3D Body Scanning has Suitable Reliability: An Anthropometric Investigation for Garment Construction

Abstract

Abstract3D Body Scanning provides access to a greater breadth and depth of anthropometric data for industry applications and scientific research than at any other point in history. However, while the potential of this technology for revolutionising industrial and scientific practices has been established, little exists addressing its appropriateness in terms of reliability within recognised allowable error. To address this issue, this study investigates the degree to which 3D Body Scanning can produce reliable anthropometric measurements for use in garment construction and scientific research. 27 participants were repeatedly scanned using a SizeStream Body Scanner five consecutive times to find out the variation in reliability between instances of data capture. The variance to three Standard Deviations was then compared to established allowable error guidelines to assess suitability of the measurements attained. The main outcome of this study is that 3D Body Scanning can achieve suitable reliability to be used in garment construction, tailoring, and scientific research; providing 99.73% confidence in the suitability of extracted dimensions in 49% of the most commonly used body measurements. However, other measurements achieved less exceptional reliability, and therefore use of traditional measurement methods need to be considered carefully when generating tailored garments or comparing anthropometric data sets from 3D Body Scanners. As a consequence of this study, 3D Body Scanning shows suitable reliability for most garment construction and anthropometric research tasks.

Not All Body Scanning Measurements Are Valid: Perspectives from Pattern Practice

“…This can be achieved by incorporating more measurements and looking to automate pattern construction in a more informed way. However, the reliability of 3D Body Scanning data needs to be factored into any such developments to make sure that automatically produced pattern blocks are at least of as high a precision as those made through manual methods [27].…”

3D Body Scanning in the Apparel Industry: Do We Really Know Where We Are Heading?

“…Thus, industry standardisation would mean commonality in data collection and application e.g. landmark placement, methods, interface and product specifications [14], [33] with a common level of precision, accuracy and metadata context likewise [34].…”

“…Increasing perceived relative advantage of 3D Body Scanning technologies can increase their rate of adoption. 3D Body Scanning's vital stakeholders are technology manufacturers [11], fashion experts [12], academic researchers [14], [15], and software developers [15]. Yet, present stakeholder's disagreements causes imbalanced solutions from the fragmented processes.…”

Online Virtual Fit is not yet Fit for Purpose: An Analysis of Fashion e-Commerce Interfaces

“…This leads to consumers purchasing 'incorrect' sizes again and again rather than achieving 'perfect' fit as promised by the technology. This is an opportunity for 3D Body Scanning to enhance fit recommendations due to the reliable non-ambiguity of the technology [33], if style and fit can be quantified [41]. Section 4.2. evaluated the visual output which users receive after sharing their anthropometric and garment purchase information.…”

“…The customer journey and the virtual fit options were explored by using each Virtual Fit platform to find the size and fit recommendations of a standardised body, which with this study was an Alvanon™ body form. To make sure the measurements of the body form were correct, the body form was scanned using a size stream 3D body scanner [32], a technology showed to be reliable for scientific research [33] for the measurements used within this study. Throughout the user journey, screen shots of the interface were captured using the MacOS [34] native screen printing, with images investigated through thematic content analysis with NVIVO [2] qualitative analysis software.…”