System, method, and medium for propagating a plurality of listings to geographically targeted websites using a single data source

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 10915946
  • Patent Number
    10,915,946
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, July 31, 2018
    6 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, February 9, 2021
    3 years ago
Abstract
Systems, methods, and machine-readable medium are described for customizing an application. A method includes receiving, by a network-based transaction facility, a selection of a first geographically targeted website. The method also includes receiving, by the network-based transaction facility, geographically targeted site preferences for the selected first geographically targeted website. Finally, the method includes receiving a request to create a first transaction listing, the first transaction listing to be created at the first geographically targeted website based on the first geographically targeted website preferences.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of network-based commerce and, more specifically, to a system and method of customizing an application.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the wide spread acceptance of the Internet as an ubiquitous, interactive communication and interaction platform, on-line (or electronic) commerce conducted over the Internet has become commonplace in a variety of business environments. On-line commerce is traditionally categorized as business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), consumer-to-consumer (C2C) and even business-to-employee (B2E) commerce. In the B2B environment, a number of online exchanges or marketplaces (e.g., vertical exchanges) have been established with a view to facilitating electronic commerce between parties, for example, within a vertical supply chain. Such B2B exchanges typically provide a number of tools for facilitating commerce, such as aggregated and near real-time inventory information, Requests for Quotation (RFQ) capabilities and auctions.


In the B2C and C2C environments, a number of marketplace exchanges and transaction facilities have proved popular. A leading electronic transaction facility (or market place) is operated by eBay, Incorporated. Electronic marketplaces are also provided by Yahoo! Incorporated and Amazon.com. Further, a number of on-line services offer on-line classifieds, such as the Yahoo! Classifieds service offered by Yahoo! Incorporated.


A number of the on-line marketplaces are utilized by merchants as an important, if not a primary, distribution channel for products. Such so-called “power users” typically list a large number of items to be sold or auctioned each day. Further, various retailers and merchants also utilize free, or low-cost, classified advertisement services offered on the Internet, such as Yahoo! Classifieds. For example, a used-car sales operation may, at any time, place a number of such classified advertisements via an on-line classified advertisement service. It would be helpful to provide merchants with a way to create and propagate multiple items to a network-based marketplace.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:



FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network-based transaction facility, according to one embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 2 is a database diagram illustrating an exemplary database maintained and accessed by a database engine server of the network-based transaction facility.



FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a network-based transaction environment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a client-side and a server-side.



FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the seller application, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of customizing the seller application, where the seller application facilitates propagating transaction listings to a network-based transaction facility.



FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling listings, via the seller application, at the network-based transaction facility.



FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the seller application and multiple network-based transaction facilities, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling the listing of transaction listings at a network-based transaction facility.



FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of providing a “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) interface for entering transaction listing descriptions in the seller application.



FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of receiving software modules and configuration data updates/upgrades for the seller application.



FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of downloading the seller application from the network-based transaction facility to a client machine.



FIGS. 12A and 12B show a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of customizing the seller application utilized to propagate transaction listings and their respective start times to a network-based transaction facility.



FIGS. 13A-13E illustrates interfaces that may be presented to a user by a network-based transaction facility so as to facilitate customization of the seller application.



FIGS. 14A and 14B show a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of defining batch text that embodies a collection of transaction listings, such as for example, listings to be published at an online store.



FIGS. 15A-15E illustrate interfaces that may be presented to a user by a network-based transaction facility so as to allow creating, editing, and deleting collections of transaction listings and of individual transaction listings.



FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate interfaces that may be presented to a user by a network-based transaction facility so as to facilitate the entry of a transaction listing description.



FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of entering a transaction listing description via a transaction listing description interface.



FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling listings, via the seller application, at a network-based transaction facility.



FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate interfaces that may be presented to a user by a network-based transaction facility so as to allow the viewing, editing, previewing and confirmation of collections of transaction listings and of individual transaction listings.



FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, of facilitating the updating/upgrading of the seller application.



FIGS. 21A-21C provide a diagrammatic representation of a database structure, as may be maintained by the database engine server of a network-based transaction facility, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 22 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exemplary form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed above, may be executed.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and system for scheduling transaction listings at a network-based transaction facility are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.


Terminology


The term “user” shall be taken to refer to any entity, human or automated, that contributes to, or participates in, a transaction, communication or process.


The term “transaction” shall be taken to include any communication or exchange between two or more parties with a view to establishing a business agreement, exchange of value or a commercial relationship. Accordingly, the word “transaction” shall be deemed to cover, but not be limited to, a purchase-and-sale transaction established as a result, for example, of the placement of an advertisement or as a result of the conclusion of an auction process, the auction process being conducted on-line or otherwise.


The term “upgrade” shall be taken to include upgrades and updates. Accordingly, the word “upgrade” shall be deemed to cover, but not be limited to, modifications to existing software modules and data elements.


The term “targeted site” shall be taken to include a site (e.g., website) targeted according to geography (e.g., continent, country, region, etc.), subject matter (e.g., Beanie Babies, baseball memorabilia, antique cars, etc.), purpose (e.g., commercial, non-profit, etc.), demographics (e.g., Spanish language, English language, etc.), etc. In fact, any combination (e.g., geography, purpose, and demographics) of the above or other criteria may be used in describing a “targeted site.”


The term “web site” shall be taken to mean a related collection of World Wide Web (WWW) files that include a beginning file called a home page. Thousands of companies and individuals have one or multiple websites. A company or an individual tells you how to get to their web site(s) by giving you a home page address. From the home page, you can get to all the other pages on the site. For example, the web site for eBay has the home page address of http://www.eBay.com. The home page address for eBay leads to many other pages. (But a web site can also be just a few pages). A very large web site may be spread over a number of servers in different geographic locations. The web sites of certain company's consist of thousands of files spread out over many servers in world-wide locations. But a more typical example is probably a web site that resides on a commercial space provider's web server with a number of other web sites, where all of the web sites may or may not have anything to do with each other.


While an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is discussed below with reference to “items”, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited. Accordingly, the word “item” shall be deemed to cover, but not be limited to, a transaction listing.


The term “data file” shall be taken to mean a collection of transaction listings. Accordingly, the phrase“data file” shall be deemed to cover, but not be limited to, a collection of transaction listings, for example, which is being propagated to a network-based transaction facility.


Transaction Facility



FIG. 1 is block diagram illustrating an exemplary network-based transaction facility 10. While an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described within the context of a network-based transaction facility 10, the invention will find application in many different types of computer-based, and network-based, facilities (commerce, transaction or otherwise).


The network-based transaction facility 10, in an exemplary embodiment, includes one or more of a number of types of front-end servers that each includes at least one Dynamic Link Library (DLL) to provide certain functionality. Page servers 12 deliver web pages (e.g., markup language documents), picture servers 14 dynamically deliver images to be displayed within Web pages, listing servers 16 facilitate category-based browsing of listings, search servers 20 that handle search requests to the network-based transaction facility 10 and facilitate keyword-based browsing of listings, and ISAPI servers 18 provide an intelligent interface to the back-end of the network-based transaction facility 10. E-mail servers 22 provide, inter alia, automated e-mail communications to users of the network-based transaction facility 10. Administrative applications(s) functions 32 facilitate monitoring, maintaining, and managing the network-based transaction facility 10. API servers 13 provide a set of functions for querying the network-based transaction facility 10. The API is a set of easy to use functions called through the HTTP transport protocol. Information is sent and received using a standard XML data format. Applications utilized to interact (e.g., upload transaction listings, review transaction listings, manage transaction listings, etc.) with the network-based transaction facility may be designed to use the API. Such applications may be an HTML form or a CGI program written in C++, Perl, Pascal, or any other programming language. The API is more fully described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/999,618, herein incorporated by reference.


The page servers 12, API servers 13, picture servers 14, ISAPI servers 18, search servers 20, e-mail servers 22 and database engine server 26 may individually, or in combination, act as a communication engine to facilitate communications between, for example, the client machine 38 and the network-based transaction facility 10. In addition, the page servers 12, API servers 13, picture servers 14, ISAPI servers 18, search servers 20, e-mail servers 22 and database engine server 26 may individually, or in combination, act as a transaction engine to facilitate transactions between, for example, the client machine 38 and the network-based transaction facility 10. Furthermore, the page servers 12, API servers 13, picture servers 14, ISAPI servers 18, search servers 20, e-mail servers 22 and database engine server 26 may individually, or in combination, act as a display engine to facilitate the display of items between, for example, the client machine 38 and the network-based transaction facility 10.


The back-end servers include a database engine server 26, a search index server 24 and a credit card database server 28, each of which maintains and facilitates access to a respective database.


The network-based transaction facility 10 may be accessed by a client program, such as for example a browser 36 (e.g., the Internet Explorer distributed by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.) that executes on a client machine 38 and accesses the network-based transaction facility 10 via a network such as, for example, the Internet 34. Other examples of networks that a client may utilize to access the network-based transaction facility 10 include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless network (e.g., a cellular network), or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) network.


Database Structure



FIG. 2 is a database diagram illustrating an exemplary database 30, maintained by and accessed via the database engine server 26, which at least partially implements and supports the network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the database engine server 26 maintains two databases 30a and 30b, a first database 30a being maintained for listing (or offering) information that is not included within a virtual “store” according to the present invention, with a second database 30b storing offering information for offerings that are presented via virtual “stores” supported by the network-based transaction facility 10. The structure of these databases 30a and 30b are substantially the same, but differ in that the tables of the “store” database 30b may include a number of additional fields to facilitate the virtual stores. A general discussion of the basic structure of a database 30 is presented below, this being applicable to both databases 30a and 30b.


The database 30 may, in one embodiment, be implemented as a relational database, and includes a number of tables having entries, or records, that are linked by indices and keys. In an alternative embodiment, the database 30 may be implemented as collection of objects in an object-oriented database.


Central to the database 30 is a user table 54, which contains a record for each user of the network-based transaction facility 10. A user may operate as a seller, buyer, or both, when utilizing the network-based transaction facility 10. The database 30 also includes items tables 60 that may be linked to the user table 54. The items tables 60 may include a seller items table 52 and a bidder items table 58. A user record in the user table 54 may be linked to multiple items that are being, or have been, listed or offered for sale via the network-based transaction facility 10. A link indicates whether the user is a seller or a bidder (or buyer) with respect to items for which records exist within the items tables 60.


The database 30 also includes one or more category tables 47. Each record within the category table 47 describes a respective category. In one embodiment, a specific category table 47 describes multiple, hierarchical category data structures, and includes multiple category records, each of which describes the context of a particular category within the one of the multiple hierarchical category structures. For example, the category table 47 may describe a number of real, or actual, categories to which item records, within the items tables 60, may be linked.


The database 30 also includes one or more attributes tables 49. Each record within an attributes table 49 describes a respective attribute. In one embodiment, a specific attributes table 49 describes multiple, hierarchical attribute data structures, and includes multiple attribute records, each of which describes the context of a particular attribute within the one of the multiple hierarchical attribute structures. For example, the attributes table 49 may describe a number of real, or actual, attributes to which item records, within the items tables 60, may be linked. Also, the attributes table 49 may describe a number of real, or actual, attributes to which categories, within the category table 47, may be linked.


The database 30 also includes a note table 46 populated with note records that may be linked to one or more item records within the items tables 60 and/or to one or more user records within the user table 54. Each note record within the note table 46 may include, inter alia, a comment, description, history or other information pertaining to an item being offered via the network-based transaction facility 10, or to a user of the network-based transaction facility 10. Also, the database 30 includes a targeted site table 67 populated with targeted site records that may be linked to one or more item records within the items tables 60 and/or to one or more user records within the user table 54.


A number of other tables are also shown to be linked to the user table 54, namely a user past aliases table 48, a feedback table 50, a feedback details table 53, a bids table 55, an accounts table 64, an account balances table 62 and a batch items table 40. To enable one embodiment of the present invention, the database 30 is also shown to include a batch table 42, a batch items table 40 and an items wait table 44. Further details regarding the database tables 40-44 are provided below.


The present invention relates to a method and system for automatically updating a seller application utilized in a network-based transaction facility 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a network-based transaction environment 67, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a client-side 35 and a server-side 71. The transaction listings 70 (e.g., offers for sale, auctions, fixed-price listings) are established on the network-based transaction facility 10, in one embodiment, via the seller application 66. The seller application 66 is utilized at a client machine 38 to assist in the communication of multiple transaction listings 70 to a network-based transaction facility 10. In one embodiment, the seller application 66 may be utilized offline or the seller application 66 may be utilized online (e.g., connected to the network-based transaction facility 10). In one embodiment, the seller application 66 is a stand alone application that executes on the client machine 38. In another embodiment, the communication of the multiple transaction listings 70 may be performed utilizing server-enabled applications, such as a web browser, or applet that executes within a web browser.


In one embodiment, the seller application 66 is installed and executed on a client computer with a view to assisting a user in propagating multiple transaction listings 70 and their respective start times to a network-based transaction facility 10. The seller application 66 thus operates as a client application, and provides a number of user interfaces and other functionality to assist a user in defining multiple transaction listings 70 in a convenient manner. The seller application 66 also operates to compose a data file (e.g., batch text 68) that includes the multiple transaction listings 70 and their associated start times, and to propagate such a data file as a single transmission to a network-based transaction facility 10. The propagating of such a single data file including multiple transaction listings 70 is a feature, that may reduce the number of interactions between a client machine 38 and the network-based transaction facility 10, and thereby reduce the amount of time that a client machine 38 has to be connected to a network (i.e., be “on-line”).


The associated start times include a different starting time for at least a portion of the plurality of transaction listings 70 in the data file. The associated start times may include a starting date and time of a first transaction listing 70 in the data file 68. In an exemplary embodiment, the start times may be staggered by a user-selectable amount of time. For example, transaction listings 70 scheduled to start at Dec. 25, 2002 at 7:00 a.m. with a user staggered time of 5 minutes selected by a user will result in the following:


the first transaction listing starting at 7:00 a.m.;


the second transaction listing starting at 7:05 a.m.;


the third transaction listing starting at 7:10 a.m.; and


the fourth transaction listing starting at 7:15 a.m.


Thus, the starting times of the four transaction listings 70 in the example are staggered by 5 minutes. In the exemplary embodiment, the user may chose numerous values with which to stagger the starting times (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour, 10 hours, 1 day, etc.). In one embodiment, the seller application 66 prevents the user from specifying associated starting times for transaction listings 70 where the associated starting times exceed a maximum advanced scheduling value. Furthermore, the seller application 66 may prevent the user from specifying an associated start time less than a minimum scheduling value. The maximum advanced scheduling value and the minimum scheduling value may be defined in terms of years, months, days, hours, minutes, or seconds defined by the network-based transaction facility 10.


As the seller application 66 is, in one exemplary embodiment, executable on the client-side 35 as a stand-alone application, it provides the feature of allowing a user to compose multiple transaction listings 70 in an “off-line” manner (e.g., without necessarily establishing any network communications or session with the network-based transaction facility 10), and then to propagate such multiple transaction listings 70 to the network-based transaction facility 10 as the above-mentioned single data file transmission.


A further feature of the client-side 35 executable seller application 66 is that it is configurable to work with multiple targeted (e.g., customized) sites. Therefore, a user may use the seller application 66 to propagate the same transaction listing 70 to multiple targeted sites (e.g., geographically-targeted sites for each of the U.S., UK, DE, etc. . . . ).


One embodiment of the present invention provides server-side facilitated viewing, editing and confirmation of multiple transaction listings 70 by a user, and also the committing of such multiple transaction listings 70 to an active state to initiate multiple transaction processes facilitated by the network-based transaction facility 10.


Referring back to FIG. 3, the environment includes a client-side 35 and a server-side 71. On the client-side 35, a client machine 38 (e.g., a personal computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, set-top box, or any other networked device) is shown to host the seller application 66, and a browser application 36. While the seller application 66 and browser application 36 are illustrated as being separate, the browser application 36 may be configured to work as the seller application 66, for example through the retrieval of HTML pages from the server-side 36 or through execution of an applet. The client machine 38 is coupled to a network in the exemplary form of the Internet 34, or any Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN).


The seller application 66, in one embodiment, presents a number of user interfaces to a user for the purposes of harvesting multiple transaction listings 70. The seller application 66 further composes batch text 68 that embodies the multiple transaction listings 70 inputted via the multiple interfaces. The seller application 66 then communicates the batch text 68 to the network-based transaction facility 10 in accordance with the network-based transaction facility API. In an alternative embodiment, the seller application 66 interacts with an email application 69 to compose an electronic mail (e-mail) message that embodies the batch text 68. The batch text 68 is communicated to the network-based transaction facility 10 by the email application 69 as an email message. Specifically, the email application 69 utilizes any one of a number of electronic e-mail or messaging protocols (e.g., Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP)) to communicate the email message over the Internet 34. It will of course be appreciated, in alternative embodiments, that any one of a number of other protocols (e.g., the File Transport Protocol (FTP)) may be utilized.


Turning to the server-side 71, the network-based transaction facility 10 is shown to execute a transaction application 73 that includes a communicator module 75, a parser module 76, an upgrade control module 77, a scheduler module 80, and a publisher module 82.


The communicator module 75 including the parser module 76 is to receive a data file 68 from the seller application 66 executed at a client machine 38, the data file 68 including a plurality of transaction listings 70 and respective associated start times. The parser module 76 operates to parse received multiple transaction listings 70 from the batch text 68. The parser module 76 may also perform various format, content and verification operations. The parser module 76 then populates the items wait table 44, as maintained by the database engine server 26, with the extracted transaction listings 70. The scheduler module 80 schedules publication of the plurality of transaction listings 70 according to their respective associated start times. From the items wait table 44, the transaction listings 70 are transferred to the live items table 60 according to their scheduled listing time, in the manner described below. The publisher module 82 publishes each of the plurality of transaction listings 70 at the network-based transaction facility 10 according to their associated start times.


In one embodiment, the communicator module 75 verifies user login information supplied by the seller application 66 with a connection request. The verification occurs before receiving the batch text 68. Upon verifying the user login information, the communicator module 75 provides user information received to the upgrade control module 77. The upgrade control module 77 determines if the seller application 66 requires any updates/upgrades. Such updates/upgrades, may include but are not limited to software components (e.g., main module) or data elements (e.g., category updates, attributes updates, etc.).


The transaction application 73 further encompasses the page server 12, which in one exemplary embodiment, includes an Internet Server Application Program Interface (ISAPI) 18 where the page server 12 comprises the Internet Information Server, a web server developed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. In an alternative embodiment, the page server 12 may execute a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program. The page server 12 operates dynamically to generate markup language documents (e.g., web pages) utilizing content retrieved from the database engine server 26, and to communicate such markup language documents via the Internet 34 to the seller application 66 for viewing utilizing the browser application 36. In one embodiment, the page server 12 serves up a reviewer page 72, embodying a list of multiple transaction listings 70 successfully extracted by the parser module 76 from the list of transaction listings 70 for display within the browser application 36. This is done for the purposes of allowing a user to view, edit, and confirm such transaction listings 70 before they are communicated to the live items table 60 from the items wait table 44.


Basic Architecture of the Seller Application


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 architecture includes three layers. The three layers include the GUI layer, the data objects layer, and the communication and database layer. The GUI layer's modules handle all interaction with the user and all management of resource files. The data objects layer contains data objects that contain targeted site data. The data objects layer encapsulates XML parsing of the targeted site data as well as database access, easing GUI development. The communication and database layer provide simplified interfaces to the rest of the seller application 66. An upgrade manager (e.g., upgrade module explained below) is provided for keeping the three layers of the seller application 66 up-to-date. This involves managing several types of data elements (e.g., category data) and components (e.g., modules). The upgrade manager is explained further below.



FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary seller application 66. In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 facilitates propagating a plurality of transaction listings 70 to a network-based transaction facility 10.


Seller Application Components


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 includes a main module 84, resource modules 81, a data objects module 83, a create/edit transaction listing module 85, targeted site resource modules 87, targeted site configuration files 86, a communication module 95, a data storage module 89, an import engine module 91, an upgrade manager module 92, a helper module 93, user independent databases 94, the seller application database 97 and a configuration and registration module 96. The create/edit transaction listing module 85 includes an interface module 88 and a composer module 90.


Composition of the Seller Application


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 is built primarily using Microsoft standard libraries and components. The main executable and the GUI (graphical user interface) based components use MFC (Microsoft Foundation Classes). MFC is a large library of C++ classes developed by Microsoft. MFC is bundled with several C++ compilers and is also available as part of the Microsoft Developer's Network (MSDN).


In the exemplary embodiment, the communication and database layer uses OLEDB (OLE Data Base) and the Jet Engine. OLEDB is a programming interface for data access from Microsoft. Applications may use OLEDB to access data sources directly or they can use OLEDB to call ODBC to access ODBC databases. Jet (Joint Engine Technology) engine is the database engine used in Microsoft Access and it accompanies Visual Basic and C++. Jet is typically used for storing data in the client machine. Developers using Access and Visual Basic access Jet via the DAO/Jet interface, which is a COM object.


In the exemplary embodiment, Microsoft components are utilized since many are already installed on many client machines 28. For example, by requiring that a user of the seller application 66 have installed Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, there is reasonable certainty that the necessary version of the Jet Engine is available. In the exemplary embodiment, third party tools may be utilized for STL and XML parsing.


Multi-User and Security in the Seller Application


In the exemplary embodiment, a multi-user environment is supported by using a separate DB (database) for each user's preferences. When the user logs on, the database file for that user will be used. Password protection (e.g., Microsoft Access) is used to secure these user database files. The text fields of the user database may also be encrypted in a way that does not affect performance, but may prevent curious users from hacking the tables.


Some user-independent settings are kept in the seller application database 97 (e.g., site specific data). In the exemplary embodiment, there is only one seller application database 97. The seller application database 97 is always opened by the seller application 66 regardless of which user logs in. The seller application database 97 contains a mapping from the network-based transaction facility user ID to the user independent database filename for that user, so the user independent database filenames do not indicate the network-based transaction facility user ID. This schema allows users to change their network-based transaction facility ID and keep using their existing user independent database 94. That way, if a user does change their ID and/or password, they will not lose saved items.


Adaptability of the Seller Application


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 is adaptable for use with targeted (e.g., geographically or otherwise targeted) sites. Seller application strings are stored in resource modules 81. The resource modules 81 consist of DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries). The seller application strings are the strings for the seller application 66 language (e.g., primary language), which are distinguished from strings that appear in the targeted site language.


The user may choose the primary language that they want to work with and optionally install other seller application 66 language versions. In the exemplary embodiment, switching primary languages requires a restart. The primary language may be different than the language of the targeted site with which the user is communicating.


In the exemplary embodiment, the primary language utilized by the seller application 66 is translated into the language of the targeted site with which the user intends to communicate. The translation may occur at the seller application 66 off-line or at the network-based transaction facility 10 while the seller application 66 is connected to the network-based transaction facility 10.


The targeted site language is the language and locale conventions used at a particular targeted site. The collections of strings for the targeted site language are also stored in the targeted site resource module 87. The targeted site resource modules 87 may consist of DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries). In the exemplary embodiment, the targeted site data provided by the collection of strings associated with the targeted site language can be switched during execution to allow users to list items on multiple targeted sites without restarting the seller application 66. To accomplish the switching of a targeted site language, a targeted site resource module 87 should contain the correct collection of strings for the targeted site's language.


In addition to the targeted site-specific translations of strings, these targeted resource module 87 can also contain targeted site-specific dialog layout variations, which would make it possible for user interfaces utilized in the process of creating transaction listings 70 to differ in appearance for different targeted sites. This offers user and designer flexibility while minimizing the amount of site-specific code needed to facilitate the process of creating transaction listings 70.


In the exemplary embodiment, there is some targeted site-specific XML configuration data that contains updateable values (e.g., categories, attributes, valid formats, etc.). If this configuration data is modified for targeted sites configured to work with the seller application 66, then the seller application 66 should be updated to reflect such modification. In the exemplary embodiment, modifiable targeted site-specific data may be stored within targeted site resource module 87 or XML files. The most current XML data is kept in the seller application database 97.


Upgradability of the Seller Application


The seller application 66 is designed to allow upgrades of both data elements and application modules. The upgrade manager module 92 and helper module 93 are utilized to facilitate such upgrades. Data elements are expected to change frequently. Data elements are acquired via existing API calls to the network-based transaction facility 10. Upgrading data elements gives the seller application 66 the latest set of categories, attributes, and targeted site-specific constants (e.g., trading limits, publication durations, payment options, fee schedule, etc.). In the exemplary embodiment, the targeted site config file 86 is used to store targeted site data elements.


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 modules may be upgraded far less frequently than data elements. Upgrading the seller application 66 modules provides the latest set of the seller application 66 and targeted site language translations, computed rules (i.e., rules that relate user data to targeted site data), and targeted site-specific dialog layout.


In the exemplary embodiment, all of the seller application 66 modules are upgradeable, even the main module 84. Upgrading of the modules is accomplished using a helper module 93. After the download of new components, a helper script is generated that instructs the helper module 93 to replace the seller application 66 modules with the new versions of the seller application 66 modules. Whenever the seller application 66 is executed, this helper module 93 determines if there are possible file replacements to do before launching the main module 84.


In the exemplary embodiment, to support minimal upgrades, a versioning mechanism is used to compare available versions of data elements and the seller application 66 modules at the network-based transaction facility 10 against the versions of the installed elements and modules of the seller application 66. Upgrades only attempt to download the seller application 66 modules and/or data elements that have changed. The downloaded data may be compressed to shorten transfer times. Allowing both code and data to be updated is a feature that maximizes the upgradability of the seller application 66.


In one embodiment, the network-based transaction facility 10 recognizes that the seller application 66 has been enabled to support a targeted site for which support has not yet been downloaded and installed. Upon recognizing that such support has not been downloaded and installed, the network-based transaction facility 10 downloads the targeted site's required support (e.g., data elements, the seller application 66 module updates).


Main Module


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 main module 84 will provide a MFC shell for all UI elements, which are displayed using the current application language (e.g., menu, toolbar, folders, inventory and listings view). The main module 84 is a starting point for the seller application 66. All program flows and actions begin and end in the main module 84 regardless of whether they were initiated programmatically or by a user.


At startup, the main module 84 dynamically loads a resource module 81 based on the user's current application language setting. This setting is stored in the user independent database 94. To change the application language, the user is required to restart the seller application 66 in order for the change to be recognized. In an alternative embodiment, the application language may be changed without restarting the seller application 66.


In the exemplary embodiment, the main module 84 is also responsible for controlling the security of the seller application 66 by requiring the user to enter a password and connecting only to the user independent database 94 associated with that user. The seller application 66 allows only one user independent database 94 to be used at a time. To use a different user ID, the user must select another user ID, and enter the password for that user ID. Alternatively, one could exit and run the program again to log on as another user.


The user ID and password used to logon to the seller application 66 may be the same user ID and password configured for the user at the network-based transaction facility 10. If the user changes his ID and/or password on the network-based transaction facility 10 without updating the seller application 66, then future attempts to communicate with the network-based transaction facility 10 may fail. An error message indicating a login failure will be provided to the user.


In the exemplary embodiment, the main module 84 allows only one instance of the seller application 66 to execute on the user system at a time. If the user tries to execute a second copy, the first executing instance is activated (e.g., a window is restored and brought to the top of the desktop). In an alternative embodiment, multiple seller applications 66 may execute on a user's system at the same time.


When creating/editing new transaction listings 70, the main module 84 calls the create transaction listing module 85. In the exemplary embodiment, the main module 84 is a single threaded application and it dynamically loads the rest of the modules on demand.


The Seller Application Language Resource Module


In the exemplary embodiment, the resource module 81 provides the ability to change the seller application 66 language without any code change. In addition, the resource module 81 allow for the addition of new seller application 66 languages with minimum installation time and effort. Each resource module 81 contains a complete set of resources for one language. These resources include dialog templates, menus, icons and language strings.


As explained above, a resource module 81 is loaded by the main module 84 when the seller application 66 starts. The default seller application 66 language is set when the seller application 66 is installed and it matches the language of the network-based transaction facility 10 targeted site (e.g., geographic) from which the seller application 66 was obtained. Additional languages may be installed from the network-based transaction facility 10.


In the exemplary embodiment, each resource module 81 contains a full set of all resources for the main module including:


String table


Dialog resources


Application icons, bitmaps, etc.


The resource module 81 may follow a naming convention so that the seller application 66 knows which resource module 81 contains which language (e.g., res001.DLL is US English, res002.DLL is German, res003 is . . . , etc.).


Data Objects Module


In the exemplary embodiment, the data objects module 83 provides a DB independent data model to the seller application 66 for Categories, Domains, Attributes, Items, and Sites. The data objects module 83 may consist of a DLL (Dynamic Link Library).


Data objects included in the data objects module 83 provide the seller application 66 with data-store independent access to data in the seller application database 97. Data objects can encapsulate XML parsing when the data involved contains XML strings, providing the clients with C++ accessor functions for data fields. If the client requires the underlying XML, the data object module 83 may provide it.


There may be data objects for category, domain, attributes, and site data. In the exemplary embodiment, data objects are created with a factory function that is exported by the DLL that contains the implementation code for the data objects. A factory function returns a pointer to an interface supported by the data object. The supported interfaces are defined in a header file that is included by any client code that requires it.


Create/Edit Transaction Listing Module


In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 create/edit transaction listing module 85 displays all UI (user interface) elements in the targeted site's language. The create/edit transaction listing module 85 is configurable to show the right set of SYI fields/attributes/fees etc per targeted site. One feature provided by the create/edit transaction listing module 85 is encapsulating item-related knowledge and logic in a single module to minimize the size of the future updates. Another feature is providing site language independent implementation to allow creation of transaction listings 70 for the different targeted sites utilizing the seller application 66 language. The create/edit transaction listing module 85 includes an interface module 88 and a composer module 90. The interface module 88 presents an input interface to a user to receive a plurality of transaction listings 70, each of the plurality of transaction listings 70 including a respective associated start time. The composer module 90 may automatically compose a data file including the plurality of transaction listings 70 received by the interface module 88. The communication module 95 propagates the data file created by the composer module 90 from the client computer to the network-based transaction facility 10.


Targeted Site Resource Module


In the exemplary embodiment, targeted site resource modules 87 are provided. Similar to the resource module 81, the targeted site resource module 87 includes resources for just one language. Every time the user creates a new transaction listing 70 or edits an existing transaction listing 70, the create/edit transaction listing module 85 loads the appropriate targeted site resource module 87. The targeted site resource module 87 contains dialog templates, icons, and language strings.


The targeted site resource module 87 may also include targeted site dependent code. For example, code related to computations specific to the targeted sites currency. During installation of the seller application 66, one targeted site resource module 87 is provided to the seller application 66. This targeted site resource module 87 matches the default language of the installation. The default language is the language of the targeted site from which the seller application 66 was downloaded. Other targeted site resource modules 87 may be downloaded from the network-based transaction facility 10 if the user would like to list on multiple targeted sites.


A feature provided by the targeted site resource module 87 is providing language differences in targeted sites as opposed to burdening the create/edit transaction listing module 85 or main module 84 with that responsibility. Another feature provided by the targeted site resource module 87 is the ability to switch targeted sites easily without restarting the seller application 66. A further additional feature of the targeted site resource module 87 is the ability to configure the seller application 66 to work with additional targeted sites easily (i.e., without altering create transaction listing module 85).


In the exemplary embodiment, each targeted site resource module 87 contains a complete set of dialog resources utilized by the create/edit transaction listing module 85 for that targeted site. Most of the information in the targeted site resource module 87 change infrequently. Therefore, data elements that are expected to change often are downloaded via a different mechanism (XML files) and the targeted site resource module 87 is only downloaded when required due to a changed dialog layout, or changed translation.


Communication Module


In the exemplary embodiment, the communication module 95 provides connectivity to the network-based transaction facility 10. Its services are used during several phases of the seller application 66 operation including checking versions of site data, checking software module versions, download of software modules, download of site data, and the propagating of transaction listings 70 to the network-based transaction facility 10.


The communication module 95 encapsulates formatting of standard elements in API requests. The communication module 95 also provides a generic request/response function to be used for common tasks such as for example getting version information, downloading software modules, downloading data elements, downloading all other miscellaneous data related to a targeted site, and creating new transaction listings 70.


Data Storage Module


The data storage module 89 manages access to and from the user independent databases 94. The data to be accessed includes user item listings, user settings, and application wide data.


The data storage module 89 manages database access to the local on-disk storage for both user files and applications wide data. This data may be stored in two types of files: one application database file (e.g., the seller application database 97) and one user database file (e.g., user independent database 94) for each user that is created.


The seller application database 97 contains tables for the seller application 66 settings, available categories for listings, and categories attributes. In the case of categories and attributes tables, fields are created only for important fields and fields that need to be indexed. Otherwise data is stored in XML blobs.


The user independent database 94 contains tables for user settings and for items. Again, fields are created only for important fields and fields that need to be indexed. Otherwise data is stored in XML blobs.


Import Engine Module


The import engine module 91 provides for the ability to import transaction listings 70 from applications other than the seller application 66.


Upgrade Manager Module


The upgrade manager module 92 is used to keep the seller application 66 up-to-date, which involves managing several types of data and components:


Application components


EXEs, DLLs, etc.


Site configuration data


Categories


Attributes


options, restrictions, etc.


User configuration data


Store info


Trading limits


Payment address


etc.


In the exemplary embodiment, the most current data and components may be found at the network-based transaction facility 10 and it is the seller application's 66 responsibility to perform any required updates before propagating transaction listings 70 to the network-based transaction facility 10.


The network-based transaction facility 10 may have updated versions of data but the update might not be required. In this situation, the user is made aware of the optional update and is given the option to not to receive the update.


Also, the network-based transaction facility 10 may have updated versions of more than one type of data for the seller application 66. Some of the updates may be required and some may not. In the exemplary embodiment if any available updates are required, all available updates are downloaded. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, if the user chooses to perform an optional upgrade, all available updated data and modules are downloaded and applied. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, compression may be utilized to expedite the transfer of updates from the network-based transaction facility 10 to the seller application 66.


Each upgradeable file has an associated version. The version includes the file name, major version, minor version, and timestamp. The seller application 66 may be summarized by an array of version objects. In one embodiment, the following is a summary of the versionable files:


seller application component files


seller_application.exe


Helper.exe


CreateTransactionListing.dll


Res001.dll


seller_application data files


Site001.xml (contains categories, domains, fees, options, etc.)


User003.xml


A “version string” is an XML element with fields for the version components major, minor, timestamp, filename, and upgrade requirements. These elements can be concatenated together to describe the entire system version. The following is an example of an exemplary version string:














<SELLERAPP_FILE_VERSION>









<FILENAME>RES001.DLL<FILENAME>



<MAJOR>1<MAJOR>



<MINOR>8<M1NOR>



<TIMESTAMP>030802:22:01:01<TIMESTAMP>



<MINIMUM_VERSION_REQUIRED>









<MAJOR>1</MAJOR>



<MINOR>7</MINOR>









</MINIMUM_VERSION_REQUIRED>



// optional



<FILE_URL>http://www.ebay.comfiles/sellerapp/res001.dll.gzip









</FILE_URL>









<INSTALLED/>







</SELLERAPP_FILE_VERSION>









In the exemplary embodiment, a version comparison of files at the seller application 66 and the network-based transaction facility 10 is utilized in determining if updates to the seller application 66 modules or the data elements are required. The MINIMUM_VERSION_REQUIRED fields are used to version files at the network-based transaction facility 10. If a user's seller application 66 version is lower than (or older than) the minimum version required, then the update is required. If the user's seller application 66 version is equal or greater than (or newer than) the minimum version required, then the upgrade of this file is optional.


In the exemplary embodiment, the user may reject either optional or required updates. However, if updates are required and the user refuses to accept them, the user may be limited in future communications with the network-based transaction facility 10. For example, if a user refuses to accept required updates for a targeted site config file 86 (e.g., category updates), then that user may not be allowed to propagate transaction listings 70 to the network-based transaction facility 10 for the targeted site.



FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of adapting (i.e., customizing) the seller application 66 for use with a targeted site. The exemplary seller application 66 facilitates communication of listings to a network-based transaction facility 10. In one exemplary embodiment, a network-based transaction facility 10 supports multiple targeted sites (e.g., web sites). In an alternative exemplary embodiment a network-based transaction facility 10 supports one targeted site.


Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram 130 of an exemplary seller application 66 communicating with multiple web sites is provide. The seller application 66 may work with one web site (e.g., 132) or multiple web sites (e.g., 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140). Furthermore, the seller application 66 may work with web sites belonging to one network-based transaction facility 10 (e.g., 142) or the seller application 66 may work with multiple web sites (e.g., 132, 134, 140) all belonging to separate network-based transaction facilities 10 (142, 144, and 146). For example, the seller application 66 may work with both the www.facility3.us 142 web site and the www.facility2.jp web site 138. In the exemplary embodiment the seller application 66 may work with a broad range of web sites (e.g., commercial, educational, charitable, political, entertainment oriented, etc. . . . ). In one embodiment, the seller application 66 may be configured to work only with web sites, which belong to a specific network-based transaction facility 10.


Returning to FIG. 5, in the exemplary method 100, the seller application 66 is utilized by a user at a client machine 38 for propagating transaction listings 70 to a network-based transaction facility 10. The method 100 commences at block 102 at a user request to access the network-based transaction facility 10. At block 104 the user's identity is verified. In order to access the network-based transaction facility 10 via the seller application 66, the user must have previously obtained login information (e.g., UserID and Password). At block 106 the user is identified as a first time user.


The user identified as a first time user is requested to enter information including but not limited to a billing address, a personal address, a payment address, and the regional or demographic-specific sites at which the user wishes to list items (e.g., to propagate transaction listings 70). At block 108 the user selects the targeted sites at which to list items from a plurality of targeted sites presented to the user. In one embodiment, a targeted site may represent multiple countries. The user may select the targeted site preferences offline. Such offline selections become effective when the user connects to the network-based transaction facility 10 and the selections are recognized.


At block 110, the user's seller application 66 is configured (e.g., set up) so that it may communicate with the targeted sites selected. In the exemplary embodiment, such configuration comprises enabling the seller application 66 to utilize each targeted site's currency when working with currency related fields for each of the targeted sites. That is, where relevant, operations involving currency are in the currency type of the targeted sites selected. Such operations include inputting currency values, displaying currency value, and calculating currency values. Configuration further may include preventing the propagation of certain transaction listings 70 (e.g., alcohol or tobacco at commercial web site serving teenagers). In the exemplary embodiment, configuration may further include providing the seller application 66 with category and attribute options available at, or specific to, the targeted site selected. Moreover, the exemplary embodiment configures the seller application 66 to work in the designated corresponding language of the targeted site selected. Configuration of the seller application 66 may further include but is not limited to providing the available format types (e.g. Auction, Store Items (fixed-price), etc.), reserve price options, payment options, shipping options, checkout options, picture service options, and options related to fees for each transaction listing 70.



FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 120, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling listings, via the seller application 66, at the network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary method 120, the seller application 66 is utilized by a user at a client machine for propagating transaction listings 70 and their respective listing times to a network-based transaction facility 10. The respective listing time is the date and time at which a transaction listing 70 is published by a network-based transaction facility 10 on a website. This may include but is not limited to transaction listings 70 to be sold, auctioned, bartered, given away, or displayed. At block 122 a user interface for receiving a plurality of transaction listings 70 and their respective associated start times at the seller application 66 is presented to the user. At block 124 batch text 68 (e.g., data file) is composed at the seller application 66 to include the plurality of transaction listings 70 and their respective start times. At block 126, the batch text created in block 124 is propagated to the network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the user may include multiple transaction listings 70 in the batch text 68, each including their respective start times. In the exemplary embodiment the user creates the batch text 68 while working offline. However, in alternative embodiments, the user may be connected to the network-based transaction facility 10 and enter each transaction listing 70 directly into the network-based transaction facility 10, via the seller application 66.



FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 150, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling the listing of transaction listings 70 at a network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary method 150, transaction listing(s) 70 are provided to the network-based transaction facility 10 from a user, via the seller application 66. The user may provide the transaction listing(s) 70 within a data file communicated via the seller application 66 to the network-based transaction facility 10. At block 152, the transaction listings 70 and their respective start times are received by the network-based transaction facility 10. At block 154, the network-based transaction facility 10 schedules the publication of each transaction listing 70 according to each of the transaction listings respective associated start time. At block 156, the transaction listings 70 are published according to the schedule devised in block 154.



FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method 160, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of entering a transaction listing 70 description via a transaction listing 70 description interface. In the exemplary method 160, the seller application 66 is utilized by a user at a client machine for propagating transaction listings 70 and their respective listing times to a network-based transaction facility 10. At block 162 the user indicates a desire to enter a new transaction listing 70. At block 164 the user is prompted to enter the transaction listing's 70 description via a transaction listing description interface (i.e., “WYSIWYG interface”). The transaction listing description interface may also be known as a custom input screen. In the exemplary embodiment, the WYSIWYG interface includes a first compose user interface via which text can be input and graphics selected to be included in a transaction listing 70. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the WYSIWYG interface includes a second preview user interface to present a preview of the transaction listing 70 as it will be presented at the network-based transaction facility 10. In one embodiment, the WYSIWYG interface includes a third compose user interface to present the transaction listing 70 in a descriptor language (e.g., HTML) which the user may modify. At block 166 the user completes and saves the transaction listing 70.



FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 170, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of facilitating the updating/upgrading of the seller application 66. In the exemplary method 170, at block 172, the network-based transaction facility 10 receives a user request to connect. The request is entered via the seller application 66. At block 174, the requestor login information is received and verified. In one embodiment verification includes verifying the UserID and Login. In an alternative embodiment verification further includes verifying user status. For example, if the user is suspended from listing transaction listings 70 at the network-based transaction facility 10 access may be denied. At block 176, upon verification, the network-based transaction facility 10 downloads updates/upgrades to the seller application 66. Before the network-based transaction facility 10 downloads updates/upgrades to the seller application 66, a determination as to whether updates/upgrades exist for the seller application 66, if so, then such existing updates/upgrades are downloaded to the seller application 66. In the exemplary embodiment, updates/upgrades include, for example, category updates, attributes updates, program information updates and version upgrades. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, updates/upgrades may only be downloaded to the seller application 66 if automatic updating is enabled at the seller application 66. At block 178, the seller application 66 updates/upgrades automatically install at the client machine upon being received.



FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method 180, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of downloading the seller application 66 from the network-based transaction facility 10 to a client machine 38.


At block 182, the network-based transaction facility 10 receives a request to download the seller application 66. In one embodiment, this request may be received by user-selection of a hypertext link, or other location identifier, presented to the user within the context of a markup language document displayed by the browser application 36.


At block 184, the network-based transaction facility 10 further receives the requesting user's identifier. The user identifier is provided by the user via an interface, for example, presented to the user in the form of a markup language document displayed by the browser application 36.


At decision block 186, a determination is made by the network-based transaction facility 10 as to whether the requesting user maintains credit card details with the network-based transaction facility 10. Specifically, should the requesting user be a registered user of the network-based transaction facility 10, the network-based transaction facility 10 may during a registration process request the relevant user to provide details of a valid credit card.


At decision block 188, a determination is made by the network-based transaction facility 10 as to whether a negative feedback rating for the requesting user exceeds a predetermined minimum. Specifically, in one embodiment, the network-based transaction facility 10 provides a feedback mechanism by which users may provide feedback regarding other users with which they have transacted. Such a feedback mechanism is useful for establishing trust between users of the network-based transaction facility 10, and also provides an indication of the trustworthiness and reliability of the user.


At decision block 190, a determination is made as to whether the requested user has been a registered user of the network-based transaction facility 10 for a predetermined time period. For example, should the requesting user have only been a registered user for a number of hours, or less than a week, insufficient time may have passed to establish the credibility, trustworthiness and reliability of the requesting user. Further, a user seeking to perpetrate a fraud utilizing the network-based transaction facility 10 may register under an alias for the specific purposes of perpetrating such a fraud. The check performed at block 190 seeks to reduce access to the seller application 66 by a user who has not been registered for a sufficient period of time so as to increase the probability of the detection of a fraudulent registration.


Following a negative determination at any one of decision blocks 186, 188 or 190, the method 180 denies the download request at block 194. On the other hand, following positive determinations at each of decision blocks 186, 188 and 190, the network-based transaction facility 10, at block 192, proceeds to download the seller application 66 to the client machine 38 via the internet 34. The method 180 then terminates at block 196.



FIGS. 12A and 12B are a detailed flow chart illustrating detailed method 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of customizing (or configuring) the seller application 66 utilized to propagate transaction listings 70 and their respective start times to a network-based transaction facility 10.


Through customizing the seller application 66, a user may utilize the seller application 66 to list transaction listings 70 at multiple targeted sites (e.g., geographically targeted sites for each of the US, Germany, UK, etc. . . . ). The default display language of the seller application 66 may match the local language of the targeted site from which it was downloaded. The user interfaces provided to create and edit transaction listings 70 for a specific targeted site displays in a customized manner (e.g., in the targeted site's local language). For example, if a user downloads the seller application 66 from the network-based transaction facility's 10 Germany site, the user interface may be presented in German. In a further example, if a user chose to create an item to be listed at the Taiwan targeted site, the Create transaction listing 70 flow (i.e., series of user interfaces presented) would display in Chinese. If the user wanted to edit that item later, the Edit Item panel text would display in Chinese.


If the seller application 66 needs to display text in a language that the user does not have a font pack installed for, the user is prompted to download or install that font pack from the network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the font pack is automatically downloaded and installed when the user notifies the network-based transaction facility 10, via the seller application 66, that it would like to list at a targeted site for which a unique font pack is required. The seller application 66 allows the addition of additional targeted site(s). The ability to utilize additional targeted sites requires the user selecting the additional targeted sites, the network-based transaction facility 10 downloading any required software module and data elements to the user's seller application, installing the software and data elements, and configuring the seller application 66 to utilize the newly installed software and data elements. The user may select additional targeted sites from the seller application 66 while working offline or while connected to the network-based transaction facility 10.


The content is displayed for the user in a customized manner, for example, in the current language configured for the seller application 66. The content displayed online (e.g., at the targeted site) is in the local language of the current targeted site. In the exemplary embodiment, dates displayed at the seller application 66 appear in the format that corresponds with the current targeted site selected. In an alternative embodiment, the dates displayed at the seller application 66 appear in the language selected by the user at the seller application 66.


The seller application 66 may support site-specific transaction parameters, such as trading limits. For example, targeted sites may have trading limits implemented. Trading limits are a preset amount, varying by site, of fees a seller may accrue without having a credit card on file. If a seller has placed his/her credit card information on file for automatic monthly billing, the network-based transaction facility 10 allows the seller unlimited listing, assuming the credit card information is valid. Otherwise, when the trading limit is reached the seller may be unable to list any new items until a payment is made to bring the balance of the account below the trading limit or a credit card number is placed on the account.


The network-based transaction facility 10 performs a trading limit check when a user attempts to send transaction listing(s) 70 in batch text 68 via seller application 66. If the fees corresponding to a transaction listing 70 to be published at the network-based transaction facility 10 would cause the user to exceed their trading limit, the network-based transaction facility 10 may not allow the transaction listing(s) 70 to be propagated. In the exemplary embodiment, if the trading limit is exceeded before all transaction listings 70 in batch text 68 are read, the network-based transaction facility 10 accepts all transaction listings 70 read before the trading limit was exceeded.


The trading limit check applies to the targeted site of registration for a user. For example, if a targeted site (e.g., German transaction site) has trading limits, the trading limit check for is performed every time a user registered with the German transaction site attempts to send items to the network-based transaction facility 10, regardless of the targeted site to which they are submitting their listings.


When a particular targeted site is chosen, the country's corresponding currency is utilized by the seller application 66. For example, when the U.S. targeted site is selected, all fees display in US$. In an alternative embodiment, the seller application 66 utilizes currencies from multiple countries. For example, in the alternative embodiment, when the U.S. targeted site is selected, all fees display in U.S. currency and Canadian currency. In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 recognizes and applies formatting unique to the particular targeted site with which the user has selected. As an example, for Germany and Taiwan, currency fields may only allow whole numbers. Also, US, AU, CA, UK include a decimal separator (for cents). In addition, France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium(France), and Belgium(Netherlands) have a comma separator (for cents). Moreover, Netherlands and Belgium(Netherlands) have a comma separator for “Buy It Now” (BIN) and Reserve Price, but only allow whole numbers for minimum Bid.


Referring back to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the method 200 commences at block 202 where a user starts the seller application 66. The method 200 progresses to block 204, where the seller application 66 present a welcome screen 250, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 13A. The welcome screen 250 provides the option to exit 252, open a sample file 254, create a new file 256, or open a sample file 258. In the exemplary embodiment, upon selecting one of options 252-258, the “next” button 260 is selected to initiate the option selection. In an alternative embodiment, options 252-258 are initiated automatically upon their selection.


If open a sample file 254 is chosen, the method 200 progresses to block 206, where the user is presented with a sample screen of transaction listings 70. However, if create a new file 256 is chosen, the method 200 progresses to block 210, where the process of entering transaction listings 70 into a collection (e.g., batch text 68) is initiated.


On the other hand, if open an existing file 258 is chosen, the method 200 progresses to block 208, where the process of opening an existing collection (e.g., batch text 68) is initiated.


In the exemplary embodiment, if create a new file 256 is chosen at block 210, then the method 200 progresses to block 212, where the seller application 66 presents a login interface 262, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 13B. A userid 264 and password 266 are requested at login interface 262. The login interface 262 includes a checkbox 268 to notify the network-based transaction facility 10 of a desire to use the seller application 66 with multiple targeted or customized sites. In the exemplary embodiment, the userid and password must be obtained in advance of the user creating a new file. In an alternative embodiment, the user may obtain a userid and password upon connecting to the network-based transaction facility 10.


At block 214, the user issues a request to connect with the network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary embodiment, to connect with the network-based transaction facility 10 the next button 270 from login interface 262 is selected after entering a userid and password. The method 200 then progresses to block 216, where the seller application 66 presents a connection interface 272, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 13C.


At block 216, the userid and password are verified upon selection of the “connect now” 274 button in connection interface 272. If the network-based transaction facility 10 is unable to verify the userid and password, the user is requested to reenter the userid and password at login interface 262.


After verification at block 216, the method 200 progresses to block 218, where the seller application 66 presents personal information interface 276, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 13D. Such personal information is utilized to identify the user, ensure security, and facilitate the transaction process between users accessing the network-based transaction facility 10. The user information may be used to populate user preference fields (e.g., payment address and transaction listing's location) and to determine the user default targeted site. In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 includes a default targeted site. In the embodiment, the default targeted site is the site from which the user downloaded the seller application 66. However, the user may edit the default targeted site.


At block 220, a determination as to whether the user would like to use the seller application 66 at multiple targeted sites. Following a negative determination at block 220, the seller application 66 is configured at block 222 to work only with the targeted site (e.g., U.S.) from which it was downloaded. In one embodiment, to configure the seller application 66 includes configuring the seller application 66 to communicate with the network-based transaction facility 10 according to conventions associated with the targeted site selected. Also, in 42 one embodiment, to configure the seller application 66 includes configuring the seller application 66 to present information to the user in a manner consistent with the conventions associated with the targeted site selected. On the other hand, following a positive determination at block 220, the method 200 progresses to block 224, where the seller application 66 presents targeted site interface 280, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 13E.


At block 224, multiple targeted sites to be utilized by the seller application 66 may be selected. In the exemplary embodiment, targeted site interface 280 presents the available targeted sites. It will be appreciated that other targeted sites may define more or less than a targeted site or any other attribute by which a targeted site is distinguished. For example, with regards to targeted sites distinguished by country name, a targeted site may define more than one country (e.g., continent), less than a country (e.g., region of a country, state, territory, province, etc. . . . ). The user may select a targeted site by selecting a checkbox next to the desired targeted site. Multiple targeted sites may be selected. In an alternative embodiment, the user may select targeted sites by scrolling down a list and highlighting desired targeted sites.


At block 226, configuration information corresponding to the targeted sites selected at block 224 is transmitted from the network-based transaction facility 10 to the seller application 66. At block 228, the seller application 66 is automatically configured with the information downloaded at block 226. In the exemplary embodiment, configuration of the seller application may include providing software module updates, category updates, attribute updates, targeted site language updates, primary language updates, miscellaneous software miscellaneous data elements, etc. . . . . Upon completion of the configuration at block 228, the seller application 66 is available to propagate transaction listings 70 and their respective start times to each of the targeted sites selected at block 224. The method 200 concludes at block 230.



FIGS. 14A and 14B show a detailed flow chart illustrating a method 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling transaction listings 70, via the seller application 66, at the network-based transaction facility 10. In one embodiment, the method 300 is performed at the client-side 35 by the stand-alone, executable the seller application 66. In alternative embodiments, the method 300 may be executed by a client-side 35 executable, such as a Java applet or an ActiveX control, that executes when the context of a browser application. Intelligence resides and executes on the client-side 35 to facilitate the convenient entry of multiple transaction listings 70 by, for example, providing templates that allow for a user to define repetitive content across multiple transaction listings 70. This avoids requiring repetitive entry for each transaction listing 70. Further, the method 300 introduces client-side 35 functionality to perform a verification operation on inputted data to check for allowable contents, and the legality of contents. Also, the method 300 proposes presenting lists for allowable contents, for example as drop-down menus, from which a user may select valid contents for a particular field of a transaction listing 70. Moreover, the method 300 provides the option to schedule the transaction listings 70.


The method 300 commences at block 302 with the invoking of the seller application 66 on the client machine 38 of a user wishing to compose and propagate multiple transaction listings 70 and their scheduled start times to a network-based transaction facility 10. For example, a high volume user of a network-based transaction facility 10 may wish to propagate multiple transaction listings 70, and thus invokes the seller application 66. In one embodiment, the user may be charged a fee by the network-based transaction facility 10 for each transaction listing 70 propagated by the seller application 66 to the network-based transaction facility 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the fee is based on the user level of service (e.g., high volume user discount).


At block 304, the seller application 66 executes to present a new item box. The new item box presented at block 304 comprises a Create a New Item interface 350, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 15A. The new item box prompts the user to select a type of transaction corresponding to the transaction listing 70. In the exemplary embodiment, the type of transactions available at Create a New Item interface 350 include but are not limited to Auctions 352, Stores 364, and Ad Format 380. Moreover, Create a New Item interface 350 provides a drop down site list 358, from which a targeted (e.g., country) site to which the transaction listing 70 (or batch text 68 including multiple transaction listings 70) is to be propagated. In the exemplary embodiment, if no selection is made at drop down list 358, the targeted site from which the seller application 66 was downloaded is chosen.


At block 306, the user selects the next option presented in association with the Create a New Item interface 350, responsive to which the seller application 66 prompts the user for information (e.g., title, category, etc.) associated with the transaction listing 70. In one exemplary embodiment, the prompting at block 306 is performed via a new item interface 362, an example of which is shown in FIG. 15B that includes a number of fields that may be populated by the user to compose the transaction listing 70. Separate dialog boxes are presented in the event that a user selects either the stores format 354 or ad format 356 in Create a New Item interface 350.


In the exemplary embodiment, the new item interface 362 is shown to include multiple input fields for receiving the item title 364, the first item category 366, the second item category 368, and the store category 370. Each of the three category input fields include a drop down list to facilitate user selection of a category. The new item interface 362 further includes attributes 376. Attributes are category-specific information items that the seller can specify to help buyers find items, and may not exist for all categories. An example would be the category of Real Estate—Residential. For example, when listing an item in this category, a user may be prompted to specify Number of bedrooms, Number of bathrooms, Square footage, Air Conditioning, Pool (drop-down with: No, Inground, Out-of-Ground), etc. . . . . The attributes allow a buyer to specify that they want to find an item in the Real Estate—Residential category according to the available attributes (e.g., Number of bedrooms, Number of bathrooms), etc. . . . . Examples of some of the other categories with attributes include Computers (e.g., processor speed, hard drive size), Clothing (e.g., type, brand, color), and Tickets (e.g., event type, city, state, face value). Virtually any category may be further described using attributes 376. To facilitate convenient navigation between the multiple screens utilized in creating the transaction listing 70, “previous” and “next” buttons 372 and 374 are also displayed, user-selection of which allows a user sequentially to progress through multiple screens.


At block 308, the user selects the next option presented in association with the new item interface 362, responsive to which the seller application 66 prompts the user for more detailed descriptive information (e.g., transaction listing description) associated with the transaction listing 70. In one exemplary embodiment, the prompting at block 308 is performed via a transaction listing description interface 450, such as that shown in FIG. 16A. The transaction listing description interface 450 is further described below with reference to FIG. 17.


After the transaction listing description has been entered at block 308, the method 300 progresses to block 310, where the seller application 66 presents a format specifics interface 378, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 15C. Various data items may be included in the format specific interface 378. Exemplary data items are shown to include the listings duration time, pricing, quantity, payment and shipping data items. An “optional features” area with multiple checkboxes is also presented so as to allow a user to specify that a particular transaction be visually or otherwise differentiated or highlighted when displayed by the network-based transaction facility 10. For example, a transaction listing 70 may be bolded, displayed with a particular background color, or have a graphic image or icon associated therewith.


At block 312, the user selects a save option 380 presented in association with the format specific interface 378, responsive to which the seller application 66 performs a verification check to determine whether the user has inputted sufficient data items to constitute a valid transaction listing 70, or whether further information is required. For example, the user may inadvertently have forgotten to input a starting price.


Following a positive verification, the method 300 progresses to block 314, shown in FIG. 14B, where the seller application 66 presents an inventory interface 382, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 15D. The item inventory interface 382 presents a selectable list of transaction listings 70 in a collection 306 associated with the targeted site selected at block 304. The user may proceed to enter another item to be included in the collection 306 by selecting the create new 384 button. In the exemplary embodiment, the user may also delete 386 or edit 388 transaction listings 70 via the item inventory interface 382.


In the exemplary embodiment, the inventory interface 382 presents a listing summary of all transaction listings 70 that constitute the batch text 68. Specifically, the main window 390 may include columns that display title, quantity, minimum price, reserve price and premium listing price information in a tabular form to the user. A user may double-click on any of the rows of transaction listings 70 presented in the main window to facilitate editing or deleting transaction listings 70.


In the exemplary embodiment, a scheduled start date and start time 392 at which the relevant batch text collection 68 of transaction listings 70 should be posted by the network-based transaction facility 10 may be selected. If the user does not wish to provide a scheduled start date and time, the scheduled start time default is to start immediately 394 upon propagation to the network-based transaction facility 10. In an alternate embodiment, a start date and time may be specified for each listing 70 within the collection 306.


At block 316, the user elects to provide a scheduled start date and start time 392 at which the collection 306 of transaction listings 70 is to be published at the network-based transaction facility 10.


At block 318, the user may optionally specify an interval 396 to stagger the multiple transaction listings 70 in the collection 306 apart by when they are published at the network-based transaction facility 10. For example, the user may specify the collection 306 of transaction listings 70 to start Jul. 4, 2002 at 9:00 PM and further specify that an interval of five minutes be included between each of the transaction listings 70 in the collection 306. Therefore, if there were three transaction listings 70 in the collection 306, the first one would start at 9:00 PM, the second at 9:05 PM, and the third at 9:10 PM. The word “start” may also be recognized as published at the targeted site selected.


At block 320, the user selects the add to propagate option 398 presented in association with the item inventory interface 382, responsive to which the seller application 66 provides the listings waiting to propagate interface 400, an exemplary embodiment of which is provided in FIG. 15E.


At block 322, the user selects the propagate all option 402 presented in association with the waiting to propagate interface 400, responsive to which the seller application 66 prompts the user for a network-based transaction facility password.


At block 324, upon user verification, the collection 306 of transaction listings 70 is propagated to the network-based transaction facility 10.


In one embodiment, batch text 68 is, as described above, propagated from the client machine 38 to the network-based transaction facility 10 via the network-based transaction facility API. In alternative embodiments, batch text 68 may be transferred via an e-mail message.


Each transaction listing 70 may include a transaction listing description. In the exemplary embodiment, the transaction listing description may be entered via a transaction listing description interface 450, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 16A. The transaction listing 70 includes but is not limited to text, a photograph or photographs, and formatting (e.g. layout, color, font, etc. . . . ). In the exemplary embodiment, the transaction listing description interface 450 provides three selectable dialog boxes to facilitate entering the transaction listing description. The three dialog box options include a design view option 452, an HTML view option 454, and a preview view option 456. The design view option 452, if selected, allows a user to enter descriptive text 458 in a WYSIWYG setting. The HTML view option 454 allows a user to enter HTML code for their transaction listing description. The preview view option 456 allows a user to preview the transaction listing description according to the HTML that has been defined by the WYSIWYG editor or HTML code input by the user. An exemplary embodiment of a Preview view dialog box 478 is shown in FIG. 16C.


Using a design view dialog box 466, the user may input descriptive text 458 and format it using editing tools. If the user has multi-site support enabled, a tip is displayed indicating that it is preferred that transaction listings 70 be in the local language of each targeted site. A design view toolbar includes toolbar items the user may use to format their description. Each toolbar button may have a tooltip.


In the exemplary embodiment, double-byte character languages the available fonts and text controls are displayed appropriately. For example, Chinese fonts are a different set than Western, and are not compatible with Bold, Italic, or Underline. If the user is writing in Chinese, Chinese fonts are available and only applicable text controls should display.


Descriptive text 458 entered in the design view dialog box 466 is interpreted as text, including descriptor text (e.g., HTML code). However, a user may enter descriptor text in a descriptor text view dialog box 470, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 16B. The descriptor text (e.g., HTML code) is entered in a descriptor language code window 472. The descriptor language code window 472 automatically populates with descriptor text (e.g., HTML code) according to any text entered previously in the design view dialog box 466.


In an exemplary embodiment, the transaction listing description interface 450 further provides templates 460 to enhance the transaction listing 70. The templates may each include a theme (e.g., includes color scheme) 462 and layout 464 as shown in FIG. 16A. The themes 462 and layouts 464 may be selected independently. In addition, a user may add photos to a transaction listing 70 via the transaction listing description interface 450. The photos may be added via photo service available through the network-based transaction facility 10 or another network facility, through a user's self-hosted picture service, or from a collection of pictures stored on a user's computer. The photos may be added into image wells included within the transaction listing description interface 450.


Themes 462 may define the table border colors, any border images, background colors (description area only), etc. Layouts 464 may provide the display location of the description text and photos. The layouts 464 displayed to the user may be particular to their photo hosting preference. The seller application 66 may also provide an “Auto-resize” option. This option, if enabled, resizes the user's image to the optimal template image size.


A set of default color schemes and layouts may also be provided by the seller application 66. Between 5 and 10 of each (e.g., color schemes and layouts) may be provided. The network-based transaction facility 10 may update and add templates via updates/upgrades to the seller application 66. In an alternative embodiment, users may design their own layouts and themes. In a further alternate embodiment, layouts and themes may be imported.


Additional special features including supersize 463 and slideshow 465 may be used to enhance and/or alter the display of photos. In one exemplary embodiment, the supersize option 463 is included in the left navbar of the transaction listing description interface 450. In the exemplary embodiment, supersize 463 may be applied to all IPIX photos that qualify. Also in the exemplary embodiment, the supersize 463 option is only available for users who are utilizing the network-based transaction facility 10 picture service. The supersize 463 option allows the user to enlarge the size of an image to be included in their transaction listing 70.


The slideshow 465 feature may be selected via a special, slideshow-only layout. The dialog displayed from this template allows the addition of up to 6 photos at once as opposed to merely one photo. Therefore, the slideshow 465 feature allows a user to add up to six photos in one image well as opposed to only one photo. Photos added via the slideshow 465 feature are displayed with the transaction listing 70 at the network-based transaction facility 10. A slideshow includes the presentation of a series of photos displayed one at a time. The photos are displayed at the same position on a display. For example, a user viewing a transaction listing 70 including a slide show is provided with each photo (e.g., photos 1-6) for a period of time defined by the network-based transaction facility 10 (e.g., 5 seconds). The series of photos in the slide show are continually rotated through until one is selected, or the user closes or exits the window including the transaction listing 70.



FIG. 17 is a detailed flow chart illustrating a method 500, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of entering a transaction listing description via a transaction listing description interface 450. The method 500 commences at block 502, where the seller application 66 presents a transaction listing description interface 450. As described above, the transaction listing description interface 450 includes design view option 452, HTML view option 454, and preview view option 456.


At block 504, the user selects the design view option 452, responsive to which the seller application 66 presents the user with the design view dialog box 466. In the exemplary embodiment, design view dialog box 466 is the default dialog box and is presented to the user in the transaction listing description interface 450 at block 502. At block 506, the user enters descriptive text 458 at the design view dialog box 466. The user may select the preview view option 456 or the HTML view option 454 while in the design view dialog box 466.


At block 508, the user selects the HTML view option 454, responsive to which the seller application 66 presents the user with the descriptor language dialog box 470, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 19B. The descriptor language dialog box 470 descriptor language code portion 472 automatically populates with descriptor language code (e.g., HTML code) according to the descriptive text 458 previously entered at block 506. The user may modify (e.g., add, delete, edit) the descriptor language code in the descriptor language code portion.


At block 510, the user selects preview view option 456, responsive to which the seller application 66 presents the user with preview view dialog box 478, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 16C. The preview view dialog box 478 displays the transaction listing's description as it appears when published at the network-based transaction facility 10. Content may not be edited in the preview view dialog box 478.


At decision block 512, a determination is made as to whether the user wants to enter a photo corresponding to the transaction listing 70.


At block 514, if a photo is to be entered, the photo is retrieved and attached to the transaction listing 70. The user initiates the photo selection process by selecting the “select photo” button from the design view dialog box 466. In exemplary embodiments, the network-based transaction facility 10 photo hosting service may be utilized, a user specified hosting service may be utilized or the photos may be selected from a collection stored on the user's computer.


At block 516, a layout 464 to be utilized in the display of the transaction listing 70 is chosen. The layout 464 is a selectable option available at the WYSIWYG interface. A default layout is utilized if none is chosen.


At block 518, a theme 462 to be utilized in the display of the transaction listing 70 is chosen. The theme 462 is a selectable option at the WYSIWYG interface. A default theme is utilized if none is chosen. The method 500 concludes at block 1210.



FIG. 18 is a detailed flow chart illustrating a method 550, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of scheduling listings, entered via the seller application 66, after they are received at a network-based transaction facility 10. In an exemplary embodiment the transaction listings 70 define the parameters and content of an on-line commercial process (e.g., on-line store, on-line auction). Nonetheless, it will be appreciated that a transaction listing 70 may provide any transaction parameters (e.g., a product or service that is being offered for sale by any methodology, or a product service requirement description). Specifically, in an alternative embodiment, the transaction listings 70 may describe a product or service being offered for a fixed price by way of a classified advertisement or that has been offered or is required within the context of a B2B exchange or electronic marketplace.


The method 550 commences at block 552, the batch text 68 is received at the network-based transaction facility 10.


At block 554, the parser module 76 of the transaction application 311 parses the batch text 68 to extract the various transaction listings 70 embodied therein, and performs various verification operations with respect to each of the each of the extracted transaction listings 70.


At block 556, the transaction application 311 communicates a confirmation message to the client machine 38 to confirm successful receipt and extraction of the various transaction listings 70, including their scheduled start times. In one embodiment, the confirmation message may comprise an e-mail message communicated from the e-mail servers 22 of the network-based transaction facility 10. In an alternative embodiment, the page server 12 may, responsive to a user request, generate a markup language document (e.g., a HTML document) that communicates the confirmation message to the user. The confirmation message communicated to the client machine 38 at block 556 may further include a location identifier (e.g., a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)) that provides a link to a listing of the collection of transaction listings 70 extracted by the parser module 76 at block 656 from batch text collection 68. In an alternative embodiment, the confirmation message itself may present such a list of transaction listings 70. For example, the confirmation message that is communicated via e-mail to the client machine 38 may comprise an HTML document that provides a list of transaction listings 70 included within batch text 68 including the collection 306.


At block 558, the user is presented with a number of interfaces that facilitate viewing and editing of the propagated collection (e.g., in the form of batch text 68) of transaction listings 70. Consequently, the user may update the transaction listings 70 after they have been propagated via the data file (e.g., batch text 68) to the network-based transaction facility 10. The user may either update the transaction listings 70 online while connected to the network-based transaction facility 10 or make updates at the seller application 66 and propagate them to the network-based transaction facility 10. In one embodiment, the various interfaces that facilitate viewing and editing of the transaction listings 70 may be markup language documents that are generated by the page server 12 and communicated to the client machine 38 via the Internet 34 for viewing within the context of the browser application 36. For example, such interfaces in the form of markup language documents may be invoked by user-selection, on the client-side 35, of a URL included within the confirmation message communicated at block 556. In an alternative embodiment, the interfaces presented at block 558 may be generated by the seller application 66 utilizing, for example, text and data communicated from the transaction application 311. FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate exemplary interfaces 600 and 602 that may be presented to a user by a network-based transaction facility 10 so as to allow the viewing, editing, previewing and confirmation of collections of transaction listings 70 and of individual transaction listings 70.


The seller application 66 includes the ability to automatically update/upgrade itself with certain pieces of information provided by the network-based transaction facility 10.



FIG. 20 is a detailed flow chart illustrating a method 650, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, of facilitating the updating/upgrading of the seller application 66. The method 650 commences at 652 at connection to the network-based transaction facility 10 by the seller application 66.


At block 654, the network-based transaction facility 10 determines if there are updates/upgrades, which the seller application 66 has not received. To support minimal updates/upgrades, a versioning mechanism is used to compare available versions of data elements (e.g., targeted site config files 86) modules (e.g., main module 84, communication module 95, resource module 81, etc.) for the seller application 66 at the network-based transaction facility 10 against the versions of the installed data elements and modules at the seller application 66. Updates/upgrades are downloaded for software modules and data elements that have changed. The downloaded data may be compressed to shorten transfer times. As explained earlier, in the exemplary embodiment, updates/upgrades include but are not limited to categories updates, attributes updates, program information updates and version upgrades. With regards to categories, the seller application 66 determines if there are new/different category structures for any of the seller application 66 enabled targeted sites. Providing automatic category upgrades to the seller application 66 upon connection the network-based transaction facility 10 is advantageous in that categories may change frequently (e.g., once a month).


With regards to attributes, the seller application 66 determines if there are new/different attributes structures for any of the seller application 66 enabled targeted sites. As previously explained, attributes are category-specific information items that the seller can specify to help buyers find items, and may not exist for all categories. An example would be the Real Estate—Residential category. For example, when listing an item in this category, a user may be prompted to specify Number of bedrooms, Number of bathrooms, Square footage, Air Conditioning, Pool (drop-down with: No, Inground, Out-of-Ground), etc. . . . . .


The buyers are then presented with a selector tool to use while searching that allows specification of certain attribute requirements (e.g., in the Real Estate—Residential category, with “New York” in the item title, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms). Without attributes, the sellers may specify such information but it is not standardized so a reliable search mechanism cannot be provided. With attributes, a user is assured that the right information is being searched and retrieved.


Some other example categories with attributes include a computers category (processor speed, hard drive size, etc. . . . ), a clothing (or apparel) category (type, brand, color, etc. . . . ), and a ticket category (event type, city, state, face value, etc. . . . ).


In the exemplary embodiment, version upgrades include modifications made to the seller application 66 (e.g., software changes). Such modifications may also be known as program updates. Also in the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 updates/upgrades may be deferred. However, the network-based transaction facility 10 may force an upgrade (e.g., critical changes to the program) or update (e.g., critical changes to categories). The user does not have the ability to opt out of a forced update or upgrade.


At block 656, if the network-based transaction facility 10 determines that there are updates/upgrades to the seller application 66, the updates/upgrades are downloaded to the seller application 66. In one embodiment, updates/upgrades are only downloaded if automatic updating of the seller application 66 is enabled. Following a positive determination at decision block 656, the method 650 progresses to block 658, where the updates/upgrades are automatically installed. In the exemplary embodiment, the seller application 66 includes routines to automatically install the updates/upgrades. In an alternative embodiment, install routines are downloaded with each series of updates/upgrades. The install routines are configured to automatically launch upon completion of the download and to install the program updates/upgrades. In one embodiment, the install routines are configured to automatically launch only if automatic updating of the seller application 66 is enabled. The method 650 concludes at block 660.



FIGS. 21A-21C provide further details regarding the database structure, maintained by the database engine server 26, to support the above-described methodologies.


At FIG. 21A, the batch table 42 includes a record for each collection of transaction listings 70 as originally described, for example, within batch text 68 received at the network-based transaction facility 10.


A one-to-many relationship exists between the batch table 42 and the batch items table 40, which contains transaction listings 70 extracted by the parser module 76 from the batch text 68 into the database 30, but which have not as yet gone live.


The items wait table 44 stores loaded transaction listings 70 that are waiting to go live as described above. The items tables 60 stores records of the actual transaction listings 70 that have gone live by the initiation of the transaction process (e.g., an auction process or an offer for sales prices) by the network-based transaction facility 10.



FIGS. 21B and 21C illustrate an entity relationship diagram providing further details regarding exemplary fields that may be supported by the batch, batch items, items wait, items, user and related tables.



FIG. 22 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exemplary form of a computer system 800 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed above, may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine may comprise a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, set-top box (STB) or any machine capable of executing a sequence of instructions that specify actions to be taken by that machine.


The computer system 800 includes a processor 802, a main memory 806 and a static memory 808, which communicate with each other via a bus 824. The computer system 800 may further include a video display unit 812 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 800 also includes an alphanumeric input device 814 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 816 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 818, a signal generation device 822 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 810.


The disk drive unit 818 includes a machine-readable medium 820 on which is stored a set of instructions (i.e., software) 804 embodying any one, or all, of the methodologies described above. The software 804 is also shown to reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 806 and/or within the processor 802. The software 804 may further be transmitted or received via the network interface device 810. For the purposes of this specification, the term “machine-readable medium” shall be taken to include any medium which is capable of storing or encoding a sequence of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic disks, and carrier wave signals. Further, while the software is shown in FIG. 22 to reside within a single device, it will be appreciated that the software 804 could be distributed across multiple machines or storage media, which may include the machine-readable medium.


Thus, a method and system to schedule transaction listings at a network-based transaction facility, via the seller application, have been described. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.


In the foregoing detailed description, the method and system of the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular, the separate blocks of the various block diagrams represent functional blocks of methods or apparatuses and are not necessarily indicative of physical or logical separations or of an order of operation inherent in the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the blocks of FIGS. 11a and 11b represent portions of a method, which, in some embodiments, may be reordered or may be organized in parallel rather than in a linear or step-wise fashion. The present specification and figures are accordingly to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims
  • 1. A system comprising: at least one processor and executable instructions accessible on a computer-readable medium that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operations comprising:causing presentation of a user interface configured to propagate a plurality of listings to a plurality of geographically targeted websites hosted by a network-based transaction facility from a single data source;receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a plurality of geographically targeted websites from a list of different geographically targeted websites hosted by the network-based transaction facility;receiving, via the user interface, geographically targeted website preferences for the selected geographically targeted websites;receiving a request to create a transaction listing for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites from the single data source, each transaction listing to be created at a respective geographically targeted website based on the geographically targeted website preferences; andcreating the transaction listing for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites hosted by the network-based transaction facility from the single data source.
  • 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the geographically targeted websites is a website related to a locale.
  • 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the geographically targeted website preferences are related to a locale convention.
  • 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a request to create a collection of transaction listings, the collection of transaction listings to be created at one of the geographically targeted websites.
  • 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a selection to remove the collection of transaction listings.
  • 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a request to delete a transaction listing created at one of the geographically targeted websites.
  • 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a request to edit a transaction listing created at one of the geographically targeted websites.
  • 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the creating the listing includes enabling use of localized data in a corresponding field for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites.
  • 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the enabling use of localized data comprises enabling use of a local currency in the corresponding field for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites.
  • 10. A method comprising: causing presentation of a user interface configured to propagate a plurality of listings to a plurality of geographically targeted websites hosted by a network-based transaction facility from a single data source:receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a plurality of geographically targeted websites from a list of different geographically targeted websites hosted by the network-based transaction facility;receiving, via the user interface, geographically targeted website preferences for the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites;receiving a request to create a transaction listing for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites from the single data source, each transaction listing to be created at a respective geographically targeted website based on the geographically targeted website preferences; andcreating, by one or more processors, the transaction listing for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites hosted by the network-based transaction facility from the single data source.
  • 11. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the geographically targeted websites is a website related to a locale.
  • 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the geographically targeted website preferences are related to a locale convention.
  • 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a request to create a collection of transaction listings, the collection of transaction listings to be created at one of the geographically targeted websites.
  • 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving a selection to remove the collection of transaction listings.
  • 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a request to delete a transaction listing created at one of the geographically targeted websites.
  • 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a request to edit a transaction listing created at one of the geographically targeted websites.
  • 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the creating the listing includes enabling use of localized data in a corresponding field for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites.
  • 18. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising: causing presentation of a user interface configured to propagate a plurality of listings to a plurality of geographically targeted websites hosted by a network-based transaction facility from a single data source;receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a plurality of geographically targeted websites from a list of different geographically targeted websites hosted by the network-based transaction facility;receiving, via the user interface, geographically targeted website preferences for the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites;receiving a request to create a transaction listing for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites from the single data source, each transaction listing to be created at a respective geographically targeted website based on the geographically targeted website preferences; andcreating the transaction listing for each of at the selected plurality of geographically targeted website websites hosted by the network-based transaction facility from the single data source.
  • 19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein each of the geographically targeted websites is a website related to a locale.
  • 20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the creating the listing includes enabling use of localized data in a corresponding field for each of the selected plurality of geographically targeted websites.
Parent Case Info

This application is a continuation of and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/790,661, filed Jul. 2, 2015, which is a continuation of and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/285,916, filed Oct. 31, 2011, entitled “Customizing an Application”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/252,127, filed Sep. 20, 2002, and which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/387,638, filed Jun. 10, 2002, entitled “Method and System For Automatically Updating A Seller Application Utilized In A Network-Based Transaction Facility”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

US Referenced Citations (747)
Number Name Date Kind
1029262 Bernheim Jun 1912 A
3573747 Adams et al. Apr 1971 A
3581072 Nymeyer May 1971 A
3652795 Wolf et al. Mar 1972 A
3687256 Jones Aug 1972 A
4118788 Roberts Oct 1978 A
4251867 Uchida et al. Feb 1981 A
4255796 Gabbe et al. Mar 1981 A
4412287 Braddock, III Oct 1983 A
4674044 Kalmus et al. Jun 1987 A
4677552 Sibley, Jr. Jun 1987 A
4766293 Boston Aug 1988 A
4789928 Fujisaki Dec 1988 A
4799156 Shavit et al. Jan 1989 A
4811199 Kuechler et al. Mar 1989 A
4812628 Boston et al. Mar 1989 A
4823264 Deming Apr 1989 A
4823265 Nelson Apr 1989 A
4833607 Dethloff et al. May 1989 A
4837422 Dethloff et al. Jun 1989 A
4864516 Gaither et al. Sep 1989 A
4877947 Mori Oct 1989 A
4903201 Wagner Feb 1990 A
4949256 Humble Aug 1990 A
4968873 Dethloff et al. Nov 1990 A
4982346 Girouard et al. Jan 1991 A
4984155 Geier et al. Jan 1991 A
4992940 Dworkin Feb 1991 A
5056019 Schultz et al. Oct 1991 A
5063507 Lindsey et al. Nov 1991 A
5063523 Vrenjak Nov 1991 A
5076433 Howes Dec 1991 A
5077665 Silverman et al. Dec 1991 A
5101353 Lupien et al. Mar 1992 A
5128752 Von Kohorn Jul 1992 A
5136501 Silverman et al. Aug 1992 A
5168446 Wiseman Dec 1992 A
5202826 McCarthy Apr 1993 A
5205200 Wright Apr 1993 A
5231566 Blutinger et al. Jul 1993 A
5243515 Lee Sep 1993 A
5258908 Hartheimer et al. Nov 1993 A
5262942 Earle Nov 1993 A
5280305 Monroe et al. Jan 1994 A
5280422 Moe et al. Jan 1994 A
5283731 Lalonde et al. Feb 1994 A
5285383 Lindsey et al. Feb 1994 A
5287268 McCarthy Feb 1994 A
5297026 Hoffman Mar 1994 A
5297031 Gutterman et al. Mar 1994 A
5297032 Trojan et al. Mar 1994 A
5305200 Hartheimer et al. Apr 1994 A
5317507 Gallant May 1994 A
5325297 Bird et al. Jun 1994 A
5329589 Fraser et al. Jul 1994 A
5335170 Petteruti et al. Aug 1994 A
5339391 Wroblewski et al. Aug 1994 A
5345091 Craig et al. Sep 1994 A
5349368 Takeda et al. Sep 1994 A
5369705 Bird et al. Nov 1994 A
5369761 Conley et al. Nov 1994 A
5375055 Togher et al. Dec 1994 A
5380991 Valencia et al. Jan 1995 A
5383113 Kight et al. Jan 1995 A
5384701 Stentiford et al. Jan 1995 A
5392428 Robins Feb 1995 A
5394324 Clearwater Feb 1995 A
5401946 Weinblatt Mar 1995 A
5402336 Spiegelhoff et al. Mar 1995 A
5418949 Suzuki May 1995 A
5421008 Banning et al. May 1995 A
5424944 Kelly et al. Jun 1995 A
5426281 Abecassis Jun 1995 A
5434978 Dockter et al. Jul 1995 A
5440634 Jones et al. Aug 1995 A
5442546 Kaji et al. Aug 1995 A
5442782 Malatesta et al. Aug 1995 A
5453601 Rosen Sep 1995 A
5453926 Stroschin et al. Sep 1995 A
5455407 Rosen Oct 1995 A
5479600 Wroblewski et al. Dec 1995 A
5485510 Colbert Jan 1996 A
5497319 Chong et al. Mar 1996 A
5506897 Moore et al. Apr 1996 A
5515488 Hoppe et al. May 1996 A
5521815 Rose, Jr. May 1996 A
5526479 Barstow et al. Jun 1996 A
5535276 Ganesan Jul 1996 A
5535403 Li et al. Jul 1996 A
5537314 Kanter Jul 1996 A
5544051 Senn et al. Aug 1996 A
5553145 Micali Sep 1996 A
5557518 Rosen Sep 1996 A
5557728 Garrett et al. Sep 1996 A
5567740 Free Oct 1996 A
5590325 Kolton et al. Dec 1996 A
5592375 Salmon et al. Jan 1997 A
5592668 Harding et al. Jan 1997 A
5596994 Bro Jan 1997 A
5598557 Doner et al. Jan 1997 A
5600833 Senn et al. Feb 1997 A
5606691 Watts et al. Feb 1997 A
5627979 Chang et al. May 1997 A
5638457 Deaton et al. Jun 1997 A
5640569 Miller et al. Jun 1997 A
5644721 Chung et al. Jul 1997 A
5652896 Yamauchi et al. Jul 1997 A
5657389 Houvener Aug 1997 A
5659165 Jennings et al. Aug 1997 A
5664111 Nahan et al. Sep 1997 A
5664115 Fraser Sep 1997 A
5671364 Turk Sep 1997 A
5675784 Maxwell et al. Oct 1997 A
5687323 Hodroff Nov 1997 A
5689652 Lupien et al. Nov 1997 A
5694546 Reisman Dec 1997 A
5696909 Wallner Dec 1997 A
5706457 Dwyer et al. Jan 1998 A
5708780 Levergood et al. Jan 1998 A
5710886 Christensen et al. Jan 1998 A
5710889 Clark et al. Jan 1998 A
5715314 Payne et al. Feb 1998 A
5715399 Bezos Feb 1998 A
5715402 Popolo Feb 1998 A
5715466 Flanagan et al. Feb 1998 A
5717989 Tozzoli et al. Feb 1998 A
5721897 Rubinstein Feb 1998 A
5722418 Bro Mar 1998 A
5724524 Hunt et al. Mar 1998 A
5724593 Hargrav et al. Mar 1998 A
5727165 Ordish et al. Mar 1998 A
5729594 Klingman Mar 1998 A
5734838 Robinson et al. Mar 1998 A
5734931 Inoue et al. Mar 1998 A
5740252 Minor et al. Apr 1998 A
5757917 Rose et al. May 1998 A
5758126 Daniels et al. May 1998 A
5758333 Bauer et al. May 1998 A
5761648 Golden et al. Jun 1998 A
5768581 Cochran Jun 1998 A
5771003 Seymour Jun 1998 A
5771291 Newton et al. Jun 1998 A
5771380 Tanaka et al. Jun 1998 A
5774553 Rosen Jun 1998 A
5774870 Storey Jun 1998 A
5778178 Arunachalam Jul 1998 A
5778213 Shakib et al. Jul 1998 A
5778356 Heiny Jul 1998 A
5787386 Kaplan et al. Jul 1998 A
5787402 Potter et al. Jul 1998 A
5790790 Smith et al. Aug 1998 A
5794207 Walker et al. Aug 1998 A
5794210 Goldhaber et al. Aug 1998 A
5794219 Brown Aug 1998 A
5799285 Klingman Aug 1998 A
5803500 Mossberg Sep 1998 A
5806044 Powell Sep 1998 A
5818914 Fujisaki Oct 1998 A
5822737 Ogram Oct 1998 A
5826241 Stein et al. Oct 1998 A
5826244 Huberman Oct 1998 A
5826258 Gupta et al. Oct 1998 A
5832452 Schneider et al. Nov 1998 A
5835061 Stewart Nov 1998 A
5835896 Fisher et al. Nov 1998 A
5835911 Nakagawa et al. Nov 1998 A
5838965 Kavanagh et al. Nov 1998 A
5841437 Fishkin et al. Nov 1998 A
5842203 D'Elena et al. Nov 1998 A
5845143 Yamauchi et al. Dec 1998 A
5845265 Woolston Dec 1998 A
5845266 Lupien et al. Dec 1998 A
5846265 McGregor et al. Dec 1998 A
5848396 Gerace Dec 1998 A
5850442 Muftic Dec 1998 A
5852810 Sotiroff et al. Dec 1998 A
5854997 Sukeda et al. Dec 1998 A
5855007 Jovicic et al. Dec 1998 A
5855008 Goldhaber et al. Dec 1998 A
5857188 Douglas Jan 1999 A
5857201 Wright, Jr. et al. Jan 1999 A
5857203 Kauffman et al. Jan 1999 A
5870722 Albert et al. Feb 1999 A
5872848 Romney et al. Feb 1999 A
5873069 Reuhl et al. Feb 1999 A
5874412 Priebe et al. Feb 1999 A
5883620 Hobbs et al. Mar 1999 A
5884056 Steele Mar 1999 A
5884246 Boucher et al. Mar 1999 A
5884247 Christy Mar 1999 A
5884277 Khosla Mar 1999 A
5890138 Godin et al. Mar 1999 A
5897621 Boesch et al. Apr 1999 A
5897622 Blinn et al. Apr 1999 A
5903874 Leonard et al. May 1999 A
5905974 Fraser et al. May 1999 A
5905975 Ausubel May 1999 A
5909544 Anderso et al. Jun 1999 A
5909678 Bergman et al. Jun 1999 A
5911138 Li et al. Jun 1999 A
5913040 Rakavy et al. Jun 1999 A
5913203 Wong et al. Jun 1999 A
5913215 Rubinstein et al. Jun 1999 A
5917484 Mullaney Jun 1999 A
5920725 Ma et al. Jul 1999 A
5922074 Richard et al. Jul 1999 A
5923885 Johnson et al. Jul 1999 A
5924072 Havens Jul 1999 A
5926794 Fethe Jul 1999 A
5933145 Meek Aug 1999 A
5933811 Angles et al. Aug 1999 A
5944769 Musk et al. Aug 1999 A
5944790 Levy Aug 1999 A
5945652 Ohki et al. Aug 1999 A
5945653 Walker et al. Aug 1999 A
5953423 Rosen Sep 1999 A
5956694 Powell Sep 1999 A
5960382 Steiner Sep 1999 A
5960409 Wexler Sep 1999 A
5963647 Downing et al. Oct 1999 A
5963917 Ogram Oct 1999 A
5963923 Garber Oct 1999 A
5966685 Flanagan et al. Oct 1999 A
5966695 Melchione et al. Oct 1999 A
5969974 Vandenbelt et al. Oct 1999 A
5970469 Scroggie et al. Oct 1999 A
5971274 Milchman Oct 1999 A
5974412 Hazlehurst et al. Oct 1999 A
5983196 Wendkos Nov 1999 A
5987500 Arunachalam Nov 1999 A
5991739 Cupps et al. Nov 1999 A
5999913 Goodwin, III Dec 1999 A
6006221 Liddy et al. Dec 1999 A
6009412 Storey Dec 1999 A
6012055 Campbell et al. Jan 2000 A
6014634 Scroggie et al. Jan 2000 A
6016955 De Rooij et al. Jan 2000 A
6018721 Aziz et al. Jan 2000 A
6018742 Herbert, III Jan 2000 A
6022222 Guinan Feb 2000 A
6029015 Ishiguro Feb 2000 A
6029141 Bezos et al. Feb 2000 A
6029150 Kravitz Feb 2000 A
6032130 Alloul et al. Feb 2000 A
6035280 Christensen Mar 2000 A
6035288 Solomon Mar 2000 A
6035402 Vaeth et al. Mar 2000 A
6039244 Finsterwald Mar 2000 A
6044363 Mori et al. Mar 2000 A
6047236 Hancock et al. Apr 2000 A
6047264 Fisher et al. Apr 2000 A
6047274 Johnson et al. Apr 2000 A
6049785 Gifford Apr 2000 A
6052670 Johnson Apr 2000 A
6055518 Franklin et al. Apr 2000 A
6058379 Odom et al. May 2000 A
6058417 Hess et al. May 2000 A
6061448 Smith et al. May 2000 A
6066518 Yamazaki May 2000 A
6069939 Fung et al. May 2000 A
6073117 Oyanagi et al. Jun 2000 A
6077085 Parry et al. Jun 2000 A
6085169 Walker et al. Jul 2000 A
6085176 Woolston Jul 2000 A
6092035 Kurachi et al. Jul 2000 A
6092037 Stone et al. Jul 2000 A
6095410 Andersen et al. Aug 2000 A
6101485 Fortenberry et al. Aug 2000 A
6104815 Alcorn et al. Aug 2000 A
6105001 Masi et al. Aug 2000 A
6105008 Davis et al. Aug 2000 A
6108650 Musk et al. Aug 2000 A
6111574 Meek Aug 2000 A
6119137 Smith et al. Sep 2000 A
6119229 Martinez et al. Sep 2000 A
6122355 Strohl Sep 2000 A
6122606 Johnson Sep 2000 A
6134533 Shell Oct 2000 A
6138106 Walker Oct 2000 A
6138107 Elgamal Oct 2000 A
6141653 Conklin et al. Oct 2000 A
6144984 DeBenedictis et al. Nov 2000 A
6148260 Musk et al. Nov 2000 A
6151589 Aggarwal et al. Nov 2000 A
6157841 Bolduc et al. Dec 2000 A
6161082 Goldberg et al. Dec 2000 A
6167567 Chiles et al. Dec 2000 A
6173267 Cairns Jan 2001 B1
6178408 Copple et al. Jan 2001 B1
6184823 Smith et al. Feb 2001 B1
6189003 Leal Feb 2001 B1
6192407 Smith et al. Feb 2001 B1
6199079 Gupta et al. Mar 2001 B1
6202051 Woolston Mar 2001 B1
6205418 Li et al. Mar 2001 B1
6205433 Boesch et al. Mar 2001 B1
6212556 Arunachalam Apr 2001 B1
6226412 Schwab May 2001 B1
6237145 Narasimhan et al. May 2001 B1
6243094 Sklar Jun 2001 B1
6243691 Fisher et al. Jun 2001 B1
6243699 Fish Jun 2001 B1
6246996 Stein Jun 2001 B1
6266651 Woolston Jul 2001 B1
6266652 Godin et al. Jul 2001 B1
6269345 Riboud Jul 2001 B1
6272675 Schrab et al. Aug 2001 B1
6275789 Moser et al. Aug 2001 B1
6278969 King et al. Aug 2001 B1
6278980 Wendkos Aug 2001 B1
6282507 Horiguchi et al. Aug 2001 B1
6285998 Black et al. Sep 2001 B1
6286002 Axaopoulos et al. Sep 2001 B1
6292769 Flanagan et al. Sep 2001 B1
6301554 Christy Oct 2001 B1
6308172 Agrawal et al. Oct 2001 B1
6317727 May Nov 2001 B1
6321208 Barnett et al. Nov 2001 B1
6321210 O'Brien et al. Nov 2001 B1
6321227 Ryu Nov 2001 B1
6326962 Szabo Dec 2001 B1
6326985 Tazoe et al. Dec 2001 B1
6330543 Kepecs Dec 2001 B1
6332126 Peirce et al. Dec 2001 B1
6332127 Bandera et al. Dec 2001 B1
6336009 Suzumi et al. Jan 2002 B1
6336098 Fortenberry et al. Jan 2002 B1
6336099 Barnett et al. Jan 2002 B1
6336105 Conklin et al. Jan 2002 B1
6339755 Hetherington et al. Jan 2002 B1
6341958 Zilberman Jan 2002 B1
6345271 Dempsey et al. Feb 2002 B1
6345273 Cochran Feb 2002 B1
6347320 Christensen et al. Feb 2002 B1
6347339 Morris et al. Feb 2002 B1
6349275 Schumacher et al. Feb 2002 B1
6356865 Franz et al. Mar 2002 B1
6363337 Amith Mar 2002 B1
6374241 Lamburt et al. Apr 2002 B1
6386446 Himmel et al. May 2002 B1
6389427 Faulkner May 2002 B1
6396515 Hetherington et al. May 2002 B1
6397209 Reed et al. May 2002 B1
6397212 Biffar May 2002 B1
6401077 Godden et al. Jun 2002 B1
6405174 Walker et al. Jun 2002 B1
6405175 Ng Jun 2002 B1
6415270 Rackson et al. Jul 2002 B1
6415282 Mukherjea et al. Jul 2002 B1
6421653 May Jul 2002 B1
6434545 MacLeod et al. Aug 2002 B1
6434546 Williamowski et al. Aug 2002 B1
6438524 Shi Aug 2002 B1
6442479 Barton Aug 2002 B1
6446048 Wells et al. Sep 2002 B1
6450407 Freeman et al. Sep 2002 B1
6460015 Hetherington et al. Oct 2002 B1
6460020 Pool et al. Oct 2002 B1
6463404 Appleby Oct 2002 B1
6466931 Attaluri et al. Oct 2002 B1
6473729 Gastaldo et al. Oct 2002 B1
6487553 Emens et al. Nov 2002 B1
6490602 Kraemer Dec 2002 B1
6493661 Whit et al. Dec 2002 B1
6496793 Veditz et al. Dec 2002 B1
6507813 Veditz et al. Jan 2003 B2
6515656 Wittenburg et al. Feb 2003 B1
6516329 Smith Feb 2003 B1
6523000 Ando et al. Feb 2003 B1
6523012 Glassman et al. Feb 2003 B1
6523037 Monahan et al. Feb 2003 B1
6526426 Lakritz Feb 2003 B1
6529725 Joao et al. Mar 2003 B1
6529896 Leung et al. Mar 2003 B1
6529939 Kraft Mar 2003 B1
6532444 Weber Mar 2003 B1
6533822 Kupiec Mar 2003 B2
6549922 Srivastava et al. Apr 2003 B1
6549941 Jaquith et al. Apr 2003 B1
6556975 Wittsche Apr 2003 B1
6567821 Polk May 2003 B1
6570591 Crovetto et al. May 2003 B1
6571216 Garg et al. May 2003 B1
6571241 Nosohara May 2003 B1
6574239 Dowling et al. Jun 2003 B1
6578011 Forward Jun 2003 B1
6578012 Storey Jun 2003 B1
6594640 Postrel Jul 2003 B1
6598026 Ojha et al. Jul 2003 B1
6598028 Sullivan et al. Jul 2003 B1
6601071 Bowker et al. Jul 2003 B1
6604107 Wang Aug 2003 B1
6604131 Warris et al. Aug 2003 B1
6616703 Nakagawa Sep 2003 B1
6623529 Lakritz Sep 2003 B1
6628307 Fair Sep 2003 B1
6640221 Levine et al. Oct 2003 B1
6643624 Philippe et al. Nov 2003 B2
6647364 Yumura et al. Nov 2003 B1
6647373 Carlton-Foss Nov 2003 B1
6651220 Penteroudakis et al. Nov 2003 B1
6658404 Cecchini Dec 2003 B1
6665676 Twig et al. Dec 2003 B2
6671681 Emens et al. Dec 2003 B1
6694321 Berno Feb 2004 B1
6694326 Mayhew et al. Feb 2004 B2
6701314 Conover et al. Mar 2004 B1
6711565 Subramaniam et al. Mar 2004 B1
6721715 Nemzow Apr 2004 B2
6732161 Hess et al. May 2004 B1
6748367 Lee Jun 2004 B1
6768997 Schirmer et al. Jul 2004 B2
6771291 DiStefano, III Aug 2004 B1
6778193 Biebesheimer et al. Aug 2004 B2
6778993 Wang Aug 2004 B2
6785671 Bailey et al. Aug 2004 B1
6799165 Boesjes Sep 2004 B1
6839683 Walker et al. Jan 2005 B1
6842739 Postrel Jan 2005 B2
6851089 Erickson et al. Feb 2005 B1
6857022 Scanlan Feb 2005 B1
6859217 Robertson et al. Feb 2005 B2
6865547 Brake, Jr. et al. Mar 2005 B1
6876997 Rorex et al. Apr 2005 B1
6883137 Girardot et al. Apr 2005 B1
6895386 Bachman et al. May 2005 B1
6901408 Fachat et al. May 2005 B2
6912539 Kapitanski et al. Jun 2005 B1
6915308 Evans et al. Jul 2005 B1
6925608 Neale et al. Aug 2005 B1
6947928 Dettinger et al. Sep 2005 B2
6965882 Lapstun et al. Nov 2005 B1
6970883 Ku et al. Nov 2005 B2
6983270 Rippich Jan 2006 B2
6999932 Zhou Feb 2006 B1
7007026 Wilkinson et al. Feb 2006 B2
7013289 Horn Mar 2006 B2
7031985 Pecheny Apr 2006 B1
7072826 Wakita Jul 2006 B1
7076453 Jammes et al. Jul 2006 B2
7080104 Ring et al. Jul 2006 B2
7100195 Underwood Aug 2006 B1
7133835 Fusz et al. Nov 2006 B1
7136863 Wang Nov 2006 B2
7165041 Guheen et al. Jan 2007 B1
7181438 Szabo Feb 2007 B1
7185000 Brown et al. Feb 2007 B1
7188105 Dettinger et al. Mar 2007 B2
7191393 Chin et al. Mar 2007 B1
7194403 Okura et al. Mar 2007 B2
7206768 deGroeve et al. Apr 2007 B1
7234110 Sumitomo Jun 2007 B2
7240022 Bistriceanu et al. Jul 2007 B1
7251612 Parker et al. Jul 2007 B1
7296033 Lynch Nov 2007 B1
7315613 Kleindienst et al. Jan 2008 B2
7315826 Guheen et al. Jan 2008 B1
7337133 Bezos et al. Feb 2008 B1
7340389 Vargas Mar 2008 B2
7346526 Daughtrey et al. Mar 2008 B2
7383248 Chen Jun 2008 B2
7398229 Budish Jul 2008 B2
7418390 Jokipii Aug 2008 B1
7458507 Fillinger et al. Dec 2008 B2
7536402 Wang May 2009 B2
7540408 Levine et al. Jun 2009 B2
7546254 Bednarek Jun 2009 B2
7599857 Bishop et al. Oct 2009 B2
7644037 Ostrovsky Jan 2010 B1
7644374 Wong et al. Jan 2010 B2
7660740 Boone et al. Feb 2010 B2
7739353 Philyaw Jun 2010 B2
7742985 Digrigoli et al. Jun 2010 B1
7752034 Brockett et al. Jul 2010 B2
7752266 Grove Jul 2010 B2
7801816 Alarcon-Luther et al. Sep 2010 B2
7856384 Kulasooriya et al. Dec 2010 B1
7895082 Veres et al. Feb 2011 B2
7908132 Brockett et al. Mar 2011 B2
7941348 Veres et al. May 2011 B2
8050957 Woehler Nov 2011 B2
8051061 Niu et al. Nov 2011 B2
8055582 Digrigoli et al. Nov 2011 B2
8069419 Sanders et al. Nov 2011 B2
8078505 Veres et al. Dec 2011 B2
8140510 Wang Mar 2012 B2
8249885 Berkowitz et al. Aug 2012 B2
8249990 Digrigoli et al. Aug 2012 B2
8255286 Veres et al. Aug 2012 B2
8266016 Boone et al. Sep 2012 B2
8442871 Veres et al. May 2013 B2
8601373 Ackley et al. Dec 2013 B1
8639782 Liu et al. Jan 2014 B2
8639829 Grove Jan 2014 B2
8645505 Zellner et al. Feb 2014 B2
8712838 Dietz Apr 2014 B2
8712913 Digrigoli et al. Apr 2014 B2
8719041 Veres et al. May 2014 B2
8732037 Boone et al. May 2014 B2
8799218 Liu et al. Aug 2014 B2
9053500 Etesse et al. Jun 2015 B2
9092792 Veres et al. Jul 2015 B2
9189568 Munro, Jr. et al. Nov 2015 B2
9514128 Grove Dec 2016 B2
9736269 Liu et al. Aug 2017 B2
9904945 Liu et al. Feb 2018 B2
10062104 Veres et al. Aug 2018 B2
10542121 Liu et al. Jan 2020 B2
10606960 Grove Mar 2020 B2
20010007099 Rau et al. Jul 2001 A1
20010009005 Godin et al. Jul 2001 A1
20010011241 Nemzow Aug 2001 A1
20010023407 Liyanearachchi et al. Sep 2001 A1
20010025265 Takayasu Sep 2001 A1
20010027436 Tenembaum Oct 2001 A1
20010027472 Guan Oct 2001 A1
20010029442 Shiotsu et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010029455 Chin et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010032164 Kim Oct 2001 A1
20010032165 Friend et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010032175 Holden et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010032878 Tsiounis et al. Oct 2001 A1
20010034694 Elias Oct 2001 A1
20010039524 Harrison et al. Nov 2001 A1
20010039531 Aoki Nov 2001 A1
20010041973 Abkowitz et al. Nov 2001 A1
20010047308 Kaminsky et al. Nov 2001 A1
20010049628 Icho Dec 2001 A1
20010049647 Sheehan et al. Dec 2001 A1
20010049707 Tran Dec 2001 A1
20010051932 Srinivasan et al. Dec 2001 A1
20010051943 Drucker et al. Dec 2001 A1
20020002538 Ling Jan 2002 A1
20020010627 Lerat Jan 2002 A1
20020013767 Katz Jan 2002 A1
20020013774 Morimoto Jan 2002 A1
20020016831 Peled et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020019837 Balnaves Feb 2002 A1
20020026363 Dunaway, Jr. Feb 2002 A1
20020026423 Maritzen et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020026471 Bent et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020029182 Nakagawa Mar 2002 A1
20020029339 Rowe Mar 2002 A1
20020035466 Kodama Mar 2002 A1
20020035595 Yen et al. Mar 2002 A1
20020038282 Montgomery Mar 2002 A1
20020040344 Preiser et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020042835 Pepin et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020046131 Boone et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020046137 Odom et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020046157 Solomon Apr 2002 A1
20020049664 Hoffman et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020055981 Spaey et al. May 2002 A1
20020069049 Turner Jun 2002 A1
20020069134 Solomon Jun 2002 A1
20020069184 Tilly et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020073015 Chan et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020073111 Heyliger Jun 2002 A1
20020082953 Batham et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020082977 Hammond et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020087558 Bailey et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020087568 Ledonne et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020087661 Matichuk et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020091580 Wang Jul 2002 A1
20020095462 Beck et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020099562 Bruce et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020099656 Wong Jul 2002 A1
20020099685 Takano et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020103794 Chang Aug 2002 A1
20020105532 Oblinger Aug 2002 A1
20020105550 Biebesheimer et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020107842 Biebesheimer et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020107843 Biebesheimer et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020107852 Oblinger Aug 2002 A1
20020111889 Buxton et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020111907 Ling Aug 2002 A1
20020111967 Nagase Aug 2002 A1
20020116318 Thomas et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020120548 Etkin Aug 2002 A1
20020120554 Vega Aug 2002 A1
20020123959 Mozley et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020123982 Masuichi Sep 2002 A1
20020143612 Barik et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020147655 Say Oct 2002 A1
20020147656 Tam et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020147784 Gold et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020147790 Snow Oct 2002 A1
20020149614 Biebesheimer et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020152190 Biebesheimer et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020154166 Sanders et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020156688 Horn et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020169662 Claiborne Nov 2002 A1
20020169759 Kraft et al. Nov 2002 A1
20020174010 Rice, III Nov 2002 A1
20020174031 Weiss Nov 2002 A1
20020174050 Eynard et al. Nov 2002 A1
20020178178 Peng Nov 2002 A1
20020184610 Chong et al. Dec 2002 A1
20020188670 Stringham Dec 2002 A1
20020193986 Schirris Dec 2002 A1
20020194166 Fowler Dec 2002 A1
20020198713 Franz et al. Dec 2002 A1
20030004809 Palcic et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030005159 Kumhyr Jan 2003 A1
20030009392 Perkowski Jan 2003 A1
20030011608 Wada Jan 2003 A1
20030014350 Duell et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030018885 Landsman et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030022719 Donald et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030033137 Holubar et al. Feb 2003 A1
20030041014 Grey et al. Feb 2003 A1
20030046059 Litster et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030050861 Martin et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030055747 Carr et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030061306 Kanno et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030069829 Gathman et al. Apr 2003 A1
20030074462 Grove Apr 2003 A1
20030078033 Sauer et al. Apr 2003 A1
20030083952 Simpson et al. May 2003 A1
20030084051 Depura et al. May 2003 A1
20030088566 Wang May 2003 A1
20030093326 Poon et al. May 2003 A1
20030105682 Dicker et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030105705 Eyre Jun 2003 A1
20030110047 Santosuosso Jun 2003 A1
20030115484 Moriconi et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030120560 Almeida Jun 2003 A1
20030126235 Chandrasekar et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030131006 Monahan et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030139975 Perkowski Jul 2003 A1
20030144922 Schrantz Jul 2003 A1
20030154134 Wang Aug 2003 A1
20030163575 Perkins et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030165160 Minami et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030167213 Jammes et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030179703 Levy et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030204449 Kotas Oct 2003 A1
20030208352 Lee Nov 2003 A1
20030208477 Smirniotopoulos et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030229544 Veres et al. Dec 2003 A1
20030229545 Veres et al. Dec 2003 A1
20030229554 Veres et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040001106 Deutscher et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040034629 Genser Feb 2004 A1
20040039639 Walker et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040039692 Shields et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040049423 Kawashima et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040068488 Dettinger et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040068489 Dettinger et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040073507 Scott et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040078297 Veres et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040083213 Wu et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040128224 Dabney et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040142919 Meissner et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040176031 Haller et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040204990 Lee et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040204991 Monahan et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040205118 Yu Oct 2004 A1
20040215612 Brody Oct 2004 A1
20040225606 Nguyen et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040254853 Heene et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050004911 Goldberg et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050005266 Datig Jan 2005 A1
20050021455 Webster Jan 2005 A1
20050033655 Woolston Feb 2005 A1
20050050477 Robertson et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050102151 Fuwa et al. May 2005 A1
20050102328 Ring et al. May 2005 A1
20050108380 Odhner et al. May 2005 A1
20050197897 Veit et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050203673 El-hajj et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050210379 Weathersby et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050222984 Radestock et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050240392 Munro Oct 2005 A1
20050246296 Ma et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050256852 Mcnall et al. Nov 2005 A1
20060015452 Kulasooriya et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060020576 Karube Jan 2006 A1
20060047824 Bowler Mar 2006 A1
20060059246 Grove Mar 2006 A1
20060074792 Wagoner et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060074984 Milener et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060089897 Maas et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060100462 Vanoppen et al. May 2006 A1
20060106783 Saffer et al. May 2006 A1
20060136301 Grovit Jun 2006 A1
20060167864 Bailey et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060200353 Bennett Sep 2006 A1
20060200462 Kadayam et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060232589 Glein Oct 2006 A1
20060294005 Drepak Dec 2006 A1
20070016893 Branda et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070027472 Hiles et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070039025 Kraft et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070063998 Mahesh Mar 2007 A1
20070081197 Omoigui Apr 2007 A1
20070083612 Kim Apr 2007 A1
20070088722 Wang Apr 2007 A1
20070088838 Levkovitz et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070112643 Veres et al. May 2007 A1
20070156523 Liu et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070156677 Szabo Jul 2007 A1
20070185850 Walters et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070198391 Dreyer et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070295903 Schwartz Dec 2007 A1
20080043774 Achtermann et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080052367 Liu et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080133612 Liu et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080147479 Johnson Jun 2008 A1
20080152095 Kleindienst et al. Jun 2008 A1
20090187565 Wang Jul 2009 A1
20090228481 Neale et al. Sep 2009 A1
20100131510 Boone et al. May 2010 A1
20100228536 Grove Sep 2010 A1
20100312695 Digrigoli et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110231530 Veres et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110307384 Digrigoli et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120047029 Veres et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120233259 Work Sep 2012 A1
20120246233 Veres et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120284304 Boone et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120303529 Digrigoli et al. Nov 2012 A1
20130018738 Faires et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130117093 Oda et al. May 2013 A1
20140142919 Grove May 2014 A1
20140143321 Liu et al. May 2014 A1
20140236815 Digrigoli et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140297459 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297461 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297462 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297463 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297464 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297475 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297482 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297483 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140297484 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140304120 Boone et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140324594 Veres et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140337154 Liu et al. Nov 2014 A1
20150127502 Knepfle et al. May 2015 A1
20150371322 Veres et al. Dec 2015 A1
20160071181 Munro et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160241577 Johnson et al. Aug 2016 A1
20170083509 Grove Mar 2017 A1
20180013859 Liu et al. Jan 2018 A1
20190073388 Desmarets Mar 2019 A1
20200153939 Liu et al. May 2020 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (84)
Number Date Country
2253543 Oct 1997 CA
1139782 Jan 1997 CN
102129642 Jul 2011 CN
1308597 Aug 1993 DE
0044226 Jan 1982 EP
0251619 Jan 1988 EP
0254812 Feb 1988 EP
0273099 Jul 1988 EP
0520695 Dec 1992 EP
0542298 May 1993 EP
0590861 Apr 1994 EP
2658635 Aug 1991 FR
1341693 Dec 1973 GB
1380420 Jan 1975 GB
2261579 May 1993 GB
2295474 May 1996 GB
2296413 Jun 1996 GB
2301919 Dec 1996 GB
2000322490 Nov 2000 JP
2001000469 Jan 2001 JP
2001319098 Nov 2001 JP
2001338179 Dec 2001 JP
2001357248 Dec 2001 JP
2002092390 Mar 2002 JP
2002109286 Apr 2002 JP
2002207898 Jul 2002 JP
2004094643 Mar 2004 JP
20000018041 Apr 2000 KR
20000024372 May 2000 KR
20000037395 Jul 2000 KR
20000049744 Aug 2000 KR
20020059971 Feb 2002 KR
9300266 Sep 1994 NL
2008809350 Dec 1988 WO
9116691 Oct 1991 WO
9215174 Sep 1992 WO
9512169 May 1995 WO
1995017711 Jun 1995 WO
9633568 Oct 1996 WO
9634356 Oct 1996 WO
9636024 Nov 1996 WO
9641315 Dec 1996 WO
9704411 Feb 1997 WO
9737315 Oct 1997 WO
9743727 Nov 1997 WO
9748078 Dec 1997 WO
9809447 Mar 1998 WO
9809447 May 1998 WO
9960503 Nov 1999 WO
9963461 Dec 1999 WO
2000041090 Jul 2000 WO
2000058862 Oct 2000 WO
2000062231 Oct 2000 WO
2000078557 Dec 2000 WO
0079461 Dec 2000 WO
2001002926 Jan 2001 WO
0116815 Mar 2001 WO
0129750 Apr 2001 WO
0137171 May 2001 WO
0139059 May 2001 WO
0152135 Jul 2001 WO
0153929 Jul 2001 WO
2001057722 Aug 2001 WO
0171579 Sep 2001 WO
0171580 Sep 2001 WO
0173665 Oct 2001 WO
0180111 Oct 2001 WO
2001082115 Nov 2001 WO
0205179 Jan 2002 WO
2002019220 Mar 2002 WO
0231737 Apr 2002 WO
0233618 Apr 2002 WO
2002033618 Apr 2002 WO
0248828 Jun 2002 WO
02069101 Sep 2002 WO
02097582 Dec 2002 WO
2003040951 May 2003 WO
2003038560 May 2003 WO
2003104931 Apr 2004 WO
2004093329 Oct 2004 WO
2004090666 Oct 2004 WO
2004092894 Oct 2004 WO
2004090666 May 2005 WO
2004093329 May 2006 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (571)
Entry
www.auctionwatch.com. Dated from Feb. 29, 2000 to Aug. 15, 2000. Recovered from www.archive.org. (Year: 2000).
Response to Final Office Action and Advisory Action filed on Jun. 10, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jan. 10, 2008 and May 2, 2008, 20 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Mar. 31, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jan. 10, 2008, 17 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Sep. 26, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jun. 29, 2008, 19 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Apr. 15, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Dec. 14, 2004, 17 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Apr. 17, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Dec. 12, 2005, 8 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 5, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Mar. 5, 2009, 19 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Mar. 21, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Dec. 18, 2006, 10 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Nov. 24, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Aug. 22, 2008, 17 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Sep. 27, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jun. 25, 2007, 17 pages.
312 Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jan. 19, 2010, 4 pages.
Adviosry Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jun. 9, 2008, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Aug. 13, 2009, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Nov. 30, 2006, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Sep. 30, 2005, 3 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brieffor U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, mailed on Jul. 29, 2008, 2 pages.
Examiner Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Dec. 8, 2006, 4 pages.
Examiner Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Sep. 9, 2009, 4 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Aug. 25, 2006, 12 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jul. 13, 2005, 10 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jun. 4, 2009, 14 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Mar. 17, 2008, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Dec. 16, 2005, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Dec. 23, 2008, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Mar. 9, 2007, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Nov. 24, 2004, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Sep. 13, 2007, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Dec. 2, 2009, 9 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, on Jun. 16, 2008, 5 pages.
PTO Response to 312 Amendment received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Feb. 3, 2010, 2 pages.
Response to Final Office Action and Advisory Action filed on Oct. 17, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jul. 13, 2005 and Sep. 30, 2005, 14 pages.
Response to Final Office Action and Advisory Action filed on Sep. 29, 2008, for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Mar. 17, 2008 and Jun. 9, 2008, 19 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Aug. 4, 2009, for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jun. 4, 2009, 15 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on May 19, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Mar. 17, 2008, 18 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Oct. 26, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Aug. 25, 2006, 7 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Sep. 4, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jun. 4, 2009, 20 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Sep. 15, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Jul. 13, 2005, 14 pages.
Response to Final OfficeAction and Advisory Action filed on Dec. 26, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Aug. 25, 2006 and Nov. 30, 2006, 16 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Apr. 8, 2005, for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Nov. 24, 2004, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 13, 2007, for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Sep. 13, 2007, 17 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 11, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Mar. 9, 2007, 7 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Mar. 23, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301 dated Dec. 23, 2008, 19 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on May 19, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/976,301, dated Dec. 16, 2005, 24 pages.
Appeal Brief filed on Feb. 4, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, mailed on Dec. 4, 2008, 22 pages.
Decision on Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, on Sep. 15, 2010, 8 pages.
Examiner Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Oct. 26, 2007, 1 page.
Examiner's Answer to Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, on Apr. 29, 2009, 12 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Jun. 27, 2006, 12 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Sep. 4, 2008, 13 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Feb. 26, 2008, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Aug. 20, 2007, 9 pages.
“Yahoo!—Regional:Countries:Sweden”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/19970616194441/www.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Sweden/>, Jun. 16, 1997, 2 pages.
“Yahoo! Launches Yahoo! PayDirect for Online Person-to-Person Payments; Relationship with CI BC National Bank Allows Consumers to Easily Send and Receive Payments Via Email”, Business Editors & High-Tech Writers. Business Wire, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://search.proquest.com/professional/docview/445932440?accountid=161862>, Jul. 31, 2000, 5 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Feb. 22, 2010, 2 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated May 26, 2006, 3 pages.
Amendment received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, filed Apr. 28, 2008, 17 pages.
Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Apr. 26, 2010, 37 pages.
Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Dec. 15, 2006, 34 pages.
Appeal Decision received for for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, mailed on Feb. 28, 2008, 13 pages.
Appeal Decision received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, mailed on May 29, 2013, 10 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, mailed on Aug. 15, 2006, 2 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, mailed on Mar. 28, 2014, 2 pages.
Examiners Answer to Appeal Brief mailed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Jun. 11, 2010, 20 pages.
Examiners Answer to Appeal Brief mailed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Mar. 7, 2007, 13 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 25, 2013, 18 pages.
Final office action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Mar. 8, 2006, 12 pages.
Final office action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 17, 2008, 13 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 21, 2005, 12 pages.
Final office action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 25, 2009, 18 pages.
Final office action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Sep. 10, 2014, 20 pages.
Final Rejection received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110 dated Sep. 2, 2004, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Apr. 5, 2005, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Aug. 14, 2013, 20 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Jan. 21, 2004, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Jul. 21, 2008, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Mar. 18, 2009, 17 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Jun. 30, 2006, 4 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Mar. 20, 2014, 5 pages.
Reply Brief Acknowledgement for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, mailed on May 15, 2007, 2 pages.
Reply Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on Aug. 11, 2010, 6 pages.
Reply Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, on May 7, 2007, 10 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Feb. 17, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 17, 2008, 21 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jan. 6, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Sep. 2, 2004, 16 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jan. 25, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 21, 2005, 15 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jan. 25, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Nov. 25, 2009, 22 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on May 11, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Mar. 8, 2006, 18 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 8, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Apr. 5, 2005, 19 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 20, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Mar. 18, 2009, 21 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on May 24, 2004 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Jan. 21, 2004, 20 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Nov. 14, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Aug. 14, 2013, 21 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Oct. 21, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, dated Jul. 21, 2008, 19 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated May 2, 2008, 3 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jun. 29, 2006, 15 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jan. 10, 2008, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Aug. 22, 2008, 18 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Dec. 12, 2005, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Dec. 14, 2004, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Dec. 18, 2006, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Jun. 25, 2007, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Mar. 5, 2009, 21 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 09/905,525, dated Sep. 18, 2009, 11 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, on Aug. 3, 2009, 4 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 23, 2008, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Mar. 21, 2008, 11 pages.
Response to Restriction Requirement filed on Dec. 23, 2008, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Nov. 24, 2008, 10 pages.
Restriction Requirement received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Nov. 24, 2008, 8 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Mar. 13, 2007, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Nov. 26, 2008, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Oct. 4, 2010, 2 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Oct. 6, 2009, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 2, 2009, 3 pages.
Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, filed May 20, 2014, 17 pages.
Appeal Brief filed on Apr. 25, 2011, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, 32 pages.
Appeal Decision received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, mailed on Mar. 20, 2014, 13 pages.
Applicant Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated May 15, 2015, 3 pages.
Examiner Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Jul. 11, 2008, 2 pages.
Examiner Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Mar. 19, 2008, 2 pages.
Examiner Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Mar. 31, 2009, 2 pages.
Examiner Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Dec. 1, 2014, 3 pages.
Examiner's Answer to Appeal Brief received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, mailed on May 13, 2011, 19 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Apr. 22, 2015, 35 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Apr. 23, 2010, 18 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Dec. 27, 2006, 12 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Jun. 18, 2009, 13 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated May 29, 2008, 9 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Oct. 5, 2007, 10 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 15, 2008, 11 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Aug. 18, 2006, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Feb. 10, 2009, 11 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Jan. 14, 2008, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated May 15, 2007, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Nov. 20, 2015, 35 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Nov. 12, 2009, 16 pages.
Non-Final Rejection received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 23, 2014, 32 pages.
Response to Advisory Action filed on Oct. 19, 2009, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Oct. 6, 2009, 17 pages.
Response to Advisory Action filed on Sep. 18, 2009, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 2, 2009, 19 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Aug. 18, 2009, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Jun. 18, 2009, 19 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 2, 2008, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 15, 2008, 14 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 10, 2015, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Apr. 22, 2015, 21 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 31, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated May 29, 2008, 13 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Mar. 2, 2007, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Dec. 27, 2006, 15 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Nov. 11, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 15, 2008, 14 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Nov. 28, 2007, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Oct. 5, 2007, 15 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Sep. 23, 2010, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Apr. 23, 2010, 16 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Apr. 14, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Jan. 14, 2008, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 13, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated May 15, 2007, 16 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 17, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Sep. 23, 2014, 24 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Feb. 12, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Nov. 12, 2009, 18 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on May 11, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Feb. 10, 2009, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Oct. 10, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,129, dated Aug. 18, 2006, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 12/693,275, dated Dec. 30, 2011, 6 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 12/693,275, dated May 8, 2012, 11 pages.
Response to First Action Interview—Office Action Summary filed on Jan. 28, 2019, for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Nov. 14, 2018, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jan. 28, 2019, for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Nov. 1, 2018, 15 pages.
First Action Interview—Office Action Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128 dated Nov. 14, 2018, 25 pages.
First Action Interview—Pre Interview Communication received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Sep. 13, 2018, 20 pages.
Preliminary Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Dec. 12, 2016, 8 pages.
Response to First Action Interview—Pre-Interview Communication filed on Oct. 12, 2018, for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Sep. 13, 2018, 3 pages.
Applicant Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Aug. 24, 2018, 4 pages.
Applicant Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Jan. 22, 2018, 3 pages.
Applicant-Initiated Interview Summary Received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204 dated Mar. 20, 2018, 3 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Jul. 10, 2018, 17 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Dec. 28, 2017, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Nov. 1, 2018, 10 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Sep. 10, 2018, for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Jul. 10, 2018, 17 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Mar. 23, 2018, for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Dec. 28, 2017, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684 dated Feb. 10, 2016, 16 pages.
Supplemental Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Aug. 23, 2016, 8 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, mailed on Nov. 10, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Feb. 8, 2016, 31 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Feb. 24, 2015, 22 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Aug. 23, 2016, 27 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Oct. 22, 2015, 26 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Jul. 31, 2014, 18 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed on Oct. 13, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, 5 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Apr. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696 dated Feb. 8, 2016, 16 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 24, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Feb. 24, 2015, 12 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696 dated Oct. 22, 2015, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Oct. 31, 2014, for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Jul. 31, 2014, 23 pages.
Supplemental Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,696, dated Aug. 16, 2016, 9 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, mailed on Dec. 8, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Oct. 14, 2015, 26 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Sep. 1, 2016, 27 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Feb. 11, 2016, 32 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Mar. 25, 2015, 15 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed on Oct. 28, 2016, for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, Oct. 28, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Apr. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706 dated Oct. 14, 2015, 14 pages.
Response to Non- Final Office Action filed on Jul. 13, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Mar. 25, 2015, 10 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706 dated Feb. 11, 2016, 15 pages.
Supplement Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,706, dated Aug. 23, 2016, 7 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, mailed on Nov. 10, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Feb. 9, 2016, 32 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Feb. 24, 2015, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Aug. 12, 2016, 33 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Nov. 19, 2015, 22 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Aug. 14, 2014, 13 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, filed on Oct. 13, 2016, 5 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Apr. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 5, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Feb. 9, 2016, 14 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 13, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Feb. 24, 2015, 11 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 16, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719 dated Nov. 19, 2015, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Nov. 12, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,719, dated Aug. 14, 2014, 17 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, mailed on Nov. 9, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Aug. 3, 2016, 32 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Oct. 21, 2015, 23 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Feb. 9, 2016, 32 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Feb. 25, 2015, 13 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed on Oct. 3, 2016, for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Apr. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722 dated Oct. 21, 2015, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 13, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Feb. 25, 2015, 9 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 6, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722 dated Feb. 9, 2016, 15 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,722, dated Aug. 3, 2016, 33 pages.
Piccinelli, G, et al., “E-Service Composition: Supporting Dynamic Definition of Processoriented Negotiation Parameters”, 12th International Workshop on Database and Expert Systems Applications, 2001 Proceedings., Sep. 3-7, 2001, pp. 727-731.
Pollick, “Sold! on eBay: As antique and collectible dealers see their sales increase through online auctions such as eBay, more of them are deciding that the internet is not something to be afraid of”, Sarasota Herald Tribune, Obtained from Proquest, Document No. 45499060, Oct. 11, 1999, 8 pages.
Post et al., “Application of Auctions as a Pricing Mechanism for the Interchange of Electric Power”, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 10(3), Aug. 1995, pp. 1580-1584.
PR Newswire Europe Ltd., “Mitsubishi Venture, Wells Fargo Partner to Offer Multi-Currency E-Commerce Storefront”, PR Newswire, Mar. 1, 1999, 3 pages.
Preist, et al., “Adaptive Agents in a Persistent Shout Double Auction”, International Conference on Information and Computation Economies, Proceedings of the First International Conference on Information and Computation Economies, 1998, pp. 11-18.
Pressler, “Sells on eBay; Housewife Finds Herself head of Multinational Software Firm”, Washington Post, Proquest # 44484325, Sep. 5, 1999, 3 pages.
Queree, “Bid it Out”, Global Finance, Jan. 2000, pp. 36-37.
Raleigh, “Mediappraise Receives National Award for Web-based Technology That Enables Companies to Solve Thorny HR Problem”, Business Wire Press Release, Dec. 14, 1998, pp. 1-2.
Reck, “Formally Specifying an Automated Trade Execution System”, The Journal of Systems and Software 1993 Elsevier Science Publishing, USA, Jun. 1993, pp. 245-252.
Reck, “Trading-Process Characteristics of Electronic Auctions”, Focus Theme, vol. 7, No. 4, (1997), pp. 17-23.
Resnick, “Reputation systems”, Communications of the ACM, 43(12), Dec. 2000, pp. 45-48.
Roberson, “AA/US Alliance Question”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://groups.google.com/q=mileage+combine+redeem&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=6s1oa8%24v66%241%40nnrp1.dejanews.com&mum=9>, Feb. 18, 2004, 1 page.
Rockoff, Todd, et al., “Design of an Internet-Based System for Remote Dutch Auctions”, Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy, 5(4), Jan. 1, 1995, pp. 10-16.
Schmid, B F., “The Development of Electronic Commerce”, Newsletter of the Competence Centre, Electronic Markets, No. 9-10, Oct. 1993, 2 pages.
Schneider, G. M., et al., “An Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving with Pascal”, An Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving with Pascal, Second Edition, 1982, 3 pages.
Seminerio, “When You Gotta Take Stock”, EWeek Enterprise News & Reviews, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <htt12://\\eweek.com/print -article/0,1761,a=13253,00.asl2>, vol. 17, No. 55, Copyright 2004 Ziff Davis Media, Inc., Dec. 11, 2000, 2 pages.
Siegmann, Ken, “Nowhere to go but up”, PC Week; vol. 12(42), Oct. 23, 1995, pp. 1-3.
Staff, “Biz-to-Biz Buzz”, Newsbytes PM, May 24, 2000, 2 pages.
Strassmann, “The Impact of B2B”, Computerworld Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.coml2uterworld.com/12rintthis/2000/0,4814,51535,00.html>, vol. 34, No. 44, Oct. 2, 2000, 3 pages.
Tadjr, “A Long Relationship Ends”, Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://groups.google.com/groups?q=mileage+combine+redeem&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=7adhof%24me8%241%40news-1.news.gte.net&rnum=5>, Feb. 17, 1999, 1 page.
Tak et al., “The SIFT Information Dissemination System”, ACM Transactions on Database Systems. vol. 24, Issue 4. ACM Press, Dec. 1999, pp. 529-565.
Tapscott, “eBay endagners traditional papers auctioneer can pack far more punch in your sales pitch”, National Post, Oct. 9, 1999, 3 pages.
Tjostheim, Ingvar, “A case study of an on-line auction for the World Wide Web”, Norwegian Computing Center (NR), Feb. 21, 2005, pp. 1-10.
Turban, “Auctions and Bidding on the Internet: An Assessment”, EM—Electronic Auctions. EM—Electronic Markets, 7(4), Dec. 1997, pp. 7-11.
Turek, “Online Portals Offer Bandwidth and Voice Services”, Information Week, http://www.informationweek.com/784/bandwidth.htm, May 1, 2000, 4 pages.
Van Heck, “Experiences with Electronic Auctions in the Dutch Flower Industry”, EM—Electronic Auctions. EM—Electronic Markets, 7(4), 1997, pp. 29-34.
Warbelow, A, et al., “Aucnet: TV Auction Network System”, Harvard Business School Case/Study, Jul. 1989, 1-15 pages.
Weiss, Scott, “Pan-Am FF Program”, Google Groups, Oct. 16, 1996, 3 pages.
Wikipedia, “Thin Client”, [Online]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_client>, Feb. 15, 2008, 13 pages.
Wilson, T., “Act Globally, Think Locally”, InternetWeek, Issue 789, Nov. 15, 1999, 4 pages.
Wilson, “B2B Sellers Fight Back on Pricing”, InternetWeek.com, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://www.internetweek.com/lead/lead121200.htm>, vol. 841, Dec. 12, 2000, 3 pages.
Wilson, D., “Going . . . Going . . . Gone!Bargain-Hunters and Collectors can Scour Auctions from Home via the Internet”, The Gazette, Apr. 27, 1999, 4 pages.
Advisory Action Received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Sep. 13, 2019, 3 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Jul. 5, 2019, 14 pages.
Response to Final Office Action Filed on Aug. 29, 2019, for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128 dated Jul. 5, 2019, 12 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jun. 12, 2019 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated May 8, 2019, 15 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Sep. 12, 2019, 8 pages.
“EBay:Internet Archive Wayback Machine”,Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <www.archive.org;www.ebay.com>, Oct. 7-12, 1999, 8 pages.
“Microsoft Computer Dictionary”, 5th edition, pp. 178.
“Continental Airlines OnePass—Interactive Reward Charts”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <ile:/1\\Bstz-tkgukobdiS\CLIENTS_A_M\EBAY\P107\Prior0/o20Art\Copy0/o20of0/o2ORewards . . . >, Jul. 28, 2004, 8 pages.
“Continental Airlines ShopOnePass”, Copyright .COPYRGT. 2002 Continental Airlines, Inc., [Online], Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <file://\\Bstz-tkgukobdi5\CLIENTS_A_M\EBAY\P107\Prior0/o20Art\Continental0/o20Airlines0/o . . . >, Jul. 22, 2004, 1 page.
“@wards Online”, Canadian Airlines, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/19970704234541/www.cdnair.ca/cpi.html>, Copyright (c) 1994-1997—Canadian Airlines International Ltd., 1997, 1 page.
“Auction Watch: Buyer and Seller Services”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20000830150100/http://www.auctionwatch.com>, Aug. 15, 2000, 30 pages.
“Auctionwatch”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http:l/web.archive.org/web/200008301501 OO/http://www.auctionwatch.com>, Aug. 15, 2008, 46 pages.
“AuctionWatch.com”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <httQ://web.archive.org.web/20011217190108/wsacp .auctionwatch.com/loqin.html?ret=/my/acp/>, 19 pages.
“AuctionWatch.com”, www.AuctionWatch.com, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <www.archive.org>, Aug. 15, 2000, 30 pages.
“Aviation Competition: Effects on Consumers from Domestic Airline Alliances Vary”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://groups.google.com/groups?q=mileage+combin+redeem&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=GAORPTrc99037.txtp2%40us.govnews.org&rnum=6>, Feb. 2, 1999, 25 pages.
Zwass, Vladimir, “Electronic Commerce: Structures and Issues”, International Journal of Electronic Commerce; vol. 1(1), Fall 1996, pp. 3-23.
“BarterBee.com: Buy, Sell, Why Points?”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <httlp://www.barterbee.com/xmain0003/?hp=trade>, (Copyright 1948-2004), Aug. 14, 2006, 1 page.
“BarterBee.com: Help & FAQ”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.barterbee.com/xmain0005/?_hp=faq_4_requesting>, (Copyright 1948-2004), Aug. 14, 2006, 2 pages.
“BarterBee.com: Points Q & A”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <httphttp://www.barterbee.com/xmain0003/?hp=point>, (Copyright 1948-2004), Aug. 14, 2006, 1 page.
“Blackthorne Products Page”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/19990508065201/www.blackthornesw.com/Bthome/products>, 1999, 2 pages.
“Business Roundup”, Internet Week, Apr. 5, 1999, 7 pages.
“DHL and UPS Offer Country-Specific Services”, Transportation and Distribution . vol. 38, Issue 12, Dec. 1997, 18 pages.
“Ebay—Your Personal Trading Community”, etrieved from the Internet: <URLhttp://web.archive.org/web/19991007062815/www.ebay.com>, Oct. 1999, 23 pages.
“Ebay: Internet Archive Wayback Machine/www.archive.org;”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <www.ebay.com>; Oct. 2, 4, 7, 12, 13, 1999, 23 pages.
“Exchange of Ideas: Why the Street is in Love with Purchasepro.com's Congeries of Revenue Models”, Mar. 1, 2000, 2 pages.
“Family of Web Rental Applications Unveiled”, KMWorld, vol. 7, Issue 1, Jan. 1, 1998, 2 pages.
“Frequently Asked Questions About Mister Lister”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/sellerguide/mr-lister-faq.html>, Copyright 1995-2005, 5 pages.
“Google looking at more Country Specific Domains”, Europmedia, Jan. 17, 2002, 1 page.
“Government Agencies can Procure Materials”, (BidTheWorld.com), Link-Up, vol. 17, No. 1, Jan. 1, 2000, 19 page.
“Hello Direct Store Joins Ebay Network of Merchants”, PR Newswire, New York, NY, May 23, 2002, 1 page.
“Keeping You Informed”, Canadian Membership Guide, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <www.cdnair.ca>, pp. 6-7.
“Last Minute Gift Ideas and Stocking Stuffers From AT&T”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.att.com/news/1294/941221.csa.html>, AT&T News Release, Dec. 21, 1994, 2 pages.
“McClenahen, John, Net Gains”, Industry Week, Cleveland. vol. 248, Iss. 10, Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://proquest.urni.com/pgdweb?index=0&did=41808971&SrchMode= l&sid=5&Fmt=4& V . . . >, May 17, 1999, 51 pages.
“New eBay Turbo Lister 2 Quick Start Guide”, eBay, Feb. 2006, 5 pages.
“New eBay-like auction software released”, Business Wire, Mar. 17, 1999, 2 pages.
“NINO, eBay Blackthorne”, Oct. 20, 2005, 3 pages.
“OED Online Main entry text Frame”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry_main/50218727?query_type=word&queryword=select&first=1&max_to show+10&sort at Http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry_main/50218727?query_type=word&queryword=approve&first=1&max_to show+10&sort>, Apr. 14, 2008, 8 pages.
WINSHIP, “Combinable Miles are the Stuff of Frequent Flyers' Dreams”, FrequentFlier.com—Helping Frequent Flyers Earn more Miles and Travel Awards Through Free, May 25, 1998, 4 pages.
“Onsale Joins Fray as Online Shopping Picks Up Speed: Internet Booms”, Computer Reseller News, CMP Publications, Inc., USA, Jun. 5, 1995, 1 page.
“Peerflix: How it Works”, Copyright © 2004-2006 Peerflix, Inc., Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.peerflix.com/Default.aspx?tabid=64>, Aug. 14, 2006, 2 pages.
“Peerflix: Netflix, Blockbuster and Peerflix: Compare Online DVD Rentals vs. Buying vs.Trading”, Copyright © 2004-2006 Peerflix, Inc., [Online]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.peerflix.com/Default.aspx?tabid=171>, (Accessed Aug. 14, 2006), Aug. 14, 2006, 2 pages.
“Photodisc Localizes Internet Presence to Better Serve Global Markets; Adds Countryspecific Content and Languages to Its Award-Wining Websites”, Business Wire, May 27, 1998, 3 pages.
“PSINet Teams with WorldPay Ltd. to Launch the World's First Secure Multi-Currency Solution for International Electronic Commerce”, PR Newswire Association, Oct. 6, 1997, 3 pages.
“Requesting a Reward”, Continental Airlines OnePass—Requesting a Reward, Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: file://\\Bstz-tkgukobdl5\CLIENTS_A.sub_M\EBAY\P107\Prior%20Art\Re- wards2.sub.--files\onepass.sub.--fr.sub.--main.sub . . . >, Jul. 28, 2004, 2 pages.
“Robocopy.exe Robust File Copy Utility Version XP010”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <https://theether.net/download/Microsoft/Utilities/robocopy.pdf>, 2003, pp. 1-35.
“RSA signs deal with China”, Internet Week, 2(7), Feb. 12, 1996, 2 pages.
“Service helps hospitals shop online”, Link-up, (May/Jun. 2000), 14 pages.
“Stamp.com Launches New iShip Service Offering to Automate Office-Based Shipping”, PR Newswire, PQDialog #448531788, Jun. 14, 2000, 7 pages.
“Stamps.com Becomes the Standard in Internet Mailing and Shipping for Top Auction Resource and Trading Sites”, Stamps.com: PR Newswire Mar. 15, 2000, PQDialog #449383612, Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:http://search.proquest.com/professional/docview/449383612?accountid=161862>, Mar. 15, 2000, 6 pages.
“Thin Client Computing”, Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20040122033629/http://www.thinclient.net>, Jan. 22, 2004, 24 pages.
“Turbo Lister Listing Activity Quick Start Guide”, eBay, Apr. 2007, 8 pages.
“Web Beacon”, http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Web beacon.html, Webopedia.com, Copyright 2003 Jupitermedia Corporation, Aug. 21, 2003, 3 pages.
“Welcome to the Sloan Career Development Office Interview Bidding and Scheduling System”, COO Interview Bidding & Scheduling—Login, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <file:/1\\Bstztkgukobd15\ CLIENTS A M\EBAY\P107\Prior%20Art\CD0%201nterview%20Bi>, 3 pages.
“Yahoo Homepage”, Internet Archive Wayback Machine, Oct. 3, 1999, 1 p.
“Yahoo!—Regional:Countries:Afghanistan”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20060921181441/http://dir.yahoo.com/Regional/countries/afghanistan>, Jun. 16, 1997, 1 page.
Applicant Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated May 12, 2017, 3 pages.
Applicant Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Sep. 16, 2016, 3 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Dec. 3, 2015, 13 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Sep. 11, 2017, 21 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Feb. 10, 2017, 18 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Jul. 2, 2015, 13 pages.
Non-Final Rejection received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Jun. 17, 2016, 17 pages.
Notice of Non-Compliant Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Aug. 12, 2014, 3 pages.
Preliminary amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated May 12, 2014, 7 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Apr. 4, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986 dated Dec. 3, 2016, 21 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on May 10, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986 dated Feb. 10, 2017, 30 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Oct. 2, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Jul. 2, 2015, 10 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Sep. 19, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Jun. 24, 2016, 24 pages.
Response to Notice of Non-Compliant Amendment filed on Nov. 12, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/268,986, dated Aug. 12, 2014, 3 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/595,074, dated Jan. 14, 2016, 10 pages.
Office Action-First Action Interview received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/595,074, dated Jun. 22, 2015, 4 pages.
Pre-Interview First Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/595,074, dated Apr. 2, 2015, 5 pages.
Preliminary Amendment received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/595,074, dated Jan. 19, 2015, 10 pages.
Response to First Action Interview filed on Aug. 24, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/595,074, dated Jun. 22, 2015, 18 pages.
Response to Pre-Interview First Office Action filed on Jun. 2, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/595,074, dated Apr. 2, 2015, 2 pages.
Wilson, “Hubs Rate Poorly on Feature Depth: Many Offer Little Beyond Auctions”, InternetWeek.com, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <htto://www.internetweek.com/lead/lead100900.htm>, vol. 832, Oct. 9, 2000, 4 pages.
Akin, “Web Retailing Gains Market Muscle as Concerns Fade: Record Season: Increasing Number Of Sites Catering for Canadian Dollars”, Financial Post, p. 04, Dec. 26, 1998, 3 pages.
Alice, “eBay's ‘Mister Lister’ Auction Management Software”, Auctionbytes-Update, No. 22, Sep. 24, 2000, 3 pages.
andale.com, “Andale Lister”, Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20021025121452/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/sell.jsp>, 3 pages.
andale.com, “Andale Lister: Bulk List”, [Online]. [Archived Oct. 5, 2002]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20021005074745/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_sell_details_bulklist.jsp>, 1 page.
andale.com, “Andale lister: Design Center”, [Online]. [Archieved Dec. 15, 2004]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20021215192044/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_sell_details_designcenter.jsp>, 1 page.
andale.com, “Andale Lister: In-Line Images”, [Online]. [Archived Dec. 15, 2002]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20021215192408/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_sell_details_inlineimg.jsp>, 1 page.
andale.com, “Andale Lister: Inventory Dashboard”, [Online]. [Archived Dec. 15, 2002]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20021215192408/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_sell_details_invdashboard.jsp>, 2 pages.
andale.com, “Andale Lister: Launch Scheduler”, [Online]. [Archived Dec. 15, 2002]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20021215192724/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_sell_details_launchsched.jsp>, 1 page.
andale.com, “Andale Lister: Online or Offline”, [Online]. [Archived Dec. 15, 2002]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20021215194722/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_sell_details_onoffline.jsp>, 2 pages.
andale.com, “Andale Lister: Overview”, [Online]. [Archived Dec. 1, 2002]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20021201081906/http://www.andale.com/corp/products/qs_overview_jsp>, 4 pages.
Asbrand, Deborah, “Taking Stock in Trading exchanges”, (Online). Retrieved from Internet: URL: <http://www.reed-electronics.com/ebmag/ index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleiD=CA42124>, Apr. 1, 2000, 5 pages.
Auctionwatch, “The Complete Auction Management Solution™”, [retrieved Apr. 9, 2003; archived Aug. 30, 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://web.archive.org/web/20000830150100/http://www.auctionwatch.com/>,30 pages.
auctionwatch.com, et al., “AuctionWatch.com's Official Guide to Online Buying and Selling: Professional Tips, Tactics and Techniques at Your Fingertips”, Prima Publishing, Roseville, CA. ISBN 0-7615-2999-3, 2000, 307 pages.
Baumann, “Personal Optimized Decision/Transaction Program”, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin; vol. 38, No. 1, USA, Jan. 1995, pp. 83-84.
Bers, Joanna Smith., “Cyberspace: The new promised land”, Bank Systems & Technology, 32(7), Jul. 1995, pp. 32-37.
Bidnbuy, “Going, going, virtually gone”, Business and Finance Dialog File 20#06012646, Jun. 17, 1999, 3 pages.
Blackthorn, “Ebay Blackthome”, The Officical Guide, Oct. 20, 2005, 361 pages.
Brown, “What does it Take to Make a Buck off of Usenet?”, salon.com > Technology, [Online]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: www.salon.com/tech/feature/1999/05/24/deja>, May 24, 1999, 4 pages.
Business Wire, “Bay Builder Releases Major Innovation for Online Wireless Auctions.”, Recovered via Dialog Database on Feb. 15, 2008, Mar. 10, 2000, 2 pages.
Business Wire, “Onsale: Onsale Brings Thrill of Auctions and Bargain Hunting Online; Unique Internet Retail Service Debuts with Week-Long Charity Auction for the Computer Museum in Boston”, Dialog Web. 0489267 BW0022, May 24, 1995, 3 pages.
Business Wire, “Subasta.com Enters Into Strategic Partnership with From2.com”, Business Wire, Jul. 16, 1999, 2 pages.
Business Wire, “Subasta.com, The Premier Online Auction Board for Latin America, Spain, and the Hispanic Sector of the U.S., Has Attracted Over 60,000 Viewers in Less Than Two Months!”, Business Wire, Jul. 16, 1999, 2 pages.
Business Wire, “Yahoo! Auctions Celebrates One-Year Anniversary; As Online Auction Usage Continues to Grow, Yahoo! Is Quickly Becoming the World Marketplace of the New Millennium”, , Sep. 14, 1999, 3 pages.
Business Wire, “Yahoo! Launches Three New European Auctions Services; Yahoo! Italy, Yahoo! Spain and Yahoo! Sweden Unveil New Local Auctions”, Business Wire, Obtained from Proquest, Document No. 45061209, Sep. 23, 1999, 3 pages.
Chan, “Design and Implementation of a Mobile Agent-Based Auction System”, Communications, Computers and signal Processing, 2001. PACRIM. 2001 IEEE Pacific Rim Conference on , vol. 2, 2001, pp. 740-743.
Chapman, Robert L., et al., , Rogers International thesaurus fourth, 1997, 3 pages.
Chen, et al., “Bidder's Strategy Under Group-Buying Auction on the Internet”, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, Part A (Systems and Humans), vol. 32 Issue: 6, Nov. 2002, pp. 680-690.
Lemons, “Evaluating the Prospects for Alternative Electronic Securities”, Proceedings of ICIS 91: 12th International Conference on Information Systems, Dec. 16-18, 1991, pp. 53-61.
Cohen, Jackie, “Citibank's Bid to Be the King of Cash (Citibank unveils Electronic Monetary System prototype, a digital currency system capable of replacing all current monetary systems)”, Bank Technology News, 9(9), Sep. 1996, p. 9+.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Mar. 19, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/693,275, dated Dec. 30, 2011, 13 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated Sep. 25, 2012, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated Mar. 8, 2012, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated May 10, 2013, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated Sep. 24, 2013, 6 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jan. 18, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated Sep. 25, 2012, 10 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 15, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated May 10, 2013, 9 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 8, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/783,458, dated Mar. 8, 2012, 9 pages.
Non-Final office action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/080,426, dated Oct. 31, 2011, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/080,426, dated Apr. 23, 2012, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/080,426, dated Jan. 26, 2012, 7 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 28, 2011 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/080,426, dated Oct. 31, 2011, 9 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916 dated Jan. 30, 2013, 3 pages.
Applicant Initiated Interview Summary received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jan. 22, 2015, 3 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jul. 15, 2014, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Apr. 23, 2014, 16 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Nov. 21, 2012, 17 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jul. 15, 2013, 17 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jun. 4, 2012, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Oct. 30, 2014, 19 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Mar. 3, 2015, 5 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, filed on Jun. 20, 2014, 5 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jan. 17, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Nov. 21, 2012, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jan. 30, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Oct. 30, 2014, 22 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Oct. 14, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jul. 15, 2013, 13 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 30, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jun. 4, 2012, 15 pages.
Supplemental Notice of Allowability received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Apr. 1, 2015, 4 pages.
Supplemental Notice of Allowability received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, dated Jun. 18, 2015, 4 pages.
312 Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 13/489,646, dated Mar. 7, 2013, 4 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/489,646, dated Sep. 19, 2012, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/489,646, dated Jan. 10, 2013, 7 pages.
PTO Response to Rule 312 Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 13/489,646, dated Mar. 14, 2013, 2 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 3, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/489,646, dated Sep. 19, 2012, 11 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/550,233, dated Oct. 30, 2013, 7 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/550,233, dated Mar. 26, 2013, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 13/550,233, dated Jan. 8, 2014, 6 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 20, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/550,233, dated Oct. 30, 2013, 9 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 26, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/550,233, dated Mar. 26, 2013, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/165,434, dated Mar. 8, 2016, 16 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/165,434, dated Aug. 3, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/165,434, filed Jun. 6, 2014, 7 pages.
Response to Non- Final Office Action filed on Jun. 8, 2016, for U.S. Appl. No. 14/165,434, datedn Mar. 8, 2016, 16 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 8, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/165A34, dated Mar. 8, 2016, 16 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,613, dated Nov. 3, 2016, 27 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,613, dated Jun. 3, 2016, 20 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,613, dated Apr. 14, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Sep. 28, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,613 dated Jun. 3, 2016, 17 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated Dec. 8, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated Aug. 31, 2016, 27 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated Oct. 22, 2015, 25 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Feb. 3, 2006, 9 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Jan. 30, 2007, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Dec. 30, 2010, 13 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jul. 28, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Feb. 26, 2008, 7 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Nov. 3, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Jun. 27, 2006, 5 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Dec. 27, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Aug. 20, 2007, 8 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 25, 2007, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Jan. 30, 2007, 11 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on May 8, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Feb. 3, 2006, 7 pages.
Response to Restriction Requirement filed on Jan. 3, 2006, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, dated Oct. 31, 2005, 5 pages.
Restriction Requirement received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126 dated Oct. 31, 2005, 7 pages. Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127 dated Dec. 12, 2008, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127 dated Dec. 12, 2008, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127 dated Jan. 10, 2007, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Mar. 29, 2010, 3 pages.
Advisory Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated May 1, 2008, 3 pages.
Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, on Mar. 11, 2009, 27 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, mailed on May 12, 2008, 2 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, mailed on May 14, 2010, 2 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, mailed on Feb. 11, 2009, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jan. 7, 2010, 11 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jan. 11, 2008, 11 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Oct. 6, 2006, 10 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Sep. 4, 2008, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jul. 11, 2007, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jun. 26, 2009, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Mar. 21, 2006, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Sep. 10, 2010, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jul. 28, 2011, 6 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Mar. 18, 2011, 16 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request filed for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, mailed on Jan. 5, 2009, 5 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, filed on Apr. 7, 2010, 5 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, filed on Apr. 14, 2008, 5 pages.
Response to Final Office Action and Advisory Action filed on Jun. 14, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jan. 7, 2010 and Mar. 29, 2010, 15 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Apr. 10, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Oct. 6, 2006, 11 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 11, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Oct. 6, 2006, 15 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Jun. 12, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jan. 11, 2008, 16 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Mar. 8, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jan. 7, 2010, 17 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Mar. 31, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jan. 11, 2008, 16 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Nov. 4, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Sep. 4, 2008, 22 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jan. 14, 2011 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Sep. 10, 2010, 18 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jun. 26, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Mar. 21, 2006, 6 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Oct. 15, 2007, for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jul. 11, 2007, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Sep. 28, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, dated Jun. 26, 2009, 16 pages.
Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, on Dec. 15, 2009, 23 pages.
Decision on Appeal received for for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, mailed on Jan. 31, 2013, 6 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, mailed on Oct. 15, 2009, 2 pages.
Examiner's Answer to Appeal Brief received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Mar. 31, 2010, 11 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Apr. 3, 2009, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Mar. 21, 2008, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated Dec. 23, 2013, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, dated May 30, 2013, 9 pages.
Collete, “Thin Clients Pull in Car Customers: Auto Auction company Eyes Move to Web.(Industry Trend or Event)”, Computerworld recovered via dialog database on Feb. 15, 2008, Apr. 5, 1999, 1 page.
Cooper, C., et al., “Playing Catch-Up: U.S. Web Firms Get Slow Start in Europe, Amid Crowded Field—Used to Being First and Best at Home, They Stumble in World's No. 2 Market—Pouncing on Amazon Delays”, Wall Street Journal Europe, Nov. 15, 1999, 5 pages.
Creed, “Haggling Online in the Philippines”, (Magtawaran Auction) (Company Business and Marketing) (Brief Article), Newsbytes, May 1, 2000, 2 pages.
Dalton, Gary, “Going, Going, Gone!—E-commerce is leading to an anything-goes environment of online bidding and dynamic pricing”, Information Week, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.informationweek.com/755/auction.htm>, Oct. 4, 1999, 4 pages.
Davidow, Emily, “The dynamics of pricing”, Home Textiles Today, Feb. 2000, pp. 42.
Edwards, Morris, “New B2B player spreads benefits of e-commerce”, Communications News, Jan. 2001, 4 pages.
Edwards, Mark, “Your Web Browser is Bugged”, Windows IT Pro,, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.windowsitpro.com/WindowsSecurity/Article/ArticleiD/9543/WindowsSecurity_9543.html>, Jul. 13, 2000, 3 pages.
Fisher, Dennis, “More Goods on the Block”, EWeek, Dec. 2000, 4 pages.
Franse, Karen, “Distribution Briefs—Are Auctions in Vogue?”, Var Business, VARbusiness, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.varbusiness.com/Components/printArticle.asp?Article ID=33901>, Mar. 11, 2002, 2 pages.
Furger, “Working the Web Bazaar”, Web Bazaar, PC World Magazine, vol. 18, No. 5, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.gcworld .com/resource/grintable/article/O,aid>, 15823,00 .asg, Apr. 7, 2004, May 1, 2000, 10 pages.
Goldsborough, Reid, “Internet Auctions Examined”, Link-Up, 17, Nov.-Dec. 2000, pp. 24.
Goldstein, DE, “Medical E-procurement-navigating in a B2B Market”, Health Management Technology, 21.(8), Aug. 2000, pp. 30-36.
Graham, I, “The Emergence of Linked Fish Markets in Europe”, EM—Electronic Commerce in Europe. EM—Electronic Markets, 8(2), Jul. 1998, pp. 29-32.
Greengard, Samuel, “What Traffic Will Bear”, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www. busi nessfinancemag. com/magazine/archives/article. htm l?articleI D= 13725 BusinessFinanceMag.com>, Mar. 2001, 4 pages.
Grubbs, “Top 5 Auction Utilities”, PC World.com, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 4, 2000, 2 pages.
Gupta, “Most Flexible FF?”, Google Groups, Oct. 29, 1996, 2 pages.
Hansell, “Meg Whitman and Ebay, Net Survivors”, New York Times, May 5, 2002, 5 pages.
Hauser, “Anonymous Delivery of Goods in Electronic Commerce”, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, 39(3), Mar. 1996, pp. 363-366.
Hess, et al., “Computerized Loan Organization System: An Industry Case Study of the Electronic Markets Hypothesis”, MIS Quarterly, vol. 18(3), Sep. 1994, pp. 251-274.
Hutchinson, “E- Commerce : Building a Model”, Art. Communications Week Recovered via Dialog Database, Mar. 17, 1997, 5 pages.
Jaroneczyk, Jennifer, “Sold on an Old Idea”,, Internet World Magazine, Feb. 15, 2001, 3 pages.
Kalin, Sari, “Mar. 2001”, Darwin Magazine, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.darwinmag.com/read/040101/low.html>, Apr. 2001, 5 pages.
Klein, Stefan, “Introduction to Electronic Auctions”, EM—Electronic Auctions. EM—Electronic Markets, vol. 7, No. 4, Dec. 1997, pp. 3-6.
Kumar, et al., “Sales Promotions on the Internet”, Proceedings of the Usenix Conference onE-commerce, 1998, pp. 1-11.
Lassila, Ora, “Web metadata; a mater or semantics”, IEEE Internet Computing, 1998, pp. 30-37.
Lee, H G. “AUCNET: Electronic Intermediary for Used-Car Transactions”, EM—Electronic Auctions. EM—Electronic Markets, 7(4), Dec. 1997, pp. 24-28.
Lee, Pui-Mun, et al , “Considering exchange rate movements in economic evaluation of foreign direct investments”, Engineering Economist, 40(2), Winter, 1995, 171-199.
Lee, “Electronic Brokerage and Electronic Auction: The Impact of IT on Market Structures”, Proceedings of the Twenty-Ninth Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, vol. 4, 1996, pp. 397-406.
Lindsay, Jeff, et al. “The Historic Use of Computerized Tools for Marketing and Market Research: A Brief Survey”, Published as Document 6359D at IP.com, Dec. 27, 2001, 20 pages.
M2 Presswire, “HP completes online strategy with launch of e-commerce site”, , Jun. 29, 1999, 3 pages.
M2 Presswire, “United Technologies: UTC's Carrier Corp. Teams With Freemarkets to Create Largest Asian-Based B2B Online Auction Market to Date; UTC Division Identifies Average Annual Savings of More Than 16 Percent on Electric Motors Through Freemarkets B2B Emarketplace”, M2 Presswire, Mar. 22, 2000, 2 pages.
Malone, “Electronic Markets and Electronic Hierarchies”, Communications of the ACM, 14(25), Jun. 1987, pp. 484-497.
Mardesich, “Site Offers Clearance for End-of-Life Products—Onsale Takes Auction Gavel Electronic”, Computer Reseller News, Jul. 8, 1996, 2 pages.
Massimb, “Electronic Trading, Market Structure and Liquidity”, Financial Analysts Journal, 50(1), Jan./Feb. 1994, pp. 39-50.
McClenahen, “Net Gains”, Industry Week,Proquest # 41808971, 8 pgs., May 17, 1999, 8 pages.
McDougall, “Electronic Evolution”, Canadian Banker, 102(5), Sep.-Oct. 1995, pp. 28(6).
McKendrick, “Old Economy Players Step Up”, EC World, Nov. 2000, pp. 35-44.
Meade, Jim, “Visual 360: A Performance Appraisal System That's Fun”, HR Magazine, Jul. 1999, pp. 1-3.
Merlino, Laurel, “Auction Anxiety”, Upside Today, Oct. 2000, pp. 247-251.
Merrill, “GE Capital to Extend Integrator Buying Spree”, Computer Reseller News, n691, Jul. 8, 1996, 2-32 pages.
Mitchell, Lori, “BayBuilder Delivers Easy, Profitable Reverse Auctions”, Infoworld, Retrieved from the Internet URL: <http://www.infoworld.com/articles/eu/xm1/00/06/05/000605eubaybuilder.html>, Jun. 2000, 6 pages.
Mollison, “America West Airlines opt for reverse auctions”, Internet World, 8(4),, Apr. 1, 2002, pp. 42 (3).
Mollman, Steve, “Are you ready to bicker over the price of that sandwich?”, In the new economy you won't pay retail for anything., PC/Computing, Jan. 1, 2000, pp. 8-10.
Mollman, “Sold! Never Pay Retail Again. Online Auctions are Changing the Way Businesses Buy and Sell Everything”, PC Computing, vol. 11, No. 1, Feb. 1, 2000, 10 pages.
Morgan, Lisa, “Pick Your Lot: Build consumer-oriented auctions with AuctionBuilder”, Internet Week, Sep. 18, 2000, 4 pages.
Morin, “Multilingual Communications Device”, U.S. Appl. No. 08/200,049, filed Feb. 22, 1994 (Mar. 2, 2004), Mar. 2, 2004, 7 pages.
Neo, “The Implementation of an Electronic Market for Pig Trading in Singapore”, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, vol. 1(5), Dec. 1992, pp. 278-288.
Ohlson, Kathleen, “Looking behind, beyond B2B marketplace woes”, Network World Fusion, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://www.nwfusion.com/archive/2001/119669_06-11-2001.html>, Jun. 11, 2001, 4 pages.
Pacek, “American Express Membership Rewards: A Good Deal or Not?”, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://groups.google.com/groups?q=combine+point+programs&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=crazyone-2509972357090001%40async83.city-net.com&mum=4>, Feb. 18, 2004, 2 pages.
Patel et al., “New Platform Options Fuel E-Commerce”, Information Week, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: <http://www.informationweek.com/779/ecommerce.htm>, Mar. 27, 2000, 3 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated May 22, 2015, 19 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated Feb. 23, 2016, 34 pages.
Pre Appeal Brief for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, on Oct. 28, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated Apr. 14, 2014, 9 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624 dated Oct. 22, 2015, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 21, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated May 22, 2015, 12 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624 dated Feb. 23, 2016, 16 pages.
Supplement Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,624, dated Aug. 23, 2016, 7 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, mailed on Nov. 10, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Aug. 24, 2016, 27 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Oct. 16, 2015, 25 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Apr. 22, 2016, 32 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Mar. 24, 2015, 16 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief filed for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, on Oct. 5, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Apr. 14, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633 dated Oct. 16, 2015, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 5, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Mar. 24, 2015, 11 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Apr. 22, 2016, 14 pages.
Supplemental Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,633, dated Aug. 17, 2016, 8 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, mailed on Dec. 9, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Aug. 26, 2016, 27 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Oct. 23, 2015, 25 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Feb. 23, 2016, 34 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Jul. 16, 2015, 19 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Request for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, filed on Oct. 28, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Apr. 11, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639 dated Oct. 23, 2015, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 25, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Jul. 16, 2015, 14 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639 dated Feb. 23, 2016, 16 pages.
Supplemental Amendment filed for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,639, dated Aug. 17, 2016, 8 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, mailed on Dec. 8, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Aug. 31, 2016, 27 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Oct. 23, 2015, 25 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Mar. 3, 2015, 18 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Mar. 25, 2016, 34 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, filed on Oct. 28, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Apr. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 10, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650 dated Oct. 23, 2016, 15 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 3, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Mar. 3, 2015, 11 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Jul. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650 dated Mar. 25, 2016, 16 pages.
Supplemental Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,650, dated Aug. 23, 2016, 8 pages.
Decision on Pre-Appeal Brief Request received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, mailed on Dec. 8, 2016, 2 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Aug. 31, 2016, 28 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Oct. 28, 2015, 23 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Feb. 10, 2016, 31 pages.
Non-Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Mar. 3, 2015, 16 pages.
Pre-Appeal Brief Requesffor U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, filed on Oct. 28, 2016, 6 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Apr. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Dec. 16, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684 dated Oct. 28, 2015, 12 pages.
Response to Non-Final Office Action filed on Aug. 3, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/231,684, dated Mar. 3, 2015, 10 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204 , dated May 8, 2019, 11 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, filed Jul. 2, 2015.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/285,916, filed Oct. 31, 2011.
U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,127, filed Sep. 20, 2002.
Response to Appeal Decision filed on Jul. 19, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 09/602,110, mailed on May 29, 2013, 19 pages.
Response to Decision on Appeal filed on Oct. 25, 2010 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,126, mailed on Sep. 15, 2010, 11 pages.
Response to Decision on Appeal filed on Mar. 28, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/252,128, mailed on Jan. 31, 2013, 9 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 13/489,646, dated Apr. 17, 2013, 30 pages.
Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated Feb. 9, 2018, 8 pages.
First Action Interview Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated Aug. 8, 2017, 2 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated Apr. 24, 2018, 5 pages.
Pre-Interview First Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated May 18, 2017, 5 pages.
Preliminary Amendment for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated Jul. 7, 2015, 7 pages.
Response to Final Office Action filed on Apr. 6, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated Feb. 9, 2018, 8 pages.
Response to First Action Interview Office Action filed on Dec. 7, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/790,661, dated Aug. 8, 2017, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/367,128, dated Nov. 15, 2019, 7 pages.
Corrected Notice of Allowability received for U.S. Appl. No. 15/676,204, dated Nov. 14, 2019, 5 pages.
Preliminary Amendment filed on Jan. 31, 2020 for U.S. Appl. No. 16/736,363, 6 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 16/736,363, filed Jan. 7, 2020, Dynamic Configuration of Multi-Platform Applications.
Non Final Office Action received for U.S. Appl. No. 16/736,363, dated Dec. 7, 2020, 15 pages.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20190043117 A1 Feb 2019 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60387638 Jun 2002 US
Continuations (3)
Number Date Country
Parent 14790661 Jul 2015 US
Child 16050424 US
Parent 13285916 Oct 2011 US
Child 14790661 US
Parent 10252127 Sep 2002 US
Child 13285916 US