A model train track is provided that includes a plurality of track segments. Each track segment may include a roadbed, a plurality of rails, and a plurality of magnetic devices that are used to physically connect a track segment with an adjacent track segment. In other words, as two track segments move close to one another, the attraction between the magnetic devices on the two segments will not only pull the segments together, but, once connected, will maintain a physical connection therebetween until sufficient force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction. Each track segment may also include at least one alignment portion, for aligning adjacent track segments during user assembly, and a plurality of contacts (e.g., biased or spring-loaded contacts) providing electrical continuity between adjacent track segments and components thereof (e.g., rails).

A track system for a robotic vehicle is described. The track system includes a set of track pieces that each include a set of track coupling components to couple the track pieces in the set of track pieces together to form a track for the robotic vehicle to traverse; and a set of optical markers that each include a first set of marker coupling components, wherein the set of track pieces include a second set of marker coupling components that are complementary to the first set of marker coupling components to couple the set of optical markers to the set of track pieces.

A track system for a robotic vehicle is described. The track system includes a set of track pieces that each include a set of track coupling components to couple the track pieces in the set of track pieces together to form a track for the robotic vehicle to traverse; and a set of optical markers that each include a first set of marker coupling components, wherein the set of track pieces include a second set of marker coupling components that are complementary to the first set of marker coupling components to couple the set of optical markers to the set of track pieces.

A robotic vehicle for traversing a grooved track is described. The robotic vehicle includes a set of one or more axles; a set of wheels coupled to each axle in the set of one or more axles; one or more motors to rotate the set of one or more axles, including the set of wheels of each axle in the set of axles, to propel the robotic vehicle along the grooved track; and a steering system to manage navigation of the robotic vehicle along the grooved track, wherein the steering system controls rotation of the set of one or more axles along respective pivot points to manage steering of the robotic vehicle.

A display control apparatus includes circuitry to acquire a user image including a manually-drawn image, extract a character image corresponding to the manually-drawn image from the user image, generate an image of a first user object that is a three-dimensional object of the character image to be appeared in a display area that is to be displayed as a display image with a display, and cause the image of the first user object to move on a railroad track on the display area. The circuitry couples the image of the first user object to an image of a second user object in response to determination indicating a distance between the images of the first and second user objects on the railroad track satisfies a predetermined condition, and separates the image of the first user object from the second user object at a fork according to a predetermined condition for changing a course.

A display control apparatus includes circuitry to acquire a user image including a manually-drawn image, extract a character image corresponding to the manually-drawn image from the user image, generate an image of a first user object that is a three-dimensional object of the character image to be appeared in a display area that is to be displayed as a display image with a display, and cause the image of the first user object to move on a railroad track on the display area. The circuitry couples the image of the first user object to an image of a second user object in response to determination indicating a distance between the images of the first and second user objects on the railroad track satisfies a predetermined condition, and separates the image of the first user object from the second user object at a fork according to a predetermined condition for changing a course.

Disclosed is a toy track and vehicle system. Suitably, the trackway is defined by an assembly of a basic block such that users can build a complex three-dimensional (3D) track layout or trackway from the basic block. Preferably, the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway.

Disclosed is a toy track and vehicle system. Suitably, the trackway is defined by an assembly of a basic block such that users can build a complex three-dimensional (3D) track layout or trackway from the basic block. Preferably, the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway.

A multi-channel model train sound reproduction system, in which digital sound files are assigned to a particular channel. The channel assignment may be fixed or variable depending on operation state. For the variable embodiments, channel assignment is preferably done in real time according to the configuration that will produce the highest quality sound reproduction.

A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.