Cynthia M Klein

US Patent:

6709330, Mar 23, 2004

Filed:

Aug 18, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/640788

Inventors:

Cynthia Ann Klein - New York NY
Lawrence Scott Berlin - Glencoe IL
Timothy J. Kostolansky - Oakland CA
Jaime Rockwell Del Palacio - San Rafael CA

Assignee:

Ameritrade Holding Corporation - Annapolis Junction MD

International Classification:

A63F 1300

US Classification:

463 9, 273278, 273256, 434107

Abstract:

An options simulation engine for an options trading game. The present invention comprises a game engine for keeping track of game time and game settings, an options market simulator for providing a real-world options trading environment, and a portfolio manager engine for keeping track of a players portfolio. The options market simulator comprises a basic stock price generator for moving stock prices, a news/rumor generator for moving stock prices, and an options pricing generator for pricing options. The portfolio manager comprises an available cash/minimum balance mechanism for determining how much a player is charged for buying and/or selling options and stocks, and for maintaining a players positions, a risk analysis mechanism for determining the amount of money a player can lose for any given stock or option, a margin requirements mechanism for keeping track of the minimum equity required in a players account to support the players total investment position, a profit and loss mechanism for determining a players profit and loss throughout the game and on a weekly basis, and a trading rules/limitations mechanism that prevents a player from breaking a trading rule or exceeding a limitation during game play.