Timothy J Kostolansky

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.

US Patent:

61410195, Oct 31, 2000

Filed:

Feb 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/029466

Inventors:

James B. Roseborough - San Francisco CA
Timothy J. Kostolansky - Oakland CA
Jaime R. del Palacio - Novato CA

International Classification:

G06T 1500

US Classification:

345473

Abstract:

A synthetic creature (10) in which links (26), representing limbs, are loosely connected by joints (28) to independently interact and implement the physics of everyday life-like actions (18) in a character (16). Elements of mass, positive weight (46), and negative weight (48) are independently handled to mimic the closed-loop control characteristics of real animals. The synthetic creature (10) uses intelligent appearing behaviors (20) built up out of the actions (18) and recursively arranged in a hierarchical behavior tree (72) to cooperate and compete in a run-time computer (202) to give a feeling of autonomy and awareness. Further taught is an authoring environment (200) of tools used to author the character (16), actions (18), and behaviors (20) of the synthetic creature (10), which provide author feedback and simulation testing capability at the various layers (12) of the synthetic creature (10).