CN102129642B - The method and system of transaction listings is arranged at network mechanism of exchange place - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a kind of method and system arranging transaction listings at network mechanism of exchange place.The method comprises: in response to the reception selected, configuration information is sent to dealer's application, described selection corresponds to the targeted sites supported by network mechanism of exchange, configuration information corresponds to targeted sites, dealer's application is configured to multiple transaction listings to propagate into targeted sites by configuration information, and described transmission utilizes the processor of the machine configured by communicator module to perform; At network mechanism of exchange place from configured dealer application received data file, data file comprises multiple transaction listings, and at least one transaction listings in multiple transaction listings comprises the start time; The issue of at least one transaction listings of multiple transaction listings is arranged according to the start time; And at least one transaction listings of multiple transaction listings is issued according to the start time.

Description

The method and system of transaction listings is arranged at network mechanism of exchange place

The application is the divisional application based on the applying date is on June 5th, 2003, application number is 03813485.3, denomination of invention is the application for a patent for invention of " method and system arranging transaction listings at network mechanism of exchange place ".

This application claims the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/387 submitted on June 10th, 2002, the right of priority of 638.

Technical field

The network commercial field of relate generally to of the present invention, more specifically to the method and system for arranging (schedule) transaction listings (transaction listing) at network mechanism of exchange place.

Background technology

Along with the Internet is widely accepted as a kind of interactive type communication of universality and interaction platform, online (or electronics) commercial affairs undertaken by the Internet become more and more ordinary under multiple business environment.Online e-business be divided into traditionally enterprise to enterprise (B2B), enterprise to client (B2C), client to client (C2C) and or even enterprise to employee (B2E) commercial affairs.In B2B environment, a lot of online transaction institute or market (such as vertical exchange) are established, to promote the ecommerce in such as vertical supply chain between each side.This B2B exchange generally provides multiple types of tools, for the carrying out of facilitating commerce, and such as lump type and close to real-time inventory information, request for quote (Requests for Quotation, RFQ) ability and auction etc.

In B2C and C2C environment, existing a lot of rialto and mechanism of exchange are popularized and are come.A kind of leading electronic transaction facility (or market) runed by eBay company.Company and Amazon.com also provide electronic market.Classifieds serves.

Multiple online marketplace is used as important (even if not being basic) product distribution channel by wholesale dealer.This so-called " power users " general every day all can list a large amount of kinds of goods that will sell or auction.Classifieds.Such as, a large amount of this classified service is all thrown in by online classification advertising service at any time by used car sales department.If a kind of mode can be provided to create multinomial kinds of goods and it is propagated into network market to wholesale dealer, this will be helpful.

Summary of the invention

According to the invention provides a kind of method, comprise: in response to the reception selected, configuration information is sent to dealer's application, described selection corresponds to the targeted sites supported by network mechanism of exchange, described configuration information corresponds to described targeted sites, the application of described dealer is configured to multiple transaction listings to propagate into described targeted sites by described configuration information, and described transmission utilizes the processor of the machine configured by communicator module to perform; At described network mechanism of exchange place from configured dealer application received data file, described data file comprises described multiple transaction listings, and at least one transaction listings in described multiple transaction listings comprises the start time; The issue of at least one transaction listings described in described multiple transaction listings is arranged according to the described start time; And issue at least one transaction listings described in described multiple transaction listings according to the described start time.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies described targeted sites and comprises at least one in following renewal: the software module of described dealer application upgrades, the classification of described dealer application upgrades, the attribute of described dealer application upgrades, or the language of described dealer application upgrades.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the geographic area of described targeted sites; And the geographic area of described targeted sites is different from the geographic area of described network mechanism of exchange.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the geographic area of described targeted sites based at least one in following geographic area: the country of described targeted sites, the state of described targeted sites, the territory of described targeted sites, or the province of described targeted sites.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the currency of described targeted sites; And the currency of described targeted sites is different from the currency of described network mechanism of exchange.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the form of described targeted sites, and the form of described targeted sites is used for representing the currency of described targeted sites; The form of described targeted sites is different from the form of described network mechanism of exchange, and the form of described network mechanism of exchange is used for representing the currency of described network mechanism of exchange.

In an embodiment of the invention, the form identified by described configuration information specifies the quantity of the currency of described targeted sites, described quantity integer representation.

In an embodiment of the invention, the form identified by described configuration information specifies the quantity of the currency of described targeted sites, and described quantity utilizes concrete punctuation mark to represent.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the theme of described targeted sites; And the theme of described targeted sites is different from the theme of described network mechanism of exchange.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the purposes of described targeted sites; And the purposes of described targeted sites is different from the purposes of described network mechanism of exchange.

In an embodiment of the invention, described configuration information identifies the language of described targeted sites; And the language of described targeted sites is different from the language of described network mechanism of exchange.

Also provide a kind of system according to the present invention, comprise processor, scheduler module and distributor module.Described processor is configured to executive communication device module, described communicator module, when being performed by described processor, configure described processor to perform following operation, described operation comprises: in response to the reception selected, configuration information is sent to dealer's application, described selection corresponds to the targeted sites supported by network mechanism of exchange, described configuration information corresponds to described targeted sites, and the application of described dealer is configured to multiple transaction listings to propagate into described targeted sites by described configuration information; And at described network mechanism of exchange place from configured dealer application received data file, described data file comprises described multiple transaction listings, and at least one transaction listings in described multiple transaction listings comprises the start time.Described scheduler module is configured to the issue of at least one transaction listings according to the described multiple transaction listings of described start time arrangement.Described distributor module is configured to issue at least one transaction listings described in described multiple transaction listings according to the described start time.

A kind of computer-readable medium storing instruction is also provided according to the present invention, described instruction is when the one or more processors by machine are performed, this machine is made to perform following operation, described operation comprises: in response to the reception selected, configuration information is sent to dealer's application, described selection corresponds to the targeted sites supported by network mechanism of exchange, described configuration information corresponds to described targeted sites, and the application of described dealer is configured to multiple transaction listings to propagate into described targeted sites by described configuration information; At described network mechanism of exchange place from configured dealer application received data file, described data file comprises described multiple transaction listings, and at least one transaction listings in described multiple transaction listings comprises the start time; The issue of at least one transaction listings described in described multiple transaction listings is arranged according to the described start time; And issue at least one transaction listings described in described multiple transaction listings according to the described start time.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Describe the present invention by way of example and without limitation in the accompanying drawings, wherein identical label represents identical element:

The block scheme of Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, shows exemplary network mechanism of exchange.

The database schematic diagram of Fig. 2 show the database engine server of network mechanism of exchange safeguard and the exemplary database of accessing.

Block scheme a kind of illustrative embodiments according to the present invention of Fig. 3 shows the network trading environment comprising customer and server side.

The block scheme of Fig. 4 shows the seller application according to a kind of illustrative embodiments of the present invention.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 5 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and for customizing seller application, wherein this seller application assists transaction listings to propagate into network mechanism of exchange.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 6 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for arranging list items at network mechanism of exchange place by seller application.

The block scheme of Fig. 7 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, shows the relation between seller application and multiple network mechanism of exchange.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 8 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for arranging transaction listings at network mechanism of exchange place.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 9 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for providing " What You See Is What You Get " (WYSIWYG) interface, describes for inputting transaction listings in seller application.

The process flow diagram of Figure 10 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, upgrades/upgrading for the software module and configuration data receiving seller application.

The process flow diagram of Figure 11 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for downloading seller application to client computer from network mechanism of exchange.

The process flow diagram of Figure 12 A and 12B shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and for customizing seller application, this application is used for transaction listings and their respective start times to propagate into network mechanism of exchange.

Interface shown in Figure 13 A-13E can be supplied to user by network mechanism of exchange, to assist the customization of seller application.

The process flow diagram of Figure 14 A and 14B shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, comprises the batch text of one group of transaction listings (list items such as will issued at online shop) for definition.

Interface shown in Figure 15 A-15E can be supplied to user by network mechanism of exchange, to allow to create, edit and delete transaction listings group and single transaction listings.

Interface shown in Figure 16 A-16C can be supplied to user by network mechanism of exchange, the input described to assist transaction listings.

The process flow diagram of Figure 17 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, describes for being described interface input transaction listings by transaction listings.

The process flow diagram of Figure 18 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for arranging list items at network mechanism of exchange place by seller application.

Interface shown in Figure 19 A and 19B can be supplied to user by network mechanism of exchange, to allow to check, to edit, preview and confirm list items group and single list items.

The process flow diagram of Figure 20 shows a kind of method according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for assisting the renewal/upgrading of seller application.

Figure 21 A-21C provides and represents according to the exemplary data library structure of exemplary embodiment of the invention, and it can be safeguarded by the database engine server of network mechanism of exchange.

Figure 22 shows schematically illustrating of the machine occurred with the exemplary form of computer system, can perform one group of instruction wherein, and what perform in said method to make this machine is one of any.

Embodiment

There is described herein a kind of method and system, for arranging transaction listings at network mechanism of exchange place.In the following description, give a large amount of detail for illustrative purposes, thoroughly to understand the present invention.But it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that, very clear do not have these details can implement the present invention yet.

Term

Term " user " (user) should be understood to represent any entity (mankind or automat), and it contributes to transaction, communication or process or participate.

Term " transaction " (transaction) should be understood to include any communication between two or more litiganies or exchange, in order to set up Business agreement, exchange of value or commercial relations.Therefore, word " transaction " should be regarded as being covering but not limited to purchase and sales transactions, and described purchase and sales transactions are such as set up because of the input of advertisement, or set up because of completing of auction process, described auction process is carried out online, or otherwise carries out.

Term " upgrading " (upgrade) should be understood to include upgrading and upgrade (update).Therefore, word " upgrading " should be regarded as the amendment that is covering but not limited to existing software module and data element.

Term " targeted sites " (targeted site) should be understood to include the website (such as website) being set to target according to geographical (such as continent, country, area etc.), theme (such as Beanie doll, baseball memorabilia, vintage vehicle etc.), purposes (such as commerciality, nonprofit etc.), population (such as Spanish, English etc.) etc.In fact, the combination in any (such as geography, purposes and population) of above-mentioned and other standard all can be used to describe " targeted sites ".

Term " website " should be understood to one group of relevant global WWW (WWW) file, and it comprises the beginning file being called homepage.Thousands of company or individual have one or more website.How you arrive at their website by providing homepage address to tell to you for company or individual.From homepage, you can arrive the every other page on this website.Such as, the website of eBay has homepage address http://www.eBay.com.Homepage address guiding other pages many of eBay.(but website also can only have a small amount of page.) very large website may expand to multiple servers at diverse geographic location place.The website of some company is made up of thousands of file, expands to the many servers in worldwide multiple position.But more typical example may be such website, and it resides in the web server of commercial space provider, this server has other websites multiple, wherein all these websites may be correlated with also possible uncorrelated each other.

Although here describes exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to " project " (item), will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited thereto.Correspondingly, word " project " should be regarded as being covering but not limited to transaction listings.

Term " data file " (data file) should be understood to one group of transaction listings.Correspondingly, phrase " data file " should be regarded as being covering but not limited to one group of transaction listings, such as, be just transmitted to the transaction listings of network mechanism of exchange.

Mechanism of exchange

The block scheme of Fig. 1 shows exemplary network mechanism of exchange 10.Although exemplary embodiment of the present invention describes in the context of network mechanism of exchange 10, the present invention is also applicable to many dissimilar based in computing machine and network mechanism (business, transaction or other).

In an exemplary embodiment, network mechanism of exchange 10 comprise in polytype front-end server one or more, wherein often kind of server all at least comprises the dynamic link library (DLL) being used to provide certain function.Page server 12 transmits webpage (such as markup language document), image server 14 dynamically transmits the image will shown in webpage, listing servers 16 assists to browse based on the list items of classification, search server 20 processes the searching request of network mechanism of exchange 10, and assist to browse based on the list items of key word, ISAPI server 18 is provided to the intelligent interface of the rear end of network mechanism of exchange 10.One of function of e-mail server 22 is the E-mail communication providing robotization to the user of network mechanism of exchange 10.Managerial application function 32 assists supervision, the maintenance and management of network mechanism of exchange 10.API service device 13 provides one group of function to inquire about network mechanism of exchange 10.API is one group of wieldy function called by HTTP host-host protocol.Transmission and the reception of information use standard XML data format.Being used for the application of mutual with network mechanism of exchange (such as upload transaction listings, check transaction listings, managing transaction list items etc.) can be designed to use described API.These application can be the cgi script or HTML list write with C++, Perl, Pascal or any other programming language.U.S. Patent application 09/999, described more fully API in 618, comprises to come in by reference at this.

Page server 12, API service device 13, image server 14, ISAPI server 18, search server 20, e-mail server 22 and database engine server 26 can be used as communication engines respectively or in combination, to assist the communication such as between client computer 38 and network mechanism of exchange 10.In addition, page server 12, API service device 13, image server 14, ISAPI server 18, search server 20, e-mail server 22 and database engine server 26 can be used as transaction engine respectively or in combination, to assist the transaction such as between client computer 38 and network mechanism of exchange 10.In addition, page server 12, API service device 13, image server 14, ISAPI server 18, search server 20, e-mail server 22 and database engine server 26 can be used as display engine respectively or in combination, show with the project such as between client computer 38 and network mechanism of exchange 10 of assisting.

Back-end server comprises database engine server 26, search index server 24 and credit card database server 28, and each server is safeguarded and assisted the access to each database.

Network mechanism of exchange 10 can by CLIENT PROGRAM such as browser 36 (the Internet Explorer of Microsoft's distribution of such as State of Washington Redmond) access, browser 36 performs on the client machine 38, and accesses network mechanism of exchange 10 by network such as the Internet 34.Other examples that client can be used to the network of accessing network mechanism of exchange 10 comprise wide area network (WAN), LAN (Local Area Network) (LAN), wireless network (such as cellular network) or public switch telephone network (PSTN) network.

Data structure

The database schematic diagram of Fig. 2 shows to be safeguarded and the exemplary database 30 conducted interviews by it by database engine server 26, and it realizes at least partly and supports network mechanism of exchange 10.In this example embodiment, database engine server 26 safeguards two databases 30 _awith 30 _b, according to the present invention, the first database 30 _amaintained list items (or supply of material) information for not being included in virtual " shop ", and the second database 30 _bthe supply of material information of virtual " shop " supported by network mechanism of exchange 10 and the offering provided is provided.These databases 30 _awith 30 _bstructure substantially identical, difference be " shop " database 30 _btable can comprise multiple added field in order to assist virtual shop.The general discussion of basic structure will provided database 30 below, is applicable to database 30 simultaneously _awith 30 _b.

In one embodiment, database 30 can be implemented as relational database, and comprise multiple tables with entry (or record), these tables are interrelated by index or key.In interchangeable embodiment, database 30 can be implemented as the group objects in OODB Object Oriented Data Base.

Subscriber's meter 54 is in central status in database 30, and it is that each user of network mechanism of exchange 10 comprises a record.User can as sale group, buyer or both conducts simultaneously when utilizing network mechanism of exchange 10.Database 30 also comprises repertory 60, and it can be associated with subscriber's meter 54.Repertory 60 can comprise seller items table 52 and bidder items table 58.User record in subscriber's meter 54 can be associated with or listed or multiple projects for sale by network mechanism of exchange 10.For those projects that there is record in repertory 60, an association shows that this user is sellers or suitor (buyer).

Database 30 also comprises one or more classification table 47.Every bar record in classification table 47 all describes a classification.In one embodiment, specific classification table 47 describes the category data structures of many levels, and comprises many classification records, and every bar record all describes the context of the particular category in one of described many levels category structure.Such as, classification table 47 can describe the true of multiple item record be associated with in repertory 60 or concrete class.

Database 30 also comprises one or more attribute list 49.Every bar record description in attribute list 49 attribute.In one embodiment, specific attribute list 49 describes many levels attribute data structures, and comprises many attribute records, the context of the particular community in one of described many levels attribute structure of every bar record description.Such as, attribute list 49 can describe the true of multiple item record be associated with in repertory 60 or actual attribute.In addition, attribute list 49 can describe the true of multiple classification be associated with in classification table 47 or actual attribute.

Database 30 also comprises annotation table 46, is wherein filled with the annotation record that can be associated with one or more item record in repertory 60 and/or one or more user record in subscriber's meter 54.Every bar annotation record in annotation table 46 can comprise comment, description, history or other information relevant with passing through project that network mechanism of exchange 10 sells, or relevant with the user of network mechanism of exchange 10.In addition, database 30 also comprises targeted sites table 67, and it is filled with the targeted sites record that can be associated with one or more item record in repertory 60 and/or one or more user record in subscriber's meter 54.

Also show multiple other tables being associated with subscriber's meter 54, i.e. user's former name table 48, feedback form 50, feedback details table 53, competitive bidding table 55, account table 64, account balance table 62 and batch items table 40.In order to realize one embodiment of the present invention, database 30 is also shown as and comprises batch table 42, batch items table 40 and items wait table 44.The further details relevant with database table 40-44 is provided below.

The present invention relates to a kind of for arranging the method and system of transaction listings at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.Block scheme a kind of illustrative embodiments according to the present invention of Fig. 3 shows the network trading environment 67 comprising customer 35 and server side 71.In one embodiment, on network mechanism of exchange 10, transaction listings 70 (such as sale, auction, fixed price list items) is set up by seller application 66.Seller application 66 at client computer 38 place with helping multiple transaction listings 70 to be sent to network mechanism of exchange 10.In one embodiment, seller application 66 can use or online use (being such as connected to network mechanism of exchange 10) by off-line.In one embodiment, seller application 66 is the independent application run on the client machine 38.In interchangeable embodiment, the application program of server-enabled can be utilized to perform the transmission of multiple transaction listings 70, such as web browser or the applet that performs in web browser.

In one embodiment, install on a client computer and perform seller application 66, with assisted user, multiple transaction listings 70 and respective start time thereof being propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10.Therefore seller application 66 operates to client application, and provides multiple user interface and other functions, and assisted user defines multiple transaction listings 70 in a convenient way.Seller application 66 also can be run to build a data file (such as batch text 68), it start time comprising multiple transaction listings 70 and be associated, and this data file is propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 as single transmission.This propagation comprising the individual data file of multiple transaction listings 70 is so a kind of feature, it can reduce the interaction times between client computer 38 and network mechanism of exchange 10, thus reduces the time quantum that client computer 38 has to be connected to network (i.e. " online ").

For the multiple transaction listings 70 in data file at least partially for, the described association start time comprises the different start times.Associate Start Date and time that the start time can comprise the first transaction listings 70 in data file 68.In an exemplary embodiment, the selectable time quantum of available subscribers staggers the described start time.Such as, for being arranged in the transaction listings 70 that Dec 25,7:00a.m. started in 2002, if user's staggering time that user selects is 5 minutes, then can following result be obtained:

First transaction listings is in 7:00a.m.;

Second transaction listings is in 7:05a.m.;

3rd transaction listings is in 7:10a.m.;

4th transaction listings is in 7:15a.m..

Like this, the start time of 4 transaction listings 70 in this embodiment staggers 5 minutes.In this example embodiment, user can select multiple value staggering the start time (such as 10 minutes, 1 hour, 10 hours, 1 day etc.).In one embodiment, seller application 66 prevents user from being that transaction listings 70 appointment exceedes the maximum association start time presetting value.In addition, seller application 66 can prevent user from specifying association start time lower than minimum scheduling value.Maximumly preset year, month, day that value and minimum scheduling value can define according to network mechanism of exchange 10, hour, minute or second to define.

In a kind of exemplary embodiment, when seller application 66 customer 35 can perform as independent being applied in, it provide such characteristic, even if user the mode of " off-line " can build multiple transaction listings 70 (such as without the need to setting up any network service or session between network mechanism of exchange 10), then these transaction listings 70 are propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 in the mode of above-mentioned individual data file transfer.

Another feature of the executable seller application of customer 35 66 is that it configurablely works together with multiple target (such as customizing) website.Therefore, user can use seller application 66 identical transaction listings 70 to be propagated into multiple targeted sites (such as the website being set as target by geography of the central each country of the U.S., Britain, Germany etc.).

One embodiment of the present invention provide the browsing, edit and confirming multiple transaction listings 70 that server side is assisted, additionally provide and submit to (commit) for active state described multiple transaction listings 70, to start multiple process of exchanges of being assisted by network mechanism of exchange 10.

Refer again to Fig. 3, described environment comprises customer 35 and server side 71.Customer 35, client computer 38 (such as personal computer, individual digital help (PDA), cell phone, Set Top Box or any other networked devices) is shown as and contains seller application 66 and browser application 36.Although seller application 66 and browser application 36 are illustrated as separately, browser application 36 can be configured to be used as seller application 66, such as, by obtaining html page from server side 71 or passing through to perform applet.Client computer 38 is coupled to the network with the such exemplary forms in the Internet 34, also can be LAN (Local Area Network) (LAN) or wide area network (WAN).

In one embodiment, seller application 66 provides multiple user interfaces to user, for the multiple transaction listings 70 of results.Seller application 66 also builds batch text 68, it comprises the multiple transaction listings 70 by described multiple interfaces input.Then batch text 68 is sent to network mechanism of exchange 10 according to network mechanism of exchange API by seller application 66.In interchangeable embodiment, seller application 66 is mutual with e-mail applications 69, to build the Email (e-mail) comprising batch text 68.Batch text 68 is sent to network mechanism of exchange 10 as email message by e-mail applications 69.Specifically, e-mail applications 69 utilizes any one agreement in multiple Email or messaging protocol (such as Simple Mail Transfer protocol (SMTP)) to transmit email message by the Internet 34.Certainly can recognize in other embodiments, also can utilize any one (such as the file transfer protocol (FTP) (FTP)) in other agreements multiple.

Pay close attention to server side 71, network mechanism of exchange 10 is shown as and performs transaction application 73, and transaction application 73 comprises communicator module 75, analyzer (parser) module 76, upgrade control module 77, scheduler module 80 and distributor module 82.

The communicator module 75 comprising analyzer module 76 is for from seller application 66 received data file 68 performed in client computer 38, and data file 68 comprises multiple transaction listings 70 and respective association start time thereof.The multiple transaction listings 70 received from batch text 68 are analyzed in analyzer module 76 operation.Analyzer module 76 also can perform various form, content and verification operation.Then analyzer module 76 fills by the transaction listings 70 extracted the items wait table 44 safeguarded by database engine server 26.Scheduler module 80 association start time respective according to multiple transaction listings 70 arranges the issue of these transaction listings 70.According to the listing time arranged separately, according to the mode will described, transaction listings 70 is transferred to campaign item table 60 from items wait table 44 below.Distributor module 82, according to the respective association start time, issues each in multiple transaction listings 70 at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.

In one embodiment, communicator module 75 verifies the user login information that seller application 66 utilizes connection request to provide.Before described checking occurs in and receives batch text 68.After authentication of users log-on message, received user profile is supplied to upgrade control module 77 by communicator module 75.Upgrade control module 77 firm sale person applies 66 the need of any renewal/upgrading.Described renewal/upgrading can including, but not limited to component software (such as primary module) or data element (such as classifying, updating, attribute upgrade etc.).

Transaction application 73 also comprises page server 12, page server 12 comprises Internet server application programming interfaces (ISAPI) 18 in one embodiment, wherein page server 12 comprises internet information server, and this is the web server developed by the Microsoft of State of Washington Redmond.In interchangeable embodiment mode, page server 12 can perform CGI (Common Gateway Interface) (CGI) program.Page server 12 dynamically runs to utilize the content obtained from database engine server 26 to produce markup language document (such as webpage), and these markup language document are sent to seller application 66 by the Internet 34, browse to utilize browser application 36.In one embodiment, page server 12 provides consultant's page 72, and it comprises the list of multiple transaction listings 70 that analyzer module 76 successfully extracts from the list of described transaction listings 70, to be presented in browser application 36.This is to make user can browse before these transaction listings 70 are sent to campaign item table 60 from items wait table 44, edit and confirm these transaction listings 70.

The basic architecture of seller application

In exemplary embodiment mode, seller application 66 architecture comprises three layers.These three layers comprise GUI layer, data objects layer and communications and data storehouse layer.The resume module of GUI layer and all management alternately and to resource file of user.Data objects layer includes the data object comprising targeted site data.The XML that data objects layer encapsulates targeted site data analyzes and database access, so that GUI exploitation.Communications and data storehouse layer provides the interface of simplification to the remainder of seller application 66.Providing upgrade manager (upgraded module such as will explained) below keeps three of seller application 66 layers to upgrade in time.This relates to the data element (such as categorical data) and assembly (such as module) that manage some types.Explain upgrade manager further below.

Fig. 4 illustrates exemplary seller application 66.In the embodiment mode that this is exemplary, seller application 66 assists multiple transaction listings 70 to propagate into network mechanism of exchange 10.

Seller application components

In exemplary embodiment mode, seller application 66 comprises primary module 84, resource module 81, data object module 83, create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85, targeted site resource module 87, targeted site config file 86, communication module 95, data memory module 89, import engine modules 91, upgrade manager module 92, helper module 93, user's independent database 94, seller application database 97 and configuration and Registering modules 96.Create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85 and comprise interface module 88 and composer module 90.

The structure of seller application

In exemplary embodiment mode, seller application 66 uses Microsoft standard libraries and assembly to set up substantially.Master file can be performed and use MFC (the basic class of Microsoft) based on the assembly of GUI (graphical user interface).MFC is the large-scale C++ class storehouse developed by Microsoft.MFC and some C++ compilers bundle, and are available as a part for MSDN (MSDN).

In an exemplary embodiment, communications and data storehouse layer uses OLEDB (OLE Data Base) and Jet Engine.OLEDB is the DLL (dynamic link library) of Microsoft for database access.Application program can use OLEDB to carry out direct access data sources, or they can use OLEDB to call ODBC with access ODBC database.Jet (joint engine technology) engine is the database engine used in Microsoft Access, and it is relevant with Visual Basic and C++.Jet is generally used for and stores data in a client.The developer of Access and Visual Basic is used to visit Jet by DAO/Jet interface (this is a com object).

In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly of Microsoft is utilized to be because many assemblies have been arranged in many client computer 38.Such as, require user installation Internet Explorer 5.0 or the more highest version of seller application 66, just probably obtain required Jet Engine version.In an exemplary embodiment, third party's instrument can be used for STL and XML to analyze.

Multi-user in seller application and security

In an exemplary embodiment, by using different DB (database) to support multi-user environment to the preference of each user.When users log on, the database file of this user will be used.The security of these user data library files is guaranteed in the protection (such as Microsoft Access) that accesses to your password.The text field of customer data base also can be encrypted by following manner, and which can not affect performance, but can prevent curious user " black (hack) " from falling described table.

The setting that some users have nothing to do is stored in (data of such as site specific usage) in seller application database 97.In an exemplary embodiment, a seller application database 97 is only had.Whichever user logs in, and always opens seller application database 97 by seller application 66.Seller application database 97 comprises the mapping of the user's independent database filename from network transaction facility user ID to this user, and therefore user's independent database filename can not indicate network transaction facility user ID.This scheme makes user can change their network mechanism of exchange ID, and continues to use their existing user's independent database 94.Like this, if user changes their ID and/or password, then they can not lose preserved project.

The adaptability of seller application

In an exemplary embodiment, seller application 66 is adjustable uses just now together with target (such as using geography or otherwise as target) website.Seller application strings is stored in resource module 81.Resource module 81 is made up of DLL (dynamic link library).Seller application strings is the string for seller application 66 language (such as basic language), and it is different from the string appeared in targeted site language.

User can select the basic language wanting to use, and installs other seller application 66 language versions alternatively.In an exemplary embodiment, switch basic language to need to restart.Basic language can be different from the language of the targeted sites that user communicates just with it.

In an exemplary embodiment, the basic language that seller application 66 utilizes is translated into the language of the targeted sites that user wishes to communicate with it.Described translation can occur in seller application 66 place by off-line, or occurs in network mechanism of exchange 10 place when seller application 66 is connected to network mechanism of exchange 10.

Targeted site language is the language and locale conventions that use at particular targeted site place.The set of strings of targeted site language is also stored in targeted site resource module 87.Targeted site resource module 87 can be made up of DLL (dynamic link library).In an exemplary embodiment, the targeted site data that the set of strings be associated with targeted site language provides the term of execution can switch, to make user can list project in multiple targeted sites without the need to restarting seller application 66.In order to the switching of realize target site language, targeted site resource module 87 should comprise the correct set of strings of targeted site language.

Outside the string translation of targeted site-specific, these targeted site resource module 87 also can comprise the dialog layout variations of targeted site-specific, and it is creating making the user interface difference because of different targeted sites in appearance used in the process of transaction listings 70.This provides dirigibility to user and deviser, minimizes the size of code of assisting the site specific usage needed for process creating transaction listings 70 simultaneously.

In an exemplary embodiment, the XML configuration data of some targeted site-specific is had to comprise renewable value (such as classification, attribute, valid format etc.).If this configuration data is directed to the targeted sites that is configured to work together with seller application 66 and is modified, then should upgrade seller application 66 to reflect this amendment.In an exemplary embodiment, revisable targeted site-specific data can be stored in targeted site resource module 87 or XML file.The most current XML data is stored in seller application database 97.

The upgradability of seller application

Seller application 66 is designed to can simultaneously Upgrading data elements and application module.Upgrade manager module 92 and helper module 93 are used to assist this upgrading.Predicted data element will frequently change.By obtaining data element to the existing API Calls of network mechanism of exchange 10.Upgrading data elements to seller application 66 provide up-to-date classification, attribute and targeted site-specific constant (such as trading limits, issue during, payment options, fee arrangement etc.) set.In an exemplary embodiment, targeted site config file 86 is used to store targeted site data elements.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency that is upgraded of seller application 66 module is far below data element.Advanced selling person applies that 66 modules provide that seller application 66 is translated with targeted site language, the up-to-date set of computation rule (rule by user data and targeted site data shut away mutually) and targeted site-specific dialog layout.

In an exemplary embodiment, all seller application 66 modules are all upgradeable, even comprise primary module 84.Described module of upgrading uses helper module 93.After the download of new components, produce a helper script, its instruction helper module 93 new edition of seller application 66 module replaced these modules originally.As long as seller application 66 is performed, this helper module 93 just determines that whether there is possible file before launching the main module 84 replaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, in order to support minimum upgrading, versioning mechanisms is used to the version for installed element and seller application 66 module, more network seller application 66 module at mechanism of exchange 10 place and the available edition of data element.Upgrading just attempts to download seller application 66 module and/or data element that have changed.The data downloaded can be compressed, to shorten the transmission time.Allow code and data all can be updated the upgradability that this feature maximises seller application 66.

In one embodiment, network mechanism of exchange 10 identifies seller application 66 and has been activated to support one not yet for it is downloaded and install the targeted sites of supporter.Also be not downloaded once identify this supporter and install, network mechanism of exchange 10 just downloads the supporter (such as data element, seller application 66 module upgrade) needed for targeted sites.

Primary module

In an exemplary embodiment, seller application 66 primary module 84 provides MFC shell by for all UI elements, and these UI elements use current applicational language (such as menu, tool bar, stock and listings view) etc. to show.Primary module 84 is starting points of seller application 66.All program flows and action all start and end at primary module 84, and no matter they are programs starts or user's startup.

When starting, primary module 84 is arranged based on the current application language of user, dynamic load resource module 81.This setting is stored in user's independent database 94.In order to change applicational language, user needs to restart seller application 66, is identified to make described change.In interchangeable embodiment mode, applicational language can be changed and without the need to restarting seller application 66.

In an exemplary embodiment, primary module 84 also by requiring that user inputs password and is only connected to the user's self contained data base 94 be associated with this user, thus is responsible for the security controlling seller application 66.Seller application 66 only allows use user's self contained data base 94 a moment.Use different user ID, user must select another user ID, and inputs the password of this user ID.Or a user can exit, and again working procedure to log in as another user.

The user ID being used for signing in seller application 66 and password can be that the user ID that this user configures is identical with password at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.If user changes his ID and/or password and do not upgrade seller application 66 on network mechanism of exchange 10, then attempting in the future may be failed when communicating with network mechanism of exchange 10.Represent that the error message of login failure will be provided to user.

In an exemplary embodiment, primary module 84 only allows a moment example performing seller application 66 in custom system.If user attempts to run another copy, then activate first executory example (such as a window is resumed and delivers to the top of desktop).In interchangeable embodiment, the system of user can run multiple seller application 66 simultaneously.

When create/edit new transaction listings 70, primary module 84 calls and create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85.In an exemplary embodiment, primary module 84 is single threaded application, and dynamically loads all the other modules as required.

Seller application language resource module

In an exemplary embodiment, resource module 81 provides seller application 66 language and the ability without the need to changing any code of changing.In addition, resource module 81 allows to add new seller application 66 language with minimum set-up time and workload.Each resource module 81 comprises a whole set of resource of a kind of language.These resources comprise dialog template, menu, icon and language strings.

As mentioned above, primary module 84 loads resource module 81 when seller application 66 starts.When installing seller application 66 and it mates with the language of network mechanism of exchange 10 targeted sites (such as geographic), arrange seller application 66 language of acquiescence, wherein seller application 66 originally obtained from described targeted sites.From network mechanism of exchange 10, other language can be installed.

In an exemplary embodiment, each resource module 81 comprises the full set of all resources of primary module, comprising:

String list

Dialog resources

Application icon, bitmap etc.

Resource module 81 can defer to a kind of name agreement, knows to comprise which kind of language by which resource module 81 (such as res001.DLL is Americanese, and res002.DLL is German, and res003 is to make seller application 66 ... etc.).

Data object module

In an exemplary embodiment, data object module 83 provides DB independent data model to seller application 66, for classification, territory, attribute, project and website.Data object module 83 can be made up of DLL (dynamic link library).

The data object be included in data object module 83 provides to seller application 66 accesses the data-store independent of data in seller application database 97.When involved packet is containing XML string, data object can encapsulate XML and analyze, and provides the C++ accessor function to data field to client.If client needs the XML of bottom, then data object module 83 can provide it.

The data object for classification, territory, attribute and station data can be had.In an exemplary embodiment, data object is created by the factory function (factory function) that the DLL by the code comprising data object derives.Factory function returns the pointer pointing to the interface that data object is supported.The interface supported is defined in a head file, and any client code that this head file is required it comprised.

Create/edit Transaction Listing Module

In an exemplary embodiment, the Transaction Listing Module 85 that create/edit of seller application 66 shows all UI (user interface) elements with the language of targeted sites.It is configurable for create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85, to show the set of correct SYI fields/attributes/fees etc. to each targeted sites.Create/edit a kind of characteristic that Transaction Listing Module 85 has is the knowledge and logic that encapsulation project is relevant in individual module, to minimize the size of future update.Another kind of characteristic there is provided site language independently implementation, to allow to utilize seller application 66 language to come for different targeted sites creates transaction listings 70.Create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85 and comprise interface module 88 and composer module 90.Interface module 88 provides inputting interface to user, and to receive multiple transaction listings 70, each in described multiple transaction listings 70 comprises the respective association start time.Composer module 90 can build the data file comprising multiple transaction listings 70 that interface module 88 receives automatically.The data file that composer module 90 creates by communication module 95 propagates into network mechanism of exchange 10 from client computer.

Targeted site resource module

In an exemplary embodiment, targeted site resource module 87 is provided.Similar with resource module 81, targeted site resource module 87 comprises only for a kind of resource of language.When user creates new transaction listings 70 each time or edits existing transaction listings 70, create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85 and all load suitable targeted site resource module 87.Targeted site resource module 87 comprises dialog template, icon and language strings.

Targeted site resource module 87 also can comprise the relevant code of targeted sites.Such as, the code that special to targeted sites currency calculating is relevant.Between the installation period of seller application 66, provide a targeted site resource module 87 to seller application 66.This targeted site resource module 87 matches with the default language of described installation.Default language is the language of the targeted sites downloading seller application 66 from it.If user wishes to be listed in multiple targeted sites, then can download other targeted site resource module 87 from network mechanism of exchange 10.

A kind of characteristic that targeted site resource module 87 provides is to provide the language difference in targeted sites, and this responsibility is not applied to and create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85 or primary module 84.The another kind of characteristic that targeted site resource module 87 provides easily switches targeted sites and ability without the need to restarting seller application 66.The another kind of bells and whistles of targeted site resource module 87 is that configuration seller application 66 is with the ability of easily work together with other targeted sites (namely create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85 without the need to changing).

In an exemplary embodiment, each targeted site resource module 87 comprises a whole set of dialog resources that create/edit Transaction Listing Module 85 and use for this targeted sites.Most of information in targeted site resource module 87 change not too frequent.Therefore, download by another kind of mechanism (XML file) data element that expectation can often change, and to only have when changing due to dialog layout or translation changes and needs just download targeted site resource module 87.

Communication module

In an exemplary embodiment, communication module 95 is provided to the connection of network mechanism of exchange 10.Its service all can be used in some operation phase of seller application 66, when comprising the version of inspection post point data, inspection software module version, download software module, download website data and transaction listings 70 is propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10.

Communication module 95 encapsulates the format of leading element in API request.Communication module 95 also provides general request/response function, for some common tasks, such as, obtain version information, download software module, downloading data element, download the every other various data relevant to targeted sites and create new transaction listings 70.

Data memory module

Data memory module 89 manages the access of user's self contained data base 94 and the access from user's self contained data base 94.Accessed data are comprised the data in user item listings, user's setting and range of application.

Data memory module 89 manages the database access to local disk stores, and described local disk stores simultaneously for the data in user file and range of application.These data can be stored as the file of two types: a kind of application data library file (such as seller application database 97) and a kind of user data library file for created each user (such as user's self contained data base 94).

Seller application database 97 comprise arrange for seller application 66, the table of available listing categories and category attribute.For classification and attribute list, it is only significant field and must indexed field and create field.Other data are stored as XML Large data types (blob).

User's self contained data base 94 comprises for user's setting and the table for project.Equally, be only significant field and must indexed field and create field.Other data are stored as XML Large data types.

Import engine modules

Importing engine modules 91 provides the ability from the application import transaction list items 70 outside seller application 66.

Upgrade manager module

Upgrade manager module 92 to upgrade in time for keeping seller application 66, this relates to the data and assembly that manage some types:

Application component

EXE, DLL etc.

Site configuration data

Classification

Attribute

Option, constraint etc.

User's configuration data

Commercial-point information

Trading limits

Pay address

Etc..

In an exemplary embodiment, the most current data and assembly can be obtained at network mechanism of exchange 10 place, and be responsible for performing any required renewal before transaction listings 70 is propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 by seller application 66.

Network mechanism of exchange 10 can have the versions of data upgraded, but may not need to upgrade.In this case, make user learn optional renewal, and provide the option not receiving described renewal to user.

In addition, for seller application 66, network mechanism of exchange 10 can have the renewal version of the above data of a type.These have some to be required and have some may be optional in the middle of upgrading.In an exemplary embodiment, if need any available renewal, then all available renewals are downloaded.In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, if user selects to perform any optional renewal, then download and apply all available more new datas and module.In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the compression renewal accelerated from network mechanism of exchange 10 to seller application 66 can be utilized to transmit.

The relevant version of each scalable file.This version comprises file name, main version, minor release and timestamp.Seller application 66 can be summarized by a row version objects.In one embodiment, here is can the summary of versioned file:

Seller application components file

" version string " is an XML element, and it has the field for main version component, minor release assembly, timestamp, filename and upgrade requirement.These elements can be serially connected to describe whole system version.Here is the example of exemplary version string:

In an exemplary embodiment, compare the FileVersion at seller application 66 and network mechanism of exchange 10 place, and utilize this relatively to determine whether to need to upgrade seller application 66 or data element.MINIMUM_VERSION_REQUIRED field is used for carrying out versioned to the file at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.If the seller application of user 66 version lower than the minimal version needed for (or old in), then needs to upgrade.The minimal version needed for if the seller application of user 66 version is equal to or higher than (or newly in), be then optional to the renewal of this file.

In an exemplary embodiment, user can refuse optional or required renewal.But, if need to upgrade and user's refusal accepts them, then user may in the future with the future communications of network mechanism of exchange 10 in limited.Such as, if user refuses to accept must upgrade (such as classification renewal) targeted site config file 86, then transaction listings 70 may not be propagated into the network mechanism of exchange 10 for this targeted sites by this user.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 5 shows a kind of method 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for changing (namely customizing) seller application 66, for targeted sites.Exemplary seller application 66 assists list items to be sent to network mechanism of exchange 10.In a kind of exemplary embodiment, network mechanism of exchange 10 supports multiple targeted sites (such as website).In the embodiment that another kind is exemplary, network mechanism of exchange 10 supports a targeted sites.

With reference to figure 7, the Figure 130 provided shows exemplary seller application 66 and communicates with multiple website.Seller application 66 can work together with a website (such as 132) or multiple website (such as 132,134,136,138 and 140).And, seller application 66 can work together with belonging to the website of a network mechanism of exchange 10, or seller application 66 can work together with belonging to multiple websites (such as 132,134 and 140) of different network mechanism of exchange 10 (142,144 and 146) respectively.Such as, seller application 66 can work together with www.facility2.jp website 138 with website www.facility3.us 142 simultaneously.In an exemplary embodiment, seller application 66 can work together with multiple website (such as commercial presence, education, charitable, political, amusement etc.).In one embodiment, seller application 66 can be configured to only work together with belonging to the website of specific network mechanism of exchange 10.

Get back to Fig. 5, in illustrative methods 100, seller application 66 is used for transaction listings 70 to propagate into network mechanism of exchange 10 at client computer 38 place by user.Method 100 starts from square frame 102, accesses network mechanism of exchange 10 under user request.At square frame 104, the identity of authentication of users.In order to access network mechanism of exchange 10 by seller application 66, user must obtain log-on message (such as user ID and password) above.At square frame 106, user is identified as the user of first time login.

Be identified as the various information of the requested input of user that first time logs in, including, but not limited to billing address, individual address, pay address and list the region of project or the special website (such as in order to propagate transaction listings 70) of population for hope at Qi Chu.At square frame 108, user is supplied to the targeted sites of this user from multiple the targeted sites selecting to wish to list project at Qi Chu.In one embodiment, a targeted sites can represent multiple country.User can off-line select target site preferences.This off-line is selected to become when user is connected to network mechanism of exchange 10 effectively and is approved.

At square frame 110, the seller application 66 (such as installing) of configure user, can communicate with selected targeted sites to make it.In an exemplary embodiment, this configuration is included in the field relevant to the currency for each targeted sites when working together, makes seller application 66 can utilize the currency of each targeted sites.That is, where necessary, the operation relating to currency is carried out with the form of the currency type of selected targeted sites.These operations comprise input monetary value, display monetary value and money of account value.Configuration also can comprise and prevents the propagation of some transaction listings 70 (such as serve teen-age business website forbid propagating alcohol or tobacco).In an exemplary embodiment, configuration also can be included in selected targeted sites place provides available classification and attributes section to seller application 66, or provides available categories and the attributes section of described targeted site-specific.In addition, seller application 66 is configured to carry out work with the corresponding language that selected targeted sites is specified by exemplary embodiment.The configuration of seller application 66 also can including, but not limited to providing available Format Type (such as auction, store item (fixed price) etc.), reserved price options, payment options, deliver goods option, inspection option, images serve option and the costs related option with each transaction listings 70.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 6 shows a kind of method 120 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for arranging list items at network mechanism of exchange 10 place by seller application 66.In exemplary method 120, user utilizes seller application 66 that transaction listings 70 and their respective start times are propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 at client computer place.Each list items start time is the date and time that network mechanism of exchange 10 issues transaction listings 70 on website.This can including, but not limited to the transaction listings 70 will sold, and auction, and barter, and give or show.At square frame 122, provide a user interface to user, for receiving multiple transaction listings 70 and respective association start time thereof at seller application 66 place.At square frame 124, build batch text 68 (such as data file) at seller application 66 place, to comprise multiple transaction listings 70 and respective start time thereof.At square frame 126, the batch text created in square frame 124 is propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10.In an exemplary embodiment, multiple transaction listings 70 can be included in batch text 68 by user, and each transaction listings 70 comprises their respective start times.In an exemplary embodiment, batch text 68 is created when user works offline.But in interchangeable embodiment, user can be connected to network mechanism of exchange 10, and by seller application 66, transaction listings 70 is directly inputted to network mechanism of exchange 10.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 8 shows a kind of method 150 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for arranging transaction listings 70 at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.In exemplary method 150, by seller application 66, (multiple) transaction listings 70 is supplied to network mechanism of exchange 10 from user.User can provide (multiple) transaction listings 70 in the data file being sent to network mechanism of exchange 10 by seller application 66.At square frame 152, transaction listings 70 and respective start time thereof are received by network mechanism of exchange 10.At square frame 154, network mechanism of exchange 10, according to each transaction listings association start time separately, arranges the issue of each transaction listings 70.At square frame 156, transaction listings 70 issued by the timetable according to design in square frame 154.

The process flow diagram of Fig. 9 shows a kind of method 160 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, inputs transaction listings description for being described interface by transaction listings 70.In exemplary method 160, user utilizes seller application 66 that transaction listings 70 and respective listing time thereof are propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 at client computer place.At square frame 162, user represents that he wishes to input new transaction listings 70.At square frame 164, prompting user describes the description of interface (i.e. " WYSIWYG interface ") input transaction listings 70 by transaction listings.Transaction listings describes interface and is also referred to as customization entr screen.In an exemplary embodiment, WYSIWYG interface comprises the first structure user interface, can input text by this interface, and can select to be included in the figure in transaction listings 70.In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, WYSIWYG interface comprises the second preview user interface, for providing at network mechanism of exchange 10 place the preview providing transaction listings 70 during transaction listings 70.In one embodiment, WYSIWYG interface comprises the 3rd structure user interface, for providing transaction listings 70 with the revisable descriptor language of user (such as HTML).At square frame 166, for completing and preserving transaction listings 70.

The process flow diagram of Figure 10 shows a kind of method 170 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for assisting the renewal/upgrading of seller application 66.In exemplary method 170, at square frame 172, network mechanism of exchange 10 receives the connection request of user.Described request is inputted by seller application 66.At square frame 174, receive and verify requestor login information.In one embodiment, described checking comprises authentication of users ID and login.In interchangeable embodiment, described checking also comprises authentication of users state.Such as, if user is terminated in network mechanism of exchange 10 place list transaction listings 70, then can denied access.At square frame 176, after the validation, renewal/upgrading is downloaded to seller application 66 by network mechanism of exchange 10.Before renewal/upgrading is downloaded to seller application 66 by network mechanism of exchange 10, determine whether there is the renewal/upgrading of seller application 66, if existed, then existing renewal/upgrading is downloaded to seller application 66.In an exemplary embodiment, upgrade/upgrading such as comprises classification renewal, attribute upgrades, program information upgrades and edition upgrading.In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, if enable automatic renewal at seller application 66 place, then only renewal/upgrading is downloaded to seller application 66.At square frame 178, Auto-mounting is on a client after receipt for the renewal of seller application 66/upgrade.

The process flow diagram of Figure 11 shows a kind of method 180 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for downloading seller application 66 from network mechanism of exchange 10 to client computer 38.

At square frame 182, network mechanism of exchange 10 receives the request of downloading seller application 66.In one embodiment, this request is received the selection of hypertext link (or other location identifiers) by user, and described hypertext link (or other location identifiers) is supplied to user's in the context of the markup language document shown by browser application 36.

At square frame 184, network mechanism of exchange 10 also receives the identifier sending the user of request.User provides described user identifier by an interface, and described interface is supplied to user's with the form of the markup language document shown by browser application 36.

At decision block 186, network mechanism of exchange 10 determines whether the user of the request that sends maintains the credit card details relevant to network mechanism of exchange 10.Specifically, if the user sending request is the registered user of network mechanism of exchange 10, then network mechanism of exchange 10 can require that in registration process associated user provides effective credit card details.

At decision block 188, network mechanism of exchange 10 determines whether exceeded predetermined minimum value to the negative feedback grading of the user sending request.Specifically, in one embodiment, network mechanism of exchange 10 provides a kind of feedback mechanism, and user can provide the feedback of carrying out with it other users concluded the business whereby.This feedback mechanism is useful for breaking the wall of mistrust between the user of network mechanism of exchange 10, and provides the trust degree of a kind of user and the indication information of fiduciary level.

At decision block 190, determine whether the user of the request that sends has had one period of predetermined time as the registered user of network mechanism of exchange 10.Such as, if the user sending request only has some hours as registered user or is less than one week, then may have insufficient time to credit rating, confidence level and the fiduciary level setting up and send the user of request.In addition, the user attempting to utilize network mechanism of exchange 10 to practise fraud may have registered an alias to be exclusively used in this cheating.The inspection performed at square frame 190 place is exactly wish to reduce the user that is not adequate of hour of log-on to the access rights of seller application 66, to improve possibility fake registrations being detected.

If have negatory court verdict in one of any in square frame 186,188 or 190, then method 180 refuses the download request at square frame 194 place.On the other hand, if decision block 186,188,190 each in be the court verdict of certainty, then at square frame 192, network mechanism of exchange 10 begins through the Internet 34 and seller application 66 is downloaded to client computer 38.Then method 180 stops at square frame 196 place.

The detail flowchart of Figure 12 shows a kind of detailed method 200 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and for customizing seller application, this application is used for transaction listings 70 and respective start time thereof to propagate into network mechanism of exchange 10.

By customization seller application 66, user can utilize seller application 66 transaction listings 70 to be listed in multiple targeted sites place (such as the U.S., Germany, Britain ... the website by geographical target setting in each country central).The default display language of seller application 66 can match with the native language downloading the targeted sites of this application from it.Be provided for for particular targeted site create and edit transaction listings 70 user interface with customize mode carry out showing (such as with the native language of targeted sites).Such as, if user downloads seller application 66 from the Germany site of network mechanism of exchange 10, then user interface can be provided by German.In another embodiment, if user determines to create the project will listed at Taiwan targeted site place, then the flow process (being provided a series of user interfaces) creating transaction listings 70 will with Chinese display.Edit item again after if user wants, then edit item panel text will show with Chinese.

If seller application 66 needs to install the language of front end tool bag not yet for it to show text with a kind of user, then user is pointed out to download or install this front end tool bag from network mechanism of exchange 10.In an exemplary embodiment, when user notifies network mechanism of exchange 10 by seller application 66, when showing that he wishes to be listed in the targeted sites place needing particular tool bag, automatically download and this front end tool bag is installed.Seller application 66 allows to add additional (multiple) targeted sites.The ability of additional targeted sites is utilized to need to carry out following operation: user selects the targeted sites of adding, any required software module and data element are downloaded to the seller application of user by network mechanism of exchange 10, described software and data element are installed, and configuration seller application 66 utilizes software and the data element of new installation.User can select additional targeted sites from seller application 66 when off-line or when being connected to network mechanism of exchange 10.

Show described content in the mode of customization to user, such as, think that the current language that seller application 66 configures shows.The content (such as at targeted sites place) of Real time displaying has the native language of current targeted site.In an exemplary embodiment, the date being presented at seller application 66 place has the form corresponding with selected current targeted site.In interchangeable embodiment, the date being presented at seller application 66 place has the language that user selects at seller application 66 place.

Seller application 66 can the parameter transaction of support site-specific, such as trading limits.Such as, targeted sites can have implemented trading limits.Trading limits is the predetermined amount of user's producible expense when not registering credit card, and it changes with website.If user is registered his/her credit card information is to be used as automatically monthly to keep accounts, then supposing that in the effective situation of credit card information, network mechanism of exchange 10 allows user unrestrictedly to list.Otherwise when reaching trading limits, user just may can not list any new project, until carry out paying account balance to be dropped under trading limits, or registration credit number.

When user attempts to send (multiple) transaction listings 70 by seller application 66 with the form of batch text 68, network mechanism of exchange 10 performs trading limits inspection.If the trading limits that the expense corresponding to the transaction listings 70 will issued at network mechanism of exchange 10 place will make user exceed them, then network mechanism of exchange 10 may not allow to propagate described (multiple) transaction listings 70.In an exemplary embodiment, if exceeded trading limits before reading the All Activity list items 70 in batch text 68, then network mechanism of exchange 10 has accepted to exceed the front All Activity list items 70 read of trading limits.

Trading limits inspection is applicable to the targeted site of registration of user.Such as, if targeted sites (such as Germany's transaction website) has trading limits, then when the user registered to this Germany site attempts to send project to network mechanism of exchange 10 each time, trading limits inspection is carried out in capital, and no matter whether these users are submitting their list items to this targeted sites.

When a particular targeted site is chosen, seller application 66 just utilizes the corresponding currency of this state.Such as, when the U.S. targeted site is selected, all expenses are all shown as dollar.In interchangeable embodiment, seller application 66 utilizes the currency of multiple country.Such as, in another embodiment, when the U.S. targeted site is selected, all expenses are all shown as American currency and Canadian currency.In an exemplary embodiment, seller application 66 is recognized and is applied the unique form of the particular targeted site selected user.Exemplarily, for Germany and Taiwan, currency fields may only allow digital.In addition, the U.S., Australia, Canada, Britain comprise decimal separator (for dividing).In addition, France, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Belgium's (French) and Belgium's (Dutch) have CSV symbol (for dividing).And the CSV that Holland and Belgium's (Dutch) have for " buy now " (BIN) and reservation price accords with, but digital concerning only allowing minimum competitive bidding.

Refer again to Figure 12, method 200 starts from square frame 202, starts seller application 66 this user.Method 200 proceeds to square frame 204, provides in welcome screen 250, Figure 13 A a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in this seller application 66.Welcome screen 250 provides and exits option 252, open sample file 254, create new file 256 or open existing file 258.In an exemplary embodiment, select the Next button 260 to select with startupoptions in selection option 252-258 for the moment.In interchangeable embodiment, automatic startupoptions 252-258 after selecting.

Open sample file 254 if having selected, then method 200 proceeds to square frame 206, provides the sample screen of transaction listings 70 at this to user.But create new file 256 if having selected, then method 200 proceeds to square frame 210, start at this process transaction listings 70 be input in a set (such as batch text 68).

On the other hand, open existing file 258 if having selected, then method 200 proceeds to square frame 208, activates to open the process of existing set (such as batch text 68) at this.

In an exemplary embodiment, create new file 256 if having selected at square frame 210, then method 200 proceeds to square frame 212, provides in login interface 262, Figure 13 B a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in this seller application 66.Login interface 262 requires user ID 264 and password 266.Login interface 262 comprises choice box 268, for using the purpose of seller application 66 to inform to network mechanism of exchange 10 by multiple target or customization website.In an exemplary embodiment, user ID and password must be obtained before user creates new file.In interchangeable embodiment, user can obtain user ID and password when being connected to network mechanism of exchange 10.

At square frame 214, user sends the request be connected with network mechanism of exchange 10.In an exemplary embodiment, after input user ID and password, next button 270 is selected from login interface 262, to be connected to network mechanism of exchange 10.Then method 200 proceeds to square frame 216, provides in linkage interface 272, Figure 13 C a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in this seller application 66.

At square frame 216, inspection user ID and password when selecting " connecting now " button 274 in linkage interface 272.If network mechanism of exchange 10 can not authentication of users ID and password, then user is asked again to input user ID and password at login interface 262.

After verification at block 216, method 200 proceeds to square frame 218, provides in personal information interface 276, Figure 13 D a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in this seller application 66.These personal information are used to identifying user, guarantee that the process of exchange between the user of the network mechanism of exchange 10 of access is also assisted in security.User profile can be used to fill user preference field (such as paying the position of address and transaction listings), and determines the default targeted site of user.In an exemplary embodiment, seller application 66 comprises the targeted sites of acquiescence.In this embodiment, the targeted sites of acquiescence is exactly the website that user downloads seller application 66.But user can edit the targeted sites of acquiescence.

At square frame 220, determine whether user wishes to use seller application 66 at multiple targeted sites place.If square frame 220 is negatory court verdicts, then configure seller application 66 at square frame 222, only to work together with download its targeted sites (such as U.S. sites) from it.In one embodiment, seller application 66 is configured to communicate with network mechanism of exchange 10 to the agreement that the configuration of seller application 66 comprises according to being associated with selected targeted sites.In addition, in one embodiment, the configuration of seller application 66 is comprised seller application 66 is configured to provide information in the mode consistent with the agreement that selected targeted sites is associated to user.On the other hand, if square frame 220 is court verdicts of certainty, then method 200 proceeds to square frame 224, provides in targeted site interface 280, Figure 13 E a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in this seller application 66.

At square frame 224, the multiple targeted sites will used by seller application 66 can be selected.In an exemplary embodiment, targeted site interface 280 provides available targeted sites.Will recognize that, other targeted sites definables targeted sites more or less, or definition can distinguish any other attribute of a targeted sites.Such as, for the targeted sites distinguished by country name, the information (such as continent) on targeted sites definable country, the information under country (such as the area, state, territory, province etc. of country).User carrys out select target website by selecting the choice box adjacent to re-set target website.Multiple targeted sites can be selected.In interchangeable embodiment, user is by the scroll list and highlight re-set target website and carry out select target website.

At square frame 226, the configuration information corresponding to the targeted sites selected at square frame 224 is sent to seller application 66 from network mechanism of exchange 10.At square frame 228, the information downloaded at square frame 226 is utilized automatically to configure seller application 66.In an exemplary embodiment, the configuration of seller application can comprise provides software module renewal, classification renewal, attribute renewal, targeted site language renewal, basic language renewal, various software miscellaneous data element etc.Upon completion of the configuration at block 228, seller application 66 can be used for transaction listings 70 and respective start time thereof to propagate into each targeted sites selected at square frame 224.Method 200 ends at square frame 230.

The detail flowchart of Figure 14 A and 14B shows a kind of method 300 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, arranges transaction listings 70 by seller application 66 at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.In one embodiment, method 300 is performed customer 35 by independent executable seller application 66.In interchangeable embodiment, method 300 can be performed by customer 35 executable file such as Java Applet or ActiveX control, and described executable file performs in the context of browser application.Some information reside on customer 35 and also perform thereon, and to assist the convenient input of transaction listings 70, this is such as by providing the template allowing user to define the repeated content that multiple transaction listings 70 is shared to realize.Which avoid and input is repeated to each transaction listings 70.And method 300 guides the function of customer 35 to perform the verification operation of the data to input, to check the legitimacy of admissible content and content.In addition, method 300 suggestion provides the list that can allow content, such as, realized by drop-down menu, can select the legal content of the specific fields for transaction listings 70 from this listuser.And method 300 provides the option arranging transaction listings 70.

Method 300 starts from square frame 302, and the client computer 38 of a user calls seller application 66, and this user wishes to build multiple transaction listings 70 and described transaction listings 70 and arranged start time thereof are propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10.Such as, the black volume user of network mechanism of exchange 10 may wish to propagate multiple transaction listings 70, thus calls seller application 66.In one embodiment, network mechanism of exchange 10 may propagate into each transaction listings 70 of network mechanism of exchange 10 for seller application 66 and charge to user.In an exemplary embodiment, described expense depends on the service class (such as black volume user discount) of user.

At square frame 304, seller application 66 performs and provides new item box.The new item box provided at square frame 304 comprises creating in new item interface 350, Figure 15 A a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown.New item box prompts user selects the class transaction corresponding to transaction listings 70.In an exemplary embodiment, create new item interface 350 place obtainable type of transaction including, but not limited to auctioning 352, shop 364 and advertising format 380.And, create new item interface 350 and provide a drop down site list 358, transaction listings 70 (or comprising the batch text 68 of multiple transaction listings 70) will be propagated into target (such as country) website from this list.In an exemplary embodiment, if non-selected drop-down list 358, then select the targeted sites downloading seller application 66 from it.

At square frame 306, user selects " next step " option provided explicitly with establishment new item interface 350, and in response to this, seller application 66 points out user to obtain the information (such as title, classification etc.) be associated with transaction listings 70.In a kind of exemplary embodiment, the prompting at square frame 306 place is performed by new item interface 362, and an embodiment has been shown in Figure 15 B, and comprising multiple field, user can fill these fields to build transaction listings 70.If user have selected stores format 354 or advertising format 356 in establishment new item interface 350, then provide different dialog boxes.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown new item interface 362 comprises multiple input field, to receive project name 364, first project category 366, second project category 368 and store categories 370.Each in three category input fields comprises drop-down list, selects classification to facilitate user.New item interface 362 also comprises attribute 376.Attribute is category-specific information project, and sellers can specify these projects to help buyer and search project, and may not all classification all have.An example is house property-inhabitation classification.Such as, when project being listed in this classification, user can be pointed out to specify bedroom quantity, bathroom quantity, square feet, air-conditioning, pond (drop-down: nothing, ground, non-ground) etc.These attributes make buyer to show, they search the project in house property-inhabitation classification according to obtainable attribute (such as bedroom quantity, bathroom quantity) etc.The example with some other classification of attribute comprises computing machine (such as processor speed, hard disk size), clothes (such as model, brand, color) and ticketing service (such as Activity Type, city, state, face amount etc.).Almost any classification all can further describe by use attribute 376.Navigation during in order to assist to create transaction listings 70 between multiple screens of using, also show Back button 372 and the Next button 374, selects these two buttons to make user can once advance through multiple screen.

At square frame 308, user selects " next step " option provided explicitly with new item interface 362, in response to this, seller application 66 points out user to obtain the more detailed description information (such as transaction listings is detailed) be associated with transaction listings 70.In a kind of exemplary embodiment, the prompting at square frame 308 place describes interface 450 by transaction listings and performs, such as shown in Figure 16 A.Further describe transaction listings below with reference to Figure 17 and describe interface 450.

After the transaction listing description has been entered at block 308, method 300 proceeds to square frame 310, provides in format specifics interface 378, Figure 15 C a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in this seller application 66.Various data items can be comprised in format specifics interface 378.Shown exemplary data items comprises lists period, price, quantity, payment and deliver goods data items.Additionally provide " optional feature " region with multiple choice box, user can be specified: specific transaction listings should come when being shown by network mechanism of exchange 10 visually or otherwise by difference or highlight.Such as, transaction listings 70 can by overstriking, with specific background look display or there is graphical image associated with it or icon.

At square frame 312, what user's selection provided explicitly with format specifics interface 378 saves options 380, and in response to this, seller application 66 performs checking inspection, to determine whether user have input enough information to form effective transaction listings 70, or whether also need information.Such as, user inadvertently may have forgotten input beginning price.

After the checking of certainty, method 300 proceeds to square frame 314, and as shown in Figure 14B, at this, seller application 66 provides in inventory interface 382, Figure 15 D and a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown.Item inventory interface 382 provides the list of selectable transaction listings 70 in a set 306, and described set 306 is associated with the targeted sites selected at square frame 304.User starts to input another project that should be included in set 306 by selecting " newly-built " button 384.In an exemplary embodiment, user also deletes 386 or editor's 388 transaction listings 70 by item inventory interface 382.

In an exemplary embodiment, inventory interface 382 provides the list items summary of the All Activity list items 70 forming batch text 68.Specifically, main window 390 can comprise multiple row, and it is in a tabular form to user's display Name, quantity, lowest price, reserved valency and premium listing price information.User can double-click the arbitrary row in the transaction listings 70 provided in main window, to assist editor to transaction listings 70 or deletion.

In an exemplary embodiment, can select one arrange Start Date and start time 392, network mechanism of exchange 10 should put up the relevant batch text collection 68 of transaction listings 70 at this date and time.If user is not desirable to provide arranged Start Date and time, then give tacit consent to arrange date and time " starting immediately " 394 after propagating into network mechanism of exchange 10.In interchangeable embodiment, can specify respectively each list items 70 in set 306 and start day thousand and time.

At square frame 316, user determines to provide arranged Start Date and time 392, at this date and time, will issue the set 306 of transaction listings 70 at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.

At square frame 318, user is appointed interval 396 alternatively, is distributed on the time at network mechanism of exchange 10 place in order to the multiple transaction listings 70 staggered in set 306.Such as, user can given transaction list items 70 set 306 on July 4th, 2002 9:00PM start, then should comprise the interval of 5 minutes in named aggregate 306 between each transaction listings 70.Therefore, if having 3 transaction listings 70 in set 306, then first will start from 9:00PM, and second starts from 9:05PM, and the 3rd starts from 9:10PM.Word " beginning " also can be understood to be in selected targeted sites place and issue.

At square frame 320, user selects " adding to propagate " option 392 provided explicitly with item inventory interface 382, and in response to this, seller application 66 provides to be waited for, by listing interface 400, Figure 15 E that propagates, a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown.

At square frame 322, user selects and waits for " propagating all " option 402 propagated interface 400 and provide explicitly, and in response to this, seller application 66 points out user to obtain network transaction facility password.

At square frame 324, upon user verification, the set 306 of transaction listings 70 is propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10.

In one embodiment, by network mechanism of exchange API, batch text 68 as above is propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 from client computer 38.In interchangeable embodiment, transmit batch text 68 by email message.

Each transaction listings 70 can comprise transaction listings and describe.In an exemplary embodiment, transaction listings description describes interface 450 by transaction listings and inputs, and a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown in Figure 16 A.Transaction listings 70 is including, but not limited to text, one or more picture and form (such as layout, color, font etc.).In an exemplary embodiment, transaction listings describes interface 450 and provides 3 selectable dialog boxes, describes to assist input transaction listings.Described 3 dialog box options comprise Design view option 452, HTML view option 454 and preview view option 456.Permission user is inputted descriptive text 458 by during selection by Design view option 452 in WYSIWYG is arranged.HTML view option 454 allows user to input the HTML code of the transaction listings description for them.Preview view option 456 allows user to carry out the description of preview transaction listings according to the HTML code of the HTML defined by WYSIWYT editing machine or user's input.The exemplary embodiment of preview view dialog box 478 has been shown in Figure 16 C.

Use Design view dialog box 466, user can input descriptive text 458, and uses edit tool by it format.If user has enabled multi-site support, then show a prompting, shown that transaction listings 70 preferably should have the native language of each targeted sites.Design view tool bar comprises the toolbar items that user can be used to their description of form family.Each toolbar button has ToolTips.

In an exemplary embodiment, for two-byte character symbol language, suitably show available font and text control.Such as, Chinese font collection is different from western language, thus not compatible with runic, italic or underscore.If user writes with Chinese, then can use Chinese font, and should only show the text control be suitable for.

The descriptive text 458 of input in Design view dialog box 466 is read as text, comprises descriptor text (such as HTML code).But user can input descriptor text in descriptor text view dialog box 470, a kind of exemplary embodiment is shown in Figure 16 B.Descriptor text (such as HTML code) inputs in descriptor language CodeWindow 472.According to any text of previous input in Design view dialog box 466, descriptor language CodeWindow 472 automatic filling descriptor text (such as HTML code).

In an exemplary embodiment, transaction listings describes interface 450 and additionally provides template 460, for improvement of transaction listings 70.Each comprised theme (such as comprising Color scheme) 462 in described template and layout 464, as shown in Figure 16 A.Theme 462 and layout 464 can be selected independently.In addition, user describes interface 450 by transaction listings and adds picture to transaction listings 70.Picture is added by photo services, described photo services is available by network mechanism of exchange 10 or another network mechanism, or the images serve that described picture is supported by user oneself and adding, or from the image set be stored on the computing machine of user.Described picture can add to and is included in image area that transaction listings describes in interface 450.

Theme 462 definable table border colors, any boundary image, background colour (only for describing region) etc.Layout 464 can provide a description the display position of text and picture.Layout 464 to user's display can support preference specific to their picture.Seller application 66 also can provide " automatic adjusting size " option.The image of user is readjusted size by this option when enabling be the template image size optimized.

Seller application 66 also can provide one group of Color scheme and layout given tacit consent to.Can provide 5 to 10 kinds (such as Color schemes and layout).Network mechanism of exchange 10 is by upgrading the renewal/upgrading of seller application 66 and add template.In interchangeable embodiment, user can design themselves layout and theme.In the interchangeable embodiment of another kind, layout and theme can be imported.

Other special function comprises " super large " (supersize) 463 and slide show 465, and it can be used to the display improving and/or change picture.In a kind of exemplary embodiment, supersize option 463 is included in transaction listings and describes in the left navigation bar at interface 450.In an exemplary embodiment, super large 463 can be applied to suitable all IPIX pictures.In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, super large 463 is only to utilizing the user of network mechanism of exchange 10 images serve to use.Super large 463 options allow users amplifies the size of the image be included in their transaction listings 70.

Slide show 465 function is selected by special slide show layout.Allow once to add at most 6 pictures from the dialog box of this template for displaying and be not only one.Therefore, slide show 465 function allows user in an image-region, add 6 pictures at most and be not only one.The picture added by slide show 465 function is presented at network mechanism of exchange 10 place together with transaction listings 70.Slide show comprises demonstration a series of pictures, once shows one.These pictures display same position over the display.Such as, the user that a period of time (the such as 5 seconds) introversion defined at network mechanism of exchange 10 browses the transaction listings 70 comprising slide show provides every pictures (such as picture 1-6).Picture series continuous circulation in slide show, until a certain is selected, or user closes or exits the window comprising transaction listings 70.

The detail flowchart of Figure 17 shows a kind of method 500 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, inputs transaction listings description for being described interface 450 by transaction listings.Method 500 starts from square frame 502, provides transaction listings to describe interface 450 in this seller application 66.As mentioned above, transaction listings describes interface 450 and comprises Design view option 452, HTML view option 454 and preview view option 456.

At square frame 504, user selects Design view option 452, and in response to this, seller application 66 provides Design view dialog box 466 to user.In an exemplary embodiment, Design view dialog box 466 is dialog boxes of acquiescence, and is in transaction listings at square frame 502 and describes in interface 450 and be supplied to user.At square frame 506, user inputs descriptive text 458 in Design view dialog box 466.Time in Design view dialog box 466, user can select preview view option 456 or HTML view option 454.

At square frame 508, user selects HTML view option 454, and in response to this, seller application 66 provides a description in symbol language dialog box 470, Figure 19 B to user and a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown.According to the previous descriptive language 458 inputted at square frame 506, descriptor language code section 472 automatic filling of descriptor language dialog box 470 descriptor language code (such as HTML code).Descriptor language code in user can revise (such as add, delete, edit) descriptor language code section.

At square frame 510, user selects preview view option 456, and in response to this, seller application 66 provides in preview view dialog box 478, Figure 16 C to user and a kind of exemplary embodiment has been shown.The description of transaction listings is shown as the appearance when network mechanism of exchange 10 place issues by preview view dialog box 478.Can not in preview view dialog box 478 inediting content.

At decision block 512, determine whether user wishes to input the picture corresponding to transaction listings 70.

At square frame 514, if will picture be inputted, then obtain picture and be attached to transaction listings 70.User selects process by selecting " selection picture " button to start picture from Design view dialog box 466.In an exemplary embodiment, the picture Service supportive that the picture Service supportive of network mechanism of exchange 10 or user specify can be utilized, or select picture in the set that also can store from the computing machine of user.

At square frame 516, select the layout 464 that will utilize in the display of transaction listings 70.Layout 464 is the options that can obtain on WYSIWYG interface.If non-selected, utilize default layout.

At square frame 518, select the theme 462 that will utilize in the display of transaction listings 70.Theme 462 is the options that can obtain on WYSIWYG interface.If non-selected, utilize Default Subject.Method 500 ends at square frame 1210.

The detail flowchart of Figure 18 shows a kind of method 550 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, receives for being arranged in network mechanism of exchange 10 place the list items inputted by seller application 66.In an exemplary embodiment, transaction listings 70 defines parameter and the content of online commercial processes (such as online shop, online auction).But will recognize that, transaction listings 70 can provide any parameter transaction (product such as sale by any method or service, or service of goods requirement description).Specifically, in interchangeable embodiment, transaction listings 70 can be described through classified advertisement and provide product or the service of fixed price, or B2B transaction or electronic market context in provide and required product or service.

Method 550 starts from square frame 552, receives batch text 68 at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.

At square frame 554, the analyzer module 76 of transaction application 311 analyzes batch text 68, is included in wherein each transaction listings 70 to extract, and performs the various verification operations relevant to each extracted transaction listings 70.

At square frame 556, acknowledge message is sent to client computer 38 by transaction application 311, to confirm the successful reception of each transaction listings 70 (comprising their start times arranged separately) and to extract.In one embodiment, acknowledge message can comprise the email message transmitted from the e-mail server 22 of network mechanism of exchange 10.In interchangeable embodiment, page server 12 can produce a markup language document (such as html document) in response to user's request, and it sends acknowledge message to user.The acknowledge message sending client computer 38 at square frame 556 to also can comprise location identifier (such as URL(uniform resource locator) (URL)), which provide a link, the list items of the set of the transaction listings 70 that direction analysis device module 76 extracts from batch text collection 68 at square frame 554.In interchangeable embodiment, acknowledge message itself can provide the list of this transaction listings 70.Such as, can comprise a html document by E-mail transmission to the acknowledge message of client computer 38, which provide the list of the transaction listings 70 be included in batch text 68, wherein batch text 68 comprises described set 306.

At square frame 558, provide some interfaces to user, to assist browsing and editing of the set of propagated transaction listings 70 (such as there is the form of batch text 68).Therefore, user can upgrade transaction listings 70 after transaction listings 70 being propagated into network mechanism of exchange 10 by data file (such as batch text 68).User can when being connected to network mechanism of exchange 10 online updating transaction listings 70, or make at seller application 66 place and upgrade and propagate into network mechanism of exchange 10.In one embodiment, assist the various interfaces of browsing and editing of transaction listings 70 can be by page server 12 produce and be sent to the markup language document of client computer 38 by the Internet 34, being wherein sent to client computer 38 is to browse in the context of browser application 36.Such as, these interfaces with markup language document form are called by the selection on customer 35 of user, wherein have selected the URL in the acknowledge message being contained in and transmitting at square frame 556.In interchangeable embodiment, the text that transmits from transaction application 311 and data such as can be utilized to produce by seller application 66 at the interface that square frame 558 provides.Figure 19 A and 19B shows exemplary interface 600 and 602, and it can be supplied to user by network mechanism of exchange 10, to allow to browse, to edit, the set of preview and confirmation transaction listings 70 and single transaction listings 70.

Seller application 66 comprises the ability that the customizing messages utilizing network mechanism of exchange 10 to provide upgrades/upgrade self automatically.

The detail flowchart of Figure 20 shows a kind of method 650 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, for assisting the renewal/upgrading of seller application 66.Method 650 starts from 652, is connected to network mechanism of exchange 10 in this seller application 66.

At square frame 654, network mechanism of exchange 10 determines whether there is renewal/upgrading that seller application 66 not yet receives.In order to support minimum renewal/upgrading, use a kind of versioning mechanisms, the version of the data element (such as targeted site config file 86) and module (such as primary module 84, communication module 95, resource module 81 etc.) the mounted data element of available edition and seller application 66 place and module that network mechanism of exchange 10 place are used for seller application 66 compares.For the software module that changed and data element down loading updating/upgrading.The data downloaded can be compressed to shorten the transmission time.As mentioned above, in an exemplary embodiment, upgrade/upgrade including, but not limited to classification renewal, attribute renewal, program information renewal and version updating.For classification, seller application 66 determines, for any targeted sites enabling seller application 66, whether to there is new/different category structure.It is useful for providing automatic classification to upgrade when being connected to network mechanism of exchange 10 to seller application 66, because classification may change (such as monthly) continually.

For attribute, seller application 66 determines, for any targeted sites enabling seller application 66, whether to there is new/different attribute structure.As mentioned above, attribute is the special information project of classification, and sellers can specify and help buyer and search project, and may not all classification all have.An example can be house property-inhabitation classification.Such as, when project is listed in this classification, can point out user specify bedroom quantity, bathroom quantity, square feet, air-conditioning, pond (drop-down menu: without, on the ground, non-ground) etc.

Then provide selector switch instrument to buyer, to use when searching for, it allows to specify specific attribute requirements (such as in house property-inhabitation classification, can be " New York ", 4 bathrooms between bedroom and 2 in project name).Do not have attribute, sellers can specify these information, when not being standardized, thus can not provide reliable search mechanisms.Utilize attribute, just can to user guarantee what search for and obtain is correct information.

Some other example categories with attribute comprises computing machine classification (processor speed, hard disk size etc.), clothes (or dress ornament) classification (model, brand, color etc.) and ticketing service classification (Activity Type, city, state, face amount etc.).

In an exemplary embodiment, edition upgrading comprises the amendment (such as software change) made seller application 66.These amendments also can be described as program updates.In an exemplary embodiment, the renewal/upgrading of seller application 66 can also be postponed.But network mechanism of exchange 10 can be forced to carry out upgrading (material alterations of such as program) or upgrading (material alterations of such as classification).User does not have the ability getting rid of enforceable renewal or upgrading.

At square frame 656, if network mechanism of exchange 10 determines to there is the renewal/upgrading to seller application 66, then described renewal/upgrading is downloaded to seller application 66.In one embodiment, only just down loading updating/upgrading when enabling the automatic renewal of seller application 66.After the certainty judgement of decision box 656, method 650 proceeds to square frame 658, upgrades/upgrading at this Auto-mounting.In an exemplary embodiment, seller application 66 comprises the routine upgrading for Auto-mounting/upgrade.In interchangeable embodiment, set-up routine is downloaded together with each renewal/upgrading series.Set-up routine is configured to automatically start when download completes and installation procedure upgrades/upgrading.In one embodiment, set-up routine is configured to only just automatically start when enabling the automatic renewal of seller application 66.Method 650 ends at square frame 660.

Figure 21 A-21C provide can be safeguarded by database engine server 26, for supporting the further details of the database structure of said method.

In Figure 21 A, batch table 42 comprises the record for each set as the transaction listings 70 as described in starting most, within the batch text 68 that described transaction listings 70 such as receives at network mechanism of exchange 10 place.

Between batch table 42 and batch items table 40, there is the relation of one-to-many, batch items table 40 comprises analyzer module 76 and is drawn into transaction listings 70 database 30 from batch text 68, but these transaction listings 70 also do not arrive scene.

Items wait table 44 stores and waits until the transaction listings 70 loaded at scene as mentioned above.Repertory 60 stores the record arriving on-the-spot real trade list items 70, describedly starts transaction processing (such as auction process or price for sale) to scene by network mechanism of exchange 10 and realizes.

Figure 21 B and 21C shows entity relationship diagram, which provides the further details of the exemplary fields can supported by batch table, batch items table, items wait table, repertory, subscriber's meter and correlation table.

Figure 22 shows the schematically illustrating of machine occurred with the exemplary form of computer system 800, can perform one group of instruction wherein, and what perform in said method to make this machine is one of any.In other embodiments, described machine can comprise network router, the network switch, bridge, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, web apparatus, Set Top Box (STB) maybe can perform instruction sequence to specify any machine of the action that should take.

Computer system 800 comprises processor 802, primary memory 806 and static memory 808, and they are communicated with one another by bus 824.Computer system 800 also can comprise video display unit 812 (such as liquid crystal display (LCD) or cathode-ray tube (CRT) (CRT)).Computer system 800 also comprises Alphanumeric Entry Device 814 (such as keyboard), cursor control device 816 (such as mouse), disk drive unit 818, signal generating apparatus 822 (such as loudspeaker) and Network Interface Unit 810.

Disk drive unit 818 comprises machine readable media 820, it stores one group of instruction (i.e. software) 804, described instruction contain in said method any one or all.Software 804 is also shown as all or resides at least in part in primary memory 806 and/or processor 802.Software 804 also send/receive by Network Interface Unit 810.For this instructions, term " machine readable media " should be understood to include any medium, if its can store or coded order sequence to be performed by machine, and make this machine perform any method of the present invention.Term " machine readable media " correspondingly should be understood to include but be not limited to solid-state memory, CD and disk and carrier signal.And although the software shown in Figure 22 resides in individual equipment, will be appreciated that software 804 can be distributed on multiple machine or storage medium, described storage medium can comprise described machine readable media.

Like this, describe a kind of method and system, for arranging transaction listings by seller application at network mechanism of exchange place.Although description of the invention with reference to specifically exemplary embodiment, very clearly can make various amendment and change to these embodiments and wider spirit and scope of the present invention can not be departed from.Therefore, this instructions and accompanying drawing should be looked at as illustrative and nonrestrictive.

In detailed description above, the description of method and system of the present invention with reference to its specifically exemplary embodiment.But, very clearly can make various amendment and change to it and wider spirit and scope of the present invention can not be departed from.Specifically, the disparate modules of each block scheme illustrates the functional module of multiple method and apparatus, and does not represent physics intrinsic in the spirit and scope of the present invention or logical partitioning or sequence of operation.Such as, the various piece of a box indicating method of Figure 11 a and 11b, in some embodiments, these parts can be reordered or parallel organization, instead of linearly or step by step organize.Therefore, this instructions and accompanying drawing should be counted as illustrative and nonrestrictive.

Claims (14)

1. a method, comprising:

In response to the reception selected, configuration information is sent to dealer's application, described selection corresponds to the targeted sites supported by network mechanism of exchange,

Described configuration information corresponds to described targeted sites,

The application of described dealer, in response to the transmission of described configuration information, is configured according to described configuration information,

The application of described dealer is configured to multiple transaction listings to propagate into described targeted sites by described configuration information after sending,

Described transmission utilizes the processor of the machine configured by communicator module to perform; At described network mechanism of exchange place from configured dealer application received data file,

Described data file comprises applies by described dealer the described multiple transaction listings propagating into described targeted sites; And

Issue and propagate at least one transaction listings in described multiple transaction listings of described targeted sites by the application of described dealer.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies described targeted sites and comprises at least one in following renewal:

The software module of described dealer application upgrades,

The classification of described dealer application upgrades,

The attribute of described dealer application upgrades, or

The language of described dealer application upgrades.

3. method according to claim 1 and 2, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the geographic area of described targeted sites; And

The geographic area of described targeted sites is different from the geographic area of described network mechanism of exchange.

4. method according to claim 3, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the geographic area of described targeted sites based at least one in following geographic area:

The country of described targeted sites,

The state of described targeted sites,

The territory of described targeted sites, or

The province of described targeted sites.

5. according to method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the currency of described targeted sites; And

The currency of described targeted sites is different from the currency of described network mechanism of exchange.

6. according to method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the form of described targeted sites, and the form of described targeted sites is used for representing the currency of described targeted sites; And

The form of described targeted sites is different from the form of described network mechanism of exchange, and the form of described network mechanism of exchange is used for representing the currency of described network mechanism of exchange.

7. method according to claim 6, wherein:

The form identified by described configuration information specifies the quantity of the currency of described targeted sites, described quantity integer representation.

8. method according to claim 6, wherein:

The form identified by described configuration information specifies the quantity of the currency of described targeted sites, and described quantity utilizes concrete punctuation mark to represent.

9. according to method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the theme of described targeted sites; And

The theme of described targeted sites is different from the theme of described network mechanism of exchange.

10. according to method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the purposes of described targeted sites; And

The purposes of described targeted sites is different from the purposes of described network mechanism of exchange.

11. according to method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the language of described targeted sites; And

The language of described targeted sites is different from the language of described network mechanism of exchange.

12. 1 kinds of systems, comprising:

Processor, described processor is configured to executive communication device module, described communicator module, and when being performed by described processor, configure described processor to perform following operation, described operation comprises:

In response to the reception selected, configuration information is sent to dealer's application, described selection corresponds to the targeted sites supported by network mechanism of exchange,

Described configuration information corresponds to described targeted sites,

The application of described dealer, in response to the transmission of described configuration information, is configured according to described configuration information,

The application of described dealer is configured to multiple transaction listings to propagate into described targeted sites by described configuration information after sending; And

At described network mechanism of exchange place from configured dealer application received data file,

Described data file comprises applies by described dealer the described multiple transaction listings propagating into described targeted sites; And

Distributor module, described distributor module is configured to issue and propagates at least one transaction listings in described multiple transaction listings of described targeted sites by the application of described dealer.

13. systems according to claim 12, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies described targeted sites and comprises at least one in following renewal:

The software module of described dealer application upgrades,

The classification of described dealer application upgrades,

The attribute of described dealer application upgrades, or

The language of described dealer application upgrades.

14. systems according to claim 12 or 13, wherein:

Described configuration information identifies the geographic area of described targeted sites; And

The geographic area of described targeted sites is different from the geographic area of described network mechanism of exchange.