[TC]² Technology Communicator
3D Body Scanner Hardware and Software Enhancements
By Dr. David Bruner, [TC]²
[TC]² is announcing immediate availability of hardware and software enhancements for its market leading 3D body scanner products. The recently announced low-cost 3D body scanner, the LC-12, is updated to have all 16 sensors (at 4 angles and 4 heights), and is being renamed the LC-16. The LC-16 now has 100% full body coverage and the same measurement capability as the NX-16 3D body scanner at the same low price as the previously announced LC-12. An overview on the feature comparisons of the LC-16 and NX-16 scanners is available on the product brochure: http://www.tc2.com/pdf/lc16.pdf
The NX-16 3D body scanner offering has also been updated to include three years of software updates, and
[TC]²’s Virtual Fashion application for real time virtual dressing of garments on the scanned subject.
With February’s release of the Body Measurement System software version 7.3 (for both LC-16 and NX-16) a new user-customizable form is featured. This feature enables a wide range of possibilities such as:
|
- Integration of product ordering details into the 3D body scan data |
In addition to securing this additional data into the body scan data so they can’t be separated, any inputs that are numerical in nature (such as age, body weight or anthropometric manual measurements) can be used as part of internal computations in the BMS software to drive automatic measurement computation or position. No longer is there a compromise in determining whether to use manual measurements or automatic body scan measurements. Both are fully supported in BMS V7.3 and are combined to deliver more measurement and analysis capability than using either measurement data alone.
[TC]² Technology for Perfect Fashion 3D with Arthur Caliman
By Dr. David Bruner, [TC]²
Arthur Caliman is a well known producer and retailer of high fashion custom fit garments in Brazil. Arthur decided in 2010 to combine high fashion with high technology using [TC]²’s 3D body scanning and Virtual Fashion solutions.
From his headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil Arthur is expanding the offering under the Perfect Fashion 3D label. Arthur’s Perfect Fashion 3D products are the most recent addition to [TC]²’s ImageTwin web site of 3D body scan apparel offerings.
To view .pdf images of the Arthur Caliman virtual fashion application, click here.
[TC]² Activity
Virtual Personal Stylist Concept Using [TC]²’s 3D Scanning
Showcased at NG CONNECT AT CES 2011
Imagine trying out the latest styles, the hottest new cosmetics and breakthrough skincare without the hassle of changing room visits or messy applications at the makeup counter! Tired of returning clothes that looked fabulous online but didn’t quite fit at home? High bandwidth networks are poised to deliver new shopping experiences for consumers and compelling business opportunities for retailers. The ng Connect Program, founded by Alcatel-Lucent debuted an advanced retail solution concept, the Virtual Personal Stylist, destined to make life much easier for shoppers and more rewarding for retailers.
ng Connect Program members Alcatel-Lucent, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. (HFMUS), Samsung, [TC]², TelePresence Tech, VisionMAX, and Vidyo collaborated on the development of the interactive Virtual Personal Stylist solution concept to offer retailers a hands-on look at how emerging high bandwidth IP networks can support new business models by delivering a rich shopping experience – in-store and at home.
It all begins with an avatar, which is created for the shopper through an in-store 3D scanning booth using [TC]²’s innovative white light technology. The shopper’s profile is then stored in the cloud and can be accessed in participating retail stores via an interactive “mirror”, kiosk or mobile device to try on clothes or to test the latest beauty products. In the demonstration, the virtual mirror is easily operated by a Samsung Galaxy Tab™ and the beauty kiosk is controlled using a touchscreen.
At CES 2011, attendees saw models demonstrate the new retail experience, powered by the world’s #1 fashion brand, ELLE, beauty industry global leader L’Oreal USA and upscale retail icon Bloomingdale’s. Avatars, based on models from ELLE, browsed an online clothing rack of Bloomingdale’s AQUA apparel line to try on clothes, change the color of a blouse with the touch of a button, and even receive complementary makeup colors. They could access their personal skincare preferences at the drug store, browse through L’Oreal USA products in 3D and get expert advice. For the at-home experience, the ELLE models also demonstrated a visit to a simulated Bloomingdale’s online storefront, where they continued to try on apparel with their personal avatar created from the body scan, browse, order and automatically renew favorite beauty products.
This innovative solution concept was developed by the following ng Connect Program members:
• |
Alcatel-Lucent provides cloud-based subscriber data management and payment platforms, digital media management, presence and location-based services platforms, and high bandwidth connectivity via 4G/LTE mobile devices providing the speed at which rich content can be accessed by shoppers and shared with others no matter where they are |
• |
HFMUS, parent company to ELLE magazine and other popular consumer titles including Woman’s Day, worked from concept to demonstration to develop the whole user experience and to provide the stylist advice with their leading team of editors |
• |
L’Oreal USA, a partner with HFMUS, worked with TelePresence Tech to create the 3D imaging of their products to browse through on the kiosk or at home |
• |
Bloomingdale’s, an HFMUS partner, worked with [TC]² to determine how their AQUA clothing line would fit virtually on anyone’s body type |
• |
Samsung provided the 82” screen that creates the fashion “mirror” and the Samsung Galaxy Tab ™, a leading tablet, that is used to control the virtual mirror and the screen used in the at-home experience |
• |
[TC]², the leading developer of 3D body scanning equipment, avatar creation and virtual try-on, shape analysis and measurement extraction software provided the body scanning equipment to develop the avatars that are used throughout the shopping experience |
• |
TelePresence Tech, LLC. provided advanced telepresence solutions to display the life-size 3D images of shoppers enabled by a patented display system |
• |
Vidyo provided the video conferencing technology allowing face-to-face conversations with a professional stylist |
• |
VisionMAX developed the kiosk, the tablet/mobile and the at-home applications for the virtual personal stylist system, and integrated the avatar and video conferencing software into the overall experience |
To view the scanning process, click here.
Member Profile - SEAMS
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
The National Association for the Sewn Products Industry
SEAMS, established in 1967, is a not-for-profit organization comprised of manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and supplier companies in the sewn products industry located throughout the United States. SEAMS supplier member companies provide valuable products and services to the sewn products industry.
The mission of SEAMS is to support the resurging U.S. sewn products industry through educational programs that will improve the quality and productivity of the industry collectively, and of its member firms individually; by keeping members informed about legislation in Washington, DC that has an impact on the industry; and through offerings of benefits packages that help control overhead expenses.
SEAMS is dedicated to promoting a business climate which will enhance and support the retention of sound economic growth within the sewn products industry. The organization is constantly working to develop solutions to many of the issues facing U.S. companies. Many networking opportunities are available, including Spring and Fall events which offer presentations on topics of interest and allows members to network with their colleagues. The spring conference will be held May 19-21 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
SEAMS offers sourcing for both manufacturers and sewing contractors. Through its computer database, manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers are listed by product category and all companies are included in a member listing. SEAMS also sends email broadcasts to announce positions available, as well as sourcing and equipment needs.
The sewn products industry faces many challenges in today’s marketplace, and by joining forces with other companies, SEAMS members can identify ways to promote growth through innovation and successful business practices.
Mike Diemer, incoming SEAMS President, sums up the organization’s goals to its membership, “Our challenge to the membership is simple: support the member companies by using their services. Network with when possible; buy from when practical, sell to when profitable; our network is our strength and our responsibility.”
For information on membership, contact Sarah Friedman at sarah@seams.org, or call 803.772.5861.
In Memoriam
Roger Milliken - 1915 - 2010
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Textile magnate, philanthropist and community leader Roger Milliken died Thursday, December 30th in Spartanburg, SC, the city he helped shape through his funding of education and other interests.
Born Oct. 24, 1915, in New York City, Milliken moved to Spartanburg in 1953, bringing his namesake company's headquarters with him. For more than 60 years, he led the business his grandfather and a partner launched in 1865, growing the Milliken name into a worldwide brand known for its innovation in textile and chemical manufacturing.
He helped establish the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which saw its first flights in October of 1962, and remained the chairman of the airport commission until his death. He was a supporter of higher education, donating to Wofford College for the creation of the Milliken Science Center and to Converse College for its fine arts program, as well as establishing the Summer Leadership Institute and many Milliken Scholarships.
Today, the privately held Milliken & Co. has more than 2,300 patents in the U.S. alone and 9,000 associates at 50 locations in seven countries, with more than 19,000 textile and chemical products. Comments Auggie Tantillo, executive director of the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, “Here is a guy who took a decent size company, not a little mom-and-pop company, and made it into a multibillion-dollar company. We need to understand that massive expansion is attributed to one man. He had this uncanny ability to predict and understand what was going on, not just on any particular day, but five years from now. He knew what it took to get to the next level.”
Internationally, publications point to Milliken as the visionary who renewed his family's business, even as other mills shuttered and sent manufacturing jobs overseas. In 1999, Textile World magazine named him its leader of the century. In 2009, Milliken & Co. was ranked by Fortune magazine in the annual "100 Best Companies to Work For." It was the third time the company received the honor in five years.
Milliken & Company was instrumental in [TC]² ‘s inception of as one of the original thirteen company members. Over the years, Milliken provided support for [TC]²’s mission and vision for the sewn products industry.
Joe Salley will remain chief executive officer and president of Milliken & Company, and the company will remain privately held with a board that answers to a group of family shareholders.
FESPA Digital Textile Print Conference
Orlando, FL – February 25, 2011
FESPA’s 3rd Digital Textile Conference will be held during FESPA Americas on February 25, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. A host of digital textile printing consultants, experts and printers will be sharing a wealth of knowledge, experiences and insights into the latest innovative products, market trends, case studies and trade secrets.
Dr. Mike Fralix, President and CEO of [TC]², will discuss the future role of digital printing in the supply chain. A firm believer that tomorrow's soft goods industry leaders are going to thrive through the use of digital technologies and processes that are integrated across continents, Mike will highlight the potential of digital printing technology.
This one day conference will provide a comprehensive overview of the trends that are pushing new boundaries within textile print production. Topics will include: industry strategies, digital fashion, environmental impacts, digital textile inks, outdoor markets and far more.
Click here to learn more: www.fespa.com/dtc , or contact Michela Marcantonio, Conference & Events Assistant, at 001 44 7137 228 353 or email michela.marcantonio@fespa.com.
Annual Meeting of Members and
The Board of Directors – [TC]²
April 27, 2011
[TC]² cordially invites all members to attend the annual meeting at its Cary, NC facility on April 27th. The meeting will commence at 9:30 a.m. with updates on [TC]²’s activities, followed by industry presentations.
Following the meeting, lunch will be provided. To help us make luncheon arrangements and to plan seating, please RSVP by April15th via email to dgill@tc2.com or call 919.653.3501.
Nearby hotels include the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites across from [TC]²’s facility on Dillard Drive. Please call 919-851-1220 and use group TC2 when making reservations. A Four Points Sheraton is behind the Holiday Inn on Caitboo Avenue. Call 919-900-8840 to book a room there, and indicate you are visiting [TC]² for a reduced room rate.
We look forward to your presence on April 27th.
Important Dates
January
26 - Feb. 14 |
Size Mexico scanning at Suburbia, Guadalajara Sur on Colon and Wal-Mart Supercenter, Guadalajara Norte on Vallarta |
February
13-16 |
MAGIC, Las Vegas Convention Center. For more details, go to sourcing.magiconline.com |
16-28 |
Size Mexico scanning at Suburbia, Leon at Plaza Mayor |
16-28 |
Size Mexico scanning at Wal-Mart Supercenter, Puebla, on Las Animas |
23-25 |
AAFA Human Resources Leadership Council Meeting at [TC]²’s offices, Cary, NC. For information, go to www.apparelandfootwear.org or contact Maureen Storch at 703.797.9047 |
25 |
FESPA Digital Textile Conference - Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, Florida www.fespa.com/dtc |
March
15-17 |
Techtextil North America 2011 - Mandalay Bay Convention Center |
22-24 |
Apparel Sourcing Show, Guatemala. Grand Tikal Futura Hotel & Convention Center. To register or for information, go to www.apparelexpo.com |
29 |
Apparel Tech Conference West - Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles. For details, go to www.apparelmag.com. |
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
FESPA
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 wish to receive our newsletter via email, |
To subscribe to the newsfeed, copy and paste the following URL into your newsreader:
http://www.tc2.com/newsletter/newsfeed.xml
