

in the Loop

3D Annotation
What is 3d annotation.
3D annotation may be performed on three-dimensional data such as point clouds, and it allows for depth, distance, and volume to be factored into account. This is most often done with cuboids but it can also be done by using voxels (3D pixels) for semantic segmentation.

Where can 3D annotation be used?
As 3D annotation allows for depth and volume perception, it can be used in a variety of industries. It is much more difficult to annotate than 2D data but it provides much better insights when 2D visual data is insufficient.
- Medical : analyzing 3D scans such as CTs and MRIs
- Geospatial : detecting 3D structures on Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery
- Automotive : tracking vehicles on LiDAR point cloud data
- Industrial : detecting anomalies on 3D scans of products
- Agriculture : powering harvesting robots for fruit picking
- Retail : detecting gestures and poses for VR and AR applications
- Takes into account more dimensions and hence provides more useful information, especially in conditions which affect the 2D data (e.g. fog, darkness, occlusion, etc.)
- 3D annotations may also be performed with a good approximation on 2D data, such as segmentation of sequences of DICOM slices, or cuboid estimation on flat images based on the perspective.
- Very time-consuming and requires advanced tools which are able to support large quantities of data.
- LiDAR data is precise for objects that are close to the source but points get dispersed as the objects move further away and this inevitably affects the quality of the annotation.

- Some tools allow the user to visualize multiple viewpoints (side, top, front) in order to make the annotation of a single object easier. In addition, it is possible to compare the 3D data to a 2D capture of the same scene as a sanity check.
- 3D annotation for medical imagery is facilitated by the availability of smart segmentation based on tissue density. This allows for very precise annotations with little effort.
- It is recommended to create all 3D annotations in the same position as regards to the pitch axis, which considerably facilitates the labeling of the roll and the yaw axis.
Tools and Platforms for 3D annotation

Interested in having a Human in the Loop label your 3-dimensional dataset? Get in touch with our team at Humans in the Loop and a project manager will help you find the best solution to your computer vision needs!
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About 3D Annotation and Model-Based Definition

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Use general annotations and notes to add 3D annotations to a part or assembly.
In a part file, use the Tolerance Feature command and the General Profile Note to add Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and other manufacturing information to the model.

GD&T annotations on the 3D model describe the tolerances, controls, and allowable variation in the model. The term Model-Based Definition (MBD) refers to a fully defined 3D model. The annotated 3D model is often sent directly to manufacturing to create the physical part.
GD&T describes the following controls for features in the model:
- Form control such as Flatness
- Profile control such as the Profile of a surface
- Orientation control such as Perpendicularity
- Location control such as Position
- Run out conditions
Use commands available on the Annotate tab in a part or assembly file to add 3D annotations to your model.

Use the Tolerance Feature command in a part file to add GD&T annotations to your model. Use the Tolerance Advisor to help you understand the state of your model and manage the Tolerance Feature annotations.

Workflows and user interface for 3D annotation commands are like annotation commands in the drawing environment. For example, after you place an annotation or click OK in a dialog box, you can continue adding symbols of the same type.
Setting 3D annotation units and standards
Changes to Document Settings Units tab do not affect 3D annotations. Click Document Settings Standard tab and then specify the Active Standard to set the units. If no active standard exists the first time you use a 3D annotation command, you are asked to choose a standard.

Set the view annotation scale
The scale of 3D annotations is independent of the Annotation Scale option in the Application Options > General tab and can be a different size in each view. Right-click a view in the browser and select Annotation Scale to set the scale.

You can also control the annotation scale of the active view by selecting the Annotation Scale drop-list in the Annotate tab > Manage panel. Use the Auto setting to let the system control the size, or choose Custom to define a scale not available in the list.
3D annotations and tolerance features in the browser
A browser folder lists all Annotations (parts and assemblies) and Tolerance Features (parts only) in the file. Cross highlighting between the graphics window and the browser is available for the annotations and tolerance features.

Use View representations to control annotation visibility and scale
Set the visibility and scale of model annotations specifically for each design view and then save the current camera. By default, when you create annotations in the active design view, the annotations are added to all existing unlocked design views.

The scale of 3D annotations is independent of the Annotation Scale option in the Application Options > General tab . Right-click a View representation to set the Annotation Scale.
- In the View tab, use the 3D Annotations Object Visibility filter to toggle all 3D annotations on and off.
- In the Quick Access Toolbar, use the Select Annotations filter to select only 3D annotations to manage visibility in view representations. For example, make the Top view active and then turn off the visibility of annotations that should not appear in the top view.
- Create section View representations to detail internal features.
- To Work with Tolerance Annotations and Tolerance Advisor Use the Tolerance Feature command to attach GD&T annotations, Feature Control Frames, and Datum Identifiers to part faces or features. Use the Tolerance Advisor to check the health and status of your tolerance scheme.
- To Work with General Annotations Use the General Annotation commands to add dimensions, hole notes, and surface texture symbols to the 3D model.
- To Work with Text and Leaders Use the text commands to add leader text and note text to the 3D model.
- Tolerance Advisor Messages List and explanation of Tolerance Advisor browser messages.
3D Annotations and View/Annotation Planes
- Cone: Angle dimension will be created in a view/annotation plane containing the cone axis.
- Sphere: Diameter/radius dimension will be created in a view/annotation plane containing the sphere center.
- Torus diameter/radius dimension will be created in a view/annotation plane containing the torus axis.
- Tube diameter/radius dimension will be created in a view/annotation plane perpendicular with the torus axis.
- Tab/slot: Dimension will be created in a view/annotation plane perpendicular with the planes.
- Cylindrical Tab/slot: Dimension will be created in a view/annotation plane perpendicular with the axes or containing the axes.
User Surface
Group of surfaces, view/annotation planes.
- Located in planes parallel to this annotation plane and in the background and foreground spaces bounded by this annotation plane.
- Related to the geometry finding an intersection with this annotation plane.
- Lying on/belonging to this annotation plane.
- Located in planes parallel to this annotation plane and in the background space bounded by this annotation plane.
- Only related to the geometry finding an intersection with this annotation plane.
- Only lying on/belonging to this annotation plane.

What is a 3D annotation?
- Publication date: June 22, 2021
A frame that contains information about a certain part of a 3D object.
Its purpose is to emphasize a certain part of the digital object. Because it is connected to a 3D point, the 3D annotation window can move in the same direction as the 3D object.
What can a 3D annotation contain?
This frame can contain text, images, videos and even hyperlinks to other documents.
What are the benefits of using 3D annotations?
The introduction of 3D annotations in an online 3D model viewer makes it possible to show a lot of information in a single online environment, giving buyers much more insights.
How can Visao ’s experts help you?
If you need additional details and even custom recommendations on how to make 3D annotations and models of your products, contact us and we will be happy to help you create what you need!

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Visao is a web-based platform that empowers manufacturers to share their industrial designs and create interactive, simple and effective digital visualizations to provide sales and marketing teams with the means to communicate their organization’s expertise and the solutions they proudly represent.
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An Easy Guide for Annotating 3D Models
What is 3d model annotation.
ThingLink’s new feature allows users to create interactive 3D models as easily as they create interactive images, videos and virtual tours. The feature is based on ThingLink’s patented solution for creating embeddable interactive media with dynamic hotspots that can contain text, images, video, questions, as well as web links or embeds from other websites and services.
Meet a product expert
If you’d like to learn more about what ThingLink can offer to your company, you can schedule an online meeting with one of our product experts below.
How can you use annotated 3D models?
The new 3D model annotation comes with a new mobile-friendly editing experience that anyone from elementary school students to corporate design professionals will be able to use without special training! From maintaining technical devices to preserving cultural history, 3D model annotation introduces new opportunities to modern-day learning and communication. Here are some of our favorite use cases:
- Museums and galleries : Showcase collections in a new engaging way using 3D models annotated with facts and expert commentary.
- Medical education : Show models of anatomy and physiology with additional information, references and links.
- Manufacturing: Use interactive 3D models in customer education, sales, maintenance, and staff training.
- Design : Make design thinking more transparent and use interactive 3D models to improve team communication and collaboration.
- Product marketing: Engage customers on websites and social media using interactive 3D models.
Click the interactive image below to navigate from one 3D model to another across the different industry segments.
How to create or download a 3D model
You can create your own models using Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, or other software. However, if you find creating your own 3D models difficult, you can download free or paid models from websites like TurboSquid, Sketchfab and others.
Uploading your 3D model to ThingLink
To get started, log in to your ThingLink account and upload the 3D model of your choosing.
The industry-standard 3D file format supported is .glb, with a maximum file size of 100 MB. If you use another 3D model file format, use a conversion tool such as Aspose Converter , Food Mixer, Engine, or Globe.
There are a variety of media files and other types of content you can add to a 3D model in the new ThingLink 3D model editor. These include:
- Images: Pick an image (or multiple images) from your hard drive and add it to the tag. Your images can be jpg/png/png/GIF and up to 25MB.
- Videos : Add a short video clip in mp4 or m4a file format, up to 25MB. Or embed via YouTube by copy-pasting the video URL or the embed code.
- Other embeds: To embed another web tool or a webpage, just paste the embed code or the page URL.
- Link : Create a link button that takes the viewer to the URL. Just like in the main editor, you can specify the button text.
A handy addition to the tags is the Upload file function, which allows you to upload a file to ThingLink. This will create a button that will download the file if the viewer clicks it. This feature supports the following file formats: PDF, Word documents (.doc and .docx), Excel files, file archives (.zip and .rar). Visit our Help Center to get additional help on using 3D annotations in your immersive media designs.
Quick How-To Video
New icon sets and color backgrounds for 3d model annotation.
The new 3D model editor gives you the ability to select different icons from pre-defined presets. You can also change the background color for the model; for example, you can select a darker background to make a lighter model stand out. Here’s a screenshot of the new custom icons menu, which is accessible by clicking on the “Customize” button.

How to share and embed your 3D model
The versatility of ThingLink not only lies in the layers of multimedia you can add but in the way you can seamlessly link all your interactive media together. It allows you to create starting scenes that compile a presentation or summarizes a more complex idea using transitions, just like we did in the Canva poster earlier. For example, in training materials, a 360-degree image of a laboratory can link to various interactive 3D models of the technical devices.
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Meet ThingLink Experts
Data Annotation, Image Labeling Service For ML and AI
Anolytics offers data, image, text and video annotation service for computer vision and machine learning process. Companies working on AI-based machine learning technologies and looking to develop a fully-functional model can get high quality annotated image and text data here with complete security. and privacy with cost-effective pricing as per needs.
What is The Difference Between 2D and 3D Image Annotations: Use Cases

Image annotation is the only technique helps machine learning or AI-based perception model to recognize the particular object in an image and learn to detect the such objects when used in real-life. And there are different types of image annotations, like polygon, polylines, landmark, semantic segmentation and bounding box which is one the most common image annotation technique used to make the objects recognizable into 2D and 3D formats.
Difference Between 2D and 3D Image Annotation
2D Image annotation includes both labeling of the whole image and labelling all pixels, In such annotations of multiple similar images can be simplified when the dataset is clustered based on a visual similarity measure, allowing the user to link labels to clusters instead of going individually through all images.
2D and 3D images annotations done as per the project’s requirements, in self-driving model training, 3D annotated images are more helpful and gives a more precise perception of an objects, while in various sector like retail and automated farming, 2D annotated images are also enough to allow machines detect the objects for future prediction.
How 2D and 3D Images are Annotated?
In 2D image annotation, a line is drawn in the rectangular and square formats over a object as per the dimensions. This is also known as 2D bounding box annotation which also slightly shaded when drawn over a object, making easier for computers to recognize such objects and help machines to learn from such annotated data sets.
Whereas, in 3D image annotation the third-dimension is drawn using the lines to highlight the other conception of an object for more precise perception. It is also known as 3D bounding box annotation or 3D cuboid annotation needs extra time and efforts to annotate but more helpful in machine learning training mainly for indoor objects or other vehicle perception on road.
2D for Object Localization vs 3D for Spatial Cognition
In self-driving cars or autonomous driving 2D annotated images are used to localize the objects like pedestrians, lane obstacles, traffic signs and sign boards etc. While 3D annotation is to train the computer vision models for spatial perception from 2D images or videos to measure the relative distance object from the car and range can be measured making easier for self-driving cars to detect other cars and similar objects running on the road.
Use Cases of 2D and 3D Image Annotations
Basically, 2D image annotations are used for object localization in autonomous driving, object detection for ecommerce or retail industry, and damage detection for insurance claim and drone or robotics training for various sectors.
While on the other hand, 3D image annotation is used in precise distribution of various indoor objects and also in robotics training for autonomous warehousing and inventory management. 3D image annotation can be done using the 3D point cloud annotation and 3D cuboid annotation as per the perception model training data requirements.
How to get 2D and 3D Annotated Images?
I think you got certain idea what is the basic difference between 3D and 3D image annotations. And if you are looking to get such annotated images for your machine learning or AI project development, you can get the high-quality training data for machine learning and AI model training at most affordable cost with flexible pricing.
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3D Annotations
SOLIDWORKS part and assembly documents support 3D annotations according to the ASME Y14.41-2003 standard.
3D annotations are organized according to the model's orthographic views, such as front, bottom, isometric, etc. These orientations are called annotation views, and they replicate the standard drawing view orientations. Annotation views can be created automatically or manually.
After you create annotation views in the model, you can use these views in a drawing. The annotation views are converted into 2D drawing views so that the annotations you inserted in the model appear in the drawing.
Inserting 3D Annotations
You can insert 3D annotations into parts and assemblies. The SOLIDWORKS software organizes 3D annotations according to the model's orthographic views, such as front, bottom, isometric, etc. These orientations are called annotation views, and they replicate the standard drawing view orientations.
After you create annotation views in the model, you can use these views in a drawing. The annotation views are converted into 2D drawing views; the annotations you inserted in the model are retained in the drawing.
To insert 3D annotations:
- In a part or assembly, click a tool on the Annotation toolbar.
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3D Annotations
Annotations are 3D graphic labels that remain in place when a 3D display or an object rotates or moves in a 3D view. An annotation is anchored to the object that it labels. The label can contain an object's description or can display a digital readout. For example, you can use a gauge from the Symbols Library in an annotation of an animated tank object, which the gauge monitors; runtime users can rotate the animated tank, but the gauge always faces runtime users so that it can always be read.
Three Annotations Attached to a Cube: A Gauge, a Label, and a Process Point

You can put anything you like in an annotation. For example, the annotation can have an animated object, a trend, and even an alarm. You are not limited to what you put into an annotation.
You can create annotations so that their display measures are culture-sensitive or language-sensitive. Using one display with one set of annotations, you can set up the annotations so that, for example, a temperature gauge shows readings in Celsius to users in Europe and in Fahrenheit to users in the United States. The same display’s annotations can also be language-sensitive to users. You can use the Hide dynamic to hide and show such gauges depending on the runtime user. You can even include a button in the annotation so that runtime users can change the language if necessary.
Like all objects in a GraphWorX display, annotations have properties that you can modify in the Properties tab. The default values of an annotation's properties are set in Preferences using the New Label Default Settings preference.
The remainder of this topic describes the following:
Working with Annotations
Creating an annotation in a 3d view, attaching an annotation to an object.
Moving an Annotation or Its Line
Deleting Annotations
Annotation Properties
Return to Top
To create an annotation:
Select the object you want to annotate.
Note that the annotation is flush with the XZ plane. If you want move the annotation (for example, raise the annotation so that it appears above the plane), in the Explorer select the annotation . When you do this correctly, the Move manipulator appears on the annotation. Use the move manipulator to move the annotation to the desired location.

Type the text of the annotation or add an object to the annotation, such as a process point or a symbol from the Symbols Library (you can add 3D and non-3D symbols), a GraphWorX64 object, or an AlarmWorX64 object. Configure any objects in the annotation as you would configure them for any other display; the boundaries of the annotation expand to accommodate the size of objects you add to the annotation.
Use the annotation's properties (described in Annotation Properties ) to control the annotation. An annotation has two sets of properties: s elect the Annotation object to set Annotation properties ; select the Label object to set Label properties. Default values for Label properties are set in the New Label Default Settings on the Preferences tab.

An annotation might not be attached to an object if you forgot to select the object before adding the annotation to the 3D view or if the object's name changed, causing the object to become detached from its annotation. Furthermore, it may be attached to the wrong object, or its line may not be anchored to the object. If this is the case, you can attach the annotation to the correct object by following these steps:
In the Explorer, select the annotation you want to attach to an object. Note that all annotations appear under the Annotations section at the top of the 3D View. When you do this correctly, the Move manipulator appears on the annotation.
On the annotation's Properties tab, in the AssociatedObject property, type the name of the object you want the annotation to attach to. The object name is case sensitive, so make sure the name entered here is identical to the object's name as it is listed in the Explorer.
Set the ShowLine property to True . (If the ShowLine property is already True, you may have to set it to False, then set it back to True or order to attach the annotation.) This makes the line that connects the annotation to the object visible.
In the 3D view, right-click the annotation to reveal the pop-up menu. Select Reset Anchor Point . The annotation line's anchor point should now connect to the object.
If the anchor point does not appear in the correct spot, right-click the annotation again, and select Edit Anchor Point . This puts a move manipulator at the annotation's anchor point. Move the anchor point to the desired location in the object. If the object moves during runtime, this establishes the object's starting point.
If at any point the annotation's anchor point becomes detached from the object, repeat these steps as a way of troubleshooting a solution.
Moving an Annotation or It's Line
The placement of an annotation (called its position ) or its anchor point in an object may not suit your needs. You can move either.
You Can Move an Annotation or Its Anchor Point

To move the annotation to another spot in the 3D viewport:
In the Explorer, select the annotation you want to attach to an object. Note that all annotations appear under the Annotations section at the top of the 3D View. When you do this correctly, the Move manipulator appears on the annotation.
Use the Move manipulator to move the annotation wherever you want it to be. Note that this changes the coordinates in the annotation's Position property in the format: X,Y,Z . You have the option of typing new coordinates in the Position property if you require a more exact way of positioning the annotation.
Check the annotation's orientation by clicking the perspective buttons on the View Section of the 3D Home Ribbon . For an example, click here. In any of these views you can move the annotation.

To move the annotation line's anchor point in an object:
In the annotation's Properties, make sure that [a] the object is correctly entered in the AssociatedObject property and then [b] the ShowLine property is True .
In the 3D view, right-click the annotation and select Edit Anchor Point . The Move manipulator appears at the annotation's anchor point.
Use the Move manipulator to move the anchor point to the desired spot in the object. Note that this changes the coordinates in the annotation's AnchorPoint property in the format: X,Y,Z . The coordinates 0,0,0 put the anchor point in the center of the object. You have the option of typing new coordinates in the AnchorPoint property if you require a more exact way of positioning the anchor point in the object.
Check the anchor point's orientation in the object by clicking the perspective buttons on the View Section of the 3D Home Ribbon . For an example, click here. In any of these views you can right-click and move the annotation's anchor point.

Deleting an Annotation
Press Delete . This deletes the annotation and the line that connects it to the object.
Annotation properties for an annotation are described below. Note that annotations also come with an inner 2D label object; for more information, refer to Labels .
The top, Appearance section has the following properties that are specific to annotations:
AnchorPoint identifies the coordinates (in X,Y,Z format, where X, Y, and Z are the axes) on the object where the line is anchored in configuration mode (see the illustration of the AnchorPoint and Position properties below). Note that these coordinates are in relation to the associated object, not in relation to the 3D view's grid. For example, 0,0,0 places the anchor point in the center of the object. If the ShowLine property is True, this is the coordinate on the object where the line connects to the annotation. To change the AnchorPoint's coordinates, refer to Moving an Annotation or Its Line .
Position identifies the coordinates (in X,Y,Z format, where X, Y, and Z are the axes) of the annotation box , as shown in the illustration below. To change the coordinates, select the annotation in the Explorer and then move it using the Move manipulator.
AnchorPoint and Position Properties

AssociatedObject identifies the name of object that the annotation labels. If the object was selected when you clicked the annotation icon, that object's name appears here. If the object's name changes, you must make sure to change its name in this property. You can type a new object name at any time; make sure you type the name that appears for the object in the Explorer. This field is case sensitive. If you enter the name of the different object, the annotation automatically annotates that object.
LineColor determines the color of the line that connects the annotation to the object, assuming the ShowLine property is set to True.
AutoHide , when set to True , hides the annotation in runtime when it collides with other objects in the display. Set this property to True when the annotation is in a congested display of objects and other annotations and this is an annotation that runtime users don't necessarily need to see constantly. If the annotation is attached to an object that moves in runtime, consider where in the display the object will be moving and what other objects are will be in those locations.
ShowLine , when set to True , shows a line from the annotation to the object. Setting this value to True also makes the Reset Anchor Point and Edit Anchor Point menu items appear on the annotation's right-click menu.
Annotation Horizontal Alignment determines where in the annotation the text appears. Options are Auto (the default), Left, Center, and Right.
Annotation Vertical Alignment determines where in the annotation the text appears. Options are Auto (the default), Top, Center, and Bottom.
The X, Y, and Z Axis Legend in the 3D Viewport
Find and Replace Properties in Displays and Symbols
Preferences
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