Earthtrax, Inc.

Bryan Kerry Devlin

Mark Hill

Frederick Chun Bong Wong

Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to an auction optimization system that assists users in determining one or more parameters associated with a planned auction. In one embodiment, the auction optimization system computes a predicted final auction price for a given item based on historical auction data associated with the same or similar items. In other embodiments, the auction optimization system is operative to compute suggestions for various auction parameters, such as starting price, start time, duration, and reserve price. In certain embodiments, the auction optimization system uses novel data gathering techniques that minimize the load on on-line auction facilities and gather data in a manner consistent with the use policies associated with on-line auction facilities.

Auction optimization system

Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to the identification of a set of auctions which are similar, or relevant, to a contemplated or model auction. In one embodiment, the similar auction identification system uses a model auction, including keywords and other information contained in a data structure that characterize attributes of the auction, as input data to identify a set of auctions that are similar or analytically relevant to the model auction. In one implementation, the resulting set of identified auctions allows a user to efficiently analyze the auctions in assessing the starting parameters of a contemplated auction, or for assessing the latest bid price in a currently pending auction. In one implementation, the set of identified auctions can be used as an input to an auction optimization system that, for example, computes a set of suggested auction parameters for a contemplated auction, and/or computes one or more predicted behavioral attributes for a contemplated auction.

Growing community of inventors

Los Altos, CA, United States of America

Bryan Kerry Devlin