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. In this paper, we propose a mobile SCOPE named Campro-R 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 Campro-R enables workers to continuously share their field of view, no matter where the Campro-R moves.