  We investigate how robotic camera systems can offer new capabilities to
computer-supported cooperative work through the design, development, and
evaluation of a prototype system called Periscope. With Periscope, a local
worker completes manipulation tasks with guidance from a remote helper who
observes the workspace through a camera mounted on a semi-autonomous robotic
arm that is co-located with the worker. Our key insight is that the helper, the
worker, and the robot should all share responsibility of the camera view--an
approach we call shared camera control. Using this approach, we present a set
of modes that distribute the control of the camera between the human
collaborators and the autonomous robot depending on task needs. We demonstrate
the system's utility and the promise of shared camera control through a
preliminary study where 12 dyads collaboratively worked on assembly tasks.
Finally, we discuss design and research implications of our work for future
robotic camera systems that facilitate remote collaboration.
