Method for activating online auction service, and online auction system to which same is applied

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for activating an online auction service, and an online auction system using to which same is applied. More specifically, the present invention relates to an online auction service that grants a predetermined opportunity cost (compensation) to an auction participant (bidder) so as to induce aggressive bids, and thus can derive an appropriate trading price even during a short auction period and promote product distribution, and induce economic virtuous circulation through same.

Description

Method for activating an online auction service and an online auction system applying the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for activating an online auction service and an online auction system employing the same. The present invention relates to a technology that can encourage participation in auctions by providing bidders with a bidding reward, thereby motivating them to participate. The present invention relates to a method for activating an online auction service and an online auction system employing the same, which can effectively achieve the purpose of the auction and thereby activate the online auction system.

[0002] In the case of conventional auction bidding, there are many cases where the intrinsic value of the auctioned item is distorted due to the war of wits between bidders (e.g., bidders) who want to win the bid at a lower price, and thus do not readily bid.

[0003] In other words, in the case of auction bidders, there are many cases where they bid right before the auction deadline in order to win the bid at a slightly cheaper price, so auctions are literally being abused as an 'opportunity for non-competitive bargain buying' rather than a 'fair competitive sale'.

[0004] In addition, as the auction closing time approaches, users (sellers) who want to dispose of auction items raise the minimum bid at a discount from the market price in the hope that the item they have put up will be sold without being bid on, but if the auction bid response is low, they may have doubts about whether they have raised the minimum bid too high compared to the market price or whether the bidders feel that the item is of poor quality, and thus they may conduct an auction close to a 'hard sell' in which they sell the item at a low price even at a loss.

[0005] Accordingly, recent auctions have been perceived as 'sales where goods are sold at low prices', and the low bids and winning bids from auctions have distorted the overall market price, that is, they have a negative effect of openly encouraging price declines, or in other words, they have deepened the problem of price distortion where the tail (auction) shakes the trunk (market price).

[0006] In this case, there are problems such as disrupting the economic flow of certain industrial sectors, causing a vicious cycle in the value chain, and ultimately causing the market economy to stagnate.

[0007] An example of prior art literature is Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0086834 (publication date: June 16, 2023).

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an online auction service activation method and an online auction system applying the same, which can activate the online auction market and effectively achieve the purpose of the auction by paying a bidding reward to an auction bidder so as to improve motivation for bidding participation and to enable participation in the auction of an item of interest with greater interest.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides an online auction service activation method applied to an online auction system in which each step is performed by an operation processing means, comprising: an auction preparation step (S100) in which, in an online auction server, information related to goods and information related to auction conditions are input from a seller who wishes to sell goods using an online auction service; an auction initiation step (S200) in which, in an online auction server, an auction starting price of an auctioned goods is determined based on the information related to goods and information related to auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100) and an auction proceeding step (S300) in which, in an online auction server, a desired bid amount is input from a bidder who wishes to purchase goods using an online auction service and an auction is conducted based on the information related to auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100); an auction closing step (S400) in which, in an online auction server, a successful bidder is determined among bidders who participated in the auction by the auction proceeding step (S300) based on the information related to auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100); and, in an online auction server, It is preferable to include an auction processing step (S500) for generating auction result information including the bidding reward to be paid to each bidder, the final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder, and the final auction amount to be received by the seller, based on the auction condition-related information input by the preparation step (S100).

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the method for activating the online auction service further includes a result sharing step (S600) of sharing the auction result information with all participating bidders, sellers, and previously connected administrators after performing the auction processing step (S500) on the online auction server.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above auction initiation step (S200), it is preferable that, in the case of a general auction, the online auction server determines the lowest bid price included in the auction condition-related information as the auction starting price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100).

[0012] Furthermore, in the above auction initiation step (S200), based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), in the case of a simultaneous bid auction, it is preferable that, before the initiation of the auction, bidders who wish to purchase goods using the online auction service input an initial bid amount, and determine the highest price among the initial bid amounts as the auction starting price.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above auction progress step (S300), it is preferable that, in the case of a general auction, the online auction server updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid price every time a bid amount is entered from a bidder based on the auction condition-related information entered by the auction preparation step (S100).

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction progress step (S300) be performed on an online auction server based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), while the auction progress step (S300) is performed, the bid deposit is calculated based on the bid amount input by each bidder, and a deposit request is processed, and the expected bid reward is calculated and provided.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above auction progress step (S300), in the case of a simultaneous bid auction, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), it is preferable that the online auction server updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid amount among the bid amounts input by bidders as the highest bid price at that time at each preset time.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction progress step (S300) be performed on an online auction server based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), and, while the auction progress step (S300) is performed, a bidder who inputs the highest bid price updated at each preset time calculates a bid deposit based on the input bid amount, processes a deposit request, and calculates and provides an expected bid reward.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above auction closing step (S400), in the case of a general auction, it is preferable that the online auction server determines the bidder who has updated the highest bid price among the bidders who participated in the auction through the above auction progress step (S300) as the successful bidder based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100).

[0018] Furthermore, in the above auction closing step (S400), in the case of a simultaneous bid auction, it is preferable that the online auction server determines the bidder who updates the highest bid amount among the bid amounts input by the bidders at the preset final point in time as the successful bidder based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100).

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction processing step (S500) calculates the bid reward by using the bid deposit to be deposited by the bidder and the bid deposit actually deposited by the bidder, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the online auction server.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction processing step (S500) calculates, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), the weighted compensation amount of the successful bidder or the weighted compensation amount of the bidder corresponding to the weighted compensation standard amount in the online auction server when the auction proceeds with weighted compensation conditions, and includes the calculated amount in the auction result information.

[0021] Furthermore, the above auction closing step (S400) is conducted as a general auction on the online auction server based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), and if it is conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, it is preferable to determine the bidder as the successful bidder if the bid amount entered by the bidder participating in the auction by the above auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time.

[0022] Furthermore, the auction closing step (S400) is preferably conducted as a simultaneous bid auction in the online auction server based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and if it is conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, if the bid amount entered by a bidder who participated in the auction at any point in time by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the auction is preferably closed at that point and the bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction processing step (S500) calculates the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder by corresponding it to the immediate successful bid price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the online auction server, or calculates it using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

[0024] Furthermore, the auction closing step (S400) is conducted as a general auction in the online auction server based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and when conducted under the hidden winning bid condition, it is preferable to determine the bidder as the winning bidder if the bid amount input by the bidder who participated in the auction by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time.

[0025] Furthermore, the auction closing step (S400) is preferably conducted as a simultaneous bid auction in the online auction server based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and if conducted under the hidden winning bid condition, if the bid amount input by a bidder who participated in the auction at any point in time by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the auction is preferably closed at that point and the bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction processing step (S500) calculates the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder by corresponding the hidden successful bid price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the online auction server, or calculates the amount using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

[0027] In order to achieve the above-described object, the online auction system of the present invention preferably includes an auction preparation unit which receives product-related information and auction condition-related information from a seller who wishes to sell a product using an online auction service, an auction initiation processing unit which determines an auction starting price of an auction product based on the product-related information and the auction condition-related information and initiates an auction, an auction progress processing unit which receives a desired bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase a product using the online auction service and conducts an auction based on the auction condition-related information, an auction closing processing unit which determines a successful bidder among bidders who participated in the auction based on the auction condition-related information, and an auction result processing unit which generates auction result information including a bid reward to be paid to each bidder, a final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder, and a final auction amount to be received by the seller based on the auction condition-related information.

[0028] Furthermore, it is desirable that the online auction system further include a result sharing processing unit that shares the above auction result information with all participating bidders, sellers, and previously connected administrators.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction initiation processing unit, based on the information related to the auction conditions, determines the lowest bid price included in the information related to the auction conditions as the auction starting price in the case of a general auction, and, based on the information related to the auction conditions, if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, receives an initial bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service before the start of the auction, and determines the highest price among the initial bid amounts as the auction starting price.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned auction progress processing unit, based on the information related to the above-mentioned auction conditions, updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid price each time a bid amount is entered from a bidder in the case of a general auction, and based on the information related to the above-mentioned auction conditions, if the auction proceeds as a simultaneous bid auction, updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid amount entered from a bidder as the highest bid price at that time at each preset time.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above auction processing unit calculates a bid deposit based on the bid amount entered by each bidder and processes the deposit request based on the information related to the above auction conditions in the case of a general auction, and calculates and provides the expected bid reward.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned auction processing unit, based on the information related to the above-mentioned auction conditions, calculates a bid deposit based on the entered bid amount for the bidder who entered the highest bid price updated at each preset time in the case of a simultaneous bid auction, processes a deposit request, and calculates and provides the expected bid reward.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction closing processing unit determines, based on the information related to the auction conditions, the bidder who updated the highest bid price among the bidders participating in the auction as the successful bidder in the case of a general auction, and, based on the information related to the auction conditions, determines, based on the information related to the auction conditions, the bidder who updated the highest bid price among the bid amounts input by the bidders at the preset final point in time as the successful bidder in the case of a simultaneous bid auction.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above auction result processing unit calculates the bid reward by using the bid deposit that the bidder must deposit and the bid deposit actually deposited by the bidder based on the information related to the above auction conditions.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction result processing unit calculates the weighted compensation amount of the successful bidder or the weighted compensation amount of the bidder corresponding to the weighted compensation standard amount and includes the calculated amount in the auction result information when proceeding with the weighted compensation condition based on the information related to the auction conditions.

[0036] Furthermore, the above auction closing processing unit is preferably configured to proceed as a general auction based on the information related to the above auction conditions, and if the auction proceeds with an immediate winning bid condition, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction corresponds to the immediate winning bid price upon entry or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the bidder is determined to be the successful bidder; and if the auction proceeds as a simultaneous bid auction based on the information related to the above auction conditions and if the auction proceeds with an immediate winning bid condition, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at any point corresponds to the immediate winning bid price upon entry or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the auction is preferably closed at that point and the bidder is determined to be the successful bidder.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction result processing unit calculates the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder based on the information related to the auction conditions by corresponding it to the immediate successful bid price, or calculates it using the bid amount entered by the successful bidder.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above auction closing processing unit proceeds with a general auction based on the information related to the above auction conditions, and if the auction proceeds with a hidden winning bid condition, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction corresponds to the entered hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the relevant bidder is determined as the successful bidder; and, if the auction proceeds with a simultaneous bid auction based on the information related to the above auction conditions, and if the auction proceeds with a hidden winning bid condition, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at any point corresponds to the entered hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the auction is closed at that point and the relevant bidder is determined as the successful bidder.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable that the auction result processing unit calculates the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder by corresponding the hidden successful bid price based on the information related to the auction conditions, or calculates the amount using the bid amount entered by the successful bidder.

[0040] According to the present invention, the method for activating an online auction service and the online auction system applying the same can induce active bidding by paying a certain cost (reward) to auction participants (bidders), thereby allowing a sufficiently appropriate selling price to be reached even during a short auction period, thereby increasing the speed of product distribution, and thus has the advantage of inducing a virtuous economic cycle.

[0041] In particular, it can solve the problems of existing auction bidding, such as bidders who want to win the bid at a lower price watching each other and not readily bidding, but rather bidding at a low price as the deadline approaches, or ultimately leading to a failure to bid and a long-term extension of the auction period, which makes it difficult to conduct a normal auction.

[0042] In other words, not only can auction participants receive a certain amount of compensation in proportion to the amount they contributed to increasing the auction price, but even if they participate in the auction but do not win the bid, they can receive a certain amount of compensation for their participation in the bid, which has the advantage of encouraging more active bidding by bidders.

[0043] Through this, there is an advantage in being able to provide an auction service that eliminates the inherent irrationality of auctions while allowing auction items to continuously converge to a reasonable standard price.

[0044] In addition, since an overheated auction atmosphere can cause the auction winning price to exceed the market price, which can actually harm bidders, the method for activating an online auction service according to the present invention and the online auction system applying the same have the advantage of allowing bidders to actively participate in bidding with peace of mind by providing options such as a hidden designated winning price, thereby protecting the rights and interests of customers, that is, auction bidders.

[0045] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a configuration example diagram showing an online auction system that applies an online auction service activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, a method for activating an online auction service according to the present invention, having the above-described configuration, and an online auction system applying the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings presented below are provided as examples to ensure that those skilled in the art can fully understand the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the drawings presented below and may be embodied in other forms. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0048] In this case, if there is no other definition in the technical and scientific terms used, they have the meaning commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs, and the description of known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention in the following description and attached drawings are omitted.

[0049] In addition, a system refers to a set of components including devices, mechanisms, and means that are organized and interact regularly to perform a necessary function.

[0050] A method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention and an online auction system applying the same are technologies for resolving problems of online auctions and activating online auctions in accordance with the principle of supply and demand, which is the price principle of a capitalist economy, by transforming bidders who were reluctant to bid due to the bidding psychology of those who wanted to win the bid at a price lower than the market price even though they were interested in the auction item (auction item, auction item, etc.) into exposed bidders through a bidder compensation system called bidder compensation (opportunity cost compensation = bidding compensation).

[0051] In other words, the method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention and the online auction system applying it have the advantage of attracting a large number of bidders during the auction process for items of interest by automatically displaying bid prices in real time without waiting for the auction deadline. As a result, not only can it elicit high interest and participation from interested participants, but it can also maintain bids from diverse bidders through rewards. Active bidding from diverse participants has the effect of inducing successful bids at appropriate prices that reflect the true value of the item.

[0052] Public online auctions with multiple participants have the advantage of creating an appropriate market value because the bid price converges to the intrinsic value of the product.

[0053] In other words, the method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention and the online auction system applying the same can induce more active auction participation because if a bidder is interested in an auction item, the bidder can obtain a bid reward (or, a successful bid discount) based on the bid increase amount according to the bid amount he or she has submitted, and thus can lead to a shorter auction period, a higher successful bid rate, and a higher successful bid unit price compared to existing auctions, and thus can provide a win-win-win auction system that is beneficial to bidders, sellers, and the manager who mediates them.

[0054] Specifically, bidders can express their opinions on auction items and receive a bidding reward or a discount for their winning bid, a form of opportunity cost compensation for the time and effort spent competing. Unlike other auction methods, the shorter bidding time allows for faster bidding results, thereby maintaining ongoing interest and participation in auction items of interest. Administrators and sellers can increase interest and attention in the auction by immediately displaying a confirmed reward to bidders, thereby stimulating bidding on auction items. This can lead to financial benefits from increased participation and a shorter time to collect the auction proceeds. Ultimately, the present invention encourages more active and fair bidding and price competition, which not only maintains an appropriate auction price but also allows for a shorter bidding time, resulting in a more dynamic and rhythmic auction environment where supply and demand flow smoothly and efficiently.

[0055] The method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes an auction preparation step (S100), an auction initiation step (S200), an auction progress step (S300), an auction closing step (S400), and an auction processing step (S500). Each step is operated by an online auction system in which each step is performed by an operation processing means, and it is preferable that the main means is an online auction server that operates the online auction system.

[0056] Let's take a closer look at each step:

[0057] In the above auction preparation step (S100), it is preferable that the online auction server receive information related to the goods and information related to the auction conditions from sellers who wish to sell goods using the online auction service.

[0058] At this time, it is desirable to include the following information regarding the item: whether it is a good or service, whether it is movable or immovable, the name of the item, a photograph of the item, characteristics, specifications, condition, use, age, used condition, purchase price, current market price, or estimated market price (such as recent used sale price or recent auction winning bid). Additionally, it is desirable to enter detailed information about the item to be sold through an auction.

[0059] The above auction condition-related information includes mandatory auction condition information disclosed to bidders and optional auction condition information entered at the seller's discretion. The mandatory and optional auction condition information are entered based on the policies of the online auction server hosting the auction and the seller's choice to sell their items through the auction. These information is not necessarily limited to the information listed below.

[0060] The above essential auction condition information includes minimum bid price information, auction bid unit information, auction period information, bid reward payment method information (bid reward rate or designated bid reward), bid deposit generation method information (bid deposit rate or designated bid deposit), and auction proceeding method information (general auction or simultaneous bid auction).

[0061] The above-mentioned optional auction condition information includes whether a weighted compensation condition is applied, weighted compensation condition information (the successful bidder's weighted compensation (successful bid compensation rate or designated successful bid compensation) or designated weighted compensation standard (weighted compensation rate or designated weighted compensation)), whether an immediate successful bidder condition is applied, immediate successful bid price information, whether a hidden successful bid price condition is applied, hidden successful bid price information, information on how the hidden successful bid price is applied, whether automatic re-listing occurs in case of a failed bid, and information on penalty conditions due to the successful bidder's refusal to accept the item.

[0062] The auction process based on the above product-related information and auction conditions-related information will be described later.

[0063] It is preferable that the above auction initiation step (S200) initiates the auction by determining the starting price of the auction item based on the product-related information and auction condition-related information input by the above auction preparation step (S100) in the above online auction server.

[0064] Here, the online auction server, based on the product-related information, creates detailed information about the product to be sold through an auction, and posts the information created through an online auction system, that is, an online auction system that provides an online auction service, thereby publicly disclosing detailed information about the product to be auctioned.

[0065] Of course, in addition to detailed information about the item, detailed information about the bid will also be disclosed, which will provide detailed information necessary to proceed with the auction based on the above essential auction condition information.

[0066] Additionally, the online auction server, through its pre-stored customer database or an externally linked customer database, provides auction information notifications to customers who have expressed interest in the items being auctioned, or customers who are expected to be interested in the items being auctioned. While detailed information about the items being auctioned is readily available through the online auction system, providing additional notifications to specific customers can enhance interest in the auction.

[0067] Specifically, the auction initiation step (S200) is preferably performed as a general auction based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) at the online auction server. In other words, if the auction is initiated in the form of a general auction, the lowest bid included in the auction condition-related information is preferably determined as the auction starting price and displayed along with the auction initiation. If the auction is initiated in the form of a general auction, it can be viewed similarly to a typical online auction system.

[0068] As another example of the above auction initiation step (S200), if the auction is to proceed as a simultaneous bid auction based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), in other words, if the auction initiation is to proceed as a simultaneous bid auction, it is preferable to receive an initial bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service before the auction starts, and determine the highest initial bid amount as the auction starting price.

[0069] In detail, the above auction initiation step (S200) receives an initial bid amount from a bidder who wishes to bid on an item to be auctioned through a simultaneous bid auction processing process before the initiation of the auction, determines the highest bid amount among the input initial bid amounts as the auction starting price, and displays it together with the initiation of the auction.

[0070] If the above auction initiation step (S200) is conducted in the form of a simultaneous bid auction, the determined auction starting price refers to the initial bid price of the relevant auction. In other words, if the auction is conducted in the form of a simultaneous bid auction, bid amounts are input from bidders at preset time points, and the above auction initiation step (S200) is the first time point, and the highest bid amount among the initial bid amounts input by bidders is determined as the bid price at the first time point (the initial bid price).

[0071] At this time, if multiple bidders enter their highest bid as the initial bid amount, the bidder with the fastest bid time among the eligible bidders will be designated as the first bidder. This qualifies the first bidder to receive the bidding reward, a point discussed in more detail below.

[0072] The above auction progress step (S300) preferably involves receiving a desired bid amount from a bidder wishing to purchase an item using the online auction service from the online auction server, and proceeding with the auction based on the auction condition-related information entered in the auction preparation step (S100). The auction condition-related information used during the auction includes information on the auction progress method, auction bid unit information, and auction period information.

[0073] For example, in the above auction progress step (S300), based on the auction condition-related information entered in the auction preparation step (S100), if the auction proceeds as a regular auction (i.e., if the auction proceeds as a regular auction), it is desirable to update the auction progress by updating the highest bid price each time a bid amount is entered by a bidder. This method can be viewed as similar to a typical online auction system.

[0074] As another example of the above auction progress step (S300), if the auction is to proceed as a simultaneous bid auction based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), in other words, if the auction is to be initiated as a simultaneous bid auction, it is desirable to update the auction progress by updating the highest bid amount input from the bidder as the highest bid price at that time at each preset time.

[0075] For example, if an auction runs for three hours and a simultaneous bid auction is held every 30 minutes, bids will be received from bidders for 30 minutes, and the highest bid entered during the past 30 minutes will be updated every 30 minutes as the highest bid at that point in time. However, if multiple bidders have entered the highest bid, it is desirable to determine the bidder with the fastest bid time as the bidder at that point in time. To ensure fairness in bidder selection, it is desirable to present bids in order of the highest bid from multiple bidders, and in the case of identical bids, to indicate the bid time.

[0076] Here, the auction progress step (S300) calculates the expected bid reward based on the bid amount entered by each bidder during the auction process based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the online auction server, and discloses this through the online auction system, thereby transparently transmitting information on the current auction progress status and the actual profit that can be obtained even if the auction fails, thereby improving the reliability of the online auction.

[0077] Bidding bonuses are an auction method where sellers voluntarily set a bonus rate to encourage participation in online auctions. This is to thank bidders for their interest in the item and compensate for their opportunity costs. This method, like an arrow flying directly to the target of the item's true value with a small initial bid, has the advantage of encouraging bidders to quickly bid and set their bid prices based on their own discernment and judgment. Specifically, bidders receive a bonus (applied as a winning bid discount upon winning) based on their bid increase. This gives bidders the impression that they are bidding without loss, leading to shorter auction periods, higher winning bid rates, and higher winning bid prices compared to traditional online auctions. Of course, since the bid bonus is an auction condition determined by sellers, it is acceptable for the specified bonus to be 0 won or the bid bonus rate to be entered as 0%. Rather, applying a higher reward rate to a single successful bidder rather than multiple bidders may encourage competition among auction participants and encourage winning bids at prices closer to true market value.

[0078] This bidding reward can be calculated using the bid deposit payment method information entered in the auction preparation step (S100). For example, it can be calculated as a designated bidding reward, regardless of the bid price entered by the bidder. Alternatively, it can be calculated as a bid reward rate, calculated as a percentage of the bid price increased by the bidder (i.e., the bid price increased by the bidder compared to the previous bid price).

[0079] At this time, if a bidding reward is provided to all bidders, indiscriminate participation in the auction solely for the bidding reward may occur, so it is advisable to request the deposit of a bidding deposit for each bidder who entered a bid price.

[0080] In detail, it is preferable that the above auction progress step (S300) calculates a bid deposit based on the bid amount entered by each bidder during the auction process on the online auction server and processes a request for deposit of the bid deposit to the corresponding bidder.

[0081] The bid deposit is the amount returned to the bidder if the item is not successfully bid on, but it is an amount received in the form of a 'deposit' to prevent bidders from raising the bid price to increase the price of the item even if they have no intention of winning the bid, or to participate in the auction simply for the bid reward, and to prevent bidders from giving up on the bid and to confirm their intent to purchase.

[0082] It is desirable to calculate the bid deposit as a designated bid deposit, regardless of the bid price entered by the bidder, or as a bid deposit rate calculated as a certain percentage of the bid price increased by the bidder (i.e., the bid price increased by the bidder compared to the previous bid price). The calculation conditions for this bid deposit are preferably determined based on the auction condition-related information entered in the auction preparation step (S100), as described above.

[0083] This ensures that only bidders who have deposited their bid deposit will receive the bid reward. However, depending on the bidder's circumstances, they may not be able to deposit 100% of the calculated bid deposit. In this case, the bid reward can be paid in proportion to the deposited bid deposit, based on the online auction server's policy or additional auction condition information entered by the seller. Alternatively, after granting a period for full payment of any unpaid bid deposit, if payment is not made within this period, the rights to the entered bid deposit may be transferred to the online auction server. In this way, while genuinely participating in online auctions will receive the bid reward regardless of whether the bid is won or lost, participants who do not participate will receive differential or no compensation, thereby enhancing the reliability of online auctions.

[0084] Reflecting this point, when the above auction progress step (S300) is conducted as a general auction, as described above, each bidder inputs a desired bid price while checking the above auction starting price or the previously updated highest bid price, starting with the above auction starting price, and the online auction server calculates the bid deposit and bid reward of each bidder in the order of bidding using the bid prices sequentially input.

[0085] In contrast, if the above auction progress step (S300) is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, each bidder inputs a bid price during a preset time period as described above, and the highest bid price among the bid prices input during that time period is updated as the highest bid price at that time.

[0086] Therefore, when the above auction progress step (S300) is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, even if multiple bidders enter bids at each point in time, the bid deposit and bid reward are calculated for the bidder who entered a bid that updates the highest bid at each point in time.

[0087] It is preferable that the above auction closing step (S400) determines the bidder who bid the highest price among the bidders who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) as the successful bidder based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the above online auction server.

[0088] Simply put, this means that if there is a bidder who has entered the highest bid at the last point, that bidder is determined to be the successful bidder.

[0089] If the above auction closing step (S400) is conducted as a general auction in the online auction server based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), it is preferable to determine the bidder who has updated the highest bid price among the bidders who participated in the auction through the above auction progress step (S300) as the successful bidder.

[0090] Through the above auction progress step (S300), auction participants (bidders) sequentially input bids while increasing their bids, and when the input auction period ends, the entered bidder is determined as the successful bidder.

[0091] In addition, when the auction closing step (S400) is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the online auction server, it is preferable to determine the bidder who updates the highest bid amount among the bid amounts input by bidders at the preset last point in time as the successful bidder.

[0092] Similar to the auction progress step (S300), bids are entered during a preset period of time, and the highest bid among the bids entered during that period is updated as the highest bid at that time. If the period of time is the last period of the auction period, the bid that updates the highest bid at that time is determined as the successful bidder. However, if there are multiple highest bidders, it is preferable to determine the bidder with the fastest bidding time as the successful bidder.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auction initiation step (S200), the auction progress step (S300), and the auction closing step (S400) of the online auction service activation method may be performed in different auction methods depending on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100).

[0094] That is, because sellers can strategically select the auction method based on the type and condition of the auction item, they can select the auction initiation stage (S200), auction progress stage (S300), and auction closing stage (S400). Considering the number of possible scenarios, there are eight possible scenarios.

[0095] If the above auction initiation stage (S200), auction progress stage (S300), and auction closing stage (S400) are conducted using the same auction method, there are no circumstances to consider. Regardless of the method used, if the highest bid is updated through a simultaneous bid auction in the preceding stage, there are no circumstances to consider when proceeding with a regular auction. Bids can be entered and processed based on the previously updated highest bid. However, if the highest bid is updated through a regular auction in the preceding stage and then proceeds to a simultaneous bid auction, a static period must be set to limit regular bidding.

[0096] Specifically, since the simultaneous bid auction is a method of receiving bids from multiple bidders simultaneously during a preset period of time, it is desirable to complete the step of sequentially receiving bids through a general auction, and then set a static time for simultaneous bid bidding so that only simultaneous bid bidding can proceed during that time.

[0097] It is preferable that the above auction processing step (S500) generates auction result information including the bidding reward to be paid to each bidder, the final winning bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder, the final auction amount to be received by the seller, and the server fee, based on the auction condition-related information input by the above auction preparation step (S100) in the above online auction server.

[0098] The above-mentioned bidding reward is, as described above, the reward that each bidder would receive if he or she deposited a bidding bond; in other words, it is an opportunity cost compensation or consolation money paid to participants who participated in the bidding but did not win the bid.

[0099] The final successful bid amount refers to the bid price entered by the successful bidder in the auction closing step (S400). More specifically, the final successful bid amount to be deposited is the amount minus the bid reward to be paid to the successful bidder from the bid price entered by the successful bidder. Of course, the successful bidder must also deposit the bid deposit to qualify for the bid reward, and the final successful bid amount, excluding the bid reward, is calculated accordingly.

[0100] The final auction price above is the amount the seller receives in consideration for selling the item, and is calculated after deducting the total bidding reward paid to participants who participated in the bid but did not win the bid from the bid price entered by the successful bidder, the bidding reward paid to the successful bidder, and server usage fees / commissions according to the policy of the online auction server.

[0101] As described above, the above auction processing step (S500) calculates the final bidding reward to be paid to each bidder by using the bidding deposit that each bidder must deposit and the bidding deposit actually deposited by the corresponding bidder.

[0102] That is, depending on the bidder's situation, if the bid deposit that must be paid cannot be processed 100%, the bid reward may be calculated in proportion to the deposited bid deposit based on the policy of the online auction server or the additional auction condition information entered by the seller, or if a period is given to fully pay the unpaid bid deposit, and if the full payment is not processed even after the period has elapsed, the right to the entered bid deposit may be transferred to the online auction server.

[0103] In the above auction processing step (S500), in the case where the online auction server proceeds with a weighted compensation condition based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), it is preferable to calculate the weighted compensation amount of the successful bidder or the weighted compensation amount of the bidder corresponding to the weighted compensation standard and include it in the auction result information.

[0104] A weighted compensation is a condition that the seller provides to bidders who enter an amount close to their desired winning bid. This condition can be entered as optional auction condition information during the auction preparation stage (S100). Of course, the optional auction condition information is at the seller's discretion, and the weighted compensation condition is not necessarily required.

[0105] The above weighted compensation conditions allow for a higher compensation rate for the final successful bidder, thereby encouraging competition among auction participants and encouraging successful bids at prices closer to actual market value. To achieve this, a designated winning bid reward, which provides a weighted compensation amount of a specified amount, or a winning bid reward rate calculated using the bid price entered by the successful bidder can be used.

[0106] For example, if the weighted compensation amount is entered as 50,000 won based on the information related to the auction conditions entered by the auction preparation step (S100), the auction processing step (S500) calculates the final successful bid amount to be deposited by subtracting the bid compensation amount to be paid to the successful bidder and the weighted compensation amount of 50,000 won from the bid price entered by the successful bidder.

[0107] In addition, if the weighted compensation rate is entered as 5%, the auction processing step (S500) calculates the final successful bid amount by deducting the bidding compensation to be paid to the successful bidder from the bidding price entered by the successful bidder and an amount equivalent to 5% of the asking price increased by the bidding price entered by the successful bidder.

[0108] In addition, in order to provide bidders with the enjoyment of participating in the auction under the above-mentioned weighted compensation condition, the seller's designated weighted compensation standard may be input, and an additional compensation may be provided to the first bidder who inputs a bid exceeding the designated weighted compensation standard.

[0109] For this purpose, a weighted compensation rate that can be calculated using the designated weighted compensation or the bid price entered by the successful bidder is used.

[0110] For example, if the designated weighted compensation standard is 950,000 won and 50,000 won is entered as the designated weighted compensation based on the auction condition-related information entered through the auction preparation step (S100), the auction processing step (S500) processes the bidder corresponding to the first bidder who entered a bid price exceeding 950,000 won to receive the bid compensation plus the weighted compensation of 50,000 won through the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400).

[0111] In addition, if the above-mentioned weighted compensation standard is 950,000 won and the weighted compensation rate is entered as 5%, the auction processing step (S500) processes the bid compensation to be paid to the first bidder who entered a bid price exceeding 950,000 won through the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) and additionally receives a weighted compensation corresponding to 5% of the asking price increased by the bid price entered by the bidder.

[0112] In addition, the method for activating an online auction service according to an embodiment of the present invention receives, in the online auction server, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), whether to apply the immediate successful bid condition, if immediate successful bid information is input, specifically, whether to apply the immediate successful bid condition, and if the immediate successful bid condition is applied, the corresponding immediate successful bid information is input, and further, information on the method of applying the immediate successful bid (whether to treat the bid price as the final successful bid price or whether to treat the immediate successful bid price as the final successful bid price) is input. This immediate successful bid corresponds to the seller's option to protect bidders from excessive competition, etc. In other words, the immediate successful bid price is applied to protect consumers, who are auction bidders, from being exposed to excessively high successful bids due to information imbalance, etc., and to create a fair transaction environment so that a virtuous economic cycle can be induced.

[0113] Accordingly, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), the general auction is conducted, and if the auction is conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, it is preferable to determine the bidder as the successful bidder if the bid amount entered by the bidder who participated in the auction by the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time.

[0114] In addition, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction and conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, it is desirable to close the auction at that point and determine the bidder as the successful bidder if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at any point by the above auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time.

[0115] Of course, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at the final point in the auction closing stage (S400), rather than the auction progress stage (S300), is equal to or exceeds the immediate winning bid price upon entry, the auction may be closed at that point and the bidder in question designated as the successful bidder. In this case, even if there is a bidder with the highest bid, the bidder who entered a bid that meets the immediate winning bid condition will be designated as the successful bidder.

[0116] In this way, if the bid amount entered by a bidder who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the corresponding bidder is determined as the successful bidder.

[0117] After this, in the auction processing step (S500), when the successful bidder is determined based on the application of the immediate successful bidder conditions, it is preferable to calculate the final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) by corresponding it to the immediate successful bid price, or to calculate it using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

[0118] For example, if the instant winning bid is 1.3 million won, and the bid amount entered by a bidder who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) exceeds 1.3 million won for the first time, that is, 1.38 million won, then the bidder in question is determined as the successful bidder, and the standard amount for calculating the final winning bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder can be processed as the instant winning bid of 1.3 million won or as the 1.38 million won entered by the successful bidder, and this is determined based on the information related to the auction conditions entered through the auction preparation step (S100).

[0119] In particular, the method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention can enhance the reliability of the online auction service by immediately opening the winning bid, i.e., disclosing it to all bidders. Specifically, in the case of manufactured goods with a certain reference price, there is a risk that the winning bid price may exceed the market price due to an overheated auction atmosphere. In this case, even if the winning bidder wins the auction, the moment the winning bidder confirms the market price, distrust in the online auction service may arise. To address this issue, by immediately disclosing the winning bid price, losses resulting from bidders' lack of information about the item can be minimized.

[0120] In addition, in the method for activating an online auction service according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the hidden winning price condition is applied, the hidden winning price information, and the hidden winning price application method information are input based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100) in the online auction server, more specifically, whether or not to apply the hidden winning price condition, if the hidden winning price condition is applied, the corresponding hidden winning price information is input, and the hidden winning price application method information (whether to treat the bid price as the final winning price or the hidden winning price as the final winning price) is input. This hidden winning price corresponds to the seller's choice to protect bidders from overheated competition.

[0121] Accordingly, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), the general auction is conducted, and if the auction is conducted under the hidden winning bid condition, it is preferable to determine the bidder as the successful bidder if the bid amount input by the bidder who participated in the auction by the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time.

[0122] In addition, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation step (S100), if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction and conducted under a hidden winning bid condition, it is desirable to close the auction at that point and determine the bidder as the winning bidder if the bid amount input by a bidder who participated in the auction at any point by the above auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time.

[0123] Of course, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at the final point in the auction closing stage (S400), rather than the auction progress stage (S300), is equal to or exceeds the entered hidden winning bid price for the first time, the auction may be closed at that point and the bidder in question determined as the successful bidder. In this case, even if there is a bidder with the highest bid, the bidder who entered a bid that meets the hidden winning bid conditions will be determined as the successful bidder.

[0124] In this way, if the bid amount entered by a bidder who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) corresponds to the hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the corresponding bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

[0125] After this, in the auction processing step (S500), when the successful bidder is determined based on the application of the hidden successful bidder conditions, it is preferable to calculate the final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder by corresponding it to the hidden successful bid price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), or to calculate it using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

[0126] For example, if the hidden winning bid is 1.5 million won, and the bid amount entered by a bidder who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) or the auction closing step (S400) exceeds 1.5 million won for the first time, that is, 1.51 million won, then the bidder is determined as the successful bidder, and the base amount for calculating the final winning bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder can be processed as the hidden winning bid of 1.5 million won or as the 1.51 million won entered by the successful bidder, and this is determined based on the information related to the auction conditions entered through the auction preparation step (S100).

[0127] In addition, in the auction processing step (S500) of the online auction service activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, if the successful bidder does not deposit the successful bid amount, i.e., if the deposit process is not completed by the deadline for the successful bid amount deposit, a response to non-compliance with the successful bid is performed based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100).

[0128] Specifically, considering the subsequent processing or failed auction processing due to non-compliance with the winning bid included in the above penalty condition information, the bidder who entered the highest bid in the subsequent order may be converted to the winning bidder, and the above auction result information may be generated and proceeded with, or if there is no final winning bidder, the auction may be failed.

[0129] In the event of an auction failure, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), an action is taken based on whether to automatically re-list or whether to end the auction, corresponding to the information on whether to automatically re-list in the event of a failure.

[0130] In addition, in accordance with the policy of the online auction server, if a bidder continuously rejects a bid or continuously delays / refuses to deposit a bid deposit, sanctions such as restricting the bidder's participation in future online auctions may be imposed.

[0131] In addition, in a method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, after performing the auction processing step (S500), the online auction server further performs a result sharing step (S600).

[0132] It is preferable that the above result sharing step (S600) be performed on the online auction server after the above auction processing step (S500) is performed, and the above auction result information is shared with all participating bidders, sellers, and previously connected administrators.

[0133] At this time, in order to ensure the anonymity of bidders and the fairness of the auction, it is desirable to provide unique information that can identify bidders, such as bidder names, in an anonymized form.

[0134] In addition, the method for activating an online auction service according to one embodiment of the present invention may perform a satisfaction survey on the auction to the successful bidder, analyze whether the information on the condition of the auctioned item matches the information entered by the seller, and provide sanctions to the seller who sold the item using false or exaggerated information.

[0135] In other words, the online auction server improves the reliability of the online auction service itself by performing a two-way operation that protects sellers from bidders and sellers from bidders, rather than a one-way operation that protects sellers from bidders.

[0136] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably includes an auction preparation unit (100), an auction initiation processing unit (200), an auction progress processing unit (300), an auction closing processing unit (400), and an auction result processing unit (500). Each component is operated by a computational processing unit, and is preferably included in an online auction server that operates the online auction system.

[0137] Let's take a closer look at each component:

[0138] The above auction preparation unit (100) receives information related to goods and auction conditions from sellers who wish to sell goods using the online auction service.

[0139] At this time, it is desirable to include the following information regarding the item: whether it is a good or service, whether it is movable or immovable, the name of the item, a photograph of the item, characteristics, specifications, condition, use, age, used condition, purchase price, current market price, or estimated market price (such as recent used sale price or recent auction winning bid). Additionally, it is desirable to enter detailed information about the item to be sold through an auction.

[0140] The above auction condition-related information includes mandatory auction condition information disclosed to bidders and optional auction condition information entered at the seller's discretion. The mandatory and optional auction condition information are entered based on the policies of the online auction server hosting the auction and the seller's choice to sell their items through the auction. These information is not necessarily limited to the information listed below.

[0141] The above essential auction condition information includes minimum bid price information, auction bid unit information, auction period information, bid reward payment method information (bid reward rate or designated bid reward), bid deposit generation method information (bid deposit rate or designated bid deposit), and auction proceeding method information (general auction or simultaneous bid auction).

[0142] The above-mentioned optional auction condition information includes whether a weighted compensation condition is applied, weighted compensation condition information (the successful bidder's weighted compensation (successful bid compensation rate or designated successful bid compensation) or designated weighted compensation standard (weighted compensation rate or designated weighted compensation)), whether an immediate successful bidder condition is applied, immediate successful bid price information, whether a hidden successful bid price condition is applied, hidden successful bid price information, information on how the hidden successful bid price is applied, whether automatic re-listing occurs in case of a failed bid, and information on penalty conditions due to the successful bidder's refusal to accept the item.

[0143] The above auction start processing unit (200) determines the starting price of the auction item and starts the auction based on the product-related information and auction condition-related information provided by the auction preparation unit (100).

[0144] Here, the online auction server, based on the product-related information, creates detailed information about the product to be sold through an auction, and posts the information created through an online auction system, that is, an online auction system that provides an online auction service, thereby publicly disclosing detailed information about the product to be auctioned.

[0145] Of course, in addition to detailed information about the item, detailed information about the bid will also be disclosed. This will provide detailed information necessary to proceed with the auction based on the essential auction condition information mentioned above.

[0146] Additionally, the online auction server, through its pre-stored customer database or an externally linked customer database, provides auction information notifications to customers who have expressed interest in the items being auctioned, or customers who are expected to be interested in the items being auctioned. While detailed information about the items being auctioned is readily available through the online auction system, providing additional notifications to specific customers can enhance interest in the auction.

[0147] The above auction initiation processing unit (200) determines the minimum bid included in the auction condition-related information received from the auction preparation unit (100) as the starting price for a general auction, that is, when the auction is initiated in the form of a general auction, and displays it along with the initiation of the auction. When the auction is initiated in the form of a general auction, it can be viewed as similar to a typical online auction system.

[0148] As another example, the auction start processing unit (200) receives an initial bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service before the auction starts, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100), when the auction is to proceed as a simultaneous bid auction, in other words, when the auction starts as a simultaneous bid auction, and determines the highest price among the initial bid amounts as the auction starting price.

[0149] In detail, the above auction start processing unit (200) receives an initial bid amount from a bidder who wishes to bid on an item to be auctioned through a simultaneous bid auction processing process before the auction starts, determines the highest bid amount among the input initial bid amounts as the auction starting price, and displays it together with the auction start.

[0150] In other words, if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, the determined starting price refers to the initial bid for the auction. In other words, if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, bid amounts are entered by bidders at preset points in time. At the first point in time, the highest initial bid amount entered by bidders is determined as the initial bid (the initial bid).

[0151] At this time, if multiple bidders enter their highest bid as the initial bid amount, the bidder with the fastest bid time among the eligible bidders will be designated as the first bidder. This qualifies the first bidder to receive the bidding reward, a point discussed in more detail below.

[0152] The above auction processing unit (300) receives a desired bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service, and proceeds with the auction based on the information related to the auction conditions.

[0153] The above auction progress processing unit (300) updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid price each time a bid amount is entered from a bidder based on the information related to the above auction conditions, in the case of a general auction, and updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid price among the bid amounts entered from bidders as the highest bid price at that time at each preset time based on the information related to the above auction conditions, in the case of a simultaneous bid auction.

[0154] At this time, the auction progress processing unit (300) calculates the bid deposit based on the bid amount entered by each bidder and processes the deposit request based on the information related to the auction conditions, and calculates and provides the expected bid reward if the auction is conducted as a general auction.

[0155] In addition, the above auction progress processing unit (300) calculates a bid deposit based on the entered bid amount and processes a deposit request for the bidder who entered the highest bid price updated at each preset time based on the information related to the above auction conditions when the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, and calculates and provides the expected bid reward.

[0156] Specifically, the auction processing unit (300) updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid price each time a bid amount is entered from a bidder, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100), when the auction is conducted as a general auction. In other words, when the auction is conducted as a general auction, the highest bid price is updated and the auction progress is updated. This method can be viewed as similar to a typical online auction system.

[0157] As another example, the auction progress processing unit (300) based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100) updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid amount input by the bidder as the highest bid price at that time at preset time intervals when the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, that is, when the auction is initiated as a simultaneous bid auction, based on the information, the auction progress processing unit (300) updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid amount input by the bidder as the highest bid price at that time at preset time intervals. As an example, if the auction is conducted for 3 hours and the simultaneous bid auction is conducted every 30 minutes, the bid amounts are received from the bidders for 30 minutes, and every 30 minutes, the auction is conducted by updating the highest bid amount input during the last 30 minutes as the highest bid price at that time.

[0158] At this time, the auction progress processing unit (300) calculates the expected bid reward based on the bid amount entered by each bidder during the auction process based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), and discloses this through the online auction system, thereby transparently transmitting information on the current auction progress status and the actual profit that can be obtained even if the auction fails, thereby improving the reliability of the online auction.

[0159] Bidding bonuses are a form of online auction where sellers autonomously determine the bid amount. This not only provides a strong incentive for bidders to participate in online auctions, but also rewards bidders for their interest in the item and their willingness to bid competitively, as is typical of auctions. Like an arrow flying directly to the target—the true value of the item—with a small initial bid, bidding bonuses encourage bidders to quickly bid and set their bid prices based on their own discernment and judgment. Specifically, bidders receive a bidding bonus (applied as a discount upon winning) based on their bid increase. This provides bidders with a sense of security, leading to higher winning bid rates and higher winning bid prices, even with shorter auction periods compared to traditional online auctions. Of course, because the bidding bonus is an auction condition determined autonomously by the seller, it is acceptable to input a bid bonus of 0 won or a bid bonus rate of 0%. Rather, applying a higher reward rate to a single successful bidder rather than multiple bidders may encourage competition among auction participants and encourage winning bids at prices closer to true market value.

[0160] This bidding reward can be calculated using the bid deposit payment method information input by the auction preparation unit (100). For example, it can be calculated in the form of a designated bidding reward regardless of the bid price entered by the bidder, or in the form of a bidding reward rate calculated as a certain percentage of the bid price increased by the bidder, i.e., the bid price increased by the bidder compared to the previous bid price.

[0161] At this time, if a bidding reward is provided to all bidders, indiscriminate participation in the auction solely for the bidding reward may occur, so a deposit of a bidding deposit is requested for each bidder who entered a bid price.

[0162] In detail, the above auction progress processing unit (300) calculates the bid deposit based on the bid amount entered by each bidder during the auction process and processes a request for deposit of the bid deposit to the corresponding bidder.

[0163] The bid deposit is the amount that will be returned to the bidder if the item is not successfully bid on, but it is literally a deposit in the form of a 'deposit' to prevent bidders from raising the price of the item to receive the bid reward even if they have no intention of actually winning the bid, or from participating in the auction simply for the bid reward.

[0164] It is preferable to calculate the bid deposit as a designated bid deposit, regardless of the bid price entered by the bidder, or as a bid deposit rate calculated as a certain percentage of the bid price increased by the bidder, i.e., the bid price increased by the bidder compared to the previous bid price. The calculation conditions for this bid deposit are determined based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100), as described above.

[0165] This ensures that only bidders who have deposited their bid deposit will receive the bid reward. However, depending on the bidder's circumstances, they may not be able to deposit 100% of the calculated bid deposit. In this case, the bid reward can be paid in proportion to the deposited bid deposit, based on the online auction server's policy or additional auction condition information entered by the seller. Alternatively, after granting a period for full payment of any unpaid bid deposit, if payment is not made within this period, the rights to the entered bid deposit may be transferred to the online auction server. In this way, while genuinely participating in online auctions will receive the bid reward regardless of whether the bid is won or lost, participants who do not participate will receive differential or no compensation, thereby enhancing the reliability of online auctions.

[0166] Reflecting this point, when the above auction processing unit (300) proceeds with a general auction, as described above, each bidder inputs a desired bid price while checking the above auction starting price or the previously updated highest bid price, starting with the above auction starting price, and the online auction server calculates the bid deposit and bid reward of each bidder in the order of bidding using the bid prices sequentially input.

[0167] In contrast, when the above auction progress processing unit (300) proceeds with a simultaneous bid auction, each bidder simultaneously inputs a bid price during a preset time period as described above, and updates the highest bid price among the bid prices input during that time period as the highest bid price at that time period.

[0168] Therefore, when the above auction progress processing unit (300) proceeds with a simultaneous bid auction, even if multiple bidders input bid prices at each point in time, the bid deposit and bid reward are calculated for the bidder who input a bid price that updates the highest bid price at each point in time.

[0169] The above auction closing processing unit (400) determines the successful bidder among the bidders participating in the auction based on the information related to the auction conditions provided by the above auction preparation unit (100).

[0170] The above auction closing processing unit (400) determines, based on the information related to the auction conditions, the bidder who has updated the highest bid price among the bidders participating in the auction in the event of a general auction as the successful bidder, and based on the information related to the auction conditions, if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction, the bidder who has updated the highest bid price among the bid amounts input by the bidders at the preset final time point as the successful bidder.

[0171] Simply put, this means that if there is a bidder who entered the highest bid at the last point, that bidder is determined to be the successful bidder.

[0172] In detail, the auction closing processing unit (400) determines, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), in the case of a general auction, the bidder who has updated the highest bid price among the bidders who participated in the auction through the auction progress processing unit (300) as the successful bidder. Through the auction progress processing unit (300), the bidder who has entered the bid price sequentially while increasing it is determined as the successful bidder at the end of the input auction period when the bid price has been increased.

[0173] In addition, the auction closing processing unit (400) determines, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), the bidder who updates the highest bid price among the bid amounts input by the bidders at the preset final time point in the case of a simultaneous bid auction as the successful bidder. Similar to the auction progress processing unit (300) that proceeds with a simultaneous bid auction, the bid price is input during a preset time point, and the highest price among the bid prices input during that time point is updated as the highest bid price at that time. At this time, if the time point is the last time point of the auction period, and there is a bid price that updates the highest bid price at the last time point, the corresponding bidder is determined as the successful bidder.

[0174] The above auction start processing unit (200), auction progress processing unit (300), and auction closing processing unit (400) may proceed with different auction methods according to the auction condition-related information input by the above auction preparation unit (100).

[0175] That is, since the seller can strategically select the auction method based on the type and condition of the auction item, the auction initiation processing unit (200), the auction progress processing unit (300), and the auction closing processing unit (400) can be selected. Considering the number of cases, eight cases can be generated.

[0176] If the above auction initiation processing unit (200), auction progress processing unit (300), and auction closing processing unit (400) proceed with the same auction method, there are no circumstances to consider. Regardless of the method used, if the highest bid is updated through a simultaneous bid auction in the preceding stage, there are no circumstances to consider when proceeding with a regular auction. Bids can be input and processed based on the previously updated highest bid. However, if the highest bid is updated through a regular auction in the preceding stage and then proceeds with a simultaneous bid auction, it is necessary to restrict regular bidding by setting a static period.

[0177] Specifically, since the simultaneous bid auction is a method of receiving bids from multiple bidders simultaneously during a preset period of time, it is desirable to complete the step of sequentially receiving bids through a general auction, and then set a static time for simultaneous bid bidding so that only simultaneous bid bidding can proceed during that time.

[0178] The above auction result processing unit (500) generates auction result information including the bidding reward to be paid to each bidder, the final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder, and the final auction amount to be received by the seller, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation unit (100).

[0179] The above bidding reward is, as described above, the reward that each bidder would receive if he or she deposited a bidding bond; in other words, it is an opportunity cost compensation or consolation money paid to participants who participated in the bidding but did not win the bid.

[0180] The final successful bid amount refers to the bid price entered by the successful bidder by the auction closing processing unit (400). More specifically, the final successful bid amount to be deposited is the amount minus the bidding reward to be paid to the successful bidder from the bidding price entered by the successful bidder. Of course, the successful bidder must also deposit the bidding deposit to be eligible for the bidding reward, and the final successful bid amount excluding the bidding reward is calculated accordingly. However, if the bidder is determined to be the successful bidder, for the convenience of the successful bidder, the successful bidder may consider the payment of the actual auction price excluding the reward, etc., as the deposit.

[0181] The final auction price above is the amount the seller receives in consideration for selling the item, and is calculated after deducting the total bidding reward paid to participants who participated in the bid but did not win the bid from the bid price entered by the successful bidder, the bidding reward paid to the successful bidder, and server usage fees / commissions according to the policy of the online auction server.

[0182] The above auction result processing unit (500) calculates the final bidding reward by using the bidding deposit that each bidder must deposit and the bidding deposit actually deposited by the corresponding bidder in calculating the bidding reward to be paid to each bidder.

[0183] That is, depending on the bidder's situation, if the bid deposit that must be paid cannot be processed 100%, the bid reward may be calculated in proportion to the deposited bid deposit based on the policy of the online auction server or the additional auction condition information input by the seller, or if a period is given to fully pay the unpaid bid deposit, and if the full payment is not processed even after the period has elapsed, the right to the entered bid deposit may be transferred to the online auction server.

[0184] The above auction result processing unit (500) calculates the weighted compensation amount of the successful bidder or the weighted compensation amount of the bidder corresponding to the weighted compensation standard amount based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the above auction preparation unit (100) and includes it in the above auction result information when proceeding with the weighted compensation condition.

[0185] Weighted bounty refers to a method of auction bidding compensation whereby the seller, on the online auction server, provides benefits to bidders who enter bids close to their desired winning bid, thereby encouraging them to reach the desired selling price. This benefit can be entered as optional auction condition information during the auction preparation step (S100). Of course, the optional auction condition information is at the seller's discretion, and weighted bounty conditions are not necessarily required.

[0186] The above weighted compensation conditions allow for a higher compensation rate for the final successful bidder, thereby encouraging competition among auction participants and encouraging successful bids at prices closer to actual market value. To achieve this, a designated winning bid reward, which provides a weighted compensation amount of a specified amount, or a winning bid reward rate calculated using the bid price entered by the successful bidder can be used.

[0187] For example, if the weighted compensation amount is input as 50,000 won based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), the auction result processing unit (500) calculates the final successful bid amount to be deposited by subtracting the bid compensation amount to be paid to the successful bidder and the weighted compensation amount of 50,000 won from the bid price input by the successful bidder.

[0188] In addition, if the weighted compensation rate is entered as 5%, the auction result processing unit (500) calculates the final successful bid amount by deducting the bid compensation to be paid to the successful bidder from the bid price entered by the successful bidder and an amount equivalent to 5% of the asking price increased by the bid price entered by the successful bidder.

[0189] In addition, with the above weighted compensation conditions, the seller may receive a designated weighted compensation standard that is not disclosed to bidders in order to provide bidders with the pleasure of participating in the auction, and provide an additional compensation to the first bidder who enters a bid exceeding the designated weighted compensation standard.

[0190] For this purpose, a weighted compensation rate that can be calculated using the designated weighted compensation or the bid price entered by the successful bidder is used.

[0191] For example, if the designated weighted compensation standard amount not disclosed to bidders is 950,000 won based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100) and 50,000 won is input as the designated weighted compensation amount, the auction result processing unit (500) processes the bid compensation amount to be paid to the first bidder who input a bid price exceeding 950,000 won and the weighted compensation amount of 50,000 won to be additionally paid through the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400).

[0192] In addition, if the above-mentioned weighted compensation standard is 950,000 won and the weighted compensation rate is entered as 5%, the auction result processing unit (500) processes the bid compensation to be paid to the first bidder who entered a bid price exceeding 950,000 won through the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400) and additionally receives a weighted compensation amount corresponding to 5% of the asking price increased by the bid price entered by the bidder.

[0193] In addition, the online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention receives, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100), whether to apply the immediate successful bid condition, and if immediate successful bid price information is input, specifically, whether to apply the immediate successful bid condition, and if the immediate successful bid price condition is applied, the immediate successful bid price information corresponding to the application of the immediate successful bid condition is input, and further, information on the method of applying the immediate successful bid price (whether to treat the bid price as the final successful bid price or whether to treat the immediate successful bid price as the final successful bid price) is input. This immediate successful bid price corresponds to the seller's option for bidder protection.

[0194] Accordingly, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), a general auction is conducted, and if the auction is conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, it is preferable that the bid amount entered by the bidder participating in the auction by the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400) be equal to the immediate winning bid price or exceed the immediate winning bid price for the first time, and then the bidder is determined as the successful bidder.

[0195] In addition, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), if the auction is conducted as a simultaneous bid auction and conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, it is preferable that the auction be closed at that point and the bidder in question be determined as the successful bidder if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at any point in time by the auction progress processing unit (300) corresponds to the immediately winning bid price or exceeds the immediately winning bid price for the first time.

[0196] Of course, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at the final point in time by the auction closing processing unit (400), rather than the auction progress processing unit (300), corresponds to the immediate winning bid price upon entry or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the auction may be closed at that point and the bidder in question may be determined as the successful bidder. In this case, even if there is a bidder who entered the highest bid price, the bidder who entered a bid price that satisfies the immediate winning bid condition will be determined as the successful bidder.

[0197] In this way, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction is immediately the winning bid price or exceeds the winning bid price for the first time by the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400), the corresponding bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

[0198] After this, the auction result processing unit (500) immediately calculates the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100) in accordance with the successful bidder conditions applied, or preferably calculates the amount using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

[0199] For example, if the instant successful bidder is 1.3 million won, and the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction by the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400) initially exceeds 1.3 million won, which is 1.38 million won, the corresponding bidder is determined as the successful bidder, and the standard amount for calculating the final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder can be processed as the instant successful bid price of 1.3 million won or as the 1.38 million won entered by the successful bidder, and this is determined based on the information related to the auction conditions entered by the auction preparation unit (100).

[0200] In particular, the online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention can enhance the reliability of online auction services by immediately opening the winning bid, i.e., disclosing it to all bidders. Specifically, in the case of manufactured goods with a certain reference price, there is a risk that the winning bid price may exceed the market price due to an overheated auction atmosphere. In this case, even if the winning bidder wins the auction, the moment the winning bidder confirms the market price, distrust in the online auction service may arise. To address this issue, by immediately disclosing the winning bid price, losses resulting from bidders' lack of information about the item can be minimized.

[0201] In addition, the online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention receives, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100), whether or not to apply a hidden winning price condition, hidden winning price information, and hidden winning price application method information, specifically, whether or not to apply a hidden winning price condition, if the hidden winning price condition is applied, the corresponding hidden winning price information is input, and information on the hidden winning price application method (whether to treat the bid price as the final winning price or the hidden winning price as the final winning price) is input. This hidden winning price corresponds to the seller's choice to protect bidders from overheated competition.

[0202] Accordingly, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), the auction is conducted as a general auction, and if it is conducted under the hidden winning bid condition, the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400) determines the bidder as the successful bidder if the bid amount input by the bidder participating in the auction corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time.

[0203] In addition, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation unit (100), a simultaneous bid auction is conducted, and when the auction is conducted under the hidden winning bid condition, if the bid amount input by a bidder participating in the auction at any point in time by the auction progress processing unit (300) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the auction is closed at that point and the bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

[0204] Of course, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at the final point in time by the auction closing processing unit (400), rather than the auction progress processing unit (300), corresponds to the entered hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the auction may be closed at that point and the bidder in question may be determined as the successful bidder. In this case, even if there is a bidder who entered the highest bid price, the bidder who entered a bid price that satisfies the hidden winning bid condition will be determined as the successful bidder.

[0205] In this way, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction is equal to the hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the bidder is determined as the winning bidder by the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400).

[0206] After this, the auction result processing unit (500) calculates the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder by corresponding the hidden successful bid price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100) when the successful bidder is determined according to the application of the hidden successful bid condition, or calculates it using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

[0207] For example, if the hidden successful bidder is 1.5 million won, and the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction by the auction progress processing unit (300) or the auction closing processing unit (400) exceeds 1.5 million won for the first time, that is, 1.51 million won, the corresponding bidder is determined as the successful bidder, and the base amount for calculating the final successful bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder can be processed as the hidden successful bid price of 1.5 million won or as the 1.51 million won entered by the successful bidder, and this is determined based on the information related to the auction conditions entered by the auction preparation unit (100).

[0208] In addition, if the successful bidder does not deposit the winning bid amount, i.e., if the payment is not processed by the deadline for the successful bid amount, the auction result processing unit (500) takes action against the failure to bid based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100).

[0209] Specifically, considering the subsequent processing or failed bidding due to non-compliance with the above penalty condition information, the bidder who entered the highest bid in the subsequent order may be converted to the successful bidder, and the above auction result information may be generated and proceeded with, or the auction may be failed.

[0210] In the event of an auction failure, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation unit (100), an action is taken based on whether to automatically re-list or whether to end the auction, corresponding to the information on whether to automatically re-list in the event of a failure.

[0211] In addition, in accordance with the policy of the online auction server, if a bidder continuously rejects a successful bid or continuously delays / refuses to deposit a bid deposit, sanctions such as restricting the bidder's participation in future online auctions may be imposed.

[0212] In addition, the online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a result sharing processing unit (600), as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0213] The above-mentioned result sharing processing unit (600) is also included in the online auction server, and after performing the operations of the above-mentioned auction result processing unit (500), the above-mentioned auction result information is shared with all participating bidders, sellers, and pre-connected administrators. To ensure bidder anonymity and fairness in the auction, unique information that can identify bidders, such as their names, is provided in an anonymized form.

[0214] In addition, the online auction system according to one embodiment of the present invention may conduct a satisfaction survey on the auction to the successful bidder, analyze whether the information on the condition of the auctioned item matches the information entered by the seller, and provide sanctions to the seller who sold the item using false or exaggerated information.

[0215] In other words, the online auction server improves the reliability of the online auction service itself by performing a two-way operation that protects sellers from bidders and sellers from bidders, rather than a one-way operation that protects sellers from bidders.

[0216] For example, after an auction ends, the online auction server can request and receive reviews from bidders and winning bidders regarding the seller's product condition, appropriate pricing, bidding method, and the winning bidder's satisfaction. Furthermore, the server can request and receive reputation scores for the seller from bidders and winning bidders. This can be applied to seller reputation management, allowing online auction participants to verify a seller's reputation and assess the reliability of their auction transactions. Furthermore, the online auction server can operate a reporting function for bidders and winning bidders who engage in inappropriate behavior or transactions during the online auction process. This can prevent fraudulent sales practices or transactions and maintain a safe trading environment for participants.

[0217] Additionally, the online auction server can request and receive evaluations and reviews from bidders based on their participation in the auction. This can be used to assign reputation scores to bidders, thereby enhancing trust among bidders.

[0218] The online auction server can request and receive feedback from bidders, successful bidders, and sellers regarding the online auction itself. By regularly collecting and analyzing this feedback, problems can be identified and improvements made.

[0219] Specifically, it is desirable for the online auction server to derive reputations for sellers and bidders and provide the results to terminals (e.g., seller terminals, bidder terminals) connected to the online auction server. Preferably, the reputation results are displayed in colors or numerical formats for each component, allowing for easy verification.

[0220] This will help maintain the integrity of the online auction system. Furthermore, by allowing the human entities (sellers, bidders, etc.) that comprise the online auction system to manage their own reputations, operators (administrators, etc.) of the online auction server can be justified in managing ineligible members. Furthermore, it will also expose and justify the removal of obstacles to online auction operation, facilitating the smooth achievement of online auction objectives. In this way, by enhancing trust among sellers, bidders, and successful bidders through mutual evaluation and improvement, the scope and sustainability of the online auction business can be enhanced.

[0221] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, an online auction service activation method and an online auction system utilizing the same may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various electronic information processing means and recorded on a storage medium. The storage medium may contain program commands, data files, data structures, and the like, either singly or in combination.

[0222] The program instructions recorded on the storage medium may be specially designed and configured for the present invention, or may be known and available to those skilled in the software field. Examples of the storage medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a device that electronically processes information using an interpreter, for example, a computer.

[0223] As described above, the present invention has been described with specific details such as specific components and limited example drawings, but these are provided only to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations from this description.

[0224] Therefore, the idea of ​​the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all things that are equivalent or equivalent to the scope of the patent claims as well as the scope of the patent claims are considered to fall within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for activating an online auction service applied to an online auction system in which each step is performed by an operation processing means, An auction preparation step (S100) in which, in an online auction server, information related to goods and auction conditions is received from a seller who wishes to sell goods using an online auction service; In an online auction server, an auction initiation step (S200) of determining the starting price of an auction item and initiating an auction based on the information related to the item and the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100); An auction progress step (S300) in which, in an online auction server, a desired bid amount is input from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service, and an auction is conducted based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100); In the online auction server, an auction closing step (S400) for determining a successful bidder among the bidders who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) based on the auction condition-related information input through the auction preparation step (S100); and An auction processing step (S500) in which, in an online auction server, auction result information including the bidding reward to be paid to each bidder, the final winning bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder, and the final auction amount to be received by the seller is generated based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100); A method for activating an online auction service, comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, How to activate the above online auction service In the online auction server, after performing the auction processing step (S500), a result sharing step (S600) of sharing the auction result information with all participating bidders, sellers, and previously connected administrators; A method for activating an online auction service, further comprising:

3. In paragraph 1, The above auction initiation step (S200) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), if a general auction is conducted, the lowest bid price included in the auction condition-related information is determined as the auction starting price.

4. In paragraph 1, The above auction initiation step (S200) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), if a simultaneous bid auction is to be conducted, before the start of the auction, an initial bid amount is input from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using the online auction service, and the highest price among the initial bid amounts is determined as the starting price of the auction.

5. In paragraph 1, The above auction progress step (S300) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), when a general auction is conducted, the highest bid price is updated and the auction progress is updated whenever a bid amount is input from a bidder.

6. In paragraph 5, The above auction progress step (S300) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, while the auction progress step (S300) is being performed based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), a bid deposit is calculated based on the bid amount input by each bidder, a deposit request is processed, and an expected bid reward is calculated and provided.

7. In paragraph 1, The above auction progress step (S300) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, when a simultaneous bid auction is conducted based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), at each preset time, the highest bid amount among the bid amounts input by bidders is updated as the highest bid price at that time, thereby updating the auction progress.

8. In paragraph 7, The above auction progress step (S300) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, while the auction progress step (S300) is being performed based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), a bid deposit is calculated based on the entered bid amount to a bidder who has entered an updated highest bid price at each preset time, a deposit request is processed, and an expected bid reward is calculated and provided.

9. In paragraph 1, The above auction closing stage (S400) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), if a general auction is conducted, the bidder who has updated the highest bid price among the bidders who participated in the auction through the auction progress step (S300) is determined as the successful bidder.

10. In paragraph 1, The above auction closing stage (S400) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), when a simultaneous bid auction is conducted, the bidder who updates the highest bid amount among the bid amounts input by bidders at a preset final point in time is determined as the successful bidder.

11. In paragraph 6 or paragraph 8, The above auction processing step (S500) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, a bidding reward is calculated using the bidding deposit to be deposited by the bidder and the bidding deposit actually deposited by the bidder, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100).

12. In paragraph 1, The above auction processing step (S500) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), if the auction proceeds with a weighted compensation condition, the weighted compensation of the successful bidder or the weighted compensation of the bidder corresponding to the weighted compensation standard is calculated and included in the auction result information.

13. In paragraph 1, The above auction closing stage (S400) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, a general auction is conducted based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and if the auction is conducted under an immediate winning bid condition, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

14. In paragraph 1, The above auction closing stage (S400) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, a simultaneous bid auction is conducted based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and if the auction is conducted under an immediate winning bid condition, if the bid amount input by a bidder who participated in the auction at any point in time by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the immediate winning bid price or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the auction is closed at that point and the bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

15. In paragraph 13 or 14, The above auction processing step (S500) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder is calculated by corresponding the immediate successful bid price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), or by using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

16. In paragraph 1, The above auction closing stage (S400) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, a general auction is conducted based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and when the auction is conducted under a hidden winning bid condition, if the bid amount input by a bidder who participated in the auction by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the bidder is determined to be the successful bidder.

17. In paragraph 1, The above auction closing stage (S400) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, a simultaneous bid auction is conducted based on the information related to the auction conditions input by the auction preparation step (S100), and when the auction is conducted under a hidden winning bid condition, the bid amount input by a bidder who participated in the auction at any point in time by the auction progress step (S300) corresponds to the input hidden winning bid price or exceeds the hidden winning bid price for the first time, the auction is closed at that point, and the bidder is determined as the winning bidder.

18. In paragraph 16 or 17, The above auction processing step (S500) A method for activating an online auction service, wherein, in an online auction server, the final successful bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder is calculated by corresponding the hidden successful bid price based on the auction condition-related information input by the auction preparation step (S100), or by using the bid amount input by the successful bidder.

19. Auction preparation department that receives information on items and auction conditions from sellers who wish to sell items using the online auction service; An auction initiation processing unit that determines the starting price of an auction item and initiates an auction based on the above-mentioned product-related information and auction condition-related information; An auction processing unit that receives a desired bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service and conducts an auction based on information related to the auction conditions; An auction closing processing unit that determines a successful bidder among bidders participating in the auction based on the information related to the above auction conditions; and An auction result processing unit that generates auction result information including the bid reward to be paid to each bidder, the final winning bid amount to be deposited by the successful bidder, and the final auction amount to be received by the seller based on the above auction condition-related information; An online auction system, including:

20. In paragraph 19, The online auction system A result sharing processing unit that shares the above auction result information with all participating bidders, sellers, and associated administrators; An online auction system that further includes:

21. In paragraph 19, The above auction initiation processing department Based on the above auction condition related information, if a general auction is conducted, the lowest bid included in the above auction condition related information is determined as the auction starting price. An online auction system that, based on the information related to the above auction conditions, when a simultaneous bid auction is conducted, receives an initial bid amount from a bidder who wishes to purchase an item using an online auction service before the start of the auction, and determines the highest initial bid amount as the starting price of the auction.

22. In paragraph 19, The above auction processing department Based on the above auction condition information, if a general auction is conducted, the highest bid is updated and the auction progress is updated whenever a bid amount is entered from a bidder. An online auction system that updates the auction progress by updating the highest bid amount entered by the bidder as the highest bid price at that time at each preset time based on the information related to the above auction conditions, when a simultaneous bid auction is conducted.

23. In paragraph 22, The above auction processing department An online auction system that calculates a bid deposit based on the bid amount entered by each bidder and processes a deposit request, and calculates and provides the expected bid reward, based on the information related to the above auction conditions, in the case of a general auction.

24. In paragraph 22, The above auction processing department An online auction system that calculates a bid deposit based on the entered bid amount and processes a deposit request for the bidder who entered the highest bid price updated at each preset time based on the information related to the above auction conditions, when a simultaneous bid auction is conducted, and calculates and provides the expected bid reward.

25. In paragraph 19, The above auction closing processing department Based on the information related to the above auction conditions, if a general auction is conducted, the bidder who has updated the highest bid among the bidders participating in the auction is determined as the successful bidder. An online auction system that, based on the information related to the above auction conditions, determines the bidder who updates the highest bid amount among the bid amounts entered by bidders at the preset final point in time as the successful bidder in the event of a simultaneous bid auction.

26. In paragraph 23 or 24, The above auction result processing department An online auction system that calculates a bid reward based on the information related to the above auction conditions, using the bid deposit that the bidder must deposit and the bid deposit actually deposited by the bidder.

27. In paragraph 19, The above auction result processing department An online auction system that calculates the weighted compensation amount of the successful bidder or the weighted compensation amount of the bidder corresponding to the weighted compensation standard and includes it in the auction result information based on the information related to the above auction conditions when proceeding with weighted compensation conditions.

28. In paragraph 19, The above auction closing processing department Based on the information related to the above auction conditions, if it is conducted as a general auction and is conducted under the condition of an immediate winning bid, if the bid amount entered by the bidder participating in the auction is equivalent to the immediate winning bid price upon entry or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the bidder is determined as the successful bidder. An online auction system that, based on the information related to the above auction conditions, proceeds with a simultaneous bid auction, and if it proceeds with an immediate winning bid condition, if the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at any point in time corresponds to the immediate winning bid price upon entry or exceeds the immediate winning bid price for the first time, the auction is closed at that point and the bidder in question is determined as the winning bidder.

29. In paragraph 28, The above auction result processing department An online auction system that calculates the final winning bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder based on the above auction condition information by corresponding it to the immediate winning bid price or by using the bid amount entered by the successful bidder.

30. In paragraph 19, The above auction closing processing department Based on the above auction conditions information, it will be conducted as a general auction, and if it is conducted under the hidden bid price condition, if the bid amount entered by the bidder participating in the auction is equal to the entered hidden bid price or exceeds the hidden bid price for the first time, the bidder will be determined as the successful bidder. An online auction system that, based on the above auction condition-related information, conducts a simultaneous bid auction, and if conducted under a hidden bid condition, when the bid amount entered by a bidder participating in the auction at any point in time corresponds to the entered hidden bid price or exceeds the hidden bid price for the first time, closes the auction at that point and determines the bidder as the successful bidder.

31. In paragraph 30, The above auction result processing department An online auction system that calculates the final winning bid amount to be paid by the successful bidder based on the above auction condition-related information by corresponding the hidden winning bid price or by using the bid amount entered by the successful bidder.

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