Systems and methods for UAV interactive instructions and control

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform a method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:

• receiving, by a processor of the UAV, a plurality of images captured by an imaging device coupled to the UAV;
• receiving, by the processor, an input signal indicating user selection of a point or a portion in at least one image of the plurality of images, the input signal including information of the point or the portion in the at least one image that is associated with a target;
• identifying, by the processor, the target in the at least one image of the plurality of images based on the input signal and feature point recognition;
• determining, by the processor, whether the target is a stationary target or a moving target based on analyzing the plurality of images to track feature points of the identified target in the plurality of images;
• automatically effecting, by the processor, movement of the UAV based on determining the target is the stationary target or the moving target;
• and
• adjusting motion characteristics of the UAV while tracking the target according to at least one of (1) a number of times a user selects the point or the portion in the at least one image or (2) a time duration when the user selects the point or the portion in the at least one image, wherein the motion characteristics include at least one of a velocity, an acceleration, or an orientation of the UAV.

An apparatus for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the apparatus comprising one or more processors that are, individually or collectively, configured to:

• receive a plurality of images captured by an imaging device coupled to the UAV;
• receive an input signal indicating user selection of a point or a portion in at least one image of the plurality of images, the input signal including information of the point or the portion in the at least one image that is associated with a target;
• identify a target in the at least one image of the plurality of images based on the input signal and feature point recognition;
• determine whether the target is a stationary target or a moving target based on analyzing the plurality of images to track feature points of the identified target in the plurality of images;
• automatically effect movement of the UAV based on determining the target is the stationary target or the moving target;
• and
• adjust motion characteristics of the UAV while tracking the target according to at least one of (1) a number of times a user selects the point or the portion in the at least one image or (2) a time duration when the user selects the point or the portion in the at least one image, wherein the motion characteristics include at least one of a velocity, an acceleration, or an orientation of the UAV.