Abstract: According to the invention, a system for generating electricity from wind is disclosed. The system may include a vertical mounting pole, a generator, a first vertical axis wind turbine (“VAWT”), and a second VAWT. The generator may include a rotor, stator, and frame, fixedly coupled with the stator, and rotatably coupled with the vertical mounting pole such that the generator can rotate around a substantially vertical axis. The first VAWT may be fixedly coupled with the frame and configured to rotate in a first rotational direction around the vertical axis, and at least partially about the vertical mounting pole, when a wind is received. The second VAWT may be fixedly coupled with the rotor and configured to rotate in a second rotational direction around the vertical axis, and at least partially about the generator, when the wind is received, where the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for providing user input to a system. For example, according to one embodiment, a video camera can be used to capture an image of a user and a background scene. Movements of the user can be detected from the video image and correlated to a user interface after initial calibration. Through this correlation, movements of the user can be translated into manipulations of the user interface. These manipulations of the user interface can in turn be used to control the system.