Immersive flight for surveillance applications

In this paper, we present a VR-based first-person view paradigm applied to a tele-surveillance application. Using an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), we have developed an intuitive tangible interface between the pilot and his airship (blimp). The idea is to make transparent the manipulation of an embedded camera by controlling it instinctively with the head's movement so that the user is available for other tasks such as piloting the blimp. In other words, the user becomes part of the interface. Using the same paradigm for sensing real-time acquired sensor data, a vibro-tactile belt worn by the user will indicate the resistance offered by the wind and thus will increase the feeling of telepresence. The results of our experience show that our system is reliable and enhances the situational awareness of the pilot