About the Body Scanner

Reference: http://www.bodyscan.human.cornell.edu/scene60df.html

Body scanners will play a critical role in mass customization because they enable
retailers to rapidly collect three-dimensional (3D) data for each consumer.
Computer software can then analyze the high-resolution images of the body to
extract precise, standardized tailoring measurements. In conjunction with advanced
design and production processes, body scanners will thus allow consumers to
benefit from a modern form of custom tailoring and automated size selection.
Traditional mass-produced clothing will also be improved as a result of body scan
technology. Industry and academic researchers are using large amounts of
anthropometric (body measurement) data captured by body scanners to adjust the
sizing systems of ready-to-wear clothing lines so that everyone in the target
population is better fitted.
Another application of body scanning, currently under development, allows
consumers to "try on" garments in a virtual environment. An individual's scan is
visualized on a computer while clothing of various sizes is superimposed (in 3D) on
a rotatable image. The computer application highlights areas of good and bad fit,
helping the user to select the most appropriate product.
The Scanner at Cornell University
Cornell professor Susan Ashdown (see Contributors) is at the leading edge of
apparel research using a 3D body scanner. Our original Human Solutionsscanner
was purchased in 2000 thanks to the generous donation of alumna Rebecca Quinn
Morgan. Since then, we have upgraded the Human Solutionsscanner and purchased
a [TC]2 scanner. These scanners have generated numerous educational and
research projects.
Students in a variety of classes have been scanned and have learned about scanner
applications experientially. One class that studies human anthropometry used it as
a tool for comparing sizes and shapes of a student population. A design class used
it in combination with computer-assisted patternmaking equipment to develop
made-to-measure jackets. A class studying the mass customization business
strategy analyzed likely commercial applications for body scan data in the apparel
industry.

At this early stage of development, topics for research include the evaluation of the
scanner itself, its data output, and its potential applications. Of the variety of
scanners available for purchase, a VITUS/smart 3D Body Scanner by Human
Solutions was originally selected for the research program at Cornell University
because its size, technical operation, and data-generating system were most
compatible with our primary research functions. Subsequently, we traded in this
scanner for a new Human Solutions VITUS XXL scanner with a larger scan volume.
We also purchased a [TC]2 NX12 portable scanner in order to conduct 3D scan
research off campus.
The Human Solutions scanner uses eight cameras and four eye-safe lasers to
capture about 300,000 data points for each scan. The scanning process takes only
12 seconds. The resolution of the final scan is 1 mm increments horizontally and 2
mm increments vertically. The camera views overlap generously, providing a good
scan image. The [TC]2 scanner is similar in resolution and duration of the scanning
process, but uses white light. The scan booth is a light-tight box, and the scan data
is cleaned, merged and patched automatically.

Beyond the Apparel Industry

There are applications for body scan data outside the apparel industry. The airline,
automobile, and tractor industries have used scan data to develop seats that are
optimized for the highest number of body types. The entertainment industry has
used scans to develop animations, most recently of sports stars for video games.
Health clubs have applied body scan technology to evaluate the effects of workout
programs using "before" and "after" comparisons. The use of body scanners is in its
infancy. Many future applications are yet to be discovered.
Begin by viewing some visualizations of body scan data...