U.S. patent application number 12/267078 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-12 for electronic trading system for simulating the trading of carbon dioxide equivalent emission reductions and methods of use.
Invention is credited to Carlton Bartels, Jane Bartels, Melissa Turnage, Adam White, Shelby White.
Application Number | 20090070252 12/267078 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40584979 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090070252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartels; Carlton ; et
al. |
March 12, 2009 |
ELECTRONIC TRADING SYSTEM FOR SIMULATING THE TRADING OF CARBON
DIOXIDE EQUIVALENT EMISSION REDUCTIONS AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
An electronic trading system for simulating the trading of
carbon dioxide equivalent (CO.sub.2e) emission reductions and
methods of use are provided. An electronic trading application may
allow a user to participate in an electronic trading simulation. An
electronic trading application may allow a simulation administrator
to modify parameters in connection with the electronic trading
simulation in real-time. For example, the simulation administrator
may be allowed to modify a real-time timeline for the electronic
trading simulation, create and release a news announcement, or
perform any other suitable modification in connection with the
electronic trading simulation.
Inventors: |
Bartels; Carlton; (Staten
Island, NY) ; Bartels; Jane; (Staten Island, NY)
; White; Adam; (Atlanta, GA) ; White; Shelby;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Turnage; Melissa; (Cockeysville,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Laura A. Sheridan;FISH & NEAVE
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York
NY
10020-1104
US
|
Family ID: |
40584979 |
Appl. No.: |
12/267078 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
09967272 |
Sep 28, 2001 |
|
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12267078 |
|
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60313842 |
Aug 21, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20130101;
G06Q 40/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/37 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00 |
Claims
1. A method for simulating the trading of carbon dioxide equivalent
emission reductions using an electronic trading application,
comprising: allowing a user to participate in an electronic trading
simulation using the electronic trading application; and allowing a
simulation administrator to modify parameters in connection with
the electronic trading simulation in real-time using the electronic
trading application.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising allowing the simulation
administrator to log onto the electronic trading simulation.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the simulation
administrator to modify the parameters comprises allowing the
simulation administrator to modify a real-time timeline for the
electronic trading simulation.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the simulation
administrator to modify the parameters comprises allowing the
simulation administrator to create a news announcement.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising allowing the simulation
administrator to release the news announcement to the user.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the simulation
administrator to modify the parameters comprises allowing the
simulation administrator to release a news announcement.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the simulation
administrator to modify the parameters comprises allowing the
simulation administrator to modify parameters in connection with
the electronic trading simulation.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the simulation
administrator to modify the parameters comprises allowing the
simulation administrator to modify parameters in connection with an
organisation that is participating in the electronic trading
simulation.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the simulation
administrator to modify the parameters comprises allowing the
simulation administrator to modify parameters in connection with a
country that is participating in the electronic trading
simulation.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising allowing the user to
log onto the electronic trading simulation.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to review information about the electronic trading
simulation.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to select an organisation to participate in the electronic
trading simulation.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to review the position of an organisation selected to
participate in the electronic trading simulation.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to generate credits in connection with an organisation
selected to participate in the electronic trading simulation.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to generate internal reductions in connection with an
organisation selected to participate in the electronic trading
simulation.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to trade carbon dioxide equivalent emission reductions
using the electronic trading application.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to review a news announcement.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the allowing the user to review
the news announcement comprises allowing the user to review a late
breaking news announcement.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to review a timeline of sessions of the electronic trading
simulation.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein the allowing the user to
participate in the electronic trading simulation comprises allowing
the user to review a report at the end of the electronic trading
simulation.
21. A system for simulating the trading of carbon dioxide
equivalent emission reductions using an electronic trading
application, comprising: user computer equipment configured to
allow a user to participate in an electronic trading simulation
using the electronic trading application; and administrator
computer equipment configured to allow a simulation administrator
to modify parameters in connection with the electronic trading
simulation in real-time using the electronic trading application.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 60/313,842, filed Aug. 21, 2001, which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to electronic trading and more
particularly, to an electronic trading system for simulating the
trading of carbon dioxide equivalent emission reductions and
methods of use.
[0003] Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO.sub.2e) is the universal unit
of measurement used to indicate the global warming potential of
greenhouse gases. Some examples of greenhouse gases are carbon
dioxide (CO.sub.2), water vapor (H.sub.2O), methane (CH.sub.4),
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), nitrous oxide (N.sub.2O),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6). Possible methods of reducing CO.sub.2e
emissions include reducing actual emissions, avoiding potential
emissions, or removing and storing atmospheric carbon in a sink.
Emission reductions may qualify for accreditation under future
international regulatory regimes, domestic regulatory regimes, or
both.
[0004] In an evolving CO.sub.2e emission reductions trading market,
entities such as countries, corporations, or non-profit
organisations may desire to simulate their participation prior to
entry to gain a deeper understanding of the market. Such entities
may, for example, need to understand their emission profiles,
assess their potential obligations and associated liabilities, and
learn to trade CO.sub.2e emissions reductions.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide an electronic trading
system for simulating the trading of carbon dioxide equivalent
emission reductions and methods of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, an electronic
trading system for simulating the trading of carbon dioxide
equivalent emission reductions and methods of use are provided. The
electronic trading system may be used to provide an electronic
trading simulation to users of various computer equipment. An
electronic trading application may be used to provide the users
with the ability to use the electronic trading simulation.
[0007] In some embodiments, a user may be provided with the ability
to create an organisation to participate in a trading simulation.
This organisation may have characteristics that are similar to an
organisation with which the user is affiliated. For example, if the
user is affiliated with a certain company, then the organisation
created for the trading simulation may have similar attributes as
the user's company, such as financial and geographic attributes. In
another example, if the user is affiliated with a certain country,
then the organisation created for the trading simulation may have
similar attributes as the user's country has on the whole, such as
financial and geographic attributes.
[0008] The user's organisation may participate in the trading
simulation along with any number of participants and a simulation
administrator. The simulation may include the simulated trading of
CO.sub.2e emission reductions. The simulation may include news
releases throughout the duration of the trading simulation. Such
news releases may affect the user's organisation directly, thereby
creating a risk factor in the trading simulation. In another
suitable approach, such news releases may provide noise, thereby
distracting the user from other aspects of the simulation.
[0009] A simulation administrator may take part in the simulation.
The electronic trading application may provide the simulation
administrator with the ability to modify various aspects of the
simulation in real-time. For example, the simulation administrator
may create news releases, such as those described above, that may
be released to the users of the simulation during the
simulation.
[0010] The simulation administrator may modify a real-time timeline
for the electronic trading simulation, modify parameters in
connection with the electronic trading simulation, modify
parameters in connection with an organisation that is participating
in the electronic trading simulation, modify parameters in
connection with a country that is participating in the electronic
trading simulation, or any other suitable modification in
connection with the electronic trading simulation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention
will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout,
and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic
trading system suitable for implementation of an electronic trading
simulation in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of illustrative computer
equipment in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative main menu screen that may be
provided to a user by an electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative log on screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative trading tools menu screen that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative introductory screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows an illustrative welcome screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows an illustrative information screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows an illustrative organisation menu screen that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative organisation review screen
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative position review screen that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 shows an illustrative graphing screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 shows an illustrative origination screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative graphing screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 shows an illustrative trading screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 16 shows an illustrative position review screen that
includes a late breaking news announcement that may be provided to
the user by the electronic trading application in accordance with
some embodiments of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 shows an illustrative news screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 18 shows an illustrative timeline screen that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 19-20 show an illustrative simulation report screen
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 21 shows another illustrative information screen that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 22 shows an illustrative real times maintenance screen
that may be provided to a user such as a simulation administrator
by the electronic trading application in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 23 is an illustrative customise simulation news screen
that may be provided to a user such as a simulation administrator
by the electronic trading application in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 24 shows an illustrative news article creation screen
that may be provided to a user such as a simulation administrator
by the electronic trading application in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 25 shows an illustrative customise simulation news
screen that includes the unreleased news article that may be
provided to a user such as a simulation administrator by the
electronic trading application in accordance with some embodiments
of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 26 shows an illustrative simulation maintenance screen
that may be provided to a user such as a simulation administrator
by the electronic trading application in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 27 shows an illustrative simulation parameter edit
screen that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 28 shows an illustrative organisation maintenance
screen that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 29 shows an illustrative organisation details screen
that may be provided to a user such as a simulation administrator
by the electronic trading application in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 30-31 show an illustrative cost curve maintenance
screen that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 32-33 show an illustrative yearly values maintenance
screen that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 34 shows an illustrative country maintenance screen
that may be provided to a user such as a simulation administrator
by the electronic trading application in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 35 shows a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
simulating the trading of carbon dioxide equivalent emission
reductions in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 36 shows a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
the user's participation in the trading simulation of FIG. 35 in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0045] FIG. 37 shows a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
the simulation administrator's maintenance of the trading
simulation in real-time of FIG. 35 in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic
trading system 100 suitable for implementation of an electronic
trading simulation in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention. Aspects of the invention apply to various types
of electronic trading, but are described herein primarily in the
context of electronic trading of carbon dioxide equivalent
(CO.sub.2e) emission reductions for specificity and clarity.
[0047] System 100 may be used to provide an electronic trading
simulation to users of various computer equipment. An electronic
trading application may be used to provide the users with the
ability to use the electronic trading simulation. In one suitable
approach, the electronic trading application may run locally on
computer equipment. Computer equipment, such as user computer
equipment 102 and administrator computer equipment 108, may include
a computer, processor, personal computer, laptop computer, handheld
computer, personal digital assistant, computer terminal, any other
suitable computing device, or a combination of such devices. In
another suitable approach, the electronic trading application may
run using a client-server or distributed architecture where a
portion of the electronic trading application may be implemented
locally on the computer equipment in the form of, for example, a
client process. Another portion of the electronic trading
application may be implemented at a remote location, such as on a
server or any other suitable equipment as, for example, a server
process. A server such as trading server 114 may be any suitable
server, processor, computer, data processing device, or a
combination of such devices. In one example, trading server 114 may
be a server powered by eSpeed, Inc. These arrangements are merely
illustrative. Any other suitable arrangement for implementing the
electronic trading application may be used.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include user computer
equipment 102 that is connected by one or more communication links
104 to a computer network 106. System 100 may include administrator
computer equipment 108 that is connected by one or more
communication links 110 to computer network 106. Administrator
computer equipment 108 and user computer equipment 102 may be
similar to one another. However, a simulation administrator uses
administrator computer equipment 108 to perform administrative
tasks in connection with the electronic trading simulation, while a
user of the electronic trading simulation uses user computer
equipment 102 to participate in the electronic trading simulation.
A generalized schematic diagram of computer equipment, such as user
computer equipment 102 and administrator computer equipment 108, is
shown in FIG. 2.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of illustrative computer
equipment 120. Control circuitry 122 and memory and storage 124 may
have communications, memory, and processing circuitry suitable for
supporting functions such as accessing the electronic trading
application over line 126. Line 126 may be coupled to
communications links such as links 104 and 110 of FIG. 1. Text and
graphics associated with the electronic trading simulation may be
presented to a user using a display 128. Display 128 may be a
computer monitor, a handheld computer display, a laptop computer
display, a personal digital assistant display, or any other
suitable display equipment.
[0050] The user may interact with control circuitry 122 using any
suitable user input device 130, such as a keyboard, a wireless
keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, or any other suitable
input device.
[0051] Referring back to FIG. 1, computer network 106 may be a hub
linking user computer equipment 102, administrator computer
equipment 108, and trading server 114. Trading server 114 may be
connected to computer network 106 by one or more communication
links 112. Computer network 106 may be any suitable computer
network including the Internet, an Intranet, a wide-area network
(WAN), a local-area network (LAN), a wireless network, a digital
subscriber line (DSL) network, a frame relay network, an
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, a virtual private network
(VPN), or a combination of such networks.
[0052] The components of system 100 may be interconnected using
various communications links, such as links 104, 110, and 112.
Communications Links 104, 110, and 112 may include satellite paths,
coaxial cable paths, fiber-optic paths, twisted pair paths, other
wire or cable-based links, modems, wireless paths through free
space, any other suitable paths, or a combination of such paths.
Communications over communications links such as links 104, 110,
and 112 may involve analog transmissions, digital transmissions,
wireless transmissions, microwave transmissions, radio-frequency
transmissions, optical transmissions, audio transmissions, any
other suitable type of transmissions, or a combination of such
transmissions. Communications may involve Internet transmissions,
private network transmissions, packet-based transmissions,
television channel transmissions, transmissions in the vertical
blanking interval (VBI) of a television channel or on a television
sideband, MPEG transmissions, or any other suitable type of
transmissions. Communications may involve wireless pager or other
messaging transmissions. Communications links 104, 110, and 112 may
include cable connected to cable modems, digital subscriber lines,
integrated services digital network (ISDN) lines, or any other
suitable paths.
[0053] Users at user computer equipment 102 may participate in the
electronic trading simulation by providing trading information and
by otherwise interacting with the electronic trading simulation.
The electronic trading simulation may provide a user at user
computer equipment 102 with screens containing various simulation
information. For example, the user may be presented with screens
that allow the user to make trades, view and update information on
the user's trading organisation, or any other suitable screen in
connection with the simulation.
[0054] The electronic trading simulation may provide the user with
interactive screens containing menus and selectable options that
allow the user to navigate through the electronic trading
simulation and participate in the electronic trading simulation.
With user computer equipment 102, the user may use a keyboard,
mouse, trackball, touch pad, or other suitable input or pointing
device to navigate the various menus and selectable options.
[0055] The user may interact with the electronic trading simulation
by accessing the electronic trading application with user computer
equipment 102. The user may access the electronic trading
application by browsing to an Internet web site or a site on a
private network, by running a local program, or by any other
suitable method.
[0056] Simulation administrators may interact with the electronic
trading simulation in substantially the same manner as users. The
electronic trading simulation may, however, provide simulation
administrators with access to additional functions of the
electronic trading simulation so that simulation administrators may
perform administrative tasks.
[0057] An electronic trading system for simulating the trading of
carbon dioxide equivalent (CO.sub.2e) emission reductions and
methods of use are provided. Users may be corporations, countries,
or any other suitable entity that desires to simulate the trading
of greenhouse gas emission reductions. Emission reductions may
refer to a reduction in actual emissions, avoidance of potential
emissions, or the removal and storage of atmospheric carbon in a
sink. Users may, for example, invest in emission reductions in the
anticipation that those reductions will qualify for accreditation
under future international regulatory regimes, domestic regulatory
regimes, or both. Emission reductions are referred to as carbon
dioxide equivalent (CO.sub.2e) emission reductions.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 3-34, illustrative screens that may
be provided by an electronic trading application are provided.
Specifically, FIGS. 9-34 are illustrative screens that may be
included in an electronic trading simulation of CO.sub.2e emission
reductions. The screens may be displayed on a display such as
display 128 of FIG. 2. The format and contents of such screens may
be modified to accommodate displays of different sizes and shapes,
such as computer monitors and laptop computer displays (as shown),
handheld computer displays, personal digital assistant displays, or
any other suitable displays.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative main menu screen 200 that may
be provided to a user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Main
menu screen 200 may be provided when the user initially accesses
the electronic trading application. Main menu screen 200 may
provide the user with options in connection with electronic
trading, including options to access the electronic trading
simulation. As shown, main menu screen 200 may include tabs such as
a home tab 202, a trading tab 204, a CO.sub.2e strategies tab 206,
a tools tab 208, a news and insights tab 210, a membership tab 212,
or any other suitable tab. These tabs may allow the user to access
menu screens associated with the tabs by, for example, navigating a
pointer arrow over the tabs and pressing an appropriate key on a
mouse or a keyboard. The user may use such an approach or any other
suitable approach in this screen and the screens that follow to
select any on-screen selectable options.
[0060] Main menu screen 200 may include options such as a carbon
trading option 214, a national markets option 216, a CO.sub.2e
strategies option 218, a business tools option 220, a trading tools
option 222, a carbon insights option 224, a news and events option
226, a become a CO2e.com member option 228, or any other suitable
option. When the user selects an option, the electronic trading
application may display a menu screen associated with the option.
The menu screen displayed when the user selects an option may
correspond to a menu screen provided when the user selects a
corresponding tab. For example, the electronic trading application
may provide the user with the same menu screen when the user
selects membership tab 212 and when the user selects become a
CO2e.com member option 228.
[0061] Main menu screen 200 may include an announcements area 230.
Announcements area 230 may include greetings, information about the
trading web site, contact information, current news items that are
related to the web site or to CO.sub.2e emission reductions, or any
other suitable announcements.
[0062] Main menu screen 200 may include a side menu area 232 that
provides the user with selectable options. Side menu area 232 may
be accessible from various screens of the electronic trading
application. Side menu area 232 may include a log on option 234, a
frequently asked questions (FAQs) option 236, a glossary option
238, a search option 240, an about us option 242, a contact us
option 244, a policies option 246, or any other suitable
option.
[0063] Main menu screen 200 of FIG. 3 and the screens provided in
FIGS. 4-34 may include a scroll bar 248. Scroll bar 248 allows the
user to scroll up and down on a screen to portions of the screen
that are not visible due to size limitations of the display
device.
[0064] Various screens of the electronic trading application, such
as information screens that contain general information about the
trading application, may be available to any user of the trading
application. However, to access screens provided by the electronic
trading application that are reserved for registered users only,
the user may log onto the trading application or register to become
a member. The user may select log on option 234 from side menu area
232 to access a log on screen such as that displayed in FIG. 4.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative log on screen 300 that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As
shown, log on screen 300 may include a username text box 302, a
password text box 304, a log on button 306, a trading member
registration button 308, a log on help area 310, or any other
suitable items related to logging onto the electronic trading
application.
[0066] Username text box 302 may be any suitable area where the
user of the electronic trading application may enter a username.
Password text box 304 may be any suitable area where the user may
enter a password corresponding to the username entered in username
text box 302. The user may enter the username and password by, for
example, navigating a pointer arrow over text boxes 302 and 304,
pressing an appropriate key on a mouse or a keyboard such that a
cursor appears, and inputting text using a keyboard or other
suitable device. The user may use such an approach in this screen
and the screens that follow to enter text in a text box.
[0067] The user may select log on button 306 after entering the
username and password in boxes 302 and 304, respectively. When the
user selects log on button 306, the electronic trading application
may log the user onto the web site provided by the electronic
trading application.
[0068] Trading member registration button 308 may provide a user
who is not already a trading member with a registration screen (not
shown) that may allow the user to register as a trading member.
[0069] Log on help area 310 may provide the user with assistance in
logging onto the web site. For example, log on help area 310 may
help the user recover a forgotten username or password.
[0070] When the user selects log on button 306 of FIG. 4, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with main menu
screen 200 of FIG. 3. The electronic trading application may,
however, provide a log out option in the place of a log on option
234. Because the user is logged on, the electronic trading
application may provide the user with access to a trading tools
menu screen. The user may access the trading tools menu screen such
as the screen displayed in FIG. 5 by selecting tools tab 208 or
trading tools option 222 of FIG. 3. From the trading tools menu
screen, the electronic trading application may provide the user
with access to the electronic trading simulation.
[0071] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative trading tools menu screen 400
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. From this menu, the user may access trading tools
related to CO.sub.2e emission reductions. One such tool is the
electronic trading simulation of CO.sub.2e emission reductions. As
shown, trading tools menu screen 400 may include a side menu area
402 and an announcements area 404. Trading tools menu screen 400
may include options such as a business tools option 406, an
internal markets option 408, a corporate trading sessions option
410, a trading simulations option 412, or any other suitable option
related to trading tools.
[0072] Side menu area 402 may include options that provide the user
with the ability to access screens that are related to trading
tools. For example, side menu area 402 may include a business tools
option, an internal markets option, a trading simulations option, a
corporate trading sessions option, or any other suitable option
related to trading tools. Side menu area 402 may include general
options such as a log out option, a search option, an about us
option, a contact us option, a policies option, or any other
suitable general options. Announcements area 404 may include
information related to business tools, trading tools, internal
markets, trading simulations, corporate trading sessions, or any
other suitable information.
[0073] When the user selects an option such as business tools
option 406, the electronic trading application may provide the user
with access to various business tools to assist the user in the
quantification of emission liabilities and assets. When the user
selects an option such as internal markets option 408, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with access to
an internal carbon trading application. When the user selects
corporate trading sessions option 410, the electronic trading
application may provide the user with the ability to engage in
customized corporate trading sessions. When the user selects
trading simulations option 412, the electronic trading application
may provide the user with access to the electronic trading
simulation.
[0074] The electronic trading simulation of the present invention
may allow the user to simulate the trading of CO.sub.2e emission
reductions. The user may create an organisation to participate in a
trading simulation that has characteristics that are similar to an
organisation with which the user is affiliated. For example, if the
user is affiliated with a certain company, then the organisation
created for the trading simulation may have similar attributes as
the user's company, such as financial and geographic attributes. In
another example, if the user is affiliated with a certain country,
then the organisation created for the trading simulation may have
similar attributes as the user's country has on the whole, such as
financial and geographic attributes. The user's organisation may
participate in the trading simulation along with any number of
participants. Such participants may include other users, the
simulation administrator, or a combination of both. Through the
simulation, the user may develop an understanding of the operation
of a CO.sub.2e emission reductions market
[0075] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative introductory screen 500 that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display introductory screen 500
when the user selects trading simulations option 412 of FIG. 5.
Introductory screen 500 may include an introductory description of
the trading simulation. As shown, introductory screen 500 may
include a description region 502, a review registration option 504,
and a run option 506.
[0076] Description region 502 may include introductory information
in connection with the trading simulation, such as how to become a
participant in the simulation, the benefits of participating in the
simulation, the software requirements of the simulation, or any
other suitable introductory information. Review registration option
504 may provide the user with the ability to review any
registration options associated with the user.
[0077] Run option 506 may provide the user with the ability to
access the main menu screen for the electronic trading simulation.
When the user selects run option 506, the electronic trading
application may display a screen that welcomes the user to the
electronic trading simulation.
[0078] FIG. 7 shows an illustrative welcome screen 600 that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As
shown, welcome screen 600 may include an information region 602, an
about the simulation option 604, and a run button 606. Information
region 602 may include information in connection with the trading
simulation. When the user selects about the simulation option 604,
the electronic trading application may display a screen that
includes information in connection with the electronic trading
simulation.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows an illustrative information screen 700 that may
be provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display information screen 700
when the user selects about the simulation option 604 of FIG. 7.
Information screen 700 may provide the user with a description of
the electronic trading simulation in a simulation description
region 702. Description region 702 may include any assumptions that
were made in the design of the electronic trading simulation, a
list of the possible participants in the electronic trading
simulation, instructions for participating in the electronic
trading simulation, or any other information relevant to the user's
participation in the electronic trading simulation.
[0080] Referring back to welcome screen 600 of FIG. 7, when the
user selects run button 606, the electronic trading application may
provide the user with access to the electronic trading simulation.
The electronic trading application may display a set-up screen that
allows the user to create an organisation for participation in the
electronic trading simulation.
[0081] FIG. 9 shows an illustrative organisation menu screen 800
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. The electronic trading application may display
organisation menu screen 800 when the user selects run button 606
of FIG. 7 to run the electronic trading simulation. In another
suitable approach, the electronic trading application may display
organisation menu screen 800 when the user selects an organisation
option 818 from a side menu area 802. Side menu area 802 may be
included in any of FIGS. 9-21 (e.g., the screens that are provided
to a user of the trading simulation). Side menu area 802 may
include options related to the trading simulation such as
organisation option 818, a position option 820, an originate option
822, a trade option 824, a news option 826, a reporting option 828,
a demo option 830, a log out option 834, and an about the
simulation option 836. The options included in side menu area 802
may allow the user to access various screen within the electronic
trading simulation. For example, when the user selects log out
option 834 from organisation menu screen 800, the electronic
trading application may display a log out screen.
[0082] Organisation menu screen 800 may provide the user with the
ability to select an organisation for participation in the trading
simulation. For example, the user may select one of four different
organisations: buyers, suppliers, traders, or non-government.
However, the electronic trading application may provide the user
with the ability to select an organisation from any number of
possible organisations. The user may select an organisation that
represents a projected position within the CO.sub.2e emission
reductions trading market. For example, if the user wishes to
simulate CO.sub.2e emission reduction trading as an oil company,
then the user may select a buyer organisation. This allows the user
to gain a more accurate understanding of how the user's corporation
will fare in the greenhouse gas market.
[0083] The user may select a specific organisation by utilizing the
drop-down menu available for each organisation in, for example, a
buyer organisation region 804, a supplier organisation region 806,
a trader organisation region 808, or a non-government organisation
region 810. As shown in buyer organisation region 804, the user has
chosen a buyer organisation (e.g., Compliance Tester-3). Compliance
Tester-3 may be a buyer organisation that was set-up prior to the
trading simulation by, for example, the simulation administrator.
Compliance Tester-3 may have attributes that are similar to those
of the user's actual organisation (i.e., the organisation that the
user wishes to simulate). The name assigned to the organisation,
for example, Compliance Tester-3, may be assigned by the simulation
administrator as a reference for the organisation until the user
changes the name, described as follows. In a new organisation name
text box 812, the user may input a desired name for the selected
organisation. As shown, the user has inputted "Laura's Cement Co."
in new organisation name text box 812. The user may select a select
button 814 to finalize the selection of the organisation made in
organisation menu screen 800.
[0084] When the user selects a view button 816, the electronic
trading application may present the user with a detailed
description of the selected organisation (e.g., the buyer
organisation Compliance Tester-3).
[0085] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative organisation review screen 900
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. The electronic trading application may display
organisation review screen 900 when the user selects view button
816 of FIG. 9. Organisation review screen 900 may include a details
region 902 and a position data button 904.
[0086] Details region 902 may include details in connection with
the organisation selected in FIG. 9 (e.g., the buyer organisation
Compliance Tester-3). As described above, such details may be
provided by the user prior to the trading simulation and may, for
example, be inputted by the simulation administrator. These details
may be attributes of the user's actual organisation (e.g., the
user's actual company, country, non-profit organisation, or other
suitable entity), and may thereby provide a more realistic
simulation of the user's organisation in the CO.sub.2e emission
reduction trading market.
[0087] Details region 902 may include the organisation name (e.g.,
Laura's Cement Co.), the organisation type (e.g., buyer), the
current status of the organisation (e.g., solvent), the country of
the electronic trading simulation in which the organisation is
situated (e.g., Utopia), the annual cash allowance (e.g., US$
1,000,000/year), the borrowing limit (e.g., US$ 10,000,000), the
credit type or types created (e.g., IR-Internal Reductions), and
the description of the organisation (e.g., owns and operates a
single-cycle gas power generation facility).
[0088] In details region 902, the current status may represent the
organisation's status in real-time or at the end of each round of
the trading simulation. Possible statuses are solvent or insolvent.
Solvent organisations are those that have money, and insolvent
organisations are those that are bankrupt (e.g., organisations that
have no money remaining to participate in the simulation).
[0089] In one suitable arrangement, the country in details region
902 may be one of three fictitious countries, such as Narnia,
Utopia, or Gondwana. Countries such as Narnia and Utopia may be
Annex B countries. An Annex B country, as defined by the Kyoto
Protocol, is an industrialized country that has a cap on its
emissions. A country such as Gondwana may be a non-Annex B country.
A non-Annex B country is a developing nation. Although this example
describes the trading simulation as having three countries, the
simulation may have any number of countries, and each country may
be one of a developing country, an industrialized country, or any
other type of country as defined under the Kyoto Protocol or other
CO.sub.2e emission reduction guidelines.
[0090] The borrowing limit in details region 902 may be an amount
that the user's organisation can borrow from a lending institution.
This amount of money may be borrowed with an interest rate
corresponding to the current interest rate. For example, if the
user is participating in the trading simulation in the United
States, then the interest rate on the loan may be the current
interest rate in the United States at the time of the trading
simulation. This helps to make the trading simulation as realistic
as possible.
[0091] When the user selects position data button 904, the
electronic trading application may provide additional data in
connection with the user's organisation. For example, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with data in
connection with the organisation's emissions, available cash, or
any other suitable attribute.
[0092] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative position review screen 1000
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. The electronic trading application may display position
review screen 1000 when the user selects position data button 904
of FIG. 10. In another suitable approach, the electronic trading
application may display position review screen 1000 when the user
selects position option 820 from side menu area 802 of any other
screen.
[0093] Position review screen 1000 may include data in connection
with the user's organisation. For example, the user may be provided
with data in connection with the organisation's emissions,
available cash, or any other suitable attributes. For a description
of the data included in position review screen 1000, the user may
select a data description option 1004. When the user selects data
description option 1004, the electronic trading application may
display a screen (not shown) providing detailed definitions of
specific data fields. For example, the electronic trading
application may provide a glossary of position data terms, such as
business-as-usual, internal reductions, compliance period, or any
other terms related to position data.
[0094] The user may select an organisation data button 1006 to view
data in connection with the user's organisation. When the user
selects organisation data button 1006, the electronic trading
application may display a screen such as organisation review screen
900 of FIG. 10.
[0095] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
a current cash position 1008 that represents the amount of cash
currently available to the user's organisation. This value may be
affected by sales, purchases, penalties, or any other suitable
transaction in connection with the trading simulation.
[0096] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
a number of data tables in connection with the user's organisation.
For example, an emissions and reductions table 1010 may provide the
user with values for business-as-usual (BAU) emissions and internal
reductions (IRs) over a span of time. Business-as-usual emissions
are an estimate of an organisation's future and current emissions
under normal operating circumstances. Internal reductions are
reductions in CO.sub.2e emissions that are made within an
organisation. The values provided in emissions and reductions table
1010 may be given in metric tons, or tonnes.
[0097] A year region 1020 may present the user with a year
corresponding to each emission and reduction value. The electronic
trading application may present any number of years to the user.
The electronic trading application may provide the user with the
value of business-as-usual emissions minus internal reductions and
may provide a graph related to the calculation when the user
selects a graph button 1012.
[0098] FIG. 12 shows an illustrative graphing screen 1100 that may
be provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Graphing
screen 1100 may be provided in response to a selection of graph
button 1012 of FIG. 11. Graphing screen 1100 may provide the user
with a graph showing the relationship between the actual emissions
of CO.sub.2e and the year. Graphing screen 1100 may include a graph
region 1102 and a back button 1104. Graph region 1102 may include a
graph that is related to the data in emissions and reductions table
1010 (FIG. 11). Back button 1104 may provide the user with the
ability to return to the previous screen. For example, when the
user selects back button 1104, the electronic trading application
may display position screen 1000 of FIG. 11.
[0099] Referring back to FIG. 11, the electronic trading
application may provide the user with a data table such as a
credits table 1014. Credits table 1014 may provide the user with
values for emission allowances (EAs). Emission allowances are the
total emissions allowed to be released by an organisation during a
given period of time. Prior to determination of the exact emission
allowance per year by the simulation administrator, the electronic
trading application may provide the user with a low-end expected
allocation and a high-end expected allocation. These allocation
values are estimates between which the exact emission allowance may
fall. The electronic trading application may provide the emission
allowances in tonnes and over a span of time. A year region 1022
may present the user with a year corresponding to each emission
allowance allocation value. Credits table 1014 may present any
number of years to the user.
[0100] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
a data table such as a compliance calculator table 1016. Compliance
calculator table 1016 may provide the user with a comparison
between actual emissions and credits. Emissions and reductions
table 1010 may provide the values for the actual emissions in
compliance calculator table 1016. For example, the actual emissions
may be the business-as-usual emissions minus the internal
reductions produced by the user's organisation. Credits table 1014
may provide the values for the credits. For example, the credits
may be the emission allowances allotted to the user's organisation.
The electronic trading application may provide the comparison
between the actual emissions and credits as a compliance
requirement. The compliance requirement is the amount of CO.sub.2e
emission reductions that the user's organisation must achieve by
the end of each trading session (e.g., a year) in order to comply
with, for example, the Kyoto Protocol. Compliance calculator table
1016 may provide the compliance requirements in tonnes. A year
region 1024 may present the user with a year corresponding to each
compliance requirement value. Year region 1024 may present any
number of years to the user.
[0101] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
the ability to generate credits (e.g., for supplier organisations)
or internal reductions (e.g., for buyer organisations). From a
screen such as position review screen 1000 of FIG. 11, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with access to
such an origination screen.
[0102] FIG. 13 shows an illustrative origination screen 1200 that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display origination screen 1200
when the user selects originate option 822 from side menu area 802
of any other screen. Origination screen 1200 may provide the user
with the ability to generate credits or internal reductions (IRs),
depending on the type of organisation. For example, if the user's
organisation is a supplier, then the organisation may generate
credits. The credits created by a supplier organisation are
tradeable. In another example, if the user's organisation is a
buyer, then the organisation may generate internal reductions. The
internal reductions created by a buyer organisation are not
tradeable due to regulations within CO.sub.2e emission reductions
trading markets.
[0103] Origination screen 1200 may include an instruction region
1204, a total volume text box 1206, a calculate button 1208, an
accept button 1210, a cancel button 1212, a marginal
abatement/supply cost table 1214, a total originated field 1216, an
origination description option 1218, and a graph button 1220.
[0104] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
instructions in connection with the origination of credits or
internal reductions in instruction region 1204. Instruction region
1204 may provide the user with steps to follow in order to
originate credits or internal reductions. For example, the first
step that is provided may be to input the total amount of tonnes of
credits or internal reductions desired in a specified text box. The
next step may be to click a calculation button to determine the
total cost for the origination of credits or internal reductions.
The total cost may be a function of the user's organisation's
marginal abatement/supply cost curve. The final step may be to
click an accept button to input the origination of credits or
internal reductions, or to click a cancel button to reset
origination screen 1200 to its original values.
[0105] In total volume text box 1206, the electronic trading
application may provide the user with the ability to enter a number
for the total volume of credits or internal reductions for the
user's organisation to generate over a span of time. For example,
the user's organisation, Compliance Tester-3, is a buyer and
therefore generates IRs. As shown, the user has inputted an entry
of 100,000 tonnes of internal reductions over a span of ten years.
In this example, the cost of generating one tonne of internal
reductions is one dollar. Therefore, the generation of 100,000
tonnes of internal reductions costs $100,000. The electronic
trading application may provide the user with a calculate button
1208. When the user selects calculate button, the electronic
trading application may calculate the effect that this internal
reduction may have on the user's organisation. When the user
selects calculate button 1208, the electronic trading application
may update marginal abatement/supply cost table 1214 accordingly.
Total originated field 1216 may update accordingly when the user
selects calculate button 1208.
[0106] The user may select accept button 1210 if the effect that
the selected internal reduction (as shown in total volume text box
1206) has on the user's organisation is acceptable. The user may
select cancel button 1212 if the effect that the selected internal
reduction has on the user's organisation is unacceptable. When the
user selects cancel button 1212, the electronic trading application
may delete the value in total volume text box 1206 so that the user
may enter a different value.
[0107] Origination screen 1200 may include marginal
abatement/supply cost table 1214. As described above, marginal
abatement/supply cost table 1214 may update accordingly when the
user selects calculate button 1208. Origination screen 1200 may
include origination description option 1218. The user may select
origination description option 1218 to view a screen (not shown)
providing definitions and descriptions of the elements of
origination screen 1200.
[0108] The electronic trading application may provide a graph
related to marginal abatement/supply cost table 1214 when the user
selects graph button 1220.
[0109] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative graphing screen 1300 that may
be provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display graphing screen 1300
when the user selects graph button 1220 of FIG. 13. Graphing screen
1300 may provide the user with a graph showing the relationship
between the volume of CO.sub.2e and the price. Graphing screen 1300
may include a graph region 1302 and a back button 1304.
[0110] Graph region 1302 may include a graph that is related to the
data in marginal abatement/supply cost table 1214 (FIG. 13). Back
button 1304 may provide the user with the ability to return to the
previous screen. For example, when the user selects back button
1304, the electronic trading application may provide origination
screen 1200 of FIG. 13 to the user.
[0111] The trading simulation provided by the electronic trading
application may include a trading screen. The trading screen may
allow the user to place bids and offers for CO.sub.2e emission
reductions, buy and sell emission reductions, or perform any other
tasks in connection with CO.sub.2e emission reductions trading. The
electronic trading application may provide the user with the
ability to access the trading screen at any time during the trading
simulation.
[0112] FIG. 15 shows an illustrative trading screen 1400 that may
be provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display trading screen 1400 when
the user selects trade option 824 from side menu area 802 of any
other screen. In another suitable approach, the electronic trading
application may display trading screen 1400 when the user selects a
trading button or link included in any suitable screen. Trading
screen 1400 may be provided in a new window over another screen
(e.g., over the screen from which trading screen 1400 was
selected).
[0113] Trading screen 1400 may include a trading round region 1402.
Trading round region 1402 may present the user with the current
trading round. For example, the current trading round may be year
2001 to year 2002. Trading screen 1400 may include one or more
trade type fields 1404. Trade type fields 1404 may present possible
trade types to the user. For example, one organisation
participating in the simulation may be a supplier from the country
of Utopia (e.g., Annex B). This type of organisation may create
joint implementation (JI) credits. Joint implementation credits are
credits produced as a result of projects jointly implemented by
organisations within different industrial nations. In contrast to a
supplier in an Annex B nation, a supplier from a country such as
Gondwana, a third-world country (e.g., non-Annex B), may produce
clean development mechanism (CDM) credits. Clean development
mechanism credits are credits produced as a result of emission
reduction projects in developing countries.
[0114] Credits such as joint implementation and clean development
mechanism credits may be created in emission reduction categories
such as forest sequestration, land conservation, soil conservation
and land use, waste CO.sub.2 recovery and deep injection, building
efficiency, commercial and industrial efficiency, fuel switching,
renewable energy, transportation, animal waste methane recovery,
coal bed methane, landfill biomass capture, process change, or any
other suitable category for emission reduction.
[0115] Trading screen 1400 shows two trade type fields 1404 that
include the text "CDM_Tech_CDW" and "JI_LandUse_UTP". In another
suitable arrangement, any number of trade type fields 1404 may be
provided to the user. CDM_Tech_GDW, for example, may signify clean
development mechanism credits (CDM) of a technology category (Tech)
in the country of Gondwana ((3DW). JI_LandUse_UTP, for example, may
signify joint implementation credits (JI) of a land use category
(Land Use) in the country of Utopia (UTP).
[0116] Trading screen 1400 may include one or more bid fields 1406
and one or more offer fields 1408. One bid field 1406 and one offer
field 1408 may be associated with a trade type as indicated by
trade type field 1404. Current trade fields 1410, found adjacent to
fields 1406 and 1408, may include bids and offers, respectively.
Such bids and offers that are currently available may be associated
with the corresponding trade type given in trade type field 1404.
In one example, a user may make an offer to sell 18,000 tonnes of
emission reductions at $6.35/tonne. Such an offer may be presented
in one of the current trade fields 1410. The offer may be
associated with a specific date, such as a year. The electronic
trading application may provide a year region 1412 so that a trade
found in one of the current trade fields 1410 may be associated
with a specific year. As shown, the offer to sell 18,000 tonnes at
$6.35/tonne was made for the year 2004.
[0117] The user may input bids to buy, offers to sell, actual
purchases, and actual sales in various text boxes in trading screen
1400. Each bid, offer, purchase, and sale may be associated with a
specific year. Prior to entering the desired bid, offer, purchase,
or sale, the user may select a trade field corresponding to the
desired year for the transaction to take place. For example, when
the user selects a trade field 1458 (e.g., offer, JI_LandUse_UTP,
year 2005), the electronic trading application may provide the user
with the ability to enter an offer to sell CO.sub.2e emission
reductions for the year 2005. As shown, a heading field 1460 may
present a heading corresponding to the selected trade field
1458.
[0118] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
the ability to input a bid to buy CO.sub.2e emission reductions. As
described in general above, the user may select a year for the
trade by selecting a suitable trade field. The user may input the
bid to buy CO.sub.2e emission reductions in a buy text box 1414.
For example, the user may enter a number of tonnes to buy in buy
text box 1414. The user may enter a price per tonne of CO.sub.2e
emission reductions in a price text box 1416. The electronic
trading application may provide a go button 1418 so that the user
may input the bid to buy CO.sub.2e emission reductions. When the
user selects go button 1418, the bid made in buy text box 1414 and
price text box 1416 may be entered in the appropriate current trade
field 1410. For example, the current trading round shown in trading
round region 1402 (e.g., 2001-2002) corresponds to the
pre-commitment period. Thus, when the user selects go button 1418,
the bid may appear in box 1450 (e.g., the box corresponding to
JI_LandUse_UTP.sub.--2005, a bid, and the pre-commitment period).
The electronic trading application may provide a cancel button 1420
to clear any text in buy text box 1414 and price text box 1416.
[0119] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
the ability to input an offer to sell CO.sub.2e emission
reductions. As described in general above, the user may select a
year for the trade by selecting a suitable trade field. The user
may input an offer to sell CO.sub.2e emission reductions in a sell
text box 1422. For example, the user may enter a number of tonnes
to sell in sell text box 1422. The user may enter a price per tonne
of CO.sub.2e emission reductions in a price text box 1424. The
electronic trading application may provide a go button 1426 so that
the user may input the offer to sell CO.sub.2e emission reductions.
When the user selects go button 1426, the offer made in sell text
box 1422 and price text box 1424 may be entered in the appropriate
current trade field 1410. For example, the offer may appear in box
1452 (e.g., the box corresponding to JI_LandUse_UTP.sub.--2005, an
offer, and the pre-commitment period). The electronic trading
application may provide a cancel button 1428 to clear any text in
sell text box 1420 and price text box 1424.
[0120] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
the ability to input a trade to buy CO.sub.2e emission reductions.
As described in general above, the user may select a year for the
trade by selecting a suitable trade field. The user may input a
trade in a buy text box 1430. The electronic trading application
may update price text box 1432 accordingly based on the user's
request in buy text box 1430. For example, the electronic trading
application may update price text box 1432 with the lowest offer
price for such a trade. When the user selects a go button 1434, the
electronic trading application may update the appropriate current
trade field 1410 to reflect the purchase. When the user selects a
cancel button 1436, the electronic trading application may clear
any entries in buy text box 1430 and price text box 1432.
[0121] The electronic trading application may provide the user with
the ability to input a trade to sell CO.sub.2e emission reductions.
As described in general above, the user may select a year for the
trade by selecting a suitable trade field. The user may input a
trade in a sell text box 1438. The electronic trading application
may update price text box 1440 accordingly based on the user's
request in sell text box 1438. For example, the electronic trading
application may update price text box 1440 with the highest bid
price for such a sale. When the user selects a go button 1442, the
electronic trading application may update the appropriate current
trade field 1410 to reflect the sale. When the user selects a
cancel button 1444, the electronic trading application may clear
any entries in sell text box 1438 and price text box 1440.
[0122] Trading screen 1400 may include a purchasing power field
1446. Purchasing power field 1446 may provide the user with the
amount of money that is available to the user to purchase CO.sub.2e
emission reductions.
[0123] Trading screen 1400 may include a trade information region
1448. Trade information region 1448 may include information such as
active orders, trade history, market history, status, or any other
suitable information in connection with the trading simulation.
[0124] Trading screen 1400 may include a view inventory button
1454. When the user selects view inventory button 1454, the
electronic trading application may display a screen that shows the
user's CO.sub.2e emission reductions that are available for
trading. Trading screen 1400 may include a cancel markets button
1456. When the user selects cancel markets button 1456, the
electronic trading application may cancel any unaccepted bids or
offers that the user has made.
[0125] The electronic trading application may provide the
simulation administrator with the ability to create news
announcements throughout the duration of the simulation. The news
announcements may reflect current policy decisions, natural
disasters, or any other suitable event related to CO.sub.2e
emission reductions. The news announcements may impact the user's
organisation (e.g., by reducing or increasing the organisation's
emission reductions). In another suitable approach, the news
announcements may create noise to simulate an actual trading
environment, thereby drawing the user away from other portions of
the trading simulation to a screen that presents any breaking news.
The electronic trading application may provide the user with an
announcement that there is breaking news in any screen of the
trading simulation.
[0126] FIG. 16 shows another illustrative position review screen
1500 that includes a late breaking news announcement that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Position
review screen 1500 is substantially similar to position review
screen 1000 of FIG. 11. However, as illustrated, position review
screen 1500 includes a late breaking news announcement 1502. Late
breaking news announcement may inform the user that there are one
or more news announcements available for review. The example of the
position review screen including a breaking news announcement is
merely illustrative. The electronic trading application may provide
a late breaking news announcement to the user in any other trading
simulation screen.
[0127] FIG. 17 shows an illustrative news screen 1600 that may be
provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The user
may access news screen 1600 at anytime during the simulation to
view breaking news announcements, news announcements that the user
has already reviewed, or both. The electronic trading application
may display news screen 1600 when the user selects news option 826
from side menu area 802 of any other screen.
[0128] News screen 1600 may include a news announcements region
1602. News announcements region 1602 may include one or more news
announcements. A breaking news announcement in news announcements
region 1602 may have a highlighted headline to alert: the user to
its presence. A news announcement that the user has already
reviewed, in contrast, may have a headline in a normal,
unhighlighted font.
[0129] In one suitable approach, a news announcement such as a news
announcement 1604 may have an impact on the user's organisation.
For example, the simulation administrator may input news
announcement 1604 so that is reduces or increases the user's
current level of CO.sub.2e emission reductions. News announcement
1604 has a headline stating that "Bush rejects Kyoto." A realistic
impact of this news announcement may be a drastic reduction in
value of an organisations emission reductions, especially for an
organisation that is simulating an American corporation.
[0130] In another suitable approach, news announcement 1604 may
create noise to simulate an actual trading environment. For
example, news announcement 1604 may create a distraction to the
user, thereby drawing the user away from other portions of the
trading simulation to news screen 1600.
[0131] News announcement 1604 may include a date 1606 and a time
1608. Date 1606 and time 1608 show the user that news announcement
1604 is associated with a specific release date and time. However,
date 1606 and time 1608 may differ from the date on which news
announcement 1604 may impact the user's organisation. For example,
the simulation administrator may create news announcement 1604 so
that the impact, if any, is for a particular date in the future.
This may allow news announcement 1604 to function as a realistic
news release (e.g., the impact is not felt instantaneously upon the
release of the news).
[0132] During the trading simulation, the electronic trading
application may maintain a timeline of the various sessions that
form the simulation. For example, the trading simulation may
include sessions such as registration, analysis, trading,
reconciliation, or any other suitable session. The electronic
trading application may provide the user with access to a timeline
screen.
[0133] FIG. 18 shows an illustrative timeline screen 1700 that may
be provided to the user by the electronic trading application in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display timeline screen 1700
when the user selects timeline option 830 from side menu area 802
of any other screen. Timeline screen 1700 may include a timeline
1708 of the trading simulation. Timeline 1708 may include a list of
sessions involved in the trading simulation, a start time for each
session, an end time for each session, and a status for each
session. Possible sessions may include registration, analysis,
trading, reconciliation, or any other suitable trading session.
[0134] In the example shown in timeline 1708, the trading
simulation may start with a registration session on Jun. 14, 2001.
As shown, the registration session started at 10:50 AM and ended at
11:00 AM. The duration of a session, such as ten minutes for the
registration session, is set by the simulation administrator either
during the simulation or prior to the start of the simulation.
Because the registration session has started and ended, the status
of the registration session is "completed."
[0135] Following the registration session, the trading simulation
may include a number of analysis and trading sessions. An analysis
session is a session during which the user may make transactions,
such as generating additional credits or internal reductions as
shown in FIG. 13, in preparation for the next trading round. During
an analysis session, trades may not be made. A trading session (as
shown in FIG. 15) is a session during which the user may buy and
sell CO.sub.2e emission reductions. As shown, in the trading
session from year 2008 to year 2012, the status of the session is
"executing." Thus, the session is not yet over, as demonstrated by
the end time of 11:50 AM and a current server time 1706 of 11:49
AM.
[0136] Timeline screen 1700 may include a remaining time field
1704. Remaining time field 1704 may include the time remaining in
the current round of the trading simulation (e.g., 11 seconds).
Current server time field 1706 may include the date and time at the
location of the trading server, for example, trading server 114 of
FIG. 1. If the trading server is located in New York, for example,
current server time field 1706 may include the current date and
time in the Eastern time zone.
[0137] As shown in timeline 1708, the trading simulation may close
with a session called reconciliation. During reconciliation, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with one more
chance to generate credits or internal reductions. Following
reconciliation, when the trading simulation is finished, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with a
simulation report, alerting the user that the trading simulation is
complete.
[0138] FIGS. 19-20 show an illustrative simulation report screen
that may be provided to the user by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. The simulation report screen in FIGS. 19-20 may provide
the user with a final report of the trading simulation at the
conclusion of the simulation. The electronic trading application
may display the simulation report screens when the user selects
reporting option 828 from side menu area 802 of any other
screen.
[0139] FIG. 19 shows a portion 1800 of the simulation report
screen. The electronic trading application may display another
portion of the screen, as shown in FIG. 20, when the user uses
scroll bar 248 to access the other portion. Simulation report
screen 1800 may include an additional opportunities region 1804.
Additional opportunities region 1804 may present the user with a
list of trading tools that may help to familiarize the user with
CO.sub.2e emission reductions trading. Category winners region 1806
may provide the user with a list of any categories that the user
won. As shown, category winners region 1806 shows that the user
"did not win any categories."
[0140] FIG. 20 is another portion 1820 of the simulation report
screen. Simulation report screen 1820 may include a performance
chart 1822 and a performance report table 1824. Performance chart
1822 may track an average clearing price per tonne of CO.sub.2e
emission reductions, an average purchase price per tonne of
CO.sub.2e emission reductions, an average sale price per tonne of
CO.sub.2e emission reductions, or any other suitable measure of
performance. These prices may provide the user with a graphical
representation of how the user performed throughout the duration of
the trading simulation. As shown, only one curve is provided.
However, any number of curves as described above may be
provided.
[0141] Performance report table 1824 may provide the user with a
list of one or more actions that the user performed during the
trading simulation. Performance report table 1824 may provide the
user with the session in which the action occurred, the action, the
instrument (e.g., the type of trade), the volume bought or sold,
the price, the comment on the actor, the cash value available after
the action, or any other suitable performance information.
[0142] At any time during or prior to the trading simulation, the
electronic trading application may provide the user with access to
a screen including general information about the trading
simulation. For example, such a screen may include the rules of the
simulation, any assumptions made in the simulation, or any other
information relevant to the user's participation in the trading
simulation.
[0143] FIG. 21 shows an illustrative information screen 1900 that
may be provided to the user by the electronic trading application
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The
electronic trading application may display information screen 1900
when the user selects about the simulation option 836 from side
menu area 802 of any other screen. Information screen 1900 is
substantially similar to information screen 700 of FIG. 8. However,
as illustrated, information screen 1900 includes a side menu area.
The side menu area may demonstrate that the user is logged onto the
simulation and therefore has access to the screens for which links
are provided in the side menu area.
[0144] FIGS. 22-34 show maintenance screens that may be provided to
a user such as a simulation administrator by the electronic trading
application in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. The simulation administrator may take part in the
trading simulation using, for example, administrator computer
equipment 108 of FIG. 1. The simulation administrator may perform
administrative tasks to maintain various aspects of the simulation.
These maintenance tasks may be performed behind the scenes so that
participants in the trading simulation are unaware of the
tasks.
[0145] The simulation administrator may log onto the simulation in
the same way as a user in the simulation (e.g., as shown in FIG.
4). The simulation administrator may enter a username and password
that are unique to the administrator. Because the simulation
administrator's username and password may be associated with the
simulation administrator only, the electronic trading application
may provide the simulation administrator with access to all screens
of the trading simulation.
[0146] One of the simulation administrator's tasks may be to
maintain the real-time aspect of the trading simulation. The
simulation administrator may change start and end times for trading
simulation sessions both during and prior to the start of the
simulation.
[0147] FIG. 22 shows an illustrative real times maintenance screen
2000 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display real times maintenance screen 2000
when the administrator selects a maintain real times option 2022
from side menu area 2002 of any other screen.
[0148] Side menu area 2002 may be included in any of FIGS. 9-34
that require a side menu. Some of the options provided in side menu
area 2002 may include the options provided in side menu area 802
for a user (e.g., organisation option, position option, originate
option, trade option, news option, reporting option, timeline
option, demo option, log out option, and about the simulation
option). Side menu area 2002 may provide additional options for the
simulation administrator. Side menu area 2002 may include a
maintain real times option 2022, a customise news links option
2024, a display category winners option 2026, a simulation
maintenance option 2028, an organisation maintenance option 2030, a
country maintenance option 2032, a start/stop simulation option
2034, or any other suitable option related to the simulation
administrator's tasks. The options included in side menu area 2002
may allow the simulation administrator to access various screens
within the electronic trading simulation. For example, when the
simulation administrator selects country maintenance option 2032
from real times maintenance screen 2000, the electronic trading
application may display a country maintenance screen.
[0149] Real times maintenance screen 2000 may include a time entry
region 2004 that provides the simulation administrator with the
ability to maintain the real time aspect of the simulation. The
simulation administrator may enter start times and end Limes for
the various sessions of the trading simulation, such as
registration, trading, and reconciliation. For example, the
simulation administrator may enter a start time in a start date
field 2014 and a start time field 2016. The simulation
administrator may enter an end time in an end date field 2018 and
an end time field 2020. As shown, the simulation administrator may
only set some of the start and end times shown in time entry region
2004. This is because once a session has ended, the simulation
administrator may no longer change the start and end times. This
reflects the real-time aspect of the trading simulation.
[0150] The simulation administrator may enter a time in an increase
time text box 2006 by which to increase all times in time entry
region 2004. For example, the simulation administrator may enter a
time of five minutes in increase time text box 2006. When the
simulation administrator enters this time, the electronic trading
application may increase all applicable start and end times in time
entry region 2004 (e.g., times for sessions that have not yet
finished) by five minutes.
[0151] When the simulation administrator selects a clear all button
2008, the electronic trading application may clear all entries in
time entry region 2004. When the simulation administrator selects
submit button 2010, the electronic trading application may update
the start and end times for the simulation according to the entries
in time entry region 2004. This update may be reflected in timeline
screen 1700 of FIG. 18.
[0152] As described above in the context of FIGS. 16-17, the
simulation administrator may release news announcements throughout
the duration of the trading simulation. The electronic trading
application may provide the simulation administrator with a
customise simulation news screen so that the administrator may
create these news announcements.
[0153] FIG. 23 shows an illustrative customise simulation news
screen 2100 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display customise simulation news screen
2100 when the simulation administrator selects customise news links
option 2024 from side menu area 2002 of any other screen.
[0154] Customise simulation news screen 2100 may include a news
article status region 2104. News article status region 2104 may
provide the simulation administrator with a list of unreleased news
articles, if any. For example, the simulation administrator may
create a news announcement in customise simulation news screen
2100, but refrain from releasing the announcement to the
participants in the simulation. As shown, there are no unreleased
news articles to display. A news article list 2106 may provide the
simulation administrator with a list of news articles to release to
the participants in the simulation. As described above, these
articles may be articles that the simulation administrator created
but refrained from releasing. In another example, these articles
may be articles that have already been released in previous
simulations or in the same simulation. The simulation administrator
may select a news article from news article list 2106. When the
simulation administrator selects add button 2108, the electronic
trading application may display a screen (not shown) that includes
information on the article.
[0155] The simulation administrator may choose to create a new news
announcement for release, instead of selecting an existing news
article from news article list 2106. The electronic trading
application may provide the simulation administrator with access to
a news article creation screen, from which the simulation
administrator may create a new news release.
[0156] FIG. 24 shows an illustrative news article creation screen
2200 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. In one example, the
electronic trading application may display news article creation
screen 2200 when the user selects add button 2108 (FIG. 23) but
does not select a news article to add from news article list 2106
(FIG. 23).
[0157] The simulation administrator may enter a headline for the
news article in a headline text box 2202 (e.g., Bush rejects
Kyoto). The text of the article may be entered in an article text
box 2204 (e.g., The Bush administration has . . . ). Comments in
connection with the article may be entered in a comments text box
2206. The comments may be for the reference of the simulation
administrator. The simulation administrator may select a release
round for the news article from a release round drop-down menu 2208
(e.g., 2003-2004). For example, the release round may be a specific
range of years (e.g., a round) in which to release the news article
to the participants in the simulation.
[0158] The simulation administrator may select an issue class and
country from an issue class and country menu 2210. For example, the
news article may affect a specific type of emission reductions,
such as all types, clean development mechanisms (CDMs), joint
implementations (JIs), emission allowances (EAs), or any other
suitable type of emission reductions. Such emission reductions may
be associated with a specific country assigned to the participants
in the simulation, for example, Gondwana, Narnia, Utopia, or any
other suitable country. As shown, the simulation administrator has
chosen emission allowances as the issue class. The simulation
administrator has selected "all countries" from issue class and
country menu 2210 such that the emission allowances may be applied
to all countries participating in the electronic trading
simulation.
[0159] The simulation administrator may select a project type from
a project type menu 2212. For example, the news article may affect
any type of project, such as all types, forestry, land use change,
methane, technology/process change, or any other suitable type of
project. As shown, the simulation administrator has chosen a
project type of all types.
[0160] The vintage may be selected from a vintage menu 2214. The
vintage may be the year or years when the news article is scheduled
to have an affect on the simulation participants. As shown, for
example, the simulation administrator has chosen year 2003 through
year 2005.
[0161] The simulation administrator may enter a percentage of
volume of CO.sub.2e emission reductions to effect in a volume
effect text box 2216. The percentage may be the percentage of
volume of CO.sub.2e that the news article will affect in the
selected vintage year or years. For example, the simulation
administrator may enter a percentage of -25% in volume effect text
box 2216. Thus, the emission reductions selected in issue class and
country menu 221C and project type menu 2212 will decrease in
amount by 25 percent in the years 2003 through 2005. This effect
demonstrates how news articles may create risk in the trading
simulation. In another example, the news article may have no effect
on the user's organisation. It may merely create noise to distract
the user from other activities in the trading simulation. When the
simulation administrator selects a delete button 2218, the
electronic trading application may delete any entries made in news
article creation screen 2200.
[0162] When the simulation administrator selects a save button
2220, the electronic trading application may save the entries made
in news article creation screen 2200 and may display a customise
simulation news screen that includes the new news announcement.
[0163] FIG. 25 shows another illustrative customise simulation news
screen 2300 that includes the unreleased news article created in
FIG. 24. Customise simulation news screen 2300 is substantially
similar to customise simulation news screen 2100 of FIG. 23.
However, as illustrated, customise simulation news screen 2300
includes an unreleased news article.
[0164] In connection with the unreleased news article, customise
simulation news screen 2300 may include a headline 2302, a release
round 2304, and an edit button 2306. Headline 2302 may be the
headline that the simulation administrator entered in news article
creation screen 2200 in headline text box 2202 (as shown in FIG.
24). Release round 2304 may be the release round that the
simulation administrator selected from release round drop-down menu
2208 (FIG. 24). The simulation administrator may select edit button
2306 to make any changes to the article prior to release. When the
simulation administrator selects edit button 2306, the electronic
trading application may display a screen such as news article
creation screen 2200 of FIG. 24.
[0165] The electronic trading application may provide the
simulation administrator with the ability to maintain the
simulation parameters throughout the simulation (e.g., the cost
curve, business-as-usual curve, interest rate, or any other
suitable simulation parameter).
[0166] FIG. 26 shows an illustrative simulation maintenance screen
2400 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display simulation maintenance screen 2400
when the simulation administrator selects simulation maintenance
option 2028 from side menu area 2002 of any other screen.
[0167] The simulation administrator may add a new simulation by
selecting an add simulation button 2408. When the simulation
administrator selects add simulation button 2408, the electronic
trading application may display a screen (not shown) that allows
the simulation administrator to create a new simulation.
[0168] The simulation administrator may maintain the parameters for
an active simulation by selecting the active simulation from an
active simulations drop-down menu 2404. The simulation
administrator may select an edit button 2406 to access a screen
from which to make edits to the selected simulation.
[0169] FIG. 27 shows an illustrative simulation parameter edit
screen 2500 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display simulation parameter edit screen
2500 when the simulation administrator selects edit button 2406 of
simulation maintenance screen 2400 (FIG. 26).
[0170] The simulation administrator may have the ability to edit
the text presented in text boxes 2502, 2504, 2506, 2508, and 2510.
The electronic trading application may present the name of the
current simulation in name text box 2502, for example, US Demo. In
announcement year text box 2504, the electronic trading application
may present an announcement year, for example, year 2002. The
announcement year may be the year in which the emission allowances
for the participants in the simulation are to be announced. The
electronic trading application may present a percentage for the
slope of a cost curve in cost curve text box 2506, for example,
zero percent. The cost curve (not shown) may graphically present
the amount of money necessary to produce a certain amount of
emission reductions over a span of time. For example, with a cost
curve slope of zero percent, the cost of producing CO.sub.2e
emission reductions over time does not change.
[0171] The electronic trading application may present a percentage
for a slope of a business-as-usual curve in business-as-usual text
box 2508, for example, zero percent. The business-as-usual curve
(not shown) may graphically present the amount of carbon dioxide
equivalent emissions produced by a participant over a span of time.
For example, with a business-as-usual curve slope of zero percent,
the emissions produced by the participant does not change over
time.
[0172] The electronic trading application may present an interest
rate in interest text box 2510, for example, seven percent. The
interest rate in interest percentage text box 2510 may correspond
to the current interest rate. For example, if the user of the
simulation is participating in the trading simulation from the
United States, the simulation administrator may input an interest
rate corresponding to the current interest rate in the United
States. This helps to make the trading simulation as realistic as
possible.
[0173] When the simulation administrator selects a save button
2512, the electronic trading application may update any changes
made to one or more of text boxes 2502, 2504, 2506, 2508, and 2510
accordingly. When the simulation administrator selects a back
button 2514, the electronic trading application may display the
previous screen, such as simulation maintenance screen 2400 of FIG.
26.
[0174] As described above in the context of FIGS. 26-27, the
simulation administrator may edit various parameters of the trading
simulation. The electronic trading application may also provide the
simulation administrator with the ability to edit various
parameters in connection with any organisations participating in
the simulation.
[0175] FIG. 28 shows an illustrative organisation maintenance
screen 2600 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display organisation maintenance screen
2600 when the simulation administrator selects organisation
maintenance option 2030 from side menu area 2002 of any other
screen.
[0176] The simulation administrator may select an existing
organisation (e.g., an organisation that is already set-up to
participate in the trading simulation) from an existing
organisation drop-down menu 2608. When the simulation administrator
selects an edit button 2610 to edit various attributes of the
organisation, the electronic trading application may provide the
simulation administrator with a screen (not shown) that includes
the attributes of the organisation for editing. When the simulation
administrator selects a delete button 2612, the electronic trading
application may delete the selected organisation from the
simulation.
[0177] Organisation maintenance screen 2600 may include an
organisation type drop-down menu 2604. The electronic trading
application may provide the simulation administrator with the
ability to add a new organisation in addition to any organisations
already existing in the simulation by selecting a type from
organisation type drop-down menu 2604. When the simulation
administrator selects an add button 2606, the electronic trading
application may display a screen in which the administrator may
input attributes of the new organisation.
[0178] FIG. 29 shows an illustrative organisation details screen
2700 that may be provided to EL user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display organisation details screen 2700
when the simulation administrator selects add button 2606 of FIG.
28 to add a new organisation to the trading simulation.
[0179] The details that the simulation administrator may enter in
organisation details screen 2700 may reflect an actual entity
(e.g., an entity that a specific user represents). For example, the
details may be attributes of a user's actual organisation (e.g.,
company, country, non-profit organisation, or any other suitable
entity). The simulation administrator may enter a name for the new
organisation in a name text box 2702, for example, John's Cattle
Company. The simulation administrator may enter a description of
the new organisation (e.g., John's Cattle Company is a company that
. . . ) in a description text box 2704. The description may be a
short synopsis of the new organisation.
[0180] In text boxes 2706, 2708, 2710, and 2712, the simulation
administrator may input values corresponding the new organisation's
available cash. For example, an amount of starting cash may be
entered in starting cash text box 2706. A borrowing limit (e.g., an
amount of money that the new organisation may borrow throughout the
duration of the trading simulation) may be entered in borrowing
limit text box 2708. A yearly cash allocation may be entered in
yearly cash allocation text box 2710, and the corresponding yearly
cash change may be entered in yearly cash change text box 2712. An
industry type may be selected from drop-down menu 2714. As shown,
for example, an industry type such as "Power Generator" may be
selected.
[0181] The simulation administrator may select a country for the
new organisation (e.g., Utopia) from a country drop-down menu 2716.
The corresponding issue class and project type may be selected from
drop-down menus 2718 and 2720, respectively. To save information
entered or selected in organisation details screen 2700, the
simulation administrator may select save button 2722. When the
simulation administrator selects save button 2722, the electronic
trading application may display organisation maintenance screen
2600 of FIG. 28.
[0182] To access the values that create a cost curve for the new
organisation, the simulation administrator may select a cost curve
button 2724. When the simulation administrator selects cost curve
button 2724, the electronic trading application may display a cost
curve screen.
[0183] FIGS. 30-31 show an illustrative cost curve maintenance
screen that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display the cost curve maintenance screen
when the simulation administrator selects cost curve button 2724 of
FIG. 29.
[0184] FIG. 30 shows a portion 2800 of the illustrative cost curve
maintenance screen. The electronic trading application may display
another portion of the screen, as shown in FIG. 31, when the
simulation administrator uses scroll bar 248.
[0185] Cost curve maintenance screen 2800 may include a cost curve
table 2802. Cost curve table 2802 may track the cost of CO.sub.2e
emission reductions in a selected volume increment. For example,
cost curve table 2802 may track the cost per tonne of CO.sub.2e
emission reductions in increments of 100,000 tonnes. The increments
are shown as starting at a value given in a column 2804 and ending
at a value given in a column 2806. The electronic trading
application may provide a cost per tonne column 2808 for entry of
the cost per tonne of CO.sub.2e emission reductions in text boxes
2810. Cost per tonne column 2808 may include as many text boxes
2810 as necessary to accurately define the cost curve.
[0186] FIG. 31 shows another portion 2820 of the cost curve
maintenance screen. Cost curve maintenance screen 2820 may include
an apply last cost to rest option with corresponding yes and no
boxes 2822 and 2824, respectively. The option to apply the last
cost to rest may provide the simulation administrator with the
ability to apply a value in the last cost: per tonne text box 2810
in cost per tonne column 2808 to the entirety of the column. Using
this option, the simulation administrator may not need to enter
identical cost values in all of the text boxes 2810. When the
simulation administrator selects a save button 2826, the electronic
trading application may save the values entered in cost per tonne
column 2808 and return to FIG. 29.
[0187] Referring back to FIG. 29, to access the yearly values
(e.g., business-as-usual values and allocations following from the
Kyoto Protocol) for the organisation, the simulation administrator
may select a yearly values button 2726. When the simulation
administrator selects yearly values button 2726, the electronic
trading application may display a yearly values maintenance
screen.
[0188] FIGS. 32-33 show an illustrative yearly values maintenance
screen that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display the yearly values maintenance
screen when the simulation administrator selects yearly values
button 2726 of FIG. 29.
[0189] FIG. 32 shows a portion 2900 of the yearly values
maintenance screen. The electronic trading application may display
another portion of the screen, as shown in FIG. 33, when the
simulation administrator uses scroll bar 248.
[0190] Yearly values maintenance screen 2900 may include a yearly
values table 2902. Yearly values table 2902 may track various
attributes pertaining to the new organisation created in
organisation details screen 2700 of FIG. 29. For example, yearly
values table 2902 may include a business-as-usual column 2904 that
includes values for CO.sub.2e emissions over a span of time in text
boxes 2906. Such values may be provided in tonnes.
[0191] Yearly values table 2902 may include a Kyoto allocation
column 2908 that includes values of CO.sub.2e emissions in text
boxes 2910. Such values may be values that the new organisation may
be limited to in order to comply with the guidelines of the Kyoto
Protocol. Forecast low and forecast high columns 2912 and 2916,
respectively, may include a range of Kyoto allocation values in
text boxes 2914 and 2918. For example, forecast low column 2912 may
include low values of CO.sub.2e emissions in text boxes 2914 (e.g.,
a worst case scenario). Forecast high column 2916 may include high
values of CO.sub.2e emissions in text boxes 2918 (e.g., a best case
scenario).
[0192] FIG. 33 shows another portion 2930 of the yearly values
maintenance screen. Yearly values maintenance screen 2930 may
include an apply last value to rest option with corresponding yes
and no boxes 2932 and 2934, respectively. The option to apply the
last value to rest may provide the simulation administrator with
the ability to apply a value in the last of each of text boxes
2906, 2910, 2914, 2918 to the entirety of the corresponding
columns. Using this option, the simulation administrator may not
need to enter identical values in all text boxes 2906, 2910, 2914,
2918. When the simulation administrator selects save button 2936,
the electronic trading application may save the values entered in
columns 2904, 2908, 2912, and 2916 and display FIG. 29.
[0193] As described above in the context of FIGS. 28-33, the
electronic trading application may provide the simulation
administrator with the ability to edit various attributes of
organisations participating in the trading simulation. The
electronic trading application may also provide the simulation
administrator with the ability to edit various parameters in
connection with any countries that are set-up for participation in
the simulation.
[0194] FIG. 34 shows an illustrative country maintenance screen
3000 that may be provided to a user such as a simulation
administrator by the electronic trading application in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
trading application may display country maintenance screen 3000
when the simulation administrator selects country maintenance
option 2032 from side menu area 2002 of any other screen.
[0195] Country maintenance screen 3000 may include various text
boxes to define a new country for the trading simulation. The
simulation administrator may enter a name for the new country in a
name text box 3004, for example, Zenith. An acronym for the new
country may be entered in an acronym text box 3006, for example,
ZEN. In a supplementarity text box 3008, the simulation
administrator may enter a percentage of supplementarity for the new
organisation. Supplementarity is the percentage of CO.sub.2e
emission reductions that a country may not sell. For example, if
the supplementarity percentage for the new country is six percent,
then six percent of all CO.sub.2e emission reductions created the
country may not be traded.
[0196] The simulation administrator may enter a percentage for
early action credit in an early action credit text box 3010. Early
action credit may be the percentage of an organisation's CO.sub.2e
emission reductions that may be credited back to the organisation
in response to emission reductions that occur before a specific
date. Such a date may be a date in connection with the Kyoto
Protocol, such as the start of a period of time in which countries
must comply with the Kyoto Protocol (e.g., the Kyoto Protocol
Commitment Period).
[0197] A capped country option 3012 may provide the simulation
administrator with the ability to cap the new country's emission
allowances. For example, the simulation administrator may select a
yes option 3022 to cap the country's emissions. The simulation
administrator may select a no option 3024 so that the new country
does not have a cap on its emissions. When the simulation
administrator selects an add button 3014, the electronic trading
application may make the new country as defined in country
maintenance screen 3000 available as an option in the trading
simulation.
[0198] The simulation administrator may edit the attributes of an
existing country in the trading simulation by selecting a country
from a country drop-down menu 3016 (e.g., Gondwana). When the
simulation administrator selects an edit button 3018, the
electronic trading application may display a screen (not shown)
that includes attributes of the selected country. Such a screen may
include attributes such as those shown in country maintenance
screen 3000. When the simulation administrator selects a delete
button 3020, the electronic trading application may delete the
selected country from the simulation.
[0199] The screens shown in FIGS. 3-34 are merely illustrative. Any
other suitable menus, options, button, text boxes, or other content
may be provided.
[0200] FIGS. 35-37 show flow charts of illustrative steps involved
in simulating the trading of carbon dioxide equivalent emission
reductions in accordance with the present invention. Some or all of
the steps may be performed.
[0201] FIG. 35 shows a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
the electronic trading simulation in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention. At step 3100, the electronic
trading simulation may begin. For example, the electronic trading
simulation may begin when a user or a simulation administrator
selects run button 606 of FIG. 7. Following the start of the
electronic trading simulation, at step 3110 a user may participate
in the electronic trading simulation. The user may participate in
the electronic trading simulation by interacting with the screens
shown in FIGS. 9-21. At step 3150, a simulation administrator may
modify parameters in connection with the electronic trading
simulation in real-time. For example, the simulation administrator
may modify parameters in connection with the electronic trading
simulation by interacting with the screens shown in FIGS. 22-34. At
step 3180, the electronic trading simulation may end.
[0202] FIG. 36 shows a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
a user's participation in the electronic trading simulation (e.g.,
step 3110 of FIG. 35) in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention. At step 3112, the user may select an
organisation to participate in the trading simulation. An
illustrative example of step 3112 is shown in organisation menu
screen 800 of FIG. 9 and organisation review screen 900 of FIG.
10.
[0203] At step 3114, the user may review the position of the
organisation. An illustrative example of step 3114 is shown in
position review screen 1000 of FIG. 11 and graphing screen 1100 of
FIG. 12. At step 3116, the user may generate credits or internal
reductions. An illustrative example of step 3116 is shown in
origination screen 1200 of FIG. 13 and graphing screen 1300 of FIG.
14. At step 3118, the user may trade carbon dioxide equivalent
emission reductions. An illustrative example of step 3118 is shown
in trading screen 1400 of FIG. 15. At step 3120, the user may
review a late breaking news announcement. An illustrative example
of step 3120 is shown in position review screen 1500 of FIG. 16 and
news screen 1600 of FIG. 17.
[0204] At step 3122, the user may review the timeline of sessions
for the electronic trading simulation. An illustrative example of
step 3122 is shown in timeline screen 1700 of FIG. 18. At step
3124, the user may review a report at the end of the electronic
trading simulation. An illustrative example of step 3124 is shown
in the simulation report screen illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0205] FIG. 37 shows a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
the simulation administrator's maintenance of the electronic
trading simulation in real-time (e.g., step 3150 of FIG. 35) in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. At step
3154, the simulation administrator may modify the timeline for the
electronic trading simulation. An illustrative example of step 3154
is shown in real times maintenance screen 2000 of FIG. 22. At step
3156, the simulation administrator may create a news announcement.
An illustrative example of step 3156 is shown in news article
creation screen 2200 of FIG. 24.
[0206] At step 3158, the simulation administrator may release a
news announcement. An illustrative example of step 3158 is shown in
customise simulation news screen 2100 of FIG. 23. At step 3160, the
simulation administrator may modify simulation parameters. An
illustrative example of step 3160 is shown in simulation
maintenance screen 2400 of FIG. 26 and simulation parameter edit
screen 2500 of FIG. 27. At step 3162, the simulation administrator
may modify organisation parameters. An illustrative example of step
3162 is shown in organisation maintenance screen 2600 of FIG. 28,
organisation details screen 2700 of FIG. 29, the cost curve
maintenance screen illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, and the yearly
values maintenance screen illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33. At step
3164, the simulation administrator may modify country parameters.
An illustrative example of this step is shown in country
maintenance screen 3000 of FIG. 34.
[0207] Thus, an electronic trading system for simulating the
trading of carbon dioxide equivalent emission reductions and
methods of use are provided. One skilled in the art will realize
that the present invention can be practiced by other than the
described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of
illustration and not of limitation, and that the present invention
is limited only by the claims which follow.
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