Remote-collaboration system using mobile robot with camera and projector

Abstract

We have been studying a remote-collaboration system called SCOPE (sight collaboration by projection effect) featuring image projecting and capturing capabilities as implemented in a maintenance robot. With the help of SCOPE and a remote support person, an on-site worker can perform maintenance very efficiently. We propose a mobile SCOPE that can significantly expand the area of activity of the conventional SCOPE. To enable an on-site worker to share the field of view of a remote support person, we developed a technique for aligning the optical axes of a camera and a projector. We present experimental data that demonstrates the validity of our optomechanical design. Finally, we show that the mobile SCOPE enables workers to continuously share their field of view, no matter where the mobile SCOPE moves