Semi-blind, multi-round bidding
OwnerRichard Barry, Daniel Cobb +1inventors
InventorsRichard Barry, Daniel Cobb, Steven Nowick
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Abstract
A method, program and system for conducting a reverse auction are provided by the present invention. The auction is divided into a specified number of rounds of specified duration, and bids are received from a plurality of bidders. The bidders are rated according to specified qualitative parameters. While the auction is open the bidders are anonymous to each other and are identified only by their respective qualitative ratings. Bidders may only view competing bids, and their own relative bid ranking, from previously closed rounds. The customer of the reverse auction has complete discretion in choosing the winner.
Claims30
A method for conducting a reverse auction, comprising the computer-implemented steps of:
- (a) dividing the auction into a specified number of rounds of specified duration;
- (b) receiving bids from two or more bidders;
- and
- (c) wherein bidders may only view competing bids and their own relative bid ranking from previously closed rounds.
A computer program product in a computer readable medium for conducting a reverse auction, the computer program product comprising:
- (a) first instructions for dividing the auction into a specified number of rounds of specified duration;
- (b) second instructions for receiving bids from two or more bidders;
- and
- (c) wherein bidders may only view competing bids and their own relative bid ranking from previously closed rounds.
A system for conducting a reverse auction, comprising:
- (a) means for dividing the auction into a specified number of rounds of specified duration;
- (b) input means for receiving bids from two or more bidders;
- and
- (c) wherein bidders may only view competing bids and their own relative bid ranking from previously closed rounds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.