Matthew W Henderson

US Patent:

20130218708, Aug 22, 2013

Filed:

Feb 20, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/771583

Inventors:

Matthew Brian Henderson - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

NEXTLOT, INC. - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

G06Q 30/08

US Classification:

705 263

Abstract:

Techniques for conducting a timed, online auction are described. In an example system, an auction web server sends a current auction price and at least one bid increment to the browser screens of bidder computers. One or more bids are received, wherein each bid is placed according to the then-current bid and the next bid increment. A revision event is triggered by the web site system, whereupon the first bid increment is adjusted, to form a revised bid increment, and the revised bid increment is sent and displayed to bidders. The adjustment of the increment is calculated as a function of the remaining time in the timed auction event, or the ratio of the then-current auction price to a target price for the lot, or both. One or more additional bids are received, wherein the one or more additional bids are based on the revised bid increment.

US Patent:

20140143081, May 22, 2014

Filed:

Nov 15, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/080932

Inventors:

- Raleigh NC, US
Matthew Brian Henderson - Raleigh NC, US
Emily Finkelstein - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

NextLot, Inc. - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

G06Q 30/08

US Classification:

705 263

Abstract:

Techniques and apparatus for conducting a timed, online auction are described. In an example method, implemented in a server apparatus configured for communication with one or more network-connected user devices, current bidding information, for at least one item for sale, is sent to the one or more network-connected user devices, during an initial portion of a timed online auction event. Beginning at a predetermined time before termination of the auction event for the item, the server apparatus determines that one or more auction users have selected to participate in an interactive mode, and maintains a virtual auction room for participating users. This maintaining of the virtual auction room includes generating animation sequences based on bidding activity received from the participating users and sending the generated animation sequences to network-connected user devices corresponding to the participating users.