WO2009005532A1

WO2009005532A1 - User interface for online auction

Info

Publication number: WO2009005532A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/077140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffery D. Schlicht; Kevin C. Kinell; David W. Bierbaum; Kevyn Masuko
Original assignee: Auctiva Corporation
Priority date: 2007-06-28
Filing date: 2007-08-29
Publication date: 2009-01-08

Abstract

The invention relates to a user interface for an online auction. In one embodiment, the user interface includes one or more icons representing a bidder or bid in the online auction and an input area to enable the bidder to place a bid in the online auction or purchase an item being auctioned. In another embodiment a user interface for an online auction includes one or more icons representing a bidder or bid in the online auction. An input area may be provided to enable a bidder to place a bid in the online auction or purchase an item being auctioned, along with an auction information area. A method including obtaining data relating to an online auction and associating the data with an interface for displaying one or more icons is also provided. A method for displaying data is also disclosed.

Description

Docket No. 1268A-010PCT

USER INTERFACE FOR ONLINE AUCTION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/946,962, filed June 28, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field The present invention relates to a user interface and, more specifically, to a user interface for an online auction. In particular, it relates to methods and a computer program product for an online auction user interface that may have partially or fully animated display of specific auction information.

Background of the Invention

With the proliferation of the internet, web sites relating to a myriad of topics have developed. Some of the most popular web sites on the internet are those relating to online auctions, such as the well known EBAY auction site. These online marketplaces enable users to buy and sell items around the world. Although these auction sites provide an excellent forum for matching sellers and buyers, the buying interface is somewhat static. While such an interface may be functional, many of these auction sites wish to enhance the overall buying experience in order to make using the site more enjoyable. By making the experience more enjoyable, the auction site owners hope to increase traffic to their site and. accordingly, the number of items on the site that will sell. Additionally, the auction site owners desire to increase the number of participants bidding on a particular item. Since many of the auctions sites receive a percentage of the final sale price for an item sold on their site, it follows that increasing the number of participants bidding will help to increase profits.

Although previous attempts have been made to increase traffic on online auctions, to date, these have related to substantially static modifications to the auction listings. For instance, provisions have been made that enable users to prominently feature photographs of their product in auction search results. This feature, sometimes referred to on the EBAY auction site as "gallery plus," helps to draw attention to a specific auction listing. Other features enable a user to "highlight^"' their auction listing with a specific color or allow for use of a border or other visual cues to draw attention to an auction listing. Unfortunately, these features do not actively engage the buyer's participation in the auction. Nor are these features specifically directed to making the buying experience more enjoyable.

Accordingly, a need exists for a user interface for an online auction that would enhance the buying experience and, therefore, increase the number of participants bidding on a certain item.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a user interface for an online auction is disclosed. The user interface may include one or more icons representing a bidder or bid in the online auction and an input area to enable the bidder to place a bid in the online auction or purchase an item being auctioned. In one embodiment, the icons are provided with an animation cycle. A spatial ordering of the animated icons may relate to a bid history of the auction. The user interface may also include at least one bidder-initiated action input that affects the animation cycle. Also, the user interface may include an auction information area including one of the title of the auction, the amount of time remaining to bid on the item being auctioned, and the current high bid.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a user interface for an online auction is disclosed. The user interface may include one or more icons representing a bidder or bid in the online auction, the one or more icons spatially ordered on a display area. The user interface may also include an input area to enable a bidder to place a bid in the online auction or purchase an item being auctioned and an auction information area. In one embodiment, one of the icons and the display area are provided with animation. The animation may relate to a bid history of the auction. The user interface may also include at least one bidder-initiated action input that affects the animation. The one or more icons may be spatially ordered based on a bid history of the auction.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method in a computer system is disclosed. The method may include obtaining data relating to an online auction and associating the data with an interface for displaying one or more icons. At least a portion of the data may be assigned to the one or more icons and said one or more icons are provided with an animation cycle. The data may relate to a bid history of the auction. The one or more icons may be spatially ordered based on data relating to a bid history of the auction. The method may also include the step of displaying the spatially ordered one or more icons on a display. Also, the method may include the step of saving the displayed interface. The animation cycle may be initiated when a user places a bid in the online auction. A computer program product available online, as a download, or as a computer-readable medium, having computer-executable instructions for performing steps of the method is also disclosed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for displaying data is disclosed. The method may include obtaining data relating to a bid history of an online auction, creating a visual representation of the data, and animating one or more objects relating to the visual representation based on values of the data. The data may be obtained from an application programming interface or a visual display output. The method may also include the step of receiving at least one bidder-initiated action input that affects the animating step. A computer program product available online, as a download, or as a computer-readable medium, having computer- executable instructions for performing steps of the method is also disclosed. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method relating to an online auction is disclosed. The method may include enabling the display of auction data in a computer game. The auction data may relate to a bid history of the auction and a high bidder in the online auction may play the computer game. A computer program product available online, as a download, or as a computer-readable medium, having computer-executable instructions for performing steps of the method is also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is one embodiment of an exemplary environment in which one or more embodiment of the present invention may be practiced;

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3a-3c are visual representations of one embodiment of an auction data file capable of being associated with an interface;

Figure 4 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of an interface of the present invention; Figures 5a and 5b arc representative screen displays of multiple embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 is a representative screen display of another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 7-9 are representative screen displays of other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustrations, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and like numerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, mechanical and/or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the present invention relates to a user interface for an online auction. Specifically, in one embodiment, the invention relates to methods and a computer program product for an online auction user interface that may have partially or fully animated display of specific auction information. Appreciating that users of the invention may accomplish many aspects of the methods and may utilize the computer program product in a computing system environment, Figure 1 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which either the method, computer program product, and/or processing of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

Figure 1 illustrates a user computer 10 in communication via a network 12 to other computers 14. The computers 14 may comprise servers on a network 12, such as a local network or intranet, web servers that are connected to a network 12, such as the internet, or any combination of computers and networks. In one embodiment, the user computer 10 is operated by a user to access an online auction website or data relating to an online auction. Alternatively, it may be used to access another computer in communication with an online auction website or data relating to an online auction. The user computer 10 includes a display device that displays one embodiment of the present invention, as discussed below in further detail. With the foregoing in mind, Figure 2 provides a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present invention 20. At step 22, data relating to an online auction listing is obtained. The data may relate to any information associated with the online auction listing. In one embodiment, this data relates to the bid history for the auction listing. As is well known, during the time an auction listing is active, i.e.. the period during which individuals may place bids on an item, the bid history for the auction listing is recorded. Specifically, after an individual places a bid for the item being auctioned, information relating to the bid is recorded by the auction system. This may include the name/user name of the bidder, the time of the bid, and the amount of the bid among other information. For purposes of this invention, the auction data may be collected or obtained in any manner. In one embodiment, an application programming interface (API) of the online auction is used to communicate directly with the auction' s database. This allows for automated retrieval of the desired data directly from the auction database. Alternatively, the data may be obtained from a visual display output of an auction listing. This method of data extraction (sometimes referred to as "screen scraping") often involves use of a software program that automatically obtains the desired data from the displayed output of the auction listing.

In one embodiment, auction listing data is imported or otherwise obtained as an extensible markup language (XML) file, which enables the auction data to be maintained in a structured manner. Figures 3a-3c illustrate the visual output of a representative XML file. This output is associated with the following representative auction bid history that may be shown in the auction listing as:

Accordingly, after the data is obtained from the auction listing, the XML file is capable of maintaining the data in a structured format. In addition to the basic auction data, the XML file may also include other information, such as information concerning animation, action, or game "events" that may relate to an action input, discussed below, or other actions that an individual desires to include in the animation or game. Although use of an XML file is discussed herein, a skilled artisan will appreciate that the auction data may be obtained, imported, stored, and/or formatted in numerous other ways and in any manner desired.

After or simultaneous with obtaining the data (step 22), the data is associated with an interface 26 at step 24, which may result in the creation of a visual representation of the data. In one embodiment, this comprises loading or otherwise associating the data from the XML file with another file or program that serves as the interface 26 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6) for displaying the data in the XML file. For example, the XML file may be associated with a preexisting ADOBE FLASH file, such as a FLASH movie or game, that serves as the interface 26. A skilled artisan will appreciate that this enables the interface 26 or multiple interfaces to be developed in advance of associating the XML file with the interface. This also allows each interface to have visual elements or themes that present the data in the XML file in different manners. For instance, the interface 26 may be programmed to have a racing game theme, where visual elements of the interface relate to racing and the interface has been programmed to provide animation that simulates a race (see Examples 1 and 2 below for further discussion of two exemplary games). Further discussing the association of the data with the interface 26, with reference to Figure

4, the interface is programmed to assign an icon to data in the XML file (step 28), such as to each bidder. The icon may take any form desired, but would preferably correlate with a theme of the interface 26. For instance, if the theme of the interface is a racing game, the icon may be a car or dot symbol assigned to each unique bidder in the auction. Next, the icons and possibly other visual aspects of the interface 26 are provided with animation (step 30). This may include programming in the FLASH file to create movement of the icon(s) on a display in a desired manner. Alternatively, a background of the display may move in relation to the icons or both the background and icons may move. The animation may repeatedly loop, thus providing substantially uninterrupted animation, or there may be an animation cycle, such that the animation plays for a period of time and then stops until it becomes started again due to user input, time delay, or other event. In one embodiment, the animation is dependent on data provided in the XML file. For instance, in the case of a racing themed game, the interface may be programmed to provide movement of the car icons in relation to one another based on data relating to the auction, such as the bid history. In other words, the relative amount of movement of each icon in the interface may be dependent on the data relating to the auction. When tying this movement to the bid history of the auction, for example, this may result in bidders placing higher bids moving a greater distance or moving to the lead in a racing themed game.

During or following the animation at step 30, the icons may be spatially ordered at step 32. Preferably, the spatial ordering of the icons is based on data relating to the bid history for the auction. In this instance, the icons would be positioned from highest to lowest so that one could visually discern the order of the bidders. For example, if the XML file provided data for three bidders, each icon would be located at a different position based on auction data with the highest bidder at one position, the lowest bidder in another position, and the middle bidder positioned between the highest and lowest bidders. In the case of a racing themed game, this would logically result in the highest bidder being positioned closest to a finish line, the lowest positioned farthest away from the finish line, and the middle bidder positioned somewhere between the highest and lowest bidders. Besides spatial ordering of the icons, the high bidder, all of the bidders, or any combination therein may be displayed in a list format within the interface 26 or in any other format that enables one to discern who is the high bidder and/or the order of the bidders. In one embodiment, a "score" is assigned to each bidder and the bidder with the highest "score" is the high bidder in the auction.

In addition to animating and spatially ordering icons representing actual bidders for display, the interface 26 may also display or otherwise indicate an '"unknown" bidder who may be viewing the auction listing or using an auction listing watch service, such as the "watch this item" feature of the EBAY auction site. In the case of a car racing theme game (discussed below), this may result in only a portion of a car icon being shown indicating that another bidder may enter the auction or '"race." Besides, or in addition to, indicating a real individual who is viewing or watching the auction, the unknown bidder may be randomly inserted in the interface to help generate further interest and excitement in the auction.

In addition to icons and animation, the interface 26 also provides one or more inputs to enable bidders to place a bid in the auction (step 34). As further discussed below in Example 1 and 2. the input(s) may include an input box for a bidder to place a bid. The input box could be similar to existing input boxes currently used in online auctions. In addition, or in lieu of a traditional input box, the interface may include one or more bidder-initiated action input, such as an action button or selection. In one embodiment, the action input is linked to the animation of the interface and is activated when a bidder places a bid and activates a desired input. Alternatively, the action input may be tied to a specific bid increment greater than the current high bid for the auction. Upon activating the desired action input, the bidder^" s bid is placed and the action associated with the input occurs in the animation. The Examples section below further discusses varying types of action inputs and their impact on the animation. This provides a dynamic bidding environment and "'game- like'^" feel to the interface 26 and encourages interaction between the bidder and the interface. Besides being responsive to action input, the animation may incl ude an action event in the animation or game (such as if desired by the creator of the XML file, the interface, or another individual), even if no bid is placed or action input is activated. For instance, in an auction that has a minimal number of bidders, it may be advantageous to automatically include additional action events even if they are not prompted by an action input. The presence of an action input may also be dependent on the time remaining in the auction. For example, certain action inputs may be available at the beginning of the auction that are not available at the end. Similarly, specific action inputs may only be available in the last few minutes of the auction.

The interface 26 may operate as an object of a web page, in a "'standalone'^* player, or be configured as a self-executable file for use apart from a web page or player. Accordingly, the interface 26 may be associated with the data from the XML file and displayed in the auction listing of an online auction as an object of the listing. The interface 26 may also be stored on a server remote from the auction web site server and displayed on a third-party web page or otherwise accessed by a user at a location remote from the auction listing. This remote location may have additional interfaces with other animated themes available for use as desired. For instance, if the auction listing originally included a racing themed game and the bidder desired to participate in something different, the bidder could access a different interface (e.g.. a different style or theme of game or animation) at a location remote from the auction listing.

With reference to Figure 2, after associating the auction data with the interface26. the interface may be displayed (step 36). When viewing the interface 26, the animation and spatial ordering of steps 30 and 32 can play on a repeating loop, when prompted by a bidder, when additional/new information is provided by the XML file, or otherwise as desired. Tn one embodiment, the animation and spatial ordering occurs after a new bid is placed in the online auction. This enables the bidder to "'interact" with the animation and affect the outcome of the animation. In the case of a racing themed game, this allows the bidder to participate in the game and advance the bidder's race car icon, thereby making the bidding process more dynamic than previous bidding methods. A skilled artisan will appreciate that in this embodiment, the animation and spatial ordering is modified while the auction is still active and bidders may input bids. Alternativel} , after an auction has ended, a user may also display the animation. This provides a recap of the bid history or other data relating to the auction.

In one embodiment, when the auction data is associated with a game, the bidder with the current highest bid may be provided an opportunity to play the game in a "free play" setting. That is, the bidder may play the game without placing any additional bids in the auction. In other words, the game would operate in the manner of a traditional computer/video game for a period of time or so long as the individual remains the high bidder. If another bidder becomes the high bidder in the auction, that bidder would be provided an opportunity for "free play" of the game. This "free game'' setting provides an incentive for bidders to become and remain the high bidder in an auction listing. In addition to viewing the auction while it is active or after it has ended, the interface 26 may be saved for viewing at a later time (step 38). This may involve saving the interface 26 with the auction data and optional additional data (such as action events) on a medium, such as a hard disk, CD, DVD, or a database, such as third-party database that may be accessible by a network. Also, if a bidder desires to transmit the interface 26 to another for viewing (step 40), they can either forward the saved file or the interface 26 may have an option for sending a copy to another party.

A text message or other visual indicator may also be provided in the interface 26 or otherwise to inform a bidder when the animation cycle has ended. This may be beneficial in the event that the interface is configured to allow for replay of the animation apart from the opportunity to place a bid on the item being auctioned. Example 1

Figure 5a shows a potential display screen of one embodiment of the interface 26 of the present invention. The present example comprises a racing themed game including an interface 26 with a display area 42, auction information area 44, and a bidding input area 46. The interface 26 can be created using ADOBE FLASH software and the auction data may be an XML file that is associated with the FLASH software to create the interface 26. Figure 5a shows auction data associated with the interface 26. In this instance, the auction data relates to the bid history for the auctioned item. Since this is a car racing themed game, the display area 42 of the present example generally depicts a car racing environment. The display area 42 also includes instructions 55 providing information to the bidder regarding how to participate in the game. As shown, car icons 48 each represent a bidder of the auction. Each car icon 48 may be assigned a different color/shading and/or include indicia (such as the numbers shown on top of the icons) for identifying the bidders. The car icons 48 are positioned on a background 50 simulating a race track 52. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the spatial relationship of the icons on the background 50 indicate the order or rankings of the bidders with respect to their bids. Specifically, car icon 9 is currently the highest bidder and is leading the "race." The next highest bidder is car icon 14, followed by car icons 23 and 5. In one embodiment, ''hovering" text may identify the car icon 48 when a mouse cursor is moved over the icon. Alternatively, a chart inside or outside the display area 42 may show which icons belong to which bidders.

The auction information area 44 contains the title of the auction 54, the amount of time remaining to bid on the item 56 being auctioned, and the current high bid 58. This area 44 could also include other information relating to the auction, such as name/user name of the seller, photo(s) of the item, an auction identification number, or other information that a seller desires to include. As opposed to always displaying this information, the interface could be configured to allow this information to be displayed when prompted by a bidder, such as when activated by an input device (e.g., computer keyboard or mouse). Also, the auction information area 44 or any other portion of the interface 26 may allow for a bidder to proceed to the original auction listing being hosted or otherwise accessible via the online auction website. This may be a hyperlink located on the interface 26 or any other configuration that allows for the bidder to see the original auction listing.

The bidding input area 46 includes an input box 60 wherein a bidder may place a bid. This area also includes a listing of the next bid increment 62 or the minimum amount that a bidder may enter. In addition to the input box 60. the bidding input area also includes at least one bidder- initiated action input, such as the action buttons 64 that are related to the theme of the display area 42. As shown, the action buttons include "Shoot tire out' ^' 64a, "Use oil slick^"' 64b, "Use turbo'^" 64c, "Use road block^"' 64d, and "Use pot hole" 64e. Activation of each of these action buttons 64a-e changes the animation in the display area 42. For instance, if a bidder places a bid in the input box 60 and presses the "Shoot tire out" button 64a, the bidder's car icon will be advanced and the car icon for one of the other bidders will have its tire shot out. In other words, when the animation plays, the new high bidder's car icon will "drive'" forward to take the lead in the race and the animation will show one of the other car icons having its tire shot out. Other action buttons 64 will create similar actions in the animation. Specifically, the "Use oil slick" button 64b will place an oil slick in the path of one of the other car icons that will be shown during the animation. The "Use turbo" button 64c will cause the bidder's car icon to advance at a high rate of speed during the animation. The "Use road block" button 64d will place a road block in the path of one of the other car icons 48, while the "Use pot hole" button 64e will place a pot hole in the path of a competitor during the animation. In the configuration currently shown, the bidder may activate one of the action buttons 64 after they place a bid in the input box 60. Placing the bid also activates the animation in the current configuration shown. Therefore, upon placing the bid and pressing the action button 64, the animation will begin in the display area 42, which results in movement of the car icons 48 and the desired action. Besides being linked to the action buttons 64, action items may be inserted into the animation as desired. For instance, if desired, the lead car icon may swerve in front of the other car icons even if no bid is placed or action button is pressed. In lieu of. or in addition to the action buttons, the bidder-initiated action inputs 64 may include the selections 70 (Figure 5b). Somewhat similar to the action buttons 64, the selections 70 enable the bidder to choose the action he or she desires, place a bid, and view the action during the animation. A skilled artisan will appreciate that this example utilizes the auction data and optional additional data (such as action events) to dictate the animation in the display area 42. Also, it enables a bidder to modify the animation dependent on their action. Although not shown, after the auction has ended, there may be an option to allow a bidder to replay the animation for the entire auction, save the animation for playing at a different time, and/or transmit the animation to another party. There may also be an option on the interface 26 to invite another individual to j oin the auction and participate in the game by bidding in the auction. Example 2

Figure 6 shows another potential display screen of one embodiment of the user interface 26 of the present invention. Somewhat similar to the previous example, Figure 6 illustrates a racing style game including an interface 26 with a display area 42, auction information area 44, and a bidding input area 46. This interface 26 can be created using ADOBE FLASH software and the auction data may be an XML file that is associated with the FLASH software to create the interface 26. In this instance, the auction data relates to the bid history for the auctioned item. As shown, auction data relating to the auction has been associated with the interface 26.

Accordingly, each bidder has been assigned an icon. In this case, each bidder for the auction is represented as a dot icon 66. The dot icons 66 may be assigned a different color/shading and/or include indicia for identifying the bidder. The dot icons 66 are positioned on a background 50 having an oval track shape 68. The spatial relationship of the icons on the background indicates the order or rankings of the bidders with respect to their bids. As shown, the dot icon representing '"bob^"' is leading the race, thus indicating that "bob" is the current high bidder. The next highest bidder is "fred" followed by "suzy." The display area 42 also includes instructions 55 providing information to the bidder regarding how to participate in the game.

The auction information area 44 contains the title of the auction 54, the amount of time remaining to bid on the item 56 being auctioned, and the current high bid 58. This area 44 could also include other information relating to the auction, such as name/user name of the seller, an auction identification number, or other information that one wishes to include.

The bidding input area 46 includes an input box 60 wherein a bidder may place a bid. This area also includes a listing of the next bid increment 62 or the minimum amount that a bidder may enter. In addition to the input box 60, the bidding input area 46 also includes action buttons 64 that are related to the theme of the display area 42. As shown, these action buttons 64 include "Turbo Dot" 64f and "Knock Dot OiTTrack"'64g. Activation of each of these action buttons modifies the animation in the display area 42. For instance, if a bidder places a bid in the input box 60 and presses the "Turbo Dot" button 64f, the bidder's dot icon 66 will be advanced at a high rate of speed during the animation. That is, when the animation plays, the new high bidder^'s dot icon will advance forward to take the lead in the race. Similarly, the "Knock Dot Off Track" button 64g will advance the high bidder's dot icon to the lead and one of the other dot icons will be removed from the track. In the configuration currently shown, the bidder may activate one of the action buttons after they place a bid in the input box 60. Placing the bid also activates the animation in the current configuration shown. Therefore, upon placing the bid and pressing the action button 64, the animation will begin in the display area 42« which results in movement of the dot icons and the desired action will occur. Similar to Example 1 , action events may be inserted in the animation even without a bid being placed or an action button 64 being pressed. Additionally, Figure 6 shows a "Win the Race" button 64h. This button correlates to the "BUY IT NOW!" or "fixed price" feature of the EBAY auction site, wherein the auction ends early because a bidder agrees to pay a set price established by the seller. In the event that a bidder were to activate the "Win the Race" button 64h. the auction would end and the bidder^" s dot icon 66 would be shown as the winner. However, prior to the icon 66 being shown as the winner, the icon 66 could participate in one or more action events, such as swerve in front of the other icons as it speeds to the finish. Also, other action events could occur prior to the icon 66 being shown as the winner. This example utilizes the auction data and optional additional data (such as action events) to dictate the animation in the display area 42. Also, it enables a bidder to modify the animation dependent on their action. After the auction has ended, there may also be an option to allow a bidder to replay the animation for the entire auction, save the animation for playing at a different time, and/or transmit the animation to another party. There may also be an option on the interface 26 to invite another individual to join the auction and participate in the game by bidding in the auction.

In summary, the present invention presents a user interface and, more specifically, a user interface for an online auction. In particular, it presents methods and a computer program product for an online auction user interface that may have partially or fully animated display of specific auction information and optional additional information, such as action events. The interface engages a buyer and enhances the buying experience.

The foregoing discussion was chosen to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated. Modifications or variations are also possible in light of the above teachings. For example, other types of racing themed games may be utilized, such as a balloon race game 72 (Figure 7). Besides the racing themed games, the interface may consist of any type of game, movie, or animation. A nonexhaustive list of other types of game themes contemplated include: a shuffleboard game 74 (Figure 8), a space-based action game 76 (Figure 9), a boxing game, crash derby, king of the hill, and an eating contest. Another game theme contemplated includes a nature game where the bidders are animals or insects trying to escape from being captured by another animal or creature. Moreover, the game may be configured so that only the high bidder may play the game. In other words, the game could be configured as a single player game. For instance, if the game is puzzle based, only the high bidder would have the opportunity to solve the puzzle or otherwise interact with the game. In this instance, the player is not assigned an icon, but is merely allowed to play the game as long as he or she remains the high bidder in the auction. This single player game may include the listing of bidders and/or other information relating to the auction, as herein described.

Also, the auction data and/or XML file may be refreshed at anytime and at any interval. Although the phrase "auction data" is used herein, a skilled artisan will appreciate that this may include additional data relating to the action events or other data that one wishes to include. Accordingly, the interface 26 may be constantly updated with new bids/bidders, as provided by the auction data. A skilled artisan will appreciate that use of the XML file, including auction data and optional additional data associated with an interface enables an entire auction period to be condensed into any smaller period of time. For instance, an auction listing may last for five days or longer. The present invention enables the bid history and optional additional information to be displayed in a much shorter period of time, such as 30-60 seconds. Accordingly, the present invention allows for an auction of any length of time to be shown in an animation or game of any length of time.

The interface may also include a "taunt" feature 78 (Figure 5b) that enables the high bidder to send messages to other individuals (such as lower bidders) as a friendly '"taunt" regarding their bid position. In one embodiment, the high bidder could select from a list of pre-defined taunts to send to other bidders. For instance, in a racing game, the taunt may state: "eat my dust": "see you at the finish line"; "'too bad you can't keep up"; or other statements. The text of the taunt language may be displayed on the interlace, also included during the animation sequence, and saved with the interface.

Besides instructions 55 being provided on the display area 42, they could be provided on an introductory screen (See Figure 9) prior to showing the display area 42. This introductory screen may comprise a "loader" or loader screen that quickly displays or loads while the full interface or program loads in the background. For example, the loader may be a file only 5-10 kilobytes (KB) in size versus 50 KB for the entire interface. This allows for quick loading and/or display of some aspect relating to the interface without the need to wait for the entire interface or program to load. The loader or loader screen may also include user inputs, such as a button that may be activated with an input device, that enable a user to "play" the game or take other action. Also, the interface may include hidden items relating to the game (sometimes referred to as "easter eggs") that help to enhance the game playing experience . For instance, certain obj ects or items may be shown or hidden in the interface that will provide points in the game when the objects or items are "found" or otherwise identified by the user. The objects or items may be "found" or identified by a bidder activating the item with an input device, such as a computer mouse.

The interface may also include a screen that becomes displayed if the bidder wins an auction or otherwise purchases the item being auctioned. Besides informing the bidder that they have won or purchased the item, the screen may also include information and/or hyperlinks regarding payment for the item.

Also, the examples and screenshots/screen displays provided herein arc provided to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any regard.

Claims

Tn the Claim

1. A user interface for an online auction, comprising: one or more icons representing a bidder or bid in the online auction; and an input area to enable the bidder to place a bid in the online auction or purchase an item being auctioned.

2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the icons are provided with an animation cycle.

3. The user interface of claim 2, wherein a spatial ordering of the animated icons relates to a bid history of the auction.

4. The user interface of claim 2, further comprising at least one bidder-initiated action input that affects the animation cycle.

5. The user interface of claim 1 , further comprising an auction information area including one of the title of the auction, the amount of time remaining to bid on the item being auctioned, and the current high bid.

6. A user interface for an online auction, comprising: one or more icons representing a bidder or bid in the online auction, the one or more icons spatialhy ordered on a display area; an input area to enable a bidder to place a bid in the online auction or purchase an item being auctioned; and an auction information area.

7. The user interface of claim 6, wherein one of the icons and the display area are provided with animation.

8. The user interface of claim 7, wherein the animation relates to a bid history of the auction.

9. The user interface of claim 7, further comprising at least one bidder-initiated action input that affects the animation.

10. The user interface of claim 7, wherein the one or more icons are spatially ordered based on a bid history of the auction.

11. A method in a computer system, comprising: obtaining data relating to an online auction; associating the data with an interface for displaying one or more icons.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the data is assigned to the one or more icons and said one or more icons are provided with an animation cycle.

13. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the data relates to a bid history of the auction.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more icons are spatially ordered based on data relating to a bid history of the auction.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of displaying the spatially ordered one or more icons on a display.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of saving the displayed interface.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the animation cycle is initiated when a user places a bid in the online auction.

18. A computer program product available online, as a download, or as a computer-readable medium, having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 1 1.

19. A method for displaying data, comprising: obtaining data relating to a bid history of an online auction; creating a visual representation of the data; animating one or more objects relating to the visual representation based on values of the data.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the data is obtained from an application programming interface or a visual display output.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of receiving at least one bidder-initiated action input that affects the animating step.

22. A computer program product available online, as a download, or as a computer-readable medium, having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 19.

23. A method relating to an online auction, comprising: enabling the display of auction data in a computer game.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the auction data relates to a bid history of the auction and a high bidder in the online auction may play the computer game.

25. A computer program product available online, as a download, or as a computer-readable medium, having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 23.