A system and method for an interactive, computer-assisted on-line auction
wherein at least one array of images of objects for auction are scrolled
on a display device so that a viewer can view the objects, obtain
detailed information regarding objects of interest an submit bids on
those objects the viewer desires to purchase. The objects in the array
can be sorted into rows and columns by criteria such as manufacturer,
type of good, or time until which bids are accepted. The system can
include an array for objects that can currently be bid upon and another
array for objects that can be bid upon at a future time. Certain objects
of interest to a viewer can be selectively rotated for three-dimensional
viewing by clicking on an appropriate button. A viewer can select a
plurality of objects of interest, wherein monitoring screens are then
composed and displayed on the display device for each selected object,
each monitoring screen providing the viewer with an enlarged graphical
representation of an object, detailed textual information regarding an
object, and information regarding the auction for an object such as
current bid price, time remaining to submit a bid and a bid submission
box. The system also provides a system of selectively programmable alerts
which can use visual or audible cues to alert the viewer to some
occurrence, such as a predetermined amount of time remaining to submit a
bid on an object.