Scanner Benchmarking for SizeUK

Mr. R. M. Allen^(1,2), Ms. J Bougourd⁽³⁾,Mr. R A J Staples⁽¹⁾, Dr. C Orwin⁽⁴⁾,Dr. M Bradshaw⁽⁴⁾

(1) DLO DC RPS, Ministry of Defence, Skimmimgdish Lane Caversfield, Bicester, Oxon, OX27 8TS, UK

(2) Shape Analysis Ltd, 3 Brick Cottages, Brook Road, Aldham, Colchester, CO6 3RN, UK www.shapeanalysis.com

(3) London College of Fashion, 20 John Princes Street, London, UK

(4) Department of Textiles, DeMonfort University, Leicester, UK

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the methodology used to assess 3D whole-body acquisition systems for use in the UK National Sizing Survey - SizeUK.

The objective of SizeUK was to conduct a sizing survey of approximately 5,000 men and 5,000 women in order to promote improvements in retail garment fit and sizing standards. The sizing survey was conducted using 3D whole-body acquisition systems, both to reduce the measurement time and cost per subject, and also enabling body shape to be captured, which is not possible by manual tape measurement.

Keywords: Scanning, Benchmarking, 3D, Whole, Body, Scanner, Sizing, Survey, Anthropometry.

1. Background

To enable the selection of the most suitable 3D body scanning systems, the project conducted a Scanner Bechmarking exercise of candidate 3D scanners. This consisted of 2 phases; Phase 1 – Scanner Manufacturers’ Self-Assessment, Phase 2 – 3D Centre Assessment.

Overall, the selected 3D scanner(s) were required to collect accurate body measurements in a rapid and cost-effective way from a large proportion of the UK population, including men, women and children. The survey subjects were to be scanned wearing underwear.

Guideline requirements for satisfactory scanning are set out below:

1. Size – a wide range of body sizes, e.g., for women US size 4 to 24, EU size 36 to 54, UK size 6 to 26.

2. Skin colour - from very light to very dark skin pigmentation.

3. Head hair - light colour to black; length short to long; loose or styled. A manufacturer may choose to specify that some subjects must wear head caps, or that some subjects’ heads must be measured manually.

4. Body hair - up to thick body hair. Again, the manufacturer must specify any necessary procedures in order to obtain accurate body surface measurements.

5. Perspiration - scanner to deliver accurate body surface data in the presence of normally encountered levels of perspiration.

The manufacturer needs to specify any necessary conditions or instructions for satisfactory operation of that scanner, including pose, breathing, etc. These conditions should also specify the underwear to be worn (e.g. fabric type, colour, style).

2. Scanner Benchmarking – Phase 1

Phase 1 was conducted entirely by the scanner manufacturers for convenience, and to reduce time and costs. Phase 1 is composed of four parts; (i), a questionnaire asking general questions about the scanner (Table 1); (ii), a form to record 6 measurements taken from a mannequin; (iii), a form for 9 measurements taken from a female subject (ideally this subject will be dark skinned); (iv), a declaration of which of 132 desired measurements the scanner can capture, both currently and with further short-term development, along with the corresponding measurement accuracy (where known). Short-term, for the purpose of these requirements, is defined as no longer than 2 months from the date of the declaration. The manufacturers were requested to provide an indication of the measurement accuracy of their scanner.

Table 1

Contact Details
		Product Name
		Contact Person
		Company Name
		Postal Address
		Web Address
		Telephone Number
		Fax Number
		Email Address
Body Measuring Systems
	Retail cost of system			$
	Rental cost of system			$
	What type of PC or workstation is required?
				Volts	Amps
	Power supply
			Length	Width	Height
	Dimensions of whole-body capture device
	Minimum floor space for a whole working system (excl. dressing room)
	Dimensions of the active scanning volume
3D Data
	Number of capture heads
	Number of sample points
	Time to capture a whole body
	Can users access the raw data points?