3D Scanner App – 3D Object Scanning Guide

Introduction – What Is the AR Scanner App and Why Do We Use It?

The AR Genie Scanner app is a tool that helps you create a 3D scan of a real physical device using just your iPad’s camera. This scan is saved as a “.arobject” file, which is a special 3D model format created by Apple for AR (Augmented Reality) apps.

What is a 3D Object?

A 3D object is a digital version of something from the real world. It is not a photo—it’s a shape, size, and surface feature representation of the actual device. Think of it like creating a digital twin of the object.

What is 3D Scanning?

3D scanning means capturing the full shape of a real device by moving the iPad around it. The app detects edges, surfaces, and details and creates a scan file (.arobject) that represents the object digitally.

Why Do We Need This Scan?

Once the 3D scan is created:

• The AR app can recognize the real object when you point the camera at it.

• It can check that the physical device matches the 3D scan.

• It allows the app to place AR anchors (digital markers, instructions, or steps) exactly on the real device.

• This ensures all AR content aligns perfectly with the actual equipment.

In simple words: The scan helps the AR system understand what your real device looks like so it can place digital instructions on it accurately.

How Does It Work?

Everything behind the scenes is powered by Apple’s ARKit technology. ARKit automatically:

• Tracks the features of the object

• Builds the 3D point cloud

• Creates the .arobject file

• Allows the device to detect the object later with high accuracy

We only provide the simple interface to make scanning easier— the actual scanning, detection, and matching is completely handled by Apple’s ARKit system.

---

AR Genie Scanner App – Object Scanning Guide (iPad)

1

Log In

• Open the AR Genie Scanner App.

• Enter your username and password (same login used across all AR Genie apps).

• Tap Sign In.

Screenshot:

2

Fetch Asset Models

• On the home screen, tap Fetch Asset Models.

• The app will load all asset models assigned to your account.

Screenshot:

3

Select an Asset

• From the list, tap Select next to the asset you want to scan an object for.

• This asset will be linked to your new .arobject file.

Screenshot:

4

Choose Scan Method

After selecting an asset, choose one of the two options:

• Option A: Start Object Scan — Use this to scan a new object using the iPad camera.

• Option B: Pick from Local — Use this to upload an existing .arobject file stored on your device.

Screenshot:

If you choose Pick from Local, select the file → you will be taken directly to the Share Screen. If you choose Start Object Scan, continue to the next steps.

5

Scanning the Object

Apple recommends scanning objects with clear edges, stable lighting, and without shadows. Follow these simplified steps:

• Point the camera at the object.

• A yellow dot cloud will appear (ARKit feature tracking).

• Adjust the bounding box using gestures to tightly fit around the object.

• Tap Scan to begin scanning.

Screenshot:

During Scanning:

• Slowly walk around the object.

• Capture all sides: front, back, left, right, and top.

• Avoid moving the object during scanning.

Screenshot:

• Tap Finish when scanning reaches all required angles.

6

Adjust Origin (Optional but Recommended)

• After finishing the scan, the app shows the coordinate origin (red, green, blue axis).

• Adjust it so the model aligns correctly with the real-world orientation.

Screenshot:

Tap Test to continue.

7

Test the Scanned Object

• Move the iPad away and point toward the object again.

• If the app shows the yellow bounding box around the real object: Detection is successful.

• If not, you may need to retake the scan.

8

Upload or Save the Scan

After testing, proceed to the Share Screen:

• Enter a file name and description (optional).

• Tap Confirm Upload to send it to the AR Genie backend.

• Or tap Save to Local to store the file on your iPad.

Screenshot:

Once the upload completes, you will see Upload Complete.

Best Practices for High-Quality Scans:

• Keep lighting uniform; avoid strong shadows.

• Ensure the object does not move.

• Scan slowly and cover all angles.

• Keep a stable distance from the object.

• Use objects with clear textures/edges for better feature tracking.