Patent ID: 7283979
Filing Date: 2007-10-16
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method of transformational bidding with rebates and discounts in an online auction performed by a computer server, the method comprising: receiving electronically at the computer server data representing a first bid from a first bidder and a second bid from a second bidder over a network, wherein at least one of a rebate and discount is offered with at least one of the first and second bids, and wherein the first and second bidders are seller bidders remotely located with respect to the computer server over the network; in response to the first and second bids, the computer server executing one or more computer instructions to assign a first value and a first unit of measurement for the first bid and a second value and second unit of measurement for the second bid using in part the at least one of a rebate and discount offered with at least one of the first and second bids; the computer server transforming the first and second values to third and fourth values, respectively, having a standard unit of measurement, the third and fourth values representing the first and second bids of the first and second bidders in view of the standard unit of measurement; the computer server detransforming the third value to a fifth value having the second unit of measurement; the computer server detransforming the fourth value to a sixth value having the first unit of measurement; and the computer server transmitting the fifth value to the second bidder and the sixth value to the first bidder, wherein the fifth value represents the first bid from the first bidder in view of measurement units of the second bidder, and wherein the sixth value represents the second bid from the second bidder in view of measurement units of the first bidder, such that the first and second bidders can use the fifth and sixth values to determine in their respective own views ranking of their respective bidding situations with respect to other bidders.