3D body modelling and applications

Abstract

Human body metrics have become a significant source of product innovation to industries where consumer fit, comfort and ergonomic considerations are key factors. This is especially the case for fashion (e.g. footwear or apparel), health (e.g. orthotics or prosthetics), transport and aerospace (e.g. seats or human-machine interfaces), and safety (e.g. protective equipment or workstations) among others. Large-scale databases of 3D body scans are today a research tool for most of the leading companies of those sectors. In the last few years, new emerging businesses using 3D body data (e.g. garment and footwear customization, size recommendation, health monitoring) are increasing the number and size of 3D body scan repositories. 3D body databases are growing very fast and the development of 3D modelling tools is leveraging the practical application and exploitation of these data. This paper presents three applications of 3D body modelling methods based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA): (1) shape analysis applied to the ergonomic sizing and design of products, (2) creation of 3D avatars from body measurements, and (3) serial 3D creation of harmonised watertight meshes acquired with any type of 3D body scanner.