  • many companies offer sweepstakes to draw attention to other goods or services offered by the companies.
  • the direct mailing sweepstakes has passive participation just as in lotteries, where the lucky winner is determined purely by chance. The chances of winning a sweepstakes or lottery can be miniscule and may depend on the number of participants.
  • Systems and methods for third-party sponsorship of a network event are provided.
  • An item is associated with a reverse auction.
  • One or more marketing messages associated with a third party sponsor are communicated to a user associated with the reverse auction.
  • An entry associated with the reverse auction is received from the user. The entry for the reverse auction is accepted.
  • FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary environment for third-party sponsorship of a network event
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary event server
  • FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary process for generating customer relations messages
  • FIG. 4 shows a user participating in an exemplary reverse auction
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart for conducting a reverse auction in an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for concluding a reverse auction
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart for an exemplary process for redeeming and obtaining points.
  • FIG. 8 shows an exemplary digital device.
  • FIG. 1 a diagram of an exemplary environment for third party sponsorship 100 associated with a network event is shown.
  • One or more communication devices such as the communication device 110, communicate with an event server 130 via a network 120.
  • the communication device 110 may comprise a computing device, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a laptop, a television, or any other device.
  • the network 120 may comprise any type of network, such as the Internet, a peer to peer network, an intranet, a cable television network, a broadcast television network, and so forth.
  • the event server 130 may comprise any digital device (further discussed herein), such as a server computer, a network of computers, and so forth. According to some embodiments, the event server 130 is associated with a website that conducts network events, such as auctions, reverse auctions, sweepstakes, lotteries, contests, voting events, and so forth. In other embodiments, the event server 130 is a digital device that is not associated with a website.
  • the event server 130 may communicate with a third party sponsor 140.
  • the event server 130 provides various network events to the communication device 110, such as lotteries, games, auctions, reverse-auctions, and so forth, as discussed herein.
  • the communication device 110 can download data from the event server 130 and/or log into the event server 130 to participate in various network events.
  • the event server 130 comprises a computer program including instructions for managing customer relations associated with a network event.
  • the event server 130 can track data associated with users.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide prize data to the event server 130.
  • the third party sponsor 140 utilizes data from the communication device 110 in order to generate prizes.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may customize prizes in a reverse-auction for a user associated with the communication device 110.
  • the third party sponsor 140 and/or the event server 130 may utilize data collected on the communication device 110 to customize items and/or marketing messages according to some embodiments.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may also provide advertising, media, or any other content.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide a particular prize to be made available by the event server 130 (e.g., for auction, raffle, selling, trading, etc.) In some examples, the third party sponsor 140 provides money, goods, services, advertisements, messages, or other resources that is of value in the reverse auction.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide reward points (e.g., Limbo points) given for every interaction by the communication device 110 with the event server 130, for interaction with the event server 130 associated with a network event, or for any other interaction or set of interactions. These reward points may be used to obtain free or lower cost (i.e., trading in reward points for a lower price) goods and services. The user may go to a physical store, website, or any provider and purchase goods and/or services in exchange for one or more of these reward points. In another example, the third party sponsor may provide one or more goods and/or services that may be purchased by the reward points.
  • reward points e.g., Limbo points
  • These reward points may be used to obtain free or lower cost (i.e., trading in reward points for a lower price) goods and services.
  • the user may go to a physical store, website, or any provider and purchase goods and/or services in exchange for one or more of these reward points.
  • the third party sponsor may provide one or more goods and/or services that may be purchased by the
  • the third party sponsor 140 may also pay for marketing messages in one or more network events.
  • an insurance company sponsors marketing messages targeted to users who are competing for an automobile in a network event.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide an advertisement for the event server 130 to communicate to users about a reverse auction. The users may then enter the reverse auction by clicking on, or otherwise interacting with, the advertisement, in one example.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may supplement the cost of playing the network event by paying for or discounting the price for bids. Users may be charged a cost or price for each bid the user enters.
  • an automobile manufacturer may provide the latest model sport's car as a product in a reverse auction. The users may enter bids in the reverse auction for free, while the automobile manufacturer pays for marketing messages, such as advertisements, associated with the reverse auction.
  • Adobe Software may pay for bids for the first 500 users for the latest version of Adobe Photoshop software.
  • the third party sponsor 140 shares in revenue of one or more network events.
  • the environment for third party sponsorship 100 may represent any number of communication devices 110 in wired or wireless communication with the event server 130 over the network 120.
  • the environment for third party sponsorship 100 may comprise a telephone network.
  • the communication devices 110 may include telephones and/or cellular telephones that communicate with the event server 130 over a telephone network 120 (e.g., by calling a phone number of the event server 130).
  • the user may place a bid over the telephone using DTMF (Dual Tone, Multi-Frequency) or any other means such as, but not limited, to voice recognition.
  • DTMF Dual Tone, Multi-Frequency
  • the network 120 may comprise several networks comprising different communication media or different communication techniques.
  • the network 120 comprises two networks including a television network and a phone network.
  • an event server 130 may broadcast or televise a network event over the television network.
  • a user may be able to receive the broadcast or televised network event over a television (e.g., a first communication device 110). The user may then use a second communication device 110 (e.g., a telephone) to place an entry associated with the network event with the event server 130 over the telephone network.
  • a television e.g., a first communication device 110
  • the user may then use a second communication device 110 (e.g., a telephone) to place an entry associated with the network event with the event server 130 over the telephone network.
  • a second communication device 110 e.g., a telephone
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary event server, such as the event server 130 shown in FIG. 1.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may include one or more of the modules shown as part of the event server 130 in FIG. 2.
  • a communications module 210 is provided for facilitating communications between the event server 130 and the communication device 110.
  • the communications module 210 may also be utilized to exchange data between the third party sponsor 140 and the event server 130.
  • the communications module 210 may receive and/or accept entries from users for various network events, such as reverse auctions. For example, users may pay one dollar ($1.00) to place a bid in a reverse-auction with the event server 130 via the communications module 210.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may sponsor the reverse-auction so that users are not charged to place bids, according to some embodiments.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide the prize or the prize may provided by another party.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may be charged a flat fee for marketing messages delivered to users participating in the reverse-auction or the third party sponsor 140 may be charged per impression, per number of marketing messages delivered, and/or charged utilizing any other method.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide money and/or incentives to purchase the item to be auctioned.
  • a marketing message module 220 may be provided for communicating marketing messages to one or more users associated with the network event.
  • the network event may comprise an auction, a reverse auction, a lottery, a broadcast media event, or any other type of event.
  • the marketing message module 220 may suggest marketing messages based on user data according to some embodiments.
  • the marketing messages may comprise advertisements, images, content, media, or any other messages that may be communicated to users.
  • the marketing messages are displayed to users who can enter the network event, such as the reverse auction, by clicking on the marketing messages.
  • a prize module 230 may be provided for associating the item (or service) with the network event.
  • Various network events may be ongoing at any given time.
  • the prize module 230 may track the items and/or services associated with each of the network events. Further, the prize module 230 may also track users that participate in particular network events based on the item. For example, the prize module 230 may, optionally, determine that a large number of males between the ages of 21 and 32 participate in reverse auctions involving sports cars.
  • the item being offered may be based on a type associated with a network event as well.
  • the prize module 230 may determine that a large group of retirement aged women participate in lotteries.
  • the prize module 230 may collect any type of data and any type of data from the prize module 230, any other module, or any other party may be utilized to determine the prize that is associated with the network event.
  • a winner in a reverse auction wins the opportunity to purchase the item at a discounted price.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may provide the prize and be charged for marketing messages delivered and/or displayed to users competing for the prize.
  • An account module 240 may be provided for tracking account information associated with the user associated with the communication device 110.
  • the account information may include reward points the user has accrued, bid, spent, and so forth.
  • the account information may include information associated with various items, credits, or any other type of information related to what the user receives, bids, and/or spends in association with the network events discussed herein.
  • a third party sponsor 140 may access the account module 240 to track or otherwise identify users associated with one or more network events. The third party sponsor 140 may then transmit advertisements to the users. In one example, the third party sponsor 140 provides a car as a prize for a network event. The third party sponsor 140 may then receive information identifying the users which place bids in the network event via the account module 240.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may transmit advertisements directly to the user or through the marketing messages module 220.
  • an advertisement is associated with a product or service of the third party sponsor 140.
  • the advertisement may comprise a message to the user that certain products or services are redeemable in exchange for reward points or to remind the user that certain prizes are provided by the third party sponsor 140.
  • an advertisement may provide any message to the user.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may sponsor the reverse auction, or any other network event, so that the users can participate in the reverse auction for free, or for no charge from the third party sponsor 140 or entity associated with the event server 130.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may be charged for marketing messages delivered to users.
  • the marketing messages may be customized for particular users according to some embodiments.
  • the marketing messages module 220 tracks the users for each third party sponsor 140.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may then command the marketing messages module 220 to transmit advertisements to the users (e.g., via the communication device 110) and track advertisement information.
  • Advertisement information may comprise the number of advertisements that have been sent to each user, the type of advertisements that have been sent to each user, the time each advertisement was sent, and so forth.
  • the marketing messages module 220 may also track response to advertisements and/or other marketing messages, such as click- throughs, purchases, and so forth.
  • the marketing messages module 220 accesses an advertisement storage to retrieve an advertisement to send to a user.
  • the advertisement storage comprises one or more advertisements associated with one or more of third party sponsors 140 and/or one or more network events.
  • the advertisement storage may be within the event server 130 or may be in a different server (not depicted).
  • the marketing messages module 220 may also coordinate with a third party advertisement webserver.
  • the marketing messages module 220 may supply user information (e.g., user identity, associated network events, prizes of associated network events, and/or email address of a user) to the third-party advertisement webserver which may then select an advertisement to send to a user.
  • An advertisement may include, but is not limited to, data, voice, music, video, images, and/or text.
  • the marketing messages module 220 may provide advertisement recommendations and/or the user information. In one example, the marketing messages module 220 collects or tracks user information regarding individual users.
  • the marketing messages module 220 may perform statistical analysis and/or provide a recommendation of which advertisement to send to the user.
  • the marketing messages module 220 may also provide the user information to the third party sponsor 140.
  • a network event module 250 may also be provided for coordinating the network events.
  • the network event module 250 may communicate with the communications interface 210 to determine which bids in an auction or a reverse auction qualify to win the auction or the reverse auction. More than one winner may be selected by the network event module 250. Further, the winner(s) may receive incentives as prizes, such as by the third party sponsor 140. For example, the winner(s) may receive points as a prize for spending, voting, bidding, and so forth in another network event.
  • the network event module 250 may also associate and/or accept a fee for each entry.
  • the fee may be split with the third party sponsor 140.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may receive ten percent (10%) of each entry fee in exchange for providing the item, such as a car, associated with the network event.
  • each entry may be free to the users and the third party sponsor 140 may be charged for advertisements associated with the network event, such as the reverse auction.
  • a delivery module 260 may be provided for providing one or more items and/or services to the users.
  • the one or more items may include tangible goods, virtual goods (e.g., ring tones), or any other type of goods.
  • the delivery module 260 may notify the user, such as the winner of the network event, of the items being mailed or otherwise delivered to the user.
  • the delivery module 260 may deliver the items via email or other electronic notification system.
  • the delivery module 260 may credit points to the user's account via the account module 240 and inform the user of the credited points.
  • the delivery module 260 may provide discounts or coupons to the user as a prize, according to some embodiments.
  • modules are shown in FIG. 2 as comprising the event server 130, fewer or more modules may comprise the event server 130 and still fall within the scope of various embodiments.
  • a profile database (not shown) may be provided for storing information about users associated with the communication devices 110.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for third party sponsorship of a network event.
  • an item is associated with a reverse auction.
  • a third party may supply an item, such as a car, for users to bid on in a reverse auction network event type.
  • the item may comprise a product, such as a plasma television or a service. Any type of item and any type of network event may be associated with one another.
  • the network event is a competition among performers (e.g., the competition between performers in a television show) and the third party sponsor hosts the network event. Users may then bid or vote for the performers at no charge, according to some embodiments, while the third party sponsor 140 may be charged for advertising to the users.
  • one or more marketing messages associated with a third party sponsor are communicated to a user associated with the reverse auction.
  • the marketing messages may be communicated to the user by the event server 130 or from the third party sponsor 140 according to some embodiments.
  • an entry associated with the reverse auction is received from a user.
  • the entry may be associated with a fee, such as when the user pays two dollars ($2.00) to place bids in an auction or the entry may be free or associated with a nominal charge, according to other embodiments.
  • the entry may comprise a vote or a turn in a game according to some embodiments.
  • the entry for the reverse auction is accepted.
  • the event server 130 may accept a fee for the entry, accept information about the user submitting the entry, accept a vote from a user, and so forth. Any type of entry may be accepted.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may share the fee for the entry with another party, such as the party associated with the event server 130.
  • advertisements may be delivered to the user in response to accepting the entry from the user.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may be charged for the marketing messages delivered, displayed, or otherwise communicated to the user.
  • at least one point is accumulated into a point total for the user in response to accepting the entry.
  • the user may receive ten points. The user may then utilize those points to purchase goods at one or more vendors. The user may also utilize the points to vote in a broadcast media event. Any use of the points is within the scope of various embodiments.
  • the user enters the reverse auction for free.
  • the third party sponsor 140 provides the prize being bid on in the reverse auction and/or pays for marketing messages that the event server 130 communicates to the users participating in the reverse auction. More than one third party sponsor 140 may sponsor the reverse auction according to some embodiments.
  • a user pays a fee and receives one or more points and a bid into a network event.
  • the retail value of points received by a user may be equivalent to the fee.
  • Points are further discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/602,917, filed November 20, 2006, titled, "Systems and Methods for Using Points with a Network Event" which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • FIG. 3 shows associating an item from the third party sponsor 140 with the reverse auction
  • any type of third party sponsorship may be provided.
  • the third party may provide advertising or production associated with the network event, rather than or in addition to the prize or item.
  • prizes are not associated with the network event, such as when a user utilizes points to vote for candidates associated with a broadcast media event or when a user receives incentives to participate in other network events.
  • a network event is an event whereby users may access the event via various networks such as the Internet, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), and wireless networks.
  • the network event comprises a contest, game, or sweepstakes, such as a reverse auction for a product including a good or service.
  • a reverse auction is an event which is set up in the style of an auction, whereby the product will be awarded to the user that has the lowest unique entry or bid. The lowest unique bid is the lowest bid for the product that has not been selected by one or more other users.
  • a reverse auction may receive the following bids from one or more users: Bid 1: $1.22;
  • Bids 1 and 2 which comprise bids of $1.22, are lower than the other six bids. Even though Bids 1 and 2 are the lowest bids, however, neither is unique. The next lowest bids are Bids 3 and 4. Like Bids 1 and 2, Bids 3 and 4 are equal to each other, and are, therefore, not unique. Bid 5, which comprises a bid of $1.24, is both unique and is lower than any other unique bid. Therefore, Bid 5 is the lowest unique bid.
  • the user that has the lowest unique bid can win the prize outright, purchase the prize at the price that is the lowest unique bid, purchase the prize in exchange for points, or purchase the prize at a different price (e.g., discounted price).
  • Individual reverse auctions may require bids to be made in a particular currency (e.g., US dollars or Euros). In other embodiments, specific reverse auctions may allow bids to be made in two or more different currencies. Bids within a reverse auction are not limited to currency. In one example, users may bid points or any other countable units.
  • a user with the next lowest unique bid may be offered the opportunity to purchase or win the prize. This process continues until the user with the next lowest unique bid purchases or wins the prize. If there are no lowest unique bids left, a sponsor can choose the winner randomly from all eligible entries received.
  • the sponsor is any entity that is associated with the administration of the prize and/or the reverse auction.
  • prizes, products, or points may be awarded in a game for activities other than the lowest unique entry or bid.
  • prizes, products, or points may be awarded for playing a lucky number, being the Nth entry, being the Nth player, being the Nth new member or player, or collecting N reward points.
  • the network event is a game wherein a winner is a user that submits the highest unique entry without going over a given value.
  • users can submit entries containing the highest unique value without going over $1,000.
  • One user may submit an entry for $999. If a second user also submits a play for $999, then neither entry is unique. As a result, the winning entry is the closest unique entry to $999.
  • the network event is a game wherein the winner is a user that submits the closest unique entry to a given value.
  • the winner is a user that submits the closest unique entry to a given value.
  • users can submit entries above or below the given value.
  • the closest unique entry may be the winning entry. If there are two closest unique entries (e.g., one entry is less than the given value and the other entry is more than the given value), then multiple prizes may be awarded.
  • FIG. 4 shows a user participating in an exemplary reverse auction.
  • Pam a user
  • the plasma TV is an example of a prize that may be provided by the third party sponsor 140.
  • the call-to-action may be any message or image that invites or encourages one or more users to participate in the reverse auction.
  • the call-to-action is a message sent to any device capable of receiving the message.
  • the device may be a cellular phone, computer, laptop, personal digital assistant, radio, television, or any other device capable of browsing the web and/or receiving a message to enter into the reverse auction.
  • the call-to-action is an advertisement on a web site.
  • the call-to-action may be any message or image that invites or encourages one or more users to participate in the reverse auction.
  • Pam completes her bid of 3d: on her cellular phone.
  • Pam may submit the bid for free or she may pay an entry fee.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may pay for the prize and/or be charged for marketing messages, such as advertisements, that may be sent to Pam.
  • Pam then receives a message on her cellular phone indicating the status of the bid as well as whether Pam has earned a point.
  • the message or words in the message may be shortened, abbreviated, and/or truncated to display information on a smaller screen of the digital device.
  • the message may state, "Congrats, u are currently the unique low bid. You've earned one Limbo point.”
  • Pam may receive a message on her cellular phone indicating that her bid is no longer unique.
  • the message may state, "Sorry, ur bid of 003 is no longer unique. Bid again to win!”
  • step 4.10 Pam re-bids at 6 ⁇ t after finding out that her original bid is no longer unique. Although a user is not required to bid multiple times in a reverse auction, if the user's bid is not the lowest unique bid, the user no longer has a chance to win the auction.
  • Pam's re-bid of 6 ⁇ t Pam may receive another message indicating that 6 ⁇ t: is not unique as well as any other information that may encourage her to bid again. In one example, the message may state, "Sorry, ur bid of 6 ⁇ t is not unique. The current winning bid is higher. You earned one Limbo point. Bid again.”
  • step 420 Pam bids again at 23 ⁇ which is unique but not the lowest. As a result, Pam may receive a message indicating that 23 ⁇ t is not the lowest bid. In one example, the message may state, "Your bid of 23q: is unique but is not the lowest. You earned one Limbo point.”
  • Pam's bid becomes both unique and low.
  • Pam may receive a message indicating that Pam's bid of 23 ⁇ t is now the unique lowest bid.
  • the message may state, "Congrats. U are currently the unique low bid.”
  • Pam's bid is unique but not low.
  • another user may choose to bid the same amount as the lowest unique bid. As a result, that bid is no longer unique, and, therefore, the next lowest unique bid may win the reverse auction.
  • the auction window expires and Pam becomes the winner.
  • the reverse auction ends after a predetermined time, when a predetermined currency is bid, or when a predetermined number of bids is reached.
  • the winner may receive a message indicating that they have won the auction and any other information associated with receiving the prize.
  • the delivery module 260 discussed herein may send the message regarding the prize.
  • the message may state, "Congrats! Your bid of 23 ⁇ t for the plasma TV was the winning bid! Visit limbo-mobile.com to claim your prize! Ref. JRB756.”
  • revenue generated from bidders may be shared with the third party sponsor 140.
  • the third party sponsor 140 may receive a percentage, a set amount, a percentage up to a specified amount, or any other fee.
  • revenue may not be directly generated from bidders, but rather the bidders' entries may be free and the third party sponsor 140 may sponsor the reverse auction by providing the prize and/or paying for marketing messages directed to the bidders.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart for conducting a reverse auction in an exemplary embodiment.
  • the reverse auction comprises a network event.
  • the event server 130 (FIG. 1) prepares the reverse auction.
  • an event provider such as the event provider associated with the event server 130, identifies the product for the reverse auction and sets up terms and conditions for the auction.
  • the reverse auction may be initiated.
  • the event provider may take possession of the prize, license the prize, or enter into an agreement with a third party to provide one or more prizes to the winner of the reverse auction, such as by having the third party sponsor 140 provide the item to associate with the reverse auction.
  • the event server 130 displays an invitation for the reverse auction to a user.
  • the invitation can be a link, image, or icon on a website that identifies the reverse auction.
  • the user may be encouraged or invited to bid on a particular prize within the reverse auction.
  • messages inviting users or advertising one or more reverse auctions can be transmitted over the radio, to the user's cell phone, personal digital device, computer, laptop, or any other communication device 110 (FIG. 1).
  • a user may, on their own accord, go to an auction site on the Internet, and search for an auction for a particular item of interest.
  • the event server 130 receives a communication message with a bid associated with the reverse auction from a communication device 110.
  • the bid may comprise an entry associated with the network event, the network event comprising the reverse auction in the example.
  • Any communication device 110 may send the communication message to the event server 130.
  • the user sends the communication message from a website to the event server 130.
  • the communication message comprises elements including a user identification, a specific auction, and a bid for the specific auction.
  • the communication message also comprises a payment for the bid.
  • the user may include a credit card number, which is charged one dollar in return for the option to place a bid in a specific reverse auction.
  • the event server 130 processes the communication message to identify the appropriate reverse auction.
  • the event server 130 may confirm that the particular reverse auction identified in the communication message is a reverse auction that has not ended. In some embodiments, a plurality of reverse auctions are conducted concurrently.
  • the communication message may comprise both a bid and identification of a particular auction item or prize. If the user wishes to bid in multiple auctions, the user may send multiple communication messages, one for each bid. In other embodiments, the user may send a single communication message to bid on multiple auctions.
  • the event server 130 authenticates the communication message.
  • Each message may identify the user who bids, a payment for the option to bid, and a particular reverse auction.
  • the event server 130 can confirm, authenticate, authorize, and/or verify the user identified in the communication message, the payment for the option to bid, and the particular reverse auction.
  • the event server 130 verifies a user identified in the communication message. If the user has an existing account with the event provider of the reverse auction, the user can include a password or other information to confirm that the user identified in the communication message is the same user identified in the account. As discussed herein, the account module 240 may access user account information according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, if the user does not have an account, the event server 130 can initiate and create an account or record to track the bids made by the user to the reverse auction. For example, a user may transmit their name and drivers license number to the event server 130. The event server 130 can then create the account associating the user's name with the driver's license.
  • the account module 240 may establish a secure communication (e.g., SSH) with the user.
  • a secure communication e.g., SSH
  • the account module 240 utilizes one or more encryption keys to authenticate communications received by the user, confirm bids, confirm an entry into a network event, or encrypt messages to the user.
  • the communication message may include a payment to bid in the reverse auction.
  • the user includes a credit card number from which payment may be obtained.
  • the event server 130 can confirm and/or charge a fee from a credit card in exchange for the option to bid in the reverse auction.
  • the user may pay for the option to bid in any number of ways.
  • the communication message may also identify a particular reverse auction.
  • the event server 130 may confirm that the particular reverse auction identified in the communication message is an actual reverse auction that has not ended. If the particular reverse auction identified in the communication message does not exist or has already ended, the event server 130 may send a message to the user requesting that the user select another reverse auction.
  • step 550 the event server 130 determines if the bid is accepted or rejected. If the event server 130 cannot verify the user, then the event server 130 may reject the bid. In other embodiments, if the payment is included in the communication message and the payment is insufficient or cannot be charged, then the event server 130 may also reject the bid. If the event server 130 rejects the bid, the process of FIG.5 ends.
  • the event server 130 adds points to the user's total points. For each bid the user makes, the user may receive one or more points. In some embodiments, the event server 130 displays a user interface for the event provider to customize the awarding of points such as how many points are awarded for bids.
  • the event server 130 can create accounts to track the user's bids and/or user's total points.
  • the account module 240 may track the user's point totals. For example, the account module 240 may use an account for one reverse auction to track each individual user, associate each point with a user, and associate each bid with a user. In another example, the account module 240 may establish one or more separate accounts for each user.
  • points may be awarded for activities other than placing a bid. For example, points may be awarded for bidding a lucky number, being the Nth bid made, being the Mh bidder, being the Nth new member, or collecting N reward points. In other embodiments, the user may not be charged for placing a bid and points may not be awarded to the user when the bid is placed.
  • the event server 130 retrieves the reverse auction and the reverse auction bid history.
  • a reverse auction bid history is a log of all bids and associated users for one or more particular reverse auctions.
  • the user bids within a particular reverse auction for an Apple Ipod TM. If the bid is accepted, the particular reverse auction and the particular reverse auction bid history is retrieved from a storage (e.g., storage within the event server 130) and the new bid is logged.
  • the event server 130 transmits a bid reply to the user.
  • the bid reply may inform the user that the user's bid is the lowest unique bid, the bid is not unique, the bid is unique but is not the lowest, or any other message.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for concluding a reverse auction.
  • a predetermined event may conclude a particular reverse auction.
  • the predetermined event may comprise the termination of a predetermined period of time, receiving a predetermined number of bids, receiving bids from a predetermined number of users, receiving a predetermined bid, or any other measure.
  • the event server 130 retrieves the reverse auction bid history.
  • one or more reverse auction bid histories for a particular reverse auction is retrieved from a cache or other storage medium located on a server, such as the event server 130 or communication device 110. Once the reverse auction bid history is retrieved, the event server 130 determines the user associated with the lowest unique bid in step 620.
  • the user with the lowest unique bid after the reverse auction has concluded may be the winner of the reverse auction.
  • the winner of the reverse auction may be a second lowest unique bid after the reverse auction has concluded.
  • the event server 130 may determine the winner in any number of methods. As discussed herein, the winner may win the item provided by the third party sponsor 140, such as a plasma screen television.
  • the delivery module 260 transmits a winning reply to the user.
  • the user may receive the winning reply over any communications device, such as the communications device 110 discussed in FIG. 1.
  • the winning reply may alert the user that they have won the reverse auction and further instruct the user how to receive the prize.
  • the winning reply may also include advertisements for additional reverse auctions.
  • the event server 130 may also send e-mails to the other bidders notifying them that their bid was unsuccessful and providing an update total of their points.
  • the prize is delivered to the user.
  • the user may claim the prize directly.
  • the user may receive a password from the delivery module 260 that enables the user to receive or download songs or media.
  • the user may also receive prizes by mail or delivery.
  • the user may also physically appear at an appropriate location to receive the prize.
  • the user may receive the prize in any number of methods, as discussed herein.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart for an exemplary process for redeeming and obtaining points.
  • the points may be redeemed to purchase goods, services, or discounts.
  • Some examples of goods that can be purchased by points are ringtones, wallpapers, games, subscriptions (i.e. mobile service, satellite radio, Netflix, Blockbuster, newspaper, and magazine), and other type of consumer products.
  • the network event or game provider may partner or agree with another goods or service provider to offer additional goods and services, such as items by the third party sponsor 140, as discussed herein.
  • Some examples of the goods and/or service provider are in the retail and travel industry. Partnering with other goods and/or service providers may create access to and marketing exposure to a large number of consumers, who may participate in a reverse auction.
  • the website of the networked event or game provider may act as a storefront for the goods and/or service providers to sell and market their goods and/or services.
  • the event or game provider may keep track of redemption of points to provide marketing information for the goods and/or service providers.
  • the points may also be exchanged for other loyalty programs of goods and/or service providers such as frequent flier miles from airlines.
  • the points may also be exchanged for coupons, discounts, and vouchers for future purchases of goods and/or services. Points may also be redeemed to obtain more plays in the game or to make a charitable donation.
  • Points are, in one embodiment, accumulated when a user submits an entry to play a contest, game, or sweepstakes. However, in some cases, a user may want to redeem their points but has insufficient points in their balance for the purchase or exchange. The user can then purchase more points by using a credit card or an on-line payment method such as PayPal. In some embodiments, the event server 130 may allow a user to combine their point totals with other users into groups to aggregate their points for redemption.
  • a value of one point is greater than or equal to the cost to enter the network event.
  • a user places a bid with a cellular telephone and is subsequently charged $1.00 (e.g., via reverse SMS).
  • the user enters into a reverse auction and receives one point.
  • the single point may have a value equal to or greater than $1.00 because the single point may be redeemed for a prize or product worth $1.00 or more (e.g., a ringtone valued at $1.00.)
  • multiple points may be redeemed for one or more prizes or products.
  • the single point may be redeemed for a prize or product worth less than the cost to enter the network event.
  • the user enters into a reverse auction without paying for the entry, as discussed herein.
  • FIG. 7 begins in step 700.
  • the event server 130 checks whether the user selection for point redemption is received. If no user selection for point redemption is received, the process proceeds to step 712. If a user selection for point redemption is received, the event server 130 proceeds to one of steps 704-708 for different options in redeeming points.
  • the event server 130 redeems points for purchase of goods and/or services from rewards partners.
  • the event server 130 may display a complete shopping experience to the user to assist in redeeming their points. For example, the event server 130 can display ten items that the user can purchase with their points. Items can be highlighted if the user can afford the items based on their points available.
  • the event server 130 may also display a list of reward partners that the user can redeem their points for.
  • the event server 130 may display rewards partners or items based on the profile in the user's account and total number of points available. The items can be shown in the amount of point needed to purchase and in the amount of real money needed.
  • step 706 the event server 130 translates the points into other points for other loyalty programs.
  • step 708 the event server 130 transfers the points to another account.
  • step 710 the event server 130 deducts the points redeemed from the user's total points in their account, such as the points stored and/or tracked by the account module 208 discussed in FIG. 2. After the redemption, the event server 130 may display or e-mail the new account balance of points.
  • step 712 the event server 130 checks whether the user selection for obtaining points has been received. If no user selection for obtaining points has been received, the process ends in step 718. If the user selection for obtaining points has been received, the event server 130 proceeds to step 714 or step 716 depending on the user selection of how the user wants to obtain points. [00098] In step 714, the event server 130 buys points using an online payment such as PayPal or a credit card from the user. Payment can also be made by Premium SMS services for mobile phones. In step 716, the event server 130 translates points for other loyalty programs into points for the user account. FIG. 7 ends in step 718.
  • FIG. 8 shows an exemplary digital device.
  • the digital device may comprise the event server 130 or the third party sponsor 140 according to some embodiments.
  • the server includes a communications interface 810, a processor 820, a memory 830, and storage 840, which are all coupled to the bus 850.
  • the bus 850 provides communications between the communications interface 810, the processor 820, the memory 830, and the storage 840.
  • the processor 820 executes instructions.
  • the memory 830 permanently or temporarily stores data. Some examples of the memory 830 are RAM, ROM, and flash memory.
  • the storage 840 also permanently or temporarily stores data. Some examples of the storage 840 are hard disks and disk drives.
  • the communications interface 810 communicates over the network 120 with the communication devices 110 (see FIG. 1).
  • the above-described functions can be comprised of instructions that are stored on storage media (e.g., computer readable medium).
  • the instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processor.
  • Some examples of instructions are software, program code, and firmware.
  • Some examples of storage media are memory devices, tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers.
  • the instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to operate in accord with the invention. Those skilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processor(s), and storage media.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des systèmes et des procédés pour le parrainage par des tiers d'un événement en réseau. Un élément est associé à une vente aux enchères inversées. Un ou plusieurs message(s) de marketing associé(s) à un parrain tiers associé à la vente aux enchères inversées est/sont communiqué(s) à un utilisateur. L'utilisateur reçoit une entrée associée à la vente aux enchères inversées. L'entrée pour la vente aux enchères inversées est acceptée.
PCT/US2007/018930 2006-08-28 2007-08-29 Systèmes et procédés pour le parrainage par des tiers d'un événement en réseau WO2008027389A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US82375406P 2006-08-28 2006-08-28
US60/823,754 2006-08-28
US11/602,917 US20070136493A1 (en) 2005-12-10 2006-11-20 Systems and methods for using points with a network event
US11/602,917 2006-11-20

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WO2008027389A2 true WO2008027389A2 (fr) 2008-03-06
WO2008027389A3 WO2008027389A3 (fr) 2008-05-08

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6778968B1 (en) * 1999-03-17 2004-08-17 Vialogy Corp. Method and system for facilitating opportunistic transactions using auto-probes
US20040267561A1 (en) * 2002-10-09 2004-12-30 Bang, Llc System, method and apparatus for an online sports auction
US20050251440A1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2005-11-10 Bednarek Michael D System and method for promoting commerce, including sales agent assisted commerce, in a networked economy
US20060063580A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-03-23 Igt Method and system for gaming and brand association
US20060173701A1 (en) * 2002-05-22 2006-08-03 Gurvey Amy R Electronic system and method coupling live event ticketing and interactive entries with the sale, distribution and transmission of event recordings, mastering system and intelligent terminal designs

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6778968B1 (en) * 1999-03-17 2004-08-17 Vialogy Corp. Method and system for facilitating opportunistic transactions using auto-probes
US20050251440A1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2005-11-10 Bednarek Michael D System and method for promoting commerce, including sales agent assisted commerce, in a networked economy
US20060173701A1 (en) * 2002-05-22 2006-08-03 Gurvey Amy R Electronic system and method coupling live event ticketing and interactive entries with the sale, distribution and transmission of event recordings, mastering system and intelligent terminal designs
US20040267561A1 (en) * 2002-10-09 2004-12-30 Bang, Llc System, method and apparatus for an online sports auction
US20060063580A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-03-23 Igt Method and system for gaming and brand association

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