490628 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（/ ) 發明背景 發明之領域 本發明係關於一個使用電腦網路系統以實施線上拍賣 方法，更特別係關於一個自動延長競價期間之方法，其中 ，當一個競價結束時間決定時，根據於該競價結束時間之 競價情況，自動延長競價期間。 先前技藝之說明 於一項拍賣之中，一個販賣人提供一個用於拍賣之商 品’ 5兄價人爲該商品3Ϊ兄彳貝。其後’提供最筒價之人係被授 權購買該項商品。因此，該商品之競價價格時常改變，且 想到購買該商品之競價人必須一直注意該拍賣進行之狀態 〇 於一個通常之拍賣室之中，一項拍賣通常在一個沒有 競價結束時間之下實施，使得競價人對於被拍賣之商品競 價，然後，競價最高之競價人能夠購買該被拍賣之商品。 然而，於一個使用電腦網路之線上拍賣系統中，通常對於 一個拍賣商品預先決定一個競價結束時間。藉由於一個競 價結束時間結束一個競價期間，於該競價結束時間於競價 人之中競價最高者之競價人購買該商品。 於一個競價結束時間預先決定之情況下，假如一個競 價人於該競價結束時間之前立即競價一個商品，則該項拍 賣之結果係根據該競價人之競價價格而改變。亦即，假如 於該競價結束時間之前立即競價一個商品之競價人提供一 個比其他競價人爲高之價格，該競價人將最終購買該商品 4 --------------氣--------訂---------線' , (請先閱讀背面之注音？事項再填寫本頁) 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 4^〇628 Α7 ----- --______ 五、發明說明（> ) ，同時任何有意願提供更高價格之競價人由於該競價期間 之結束而無競價。 此外，於一種所謂的“反向拍賣”之中，其中，一購 買人提供購買之條件’許多販賣人提供販賣之條件以符合 該購買之條件。然後，該購買人選擇適合之販賣條件，於 上述情況下，相同之問題會產生。 由於預先決定競價結束時間之問題，一個非常想要購 買該商品之購買人即使以一個比競爭之競價人之競價還要 高之價格亦無法於拍賣中獲勝。此外，一個販賣人可能失 去該販賣人之商品以一個較高之價格賣出之機會，而一個 “反向拍賣”之購買人可能失去該購買人能夠以較佳之條 件購買一個商品之機會。 發明槪要 爲了解決上述之問題，本發明之一個目的係提供一個 自動延長競價期間之方法，其中，該方法係透過諸如網際 網路之通訊網路連接之電腦之間線上實施一個拍賣程序’ 根據於該競價結束時間之競價進行情況，自動延長拍賣之 競價期間，以提供額外競價之機會，使得出最高價者或最 有競爭條件之競價人能夠於最終臝得該項拍賣，且一個電 腦可讀記錄媒體儲存一個用於實施該方法之程式。 爲了完成本發明之上述目的，本發明之一個目的係提 供一個自動延長競價期間之方法，其中，該方法係透過諸 如網際網路之通訊網路連接之電腦之間線上實施拍賣’該 方法包含下列步驟··（a)提供一個於一個競價結束時間之資 5 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） --------------裝--------訂.---I----i (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 490628 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（)） 訊及一個將拍賣給購買人之商品；（b)至少一個或多個， 買人對該商品競價；（C)檢查是否於該競價結束時間之則 之一預先決定時段之內出現一個新的競價；（d)假如於競 價結束時間之前之一預先決定時段之內出現一個新的競價 ，則延長競價期間，否則於該競價結束時間結束該項拍賣 〇 較佳地，步驟(a)進一步包含一個用於設定一個擱置期 間之步驟，該擱置期間係一個於該競價結束時間之前之一 預先決定時段，及一個用於延長競價結束期間之額外期間 。於步驟(c)中，檢查是否一個新的競價出現於該擱置期間 :及於步驟(d)中，該競價結束時間係根據該額外期間而延 長。 於此情況下，該延長競價結束時間可以透過許多方式 而決定。舉例而言，該延長競價結束時間可以藉由將該額 外期間加至該起始設定競價結束時間而獲得，或者藉由將 該額外期間加至於該擱置期間之新的競價之時間。 較佳地，至少一個或更多個購買人在該拍賣之競價結 束時間能夠延長之下，要求改變一個拍賣模式成爲一個拍 賣延長模式。此意謂著，即使一個不考慮競價結束時間之 延長之拍賣方法，能夠被請求改變成爲本發明之拍賣方法 ，其中，競價結束時間之延長係被考慮到。 較佳地，當一個新的競價出現在步驟⑹之中時，假如 該新的競價係低於當該競價期間於該新的競價下結束時之 一個接受之競價，則該新的競價係被認爲不存在。 6 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) . -線· 490628 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（p) 較佳地，該方法進一步包含下列步驟：（e)假如於該延 長期間出現一個新的競價，則重複步驟(d)。較佳地，當於 步驟(e)中重複步驟(d)時，係延長一個比該先前延長期間爲 短之延長期間。 爲了完成本發明之另一個目的，本發明係提供一種於 一個拍賣實施方法中之自動延長競價期間之方法，該拍賣 係透過通訊網路而線上實施。該自動延長競價期間之方法 包含下列步驟：（a)—個購買人提供一個包括購買人想要購 買之商品之明細之購買條件的資訊；（b)至少一個或多個 販賣人提供販賣條件之資訊，該販賣條件之資訊包括該販 賣人回應該販賣條件之資訊而能夠提供之商品之明細；（c )檢查是否於該競價結束時間之前之一預先決定時段之內 出現一個新的販賣條件之資訊；（d)假如於競價結束時間 之前之一預先決定時段之內出現一個新的販賣條件之資訊 ，則延長競價期間，否則於該競價結束時間結束該項拍賣 :及（e)於提供販賣條件之資訊之結束時間之後，該購買 人決定是否以提供之販賣條件之資訊購買商品° 較佳地，步驟(a)進一步包含一個用於設定提供販賣條 件之資訊之結束時間、一個擱置期間及一個用於延長競價 結束期間之額外期間之步驟，該擱置期間係一個於該競價 結束時間之前之一預先決定時段。於步驟⑷中’檢查是否 一個新的販賣條件之資訊出現於該擱置期間；及於步驟(d) 中，該用於提供販賣條件之資訊之結束時間係根據該額外 期間而延長。 7 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21Q x 297公髮） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂： •線. 490628 A7 B7 五、發明說明（f) 較佳地，當一個新的販賣條件之資訊出現在步驟(C)之 中時，假如該新的販賣條件之資訊具有之價格係高於在提 供該新的販賣條件之資訊之前所提供之販賣價之最低價， 則該新的販賣條件之資訊係被認爲不存在。此意謂：一個 重要之販賣條件之資訊之一之價格，係運作成爲購買之決 定中之唯一因素，購買人不需要以較高之價格考慮新的販 賣條件之資訊。 較佳地，該方法在步驟(d)之後，進一步包含下列步驟 :(dl)假如於該延長期間出現一個新的販賣條件之資訊， 則重複步驟(d)。類似地，於此情況下，係延長一個比該先 前延長期間爲短之延長期間。 爲了完成本發明之另一個目的，本發明係提供一個電 腦可讀記錄媒體，該電腦可讀記錄媒體儲存一個用於實施 一個自動延長競價期間之方法之程式，其中，該方法係透 過諸如網際網路之通訊網路連接之電腦之間線上實施拍賣 ，該方法包含下列步驟：（a)提供一個將被拍賣之商品之資 訊；（b)至少一個或多個購買人對該商品競價；（c)檢 查是否於該競價結束時間之前之一預先決定時段之內出現 一個新的競價；（d)假如於競價結束時間之前之一預先決 定時段之內出現一個新的競價，則延長競價期間，否則於 該競價結束時間結束該項拍賣。 爲了完成本發明之另一個目的，本發明係提供一個電 腦可讀記錄媒體，該電腦可讀記錄媒體儲存一個用於實施 一個自動延長競價期間之方法之程式，其中，該方法係透 8 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) . -丨線 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 490628 A7 B7 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 五、發明說明（έ ) 過諸如網際網路之通訊網路連接之電腦之間線上實施拍’ 該自動延長競價期間之方法包含下列步驟：⑻—個購買人 提供一個包括購買人想要購買之商品之明細之購買條件的 資訊；（b )至少一個或多個販賣人提供販賈條件之資訊’ 該販賣條件之資訊包括該販賣人回應該販賣條件之資訊而 能夠提供之商品之明細；（c)檢查是否於該競價結束時間 之前之一預先決定時段之內出現一個新的販賣條件之資訊 ;(d)假如於競價結束時間之前之一預先決定時段之內出 現一個新的販賣條件之資訊，則延長提供販賣條件之資訊 之結束時間，否則於該提供販賣條件之資訊之結束時間結 束該項拍賣；及（e)於提供販賣條件之資訊之結束時間之 後，該購買人以提供之販賣條件之資訊決定其購買之意願 〇 圖式簡單說明 藉由詳細描述本發明之較佳實施例及參考後附圖式， 本發明之上述目的及優點將變成明顯的，其中： 第一圖係說明一個用於實施本發明之電腦網路系統之 結構之例子； 第二圖係用於實施根據本發明之一個自動延長競價期 間之方法之步驟之流程圖； 第三A圖及第三B圖係用以解釋第二圖之自動延長競 價期間之方法之例子。 〔元件符號說明〕 11 伺服器電腦 9 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) - · -丨線· 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 490628 A7 _____ B7 五、發明說明（j) 15 通訊網路 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 16 競價人之電腦 發明詳細說明 此後，本發明之較佳實施例將藉由參考後附圖式而予 以詳細描述。本發明並不受限於下列之實施例，且於本發 明之範疇之內，許多變化係可能的。本發明之較佳實施例 係被提供，以便對任何熟悉本項技藝人士更完整地說明本 發明。拍賣可以約略分爲兩類：一類係一個販賣人提供一 個商品，購買人回應於此而競價；另一類係一個購買人提 供購買之條件，販賣人回應於此而提供販賣條件。本發明 之說明係以前者爲標準，類似之後者之說明將被省略以減 少累贅。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印刺衣 第一圖係說明一個用於實施本發明之電腦網路系統之 完整結構之例子。一個伺服器電腦1 1係屬於一個實施線 上拍賣之公司。該伺服器電腦1 1透過一個通訊網路1 5 而與競價人之電腦1 6通訊。想要於線上拍賣中購買商品 之之人士能夠使用競價人之電腦1 6參與線上拍賣。提供 拍賣之商品之販賣人能夠在透過該通訊網路15而連接一 個販賣人之電腦（未示出）至該伺服器電腦1 1之後，以 該伺服器電腦11於線上登記商品。 該伺服器電腦11具有一個用於儲存一個拍賣之資料 之資料庫。該資料庫能夠包含詳細之競價資料及該商品之 訊息。該伺服器電腦1 1亦儲存一個用於一般拍賣之程式 及一個用於自動延長競價期間之程式。該伺服器電腦1 1 10 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 490628 A7 B7 五、發明說明（ί ) 根據由該競價人提供之條件，實施用於自動決定競價被接 受之競價人及接受之競價之處理。 連接至該通訊網路15之該競價人之電腦16係具有 網際網路瀏覽器(舉例而言，Netscape或Internet Explorer) ，其能夠顯示以超文字標示語言(HTML)所編碼之網頁之內 容。該網路瀏覽器使每一個電腦能夠存取及顯示一個於該 伺服器電腦11中之線上拍賣超文字標示語言之樣板的內 容。該伺服器電腦1 1中之超文字標示語言之樣板具有一 個用於顯示給諸如競價人電腦16之線上拍賣使用者之主 網頁。 上述之該競價人之電腦及競價人之情形能夠對應於所 謂之“反向拍賣”中之一個販賣人之電腦及販賣人之情形 。於此，該“反向拍賣”意謂下列之拍賣方法：一購買人 提供購買之條件，許多販賣人提供販賣之條件以符合該購 買之條件，然後，該購買人選擇適合之販賣條件。 第二圖係用於實施根據本發明之一個自動延長競價期 間之方法之步驟之流程圖。 於步驟2 1中，一個販賣人經由該販賣人之電腦之瀏 覽器而存取該伺服器電腦1 1之主網頁，並登記要販賣之 商品。該販賣人輸入一個拍賣方法、拍賣之結束時間、商 品之種類、商品名稱、商品規格、商品能夠販賣之地區、 商品可取得之數目、拍賣起始價格及一個參考位址等等之 資訊，且該伺服器電腦1 1將該資訊儲存於一個資料庫之 中。 11 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 x 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) . •線· 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 490628 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（y) 本發明係能夠應用於一個以一個預定競價期間實施之 拍賣。此外，本發明亦係能夠應用於一個以用於販賣人提 供之販賣條件之資訊之一個預定結束時間實施之“反向拍 賣”。現在’本發明將根據被認爲應用至用於提供販賣條 件之資訊之競價結束時間之延長而解釋。 該伺服器電腦11設定與競價結束時間相關之一個擱 置期間及一個額外期間。參照第三B圖，其係用以解釋第 二圖之自動延長競價期間之方法之例子。時間t4指示一個 競價結束時間，且一個擱置期間（D1 )係指始於該競價 結束時間之前之t〇且結束於競價結束時間t4之一段時間 。除了此種擱置期間，一個擱置期間能夠於該競價結束時 間t4之前之一個預定時間下被設定。 假如一個競價人於該擱置期間競價（舉例而言，於時 間tl )，則始於該最新競價時間且結束於一預定時間之後 且於競價人能夠競價之一段時間，係稱爲一個額外期間（ 由tl至t2之一段時間）。此外，假如一個競價人於該額 外期間（D2 )再度競價，則能夠由該競價時間開始另一 個額外期間（D3 )。於此情況下，該額外期間能夠是一 個比該先前之額外期間爲短之期間。此係用以防止該拍賣 延長太長。 於步驟2 ·3中，該伺服器電腦1 1藉由提供給競價人 根據由該販賣人提供之商品之拍賣起始價格而開始一項拍 t賣。競價人透過該競價人之電腦1 6，到訪一個該伺服器 電腦1 1上開敔之拍賣市場，且對於想要之商品競價。競 12 -------------裝--------訂---------線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 490628 A7 B7 五、發明說明（/D) 價人使用該競價人之電腦1 6上之瀏覽器，取得該伺服器 電腦1 1提供之商品資訊。該競價人選擇所要之商品，且 輸入及傳送競價及傳送地點/日期等之資訊。 該伺服器電腦11提供之商品資訊係透過該通訊網路 1 5而傳送至該伺服器電腦1 1，且該伺服器電腦1 1於 一個資料庫中儲存商品之競價資訊。於步驟2 4中，該伺 服器電腦11檢查是否是對應商品之競價結束時間。 當其係爲競價結束時間時，該伺服器電腦1 1於步驟 2 5中檢查是否於擱置期間之內出現一個新的競價。假如 於擱置期間之內未出現一個新的競價，則於步驟2 9中， 於該競價結束時間結束該項拍賣。假如於擱置期間之內出 現某些新的競價，則偵測於該些競價中之最後競價之時間 。該伺服器電腦1 1於步驟2 6中，設定一個由該最後競 價之時間開始之額外期間，使得商品之競價期間能夠結束 於一個藉由將該額外期間加至該最後競價之時間而獲得之 時間。 於該擱置期間開始之後，緊接著一個競價人最近競價 之後，該伺服器電腦1 1能夠提供一個給競價人之額外期 間。於此情況下，該結果最後將與先前方法相同。此外’ 假如於擱置期間一個競價人最近競價，則一個新的競價結 束時間能夠藉由將一個額外期間加至該起始競價結束時間 而設定。透過這些方法，於步驟2 7中，於該額外期間， 競價該商品或者有興趣於購買該商品之競價人能夠持續地 參與該拍賣。 13 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) .- -丨線 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 490628 A7 B7 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 五、發明說明（// ) 於步驟2 8之中’該伺服器電腦1 1檢查是否於該額 外期間之內出現一個新的競價。假如於額外期間之內未出 現一個新的競價，則於步驟2 9中，結束該項拍賣。假如 於擱置期間之內出現新的競價’則偵測該競價之時間。該 伺服器電腦1 1於步驟2 6中，設定另一個由該新的競價 之時間開始之額外期間’使得商品之競價期間能夠結束於 一個藉由將該額外期間加至該新的競價之時間而獲得之時 間。 於此情況下，爲了重置一個額外期間，重置之頻率能 夠被決定，不重置一個額外期間能夠被允許，或者一個重 置之額外期間能夠比該先前之額外期間爲短。此係用以防 止該拍賣延長太長。 一個設置於該伺服器電腦11中之時鐘裝置實施偵測 一個競價時間、一個競價結束時間及一個額外期間之結束 時間。 參照第三A圖及第三B圖，其係用以解釋第二圖之自 動延長競價期間之方法之例子。於此例子之中，其係假設 一個競價結束時間係爲1999年10月27日16時4 5分，一個擱置期間係設定爲5分鐘，且一個額外期間係 設定爲5分鐘。該擱置期間不需要與該額外期間相同，且 不同之時間期間能夠分別被選擇。此外，後續之額外期間 不需要與第一個額外期間相同。後續之額外期間能夠漸漸 減少。 參照第三A圖’一個競價人波克1〇〇於1999年 14 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) :裝 . 線 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 490628 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（/X) 10月27日16時32分出價250000元。然後’ 一個競價人山安於1999年10月27曰16時43分 出價2 4 2 0 0 0元。因爲山安之競價係於該擱置期間（ D1 )之內出現，所以，一個額外期間係設定成由該競價 之時間開始。該額外期間（D 2 )係設定成一個藉由將5 分鐘加至該競價之時間所獲得之時間（t2 )。 —個競價人A114於1999年10月27曰16 時4 6分出價265000元。因爲A114之競價係於 該額外期間（D2 )之內出現，所以’另一個額外期間（D 3 )被設定。該額外期間（D3 )係設定成一個藉由將5 分鐘加至該競價之時間所獲得之時間（t3 )。假如於該額 外期間（D3 )之內未出現一個新的競價，則於該競價結 束時間結束該項拍賣。假如於該額外期間（D3 )之內出 現某些新的競價，則重複上述之競價程序。 假如被拍賣之商品之數量係爲1，則競價爲其他競價 人之中最高者之競價人將購買該商品。於此情況下，即使 一個競價人於該擱置期間或該額外期間，競價一個比目前 最高之競價爲低之價格，則另一個額外期間不會提供給競 價人。類似地，如被拍賣之商品之數量係爲1 〇，假如一 個競價人於該擱置期間或該額外期間，競價〜個比目前最 高之1 0個競價爲低之價格，則另一個額外期間不會提供 給競價人。假如另一個額外期間提供給競價人，則該競價 期間將於沒有實際上改變一個可接受之競價人或競價之情 況下而不必要地延長。 15 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21〇 X 297公釐） ' -- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) · 丨線 490628 五 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 發明說明（f >) 於“反向拍賣”之中，假如新的販賣條件之資訊係被 提供，且該新的販賣條件之資訊之價格係比在提供該新的 販賣條件之資訊之前所提供之販賣價之價格爲高，則該新 的販賣條件之資訊係被認爲不存在。此外，除了價格，比 先前提供之販賣條件之資訊較不適合之販賣條件之資訊能 夠被認爲不存在。 此種判斷標準係能夠由一個購買人提供。-個例子係 一個3 2百萬位元之隨機存取記憶體係提供給一個想要購 買一個6 4百萬位元之隨機存取記憶體之購買人。於此情 況下，假如該購買人事先提供一個其將不接受一個具有比 一個6 4百萬位元之隨機存取記憶體小之容量的商品之條 件，則該判斷標準能夠被施加，否則，該項販賣於該購買 人透過一個郵件或一通電話確定是否接受該購買之條件而 完成。 除了上述方式之外，是否一個競價係合適的係能夠被 許多條件決定。於“反向拍賣”之中，於一個用於提供販 貝條件之貝日之sa價期間結束之後，一個購買人能夠比較 提供之販賣條件之資訊而決定其購買之意願。 上述之本發明之較佳實施例解釋使用網際網路作爲例 子之線上拍賣。然而，使用其他通訊網路（舉例而言，公 共交換電話網路）之拍賣亦能夠實施。由一個伺服器提供 資訊至一個購買人或販賣人或者反之亦然之方法，使用一 個通常之程式規劃技術以許多方法予以實施，該通常之程 式規劃技術係該技術領域之人士容易瞭解的。 16 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁)490628 Printed by A7 B7, Consumer Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the Invention (/) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the use of a computer network system to implement an online auction method, and more particularly to an automatic extension of the bidding period In the method, when an auction end time is determined, the auction period is automatically extended according to the auction situation at the auction end time. Explanation of previous techniques In an auction, a seller offers a product for auction ’5 brothers for the product 3 brother brother shellfish. Thereafter, the person who provided the highest price was authorized to purchase the item. Therefore, the bidding price of the product changes from time to time, and the bidder who wants to purchase the product must always pay attention to the status of the auction. In an ordinary auction room, an auction is usually implemented without an auction end time. It enables bidders to bid on the auctioned product, and then, the bidder with the highest bid can purchase the auctioned product. However, in an online auction system using a computer network, an auction end time is usually determined in advance for an auction product. By ending an auction period due to an auction end time, the bidder who has the highest bid among the bidders at the auction end time purchases the item. In the case where a bidding end time is determined in advance, if a bidder bids for an item immediately before the bidding end time, the result of the auction is changed according to the bidder's bidding price. That is, if a bidder who bids for a product immediately before the end of the auction provides a higher price than other bidders, the bidder will eventually purchase the product 4 ------------- -Gas -------- Order --------- Lines', (Please read the note on the back? Matters before filling out this page) This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications ( 210 X 297 mm) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 4 ^ 〇628 Α7 ----- --______ V. Description of the invention (>), and at the same time, any bidder who is willing to provide a higher price due to The end of the auction period without auction. In addition, in a so-called "reverse auction" in which one buyer provides the conditions for purchase 'and many sellers provide the conditions for sales to meet the conditions of the purchase. Then, the purchaser selects suitable selling conditions. In the above case, the same problem will occur. Due to the problem of pre-determining the end time of the auction, a buyer who really wants to buy the product cannot win the auction even if the price is higher than the bid of the competing bidder. In addition, a seller may lose the opportunity for the seller's merchandise to be sold at a higher price, while a “reverse auction” buyer may lose the opportunity for the buyer to purchase a commodity on better terms. In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for automatically extending the bidding period, wherein the method is to implement an auction process online between computers connected via a communication network such as the Internet. The progress of the auction at the end time of the auction automatically extends the auction period of the auction to provide an opportunity for additional auctions, so that the highest bidder or the most competitive bidder can finally naked the auction, and a computer-readable The recording medium stores a program for implementing the method. In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object of the present invention, one object of the present invention is to provide a method for automatically extending the bidding period, wherein the method is to conduct an auction online between computers connected through a communication network such as the Internet. The method includes the following steps: · (A) Provide a fund at the end of an auction. 5 This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) -------------- pack- ------- Order .--- I ---- i (Please read the notes on the back before filling in this page) 490628 Printed by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of Invention () ) News and a product to be auctioned to the buyer; (b) at least one or more, the buyer bids for the product; (C) checks if a new one appears within a predetermined period of time when the auction ends (D) If a new auction occurs within a predetermined period before the auction end time, extend the auction period, otherwise end the auction at the auction end time. Preferably, step (a) further Contains one for setting one Between the step of resting, during the rest of the system prior to an auction end time to a predetermined one, and during an additional period of an auction for extended periods of time. In step (c), it is checked whether a new auction occurs during the holding period: and in step (d), the auction end time is extended according to the additional period. In this case, the extended auction end time can be determined in many ways. For example, the extended auction end time may be obtained by adding the additional period to the initial set auction end time, or by adding the additional period to the time of a new auction during the hold period. Preferably, at least one or more purchasers are required to change an auction mode to an auction extension mode under the condition that the auction end time of the auction can be extended. This means that even an auction method that does not consider the extension of the auction end time can be requested to be changed to the auction method of the present invention, in which the extension of the auction end time is considered. Preferably, when a new auction appears in step ⑹, if the new auction is lower than an accepted auction when the auction period ends under the new auction, the new auction is Think it doesn't exist. 6 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page). -Line · 490628 Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Consumer Cooperatives A7 B7 5. Description of the Invention (p) Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps: (e) If a new bid occurs during the extension period, repeat step (d). Preferably, when step (d) is repeated in step (e), it is extended by a shorter extension period than the previous extension period. In order to accomplish another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for automatically extending the bidding period in an auction implementation method, which is performed online through a communication network. The method of automatically extending the bidding period includes the following steps: (a) each buyer provides information on the purchase conditions including details of the goods the buyer wants to purchase; (b) at least one or more sellers provide Information, the information of the selling conditions includes the details of the goods that the seller can provide in response to the information of the selling conditions; (c) checking whether a new selling condition appears within a predetermined period before the end of the auction Information; (d) if information on a new sale condition occurs within a predetermined period before the auction end time, extend the auction period, otherwise end the auction at the auction end time: and (e) provide the sale After the end time of the conditional information, the purchaser decides whether to purchase the goods with the information of the sales conditions provided. Preferably, step (a) further includes an end time for setting the information to provide the sales conditions, a hold period and A step to extend an additional period of the auction closing period, the shelving period Before the end of one of the predetermined time period. In step (2), it is checked whether information of a new selling condition appears during the hold period; and in step (d), the ending time of the information for providing the selling condition is extended according to the additional period. 7 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (21Q x 297) (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Order: • Line. 490628 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (f) Better When the information of a new selling condition appears in step (C), if the information of the new selling condition has a price higher than the selling price provided before the information of the new selling condition is provided The lowest price, the information on the new selling conditions is considered non-existent. This means that the price of one of the important information on selling conditions is that the operation becomes the only factor in the purchase decision, and the purchaser does not need to consider the information on new selling conditions at a higher price. Preferably, after step (d), the method further includes the following steps: (dl) If information on a new selling condition appears during the extended period, repeat step (d). Similarly, in this case, it is extended by a shorter extension period than the previous extension period. In order to accomplish another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for implementing a method for automatically extending a bid period, wherein the method is implemented through, for example, the Internet. The method of conducting an auction online between computers connected to the Road's communication network includes the following steps: (a) providing information about the product to be auctioned; (b) at least one or more buyers bidding on the product; (c) Check if a new auction occurs within a predetermined period before the auction end time; (d) If a new auction occurs within a predetermined period before the auction end time, extend the auction period, otherwise in The auction ends at the auction end time. In order to accomplish another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for implementing a method for automatically extending a bid period, wherein the method is based on 8 sheets of paper Standards are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) (please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page).-丨 Printed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs Intellectual Property Bureau Employee Consumer Cooperative 490628 A7 B7 Ministry of Economics Wisdom Printed by the Consumers' Cooperative of the Property Bureau. 5. Description of the Invention (Stripped) The online auction between computers connected via a communication network such as the Internet. Information about the purchase conditions of the goods the buyer wants to purchase; (b) At least one or more sellers provide information on the conditions of the sale. The information on the conditions of sale includes information that the seller responds to the conditions of sale Details of the goods; (c) check if the product is released within a predetermined period before the end of the auction Information about a new selling condition; (d) If a new selling condition occurs within a predetermined time period before the end of the auction, extend the end time of providing the information about the selling condition, otherwise provide the selling condition The end time of the information is to end the auction; and (e) After the end time of the information of the sales conditions is provided, the purchaser determines his willingness to purchase based on the information of the sales conditions provided. The diagram simply illustrates this by describing this in detail. The above-mentioned objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings, in which: the first diagram illustrates an example of the structure of a computer network system for implementing the present invention; the second The diagram is a flowchart of the steps for implementing a method for automatically extending the bidding period according to the present invention; FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are examples for explaining the method of automatically extending the bidding period of the second figure. [Description of component symbols] 11 Server computer 9 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page)-·-丨 Line · This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 490628 A7 _____ B7 V. Description of the invention (j) 15 Communication network (please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) 16 Detailed description of the bidder's computer invention Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be referred to the following drawings It will be described in detail. The invention is not limited to the following examples, and many variations are possible within the scope of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to anyone skilled in the art. Auctions can be roughly divided into two categories: one is where a seller provides a product, and the buyer responds to the auction; the other is where a buyer provides the conditions for the purchase, and the seller responds to this to provide the conditions for the sale. The description of the present invention is based on the former, and descriptions similar to the latter will be omitted to reduce redundancy. The first figure is an example of the complete structure of a computer network system for implementing the present invention. A server computer 1 1 belongs to a company that conducts online auctions. The server computer 11 communicates with the bidder's computer 16 through a communication network 15. Those who want to buy goods in online auctions can use the bidder's computer 16 to participate in online auctions. The seller who provides the auctioned goods can register a product online with the server computer 11 after connecting a seller's computer (not shown) to the server computer 11 through the communication network 15. The server computer 11 has a database for storing auction data. The database can contain detailed bidding information and information about the product. The server computer 11 also stores a program for general auctions and a program for automatically extending the bidding period. The server computer 1 1 10 This paper size is in accordance with China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 490628 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (ί) According to the conditions provided by the bidder, it is used for automatic decision Accepted bidders and handling of accepted bids. The bidder's computer 16 connected to the communication network 15 has an Internet browser (for example, Netscape or Internet Explorer), which can display the content of a web page encoded in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). The web browser enables each computer to access and display the contents of a template for an online auction hypertext markup language on the server computer 11. The template of the hypertext markup language in the server computer 11 has a main web page for display to an online auction user such as the bidder computer 16. The situation of the bidder's computer and the bidder described above can correspond to the situation of a seller's computer and a seller in the so-called "reverse auction". Here, the "reverse auction" means the following auction method: one buyer provides the conditions for purchase, many sellers provide the conditions for sales to meet the conditions of the purchase, and then the buyer selects the appropriate sales conditions. The second figure is a flowchart of steps for implementing a method for automatically extending the bidding period according to the present invention. In step 21, a seller accesses the main webpage of the server computer 11 through the browser of the seller's computer, and registers the goods to be sold. The seller enters information about an auction method, the end time of the auction, the type of product, the product name, the product specifications, the area where the product can be sold, the number of products that can be obtained, the auction starting price, a reference address, etc., and The server computer 11 stores the information in a database. 11 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 x 297 mm) (please read the notes on the back before filling out this page). • Line · Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Consumer Cooperatives 490628 Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau's Consumer Cooperatives A7 B7 V. Invention Description (y) The present invention can be applied to an auction conducted during a predetermined auction period. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a "reverse auction" which is carried out at a predetermined end time with information for the selling conditions provided by the seller. The present invention will now be explained in terms of an extension of the auction end time which is believed to be applied to provide information on the conditions of sale. The server computer 11 sets a rest period and an additional period related to the bidding end time. Refer to the third diagram B, which is an example for explaining the method of automatically extending the auction period in the second diagram. Time t4 indicates an auction end time, and a holding period (D1) refers to a period starting at t0 before the auction end time and ending at auction end time t4. In addition to such a holding period, a holding period can be set at a predetermined time before the bid end time t4. If a bidder bids during the holding period (for example, at time t1), a period starting from the latest bidding time and ending after a predetermined time and before the bidder can bid is referred to as an additional period ( From tl to t2). In addition, if a bidder bids again during the extra period (D2), another bidding period (D3) can be started from that bidding time. In this case, the additional period can be a shorter period than the previous additional period. This is to prevent the auction from extending too long. In step 2 · 3, the server computer 11 starts an auction by providing it to the bidder according to the auction starting price of the goods provided by the seller. Through the bidder's computer 16, the bidder visits an auction market opened on the server computer 1 1 and bids for the desired product. Compete 12 ------------- install -------- order --------- line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) The standard is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 490628 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (/ D) The bidder uses the browser on the bidder's computer 16 to obtain the server computer 1 1 Product information provided. The bidder selects the desired product, and enters and transmits information such as bidding and transmission location / date. The commodity information provided by the server computer 11 is transmitted to the server computer 1 1 through the communication network 15, and the server computer 11 stores the bidding information of the products in a database. In step 24, the server computer 11 checks whether it is the bidding end time of the corresponding product. When it is the end time of the auction, the server computer 11 checks in step 25 whether a new auction appears within the holding period. If a new auction does not occur within the holding period, the auction is ended at the auction end time in step 29. If some new auctions occur during the holding period, the time of the last auction in those auctions is detected. In step 26, the server computer 11 sets an extra period starting from the time of the last bid, so that the auction period of the product can end at a time period obtained by adding the extra period to the time of the last bid. time. After the start of the holding period, immediately after a recent bid by a bidder, the server computer 11 can provide an additional period to the bidder. In this case, the result will eventually be the same as the previous method. In addition, if a bidder recently bids during the hold period, a new bid end time can be set by adding an additional period to the start bid end time. Through these methods, in step 27, during the extra period, bidders who are bidding on the product or are interested in purchasing the product can continuously participate in the auction. 13 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page).--丨 Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Consumer Cooperatives 490628 A7 B7 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs V. Invention Description (//) In step 2 8 'The server computer 1 1 checks whether a new bid appears within the additional period. If a new auction does not occur within the additional period, the auction is ended in step 29. If a new auction occurs within the hold period, then the time of the auction is detected. In step 26, the server computer 11 sets another extra period starting from the time of the new auction so that the auction period of the product can end at a time by adding the extra period to the new auction. And gain time. In this case, in order to reset an extra period, the frequency of reset can be determined, not to reset an extra period can be allowed, or an extra period of reset can be shorter than the previous extra period. This is to prevent the auction from extending too long. A clock device provided in the server computer 11 detects an auction time, an auction end time, and an end time of an additional period. Refer to the third chart A and the third chart B, which are examples for explaining the method of automatically extending the auction period in the second chart. In this example, it is assumed that an auction end time is 16:45 on October 27, 1999, a hold period is set to 5 minutes, and an extra period is set to 5 minutes. The rest period need not be the same as the additional period, and different time periods can be selected separately. In addition, subsequent additional periods need not be the same as the first additional period. Subsequent additional periods can be gradually reduced. Refer to Figure 3A 'A bidder Poco 100 in 1999 14 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page): Packing. The size of the paper is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 490628 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (/ X) Bid 250,000 yuan at 16:32 on October 27th. Then one of the bidders, Shan An, bid for 2 4 2 0 0 0 at 27:43 on October 27, 1999. Because Shan'an's bidding occurred within the holding period (D1), an additional period was set to start from the time of the bidding. The additional period (D 2) is set to a time (t 2) obtained by adding 5 minutes to the time of the auction. A bidder, A114, bid for 265,000 yuan at 16:46 on October 27, 1999. Because the bid of A114 appears within this extra period (D2), 'another extra period (D3) is set. The additional period (D3) is set to a time (t3) obtained by adding 5 minutes to the time of the auction. If a new auction does not appear within the additional period (D3), the auction will end at the end of the auction. If certain new auctions occur during this additional period (D3), the above-mentioned auction process is repeated. If the number of items being auctioned is one, the bidder who bids the highest of the other bidders will purchase the item. In this case, even if one bidder bids a price lower than the current highest bid during the holding period or the additional period, the other additional period will not be provided to the bidder. Similarly, if the quantity of goods being auctioned is 10, if one bidder has a price lower than the current highest 10 bids during the holding period or the additional period, the other additional period does not Will be offered to bidders. If another additional period is provided to bidders, the auction period will be extended unnecessarily without actually changing an acceptable bidder or bidder. 15 This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21〇X 297 mm) '-(Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) · Line 490628 Five Consumers ’Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs Print A7 B7 Description of Invention (f >) In the "reverse auction", if the information on the new sales conditions is provided and the price of the information on the new sales conditions is higher than the price of the new sales conditions If the price of the previous selling price provided by the information is high, the information of the new selling conditions is considered non-existent. In addition, except for price, information on conditions of sale that are less suitable than information on conditions of sale previously provided can be considered non-existent. Such a criterion can be provided by a purchaser. An example is a 32 megabit random access memory system for a buyer who wants to buy a 64 megabit random access memory. In this case, if the purchaser provides in advance a condition that he will not accept a product with a capacity smaller than a 64-bit random access memory, the judgment criterion can be applied, otherwise, The sale is completed when the purchaser determines whether to accept the conditions of the purchase through an email or a phone call. In addition to the above, whether a bidding system is suitable can be determined by many conditions. In the “reverse auction”, after the end of a period of sa price to provide the selling conditions, a buyer can compare the information of the selling conditions provided to determine his willingness to buy. The above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention explains the online auction using the Internet as an example. However, auctions using other communication networks (for example, public switched telephone networks) can also be implemented. The method of providing information from a server to a buyer or seller or vice versa is implemented in a number of ways using a common programming technique that is easily understood by those skilled in the art. 16 (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page)
490628 A7 B7 --------------- 五、發明說明（/和 上述之用於提供販賣條件之資訊之競價結束時間或結 束時間於每一項交易中能夠是一項選項。一個不想要該競 價期間延長之販賣人（於“反向拍賣”之中之購買人，此 後稱爲“販賣人或其類似人”）將不想要應用延長之方法 。假如販賣人或其類似人並沒有明顯地表達拒絕應用延長 之方法之意願，一個購買（於“反向拍賣”之中之販賣人 )能夠要求應用延長之方法。此外，該販賣人或其類似人 能夠於一項拍賣之過程中，要求應用延長之方法。 本發明可以實施於一個在一個電腦可讀記錄媒體中之 碼之中，該碼係可被一個電腦所讀取。該電腦可讀記錄媒 體可以是電腦可讀資料儲存於其上之任何形式之記錄媒體 Ο 該電腦可讀記錄媒體可以是諸如磁性儲存媒體（例如 唯讀記憶體、軟碟、硬碟等）、光學可讀媒體（例如CD-R〇M，DVD等）或者載波（例如於網際網路上之傳輸等） 。此外，該電腦可讀記錄媒體可以是透過網路連而分散於 電腦系統上，且能夠以分散模式儲存及執行一個電腦可讀 碼。 如上所述，根據本發明之一個自動延長競價期間之方 法，當一個競價人於一個競價結束時間之前競價，則該競 價期間自動接續延長一預定時間。藉由如此，儘管該競價 係緊接著該競價結束期間之前，其他之競價人具有額外競 價之機會。 因此，不論競價結束之時間，一個想要購買商品之購 17 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 衣 •線 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 490628 A7 B7 五、發明說明（（y 買人能夠有競價該商品之最大機會，且一個販賣人能夠以 最高價販賣其商品。 此外，本發明之方法能夠如上所述而應用於“反向拍 賣”。亦即，藉由延長用於提供販賣條件之資訊之結束時 間，一個購買人及於反向拍賣中之販賣人能夠接受極度滿 足其需要之服務。 經由本發明之詳細說明以及參考較佳具體例後，熟習 技藝之人士應顯見，只要不違逆如下文附記之申請專利範 圍所定義的本發明範疇，任何修改或變異皆爲可能。 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) :裝 訂---------線490628 A7 B7 --------------- V. Explanation of the invention (/ and the above bidding end time or end time for providing information on selling conditions can be one in each transaction Option. A seller who does not want the auction period to be extended (a buyer in a "reverse auction", hereinafter referred to as a "seller or the like") will not want to apply the extension method. If the seller or Similar persons did not expressly express their willingness to refuse to apply the extension method, and a purchase (a seller in a "reverse auction") could request the extension method. In addition, the seller or similar person could In the process of item auction, it is required to apply the extension method. The present invention can be implemented in a code in a computer-readable recording medium, the code can be read by a computer. The computer-readable recording medium can be Any form of recording medium on which computer-readable data is stored 0 The computer-readable recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic storage medium (such as a read-only memory, a floppy disk, a hard disk, etc.), an optically readable medium (Such as CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) or carrier wave (such as transmission on the Internet). In addition, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed on the computer system through a network connection, and can be in a distributed mode Store and execute a computer-readable code. As described above, according to the method of automatically extending the bidding period of the present invention, when a bidder bids before a bidding end time, the bidding period is automatically extended for a predetermined time. By So, even though the auction is immediately before the end of the auction, other bidders have the opportunity to make additional auctions. Therefore, regardless of the time when the auction ends, a buyer who wants to buy an item17 (Please read the notes on the back before filling out This page) Printed on the paper by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Clothing and Line Economics. This paper applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 490628 A7 B7. 5. Description of the invention ((y buyers can bid The product has the greatest opportunity, and a seller can sell his product at the highest price. In addition, the method of the present invention can be The above applies to "reverse auctions." That is, by extending the end time of the information used to provide sales conditions, a buyer and a seller in a reverse auction can receive services that extremely meet their needs. After detailed description of the present invention and reference to the preferred specific examples, those skilled in the art should clearly see that any modification or variation is possible as long as it does not violate the scope of the present invention as defined in the scope of the patent application as attached below. (Please first (Read the notes on the back and fill out this page): Binding --------- line
經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐）Printed by the Employees' Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs This paper is sized to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)