U.S. patent application number 12/035432 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for interactive strategic game illustrating effects of different investments over time under differing economic conditions.
Invention is credited to Joseph Edward Poff.
Application Number | 20090215537 12/035432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40998876 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090215537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poff; Joseph Edward |
August 27, 2009 |
Interactive Strategic Game Illustrating Effects of Different
Investments Over Time Under Differing Economic Conditions
Abstract
An electronic media process for an interactive strategic game
illustrating the effects of different investments over time under
differing economic conditions. In certain embodiments it can be
played over a network and in others without a network. As a user's
timeline position changes the economic indicators change which in
turn affect the user's investment values. Users buy and sell
investments based on upcoming economic changes trying to anticipate
how those changes will affect investment values. Users are able
follow different investments over time which may help them in their
own investments. Achievement awards and or recognition are obtained
for obtaining certain milestones such as dollar limit within the
shortest timeline period.
Inventors: |
Poff; Joseph Edward;
(Auburn, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph Poff
35100 179th Ave SE
Auburn
WA
98092
US
|
Family ID: |
40998876 |
Appl. No.: |
12/035432 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3288 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3272 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for illustrating the effects of different investments
over time under differing economic conditions comprising: One or
more server computers to be accessed by one or more client
terminals over a communication network or a combined server-client
computer which may also communicate with one or more servers and/or
client terminals over a communication network Software in machine
readable code stored on a tangible medium that when executed can
communicate with the server computer(s) and the client terminal(s).
Said software will allow the client terminal(s) to interact with a
strategic game which illustrates the effects of different
investments over time under differing economic conditions where the
objective is for the user to better understand the effects of
different investments over time under differing economic
conditions. The machine readable code will additionally allow for
receiving and processing user input and returning output to the
user based on said input. The machine readable code will
additionally provide system logic for illustrating the effects of
different investments over time under differing economic conditions
comprising.
2. The system in claim 1 where the objectives are observing the
effects of different investments over time under differing economic
conditions and providing the achievement measurements and may
provide awards for achievements.
3. The system in claim 1 wherein upon initial communication between
the client terminal and the server(s) there may be a welcome
message.
4. The system in claim 1 wherein information on prior high
achievement award holders can be received by the user.
5. The system in claim 1 wherein users may receive instructions on
game play including information on investments and economic
indicators.
6. The system in claim 1 wherein users may receive instructions on
game design.
7. The system in claim 1 wherein user information is stored.
8. The system in claim 1 wherein game information is stored.
9. The system in claim 1 wherein a user may register as a user on
the server(s) and may include the ability for the user to revise
some portions of their registration information.
10. The system in claim 1 wherein a user may logon for more
enhanced game play.
11. The system in claim 1 wherein a user may require a verification
of minimum qualifications to play.
12. The system in claim 1 wherein one or more users may communicate
and exchange information using but not limited to game scenarios,
text, formatted text, computer file(s), electronic signal, video
and audio or any combination therein.
13. The system in claim 1 wherein Investment categories and related
Investments can be defined and cataloged into one or more sets to
allow the user to experience different scenarios.
14. The system in claim 13 wherein one or more of the Investments
relate to Business, Real Estate, Land, Non Profit or Financial.
15. The system in claim 1 wherein economic timelines can be defined
and cataloged into multiple sets to allow the user to experience
different scenarios.
16. The system in claim 15 wherein one or more of the economic
indicators relate to any present, past or future US Government
reported indicators. (Interest, Real Estate, Land, Labor, Business
or Financial)
17. The system in claim 1 wherein a user may be allowed to borrow
to purchase investments.
18. The system in claim 1 wherein investments can be valued over a
timeline either forward or backward in time based on differing
economic conditions.
19. The system in claim 1 wherein a user may choose a game from one
or more different scenarios or to continue a game previously
started. The user may also be able to choose options to enhance
their experience.
20. The system in claim 1 wherein information regarding future
economic conditions is able to be received by the user.
21. The system in claim 1 wherein reports can be received by the
user on one or more of their investments at particular places along
the timeline.
22. The system in claim 1 wherein a user can suspend or terminate
play of a game.
23. The system in claim 1 wherein a user can receive information on
prior and in process games.
24. The system in claim 1 wherein at the conclusion of game play
user and system statistic would be updated and any system cleanup
would be performed.
25. The system in claim 1 wherein game play may be allowed for
group play of two or more users.
26. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play a user can
receive information on investment categories and related
investments that a may be purchased. In a game with more than one
player a user may in addition or instead of be able to receive
information regarding investments for sale by other users.
27. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play a user can
purchase one or more investments.
28. The system in claim 27 wherein verification of purchase
criteria is determined during a purchase.
29. The system in claim 27 wherein after a successful purchase is
made a user's investment record is updated as well as debt record
if debt was used. Source of funds for purchase is reduced unless
debt was used in which case debt is increased or some combination
therein. If purchase involved another user then that user's records
would be updated also.
30. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play a player can
receive information on their current holdings and debt.
31. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play a user can sell
one or more investments. In a game with more than one player a user
may in addition be able to provide information on one or more of
their investments for sale as well as the ability to sell those
investments to other users.
32. The system in claim 31 wherein after a successful sale is made
the user's investment record is updated as well as debt record if
debt was used. Source of funds is increased unless debt was used in
which case debt is decreased or some combination therein. If sale
involved another user then that user's records would be updated
also.
33. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play a player can
move along the timeline in the game when it is a user instituted
move game.
34. The system in claim 33 wherein the user moves the timelines
forward but may be allowed to move the timeline backward as
well.
35. The system in claim 33 wherein timeline movement may be
initiated from another source in a non user instituted move
game.
36. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play a player can
receive information about one or more current economic indicators
based on the current timeline position.
37. The system in claim 36 wherein a player may be able to receive
one or more economic indicators from one or more past and/or future
timeline positions.
38. The system in claim 1 wherein during game play the unit
purchase cost of one or more investments may change relative to
their position on the timeline.
39. The system in claim 1 wherein during game interest could be
charged to a player if they have incurred debt.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION
[0001] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain
material that is subject to copyright protection. Reproduction as
needed for the Patent and Trademark Office records or files is
permitted however all of the original copyright rights are retained
by the copyright holder.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a user seeing the effects
of investing in various types of investments and how those
investments might perform over an extended period of time in a
constantly changing economic environment--similar to economic
environment changes that have actually occurred in past
history.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Throughout all of history there have been processes for
teaching others about financial investments--some easier for people
to follow than others. Most have been somewhat difficult for a user
to comprehend and actually be able to turn that comprehension into
the ability to relate the learned concepts to their real life
situations.
[0006] Through the development of video games and the internet it
has been suggested that individuals respond better to learning when
visual cues are also provided in addition to written material.
[0007] For some individuals the quick movement and activity of
action type games is not their preference and prefer strategy type
games. A strategy game refers to a game where the quickness of the
eye hand coordination isn't a factor in game results. Instead,
results are based on the calculated input from the individual
playing the game after they have based it on various game supplied
series of pieces of information.
[0008] These types of games often have a relatively short time
period but it is desirable to have it be able to be played over a
period of time determined by the individual. Whereas one individual
might make a `move` (a place in the game where the individual's
input is required) in a short time such as a few moments, another
individual may take significantly longer--even several days or
longer. They would like for the end results to not be based on the
quickness of the move, but on the quality of the move.
[0009] Some individuals also prefer to do certain activities by
themselves, but then still want to compare their individual results
to others. They'd also like a way to challenge themselves again by
attempting the same activity to try and improve prior results.
[0010] Certain individuals also like something where they can have
reasonable success in playing a game without a tremendous learning
curve, but then they also like to have something where they could
continually be learning and playing at a more sophisticated level
as they learn some of the finer parts of the game.
[0011] Other aspects individuals want include the ability to play
different games yet still have them be based on a similar premise
to the games they've already played. Having the ability to actually
be able to design the game or create certain game conditions in
which to play also have been shown to increase certain user's
enjoyment. Being able to share games that they created is also
something that has been popular. In a financial game, being able to
vary the selection of investment choices would be desirable.
[0012] Individuals can sometimes be shy about trying to ask
questions about some concepts of how investments work and how they
might play out over an extended time and how they might compare to
other investments. Having a process where the individual could
learn some of these concepts might make it easier for them to ask
about and to know about actual investment opportunities in their
life.
[0013] Individuals would also like the ability to interact with
other users of the system in a public way where other users would
be able to see and read such communication or alternately,
privately where two or more users of the system could communicate
privately. Such communication would be desirable so that an
individual would be able to explore strategy concepts with
others.
[0014] In summary a process where individuals could experiment with
projecting how particular investments might react in a changing
economic environment and how to be able to see how certain changes
might affect those investments would be beneficial to individuals
in illustrating these concepts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention satisfies the aforementioned list and
more by providing an interactive process that includes a gaming
element and promotes an individual's education about investments as
well as a social network in order to communicate with other users
of the process.
[0016] Strategic moves by the user and interactive processes allow
this game to illustrate the concepts of short term and long term
investments and how they relate in changing economic
conditions--similar to how our own investments are affected by the
economic changes that occur in our country and the world. Being
able to identify and evaluate those conditions should help the user
in their own personal investments.
[0017] Game limits are established in each game establishing the
upper dollar limit (such as 1 billion dollars) for successful
completion as well as the maximum time line length a user could
play (such as 150 years). High scores would be recorded for highest
amount in the shortest time, shortest time to get to the upper
dollar limit as well as other statistical awards. Other forms of
recognition/award/prizes may also be given to high score users.
[0018] Also disclosed are methods that a user could use in order to
play the game over a communication network (Web version) that may
include a local area network, a wide area network and a global
network or any combination. Additionally, methods are show to where
this could be played on an individual computer (stand alone
version) without continuous connection to the network.
[0019] Additional disclosure are methods of how the users can
design game parameters which include defining investment categories
and types as well as their sensitivity to economic conditions.
Users can also establish their own economic indicator categories
and supply their own historical trends. Then game play can be made
using these parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0020] The description of this invention includes the appended
drawings and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 (Process Overview) is a flow diagram illustrating a
method for playing and illustrating the concepts of buying, selling
and holding investments in changing economic conditions according
to one embodiment of this invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 (Network basic setup) is a block diagram of a system
for playing and illustrating the concepts of buying, selling and
holding investments in changing economic conditions according to
one embodiment of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 (Stand alone basic setup) is a block diagram of a
system for playing and illustrating the concepts of buying, selling
and holding investments in changing economic conditions according
to one embodiment of this invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 (Display of Investments) is a flow diagram
illustrating a method for displaying the investments in playing and
illustrating the concepts of buying, selling and holding
investments in changing economic conditions according to one
embodiment of this invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 (Buy Sell Investments) is a flow diagram illustrating
a method for buying and selling investments in playing and
illustrating the concepts of buying, selling and holding
investments in changing economic conditions according to one
embodiment of this invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 (Time Progressions) is a flow diagram illustrating a
method for time progression in playing and illustrating the
concepts of buying, selling and holding investments in changing
economic conditions according to one embodiment of this
invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 (Investment Calculations) is a flow diagram
illustrating a method for valuing the investments along the
timeline in playing and illustrating the concepts of buying,
selling and holding investments in changing economic conditions
according to one embodiment of this invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 (Message displays of future projections) is a flow
diagram illustrating a method for displaying economic messages in
playing and illustrating the concepts of buying, selling and
holding investments in changing economic conditions according to
one embodiment of this invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 (Borrowing) is a flow diagram illustrating a method
for displaying economic messages in playing and illustrating the
concepts of buying, selling and holding investments in changing
economic conditions according to one embodiment of this
invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMOBODIMENTS
[0030] The interactive strategic games of this invention show the
principals and underlying concepts of buying and selling
investments in changing economic conditions and how one might
interpret and react by buying or selling certain investments in
response to those changing economic conditions. Concepts
illustrated to the user include how different investments and
businesses react to changes in certain conditions and how certain
investments might do better than others. Risk is also taught due to
the inherent nature of risks in investments.
FIG. 1--Process Overview
[0031] In FIG. 1, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 100 (Initial Screen) is the initial screen a user
would see in initiating the game. In addition to a possible welcome
message this may provide a listing of high scores or an awards
list. This method may also provide for a user to transfer to method
132 (Instructions--Parameter Detail) in order to obtain game
instructions and may include detailed or summary information about
games that could be played. Method 132 may also include information
about investment categories and specific investments. Method 132
may also include information about economic categories of
games.
[0032] Method 100 may provide for a user to enter their user
information and then proceed to method 114 (Logon). Method 100
(Main Screen) may provide for a user to proceed directly to method
126 (Newsgroup and social interaction) without going through a
login process. In such a case method 126 may place restrictions on
that user until method 105 (Logon-Register) is performed.
[0033] Method 100 (Main Screen) may provide for a user to proceed
directly to method 124 (High Score Detail) without going through a
login process. In such a case method 124 may place restrictions on
that user until method 105 (Logon-Register) is performed.
[0034] Method 105 (Logon-Register) provides for a user to choose to
Logon to the game or to register if they have not already
registered. Method 110 will determine which they want and if they
want to logon it will direct them to method 114 (Logon). If method
110 (Need to register) determines they want to register then it
will direct them to method 112 (Register Process). Method 112 will
provide for a user to determine a User Name they'd like to use and
may include as well a password. After that this method will update
or add to a user file which may be in a database. Method 112 may
also include other user information such as email address, full
name, address, phone number, country, dates, age, credit card
information, subscription information, access times, internet
address (IP) as well as other information. Once verification that
the user name is not already in use by the game the user will be
transferred to method 114 (Logon) which may automatically process
the user's new logon information. Method 105 may provide for a
previously registered user to logon automatically.
[0035] Method 114 (Logon) will provide for verification of the
user's login information and may perform other verification checks
such as determining if the user has been banned from the system for
reasons relating to the user's subscription, licensing among other
reasons. Upon successful login the method will transfer to method
120 (Main screen).
[0036] In some cases, at method 105 (Logon-Register) a user may not
want to register in any form in which to play the game. In such
cases method 105 might transfer control to method 116 (Assign as
temporary user). If method 116 is used it may do a validity check
which would include but not be limited to on the user to determine
that it was a user and not an automated system and/or that the
network address is either in an approved list and/or isn't in a
restricted list. After a validity check, if done, then method 105
(Logon-Register) would assign a temporary token or user name to
this user so the user could still play the game. Method 105 might
flag this user in such a way that other operations of the game are
unavailable and/or operate in manner less than a registered
user.
[0037] Method 120 (Main screen) is a branching off point where a
user can select various operations of the game. This method may
provide for access to method 126 (Newsgroup and social
interaction). Method 126 may include the ability for users of this
game to exchange ideas and experiences. This may include the
ability to categorize as well as search these exchanges.
Additionally, this method may provide for the ability for users to
converse not only in text but also other media forms such as but
not limited to video, audio and speech. This method may provide for
users to share games they have made.
[0038] Method 120 (Main screen) may also provide access to method
128 (Define Investments). Access to this method (128) may be
restricted to system administrators, developers and qualified
users. This would allow for the defining of the Investment
Categories such as Cash, Business, Real Estate and Finance. Further
definition of the individual investments in those categories may
also be able to be defined in this method. For example, for the
Business category, the investments might be Aircraft Manufacturing,
Transportation and Research. In the Real Estate category the
investments might include Single family housing, Small Apartment
complex, Office Building and Hotels. Finance might include Savings
account, Treasury Bills, Small Capital Stocks, Futures and Foreign
markets. These investments are further defined as to their
sensitivity to each of the Economic Indicators in use for the game
being defined. Initial unit costs for these investments may be
defined here or assigned based on an automated calculation of this
method or some combination therein.
[0039] Method 120 (Main screen) may also provide access to method
130 (Define Game Parameters). Access to this method (130) may be
restricted to system administrators, developers and qualified
users. This would allow for the adding of games and/or the defining
of the game parameters including but not limited to such things as
name, description, maximum length of the timeline of the game and
ability for the user to incur debt (Method 400 (Borrowing)). An
example of maximum length might be 150 years. The game parameters
would also include the minimum and maximum range for a given
Economic Indicator. For example, Interest might have a minimum of
4% and a maximum of 18% meaning that the interest rate could
fluctuate between 4 and 18% during the course of the game. This
process might also include the ability to control the number of
years that fluctuation occurs. For example the 4-18 % might be set
to occur randomly over each 10 year periods in the game.
[0040] This method may also provide for the establishment of one or
more Economic Indicators. From this method these indicators could
be defined and established at points along the timeline. Examples
of some Economic indicators might be the Prime interest rate,
Housing starts, Unemployment estimates, Manufacturing production
and the Stock Index. This method would calculate or allow to be
entered the economic indexes across the timeline. This may be done
automatically based on an algorithm or it may be input either
manually or from a file transfer or some combination.
[0041] Each timeline period may also provide for the ability to
include messages (or signals) related to the upcoming timeline
periods for one or all of the Economic Indicators (FIG. 8 Message
displays of future projections). These messages will be provided to
the user to help them determine which direction a particular
economic index might be headed. For example, knowing that there was
a likelihood of interest rates declining over the next few periods
would help an investor buy and sell investments based on that
knowledge. As in real economic circumstances these clues are not
always easy to decipher and aren't always accurate. These messages
may have a certain erroneous factor in order to more simulate
actual conditions an investor might face. These messages or signal
triggers could be done automatically based on an algorithm or may
be input either manually or from a file transfer or some
combination.
[0042] Method 120 (Main Screen) may also provide for a user to
transfer to method 132 (Instructions--Parameter Detail) in order to
obtain game instructions and may include detailed or summary
information about games that could be played.
[0043] Method 120 (Main Screen) may also provide for a user to
transfer to method 160 (End) which would clean up if necessary from
user's termination. This also may allow for a logging out of the
user.
[0044] Method 120 (Main Screen) may also provide for a user to
display or transfer to method 122 (User Area). Method 122 would
provide information about the user. It may include the ability to
change some or all but not limited to the following--User's User
Name, Actual Name, Address, Phone, Country, Email, Subscription
information and Credit card information. It may also include but
not limited to information on the user's in process game(s),
completed games whether successful or not, High Scores for the user
and for the system and user defined games, investments, debt and
economic indicators. Method 122 may also provide for communication
functions to other users of the system and outside the system in
text, video, audio and/or other means. This method may provide for
users to share games they have made.
[0045] Method 120 (Main Screen) may also provide for a user to
display or transfer to method 124 (High Score Detail). Method 124
would provide high game score reporting among other statistical
information including but not limited to investments, historical
timeline positions and economic indicators. This method may include
completed and uncompleted games and may be broken down by different
scenario games. It may also allow for users to define how these
reports should be displayed as it relates to formatting of the
report and also it may provide for users to be able to select the
data they wish to display.
[0046] Method 134 (Choose new game or in process game) would allow
a user to initiate the playing of a game. A user may be able to
choose to continue a previously started game as well as choosing a
new system defined game. Method 134 may also provide for the user
to start Method 136 (Play Game) using a game the user had
previously defined. This method may also allow a user to start
Method 136 using a game defined by another user.
[0047] Method 136 may also provide for a user to define items to
enhance their experience. These items may include but not limited
to degree of difficulty, level of game messages, erroneous factors,
group play, player communication, audio and other electronic
feedback or any combination therein.
[0048] Method 136 (Play Game) would provide for the actual game
play. FIG. 2-FIG. 9 illustrate this operation in detail.
[0049] Method 136 may also provide for communication functions to
other users of the system and outside the system in text, video,
audio and/or other means.
[0050] Method 136 may also provide for one or more users to
participate in the same game.
[0051] Method 136 would provide for method 138 (Game End) and it
would provide for any necessary cleanup needed from method 136
(Play Game). This might include closing database connections and/or
program files.
[0052] Method 150 (Update User statistics and high scores) would
provide for User game information to be updated. This method may
update game information updates such as, but not limited to--Game
identifier, total play time, complete flags, incomplete flags,
system high score update, user high score updates, subscription
updates, game end time, timeline position, investment holdings and
detail and debt positions and history.
[0053] Method 150 may also allow for returning a user to method 120
(Main Screen) or to method 160 (End).
[0054] As described earlier, method 160 (End) which would cleanup
if necessary from user's termination. This also may allow for a
logging out of the user.
FIG. 2--Network Basic Setup
[0055] In FIG. 2, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 200 (Client) may be of any type of single computer
or device that enables access to a web page or web pages.
[0056] Method 200 may also provide for special use access to method
210 (Server(s)) in order to provide overall method updates and
enhancements. This special use access may be restricted to certain
users.
[0057] Method 205 (Network) is any wired or wireless local area
network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network
(VPN) as well as telephone connections and other electronic
connections that help provide method 200 (Client) to method 210
(Server(s)) and necessary data from method 215 (Game Data).
[0058] Method 210 (Server(s)) would include one or more computer
servers that would host the game the user would play. These servers
could be located anywhere and would be accessed by method 200
(Client) via method 205 (Network). Information would flow from
method 200 (Client) to method 210 (Server(s)) as well as from
method 210 (Server(s)) to method 200 (Client).
[0059] Method 215 (Game Data) would be the electronic storage of
the game data and operational code and instructions and user data
and would be accessed by method 210 (Server(s)) as needed to be
returned or acted on from instructions of a user from method 200
(Client).
FIG. 3--Stand Alone Basic Setup
[0060] In FIG. 3, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method information is given in FIG. 2--Network basic
setup.
[0061] A Stand alone basic setup differs from a Network basic setup
in that method 210 (Server(s)) and 215 (Game Data) may be located
on the same computer or device used for method 200 (Client). In
this way, the game may be played without the need for method 205
(Network) and methods 210 (Server(s)) and 215 (Game Data).
[0062] In this setup method 210a may include all or some or
additional processes of method 210 in the network setup. In this
illustration method 215a may include all or some or additional
processes of method 215 in the network setup.
[0063] Even though this is a stand alone setup methods 200, 210a
and 215a may allow for the use of method 205 (Network) to interact
with methods 210 (Server(s)) and method 215 (Game data). This
allows a user to play a game that is a combination of a stand alone
game and a network game. The advantage of this is that it doesn't
require a continuous network connection. A user could connect to
get game updates, timeline updates, buy or sell investments as well
as other game activities.
FIG. 4--Display of Investments
[0064] In FIG. 4, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 240 (User selects investment type to display)
allows the user to choose among the Investment Categories in the
current game under Method 136 (Play game) which one to display.
Examples of these categories, but not limited to might be Cash,
Business, Real Estate and Finance.
[0065] After a user would choose an Investment Category, the
available investments for that category in the current game under
Method 136 (Play game) would be displayed. In some cases method 240
may be called to refresh the display as in the case, but not
limited to where a Time Progression has occurred (FIG. 6 Time
Progressions).
[0066] For example, for the Business category, the investments
might be Aircraft Manufacturing, Transportation and Research. In
the Real Estate category the investments might include Single
family housing, Small Apartment complex, Office Building and
Hotels. Finance might include Savings account, Treasury Bills,
Small Capital Stocks, Futures and Foreign markets.
[0067] Method 240 may provide for user interaction in a variety of
methods such as interactively or automatically. This method may
also provide where the user can select more than one investment
category to display as well as to display investments from other
users.
[0068] The Display may be in various formats such as, but not
limited to text, formatted text, computer file(s), electronic
signal, video and audio or any combination therein.
[0069] Method 244 (Report on Investments held is displayed) would
display the user's current holdings at the current timeline for the
investment category selected in method 240 (User selects investment
type to display). Method 244 may allow for displaying the user's
holdings at various points along the timeline. This method may
provide for this selection to be made in method 240 and/or in this
method.
[0070] Method 244 may provide for where the user can select more
than one investment category to display.
[0071] Method 244 may provide for showing the users debt. The
Display may be in various formats such as, but not limited to text,
formatted text, computer file(s), electronic signal, video and
audio or any combination therein.
FIG. 5--Buy Sell Investments
Buying Activity
[0072] In FIG. 5, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 260 (User buys Investment) provides for a user to
initiate buying an investment. An investment may mean a single
investment or it may mean more than one investment. For example,
but not limited to--a user may want to purchase in a single
transaction 2 units of a Real Estate investment as well as 5 units
of an Aircraft business.
[0073] Method 262 (Funds verification) determines that a user has
enough funds available to purchase the investment the user has
chosen. Funds may include, but not be limited to Cash. This method
may also provide for a user to arrange for a loan or to use an
existing loan or line of credit in which to purchase the
investment. If there aren't enough funds available then the
purchase may not be made.
[0074] Method 262 may provide for a user to make a purchase from
another user as well as making offers on their investments for
sale.
[0075] In method 264 (Update investment record) the user's
investment record is updated for the purchase. Information recorded
may include, but not be limited to the price paid and the timeline
point as well as actual time and seller information.
[0076] Method 268 (Funds reduction) will reduce funds used to
purchase the investment or to increase the loan if paid for with a
loan.
[0077] Method 268 may provide for corresponding information to be
updated on the seller's investment records if the purchase was made
from another user.
Selling Activity
[0078] Selling an investment is initiated in method 270 (User sells
Investment). An investment may mean a single investment or it may
mean more than one investment. For example, but not limited to--a
user may want to sell in a single transaction 2 units of a Real
Estate investment as well as 5 units of an Aircraft business.
[0079] Method 270 may provide for a user to make a sale to another
user as well as letting other users know what they are offering to
sell as well as the selling or asking price.
[0080] In method 272 (Update Investment record) the user's
investment record is updated for the sale. Information recorded may
include, but not limited to the sale price and the timeline point
as well as actual time and buyer information.
[0081] Method 274 (Funds increase) will increase funds from the
sale of the investment. It may also decrease the loan if
investments were paid for with a loan or the method may provide for
funds to be applied to any applied to any other outstanding
loans.
[0082] Method 274 may provide for corresponding information to be
updated on the buyer's investment records if the sale was made to
another user.
FIG. 6--Time Progressions
[0083] In FIG. 6, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 302 (Time movement initiated) will provide for the
initiation of time movement along the timeline. See FIG.
7--Investment Calculations for method 302.
[0084] Method 304 (Investment calculations) will provide for
calculating the new values for the user investments based on the
user's present point on the timeline. See FIG. 7--Investment
Calculations for detail on this method.
[0085] Method 306 (Display of Investments) will provide for the
displaying of the Investments. See FIG. 4 Display of Investments
for detail on this method.
[0086] Method 308 (Display economic indicators) will display the
economic indicators based on the current timeline position. For
example, but not limited to it may show the Prime Rate at 18%,
Housing Starts at 4,152 M, Unemployment at 20.87%, Manufacturing at
209.3 MM and the stock index at 103.81.
[0087] In addition, this method may display the previous period(s)
of the index such as but not limited to the last 3 periods or just
the last period.
[0088] In some cases this method may display the future indicators.
In this case, for example but not limited to, it may display these
to help the user better determine their investment choices. This
would differ slightly from FIG. 8 (Message display of future
projections) where the messages may be more cryptic and may have
occasional erroneous information.
[0089] The Display may be in various formats such as, but not
limited to text, formatted text, computer file(s), electronic
signal, video and audio or any combination therein.
[0090] Method 310 (Message displays of future projections) will
provide for the messages to be displayed relating to future
economic indicators. See FIG. 8 Message displays of future
projections for detail on this method.
FIG. 7--Investment Calculations
[0091] In FIG. 7, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 302 (Time movement initiated) allows for time
movement along the timeline. This time movement may be automatic
from a system generated time movement, or current user generated,
or another user generated, or based on some other mechanism the
time line could be based upon such as but not limited to some
factor of actual time or some combination therein. Time movements
may be forward and may include the ability to go backward along the
timeline. The time movements may be in a single step such as but
not limited to a 6 month period or it may span multiple steps where
a user may for example, but not limited to jumping 5 years.
[0092] After method 302 determines the time movement details,
method 252 (Determine current Investment values) will determine
current Investment values based on the cost of each Investment
against the change in certain economic indicators--based on an
Investment specific sensitivity to each indicator--from the
original time of purchase until present selected time. For example,
but not limited to, an investment that cost $30 might be valued at
$150 after 5 years on the timeline. Similarly, another investment
purchased at the same time for the same $30 may be valued at $40
after 5 years on the timeline.
[0093] After method 252 determines the current investment values,
method 254 (Determine new unit cost of Investments) will determine
the new unit cost of Investments based on the relationship of the
original cost to the current timeline position as well as to a
variable percentage based on applicability. For example, but not
limited to, an investment may cost $30 per unit at the start of the
game. As the timeline moves, this cost will be adjusted to where it
may cost $150 a unit after 5 years on the timeline.
FIG. 8--Message Displays of Future Projections
[0094] In FIG. 8, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 310 (Message displays of future projections) will
initiate the displaying of a message or messages regarding the
upcoming economic indicators for the current game. This method may
be based on short term as well as long term look forwards in the
timeline. This method may provide for including an erroneous factor
in the returned messages in order to simulate the sometimes
unpredictable real world economics.
[0095] For example, but not limited to it may say that "After a
quick increase economist see interest rates going back down" to
represent interest rates increasing for the next few periods and
then heading down". These messages are defined in method 130
(Define game parameters).
[0096] Method 310 may provide for the messages to be cryptic
messages in order to simulate real world situations where investors
may have to analyze the message in order to make an educated guess
on the direction of the economic index.
[0097] Method 310 may provide for the messages to give exact
numbers on the upcoming economic indicators. This may be used for,
but not limited to the better illustration for the user as to how
relationships between the economic indicators and the investment
interact.
[0098] Method 322 (Display message) will display or return the
messages. These messages may be returned in various formats such
as, but not limited to text, formatted text, computer file(s),
electronic signal, video and audio or any combination therein.
FIG. 9--Borrowing
[0099] In FIG. 9, an interactive strategic method for showing
investment strategies in accordance with one embodiment of this
invention method 400 (Borrowing) provides for a user to incur debt
and to pay on outstanding debt. This method may provide for a user
to incur debt when purchasing an investment or investments in whole
or part. This method may provide for a user to incur debt in
anticipation of purchasing an investment or investments.
[0100] Method 400 may provide for the repayment of debt as well as
consolidation of debts and modifications of terms or some
combination.
[0101] This method may also provide for the borrowing from other
users or the lending to other users or both. This method may
provide for collection processes and recovery processes.
[0102] This method may also provide for the charging of interest if
a user incurs debt. This method may also provide for the
establishment of interest rates at various points along the
timeline or as a relationship to an economic index.
[0103] Unless it's not physically possible, the described
embodiments of this novel: invention are envisioned by the inventor
to be performed in any sequence and/or combination and the
components of items of these embodiments may be combined in any
manner.
[0104] While the inventor has described the preferred embodiments
of this novel invention, many variations and modifications are
possible and the embodiments described herein are not limited by
the specific disclosure above, but rather should be limited only by
the scope and the appended claims and legal equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *