[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator
[TC]² Announces Integrated Virtual Fashion Technology for NX-16 Body Scanners
By David Bruner, [TC]²
[TC]²’s most recent software update for its market leading NX-16 3D body scanner is one of the most significant and comprehensive in the product’s 15 year history. Some of the key enhancements include:
• Virtual Fashion creation on 3D body scans for real time viewing
• Integrated High Fidelity 3D Avatar Mesh creation in seconds
• Over 40 new measurement extraction points (now totaling over 400 unique points of measure)
• Lectra and Gerber Technology measurement file format compatibility
A feature long sought-after for 3D body scanners is the ability to create 3D human models from 3D scans that are suitable for aesthetic viewing applications in addition to the traditional high accuracy body measurement functions. That feature is important for apparel as well as for health, fitness, and medical applications. For apparel applications, the ability to see oneself virtually dressed in various clothing styles immediately after scanning is very appealing.
The new 3D avatar generation feature and virtual fashion viewing technologies are inter-related. The avatar (a commonly used term for a virtual representation of oneself) is created in a matter of seconds by morphing a pre-existing reference template mesh to conform to the body scan geometry at over 3000 points on the surface of the scan body.
 |
|
| Body Scan | Resulting Avatar |
The high accuracy geometry of the 3D body scan is captured within the avatar mesh which retains the smooth, watertight, and highly detailed surface (hands, head, and feet) of the reference mesh. The result is the best combination of body scan data features and human computer model features. The avatar is created in an open-source format which can be imported into numerous 3D applications including Maya, 3D Studio Max, Rhino, and other applications supporting the .obj file format.
This new feature can be used to produce high fidelity 3D human body model representations and also for virtual fashion visualization of numerous clothing categories.
The virtual fashion element of [TC]²’s new offering is a simplified approach to clothing simulation that eliminates the need to virtually sew over the body or to do cloth draping simulations. The advantage is that the simulation is automatic, fast, and robust. The simulation is created by morphing a pre-existing 3D model template (which has the target clothing on) and morphing it using the same parameters used to create the body avatar. The result is a highly realistic image produced fully automatically in seconds.
 |
|
| Body Scans with Jeans and T-Shirt Virtual Fashion | Reference Template |
Garment morphing is not a replacement for cloth draping but rather fills a technology gap that exists today which demands automatic processing (low cost) for consumer applications of virtual dressing. The garments which work best with this simulation are those that fit close to the body (jeans, t-shirts, swimwear, intimates, etc.) or those that are relatively unstructured. This new approach results in a much lower total cost of virtual fashion construction for brands and retailers versus traditional processes.
With this new release, one can now produce size predictions, made-to-measure garment specifications, and virtual fashion visualization using 3D body scans - all within one application. These new capabilities are being included at no additional cost with [TC]² NX-16 3D body scanner purchases and as a free upgrade for existing customers with full coverage body scanner active maintenance programs.
For a video illustration on the avatar from body scan process please visit [TC]²’s ImageTwin Web Site: http://www.imagetwin.com/pavatar.html.
[TC]²’s Upcoming Seminar Offerings
Technical Design Aids – Seams, Stitches, Needle, and Thread Criteria –– October 29
Are you able to effectively communicate product seam construction details to suppliers? There is a standard language to ensure that sewn products maintain the consistency and quality demanded by the consumer. Attend this one day ‘Seams and Stitches’ program to learn the nomenclature and how to identify basic stitch formation and seam construction. Hands-on exercises will help identify stitch and seam differentiations and will provide guidance in applying the right stitches and seams to specific products. Needle and thread properties will be discussed.
Ensuring Quality Products by Integrating Sewability Factors and Quality Analysis – November 5-6
This course provides details on four major factors which affect the quality of a finished product: Fabric Selection, Pattern Development, Equipment Selection and Adjustment, and Operator Training. Examples of how errors or improper selection can result in off-quality products are used to strengthen recognition and resolution skills.
Lecture, rejected garment analysis, and a case study help attendees understand ways to improve quality in their own plant. Participants are encouraged to bring samples of off-quality garments for discussion.
Accurate Costing to Build a Profitable Supply Chain – November 12
Rescheduled - Last 2008 Offering for Pattern Development – November 18-20
Seminars will be held at [TC]²’s facility at 5651 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC.
A complete description of these programs and others can be viewed at http://www.tc2.com/what/seminars.html
For additional information or to register, contact Debra Gill at 919.653.3501, or via our contact form.
Rich Internet Applications – Embraced by Retailers
By Kim Anderson, [TC]²
Persistent challenges have plagued all online commerce. Apparel products have had some unique challenges—the difficulties in getting a tactile feel for the fabric and assessing the fit of the garment have been at the forefront. Determining the right search terms to seek out the desired product has also proved to be a tedious and cumbersome endeavor. However, after years of trials and tribulations, online retailing has become the fastest growing retail segment and is continuing to gain momentum. Some retailers believe Rich Internet Applications (RIAs), commonly referred to as "Web 2.0" are responsible for jump starting the growth of online retailing as well as creating new ways to engage the consumer.
For the average person, it can be difficult to determine exactly what RIAs are. Not only do RIAs have numerous meanings but every definition is sprinkled with technological jargon.
In a recent article in Apparel, Nikki Baird, Managing Partner, RSR Research, defined RIAs as “…basically any web-based application that provides an interactive user experience without the need to refresh a webpage. This can include anything "streaming," whether sound or video (or text); widgets, which are basically mini-web pages that you can stash on your desktop; and mashups, where different widgets, streams or practically any web resource can be combined with other resources to produce something new and different. Google map mashups are probably the most ubiquitous example out there today.”
Apparel companies are using RIAs to allow their customers to "see" the detail of the fabric and garment. They are also utilizing RIAs to view multiple angles of a garment and even virtually try it on. Companies have incorporated interactive videos, search slide bars and virtual dressing rooms. The search slide bars graphically show customers items that meet their price, color and size criteria. Virtual dressing rooms allow the customer to select a model that reflects the consumer's size or shape and see what the item looks like on that model.
The results of a recent survey given to retailers, catalogers and commerce sites showed that more than 90 percent of them will be conducting Rich Internet projects over the next year to enhance user experiences. Survey respondents believe the most effective Rich Internet features involve those that improve the presentation of products online with zoom (78%), product visualization tools (76%), color swatching and coloring (75%), online monogramming (73%) and alternative views (73%) topping the list.
However, RIAs are not risk- free. Rushing into Web 2.0 can lead to negative consequences if the security is insufficient. Since RIAs increase the amount of computer code downloaded to the browser, there is more for a hacker to examine and exploit. Two years ago the Samy Worm infected more than one million users of the social networking site MySpace in a mere 24 hours. Performance and reliability should also be addressed before implementing RIAs—if it isn’t—RIAs can backfire and end up hindering competitiveness by alienating customers due to poor design.
But companies shouldn’t delay building rich, responsive, socially networked web applications because they could risk being left behind by the competition. RIAs are offering a rich, engaging experience that improves user satisfaction and increases productivity. Apparel companies are deploying RIAs to differentiate themselves and provide their customer with an interactive online shopping experience that is more personalized.
References
Allurent and Coremetrics Partner to Deliver Effective Web 2.0 Shopping Solutions; Partnership Gives Retailers Unrivaled Insight to Shape How Rich Internet Applications Improve their Online Business. February 27, 2008 Wednesday 1:30 PM GMT
Baird, Nikki. Managing Partner, RSR Research. Turning Rich Internet Applications into Riches: What do RIAs Mean for Retail?
Knight, William. Don't let Web 2.0 sink your security. computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk
Rich Internet Experience 2006 and Beyond. PR Newswire US. January 10, 2007, Wednesday 2:00 PM GMT
Taft, Darryl K. Sun Steps into the RIA fray. eWeek, 8/4/2008, Vol. 25 Issue 23, p17-18, 2p.
[TC]² Activity
SEAMS Fall Networking Conference
By Jim Lovejoy, [TC]²
The fall meeting of the SEAMS Association was held last week at Clemson Apparel Research (CAR) in Pendleton, SC. Attendees were hosted on a tour of the CAR facilities by Bill Kernodle, Site Director, where 800 shirts a week are produced with 3 day turnaround for military and commercial customers. In addition, about 6,000 custom shirts are produced one at a time throughout the year. Dr. Chris Cole, Director, talked about the history and mission of CAR.
After a short business meeting where new SEAMS Directors were elected, the program continued with presentations on “Bidding on Military Contracts 101” by Bill Kernodle and Theresa Bouchonnet from the North Carolina Military Business Center. Other topics included a discussion of marketing ideas by Rick Ludolph, President of Productive Solutions, “Going Green in the Complete Supply Chain” by Jim Lovejoy and “How to Keep Your Employees Happy & Increase Productivity/ Efficiency” by Richard Atwell, Manager of Education at [TC]².
The attendees all agreed that the Conference was a great networking opportunity and especially liked meeting the new SEAMS members.
Member Profile - Dodger Industries
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Dodger Industries, Inc., headquartered in Eldora, Iowa, is a well-established domestic manufacturer of athletic apparel for team and retail markets in the sporting goods industry. The company has operations for manufacturing, decoration, warehousing, and distribution in Fayetteville and Clinton, North Carolina.
For over 50 years, Dodger Industries has serviced the sporting goods, ad specialty, and college store markets with shorts, uniforms, fleece,
t-shirts, and other specialty garments at reasonable prices with low minimum requirements. The company strives to manufacture its product line in accordance with the highest quality standards, maintaining consistent conformity to strict color specifications and outstanding performance on the field of play.
An extensive inventory of finished garments and fabric are maintained to ensure products are readily available for its clients. Other competencies include professional screen printing, embroidery and the addition of appliqués.
 |
 |
 |
|---|
Important Dates
October
21 |
Fall [TC]² Board of Directors Meeting |
21-23 |
Industrial Fabrics Association International Expo, Charlotte, NC. for information www.ifai.org. |
23-26 |
Expotextil - Lima, Peru. For more information, click here. |
27-29 |
AAFA Supply Chain Leadership Committee meeting, Spartanburg, SC for information www.apparelandfootwear.org. |
28-31 |
International Apparel Federation (IAF) World Apparel Convention, Maastricht, The Netherlands. For details or to register, visit www.iafnet.com. |
29 |
Technical Design Aids – Seams, Stitches, Needle, and Thread Criteria, Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details click here. |
November
5-6 |
Ensuring Quality by Integrating Sewability Factors and Quality Analysis Techniques, Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details, click here. |
5-6 |
Apparel Tech Conference, FIT, New York, NY |
12 |
Accurate Costing to Build a Profitable Supply Chain, Seminar at [TC]². To register or for details, click here. |
18-20 |
Pattern Development, 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
Expotextil Peru
View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
5651 Dillard Drive
Cary , NC 27518
www.tc2.com
Phone: 919-380-2156
Fax: 919-380-2181
Email our editor:
If you are not on our mailing list and wish to receive this bi-weekly newsletter, via email:
To subscribe to the newsfeed, copy and paste the following URL into your newsreader:
http://www.tc2.com/newsletter/newsfeed.xml
If you would prefer not to receive this free bi-weekly newsletter, and wish to be removed from our mailing list:
