Designing Interactive Blimps as Puppets

Abstract

Abstract. In this paper we propose four models of unmanned blimps: Robots, Pets, Agents, and Puppets, according to whether they are autonomous or not and whether they are shown to people or not. Robots and Pets are autonomous and Agents and Puppets are not autonomous. Robots and Agents are shown to people and Pets and Puppets are not shown to people. Based on these models, we approach toward interactive blimps as puppets, which visualize performances from people to people with real time effects and motions. We implemented prototype applications where people could make performances through controls of the blimp's light effects and flight motions with voice via mobile phones and a physical controller. We organized observations of these prototypes at a laboratory experiment and demo exhibitions. We also discuss our models based on spectators' experience.

Toward entertainment blimps for everyone by everyone

“…Then we proposed two models for each group according to whether they are shown to people or not. We named these four models Robots, Pets, Agents, and Puppets [7]. Robots are autonomous and not shown to people.…”

Diri - the actuated helium balloon

“…The blimps contain a video camera, a microphone and a speaker to allow wireless Internet-based communication, between the remote pilot and people close to the blimp. Equally, Floating Avatars [38] incorporated projection into a blimp-based telepresence system, and Yoshimoto et al [41] used interactive blimps in performance art.…”

Development of Blimp Platform for Aerial Photography

“…On the other hand, the LTA variant has the advantages of being able to fly in low speed and low altitude, as well as emitting significantly low noise level as compared to the HTA counterpart. Due to these advantages, LTA platform is widely applicable for many other purposes, ranging from advertisement media [1,2], surveillance [3], entertainment [4] and vegetation monitoring [5]. However, LTA platform is known to suffer from navigational problem due to its susceptibility to the environment.…”