Using a mobile phone to collect object data

To achieve spatial positioning of specific objects, we provide a mobile-based collection solution. If you need to perform spatial positioning and recognition of objects, you should use this feature. Before collecting data with your phone, please carefully read the following data collection instructions.

Preparation for collection

Before starting data collection, it is necessary to select objects suitable for visual positioning and prepare the corresponding software and hardware environment. Adequate preparation is the key to obtaining high-quality map data. Before each collection, follow the collection checklist for preparation.

Objects suitable for positioning

It is recommended to use objects with rich textures for positioning, as the specific positioning effect may vary depending on the object.

• Object types: statues, cars, billboards, chairs, toy figurines, and other objects with rich textures
• Object size: the target object should be larger than 10cm x 10cm x 10cm. Objects that are too small may result in reduced mapping quality and positioning accuracy

Choose the right phone model

Before starting the collection, ensure your device meets the following requirements:

• iPhone users: iPhone 11 or newer models.
• Android users: Devices supporting ARCore (excluding EasyAR disabled devices). View supported device details.

Note

Note that on ARCore-supported devices, the additional "Google Play Services for AR APP" must be installed to enable ARCore functionality. Some devices may have it pre-installed, while others may require manual installation from the app store.

Install the acquisition tool

Download and install the data acquisition tool app Mega Toolbox:

• iPhone users: Search for Mega Toolbox in the App Store, then download and install it.

• Android users: On the EasyAR download page, find the "Development tools" section and download the Mega Toolbox Android installation package. After downloading, copy the package to your phone and install it directly, or use adb install EasyARMegaToolbox_***.apk on your computer.

Collection process

The collection process is divided into three stages: launching Mega Toolbox, on-site multi-angle scanning and collection, and data saving.

Start Mega Toolbox

1. Open the Mega Toolbox installed on your phone, click the EasyAR Mega Mapping Data Collection (Mobile Mapping) button to enter data collection mode.

   

2. Click the blue + at the bottom to enter the collection page.

   

   Function description

   1. Return to the main interface
   2. Delete record
   3. Enter the collection page

3. For the first collection, you need to allow MegaToolbox to access your camera.

   

Performing acquisition

After entering the shooting interface, follow a specific motion trajectory to scan the object comprehensively, helping build a complete visual map coverage.

1. Environment and initialization:

   • For movable objects, place them on a flat, open area with uniform lighting (e.g., a table). For immovable objects, clear temporary clutter around the target.
   • Enter the acquisition interface, point the camera at a nearby texture-rich area, and slowly pan to initialize. Once the status in the top-left panel changes to Tracking, lift the phone toward the target position and tap the start acquisition button.
     

2. Multi-angle circular scanning:

   Center the object, keep the phone camera facing the target, and perform continuous circular acquisitions 3-4 times:

   • Horizontal circle: Maintain the camera at the object’s mid-height and circle horizontally.
   • Top-down circle: Raise the phone with the camera tilted downward 10~45 degrees for a top-down acquisition.
   • Bottom-up circle: Lower the phone with the camera tilted upward 10~45 degrees for a bottom-up acquisition. Skip this step for small objects.
   • Top supplement: For small objects, perform an additional acquisition above the object.

3. Long-distance and detail supplementation:

   • For larger objects, perform an additional circle at a slightly farther distance, ensuring the object fills the entire camera frame.
   • If the object has intricate details or requires focused positioning in specific areas, capture more local viewpoints of those parts.

Tip

• Acquisition should be a single continuous process without interruption.
• Maintain a distance of over 0.5 meters from the object during acquisition. Adjust distance based on object size, ensuring full coverage.
• Real-time trajectory lines displayed during acquisition help assess compliance.

End and save

After completing the acquisition of all perspectives, you need to stop the recording and persistently save the data to the device.

1. After acquisition, tap the red button at the bottom center to stop acquisition, then enter the save page.

   

2. On the save page, enter a name for the acquisition data (only English letters and numbers are supported), then tap the Save button. The acquisition data will be saved to your phone.

   

Notes

1. The entire collection process must remain in Tracking state. Please maintain smooth collection throughout, avoiding rapid turns or sudden stops.
2. The collection duration must not exceed 15 minutes. Exceeding 15 minutes will force the collection to end and enter the save page.
3. Do not switch to the background during collection, as this will cause the collection to fail.
4. Ensure the environment has sufficient, uniform, and stable lighting, avoiding areas that are too dark or overexposed.
5. Avoid prolonged focus on white walls, metal surfaces, or other monochromatic surfaces, as well as reflective or transparent areas like glass.
6. If the collection fails, it should be restarted.

Next steps

After the collection is completed, refer to the Export Data document to export the data, and create an object mobile collection task in the Mega development center Create Object Mobile Collection Task for mapping.