2. Description of the Related Art The securities trading industry has burgeoned since the advent of the Internet. Many companies offer securities trading services through a variety of automated methods, such as through a telephone or a computer system. The placement of orders to buy or sell securities may be done through the use of an order entry screen on a computer system. Before placing an order, a trader of securities may review technical analysis data to aid in making trading decisions. As used herein, a"security"is an investment instrument, issued by a corporation, government, or other organization which offers evidence of debt or equity (e. g. , stocks, options contracts, futures, bonds, mutual<BR> funds, and other investments). As used herein, "technical analysis"is a method of evaluating securities by relying on<BR> the assumption that market data (e. g. , charts of price, volume, and open interest) may help predict future (usually relatively short-term) market trends.

Prior to the 1930s securities laws requiring full disclosure of company information, professional securities trading was primarily accomplished by physically monitoring on price activity. More recently, technical analysts have observed market fluctuations and discovered patterns or indicators that appear to be useful in making buy and sell decisions. Typically, this technical analysis is done using a computer system. Watching market trends and providing indicators derived from price fluctuations may be useful to traders of securities making buy or sell decisions.

To make this technical analysis more useful in the time-critical world of day-trading, it is desirable to provide a method for presenting technical analysis data in real-time. As used herein, "real-time"indicates a response to stimuli<BR> within some relatively small upper limit of response time (e. g. , seconds or minutes). Moreover, given the quantity of information potentially available to traders, it is also desirable to provide a method to allow a trader of securities to customize the display of this data in real-time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides various embodiments of an improved method and system for displaying information about securities.

In one embodiment, the invention may provide a trader of securities real-time access to market trend information regarding prices of securities. Additionally, information such as indicators derived from prices of the securities may be provided to the trader of securities. In another embodiment of the present invention, the trader of securities may be given the ability to customize how information is displayed to assist the trader in making buy/sell decisions. In another embodiment, particular activity may trigger audio cues (i. e. , sounds) to alert the trader of the

activity. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the trader of securities may be given the ability to customize the content of the information that is displayed so that only the securities, prices, indicators, or other information that is configured to be displayed is filtered for display to the user.

For example, a computer system (e. g. , a personal computer, a laptop computer, a cellular telephone, a pager) or some other means of receiving information may be configured to receive relevant information. Upon receipt of the information, the computer system may be described as an interface and may display the information to the trader of securities. In one embodiment, the relevant information received by the trader's computer system may be used to derive other indicators or information regarding predicted future movement of a particular security and/or the market in general. In one embodiment, the present invention may offer a choice of any of multiple indicators to be displayed to a trader depending on the trader's configuration. In one embodiment, the trader may configure the interface to display relevant information regarding selected securities. In another embodiment, the list of indicators available may be updated to provide the trader more choices.

In one embodiment, multiple instances of the present invention may be used concurrently by a single trader using a single interface for the purpose of monitoring particular indicators or groups of indicators in separate display windows. In one embodiment, multiple instances of the present invention may be used concurrently by a single <BR> <BR> trader using a single interface for the purpose of monitoring particular securities (e. g. , stocks) or groups of securities in separate display windows. In one embodiment, multiple instances of the present invention may be used concurrently by a single trader using a single interface where each instance may be configured to display information differently.

In one embodiment, real-time access to market trend information regarding price fluctuations of securities may be accomplished via the Internet and data may be transferred from an Internet server as the source to a user interface as the destination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a network diagram of a wide area network suitable for implementing various embodiments; Figure 2 is an illustration of a typical computer system suitable for implementing various embodiments; Figures 3 (a) -3 (d) are screenshots of a series of computerized monitoring of securities windows ("Eyes") according to one embodiment; Figure 4 is an"Eyes"screenshot after a right click to bring up menu options according to one embodiment; Figure 5 is a screenshot of a first configuration window ("Eyes Preferences") according to a first embodiment; Figure 6 is an"Eyes"screenshot of a second configuration window ("Show/Hide Columns") according to one embodiment; Figure 7 is an"Eyes"screenshot of another configuration window ("Layouts Setup") according to one embodiment ; Figure 8 is an"Eyes"screenshot with multiple indicators configured to be displayed according to one embodiment; Figures 9 (a) -9 (d) are screenshots of multiple instances of"Eyes", each providing different information, according to one embodiment;

Figure 10 is a screenshot of a fist configuration window ("Eyes Preferences") according to a second embodiment; and Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying information about securities in real-time and monitoring indicators of securities in real-time according to one embodiment.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS As used herein, a trade price, or price of a security is the price of a transaction for that security. As used herein, an opening price of a security is the price of the first transaction for that security at the beginning of a given trading session. As used herein, a closing price of a security is the price of the last transaction for that security at the end of a given trading session.

As used herein, volume of a security is the number of shares or other instruments (e. g. , bonds, contracts) that have been traded during a given time period, usually a given trading session. Volume of an entire exchange may also be computed. Trading volume is synonymous with the term volume.

As used herein, a bid price is the highest price that any buyer is willing to pay for a given security at a given time. Conversely, an ask price is the lowest price that any seller is willing to accept for a given security at a given time.

Figure 1: Wide Area Network Figure 1 illustrates a wide area network (WAN) according to one embodiment. WAN 102 is a network that spans a relatively large geographical area. The Internet is an example of WAN 102. WAN 102 typically includes a plurality of computer systems which are interconnected through one or more networks. Although one particular configuration is shown in Figure 1, WAN 102 may include a variety of heterogeneous computer systems and networks which are interconnected in a variety of ways and which run a variety of software applications.

One or more local area networks (LANs) 104 may be coupled to WAN 102. A LAN 104 is a network that spans a relatively small area. Typically, a LAN 104 is confined to a single building or group of buildings. Each <BR> <BR> node (i. e. , individual computer system or device) on a LAN 104 preferably has its own CPU with which it executes programs, and each node is also able to access data and devices anywhere on the LAN 104. The LAN 104 thus <BR> <BR> allows many users to share devices (e. g. , printers) as well as data stored on file servers. The LAN 104 may be<BR> characterized by any of a variety of types of topology (i. e. , the geometric arrangement of devices on the network),<BR> of protocols (i. e. , the rules and encoding specifications for sending data, and whether the network uses a peer-to-<BR> peer or client/server architecture), and of media (e. g. , twisted-pair wire, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, radio waves).

Each LAN 104 includes a plurality of interconnected computer systems and optionally one or more other devices: for example, one or more workstations 110a, one or more personal computers 112a, one or more laptop or notebook computer systems 114, one or more server computer systems 116, and one or more network printers 118.

As illustrated in Figure 1, an example LAN 104 may include one of each of computer systems 110a, 112a, 114, and

116, and one printer 118. The LAN 104 may be coupled to other computer systems and/or other devices and/or other LANs 104 through WAN 102.

One or more mainfiame computer systems 120 may be coupled to WAN 102. As shown, the mainframe 120 may be coupled to a storage device or file server 124 and mainframe terminals 122a, 122b, and 122c. The mainframe terminals 122a, 122b, and 122c may access data stored in the storage device or file server 124 coupled to or included in the mainframe computer system 120.

WAN 102 may also include computer systems which are connected to WAN 102 individually and not through a LAN 104: as illustrated, for purposes of example, a workstation 1 lOb and a personal computer 112b. For example, WAN 102 may include computer systems which are geographically remote and connected to each other through the Internet.

Figure 2: Typical computer system Figure 2 illustrates a typical computer system 150 which is suitable for implementing various embodiments of a system and method for computerized monitoring of securities. Each computer system 150 typically includes components such as a CPU 152 with an associated memory medium such as floppy disks 160.

The memory medium may store program instructions for computer programs, wherein the program instructions are executable by the CPU 152. The computer system 150 may further include a display device such as a monitor 154, an alphanumeric input device such as a keyboard 156, and a directional input device such as a mouse 158. The computer system 150 may be operable to execute the computer programs to implement monitoring of securities as described herein.

The computer system 150 preferably includes a memory medium on which computer programs according to various embodiments may be stored. The term"memory medium"is intended to include an installation medium, e. g. , a CD-ROM, or floppy disks 160, a computer system memory such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc., <BR> <BR> or a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic media, e. g. , a hard drive, or optical storage. The memory medium may include other types of memory as well, or combinations thereof. In addition, the memory medium may be located in a first computer in which the programs are executed, or may be located in a second different computer which connects to the first computer over a network. In the latter instance, the second computer provides the program instructions to the first computer for execution. Also, the computer system 150 may take various forms, including a personal computer system, mainframe computer system, workstation, network appliance, Internet appliance, personal digital assistant (PDA), television system or other device. In general, the term"computer system"can be broadly defined to encompass any device having a processor which executes instructions from a memory medium.

The memory medium preferably stores a software program or programs for monitoring of securities as described herein. The software program (s) may be implemented in any of various ways, including procedure-based techniques, component-based techniques, and/or object-oriented techniques, among others. For example, the software program may be implemented using ActiveX controls, C++ objects, JavaBeans, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), browser-based applications (e. g. , Java applets), traditional programs, or other technologies or methodologies, as desired.

A CPU, such as the host CPU 152, executing code and data from the memory medium includes a means for creating and executing the software program or programs according to the methods and/or block diagrams described below.

Figures 3 (a) -3 (d): Eyes

Figures 3 (a) -3 (d) illustrate the user perspective of the operation of computerized monitoring of securities windows ("Eyes") according to one embodiment. From one drawing to the next, information scrolls downwards with new reported indicators displayed at the top of the screen, as prices fluctuate. In one embodiment, scrolling may be configured either upward or downward through the Eyes Preferences window (refer to Figures 5 and 10).

As shown in Figure 3 (a), the two most recent reported indicators were both recorded at 11 : 31: 15am. The most recent reported indicator is shown as security symbol SGR at price 45 5/8 with the indicator noted in the text as"new low bid". Similarly, the second most recent reported indicator is shown as security symbol SBC at price 41 <BR> <BR> 7/8 with the indicator noted in the text as"Crossed down". Figures 3 (b) -3 (d) illustrate snapshots of the Eyes window later in time during the same trading session as shown in Figure 3 (a). Figure 3 (b) was captured at 11: 31: 19am, Figure 3 (c) was captured at 11 : 31: 22am, and Figure 3 (d) was captured at 11 : 31: 33am. As can be seen in Figure 3 (b), the SGR and SBC indicator lines appear below indicators for the following securities: CSGS (two indicators), REI-C, HRZ, and HCR. Thus, five indicators were generated during the four seconds between the time that Figure 3 (a) was captured and the time that Figure 3 (b) was captured. It is noted that the last five lines of <BR> <BR> indicators at the bottom of the screen in Figure 3 (a) are not shown in Figure 3 (b) (i. e. , NPIX, PCSA, SPOT (three<BR> indicators) ). However, the scroll bar shown in Figure 3 (b) may be used to display these five indicators, among others. Similarly, Figure 3 (c) includes eleven indicators that were generated during the three seconds between the time that Figure 3 (b) was captured and the time that Figure 3 (c) was captured, namely, indicators for the following securities: RSYS, HI, $LXH. X LMNX, TMBR, TMBR, INOD, INOD, BCF, TMBR, DRXR. Figure 3 (d) includes seven indicators that were generated during the eleven seconds between the time that Figure 3 (c) was captured and the time that Figure 3 (d) was captured, namely, indicators for the following securities: RATL, FLRE, AFCI, RSYS, TLXS, TLXS, SSTI.

If a trader sets the preference"Scroll Up"through the Eyes Preferences window (refer to Figures 5 and 10), then the information may scroll upwards, with new reported indicators displayed at the top of the screen, as <BR> <BR> prices fluctuate. In one embodiment, the information may be configured to not scroll (i. e. , remain static), with new reported indicators replacing older indicators.

In one embodiment with static indicator reports, new indicator reports for a particular indicator may only replace older indicator reports for that indicator. For example, if the last New High was for security AA with price 189 1/4 and the latest New High is for security BB with price 87 5/16 then the New High indicator report for security AA would be replaced with the New High indicator report for security BB.

In another embodiment with static indicator reports, a new indicator report for a particular security may only replace an older indicator report for the same security. For example, if the last indicator report for security AA with price 189 1/4 was a New High Ask and the latest indicator report for security AA is a New High at price 189 1/4, then the new indicator report for the New High for security AA would replace the New High Ask indicator report for security AA.

There are a number of ways in which the information may be transmitted to the user interface. In one embodiment, with the purpose of minimizing bandwidth use between the user interface and the source of information, all indicators may be computed at the source of information with only individual lines of text, as they appear to the user, being sent to the user interface for display. Computation of the indicators at the source of information may minimize the computing power required on the trader's computer system. This embodiment may require significant computing power at the source of information, particularly as the number of users grows. Under

a centralized system as described in this embodiment, changes to user preferences that would affect the quantity and quality of the information may be transmitted to the source of information so that only relevant data may be subsequently transmitted to the trader's computer system. However, user preference changes such as which columns to show or hide may remain on the trader's computer system, and may not be transmitted to the computer system where the computation takes place (i. e. , the source of information).

In another embodiment, to minimize the computing power required at the source computer system, all fundamental data may be transmitted in raw form (current prices, sell offers, buy offers, etc. ) to the trader's computer system. The user interface may then filter, refine, and otherwise compute relevant indicators and other information from the data received before displaying the computed information. This embodiment may require significant bandwidth to process the transmission of data.

In another embodiment, a hybrid of the previous two embodiments may be implemented, where the user interface may essentially act as a filter of information. This solution may require substantial bandwidth for transmission, but less computing power at the trader's computer system.

In other embodiments, various combinations of computation at the source of information or at the destination (i. e. , the trader's computer system) may be implemented to achieve solutions within the constraints of particular user situations and demands. The source of information may be configured to transmit differently to different trader's computer systems. In any combination of computation distribution, however, the information displayed to the trader, may be comparable and equally configurable.

Figure 4: Eyes Menu Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention where a right click on the"Eyes"window may result in a pop-up window containing menu options being displayed. The menu options may include:"Always On Top, ""Set Preferences, ""Show/Hide Columns, ""Link Windows, ""Clear Eyes, ""Save Window Layout,"and<BR> "Open Windows Layout, "as shown in Figure 4.

The option"Always On Top"may be toggled on or off as indicated by the presence or the absence of a clieckmark. As shown in Figure 4, the"Always On Top"option is preceded by a checkmark."Always On Top"is a graphical user interface (GUI) functionality that ensures a particular window does not get covered in part or in whole by windows that have not been configured to be"Always On Top." The option"Set Preferences"may open an Eyes Preferences pop-up window. A first embodiment of the Eyes Preferences pop-up window is shown in Figure 5; a second embodiment of the Eyes Preferences pop-up window is shown in Figure 10. Similarly, the option"Show/Hide Columns"may open another pop-up window, the Show/Hide Columns pop-up window, as shown in Figure 6.

The option"Link Windows"may open another pop-up window that may enable linking the information with other compatible tools, windows, and/or applications. For example, "Eyes"may be linked to Charting functionality windows so that graphs, charts, and/or other graphical information of trading information may be displayed for particular user-specified securities. One embodiment of the present invention may be used in combination with other components to facilitate day-trading of securities and other activities that would benefit from real-time access to market trend information regarding price fluctuations of securities. In one embodiment, the present invention may be part of a package of day-trading tools that complement each other to provide traders

different perspectives on market trends in an effort to assist the trader in making buy/sell decisions for various securities.

The option"Clear Eyes"may clear all indicator reports currently displayed in the"Eyes"window.

The option"Save Window Layout"may open another pop-up window, the"Layouts Setup"window, as shown in Figure 7. The"Layouts Setup"window may allow a trader to save the current layout and the current options. In one embodiment, saving preferences may require naming the particular preferences being saved. In one embodiment, the title bar of the Eyes window may reflect the name under which a set of preferences is saved (e. g., the title bar in Figure 4 shows"Eyesl"as the name of the saved window preferences ;"Eyesl"also appears in the list in Figure 7 of available window layouts).

The option"Open Windows Layout"may also open the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window, as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, a separate pop-up window, similar to the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window, may be opened.

The"Layouts Setup"window may allow a trader to retrieve a previously saved window layout and options. In one embodiment, restoring a previously saved window layout may cause the title bar of the Eyes window to be changed to the name of the selected previously saved window layout.

Figure 5: Eyes Preferences Window: a first embodiment The"Eyes Preferences"pop-up window may appear when a trader selects the"Set Preferences"option, as noted in Figure 4 according to one embodiment.

Figure 5 illustrates configuration options or indicators, according to one embodiment. The indicators <BR> <BR> shown in Figure 5 include:"New Highs,""New High Ask, ""Highs Most Active, ""52 Week Highs,""New Lows, "<BR> "New Low Bid, ""Lows Most Active, ""52 Week Lows, ""Locked Up, ""Locked Down, ""Crossed Up,""Crossed<BR> Down,""Whiplash,""Whiplash Down, ""Breakout, ""Breakdown,""Narrowing Spread, ""Trading Above,"<BR> "Trading Below, ""Volume Move Up, "and"Volume Move Down"indicators. Additional indicators (not shown in<BR> Figure 5) may include :"Consolidation,""Channel Breakout,""Channel Breakdown,""Up Trend, ""Down Trend,"<BR> "30 Minute Breakout, ""30 Minute Breakdown, "and"Volume Spike"among others. Of these additional<BR> indicators, the following are shown in Figure 10 :"Consolidation,""Channel Breakout, ""Channel Breakdown," "Up Trend,""Down Trend". Indicators may be added and/or deleted as the need and/or availability occurs.

In one embodiment, selected indicators for display on the trader's computer system may be marked with a check in the appropriate box next to the text of the name of the indicator. As shown in Figure 5, the following <BR> <BR> indicators are marked with a check :"New Highs, ""New High Ask, ""Highs Most Active, ""52 Week Highs,"<BR> "New Lows, ""New Low Bid, ""Lows Most Active, ""52 Week Lows, ""Locked Up, ""Locked Down,""Crossed<BR> Up, "and"Crossed Down."In one embodiment, a trader may use multiple instances of the"Eyes Preferences"pop- up window, using various strategies for sorting the checkmarks among the multiple instances of the"Eyes Preferences"pop-up window. For example, a trader may use two instances of the"Eyes Preferences"pop-up window: the first instance having checkmarks for the positive indicators, and the second instance having checkmarks for the negative indicators. This example is illustrated in Figures 9 (a) -9 (d).

As used herein, a"New High"indicates that the last trade price is higher than the previous high price. If a new high is reached within a given trading session, it is listed simply as a"New High". For example, if the last trade price is 64 1/8 for security ABC, and the previous high price for security ABC within the same trading session <BR> <BR> was 63 1/2, then there is a New High. Similarly, a designation of a time period (e. g. , days, weeks, months, quarters,

years) may be added to the indicator text for display to the trader when a new high is reached over a time period greater than one day (i. e. , the previous high price was reached in a trading session prior to the current trading session). It is noted that the time period designation may be used for many of the indicators. For example, if the last trade price is 86 7/8 for security DEF, and the previous high price for security DEF occurred four days (or four trading sessions) ago, then there is a New 4 Day High.

As used herein, a"New High Ask"indicates that the last ask price is higher than the previous high ask price. If a new high ask is reached within a given trading session, it is listed simply as a"New High Ask". For example, if the last ask price is 21 3/8 for security GHI, and the previous high ask price for security GHI within the same trading session was 21 1/8, then there is a New High Ask. An example that includes a designation of a time period: if the last ask price is 46 7/8 for security JKL, and the previous high ask price for security JKL occurred two weeks (or ten trading sessions) ago, then there is a New 2 Week High Ask.

As used herein, a"High Most Active"indicates that the last trade price is higher than the previous high price, and the security is a member of a list of"Most Active"securities. If a new high is reached within a given trading session and the security reaching the new high is a member of the list of"Most Active"securities, the new high is listed simply as a"New High Most Active". For example, if the last trade price is 64 1/8 for security ABC, and the previous high price for security ABC within the same trading session was 63 1/2, then there is a New High.

The time period designation noted earlier may be used for a"High Most Active"security (i. e. ,"New 2 Day High Most Active").

The list of"Most Active"securities is derived by identifying securities which meet certain criteria (e. g., largest gainers, largest percentage gainers, largest losers, largest percentage losers, largest volume, largest percentage volume). Some of the criteria may be user-definable (e. g. , an over-riding minimum of a certain dollar amount for each security, an over-riding three-day volume average for each security). The"Most Active"securities may be derived from all securities meeting the over-riding user-definable values that are traded on all exchanges.

Alternatively, the trader may be able to further limit the universe under observation by limiting the"Most Active" list to be derived from securities listed on a particular exchange or set of exchanges, or from a list of user-defmed securities (e. g. , the securities which the trader either owns or has an interest in following for purposes of possible purchase in the future).

As used herein, a"52 Week High"indicates that the last trade price is a"New High"and is the highest price the security has reached over the last year. For example, if the last trade price is 94 1/8 for security MNO, and security MNO has never traded as high as 94 1/8 during the previous 52 weeks, then there is a 52 Week High. It is noted that"52 Week High"is not the same designation as"New 52 Week High". For example, if a new high is recorded each day in one week (i. e. , Monday's new high is 45, Tuesday's new high is 46, Wednesday's new high is 47, Thursday's new high is 48, and Friday's new high is 49), where during the previous 52 weeks the security never traded above Monday's high (46), then each successive new high is also a 52 week high. However, a"New 52 Week High"is always also a"52 Week High" (i. e. , if the last trade price is 52 7/8 for security PQR, and the previous high price for security PQR occurred 52 weeks ago, then there is a New 52 Week High which also is a 52 Week High).

As used herein, a"New Low"indicates that the last trade price is lower than the previous low price. If a new low is reached within a given trading session, it is listed simply as a"New Low". For example, if the last trade price is 41 3/4 for security STU, and the previous low price for security STU within the same trading session was

41 7/8, then there is a New Low. Another example that includes a designation of a time period is if the last trade price is 6 1/2 for security VWX, and the previous low price for security VWX occurred two days (or two trading sessions) ago, then there is a New 2 Day Low.

As used herein, a"New Low Bid"indicates that the last bid price is lower than the previous low bid price.

If a new low bid is reached within a given trading session, it is listed simply as a"New Low Bid". For example, if the last bid price is 22 3/8 for security YZA, and the previous low bid price for security YZA within the same trading session was 23, then there is a New Low Bid. An example that includes a designation of a time period: if the last bid price is 36 1/8 for security BGD, and the previous low bid price for security BCD occurred three weeks (or fifteen trading sessions) ago, then there is a New 3 Week Low Bid.

As used herein, a"Low Most Active"indicates that the last trade price is lower than the previous low price, and the security is a member of a list of"Most Active"securities, similar to the"High Most Active" indicator. If a new low is reached within a given trading session and the security reaching the new low is a member of the list of"Most Active"securities, the new low is listed simply as a"New Low Most Active". For example, if the last trade price is 41 3/8 for security EFG, and the previous low price for security EFG within the same trading session was 41 1/2, then there is a New Low. The time period designation noted earlier may be used for a"Low Most Active"security (i. e. ,"New 2 Month Low Most Active").

As used herein, a"52 Week Low"indicates that the last trade price is a"New Low"and is the lowest price the security has reached over the last year. For example, if the last trade price is 12 for security HIJ, and security HIJ has never traded as low as 12 during the previous 52 weeks, then there is a 52 Week Low. <BR> <BR> <P>As used herein, "Locked Up"indicates that the bid price has moved upward to the point that the last bid<BR> price is exactly equal to the last ask price (i. e. , the bid price and the ask price are from two different marketmakers).<BR> <P>For example, if the last ask price is 25 for security KLM and the bid price for security KLM moves up (i. e. , from<BR> some value below 25) to the point where it is exactly equal to the last ask price (i. e. , 25), then there is a Locked Up condition. <BR> <BR> <P>Similarly, "Locked Down"indicates that the ask price has moved downward to the point that the last ask<BR> price is exactly equal to the last bid price (i. e. , the bid price and the ask price are from two different marketmakers).

For example, if the last bid price is 47 7/16 for security NOP and the ask price for security NOP moves down (i. e., <BR> <BR> from some value above 47 7/16) to the point where it is exactly equal to the last bid price (i. e. , 47 7/16), then there is a Locked Down condition. <BR> <BR> <P>As used herein, "Crossed Up"indicates that the bid price has moved upward to the point that the last bid<BR> price is greater than the last ask price (i. e. , the bid price has moved above the ask price). For example, if the last ask<BR> price is 64 for security QRS and the bid price for security QRS moves up (i. e. , from some value below 64) to the<BR> point where the last bid price is greater than the last ask price (i. e. , the last bid price is 64 1/8), then there is a Crossed Up condition. <BR> <BR> <P>Similarly, "Crossed Down"indicates that the ask price has moved downward to the point that the last ask<BR> price is less than the last bid price (i. e. , the ask price has moved below the bid price). For example, if the last bid<BR> price is 33 1/4 for security TUV and the ask price for security TUV moves down (i. e. , from some value above 33 1/4) to the point where the last ask price is less than the last bid price (i. e :, the last ask price is 33), then there is a Crossed Down condition.

As used herein, "Whiplash"indicates a special case of the"New High"indicator. Typically, a"Whiplash" condition exists when five criteria are met: 1) a"New High"has been reached; 2) today's opening price is a half percentage point below yesterday's low price (e, g. , for security WXY, if yesterday's low is 100, and today's<BR> opening price is 99.50) ; 3) the"New High"is greater than yesterday's closing price (e. g. , for security WXY, if<BR> yesterday's closing price is 102, and the"New High"is 103); 4) there is a tight bid/ask spread (i. e. , the difference between the bid price and the ask price is less than or equal to one percentage point of the last trade price; for security WXY, for example, if the last trade price is 103, the bid price is 102 7/8 and the ask price is 103 3/8); and 5) the 3 day average volume is greater than 30,000 shares.

Similarly,"Whiplash Down"indicates a special case of the"New Low"indicator. Typically, a"Whiplash Down"condition exists when five criteria are met: 1) a"New Low"has been reached; 2) today's opening price is a half percentage point above yesterday's high price (e. g. , for security ZAB, if yesterday's high is 100, and today's<BR> opening price is 100.50) ; 3) the"New Low"is less than yesterday's closing price (e. g. , for security ZAB, if yesterday's closing price is 99, and the"New Low"is 98) ; 4) there is a tight bid/ask spread (e. g., for security ZAB, if the last trade price is 98, the bid price is 97 1/2 and the ask price is 98 1/8) ; and 5) the 3 day average volume is greater than 30,000 shares.

As used herein, a"Breakout"indicates that the daily high price for three of the last four trading sessions (i. e. , days) has been within 0. 6125% of the four day high and a new high has been reached (i. e., a price greater than that four day high). A"Breakout"may also be referred to as breaking through a resistance level. For example, if security CDE had a day 1 high price of 50, a day 2 high price of 49, a day 3 high price of 50 1/4, a day 4 high price of 50 1/8, and a day 5 high price of 50 3/4, then there is a Breakout condition.

Similarly, a"Breakdown"indicates that the daily low price for three of the last four trading sessions (i. e., days) has been within 0. 6125% of the four day low and a new low has been reached (i. e. , a price less than that four day low). A"Breakdown"may also be referred to as breaking through a support level. For example, if security FGH had a day 1 low price of 100 1/2, a day 2 low price of 100, a day 3 low price of 100 1/4, a day 4 low price of 101 1/4, and a day 5 low price of 99, then there is a Breakdown condition. <BR> <BR> <P>As used herein, a"Narrowing Spread"indicates that the spread difference (i. e. , the difference between the<BR> ask price and the bid price) is greater than or equal to 3/4 ($0.75) in the previous quote (i. e. , the previous pair of highest bid price and lowest ask price available for a particular security) and less than or equal to 3/8 ($0.375) in the current quote. For example, if in the previous quote the lowest ask price for security I3K was 21 7/8 and the highest bid price was 21'1/8 (i. e. , the spread is 3/4), and in the current quote the lowest ask price for security IJK is 21 1/2<BR> and the highest bid price is 21 1/4 (i. e. , the spread is 1/4) then there is a Narrowing Spread condition.<BR> <P>As used herein, "Trading Above"indicates that the last trade was a New High, and that the price at which the last trade was executed was above the ask price. For example, if the following values exist for security LMN : previous high price: 39 1/4; ask price: 39 1/2 ; last trade price : 40; new high price: 40, then there is a Trading Above condition.

Similarly,"Trading Below"indicates that the last trade was a New Low, and that the price at which the last trade was executed was below the bid price. For example, if the following values exist for security OPQ: previous low price: 91 3/8; bid price : 91; last trade price: 88 7/8 ; new low price: 88 7/8, then there is a Trading Below condition.

As used herein,"Volume Move Up"indicates that a security has a New High and the total volume for the current trading session is at least 1.5 times the securities 3 day average volume. For example, if the volume of security RST was 1,000, 000 on day 1, 800, 000 on day 2, and 900, 000 on day 3 (i. e. , 3 day average volume is 900,000) and on day 4 security RST reaches a New High along with a volume of 1,400, 000 (at least 1.5 times its 3 day average volume), then there is a Volume Move Up condition.

As used herein, "Volume Move Down"indicates that a security has a New Low and the total volume for the current trading session is at least 1.5 times the securities 3 day average volume. For example, if the volume of security UVW was 122,200, 000 on day 1,120, 456,000 on day 2, and 130,010, 000 on day 3 (i. e. , 3 day average volume is 124,222, 000) and on day 4 security UVW reaches a New Low along with a volume of 211,177, 400 (at least 1.5 times its 3 day average volume), then there is a Volume Move Down condition.

As used herein, "Volume Spike"indicates that the volume of shares traded per second of a particular security has drastically changed, either considerably more volume or considerably less volume. For example, if the volume of shares of security XYZ traded at 13 : 11 : 45 was 2, 000, and the volume of shares of security XYZ traded at 13: 11: 52 was 20,000, then there is a Volume Spike condition.

As used herein,"Consolidation"indicates that a security has been trading within a one percent range for a period of time, typically at least 30 minutes. While a security continues to consolidate (i. e. , continues to trade within a one percent range beyond a specified period of time), an indication that the security is still consolidating may be repeated, at intervals. In one embodiment, at approximately 30 minutes intervals. For example, if security AB had been trading between 124 1/4 and 125 1/2 (i. e. , within a 1% range) for a period of 90 minutes, then that security is consolidating. During those 90 minutes, an alert may be presented to the trader three times (i. e., approximately once every 30 minutes). Additionally, the number of minutes during which security AB is consolidating may be reported.

As used herein,"Channel Breakout"indicates that a security which has been consolidating for more than 30 minutes is followed by a breaking of the consolidation, on the upward side. For example, if security CD had been trading between 224 and 226 (within a 1% range) for a period of 50 minutes, then that security is consolidating. If security CD then begins to trade at 230, then there is a Channel Breakout condition.

As used herein,"Channel Breakdown"indicates that a security which has been consolidating for more than 30 minutes is followed by a breaking of the consolidation, on the downward side. For example, if security EF had been trading between 36 1/2 and 36 3/4 (within a 1% range) for a period of 40 minutes, then that security is consolidating. If security EF then begins to trade at 34, then there is a Channel Breakdown condition.

As used herein, "Up Trend"indicates that the closing price of a security has been consecutively higher for three days or more, and the 3 day volume average of the security is greater than 1.5 times the 30 day volume average of the security. For example, if security GH closed at 30 on day 1, 31 on day 2,32 on day 3, and is trading at a price higher than 32 on day 4, along with a 3 day volume average of 1,600, 000 and a 30 day volume average of 1,000, 000, then there is a 4 Day Up Trend condition.

As used herein,"Down Trend"indicates that the closing price of a security has been consecutively lower for three days or more, and the 3 day volume average of the security is greater than 1.5 times the 30 day volume average of the security. For example, if security IJ closed at 15 on day 1,14 on day 2,13 on day 3,12 on day 4, and is trading at a price lower than 12 on day 5, along with a 3 day volume average of 980,500 and a 30 day volume average of 575,000, then there is a 5 Day Down Trend condition.

As used herein,"30 Minute Breakout"indicates that a security has reached a new high price that is greater than the high price of the first 30 minutes of trading of the current trading session. For example, if security KL opened at 55 on day 1, and after 30 minutes of trading the highest price reached during those first 30 minutes of trading was 56 1/4, and sometime after those first 30 minutes of trading security KL traded at 56 3/8, then there is a 30 Minute Breakout condition.

Similarly, "30 Minute Breakdown"indicates that a security has reached a new low price that is less than the low price of the first 30 minutes of trading of the current trading session. For example, if security MN opened at 49 on day 1, and after 30 minutes of trading the lowest price reached during those first 30 minutes of trading was 45 3/8, and sometime after those first 30 minutes of trading security MN traded at 45 1/8, then there is a 30 Minute Breakdown condition.

In one embodiment, the user may configure the text color and background color for each indicator. This color configuration may be used to make particular indicators stand out at a glance. A trader may reserve certain text and ! or background colors for particular indicators to specifically highlight those indicators. Text color and background color changes may be used to differentiate between various instances of the preferences window. A trader may also use colors to graduate indicators (e. g. , from dark to light, green to red, or some similar scheme) to reflect the indicators particular importance to that trader.

In one embodiment, selecting the current text color for an indicator may open a"Text Color"pop-up window. The"Text Color"pop-up window may include a list of available text colors from which a text color may be selected by the trader. Similarly, selecting the current background color for an indicator may open a "Background Color"pop-up window. The"Background Color"pop-up window may include a list of available background colors from which a background color may be selected by the trader.

In one embodiment, sound may be configured to play for particular indicators. A trader may use the sound option to be alerted when important information arrives without looking at the interface. In one embodiment, selecting a sound for an indicator may open a"Sound"pop-up window. The"Sound"pop-up window may include a list of available sounds from which a sound may be selected by the trader.

In one embodiment, a"Minimum Stock Price"field may be used to discriminate and/or filter out indicator reports for securities with prices that are below a particular value. For example, setting the Minimum Stock Price to 10, as shown in Figure 5, would filter out indicator reports for securities with a price lower than 10. Similarly, a "Maximum Stock Price"field may be used to discriminate and/or filter out indicator reports for securities with prices that are above a particular value. For example, setting the Maximum Stock Price to 150, as shown in Figure 5, would filter out indicator reports for securities with a price higher than 150. A trader may use both the Minimum Stock Price and Maximum Stock Price fields to selectively capture a particular range of prices for which the trader desires the indicator reported. In one embodiment, a"Minimum 3 Day Average"field may be used to discriminate and/or filter out indicator reports for securities with three day average volumes less than a particular number. For example, setting the Minimum 3 Day Average to 25,000, as shown in Figure 5, would filter out indicator reports for securities with 3 day average volumes that are less than 25,000. A trader may configure the"Minimum 3 Day Average"field to reflect the volume below which the trader thinks the trade volume is too light to accurately or meaningfully reflect any trend of interest to that trader.

In one embodiment, particular securities"Exchanges"may be selected for inclusion of securities traded on the selected exchanges in the indicator reporting windows. In one embodiment, a push-button in the preferences

window may open another pop-up window, the Exchanges pop-up window may list securities exchanges that may be selected or deselected by the trader. Typically, if an exchange is selected, the trader is indicating that the trader would like to see indicator reports for securities traded on the selected exchanges.

In one embodiment, the indicator reports may be configured to scroll downwards or scroll upwards, depending on the setting of the two radio push-buttons shown in Figure 5 with these captions:"Scroll Down"and"Scroll Up".

Radio push-buttons usually appear in graphical user interfaces when the choices available to a user are mutually exclusive. In other words, radio push-buttons appear in groups of at least two, and the user must choose only one of the radio push-buttons available. Generally, if a user attempts to choose a second radio push-button, the selection of the first radio push-button is removed, thereby leaving a single choice made by the user. As shown in Figure 5, the "Scroll Down"radio push-button is selected as the default choice (i. e., if the trader does not specify otherwise, the "Scroll Down"choice is chosen for the trader).

As shown in Figure 5, a checkbox labeled"Edit Symbols"may be used for the trader to configure a list of securities for which trader-selected indicator reports may be desired. In one embodiment, when the trader selects the checkbox a pop-up window may be opened. The"Edit Symbols"pop-up window may display entry fields for the trader to enter new securities symbols and/or the"Edit Symbols"pop-up window may display the current list of securities symbols previously chosen by the trader. The trader may add a security to the list by entering the security symbol in the entry field or remove a security from the list by selecting the security to be deleted: In one embodiment, the list may be used to filter out indicator reports for the particular securities symbols in the list.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the list may be used to display indicator reports for the particular securities symbols in the list.

Also shown in Figure 5, a checkbox labeled"Log Messages"may be used for the trader to indicate a desire to have the indicator reports logged. Reasons to log the indicator reports include : future analysis and backup. The logging may include writing the indicator reports to a file and/or a database. In one embodiment, when the trader selects the checkbox a pop-up window may be opened. The"Log Messages"pop-up window may display entry fields for the trader to enter a file name and/or database information. In one embodiment, a default file name may be used (i. e. , no entry for a file name may be required of the trader).

In one embodiment, an"OK"push-button may be selected to exit the preferences window and apply the preferences settings as configured in the window by the trader. Similarly, a"Cancel"push-button may be selected <BR> <BR> to exit the preferences window without applying the changes made to the preferences settings by the trader (i. e. , the preferences settings remain as they were before the preferences window was entered).

In one embodiment, a"Set Font"push-button may be selected. Selecting the"Set Font"push-button may open a"Set Font"pop-up window where particular fonts may be selected from a list of fonts that may be available.

In one embodiment, an"Apply"push-button may be selected to apply the preferences settings as configured in the window by the trader without exiting the preferences window. Thus, the"Apply"push-button has similar functionality as the"OK"push-button, with the one difference being that the preferences window remains open, for the trader to make additional changes, as desired.

Figure 6: Show/Hide Columns Window The"Show/Hide Columns"pop-up window may appear when a trader selects the"Show/Hide Columns" option, as noted in Figure 4, according to one embodiment.

Figure 6 illustrates the columns available for display (i. e.,"Show") for indicator reports, according to one embodiment. If the trader wishes to not display certain columns (i. e.,"Hide"those columns), the"Show/Hide Columns"pop-up window is where that choice is registered. As shown in Figure 6, the following columns may be toggled on or off (i. e.,"Show"or"Hide") :"Time,""Symbol,""Occurrences,""Price,"and"Text."Additional columns may be added, and columns may be deleted, from time to time. For each column, a default setting may be <BR> <BR> present (e. g. ,"S"for"Show","H"for"Hide"). The trader may switch the current setting for a particular column by<BR> selecting either the"Show"push-button (i. e. , if the current setting is"Hide") or by selecting the"Hide"push-button<BR> (i. e. , if the current setting is"Show").

In one embodiment, an"OK"push-button may be selected to exit the Show/Hide Columns window and apply the column settings as configured in the window by the trader. Similarly, a"Cancel"push-button may be selected to exit the Show/Hide Columns window without applying the changes made to the column settings by the trader (i. e. , the column settings remain as they were before the Show/Hide Columns window was entered).

In one embodiment, an"Apply"push-button may be selected to apply the column settings as configured in the window by the trader without exiting the Show/Hide Columns window. Thus, the"Apply"push-button has similar functionality as the"OK"push-button, with the one difference being that the Show/Hide Columns window remains open, for the trader to make additional changes, as desired.

Each of the columns listed in the Show/Hide Columns window refer to information that may be displayed ("Show") or suppressed ("Hide") when a particular indicator occurs for a particular security. The Time column may display the time at which the particular indicator occurs for a particular security. The Symbol column may display the security symbol for which the particular indicator occurs. The Occurrences column may display the number of occurrences of the particular indicator for the particular security symbol for the current trading session. <BR> <BR> <P>In some embodiments, occurrences may also be referred to as repeated occurrences (i. e. , the first occurrence of an indicator may be listed as occurrence"0", and each subsequent occurrence of the same indicator in the same trading session may increase the"occurrences"count by 1). The Price column may display the current price of the particular security for which the particular indicator occurs. The Text column may display a description of the <BR> <BR> particular indicator, including time designation modifiers where appropriate (e. g. , a time designation ("4 Day") for a "New High" :"New 4 Day High").

For example, if a trader has chosen to"Show"the Time, Symbol, Price, and Text columns, and to"Hide" the Occurrences column, indicators such as those shown in Figure 4 would result. As shown in Figure 4, a"New High"indicator occurred for Decode Genetics Incorporated (security symbol"DCGN") at 13: 07: 30 at price 24 5/16. The line from the Eyes window is shown in Figure 4 as:"13 : 07: 30 DCGN 24 5/16 NEW HIGH". Although not shown in Figure 6, the Show/Hide Columns window may, in one embodiment, allow the trader to rearrange the order of the columns (i. e. , rather than the columns be listed in the order: Time, Symbol, Price, Text, any other order may be chosen by the trader, for example: Text, Symbol, Price, Time). Additionally, although not shown in Figure 6, the Show/Hide Columns window may, in one embodiment, allow the trader to adjust the"case"of the text (e. g., Sentence case. , lowercase, UPPERCASE, Title Case, tOGGLE cASE, among others).

Figure 7: Layouts Setup Window The"Layouts Setup"pop-up window may appear when a trader selects either the"Save Window Layout" option or the"Open Windows Layout"option, as noted in Figure 4, according to one embodiment.

Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a"Layouts Setup"pop-up window that may enable a trader to save a window layout. In one embodiment, an area of the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window may provide a list of layouts or configurations that already exist under particular names (e. g. , Exchange, Eyesl, Financial, Studies, as shown in Figure 7). As shown in Figure 7, the area providing a list of layouts is labeled"Layouts". In one embodiment, when the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window is entered for the purposes of saving a new window layout, an entry field may be enabled. The trader may enter a layout name of the trader's choice in the entry field. As shown in Figure 7, the"Save As"push-button may be enabled when the entry field is modified and/or highlighted.

In one embodiment, a"Cancel"push-button may enable a trader to exit the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window without saving any changes made in the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window. In one embodiment, a"Save" push-button may be enabled when a particular layout name is selected from the list of existing layout names in the "Layouts"area of the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window. In one embodiment, a"Delete"push-button may be enabled when a particular layout configuration in the list of existing layout names in the"Layouts"area of the "Layouts Setup"pop-up window has been selected.

In one embodiment of a"Layouts Setup"pop-up window that may enable a trader to open a window layout, the "Save"push-button may be replaced by an"Open"push-button. In one embodiment, an area of the"Layouts Setup"pop-up window may provide a list of layouts or configurations that already exist under particular names (e. g., Exchange, Eyes 1, Financial, Studies, as shown in Figure 7). The"Open"push-button may be enabled when one of the layouts is selected. Upon subsequently selecting the"Open"push-button, the selected layout may then be loaded and/or restored.

In one embodiment, the title bar of the preferences window may be updated to reflect the selected and/or newly saved layout name. Thus, meaningful window layout names enable a trader to distinguish between various layout configurations and to quickly determine under which layout name the information is being provided. Refer to Figures 9 (a) -9 (d) for further discussion of multiple instances and configuration settings.

Figure 8: Single Instance of an"Eyes"Window with Multiple Indicators Selected Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of the"Eyes"window displaying the five columns of information available to a trader, as shown in the Show/Hide Columns pop-up window described in Figure 6. For example, there are two entries for the timestamp 12: 59: 37, as follows: Symbol: SDC; Occurrences: 15; Price: 39; Text: NEW HIGH ASK ; and Symbol: PAX; Occurrences: 0; Price: 12 5/8 ; Text: Locked UP. As noted in this example, the first occurrence of an indicator causes the"Occurrences"field to be set to zero, each subsequent occurrence increases the"Occurrences"count by 1, therefore, the NEW HIGH for security symbol SDC is shown as the 15'h occurrence, meaning it is actually the 16'i NEW HIGH for the current trading session. Similarly, the"Locked UP"condition noted for security symbol PAX is shown as the oth occurrence, meaning it is actually the 1st Locked UP condition for the current trading session.

All of the indicators shown in Figure 5 had been selected prior to capturing the data in Figure 8, including: "New Highs, ""New High Ask, ""Highs Most Active, ""52 Week Highs,""New Lows, ""New Low Bid,""Lows<BR> Most Active, ""52 Week Lows, ""Locked Up, ""Locked Down, ""Crossed Up, ""Crossed Down,""Whiplash,"<BR> "Whiplash Down,""Breakout,""Breakdown,"'Warrowing Spread, ""Trading Above, ""Trading Below,""Volume<BR> Move Up, "and"Volume Move Down"indicators. The text that is displayed in Figure 8 may sometimes be more descriptive than the name of the indicator. For example, there are two"Trading Below"entries in Figure 8, the first

"Trading Below"entry was recorded at 12: 59: 41 and includes the text:"Trading Below new low"for security symbol STN; the second"Trading Below"entry was recorded at 12: 59: 43 and includes the text:"Trading Below new 4 day low"for security symbol MDEA. Another example shown in Figure 8: there are two"Narrowing Spread"entries, the first"Narrowing Spread"entry was recorded at 12: 59: 19 and includes the text:"Narrowing <BR> <BR> Spread Bid inc. " (i. e., inc. represents the word"increasing") for security symbol MCDT; the second"Narrowing<BR> Spread"entry was recorded at 12: 59: 23 and includes the text:"Narrowing Spread Ask dec. " (i. e. , dec. represents the word"decreasing") for security symbol SIMG.

Figure 9 (a) -9 (d): Multiple Instances of"Eyes"Windows Figures 9 (a) and 9 (b) illustrate two concurrent instances of"Eyes"windows configured differently, according to one embodiment. The instance shown in Figure 9 (a) is configured to report negative indicators, such as"New Low", and the Figure 9 (a) instance window layout (as reflected in the title bar of the window) is appropriately named"Eyes Financial negative". Conversely, the instance shown in Figure 9 (b) is configured to report positive indicators, such as"New High", and the Figure 9 (b) instance window layout (as reflected in the title bar of the window) is appropriately named"Eyes Financial positive". Multiple"Eyes"instances such as Figures 9 (a) and 9 (b) may enable traders to discriminate and filter information more quickly and efficiently than a single "Eyes"instance. Further, saving the filtered information in separate logs may allow a trader to spot trends and/or make buy/sell decisions more quickly when reviewing the separate logs than if all the information was saved to a single log file.

Figure 9 (c) illustrates the configuration or preference settings of Figure 9 (a). Similarly, Figure 9 (d) illustrates the configuration or preference settings of Figure 9 (b). For both Figures 9 (c) and 9 (d), the"Minimum Stock Price"is set to 10, the"Maximum Stock Price"is set to 150, the"Minimum 3 Day Average"is set to 25,000, and the data is set to"Scroll Down". The negative indicators selected (i. e., checkmarks preceding the selected <BR> <BR> indicators) in Figure 9 (c) include:"New Highs,""New High Ask, ""Highs Most Active,""52 Week Highs,"<BR> "Locked Up,""Crossed Up,""Whiplash,""Breakout,""Trading Above, "and"Volume Move Up". The positive<BR> indicators selected (i. e., checkmarks preceding the selected indicators) in Figure 9 (d) include:"New Lows, ""New<BR> Low Bid, ""Lows Most Active,""52 Week Lows, ""Locked Down,""Crossed Down,""Whiplash Down, "<BR> "Breakdown, ""Trading Below, "and"Volume Move Down".

In one embodiment, more than two instances may be used concurrently. In one embodiment, instances may be configured to each display information regarding securities in different sectors (i. e., banking, retail, technology).

Figure 10: Eyes Preferences Window: a second embodiment The"Eyes Preferences"pop-up window may appear when a trader selects the"Set Preferences"option, as noted in Figure 4 according to one embodiment.

Figure 10 illustrates configuration options or indicators, according to one embodiment. The indicators shown in the embodiment of Figure 5 are also shown in Figure 10. Additionally, the following indicators also <BR> <BR> appear in Figure 10 :"Consolidation,""Channel Breakout,""Channel Breakdown, ""Up Trend,""Down Trend".

Indicators may be added and/or deleted as the need and/or availability occurs.

In one embodiment, selected indicators for display on the trader's computer system may be marked with a check in the appropriate box next to the text of the name of the indicator. As shown in Figure 10, the following <BR> <BR> indicators are marked with a check : "Highs Most Active, ""52 Week Highs, ""Lows Most Active, ""52 Week<BR> Lows,""Whiplash,""Break Out, ""Break Down, ""Volume Move Up,""Volume Move Down,""Consolidation,"<BR> "Up Trend, "and"Down Trend. "In one embodiment, a trader may use multiple instances of the"Eyes Preferences" pop-up window, using various strategies for sorting the checkmarks among the multiple instances of the"Eyes Preferences"pop-up window. For example, a trader may use two instances of the"Eyes Preferences"pop-up window: the first instance having checkmarks for the positive indicators, and the second instance having checkmarks for the negative indicators. This example is illustrated in Figures 9 (a) -9 (d).

The description under Figure 5 concerning text color, background color, and sound for each indicator also applies to the embodiment in Figure 10. The description under Figure 5 concerning the fields:"Minimum Stock <BR> <BR> Price", "Maximum Stock Price", and"Minimum 3 Day Average"also applies to the embodiment in Figure 10. The description under Figure 5 concerning the"Exchanges"push-button also applies to the embodiment in Figure 10.

The description regarding scrolling under Figure 5 also applies to the embodiment in Figure 10. The description regarding the checkboxes"Edit Symbols"and"Log Messages"under Figure 5 also applies to the embodiment in Figure 10. The description under Figure 5 concerning the"OK","Cancel","Set Font", and"Apply"push-buttons also applies to the embodiment in Figure 10.

Two fields that are shown in the embodiment of Figure 10 do not appear in the embodiment of Figure 5, namely: a "Maximum Bid/Ask Spread"field and Minimum Consolidation Time"field. In one embodiment, a"Maximum Bid/Ask Spread"field may be used to discriminate and/or filter out indicator reports for securities with a spread <BR> <BR> (i. e. , the difference between the ask price and the bid price) that is greater than a particular value. For example, setting the Maximum BidlAsk Spread to 1/2, as shown in Figure 10, would filter out indicator reports for securities with a spread greater than 1/2. In one embodiment, a"Minimum Consolidation Time"field may be used to discriminate and/or filter out indicator reports for securities which have been consolidating for a particular period of time, typically the time measurement is in minutes. For example, setting the Minimum Consolidation Time to 200 (minutes), as shown in Figure 10, would filter out indicator reports for securities which have been consolidating for 200 or less minutes.

Figure 11: Displaying information about securities Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying information about securities in real-time and monitoring indicators of securities in real-time, according to one embodiment.

In step 1101, user configuration data may be received for a particular indicator for at least one security.

Examples of types of user configuration data that may be received include indicators (e. g. ,"New High Ask,"<BR> "Highs Most Active, ""52 Week Highs, ""New Low Bid, ""Lows Most Active, ""52 Week Lows,""Whiplash<BR> Down,""Breakdown,""Volume Move Up, ""Volume Move Down,""Volume Spike","Consolidation,""Channel<BR> Breakout, ""Channel Breakdown, ""Up Trend,""Down Trend,""Thirty Minute Breakout,"and"Thirty Minute Breakdown"), a list of securities, a list of securities exchanges (NYSE, AMEX, or NASDAQ), a background color, a text color, a"Minimum Stock Price, "a"Maximum Stock Price,"a"Maximum Bid/Ask Spread, "a"Minimum<BR> Consolidation Time, "a"Minimum X Day Average Volume", where X is a number ranging from 1 to 365, and a text font.

In step 1102, prices of at least one such security may be automatically monitored to determine if the <BR> <BR> particular indicator (e. g. , from the list shown in step 1101, or possibly other indicators) has occurred for at least one such security.

In step 1103, information may be automatically displayed indicating that the particular indicator (e. g. , from the list shown in stepl 101, or possibly other indicators) has occurred for at least one such security.

Various embodiments further include receiving or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a carrier medium. Suitable carrier media include storage media or <BR> <BR> memory media such as magnetic or optical media, e. g. , disk or CD-ROM, as well as signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as networks 102 and/or 104 and/or a wireless link.

Although the system and method of the present invention have been described in connection with several embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.