Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) systems described herein can be configured to record images, video, and/or annotations for concurrent communication to a remote system for display or subsequent access. A communication between a user and an expert user using the system can include an audio communication (unidirectional or bidirectional), a video communication from the user to the expert user (allowing the expert user to see, in real time, the same environment as the user), and a data communication (via which content overlaid over the video communication, such as annotations, may be displayed for both the expert user and the user). The systems can be configured to communicate concurrently while also creating a recording for later review based on a “live” or current issue being faced by a user assisted by an expert where the communication session is recorded for later playback by other users.

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) systems described herein can be configured to record images, video, and/or annotations for concurrent communication to a remote system for display or subsequent access. A communication between a user and an expert user using the system can include an audio communication (unidirectional or bidirectional), a video communication from the user to the expert user (allowing the expert user to see, in real time, the same environment as the user), and a data communication (via which content overlaid over the video communication, such as annotations, may be displayed for both the expert user and the user). The systems can be configured to communicate concurrently while also creating a recording for later review based on a “live” or current issue being faced by a user assisted by an expert where the communication session is recorded for later playback by other users.

Abstract: A shared augmented reality system can support the sharing of video captured by a local user, using a head mounted display (HMD), with a remote user. The remote user may add augmented reality annotations (markings, notes, drawings) to certain objects within the environment captured within the video, where the annotations track the movement of those objects within the shared video. An HMD may not, however, provide a convenient interface for performing certain user-interface intensive tasks, which might be better performed on an additional device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. During a shared augmented reality session, the additional device can be configured to communicate with a HMD such that certain tasks can be performed by the user through the additional device, and other tasks can be performed or experienced through the HMD. The additional device, the HMD and the remote user's device can communicatively coordinate during the session.

Abstract: A shared augmented reality system can support the sharing of video captured by a local user, using a head mounted display (HMD), with a remote user. The remote user may add augmented reality annotations (markings, notes, drawings) to certain objects within the environment captured within the video, where the annotations track the movement of those objects within the shared video. An HMD may not, however, provide a convenient interface for performing certain user-interface intensive tasks, which might be better performed on an additional device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. During a shared augmented reality session, the additional device can be configured to communicate with a HMD such that certain tasks can be performed by the user through the additional device, and other tasks can be performed or experienced through the HMD. The additional device, the HMD and the remote user's device can communicatively coordinate during the session.

Abstract: In a template design application, a user creates a template for a machine-readable image target that supports encoded data and augmented reality homography. The design application enforces design constraints that ensure reliable detection of the target by a detection application while supporting creative freedom in designing the template. The design constraints can include specification of a detection contour outlining a transition between a perimeter of a border shape and an adjacent area of a contrasting color. Data to be encoded is applied to the template to create printable image instances of the target. The template is also loaded into a detection application, which scans and recognizes printed instances of the target and decodes the encoded data. The detection application uses the decoded data to create a synthesized image target matching the scanned target and which is used to execute further tracking of the target within a moving field of view.

Abstract: Communication between two electronic devices can be initiated based on detection of an object in the environment of one of the electronic devices. A method for object initiated communication between a user of a device and a remote individual for assisting the user in interacting with the object includes capturing an image with a camera of the device, detecting the object within the captured image, and locating a record for the detected object within a database of objects. The method can also include locating an identifier for initiating the communication with the remote individual, wherein the identifier is associated with the record of the detected object and identifies an address for initiating the communication. The method can also include initiating the communication between the user and the remote individual based on the identifier.

Abstract: In a template design application, a user creates a template for a machine-readable image target that supports encoded data and augmented reality homography. The design application enforces design constraints that ensure reliable detection of the target by a detection application while supporting creative freedom in designing the template. The design constraints can include specification of a detection contour outlining a transition between a perimeter of a border shape and an adjacent area of a contrasting color. Data to be encoded is applied to the template to create printable image instances of the target. The template is also loaded into a detection application, which scans and recognizes printed instances of the target and decodes the encoded data. The detection application uses the decoded data to create a synthesized image target matching the scanned target and which is used to execute further tracking of the target within a moving field of view.