Task-driven camera operations for robotic exploration

Human judgment is an integral part of the teleoperation process that is often heavily influenced by a single video feed returned from the remote environment. Poor camera placement, narrow field of view, and other camera properties can significantly impair the operator's perceptual link to the environment, inviting cognitive mistakes and general disorientation. These faults may be enhanced or muted, depending on the camera mountings and control opportunities that are at the disposal of the operator. These issues form the basis for two user studies that assess the effectiveness of existing and potential teleoperation controls. Findings suggest that providing a camera that is controlled independently from the orientation of the vehicle may yield significant benefits. Moreover, there is evidence to support the use of separate cameras for different navigational subtasks. Third, the use of multiple cameras can also be used to provide assistance without encroaching on the operator's desired threshold for control.