[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator
[TC]² Unveils Avatars at SIGGRAPH
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
[TC]², the world’s leading supplier of 3D whole body scanners, is debuting its new “ImageTwin™” or “Avatar from 3D body scan data” feature at SIGGRAPH 2008 in Los Angeles, August 12-14, at Booth 136. The feature will be offered as part of its 3D body scan processing hardware/software offering as well as an online service.
“Creation of high fidelity, realistic, 3D Avatars (digital replicas of humans) for visual applications on and offline is perhaps the most critical aspect enabling virtual worlds to achieve a high level of realism,” states Dr. David Bruner, [TC]²’s VP of Technology Development. “The future of virtual worlds is in moving the real world into a virtual space. 3D Avatars in today’s virtual worlds have relatively low resolution. The future of these virtual worlds, however, is in high fidelity lifelike people, scenes, and real-world interactivity.”
A typical 3D full body scan may contain from 100,000 to over one million points of data defining the surface of the subject – catching every detail of the person’s size, shape, and 3D appearance. The avatars on the most popular virtual world, Second Life, have only 4,000 vertices. Using a high resolution 3D body scan, over a 100X improvement in avatar detail is possible.
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Example of a [TC]² 3D body scan converted into a high resolution Avatar (using Daz Studio Template)
The ability to create Avatars using 3D body scans is not new; however, manual data processing of 3D scans previously took days and automatic processing could take hours. The key to [TC]²’s new functionality is the generation of the avatar automatically in only a few seconds, capturing the full 3D detail present in the original 3D body scan.
The [TC]² process utilizes a “reference 3D template” of the Avatar and morphs its shape to match the 3D body scan data. Any reference template of any polygon count resolution is suitable. Currently, Avatar templates with a lower resolution like Second Life Avatars (4,000 vertices) and Avatars with as many as 100,000+ vertices are possible. The [TC]² ImageTwin feature processes approximately 25,000 vertices per second. [TC]² is working with more than ten commercial reference templates to enable various applications with its Avatar, including human models from Daz3D, Poser by Smith Micro, and numerous apparel industry software application models. In addition, [TC]² is supporting the open-source X3D format and is actively collaborating with web3D.org to enable this and future open-source formats.
As part of the process, a face-photo texturing component utilizes a typical digital photo to add photo-realism to the high resolution face mesh present in the template avatar.
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Example of Face Photo Texturing of 3D Avatar
Dr. Bruner has been selected to participate in SIGGRAPH’s Web 3D Tech Talk program on Wednesday, August 13th, showcasing the 3D community. Bruner will present “3D Avatars from 3D Body Scans.”
Iowa State University Joins ImageTwin.com Network
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Iowa State University is looking forward to the installation of [TC]²’s NX-16 3D body scanning system in the next two weeks. Dr. Young-A Lee, Assistant Professor in the Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management at Iowa State, plans to use the scanner to continue her research in analyzing apparel design issues for the aging population and disabled consumers. Her focus will be on female consumers who are challenged with lack of mobility or physical restrictions caused by obesity and other factors.
By participating in the ImageTwin.com network, Dr. Lee will explore mass market and virtual worlds, such as Second Life, using personal avatars created from 3D body scans. Dr. Lee comments, “I believe eventually there will be widespread use of avatars for virtual shopping, and the technology will be available at retail malls as well as online. Other faculty members are planning collaborative research projects using the scanner along with Iowa State’s Virtual Reality Application Center (VRAC) and Human Computer Interaction Program. As a research tool, the uses for 3D body scanning are limitless.”
Incorporating nanotechnology and smart textiles, Dr. Lee will also research protective and functional clothing for outdoor enthusiasts such as athletes, as well as protective and functional garments for people who are working in hazardous environments such as fire fighters.
[TC]² Activity
The "Top Ten Things"
By Kim Anderson, [TC]²
To keep industry professionals informed, Dr. Mike Fralix, President and CEO of [TC]², frequently travels the world seeking out the latest technology trends that are pertinent to the constantly changing textile and apparel industries. Fralix knows that being a good steward to the environment is an issue of growing importance to many manufacturers and retailers.
Although [TC]² has been recycling cans, plastic bottles and paper for years, Dr. Fralix believes the company could do more. To implement more sustainable practices, Fralix asked Jim Lovejoy, [TC]²’s recognized leader regarding green issues, “What are the top ten things [TC]² could do to be friendlier to the environment?” Lovejoy created a list of almost thirty sustainable and environmental practices which [TC]² could implement.
To get a company-wide consensus on what are the most important strategies to pursue, Lovejoy has sent out this survey to [TC]² employees. The survey below requests that each employee pick the top ten issues that they feel would be most beneficial for [TC]² to establish that would be friendly to the environment. After the results of this survey have been tallied, [TC]² will let its readers know what items will be undertaken.
What are the Top Ten Things [TC]² should do or continue doing to be friendlier to the environment?
____ Publish articles on environmentally friendly subjects in the newsletter
____ Turn off monitors and lights at night and when not in use
____ Use energy management system to control AC and heat
____ Recycle or reuse paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, and plastic
____ If recycling is not available at employee’s home, bring to [TC]² for recycling
____ Eliminate the use of Styrofoam; it is the only form of plastic not recyclable
____ Install high performance window glazing
____ Install motion detection on/off switches for classrooms
____ Contribute to NC Green Power fund at Progress Energy to support alternative energy projects within the state
____ Minimize water flow in toilets or install low flush toilets
____ Maintain live plants in office to absorb CO2
____ When needed, buy used carpeting and furniture or products made from recycled or environmentally friendly processes
____ Take advantage of natural lighting in offices to avoid excess electrical lighting
____ Provide employee environmental training to be environmentally aware at work and at home
____ Install solar power panels on the building’s roof when feasible
____ Manage outside irrigation with smart system to check for moisture from recent rain
____ Use gray water for outside irrigation if available
____ When traveling, request fuel efficient rental cars such as economy or hybrid
____ Pursue LEED certification for the building (more information at www.usgbc.org)
____ Buy Energy Star rated equipment and appliances when available
____ Replace CRT displays with flat screen technology which requires less power
____ Establish flex hours and days to allow for 4 and 4.5 day schedules
____ Encourage employee carpooling
____ Ask for employee volunteers to do a project on Earth Day or Arbor Day
____ Cancel paper publications and junk mail not being read
____ Survey employees periodically to measure [TC]²’s improvement
____ Other suggestions________________________
To help [TC]²’s endeavor in becoming a better steward of the environment, we would like to hear what environmental strategies other companies have implemented. |
To share your thoughts or strategies, contact Jim Lovejoy - |
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Member Profile - Gerber Technology
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Gerber Technology has placed its cutting system, the DCS-1500 sample cutter, in [TC]²’s new demonstration center. The DCS-1500 cutter allows cutting in a fraction of the time required by hand cutting, with a higher degree of accuracy. It is ideal for sample cutting and short production runs, and integrates with the AccuMark™ CAD product line.
In addition to the cutter, Gerber has also supplied its Silhouette design work station and the AccuMark™ pattern design, grading, and marker making system. Its made-to-measure application interfaces seamlessly with [TC]²’s 3D body scan data to create custom garments. The V-Stitcher 3D pattern visualization software, AccuNest and WebPDM programs and a plotter complete the variety of Gerber products being demonstrated at [TC]². These state-of-the-art tools provide the designer with flexibility and consistency, and the ability to share iterations with remote supply chain partners, eliminating the need for sample creation.
Gerber Technology, one of four business units of Gerber Scientific, Inc., provides design, product lifecycle management, and automated production solutions for the sewn and flexible goods industries. In addition to its line of cutters and spreaders, other product offerings include the AccuMark™ pattern design suite; AccuNest™ marker making software, and Fashion Lifecycle Management.
Speakers Confirmed for
Innovative Textile Printing: Green & Global Symposium
September 17-19, 2008
Sheraton Imperial Hotel, RTP
Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
[TC]² and AATCC have joined together to present an educational symposium highlighting innovative approaches for textile printing. Confirmed program speakers are: Richard Malakowski, Cranston Print Works; Patty Williams, IT Strategies; Karen McGhee, American Eagle; Stephen Fraser, Spoonflower; Rob Morskate, Osiris Digital Prints; Mary Ankeny, Cotton Incorporated; JeongGook Cho, Yuhan Kimberly; Tom McCall, CloverTex; Marci Kinter, SGIA; Art Allen, Sensient; Fernando Vazquez, Dow Corning; Hitoshi Ujiie, Philadelphia University; Jos Notermans, Stork Digital; Jesse Leskanic, Cheran Digital; Tom Stutts, DataColor; Danielle Locastro, First2Print and Ann Laidlaw, X-Rite.
In addition to participation by [TC]² staff members Dr. Michael Fralix, Kerry King, and Jim Lovejoy, the agenda includes company representatives from Pantone, Brother International, and Dystar. Organizers are working to confirm several additional speakers and updated information will be forthcoming as the conference details develop.
On September 19th, attendees will visit Cotton Incorporated for a tour of its digital print and textile processing areas and [TC]², where visitors will gain insight into 3D technologies for product development and the integration of digital printing into the sewn product manufacturing environment.
Click here for conference registration.
Seminar Offerings at [TC]²
Seams and Stitches – The Technical Details
August 6, 2008
Are you able to effectively communicate to your suppliers the seam construction details for your products? There is a standard language to ensure that your sewn products maintain the consistency and quality demanded by your customers. Attend this one day ‘Seams and Stitches’ program to learn the nomenclature and how to identify the basic stitch formation and seam constructions. Hands-on exercises will help you discover what makes the stitches and seam types different and how to apply the right stitches and seams to specific products.
Calculating Time Standards without Time Studies
August 19-21, 2008
This seminar explains how to calculate time standards by analyzing the motions of a sewing operation and attaching the appropriate time values for each motion. The charts in the included book, Sewing Performance and Methods Analysis, were created by D.J. Stohlman, P.E., from proven MTM data. During this three day seminar, attendees will build piece-rates for several operations by analyzing video tapes and applying time for the appropriate auxiliary factors to determine accurate costing before production is placed on the manufacturing floor.
Programs will be held at [TC]², 5651 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC.
For additional information or to register, contact Elizabeth Salisbury at 919.653.3507, or via our contact form.
To download or print a copy of [TC]²’s seminar offerings for 2008, click here (pdf).
Important Dates
August
6 |
Seams and Stitches – The Technical Details; Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details, click here. |
12-14 |
SIGGRAPH 2008, Los Angeles Convention Center. Visit [TC]² in Booth 136. For conference details, go to www.siggraph.org/s2008. |
19-21 |
Calculating Time Standards without Time Studies; Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details, click here. |
24-27 |
Made in USA Products Show, Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas. Go to www.madeinusaproductsshow.com for information. |
September
9-11 |
Pattern Development, Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details, click here. |
17-19 |
Innovative Textile Printing: Green & Global. Presented by [TC]² and AATCC. |
22-26 |
Introduction to Apparel Manufacturing, Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details, click here. |
For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com
Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors
Apparel Magazine, Gerber Technology, Lawson, Lectra, Methods Workshop and Reach Technologies.
A Look Ahead in the Newsletter
Intermoda
View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
5651 Dillard Drive
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www.tc2.com
Phone: 919-380-2156
Fax: 919-380-2181
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