---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Sheet August 8, 1993 vrTraderTM Real Time Stock Market Visualization in Three Dimensions Purpose: To give stock, options, and commodity traders the ability to visualize and navigate through a portfolio in real time and in three dimensions. Description: vrTrader consists of a world in which stock, option, and commodity data are represented by three dimensional objects, real-time graphs, and text. Stocks are projected onto a matrix defined by standard industrial codes (SIC) and stock market exchanges. The behavior and color of each stock object, as well as the presence of user-specified "alerts" (spinning, blinking, and auditory cues) are used to indicate buying or selling opportunities. Specific characteristics of each stock, such as the existence of recent news reports, are dynamically updated and displayed. The vrTrader system uses Data Broadcasting Corporation's Signal box which receives real-time quotes via FM radio and cable television. Avatar has expanded stock traders' ability to visualize market data by combining several advanced technologies including texture mapping, sound, voice recognition, advanced navigational aids, and an intelligent agent. Performance: The user can view up to 300 stocks, market indices, options, or futures simultaneously from a choice of more than 55,000 issues. Both real-time and delayed (15 minutes) quotes are supported. The user can assign visible thresholds and auditory alerts to monitor each stock's volume, price, and fundamentals. Hardware and Software Required: vrTrader will run on an 80486 or Pentium-based system with one SPEA FIRE graphics board used for rendering. Data Broadcasting Corporation's Signal Box and Subscription service are also required. Base Price: Software: vrTrader software $1995 Hardware: SPEA Fire 860 Board $1795 ------------------------------------- -------- Total $3790 Call 1-800-367-4670 (Data Broadcasting Corporation) for a price quote on either a delayed or real-time FM or cable Signal box for stocks, options, and futures. Prices for the Signal box vary from $295 for FM and $495 for Cable while the real-time quote subscription service starts at about $250/month for AMEX, NYSE, and OTC. Options: vrTrader can also be used in a exhibition or trading room environment. vrTrader supports a variety of display options for projection television and stereo viewing. Sound and voice control are also available. Contact Avatar Partners for details and pricing information. For more information contact: Mr. Peter Rothman Managing Partner Voice: 408-338-6460 FAX: 408-338-6462 E-mail: avatarp@well.sf.ca.us ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release August 2, 1993 vrTraderTM Real Time Stock Market Visualization in Three Dimensions Avatar Partners, a virtual reality software and consulting firm based in Boulder Creek California, has created vrTrader , a tool for visualizing multi-dimensional data specifically for assessing, buying, and selling of stocks, options, and other commodities. Currently on exhibit at the Zurich stock exchange, vrTrader displays financial data and news "alerts" as it happens across major markets (stock exchanges) and industries. vrTrader consists of a world in which stock, option, and commodity data are represented by three dimensional objects, real-time graphs, and text. Stocks are projected onto a matrix defined by standard industrial codes (SIC) and stock market exchanges. The behavior and color of each stock object, as well as the presence of user-specified "alerts" (spinning, blinking, and auditory cues) are used to indicate buying or selling opportunities. Specific characteristics of each stock, such as the existence of recent news reports, are dynamically updated and displayed. The vrTrader system demonstrated at Siggraph used Data Broadcasting Corporation's Signal box which broadcasts real-time quotes via FM radio and cable television. Avatar has expanded stock traders' ability to visualize market data by combining several advanced technologies including texture mapping, sound, voice recognition, advanced navigational aids, and an intelligent agent. vrTrader was developed using AmberC++TM, an object-oriented extension to Sense8 Corporation's WorldToolKit (version 2.0), running on an 80486 system with one SPEA FIRE board for rendering. CrystalEyes glasses from StereoGraphics Corporation provided stereoscopic display which made the stock objects appear projected in front of the computer monitor. Creative Technology's Sound Blaster board was used to provide sound throughout the system. The system will also include a voice recognition capability to enable the operator to control the system through voice commands instead of the keyboard or Spaceball buttons. Advanced navigational aids were provided to enhance the user's ability to navigate in the virtual world. For this purpose, Avatar developed a Head Up Display (HUD) similar to the displays used in advanced fighter aircraft. The HUD can be used to select specific stocks simply by looking at them or issuing a voice command. Once a stock has been selected, the HUD provides the user with detailed information about the selected item. Price and volume data for selected issues are also available, and a voice cue informs the user of the name of the issue selected. The HUD also provides the users with navigational cues to help orient themself in the virtual world. Navigational cues include a guidance arrow which can be controlled to point at various objects in the virtual world. By flying along the arrow, the user can navigate to the selected object. An intelligent agent can lead the user to buying opportunities or other interesting aspects of the virtual world. The agent responds to voice commands and answers using sampled speech segments. For guidance and control, the agent employs algorithms originally developed for the control of missiles and fighter aircraft. For more information contact: Mr. Peter Rothman Senior Partner Voice: 408-338-6294 E-mail: avatarp@well.sf.ca.us