LightAir: a novel system for tangible communication with quadcopters using foot gestures and projected image

Abstract

We propose a new paradigm of human-drone interaction through projecting image on the road and foot gestures. The proposed technology allowed to create a new type of tangible interaction with drone, i.e., DroneBall game for augmented sport and FlyMap to let a drone know where to fly. We developed LightAir system that makes possible information sharing, GPS-navigating, controlling and playing with drones in a tangible way. In contrast to the hand gestures, that are common for smartphones, we came up with the idea of foot gestures and projected image for tangible interaction. Such gestures make communication with the drone intuitive, natural, and safe. To our knowledge, it is the world's first system that provides the human-drone bilateral tangible interaction.