Overlay Model Preparation

General

Overlay-enabled models are intended to match the true size of their physical counterparts. This can apply to both Default 3D models as well as BIM Models. Models that are overlay-enabled allows them to be placed according to key reference points that automatically align the model with the physical world.

For example, if you want to see where the overhead lighting and door placement will be in a building that is still under construction, overlay’s are a perfect way to visualize this. Likewise, if you are designing a car and want to see the latest iteration of the front grill on the physical mockup, simply use an overlay.

Preparation Guidelines

The holo|one sphere Asset Pipeline requires a small amount of information to be included in the uploaded models in order us to extract these key reference points.

The reference points placed in the model should correspond with the real world physical reference points where you would like to view the model. For example, in the image below, if the two real-world reference points (blue circles) are what you want to use to place and anchor the model, you would need to mark these reference points in the digital model that gets uploaded.

While we only use one pair of anchors for placement and referencing, you can define several pairs of anchors if you plan to view from different locations that are far apart.

Furthermore, reference points should adhere to the following:

• Nodes in the model hierarchy without child nodes

• Name must be unique and prefixed with “sphere_anchor” (e.g. “sphere_anchor_pillar_west_4”, “sphere_anchor_left_headlight”)

  • Alternatively, if you cannot modify the model structure and hierarchy, you can attach metadata tags to the node that should serve as the reference point and they will be inserted automatically at that location.

• Pairs of points should be within 8 physical meters of each other, otherwise consider using multiple pairs of reference points

• Reference points should be on a physically accessible surface (i.e. on the face of a pillar, not in the middle of it)

The image below shows a sample of a model containing reference anchor points