What is image anchoring?
Image anchoring for Jig 3D presentations enable you to fix the position of your augmented reality content in the real world when using Apple Vision Pro by tracking to a special image.
You can download the Jig tracker image here in a variety of sizes and formats, or find it in the JigSpace iPad and iPhone apps under settings.
Benefits of image anchoring in JigSpace
- Enhanced AR stability: Works across various devices, environments, and surface heights.
- Precise positioning: Ensures exact placement of 3D content for seamless integration into real-world settings like a trade show booth or display suite.
- Versatility: Supports both horizontal and vertical image placements, making it suitable for walls, tables, or other surfaces.
- Flexibility: Switch between image tracking and free ‘tap to place,’ modes, depending on your needs.
- Persistent placements: Reload Jigs in the same position after making updates without needing to reposition them.
- In person collaboration: anchor your 3D content to the same Jig tracker for synchronized multiplayer spatial experiences.
Image anchoring is designed for:
- Trade show exhibitors who want consistent, accurate positioning of AR content within their physical booth environment.
- Training instructors conducting hands-on, immersive classroom learning experiences or simulated work environments.
- Sales and product demonstration teams aiming for seamless AR presentations in person.
How to set up and use image anchoring
1. Prepare the tracking image
- Download the Jig tracking image: Access high-resolution copies of the generic tracking image on the link above.
- Incorporate tracking into signage: Add the tracking image to trade show signage, training materials, or product displays for seamless integration.
- Print options: Use the provided printable PDFs to get started quickly, or to prototype in your desired space.
- Place the tracking image: Position the printed or displayed tracking image in your desired location. It can be horizontal (e.g., a tabletop) or vertical (e.g., a wall). You can also anchor to the Jig Tracker in the JigSpace iPad or iPhone app.
2. Anchor your Jig
- Open the JigSpace app: Select the Jig you want to present on Apple Vision Pro.
- Open the Jig: After the Jig loads, it will automatically be in 'Tap to place' mode.
- Gaze at the Jig tracker and place: Your device will automatically detect the tracking image and anchor your 3D content when you confirm.
- Start viewing your Jig: once anchored, our app will use world tracking, meaning you can move freely around your environment without needing to have the Jig tracker physically in your field of view to maintain tracking in augmented reality.
3. Switch Between Modes
If you begin viewing a Jig in the default 'tap to place' tracking, you can change later to track to an image.
To do this follow these steps:
- Click on the {icon-more-settings.svg} menu in the Jig instruction panel
- Scroll to find the 'Place on a Jig tracker' option
- Look around and gaze at the Jig tracker image in your space.
- Tap to place the Jig on tracker.
Other uses of image anchors
Reload latest version
When editing your Jigs on Mac, Windows, or iPad you can instantly reload your Jig in Apple Vision Pro to preview it in augmented reality. Now when you do this, the Jig app remembers the world or image tracking you previously used when reloading your content, so that you don't have to continuously re-place your Jig in your local context.
Our preferred method at JigSpace is to set up a image tracker on our desks or to the side of our desks and track our Jigs to this position. Then after saving a Jig, we reload the Jig using the method above and the Jig content updates without needing any further placement.
In-person multiplayer using SharePlay
You can now host in-person multiplayer presentations using SharePlay and ensure everyone sees your 3D content in the exact the shared context. When doing this, your interactions and content is synchronized in real time, including object scale, pulling apart objects, your current presentation steps, drawing and annotations.
To best use this feature, follow the standard procedure for starting a group or multiplayer presentation with FaceTime, but don't enable spatial personas. We also recommend muting your microphone, as you won't need it to hear each other talk.
Best practices for image anchoring
- Size of Jig tracker: Apple Vision Pro will detect the 10x10cm sized Jig tracker from a close distance, but to scan a floor-based Jig Tracker we recommend using a minimum of 16-20cm square Jig Tracker. Our A4 papersized Jig Tracker will easily scan from around 2 metres distance, and A3 from at least 3 metres distance.
- For vertical placement: Use walls in training rooms or exhibits to showcase vertical-anchored products. Your Jig's surface orientation should be to the wall, instead of a floor, which you can do by rotating its X axis 90º.
- Integrating with marketing collateral: If adding the image anchors to your signage at trade show events or events, allow for some white space around the Jig Tracker image.
- Prototype before printing: Use the provided A4 printable PDFs to prototype your ideal experience and try a few variations of size and location before committing to a final printed signage or integration with your other assets.
Frequently asked questions
Does image anchoring work in 'guest mode'?
Yes, the JigSpace image anchoring works for viewers you place in 'guest mode'. This is a great way to provide a guided experience for them which controls where they place your Jig so they don't lose track of where your content is by placing it too far away.
What if I don’t have a physical tracking image?
You can use the digital version of the tracking image in the Jig app to set up your AR presentation. Simply open the JigSpace iPad app, click on Jig Tracker, and lay your device where you want your Jig to appear when the Apple Vision Pro is in use.
Can I use my own custom tracking image?
No. Currently image anchoring is only optimized for the Jig tracking image provided by JigSpace.
How do I switch between modes?
You can toggle between Image Tracking and Tap to Place directly in the JigSpace app by clicking on more options in the instruction panel.
What happens if I have multiple image anchors in the same space?
Your Apple Vision Pro device will detect the nearest anchor, and once placed, will use world tracking as the basis for tracking and anchoring. If you want to anchor to a different image simply move towards it, wait a few seconds, and the new image will be detected. Once detected, click 'tap to place on tracker'. You can also click 'place on a Jig tracker' from the options menu if you have already placed on the wrong image to reset the tracking.
