System and method for hierarchical administration of complex item structures foron-line auction environments

摘要

A system implemented on a computer network for auctioning complex items to bidders. The system supports the definition and presentation of a complex item and its subassemblies in a distributed computing environment that facilitates the administration of an auction. An auction author defines the complex item to be auctioned by inputting information about the complex item and the subassemblies of which the complex item is comprised. The complex item and subassemblies can be presented to on-line bidders in a hierarchy format enabling bidding on individual subassemblies or an entire complex item. The system can evaluate competing bids from various bidders and select winning bids.