Patent ID: 7562043

Claim:
A computer implemented method for implementing an auction, comprising: maintaining scheduled event records for a user within a computer database, wherein each scheduled event record indicates a scheduled event for the user at a calendar time slot; receiving a request for bids for a service from the user indicating a time period, wherein the service is to be performed during a calendar time slot within the indicated time period, wherein the user comprises one of a service provider seeking bidders to purchase services offered by the user and a service user seeking service providers to bid to offer their services; determining scheduled event records for the user within the indicated time period; generating a template to display a calendar for the indicated time period showing time slots, wherein an available time slot comprises a time range in the indicated time period that does not include one scheduled event as indicated in the scheduled event records; and receiving at least one bid for the service for one available time slot in which the service is to be performed, wherein the bid indicates an amount.