Masahiko Narita

RSi-cloud for integrating Robot Services with internet services

This paper proposes the RSi Research Cloud (RSi-Cloud), which enables integration of robot services with internet services and mash-up of robot services. The feature of RSi-Cloud is to use a standardized communication protocol, that is Robot Service Network Protocol (RSNP). By using the robot service specification, we can provide novel services combining various kinds of service components. In addition, since RSNP is determined based on web services, many researchers and engineers in the internet field can join robot service development. We also implement a surveillance camera service as a prototype system using the proposed platform. This paper reports the implementation result.

Research and development environments for robot services and its implementation

We have proposed the RSi Research Cloud (RSi-Cloud), which enables integration of robot services with internet services. Until now, we have developed a surveillance service using robot cameras on the cloud environment, and have realized internet connection from robots implemented with RSNP (Robot Service Network Protocol). This paper reports a design result of Robot Service HTML interface (RSHi), which is a mechanism to treat robot applications deployed in RSi-Cloud by the same way as RSNP robot clients. RSHi makes it possible to deploy RSNP service applications within firewall systems, and as a result, a robot service expansion can be expected. Moreover, in this paper, we show a usage example of micro-services on a service robot which uses a face detection function.

An implementation of a distributed service framework for cloud-based robot services

Recently, many ICT companies as well as researchers are taking an increasing interest in robot services using cloud computing, and various service platforms for them have been proposed. From these backgrounds, we have proposed a distributed service framework using Robot Service Network Protocol (RSNP) to integrate various devices including robots with internet services. The key mechanism of the proposed framework is a robot assignment function, which discovers distributed robot resources and assign the requested tasks by end users to suitable robots. In this paper, we implement a prototype system on the proposed framework, and conduct implementation evaluation using the system.

Push communication for network robot services and RSi/RTM interoperability

We, RSi (Robot Service Initiative) organization, have been developing a common network based robot service platform, named RSNP (Robot Service Network Protocol) since 2004. As spreading actual use of RSNP, strong requirements are raised on the push communication in limited conditions such as fewer operators and/or limited resources, and on the robot service integration with various devices supported by the other robot platform, such as RTM (Robot Technology Middleware), particularly. In this paper, we clarified these requirements and solved them by pseudo PUSH communication method, by introducing multimedia/sensor profile and by building RSi/RTM gateway. Moreover, we evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme through the performance experiments. And also these results have been also reflected in RSNP 2.0, the latest specification.

Enhanced RSNP for applying to the network service platform - implementation of a face detection function

We have proposed the network service platform based on RSNP (Robot Service Network Protocol) as a service platform to develop network applications using real-world data. A feature of the platform is that the pseudo PUSH communication of RSNP makes it possible for service providers to implement and deploy secure services easily. This paper reports an implementation result of “The face detection server” that is a function of the platform and detects human face areas in a given image file. This function is implemented as a micro-service on the platform, and it can be used via the Internet using RSNP. In this paper, we discuss possibility of implementation of various service modules to the platform according to the result.

Reliable cloud-based robot services

Internet and cloud-based robot services and their platforms are becoming attractive. Many related works have been also done, such as DAvinCi, ROS on Android, and RoboEarth. However, when robot services are provided via computer networks, very reliable services are required to deal with short/long-term disconnection between services and robots due to wireless LAN disconnection, robot service problems, system error on robots, and so on. In this paper, we adopt Robot Service Network Protocol (RSNP) as a robot service platform in order to integrate robot services with Internet services. In addition, we propose a method and architecture to realize reliable cloud-based robot services for RSNP in a communication view point.

A Distributed Service Framework for Integrating Robots with Internet Services

With the rapid advance of the integration of internet and robot areas, various service platforms are proposed that assume cloud environments. For robot services, as the numbers of devices and their types increase, a mechanism that enables the entry of developers in various areas is required. However, existing platforms are insufficient to the problem. In this paper, we developed a distributed service framework that realizes the coordination of various devices, robots, and service functions based on RSNP (Robot Service Network Protocol), a protocol specification for robot services. Furthermore, we implement a pet-sitting service as a prototype system that uses a proposed framework and verify the effectiveness of the framework.

A Virtual Campus Tour Service Using Remote Control Robots on Robot Service Network Protocol

Recently, there are increasing interests of integration between robot technologies and Internet services, and various cloud-based service platforms for robots are proposed. From these backgrounds, in this paper, we propose a virtual campus tour service which enables remote users to control robots in school campuses via the Internet. In implementing the service, we use Robot Service Network Protocol (RSNP), which is a common protocol specification for robot services. Therefore, users can operate various remote robots in various campuses via the proposed service. Furthermore, we conduct subjective and objective assessments on camera functions for the service, and verify the effectiveness of the proposed one.

A Home Security Service Robot System Using the Network Service Platform and Its Implementation

We propose the Network Service Platform (NSP) as a framework which enables the development of integrated services between three service fields: Internet Services, Robot Services, and Ubiquitous Computing. In this paper, we outline the development of a Home Security Service Robot System, a prototype service which integrates Internet and Robot services using the NSP framework. In this prototype system, the robot monitors the home and uploads image and motion detection data. The server on the Internet stores these images, allows human face recognition and email notification, and provides user consoles for controlling and browsing functionalities from a web browser. We also discuss the possibility of providing integrated services using the NSP framework based on the results of our implementation.

The Digital Travel Diary System Using the Network Service Platform

In this paper, we propose the Network Service Platform (NSP), which is a framework to develop network services using real-world data efficiently, and implement its application. We implemented a prototype system based on NSP using GPS data and image data obtained from cell phones. This service integrates internet services with ubiquitous services by using the Robot Service Network Protocol (RSNP), an open standard protocol for robot services. Through the implementation of the prototype system, we confirm the effectiveness of NSP to develop network services.