Patent Publication Number: US-2004054615-A1

Title: Method of dynamically lowering bid price through network and apparatus therefor

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to bidding procedure and more particularly to a method of dynamically lowering bid price of a product through network (e.g., the Internet) as bidding proceeds in which a difference of amount between an initial bid price having a higher value and a final bid price having a lower value is subsidized by fees incurred from the network communication. The present invention also relates an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of the product through network.  
       [0003] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0004] A conventional method of bidding a product comprises setting a lowest bid price, raising the bid price by a predetermined amount if more than two bidders are competing at the bid price, and deciding a winner if there is only one bidder competing at the raised bid price. A difference between the final bid price having a higher value and the initial bid price having a lower value is the income of the bid provider. It is understood that the more competing of the bidding the higher income of the bid provider. However, vast consumers may not be interested in it in the long run due to a lack of stimulus. In a typical case fewer and fewer consumers will attend the bid. As a result, the income of the bid provider is reduced significantly because products are sold slowly. To the worse, such type of bidding cannot maintain for a long time. Thus, the conventional bidding method is limited in applications. Further, it is impossible of offering a price lower than the initial bid price for consumers to compete. Thus improvement exists.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a process of dynamically lowering bid price of one of a plurality of products through network comprising calculating a communication income from a plurality of potential bidders every t seconds of time and appropriating a portion of the communication income as a subsidy for one of the products so that the bid price of the product is capable of being dynamically lowered.  
       [0006] It is another object the present invention to provide a process of dynamically lowering bid price of one of a plurality of products through network wherein price of a product to be bid is partially subsidized by a communication income from a plurality of bidders. Hence, it is possible of providing the product in a price much lower than that being commercially available. In an extreme case the bid provider still can obtain a profit even when the product is free. This brings a win policy for all of bidders, the bid provider, and the communication provider.  
       [0007] It is further object of the present invention to provide a process of dynamically lowering bid price of one of a plurality of products wherein the bid provider can dynamically adjust bid price, communication charge, and subsidy ratio by observing the bidding process so as to obtain a maximum profit as well as reduce the bid price as much as possible.  
       [0008] It is still further object of the present invention to provide a process of dynamically lowering bid price of one of a plurality of products comprising utilizing a DPC (Data Processing Center) having a mechanism for dynamically lowering bid price to form a bidding network accessible by means of voice communication, text communication, graphics communication, video communication, or combinations thereof; defining t seconds as a time unit; charging one of a plurality of potential bidders by means of parameters; calculating a communication income from the bidders, each accessing the bidding network by means of voice communication, text communication, graphics communication, video communication, or combinations thereof in each time unit; and appropriating a portion of the communication income as a subsidy for one of the products by means of the DPC so that the bid price of the product is capable of being dynamically lowered throughout the process. By utilizing the process, a number of advantages, characteristics, and additional objects are obtained as below:  
       [0009] 1. For increasing an interaction between the bid provider and the bidders and attracting more potential bidders, a plurality of communication means are provided to the bidders for participating the bidding in which the bidding network may be one of the following:  
       [0010] a bidding network accessible by voice communication and text communication;  
       [0011] a bidding network accessible by voice communication, text communication, and graphics communication and coupled to the Internet;  
       [0012] a bidding network accessible by voice communication, text communication, and video communication and coupled to the Internet;  
       [0013] a bidding network accessible by voice communication, text communication, graphics communication, and video communication and coupled to the Internet;  
       [0014] a bidding network accessible by voice communication and graphics communication and coupled to the Internet;  
       [0015] a bidding network accessible by voice communication and video communication and coupled to the Internet;  
       [0016] a bidding network accessible by text communication, graphics communication, and video communication and coupled to the Internet; and  
       [0017] a bidding network accessible by graphics communication and video communication and coupled to the Internet.  
       [0018] II. The process comprises charging one of a plurality of potential bidders by means of parameters in each time unit of t seconds; calculating a communication income from the bidders which are accessing the bidding network by means of one the above communications; and appropriating a portion of the communication income based on a predetermined subsidy ratio as a subsidy for one of the products so that the bid price of the product is capable of being dynamically lowered throughout the process.  
       [0019] III. Defines a type of charge as charge by time, charge by times, charge by data size of 128 bytes, charge by point, or membership fee per month.  
       [0020] IV. A communication income per second is a summation of respective one of the rate equations times the corresponding number of the online bidders.  
       [0021] V. Setting values of the process comprises market price of X, cost as 80% of X, and subsidy ratio of G %. Also, values of X and G and parameters A to E are variables. In other words, the bid provider can dynamically adjust them depending on the current bidding conditions in order to obtain a balance between the number of bidders and income of the bid provider.  
       [0022] VI. A communication income is the communication income per time unit times a period of time t defined as Ri=Fi*ti, a communication subsidy is the subsidy ratio G % times the communication income defined as Si=Ri* the subsidy ratio G %, the accumulated subsidy is a summation of respective ones of the communication subsidy defined as Ti=Σ Si, and the latest bid price is a subtraction of the accumulated subsidy from a cost of the product defined as Mi=the cost−Ti.  
       [0023] VII. In a case that the bidding is busy (i.e., the number of bidders increased steadily) t is set as one second. That is, the apparatus will be updated per second for increasing the number of times of dynamically lowering bid price of a product. In another case that the bidding is slow (i.e., the number of bidders reduced significantly) t is set as 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds. That is, the apparatus will be updated per t second(s).  
       [0024] VII. In a preferred flow chart of the process, each message is prompted by means of voice communication, text communication, graphics communication, video communication, or combinations thereof.  
       [0025] IX. Information provided in accordance with the eNumber of the bid winner is sent through mails, messages, call-outs, pagers, the Web, TVs, radios, newspapers, and magazines depending on applications.  
       [0026] X. Information provided to the bid winner can be sent through mails, messages, call-outs, pagers, the Web, TVs, radios, newspapers, and magazines. Such information broadcasting may additionally form business relationship with other trades for obtaining advertisement therefrom.  
       [0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0028]FIG. 1 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0029]FIG. 2 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0030]FIG. 3 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0031]FIG. 4 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0032]FIG. 5 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0033]FIG. 6 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0034]FIG. 7 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0035]FIG. 8 presents schematically the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus for dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to a eighth preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0036]FIG. 9 is a table illustrating a variety of techniques of charging a bidder according to the invention;  
     [0037]FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating equations of calculating communication income according to the invention;  
     [0038]FIG. 10 is a table showing setting values according to the invention;  
     [0039]FIG. 11 is a table illustrating a variety of functions of dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to the invention;  
     [0040]FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to the invention;  
     [0041]FIGS. 13, 13A, and  13 B are respective flow charts illustrating details of the process shown in FIG. 12;  
     [0042]FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a variation of the process shown in FIG. 12 according to the invention;  
     [0043]FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating details of the process shown in FIG. 14;  
     [0044]FIGS. 16A to  16 F are block diagrams showing messages shown in the first to the sixth preferred embodiments of the invention respectively;  
     [0045]FIG. 17 plots current bid price versus time with reference to market price and cost utilized in any preferred embodiment of the invention; and  
     [0046]FIG. 18 plots a detail of bid price versus a time unit of FIG. 17. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0047] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX (Private Branch Exchange)  91  coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., T 1  (Trunk Level  1 )) and an existing PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network)  94 , a DPC (Data Processing Center)  92  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product and including an IVR (Interactive Voice Response)  921  for exchanging voice in a local call and a cellular phone and a SMS (Simple Message Server)  922  for exchanging text in WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), sending short messages to a cellular phone, and sending messages to a pager, and a database  93  coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  including an eNumber membership database dB 1  and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0048] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of voice or text communication by the bidder. Also, with this configuration, the bidder can access to the apparatus  90  for bidding. Prior to bid, the bidder can obtain detailed descriptions, bid prices, etc. of products by means of voice or text communication. In the bidding process, the DPC  92  can integrate real time information about the bidding in order to dynamically lower bid price of a product and show corresponding messages to the bidders. As a result, the bidding becomes more attractive to the bidders.  
     [0049] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX  91  coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., T 1 ) and an existing PSTN  94 , a DPC  92  coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW (World Wide Web)  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  including an IVR  921  for exchanging voice between a local call and a cellular phone, a SMS  922  for exchanging text in WAP, sending short messages to a cellular phone, and sending messages to a pager, and a Web server  923  for exchanging graphrics in communication among Web pages, GPRSs (General Packet Radio Services), and MMSs (Multimedia Message Services), and a database  93  coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  including an eNumber membership database dB 1  and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0050] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of voice, text, or graphics communication by the telephone  95  or the computer  97 . Also, with this configuration, the bidder can access to the apparatus  90  for bidding. Prior to bid, the bidder can obtain detailed descriptions, bid prices, etc. of products by means of voice, text, or graphics communication. In the bidding process, the DPC  92  can integrate real time information about the bidding in order to dynamically lower bid price of a product and show corresponding messages to the bidders. As a result, the bidding becomes more attractive to the bidders.  
     [0051] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX  91  coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., Ti) and an existing PSTN  94 , a DPC  92  coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  including an IVR  921  for exchanging voice in a local call and a cellular phone, a SMS  922  for exchanging text in WAP, sending short messages to a cellular phone, and sending messages to a pager, and a video server  924  for exchanging video in communication among Web pages, cable TV, and video phone such as PHS (Personal Handyphone System) or 3G (3rd Generation cellular phone), and a database  93  coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  including an eNumber membership database dB 1  and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0052] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of voice, text, or video communication by the telephone  95  or the computer  97 . Also, with this configuration, the bidder can access to the apparatus  90  for bidding. Prior to bid, the bidder can obtain detailed descriptions, bid prices, etc. of products by means of voice, text, or video communication. In the bidding process, the DPC  92  can integrate real time information about the bidding in order to dynamically lower bid price of a product and show corresponding messages to the bidders. As a result, the bidding becomes more attractive to the bidders.  
     [0053] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX  91 , a DPC  92 , and a database  93 , wherein the PBX is coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., T 1 ) and an existing PSTN  94 ; the DPC  92  is coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  includes an IVR  921  for exchanging voice between a local call and a cellular phone, a SMS  922  for exchanging text in WAP, s sending short messages to a cellular phone, and sending messages to a pager, a Web server  923  for exchanging graphics in communication among Web pages, GPRSs, and MMSs, and a video server  924  for exchanging video in communication among Web pages, cable TV, and video phone such as PHS or 3G, and the database  93  is coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  includes an eNumber membership database dB 1  and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0054] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of voice, text, graphics, or video communication by the telephone  95  or the computer  97 . Also, with this configuration, the bidder can access to the apparatus  90  for bidding. Prior to bid, the bidder can obtain detailed descriptions, bid prices, etc. of products by means of voice, text, graphics, or video communication. In the bidding process, the DPC  92  can integrate real time information about the bidding in order to dynamically lower bid price of a product and show corresponding messages to the bidders. As a result, the bidding becomes more attractive to the bidders.  
     [0055] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX  91 , a DPC  92 , and a database  93 , wherein the PBX  91  is coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., T 1 ) and an existing PSTN  94 ; the DPC  92  is coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  includes an IVR  921  for exchanging voice in a local call and a cellular phone and a Web server  923  for exchanging graphics in communication among Web pages, GPRSs, and MMSs; and the database  93  is coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  includes an eNumber membership database dBl and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0056] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of voice or graphics communication by the telephone  95  or the computer  97 . Also, this is one of alternative forms of the invention.  
     [0057] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX  91 , a DPC  92 , and a database  93 , wherein the PBX  91  is coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., T 1 ) and an existing PSTN  94 ; the DPC  92  is coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  includes an IVR  921  for exchanging voice in a local call and a cellular phone and a video server  924  for exchanging video in communication among Web pages, cable TV, and video phone such as PHS or 3G; and the database  93  is coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  includes an eNumber membership database dBl and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0058] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of voice or video communication by the telephone  95  or the computer  97 . Also, this is one of alternative forms of the invention.  
     [0059] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a PBX  91 , a DPC  92 , and a database  93 , wherein the PBX  91  is coupled to a telephone  95  of the bidder via a dedicated line  941  (e.g., T 1 ) and an existing PSTN  94 ; the DPC  92  is coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  includes a SMS  922  for exchanging text in WAP, sending short messages to a cellular phone, and sending messages to a pager, a Web server  923  for exchanging graphics in communication among Web pages, GPRSs, and MMSs, and a video server  924  for exchanging video in communication among Web pages, cable TV, and video phone such as PHS or 3G; and the database  93  is coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  including an eNumber membership database dB 1  and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0060] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of text, graphics, or video communication by the telephone  95  or the computer  97 . Also, this is another alternative form of the invention.  
     [0061] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown the telephone connection of a bidder to an apparatus  90  according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  90  comprises a DPC  92  and a Database  93  wherein the DPC is coupled to a remote computer  97  of another bidder via a dedicated line  961  (e.g., T 1 ) and WWW  96  for dynamically lowering bid price of a product, the DPC  92  includes a Web server  923  for exchanging graphics in communication among Web pages and a video server  924  for exchanging video in communication among Web pages; and the database  93  is coupled to the DPC  92 , the database  93  includes an eNumber membership database dB 1  and a product database dB 2 .  
     [0062] This forms a bidding network accessible by means of graphics or video communication by the computer  97 . Also, this is still another alternative form of the invention.  
     [0063] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a table illustrating a variety of techniques of charging a bidder according to the invention. Types of charge comprises charge by time (e.g., one US dollar/second), charge by times (e.g., one US dollar/time), charge by data size (e.g., one US dollar/128 bytes), charge by point (e.g., one US dollar/point), and membership fee (e.g., a predetermined amount of US dollar/month). Correspondingly, parameters comprises A, B, C, D, and E. Correspondingly, types of charge unit comprises a second as a unit, Z times of communication per second as a unit, Y bytes of communication per second as a unit, W points deduction per second as a unit, and a second as a unit. Correspondingly, rate equations comprises A, Z×B, (Y/128)×C, W×D, and E/(30×24×60×60). Correspondingly, the number of online bidders is Hi, Ii, Ji, Ki, or Li.  
     [0064] Referring to FIG. 9A, there is shown a diagram illustrating equations of calculating communication income according to the invention. For example, EX1 regarding a communication income Fi per second is defined as A×H1, EX2 regarding a communication income Fi per second per time is defined as A×Hi+(Z×B)×li, EX3 regarding a communication income Fi per second per time per 128 bytes is defined as A×Hi+(Z×B)×li+(Y/128)×C×J1, EX4 regarding a communication income Fi per second per time per 128 bytes per point is defined as A×Hi+(Z×B)×li+(Y/128)×C×Ji+(W×D)×Ki, and EX5 regarding a communication income Fi per second per time per 128 bytes per point per membership is defined as A×Hi+(Z×B)×li+(Y/128)×C×Ji+(W×D)×Ki+(E/(30×24×60×60))×Li. The bid provider can implement one of five equations described above for obtaining an appropriate rate. As seen from the equations, the communication income per second Fi (e.g., US dollars/second) is a summation of respective rate equations times the corresponding number of online bidders.  
     [0065] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a table of setting values according to the invention. The setting values comprise market price of X, cost as 80% of X, and subsidy ratio of G %. Note that values of X and G and parameters A to E are variables. In other words, the bid provider can dynamically adjust them depending on the current bidding conditions in order to obtain a balance between the number of bidders and income of the bid provider.  
     [0066] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a table illustrating a variety of functions of dynamically lowering bid price of a product according to the invention. T second(s) is taken as a time unit. The communication income R is a function of t. That is, R=F×t. Further, a number of equations are obtained as below. A communication income Ri is defined as Ri=Fi×ti. A communication subsidy Si is defined as Si=Ri×G %. An accumulated subsidy Ti is a summation of Si. The current bid price Mi is a subtraction Ti from cost.  
     [0067] In a first case that the bidding is busy (i.e., the number of bidders increased steadily) t is set as one second. That is, the apparatus will be updated per second for increasing the number of times of dynamically lowering bid price of a product. In a second case that the bidding is slow (i.e., the number of bidders reduced significantly) t is set as 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds. That is, the apparatus will be updated per t second(s) for reducing the number of times of dynamically lowering bid price of a product. This can save system resources which is deemed as one of characteristics of the present invention. Note that as to the first case, the apparatus can readjust the value of time unit t as 1 by means of function ti if the accumulated subsidy Ti is excessively high due to a higher value of the subsidy ratio of G %. As a result, an appropriate, dynamic lowering of bid price is simultaneously carried out. This is deemed as another characteristic of the present invention.  
     [0068] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a flow chart regarding an entering of a bidder according to the invention. This a closed bidding process. In step  1 , a logon of a potential bidder is performed. In step  2 , identify the bidder and gain access to a membership management system. A message is prompted to the bidder if such access is rejected. In step  3 , a selection of products is available. The bidder can select a desired product prior to participating the bidding. In step  4 , latest bid prices of the products and the number of the bidders online are updated per t second(s). In step  5 , the bid price is updated (i.e., lowered in the invention) per t second(s). The difference between the initial bid price and the lowered one is Ti (i.e., the accumulated subsidy) equal to a subsidy ratio times the communication income. In step  6 , one bidder can select a product for buying (i.e., having a buying priority). Further, the apparatus will inform the bidder for an immediate confirmation of such buying. Otherwise, the apparatus will cancel the buying priority if no confirmation from the bidder within a predetermined period of time. In step  7 , a resumption is begun if the least bid had won, and the number of the sold product increases by one, bid price is equal to the initial bid price, and Ti (i.e., the accumulated subsidy) is equal to zero. In the final step  8 , following information including bid winning time, date, product description, the number of products, total price, service center contact number, product taking procedure, etc. is provided to the bid winner based on the bid winner&#39;s eNumber.  
     [0069] Referring to FIGS. 13, 13A, and  13 B, a detailed process of the invention is illustrated below. In step  10 , a logon of a potential bidder is performed. In step  20 , input an eNumber assigned to a registered member. In step  21 , input a password of the member. In step  22 , the apparatus determines whether the eNumber and password are correct based on data contained in the eNumber membership database dB 1 . In step  23 , message I is prompted if the determination in step  22  is negative. The process then goes to step  30  for selecting one of products available from the product database dB 2 . In step  31 , the number of products to be bid Q 3  and the number of sold products N (having an initial value of zero) are set. In step  32 , the apparatus determines whether N is less than or equal to Q 3 . If no, the process goes to step  33 . Otherwise, the process goes to step  40 . In step  33 , message  11  is prompted. In step  40 , latest bid price of the product M 3  and the number of the bidders online P 3  are updated per one or more seconds. In step  50 , the bid price is lowered per one or more seconds. The difference between the initial bid price and the lowered one is the accumulated subsidy as defined above. In step  60 , the apparatus determines whether a bidder has selected a product for buying (i.e., having a buying priority). If yes, the process goes to step  61 . Otherwise, the process goes to step  63 . In step  61  message III is prompted. In step  62 , the apparatus determines whether the product has been bought. If yes, the process goes to step  70 . Otherwise, the process loops back to step  40 . In step  63 , a pressing of “1” a confirmation of the buying or a pressing of “ 2 ” a cancel of the buying (i.e., waiting for a lower bid price) prior to looping back to step  40 . In step  64 , message IV for confirming the buying is prompted if “1” is pressed as prompt message indicated in step  63  else the process goes to step  65  for canceling the buying priority (prompt message VI) prior to looping back to step  40 . In step  70  message V is prompted if “1” is pressed as indicated in step  64 . Further, a resumption is begun after T seconds have passed. In step  71 , N is increased by one, M 3  is set as the initial bid price, the accumulated subsidy T is set as zero, and resumption is begun. In the final step  80 , following information including bid winning time, date, product description, the number of products, total price, service center contact number, product taking procedure, etc. is provided to the bid winner based on the bid winner&#39;s eNumber.  
     [0070] Note that a bid unit can be one product per bidding or a batch of products (containing a number of products) per bidding depending on bidding conditions.  
     [0071] Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a variation of the process shown in FIG. 12. The difference therebetween is that the membership management system as detailed in step  2  of FIG. 12 is moved to a step between step  6  and step  7  of FIG. 14.  
     [0072] Referring FIG. 15, there is shown a variation of the process shown in FIGS. 13, 13A, and  13 B. The differences therebetween are that step  20  regarding eNumber of member, step  21  regarding password of member, step  22  regarding the determination of correct eNumber and password, and step  23  regarding message I prompting of FIG. 13 are moved to steps after step  63  regarding a confirmation of the buying or not. In brief, this variation is an open bidding process.  
     [0073] Note that the eNumber of the registered member can be a telephone number or a cellular phone number, a system code, or a number chosen by the bidder as long as it can identify the member to the apparatus.  
     [0074] Further note that in step  80  information provided to the bid winner can be sent through mails, short messages, call-outs, pagers, the Web, TVs, radios, newspapers, and magazines. Such information broadcasting may additionally form business relationship with a same field or different field of other trade entities for obtaining an additional advertisement profit therefrom. This is deemed as a further characteristic of the present invention.  
     [0075] Referring to FIGS. 16A to  16 F, the block diagrams regarding messages shown in the first to the sixth preferred embodiments of the present invention respectively. Such messages can be prompted by means of voice, text, graphics, video, or a combination of the voice, text, graphics, and video. For example, In FIG. 16A message I may contain the following text “Sorry, your password is incorrect, please input again. Please apply for a membership by accessing the Internet. Our Web site is “http://www.eNumber.com.tw”. In FIG. 16B, message  11  may contain the following text “Sorry, this product has been sold, please select another product.” In FIG. 16C, message III may contain the following text “Someone has obtained a priority to buy the product”. In FIG. 16D, message IV may contain the following text “Congratulations, you are permitted to buy this product with a price of D 3 . Please press “1” for confirmation within five seconds. Otherwise, the bidding process of the product will continue.” In FIG. 16E, message VI may contain the following text “Your buying priority of this product has been cancelled. Bidding process of this product will resume.” In FIG. 16F, message V may contain the following text “Congratulations, member  094 *** you have bought the product with a price of D 3 . A next bidding will begin in 10 seconds. Please join us again.” 
     [0076] Referring to FIG. 17, it plots the current bid price versus time with reference to market price of 120 US dollars and cost of 96 US dollars (i.e., 80% of the cost) utilized in any preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the current bid price of a product continues to fall as the bidding proceeds.  
     [0077] Referring to FIG. 18, it plots a detail of the final price versus a time unit of FIG. 17 with reference to market price and cost. In detail, the DPC  92  can integrate real time information about the bidding in order to dynamically lower bid price of a product and show corresponding messages to the bidders each using one a variety of communication devices for online bidding. With such configuration, the present invention can draw more people to join the bidding. Also, the bid price continues to fall as the bidding proceeds since both the number of bidders and the communication income are increased steadily. In a case that the cost of one product may fall below the product cost. In another case that the bid price may be zero, i.e., free. It is envisaged that the present invention can quickly sell one or more products per bidding. As a result, income of the bid provider can be increased significantly. Further, time involved in one bidding can be reduced significantly.  
     [0078] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.