Computer-assisted method and apparatus for absentee sellers to participate in auctions and other sales

摘要

A live auction or other sales transaction permits sellers to dynamically participate from remote locations. The remotely-located seller receives a simulcast of the auction in progress and is able to at any time indicate to the auctioneer an approval to sell an item on the block at the current high bid price. The remote seller may also send a counteroffer to the current high bidder, "if" the sale or reject the high bid to result in a no sale. The computer system detects when the remote seller is temporarily inactive to allow the auctioneer to proceed as if the seller were not present. The remote seller feature can be used on sales with remote buyers, sales with all buyers located at the same location as the goods being offered, or a combination.