Abstract: A system and method is described for a novel, simplified electronic musical instrument. By combining a simplified user input controller with a musical instrument synthesizer, a new simple to learn musical instrument is created allowing anyone to perform music without mastering the skills required to play traditional instruments. Traditional instruments require significant skills by users to even make sounds considered musical. The invention described herein allows any unskilled player to pick up the instrument and make music. Additionally, the user will be able to collaborate with others over the Internet, record, playback and edit their compositions, as well as publish the compositions.

Abstract: A computerized system and method of managing subway trains along a two-track subway line to allow express travel in combination with local service. Express trains catch up to local trains at express stations along the line, and provision is made to allow the express trains to physically or “virtually” pass the local train at those stations. Embodiments in which the express trains physically pass the local train include direct train-to-train transfer facilitated by side-by-side tracks at the express station occupying reduced foot-print. In other embodiments, virtual passing is accomplished by changing the type of service provided by trains at express intervals: a local train “transforms” into an express train and vice versa. Embodiments enable passengers to transfer between trains at express stations so that these “relay” passengers can travel faster than any specific train.

Abstract: A distance determining system for use in a movable device. The system comprises circuitry for capturing an image of an object external from the movable device. The system also comprises circuitry, responsive to the image, for determining an angle between a direction of movement of the movable device and the object. Lastly, the system also comprises circuitry for determining a distance to the object in response to at least the angle.