Step by Step Guide for Anchor Editor

The Anchor Editor in the AR Genie Work Assist iPad App allows you to place digital AR anchors directly on top of real machinery. These anchors help guide workers with step-by-step instructions, pointing exactly to the correct position on the equipment.

The system works by using 3D scan detection files (such as .arobject files) that accurately match the real device. Once the device is detected, you can visually place anchors on it with precision.

How the Anchor Editor Works When you select a detection source, the app automatically opens the Anchor Editor, where you can:

  • Detect the physical device

  • Place, move, rotate, and scale anchors

  • Assign or edit anchor names

  • View all anchors via the anchor list panel

  • Use preset or custom anchor shapes

This enables accurate AR instruction layers on real equipment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Anchor Editor

1

Select a Detection Source

  • On the detection source list screen, tap on an .arobject or supported tracking file.

  • As soon as you select a detection file, the app automatically opens the Anchor Editor.

  • Point your iPad at the real equipment → the app will detect it automatically.

Once detected, a small logo will appear in the center for image/QR sources. For .arobject files, the anchor origin appears where the origin was set in the detection file.

2

Choose an Anchor Type

Available anchors include:

  • Down arrow

  • Up arrow

  • Left/right arrow

  • Circle

  • Rectangle

  • Curve pointer

  • Custom anchors (your own shapes/icons from your library)

Tap any anchor type to select it.

3

Place the Anchor

  • Move your iPad to the location where the anchor should appear.

  • Tap the Trigger button to place the anchor.

  • The anchor will appear exactly on the surface or area you pointed to.

4

Adjust the Anchor (Position, Rotation, Size)

All anchors can be modified:

  • Position – use + or - buttons in x, y, z axis to move them

  • Rotation – use + or - buttons in x, y, z axis or use the in-screen gizmo to rotate the anchor

  • Size – use + or - buttons in x, y, z axis to resize the anchor. Press the Linked checkbox to resize in all directions.

These controls ensure the anchor aligns perfectly with the real component.

5

Add or Edit Anchor Name

  • Select the anchor from the active anchor panel.

  • Add or update its name (examples: Open Panel, Check Switch).

  • Toggle show/hide names as needed.

6

Manage All Anchors (Anchor List Panel)

Tap the Anchors button to open the anchor list.

Inside the panel, you can:

  • Select anchors

  • Edit or rename anchors

  • Update position or rotation

  • Remove or modify anchors

  • Close the list via the X button

7

Use Custom Anchors

Custom anchors allow advanced users to:

  • Use organization-specific icons

  • Highlight unique components

  • Add visual cues not available in the default library

Access them through the Custom Anchors library.

8

Save and Exit

After placing and adjusting all anchors, they are saved automatically.

The anchors are stored and linked to that specific detection source. During AR guidance, the anchors will appear exactly on the real machine.

Summary

By selecting a detection source → automatically entering the Anchor Editor → placing & adjusting anchors → saving them, you create precise AR workflows aligned to the actual machinery.

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