Distributed simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (xR) applications

A method, comprising:

• receiving, at an Information Handling System (IHS) coupled to a Head-Mounted Device (HMD) worn by a first user during execution of a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality (xR) application, first Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) data obtained via a first camera mounted on the first HMD;
• receiving second SLAM data obtained by a second HMD worn by a second user co-located with the first user;
• applying a transform matrix to the second SLAM data to produce transformed second SLAM data in a common coordinate system with respect to the first SLAM data;
• rendering at least a partial map for display by the first HMD using a combination of landmarks identified in the first SLAM data and in the transformed second SLAM data;
• and
• in response to a determination that a processor's utilization is above a threshold level, reducing an amount of second SLAM data relative to an amount of first SLAM data processed.

A hardware memory of a Head-Mounted Device (HMD) wearable by a user during execution of a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality (xR) application, the hardware memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by a processor, cause the HMD to:

• collect first Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) data;
• transmit the first SLAM data to an Information Handling System (IHS) coupled to the HMD;
• display a rendering received from IHS, wherein the rendering is created, at least in part, using a combination of landmarks identified in the first SLAM data and in second SLAM data obtained by the IHS from a second HMD;
• and
• in response to a determination that the processor's utilization is above a threshold level, reduce an amount of second SLAM data relative to an amount of first SLAM data processed.